bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in bioenergy ecosystems: 2. Potential greenhouse gas emissions and global warming intensity in the conterminous United States
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Zhuang Qianlai , Zhu Xudong 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study estimated the potential emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from bioenergy ecosystems with a biogeochemical model AgTEM, assuming maize (Zea mays L.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) will be grown on the current maize‐producing areas in the conterminous United States. We found that the maize ecosystem acts as a mild net carbon source while cellulosic ecosystems (i.e., switchgrass and Miscanthus) act as mild sinks. Nitrogen fertilizer use is an important factor affecting biomass production and N2O emissions, especially in the maize ecosystem. To maintain high biomass productivity, the maize ecosystem emits much more GHG, including CO2 and N2O, than switchgrass and Miscanthus ecosystems, when high‐rate nitrogen fertilizers are applied. For maize, the global warming potential (GWP) amounts to 1–2 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1, with a dominant contribution of over 90% from N2O emissions. Cellulosic crops contribute to the GWP of less than 0.3 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1. Among all three bioenergy crops, Miscanthus is the most biofuel productive and the least GHG intensive at a given cropland. Regional model simulations suggested that substituting Miscanthus for maize to produce biofuel could potentially save land and reduce GHG emissions.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in bioenergy ecosystems: 1. Model development, validation and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Zhuang Qianlai , Zhu Xudong 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBiofuel made from conventional (e.g., maize (Zea maysL.)) and cellulosic crops (e.g., switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) andMiscanthus(Miscanthus × giganteus)) provides alternative energy to fossil fuels and has been considered to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. To estimate the large‐scale carbon and nitrogen dynamics of these biofuel ecosystems, process‐based models are needed. Here, we developed an agroecosystem model (AgTEM) based on the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model for these ecosystems. The model was incorporated with biogeochemical and ecophysiological processes including crop phenology, biomass allocation, nitrification, and denitrification, as well as agronomic management of irrigation and fertilization. It was used to estimate crop yield, biomass, net carbon exchange, and nitrous oxide emissions at an ecosystem level. The model was first parameterized for maize, switchgrass, andMiscanthusecosystems and then validated with field observation data. We found thatAgTEMwell reproduces the annual net primary production and nitrous oxide fluxes of most sites, with over 85% of total variation explained by the model. Local sensitivity analysis indicated that the model sensitivity varies among different ecosystems. Net primary production of maize is sensitive to temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, fertilizer, and irrigation and less sensitive to atmosphericCO2concentrations. In contrast, the net primary production of switchgrass andMiscanthusis most sensitive to temperature among all factors. Nitrous oxide fluxes are sensitive to management in maize ecosystems, and sensitive to climate factors in cellulosic ecosystems. The developed model should help advance our understanding of carbon and nitrogen dynamics of these biofuel ecosystems at both site and regional levels.
Determination of genital hygiene behaviours in women with cystitis
Authors: Gezginci Elif , Iyigun Emine , Acikel Cengizhan , Özgök Yasar İ. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTAcute cystitis is the most common form of urinary tract infection, and is mostly observed in women. This study was planned to examine genital hygiene behaviours of women with and without cystitis and to determine nursing interventions in this issue. This was a case–control study. The study population consisted of 270 women who attended Urology and Ear–Nose–Throat (ENT)—polyclinics of a University Hospital between February and May 2012. The case group consisted of 135 women with cystitis between the ages of 15 and 49 who attended the Urology polyclinic. The control group consisted of 135 women who attended the ENT polyclinic and had no reported problem related to the urinary system in the same age group. In our study, we observed a statistically significant difference between mean scores on the genital hygiene behaviour inventory of women in case and control groups (p = 0·007). The women without cystitis displayed better genital hygiene behaviours. The women in case and control groups displayed statistically significant difference when considering economic status and genital hygiene behaviours (p = 0·017). The women in both groups were found to have a negative correlation between body mass index and genital hygiene behaviours. Looking at the genital hygiene behaviours in both groups, the women without cystitis were found to display better genital hygiene behaviours. In women, genital hygiene behaviours are significant in the development of cystitis.
