bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali,’ the Causal Agent of Apple Proliferation Disease, in Apple Trees in Finland
Authors: Lemmetty A. , Soukainen M. , Tuovinen T. 
Published: May 2013

Based on an earlier survey of putative psyllid vectors of apple proliferation (AP), carried out in 2009 and 2010, Cacopsylla picta (Förster) populations infected with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ were detected in at least two commercial apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards in southern Finland (1). To establish the presence of ‘Ca. P. mali’ in apple trees, a survey was conducted in 17 commercial apple orchards in August 2012. Phytosanitary inspectors tracked the source of the ‘Ca. P. mali’ by collecting 33 leaf samples from trees showing probable symptoms. Typical symptoms, including elongated stipules and witches' broom, were rare. Total DNA was extracted from leaves using a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and screened for ‘Ca. P. mali’ with real-time PCR (2) and the commercial Apple Proliferation Group – complete PCR reaction kit (Loewe Biochemica GmbH, Sauerlach, Germany). Two samples tested positive and results were confirmed with TaqMan PCR and conventional PCR assays and DNA sequencing in the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), in the United Kingdom. One positive sample was taken from an orchard in Lohja, southern Finland, where high ‘Ca. P. mali’ incidence in overwintered C. picta was observed in 2010 (1). ‘Ca. P. mali’ was found in a >40-year-old ‘Red Melba’ tree with witches' broom but without elongated stipule symptoms. The other positive sample was collected from an orchard in the Aland Islands, where the infected ‘Lobo’ tree showed symptoms of elongated stipules. This orchard was not monitored for AP vectors. No small fruit symptoms were noted by inspectors or growers in either of the orchards. The positive samples were further analyzed for subtypes using PCR/RFLP and primers AP13/AP10 (3). The amplicons (776 bp) were sequenced and digested with HincII and BspHI (New England BioLabs Inc., Ipswich, MA) following manufacturer's instructions. Both samples proved to be apple proliferation subtypes AT-1 on the basis of RFLP and the sequenced 776-bp region. Sequences of the 776-bp amplicon of the Lohja and Aland isolates showed 100% and 99% identity, respectively, with sequences of apple proliferation isolates (accession nos. L22217.1 and CU469464.1) in GenBank. Both suspected psyllid vectors of ‘Ca. P. mali’ C. picta and C. melanoneura (Förster) occur in Finland, but their distribution, abundance, and transmission specificity is inadequately documented. The next step to evaluate the risk of spread of apple proliferation in commercial orchards is an extensive survey of the occurrence of Cacopsylla species infected with ‘Ca. P. mali’. References: (1) A. Lemmetty et al. B. Insectol. 64:257, 2011. (2) P. Nikolić et al. Mol. Cell. Probes. 24:303, 2010. (3) W. Jarausch et al. Mol. Cell. Probes 14:17, 2000.
Effect of Intraoperative High Inspired Oxygen Fraction on Surgical Site Infection, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, and Pulmonary Function
Authors: Hovaguimian Frédérique , Lysakowski Christopher , Elia Nadia , Tramèr Martin R. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background:
Intraoperative high inspired oxygen fraction (Fio
2) is thought to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and postoperative nausea and vomiting, and to promote postoperative atelectasis.

Methods:
The authors searched for randomized trials (till September 2012) comparing intraoperative high with normal Fio
2 in adults undergoing surgery with general anesthesia and reporting on SSI, nausea or vomiting, or pulmonary outcomes.

Results:
The authors included 22 trials (7,001 patients) published in 26 reports. High Fio
2 ranged from 80 to 100% (median, 80%); normal Fio
2 ranged from 30 to 40% (median, 30%). In nine trials (5,103 patients, most received prophylactic antibiotics), the incidence of SSI decreased from 14.1% with normal Fio
2 to 11.4% with high Fio
2; risk ratio, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.59–1.00). After colorectal surgery, the incidence of SSI decreased from 19.3 to 15.2%; risk ratio, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.60–1.02). In 11 trials (2,293 patients), the incidence of nausea decreased from 24.8% with normal Fio
2 to 19.5% with high Fio
2; risk ratio, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66–0.93). In patients receiving inhalational anesthetics without prophylactic antiemetics, high Fio
2 provided a significant protective effect against both nausea and vomiting. Nine trials (3,698 patients) reported on pulmonary outcomes. The risk of atelectasis was not increased with high Fio
2.

