bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Zymoseptoria tritici Isolates from Tunisia to Pyraclostrobin, Fluxapyroxad, Epoxiconazole, Metconazole, Prochloraz and Tebuconazole
Authors: Taher Karima , Graf Sarah , Fakhfakh Mohamed Moez , Salah Halim B. H. , Yahyaoui Amor , Rezgui Salah , Nasraoui Bouzid , Stammler Gerd 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSensitivity of 159 isolates of Zymoseptoria tritici collected from durum wheat fields in Tunisia in 2012 was analysed towards pyraclostrobin, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, metconazole, prochloraz and tebuconazole using microtiter tests. All isolates were found to be highly sensitive to pyraclostrobin with EC50 <0.01 mg/l with the exception of three isolates from the same field with higher EC50 values (>0.5 mg/l). These three isolates carried a mutation in the cytochrome b gene encoding the G143A substitution. This is the first report of quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) resistance in Z. tritici in Tunisia. Sensitivity towards r fluxapyroxad was in a narrow range with EC50 values ranging between 0.013 and 0.125 mg/l, which can serve as baseline sensitivity data for the future. Demethylation inhibitors sensitivity varied across a broad range with the data indicating a slight shift in sensitivity when compared to a previous study on the 2010 population. No highly sensitive strains were isolated from samples from fields, which had received three or four DMI applications.
Analysis of Coat Protein of Peanut stunt virus Subgroup II Isolates from Alfalfa Fields in West Iran
Authors: Pourrahim Reza , Farzadfar Shirin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAlfalfa fields in three western provinces of Iran were surveyed for Peanut stunt virus (PSV) during 2011 and 2012. Forty‐seven of 115 samples tested (41%) were infected with PSV. Phylogenetic analysis using coat protein (CP) gene sequences showed that the Iranian isolates belong to the subgroup II of PSV. Pairwise identity analysis revealed four groups representing four phylogenetic subgroups. PSV strains in subgroups III and IV are closely related to each other, as supported by the lowest nucleotide diversity, high pairwise nucleotide identity and high haplotype diversity as evidence of a recent population expansion after a genetic bottleneck. Using the maximum likelihood method, amino acid 86S in the CP gene of the Iranian PSV isolates was found to be under positive selection, although the likelihood ratio test statistics is not significant. This is the first report of the occurrence and phylogenetic relationships of Iranian PSV isolates in west Iran.
Outcomes of biotic interactions are dependent on multiple environmental variables
Authors: Mod Heidi K. , le Roux Peter C. , Luoto Miska 
Published: January 2014