Pundits: The Confidence Trick: Better Confident than Right?
Authors: Smith Ben , Wooten Jadrian 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Media pundits are the supreme example of self-belief and confidence in their own opinions. Through TV, newspapers and blogs they tell us with sublime certainty what will happen. But are they right? And does it matter if they are wrong? Ben Smith and Jadrian Wooten ask what we demand from pundits – accuracy or confidence?
Improvement of Thermoelectric Properties of In4Se3 Bulk Materials with Cu Nanoinclusions
Authors: Li Gen , Yang Junyou , Luo Yubo , Xiao Ye , Fu Liangwei , Liu Ming , Peng Jiangying 
Published: August 2013

In4Se3 bulk materials with Cu nanoinclusions, which were introduced by thermal decomposition of Cu(OAc)2, were prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequent hot‐press process. Effect of Cu nanoparticles content on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of the composites were investigated in detail. It shows that Cu particles are about 30 nm in size and distribute homogeneously in the In4Se3 matrix when the content of Cu(OAc)2 is not more than 0.3 wt%. The thermal conductivities of the composites were greatly reduced due to the enhanced phonon scattering by nanoinclusions, and their power factors were also enhanced with addition of Cu nanoinclusions. A maximum ZT of 0.97 at 723 K was obtained when the addition content of Cu(OAc)2 was 0.3 wt%
Optimized Growth of Heteroepitaxial (111) NiFe2O4 Thin Films on (0001) Sapphire with Two In‐Plane Variants via Chemical Solution Deposition
Authors: Seifikar Safoura , Calandro Bridget , Rasic Goran , Deeb Elisabeth , Yang Jijin , Bassiri‐Gharb Nazanin , Schwartz Justin 
Published: August 2013

(111)‐oriented epitaxial thin films of nickel ferrite (NFO) are grown on c‐plane sapphire [α‐Al2O3(0001)] substrates using a chemical solution deposition technique. The processing conditions, including pyrolysis and annealing temperatures, are varied to achieve a film that shows maximum texture and epitaxy. It is shown that increasing the pyrolysis temperature to 400°C and decreasing the annealing temperature to 750°C for 10 min result in the highest degree of texture in the films. Lower film thickness also leads to a higher degree of texture. Microstructural studies confirm an in‐plane epitaxial relationship between the (111) NFO film and the (0001) Al2O3 substrate in two variants, [110]NFO || or .
Editorial: Do clinical services need to take conduct disorder more seriously?
Authors: Coghill David 
Published: August 2013

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder are common disorders and frequent reasons for referral to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Figures from epidemiological studies in the US suggest that around 10% of children suffer from ODD and similar numbers from CD. Data from the UK estimates that around 6% of children and young people aged 5 to 16 years have a clinically diagnosed conduct disorder in England, with much higher rates in males than females.
Intragenomic heterogeneity in the 16S rRNA genes of Flavobacterium columnare and standard protocol for genomovar assignment
Authors: LaFrentz B R , Waldbieser G C , Welch T J , Shoemaker C A 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGenetic variability in 16S rRNA gene sequences has been demonstrated among isolates of Flavobacterium columnare, and a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay is available for genetic typing of this important fish pathogen. Interpretation of restriction patterns can be difficult due to the lack of a formal description of the expected number and sizes of DNA fragments generated for each of the described genomovars. In this study, partial 16S rRNA gene sequences (ca. 1250‐bp fragment) from isolates representing each described genomovar and isolates generating unique restriction patterns were cloned and sequenced. The results demonstrated that some isolates contained up to three different 16S rRNA genes whose sequences generate different RFLP patterns due to intragenomic heterogeneity within HaeIII restriction sites. The occurrence of HaeIII restriction sites within the portion of the 16S rRNA gene used for typing the F. columnare isolates and intragenomic heterogeneity within these sites explained the restriction patterns observed following RFLP analyses. This research provides a standard protocol for typing isolates of F. columnare by RFLP and a formal description of the expected restriction patterns for the previously described genomovars I, II, II‐B and III. Additionally, we describe a new genomovar, I/II.