AbstractQuestionCan variation in the outcome of biotic interactions in relation to environmental severity be more accurately predicted when considering multiple stress and/or disturbance variables?LocationArctic‐alpine tundra in Kilpisjärvi, North Finland.MethodsTo test the impact of including multiple environmental variables in analyses of the outcomes of biotic interactions, we modelled reproductive effort and cover of 17 arctic‐alpine species as a function of Empetrum nigrum subsp. hermaphroditum cover, geomorphological disturbance and soil moisture with statistical interactions of the explanatory variables included. We implemented a best‐subset approach using generalized linear models (GLM) and selected the best model for each species based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC).ResultsFor the majority of species, models including multiple environmental variables were selected as best. Reproductive effort depended on one or both environmental variables for all species, and 14 species were additionally influenced by Empetrum, with the impact of Empetrum varying with abiotic conditions in all but one of those species. Moreover, the three‐way interaction of three explanatory variables was included in the best‐fit models for six species. The impact of Empetrum on species cover showed a similar pattern, with 11 species affected by Empetrum and its statistical interactions with one or both abiotic variables.ConclusionsBiotic interactions have an important role in arctic‐alpine vegetation, but to fully understand variation in their effects multiple environmental factors should be explicitly considered. In this study, the outcome of biotic interactions was frequently dependent on two abiotic variables (and occasionally additionally on their statistical interaction). Therefore, we demonstrate that studies based on only one environmental factor may cause misleading interpretations of the nature of biotic interactions in plant communities where there are multiple independent variables underlying the habitat severity gradient.
Intraguild predation in pioneer predator communities of alpine glacier forelands
Authors: Raso Lorna , Sint Daniela , Mayer Rebecca , Plangg Simon , Recheis Thomas , Brunner Silvia , Kaufmann Rüdiger , Traugott Michael 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPioneer communities establishing themselves in the barren terrain in front of glacier forelands consist principally of predator species such as carabid beetles and lycosid spiders. The fact that so many different predators can co‐inhabit an area with no apparent primary production was initially explained by allochthonous material deposited in these forelands. However, whether these populations can be sustained on allochthonous material alone is questionable and recent studies point towards this assumption to be flawed. Intraguild predation (IGP) might play an important role in these pioneer predator assemblages, especially in the very early successional stages where other prey is scarce. Here, we investigated IGP between the main predator species and their consumption of Collembola, an important autochthonous alternative prey, within a glacier foreland in the Ötztal (Austrian Alps). Multiplex PCR and stable isotope analysis were used to characterize the trophic niches in an early and late pioneer stage over 2 years. Results showed that intraguild prey was consumed by all invertebrate predators, particularly the larger carabid species. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, the DNA detection frequency of IGP prey was not significantly higher in early than in late pioneer stage, which was corroborated by the stable isotope analysis. Collembola were the most frequently detected prey in all of the predators, and the overall prey DNA detection patterns were consistent between years. Our findings show that IGP appears as a constant in these pioneer predator communities and that it remains unaffected by successional changes.
Effects of prey quality and predator body size on prey DNA detection success in a centipede predator
Authors: Eitzinger B. , Unger E. M. , Traugott M. , Scheu S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPredator body size and prey quality are important factors driving prey choice and consumption rates. Both factors might affect prey detection success in PCR‐based gut content analysis, potentially resulting in over‐ or underestimation of feeding rates. Experimental evidence, however, is scarce. We examined how body size and prey quality affect prey DNA detection success in centipede predators. Due to metabolic rates increasing with body size, we hypothesized that prey DNA detection intervals will be shorter in large predators than in smaller ones. Moreover, we hypothesized that prey detection intervals of high‐quality prey, defined by low carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio will be shorter than in low‐quality prey due to faster assimilation. Small, medium and large individuals of centipedes Lithobius spp. (Lithobiidae, Chilopoda) were fed Collembola and allowed to digest prey for up to 168 h post‐feeding. To test our second hypothesis, medium‐sized lithobiids were fed with either Diptera or Lumbricidae. No significant differences in 50% prey DNA detection success time intervals for a 272‐bp prey DNA fragment were found between the predator size groups, indicating that body size does not affect prey DNA detection success. Post‐feeding detection intervals were significantly shorter in Lumbricidae and Diptera compared to Collembola prey, apparently supporting the second hypothesis. However, sensitivity of diagnostic PCR differed between prey types, and quantitative PCR revealed that concentration of targeted DNA varied significantly between prey types. This suggests that both DNA concentration and assay sensitivity need to be considered when assessing prey quality effects on prey DNA detection success.
Partner associations across sympatric broad‐headed bug species and their environmentally acquired bacterial symbionts
Authors: Garcia J. R. , Laughton A. M. , Malik Z. , Parker B. J. , Trincot C. , S. L. Chiang S. , Chung E. , Gerardo N. M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMany organisms have intimate associations with beneficial microbes acquired from the environment. These host–symbiont associations can be specific and stable, but they are prone to lower partner specificity and more partner‐switching than vertically transmitted mutualisms. To investigate partner specificity in an environmentally acquired insect symbiosis, we used 16S rRNA gene and multilocus sequencing to survey the bacterial population in the bacteria‐harbouring organ (crypts) of 49 individuals across four sympatric broad‐headed bug species (Alydus calcaratus, A. conspersus, A. tomentosus and Megalotomus quinquespinosus). Similar to other insect–bacteria associations, Burkholderia spp. were the most common residents of the crypts in all four insect species (77.2% of recovered sequences). Burkholderia presence was associated with prolonged survival to adulthood in A. tomentosus, suggesting a beneficial role of these specialized associations. Burkholderia were also found in environmental reservoirs in the insects’ habitat, which may facilitate acquisition by insects by increasing Burkholderia–insect encounters. Symbiont establishment could also be facilitated by resistance to insect defences; zone of inhibition assays demonstrated that Burkholderia and other bacteria isolated from crypts are resistant to insect defences that limit growth of Escherichia coli. Alternatively, the insects’ defences may not efficiently kill a broad range of bacteria. Although the symbiosis is targeted to Burkholderia, the insects’ crypts housed other bacteria, including non‐Burkholderiaceae species. There is no significant effect of host insect species on Burkholderia distribution, suggesting a lack of strong partner specificity at finer scales. The presence of frequent partner‐switching between sympatric insects and their symbionts likely prevents tight co‐evolutionary dynamics.
Direct and individual analysis of stress‐related phytohormone dispersion in the vascular system of Cucurbita maxima after flagellin 22 treatment
Authors: Furch Alexandra C. U. , Zimmermann Matthias R. , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Reichelt Michael , Mithöfer Axel 
Published: January 2014