Cross‐neutralization studies with salmonid alphavirus subtype 1–6 strains: results with sera from experimental studies and natural infections
Authors: Graham D A , Rowley H R , Frost P 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe serological reactivity between strains of each of the six currently genetically defined subtypes of salmonid alphavirus (SAV) was examined by comparison of homologous and heterologous virus neutralization titres on sera from experimentally infected fish. With the exception of the level of SAV subtype 6 neutralization by heterologous sera, good cross‐neutralization was detected between all subtypes, albeit with variation in geometric mean titres when each subtype‐specific serum set was tested against the panel of virus subtypes. A similar pattern was evident with field sera, except that heterologous neutralization of the SAV6 strain was more evident. In only 23% of available pairwise comparisons was the homologous titre recorded with an experimentally derived serum fourfold or greater than the heterologous titre, and in only two instances was this difference demonstrated in both directions. No virus strains consistently met the old serology‐based criteria (Sub‐committee on Inter‐relationships Among Catalogued Alphaviruses) to be considered separate subtypes within an alphavirus species. Only when testing with an SAV subtype‐2‐specific monoclonal antibody was a major difference between homologous and heterologous neutralization capacity evident. These results provide new direct or indirect information in terms of SAV classification, vaccine efficacy and the selection and validation of reagents for serological and immunological diagnostic purposes.
In vivo NMR studies of regional cerebral energetics in MPTP model of Parkinson's disease: recovery of cerebral metabolism with acute levodopa treatment
Authors: Bagga Puneet , Chugani Anup N. , Varadarajan Komanduri S. , Patel Anant B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this study, we have evaluated cerebral atrophy, neurometabolite homeostasis, and neural energetics in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin (MPTP) model of Parkinson's disease. In addition, the efficacy of acute l‐DOPA treatment for the reversal of altered metabolic functions was also evaluated. Cerebral atrophy and neurochemical profile were monitored in vivo using MRI and 1H MR Spectroscopy. Cerebral energetics was studied by 1H‐[13C]‐NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with infusion of 13C labeled [1,6‐13C2]glucose or [2‐13C]acetate. MPTP treatment led to reduction in paw grip strength and increased level of GABA and myo‐inositol in striatum and olfactory bulb. 13C Labeling of glutamate‐C4 (1.93 ± 0.24 vs. 1.48 ± 0.06 μmol/g), GABA‐C2 (0.24 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.02 μmol/g) and glutamaine‐C4 (0.26 ± 0.04 vs. 0.20 ± 0.04 μmol/g) from [1,6‐13C2]glucose was found to be decreased with MPTP exposure in striatum as well as in other brain regions. However, glutamine‐C4 labeling from [2‐13C]acetate was found to be increased in the striatum of the MPTP‐treated mice. Acute l‐DOPA treatment failed to normalize the increased ventricular size and level of metabolites but recovered the paw grip strength and 13C labeling of amino acids from [1,6‐13C2]glucose and [2‐13C]acetate in MPTP‐treated mice. These data indicate that brain energy metabolism is impaired in Parkinson's disease and acute l‐DOPA therapy could temporarily recover the cerebral metabolism.
imageCerebral atrophy, neurometabolite homeostasis, and neural energetics have been evaluated in an MPTP model of Parkinson's disease using MRI, in vivo 1H MRS and 1H‐[13C]‐NMR spectroscopy, respectively. MPTP treatment led to reduced paw grip strength and neuronal function. Acute Levodopa treatment was able to recover the diminished motor function and cerebral function. CMRGlc, Cerebral metabolic rate of glucose oxidation; MPTP, 1‐Methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin.