Summary

The stress‐related phytohormones, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and the three jasmonates, jasmonic acid (JA), cis‐12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (cis‐OPDA), and (+)‐7‐iso‐jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile), were investigated in phloem and xylem exudates of Cucurbita maxima.

Phloem and xylem exudates were separately collected and analysed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

We show direct evidence for all three jasmonates, ABA, and SA in both phloem and xylem exudates of C. maxima. JA and JA‐Ile concentrations are higher in xylem (JA: cxylem ≈ 199.5 nM, cphloem ≈ 43.9 nM; JA‐Ile: cxylem ≈ 7.9 nM, cphloem ≈ 1.6 nM), whereas ABA and SA concentrations are higher in phloem exudates (ABA: cxylem ≈ 37.1 nM, cphloem ≈ 142.6 nM; SA: cxylem ≈ 61.6 nM, cphloem ≈ 1319 nM). During bacteria‐derived flagellin 22 (flg22)‐triggered remote root‐to‐shoot signalling, phytohormone concentration changed rapidly both in phloem and xylem.

The unequal distribution of phytohormones suggests that phloem and xylem have distinct roles in defence responses. Our data shed light on systemic phytohormone signalling and help explain how plants cope with environmental challenges by lateral exchange between phloem and xylem. Our analysis is a starting point for further investigations of how phytohormones contribute to phloem‐ and xylem‐based defence signalling.
Exploring continental‐scale stand health – N : P ratio relationships for European forests
Authors: Veresoglou Stavros D. , Peñuelas Josep , Fischer Richard , Rautio Pasi , Sardans Jordi , Merilä Päivi , Tabakovic‐Tosic Mara , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Understanding the relationship between nitrogen (N) availability and stand health in forest ecosystems is crucial, because a large proportion of European forests is subjected to N‐deposition levels beyond their retention capacity.

We used data from a long‐term forest monitoring programme (ICP Forests) to test the relationship between an index of N availability, foliar nitrogen : phosphorus (N : P) ratios, tree defoliation and discoloration. We hypothesized a segmented response of stand health to N : P ratios and an improved model‐fit after correcting for climatic covariates.

In accordance with the hypothesis, we found a segmented response with a breakpoint for conifer defoliation at N : P ratios as low as 7.3. Inclusion of climatic variables improved the fit of the models, but there was significant collinearity with N : P.

Increases in N availability appear, at least for conifers, to have a negative effect on tree health even under N‐limiting conditions. Regulation of N‐deposition levels is consequently as timely as ever. We propose that increases in tree defoliation, other than resulting in serious plant fitness issues, may represent early diagnostic symptoms of N‐addition related imbalances.
Capturing the His‐Purkinje System is Not Possible from Conventional Right Ventricular Apical and Nonapical Pacing Sites
Authors: PANG BENJAMIN J. , KUMAR SAURABH , TACEY MARK A. , MOND HARRY G. 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionDirect His bundle capture may negate ventricular electrical dyssynchrony induced by right ventricular (RV) apical pacing. We sought to evaluate if direct His bundle pacing is possible with conventional pacemaker lead implantation at various sites in the RV.MethodsConsecutive patients underwent RV pacing using standard implantable active fixation pacing leads in a random order in the RV outflow tract, middle RV, and RV apex at stimulation threshold and at increasing voltages of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 volts (V). At each location, QRS width and morphology on 12‐lead electrocardiograph (ECG) were compared in sinus and paced rhythm at the different voltages.ResultsTwelve patients underwent a total of 2,160 paced QRS measurements. Progressive increases in stimulation voltage did not change QRS morphology or duration regardless of site of pacing (RV outflow tract, middle RV, and RV apex) in any of the 12 ECG leads. In addition, apart from the stimulation threshold between the RV outflow tract and RV apex, there was no statistically significant difference in QRS duration between the three pacing sites.ConclusionIn patients with a baseline normal QRS duration, none of the three conventional RV pacing sites were able to produce QRS narrowing and capture the His‐Purkinje system. Furthermore, based on paced QRS duration as an indirect surrogate of electrical LV dyssynchrony, there was no clear advantage of one pacing site over another.
The 2‐Year Cost‐Effectiveness of 3 options to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients
Authors: Udeh Belinda L. , Costandi Shrif , Dalton Jarrod E. , Ghosh Raktim , Yousef Hani , Mekhail Nagy 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) may result from degenerative changes of the spine, which lead to neural ischemia, neurogenic claudication, and a significant decrease in quality of life. Treatments for LSS range from conservative management including epidural steroid injections (ESI) to laminectomy surgery. Treatments vary greatly in cost and success. ESI is the least costly treatment may be successful for early stages of LSS but often must be repeated frequently. Laminectomy surgery is more costly and has higher complication rates. Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild®) is an alternative. Using a decision‐analytic model from the Medicare perspective, a cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed comparing mild® to ESI or laminectomy surgery. The analysis population included patients with LSS who have moderate to severe symptoms and have failed conservative therapy. Costs included initial procedure, complications, and repeat/revision or alternate procedure after failure. Effects measured as change in quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) from preprocedure to 2 years postprocedure. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were determined, and sensitivity analysis conducted. The mild® strategy appears to be the most cost‐effective ($43,760/QALY), with ESI the next best alternative at an additional $37,758/QALY. Laminectomy surgery was the least cost‐effective ($125,985/QALY).
Transepidermal Water Loss in Newborns Within the First 24 Hours of Life: Baseline Values and Comparison with Adults
Authors: Raone Beatrice , Raboni Roberta , Rizzo Nicola , Simonazzi Giuliana , Patrizi Annalisa 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is important for evaluating the integrity of the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Normal TEWL values in healthy adults and in children ages 2 and older are well known, but few studies have been performed in infants and neonates. TEWL in healthy neonates younger than 24 hours old was assessed and compared with that of an adult study population. We also studied possible correlations between this parameter, gestational age, and mode of delivery. A prospective study was conducted in healthy newborns. The areas tested were the volar forearm and the popliteal fossa. Ninety‐nine healthy newborns were enrolled and 33 healthy adults were analyzed as controls. Statistically significant differences were noted between newborns and adults in TEWL (p < 0.01). Newborns had a much higher mean TEWL than adults. Differences in the morphology and physiology between newborn and mature skin can explain the higher TEWL in newborns. Higher TEWL could also be due to the sudden functional adaptation of the skin immediately after delivery, when the newborn transits from a liquid to the dry, gaseous extrauterine environment. Functional evaluation of the neonatal skin barrier is important mainly because maintaining skin integrity facilitates cutaneous adaptation.