Nonyloxytryptamine mimics polysialic acid and modulates neuronal and glial functions in cell culture
Authors: Loers Gabriele , Saini Vedangana , Mishra Bibhudatta , Papastefanaki Florentia , Lutz David , Chaudhury Sidhartha , Ripoll Daniel R. , Wallqvist Anders , Gul Sheraz , Schachner Melitta , Kaur Gurcharan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPolysialic acid (PSA) is a major regulator of cell–cell interactions in the developing nervous system and in neural plasticity in the adult. As a polyanionic molecule with high water‐binding capacity, PSA increases the intercellular space generating permissive conditions for cell motility. PSA enhances stem cell migration and axon path finding and promotes repair in the lesioned peripheral and central nervous systems, thus contributing to regeneration. As a next step in developing an improved PSA‐based approach to treat nervous system injuries, we searched for small organic compounds that mimic PSA and identified as a PSA mimetic 5‐nonyloxytryptamine oxalate, described as a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5‐HT1B) agonist. Similar to PSA, 5‐nonyloxytryptamine binds to the PSA‐specific monoclonal antibody 735, enhances neurite outgrowth of cultured primary neurons and process formation of Schwann cells, protects neurons from oxidative stress, reduces migration of astrocytes and enhances myelination in vitro. Furthermore, nonyloxytryptamine treatment enhances expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form PSA‐NCAM and reduces expression of the microtubule‐associated protein MAP2 in cultured neuroblastoma cells. These results demonstrate that 5‐nonyloxytryptamine mimics PSA and triggers PSA‐mediated functions, thus contributing to the repertoire of molecules with the potential to improve recovery in acute and chronic injuries of the mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems.
imagePolysialic acid (PSA) plays important roles in nervous system development, as well as synaptic plasticity and regeneration in the adult. 5‐Nonyloxytryptamine oxalate (5‐NOT) mimics PSA and triggers PSA‐mediated functions in neurons and glial cells. 5‐NOT stimulates neuritogenesis, myelination and Schwann cell migration. This study sets the basis to develop a PSA‐mediated therapy of acute and chronic nervous system diseases.
Effects of high non‐phytate phosphorus starter diet on subsequent growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens
Authors: Baradaran N. , Shahir M. H. , Asadi Kermani Z. , Waldroup P. W. , Sirjani M. A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe trial was performed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of non‐phytate phosphorus (nPP) in the starter and grower (with phytase inclusion) periods on carcass characteristics, organ weight and weekly variations of growth performance in the grower period. Seven hundred and twenty‐day‐old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chickens received two dietary treatments (4.5 g/kg and 6 g/kg nPP) in the starter (0–21 days) and six experimental diets (4 g/kg, 3.1 g/kg, 2.3 g/kg and 2.3 g/kg + 1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase, 1.5 g/kg, 1.5 g/kg nPP + 1000 FTU/Kg of feed phytase) in the grower period (22–42 days). Results showed that phytase inclusion in the second and third weeks of grower period could increase feed intake significantly. Also, decrease in the concentrations of nPP to 1.5 g/kg caused to decline body weight gain markedly. Moreover, there is a significant difference between 4.5 g/kg and 6 + 4 g/kg nPP (starter+grower) and 1.5 g/kg nPP. Phytase inclusion increased carcass yield and declined liver weight significantly. Dietary treatment of 4.5 + 1.5 g/kg nPP enhanced heart and liver weight markedly. It is concluded that starter diets with increased concentration of nPP (6 g/kg nPP) had no beneficial effects on growth performance in the starter and grower period in the total (0–42 days). Also, it is possible to decrease nPP concentration of grower diets to 1.5 and 2.3 g/kg with and without phytase inclusion respectively.
Molecular assessment of heterotrophy and prey digestion in zooxanthellate cnidarians
Authors: Leal M. C. , Nejstgaard J. C. , Calado R. , Thompson M. E. , Frischer M. E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractZooxanthellate cnidarians are trophically complex, relying on both autotrophy and heterotrophy. Although several aspects of heterotrophy have been studied in these organisms, information linking prey capture with digestion is still missing. We used prey‐specific PCR‐based tools to assess feeding and prey digestion of two zooxanthellate cnidarians – the tropical sea anemone Aiptasia sp. and the scleractinian coral Oculina arbuscula. Prey DNA disappeared rapidly for the initial 1–3 days, whereas complete digestion of prey DNA required up to 10 days in O. arbuscula and 5 or 6 days in Aiptasia sp. depending on prey species. These digestion times are considerably longer than previously reported from microscopy‐based examination of zooxanthellate cnidarians and prey DNA breakdown in other marine invertebrates, but similar to prey DNA breakdown reported from terrestrial invertebrates such as heteroptera and spiders. Deprivation of external prey induced increased digestion rates during the first days after feeding in O. arbuscula, but after 6 days of digestion, there were no differences in the remaining prey levels in fed and unfed corals. This study indicates that prey digestion by symbiotic corals may be slower than previously reported and varies with the type of prey, the cnidarian species and its feeding history. These observations have important implications for bioenergetic and trophodynamic studies on zooxanthellate cnidarians.
Both extracellular chitinase and a new cyclic lipopeptide, chromobactomycin, contribute to the biocontrol activity of Chromobacterium sp. C61
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Choi Ho Seong , Yang Si Young , Kim In Seon , Yamaguchi Tokutaro , Sohng Jae Kyung , Park Seuk Kee , Kim Jin‐Cheol , Lee Choong Hwan , Gardener Brian Mcspadden , Kim Young Cheol 
Published: August 2013

SummaryChromobacterium sp. strain C61 displays antifungal activities in vitro and has been used successfully for the biocontrol of plant diseases under field conditions. In this study, the roles of extracellular chitinase and an antifungal compound produced by strain C61 were investigated to elucidate their contributions to biological control activity. The bacterium possessed a locus chi54 encoding an extracellular chitinase, and mutation of chi54 eliminated chitinase production. Production of the extracellular enzyme and expression of the chi54 transcript were increased in the wild‐type strain when chitin was added to the culture medium. In vitro assays showed that purified chitinase inhibited spore germination of multiple pathogens. However, the in planta biocontrol activity of filtrates of cultures grown in the presence of chitin was lower than that of filtrates grown without chitin, indicating that correlation between chitinase and biocontrol activity was lacking. The analysis of C61 culture filtrates revealed an antifungal cyclic lipopeptide, chromobactomycin, whose structure contained a unique nonameric peptide ring. The purified chromobactomycin inhibited the growth of several phytopathogenic fungi in vitro, and plant application significantly reduced disease severity for several pathogens. Furthermore, the production of chromobactomycin was reduced in cultures amended with chitin. These data suggest that the production of both the extracellular chitinase Chi54 and the newly identified antibiotic chromobactomycin can contribute, in an interconnected way, to the suppression of plant disease by Chromobacterium sp. strain C61.
Chaperones of the endoplasmic reticulum are required for Ve1‐mediated resistance to Verticillium
Authors: Liebrand Thomas W. H. , Kombrink Anja , Zhang Zhao , Sklenar Jan , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Robatzek Silke , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe tomato receptor‐like protein (RLP) Ve1 mediates resistance to the vascular fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae. To identify the proteins required for Ve1 function, we transiently expressed and immunopurified functional Ve1‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) from Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, followed by mass spectrometry. This resulted in the identification of peptides originating from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐resident chaperones HSP70 binding proteins (BiPs) and a lectin‐type calreticulin (CRT). Knock‐down of the different BiPs and CRTs in tomato resulted in compromised Ve1‐mediated resistance to V. dahliae in most cases, showing that these chaperones play an important role in Ve1 functionality. Recently, it has been shown that one particular CRT is required for the biogenesis of the RLP‐type Cladosporium fulvum resistance protein Cf‐4 of tomato, as silencing of CRT3a resulted in a reduced pool of complex glycosylated Cf‐4 protein. In contrast, knock‐down of the various CRTs in N. benthamiana or N. tabacum did not result in reduced accumulation of mature complex glycosylated Ve1 protein. Together, this study shows that the BiP and CRT ER chaperones differentially contribute to Cf‐4‐ and Ve1‐mediated immunity.