Evaluation of the Vascular Pattern in Psoriatic Plaques in Children Using Videodermatoscopy: An Open Comparative Study
Authors: Musumeci Maria Letizia , Lacarrubba Francesco , Verzì Anna Elisa , Micali Giuseppe 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPsoriasis is a common erythematous desquamative dermatosis. The diagnosis may sometimes be troublesome in children, especially if clinical presentation is mild or atypical. Videodermatoscopy has been suggested as a new noninvasive aid for the diagnosis of psoriasis, prognostic evaluation, and treatment monitoring. An open comparative study in children aimed at assessing the correlation between the vascular pattern evaluated using videodermatoscopy and the clinical diagnosis of psoriasis and other erythematous desquamative disorders was designed and performed. Sixty Caucasian children were enrolled and subdivided into two groups: group A, 24 patients with multiple plaque psoriasis; group B, 36 patients with other erythematous desquamative disorders. At least two lesions were examined in each patient using videodermatoscopy at 150× magnification and the superficial vascular pattern of each lesion was evaluated in three different fields. In group A, the presence of dilated capillaries with a “bushy” aspect, homogeneously distributed in all examined fields, was seen in all considered plaques. In group B, videodermatoscopic findings were not specific, showing normal‐looking capillaries, slightly dilated vessels, or a few isolated “bushes.” Videodermatoscopy may be considered an important adjunct diagnostic tool in clinically doubtful erythematous desquamative lesions in children, allowing a psoriatic vascular pattern to be confirmed or excluded, with some distinct advantages over skin biopsy.
Practical Labeling Methodology for Choline‐Derived Lipids and Applications in Live Cell Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Li Caishun , Key Jessie A. , Jia Feng , Dandapat Arpan , Hur Soo , Cairo Christopher W. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLipids of the plasma membrane participate in a variety of biological processes, and methods to probe their function and cellular location are essential to understanding biochemical mechanisms. Previous reports have established that phosphocholine‐containing lipids can be labeled by alkyne groups through metabolic incorporation. Herein, we have tested alkyne, azide and ketone‐containing derivatives of choline as metabolic labels of choline‐containing lipids in cells. We also show that 17‐octadecynoic acid can be used as a complementary metabolic label for lipid acyl chains. We provide methods for the synthesis of cyanine‐based dyes that are reactive with alkyne, azide and ketone metabolic labels. Using an improved method for fluorophore conjugation to azide or alkyne‐modified lipids by Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), we apply this methodology in cells. Lipid‐labeled cell membranes were then interrogated using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we explored the utility of this labeling strategy for use in live cell experiments. We demonstrate measurements of lipid dynamics (lateral mobility) by fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR). In addition, we show that adhesion of cells to specific surfaces can be accomplished by chemically linking membrane lipids to a functionalized surface. The strategies described provide robust methods for introducing bioorthogonal labels into native lipids.
Peripheral venous and arterial blood gas analysis in adults: are they comparable? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Byrne Anthony L , Bennett Michael , Chatterji Robindro , Symons Rebecca , Pace Nathan L , Thomas Paul S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPeripheral venous blood gas (PVBG) analysis is increasingly being used as a substitute for arterial blood sampling; however, comparability has not been clearly established. To determine if the pH, PCO2 and PO2 obtained from PVBG analysis is comparable with arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. A search was conducted of electronic databases as well as hand‐searching of journals and reference lists through December 2012 to identify studies comparing PVBG with ABG analysis in adult subjects. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement. A meta‐analysis using a random effects model was used to calculate the average difference (bias) and the limits of agreement for the venous and arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2. A total of 18 studies comprising 1768 subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies with I2 approaching 100%. There was little difference between the pH obtained from the PVBG and the ABG, with the arterial pH typically 0.03 higher than the venous pH (95% confidence interval 0.029–0.038). The venous and arterial PCO2 were not comparable because the 95% prediction interval of the bias for venous PCO2 was unacceptably wide, extending from −10.7 mm Hg to +2.4 mm Hg. The PO2 values compared poorly, the arterial PO2 typically 36.9 mm Hg greater than the venous with significant variability (95% confidence interval from 27.2 to 46.6 mm Hg). PVBG analysis compares well with ABG analysis for pH estimations in adults but not to the PCO2 or PO2. These differences are sufficiently large to be of clinical significance.