Conclusions:
Intraoperative high Fio
2 further decreases the risk of SSI in surgical patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics, has a weak beneficial effect on nausea, and does not increase the risk of postoperative atelectasis.
Lister's relationship with patients: ‘A successful case’
Authors: Carpenter Mary Wilson 
Published: May 2013

An important aspect of Joseph Lister's work that has received relatively little attention is his relationship with patients. However, a manuscript written by one of his patients, Margaret Mathewson's ‘A Sketch of Eight Months a patient, in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, A.D. 1877’, provides detail about the surgeon as seen ‘from below’—that is, by a charity patient. Although excerpts from Mathewson's ‘Sketch’ have previously been published, an earlier version of the ‘Sketch’ has only recently been identified as such. That earlier version represents Lister not only as actively concerned with patient education, but also as strongly supportive of patients' rights, encouraging ward patients to report maltreatment at the hands of the staff.
Knowledge management practices in a public sector organisation: the role of leaders' cognitive styles
Authors: Jain Ajay K. , Jeppe Jeppesen Hans 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the cognitive styles of leaders on knowledge management practices in a public sector organisation in India.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from 210 middle and senior managers who were employed in different projects across the country. Self‐reported questionnaires were administered to collect the data on the cognitive styles of leaders and knowledge management practices.FindingsThe results of exploratory factor analysis showed three significant factors of cognitive styles – i.e. radical, innovative‐collaborator, and adaptor. The knowledge management questionnaire had five dimensions – i.e. KM process, KM leadership, KM culture, KM technology, and KM measurement. The results of regression analysis showed a negative impact of the radical and innovative‐collaborator styles, while the adaptor style had a positive impact on knowledge management practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted in a large thermal power generation organisation in India. Hence, its generalisability is limited to other similar contexts. Public sector work norms and organisational size may influence the interpretation of the results.Practical implicationsThe results show the relevance of the adaptor style of thinking in promoting knowledge management practices, which is consistent with the prevailing public sector work norms in India, which do not support any radical changes in their ways of working and solving problems.Originality/valueThis is an empirical study about the relationship between cognitive styles of leaders and knowledge management practices in the Indian work context, and no such study exists in the literature.
Role of knowledge infrastructure capabilities in knowledge management
Authors: Pandey Satyendra C. , Dutta Andrew 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIn a progressively more knowledge‐dependent economy, businesses need to learn to harness the knowledge that resides within their organizations. However, organizations often find it challenging to manage this most important asset that people possess. Researchers have asserted that it is mostly organizational factors that pose a challenge to the management of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of knowledge infrastructure capability in knowledge management (KM) practices within an organization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a single case study strategy to explore the objective. A medium‐sized, global Indian IT solutions company, headquartered in Bengaluru, India (MindTree Ltd) was chosen, as this company is admired globally for its KM initiatives and also featured in the Globally Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises (MAKE) list in 2010. Research methods included in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with key informants, as well as non‐obtrusive participant observation.FindingsThe study's findings show the relevance of knowledge infrastructure capability in KM excellence. The case highlights the role of a knowledge‐sharing culture throughout management systems and routines. The findings also suggest that organizational structure plays a facilitating and steering role in developing the culture of knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe issues identified are explored in a single case‐study setting. Future research could look at the relevance of the findings to other similar settings and in multi‐site settings, to bring about a wider theoretical generalization.Practical implicationsThis study will help managers to understand the role of knowledge infrastructure capabilities in KM success and will help them to devise further studies to realize the full potential of KM initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper adds empirical insight from the Indian ITES industry on existing literature concerning KM.
Herbivory prevents positive responses of lowland plants to warmer and more fertile conditions at high altitudes
Authors: Kaarlejärvi Elina , Eskelinen Anu , Olofsson Johan 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Warm‐adapted low elevation plants are expected to exhibit considerable range shifts to higher altitudes and latitudes as a result of climate warming and increased nutrient loads. However, empirical studies show that the magnitude and direction of plant responses are highly species‐ and site‐specific, suggesting that several additional drivers interact with warmer climate.

We experimentally tested the interactive effects of climate warming, mammalian herbivory and soil fertility on low elevation plants. Seedlings of three warm‐adapted lowland forbs (Epilobium angustifolium, Silene dioica and Solidago virgaurea) were transplanted to an open tundra site with native mountain tundra vegetation, and the effects of full factorial combinations of herbivore exclosures, warming and fertilization on transplant survival, growth and flowering were studied for two growing seasons. We also investigated the response of native vegetation biomass to the same treatments and compared it with the responses of transplanted lowland forbs.

Effects of both warming and fertilization on the transplanted lowland forbs strongly hinged on herbivore exclusion, resulting in 2–13‐fold increase in biomass in warmed and fertilized plots without herbivores compared with warmed and fertilized plots with herbivores present, the magnitude depending on the species. While warm‐adapted transplants benefited from warming, the native tundra plant community biomass did not respond to warming treatment.

Our results show that grazing limits the growth of transplants under warmer and more productive conditions, indicating that the expansion of lowland plant species to higher altitudes with warming may be hampered by mammalian herbivory. Furthermore, our results also suggest that migration of warm‐adapted species into lightly grazed high‐altitude tundra ecosystems might transform these communities to be more responsive to warmer climate and nutrient loads. Studies that do not consider species' upward shifts from lower altitudes might thus have underestimated vegetation responses to global warming, as well as the potential of herbivory to influence these responses.
Possible role of weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, in shaping plant–pollinator interactions in South‐East Asia
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gironés Miguel A. , Gonzálvez Francisco G. , Llandres Ana L. , Corlett Richard T. , Santamaría Luis 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Although theoretical models suggest that ambush predators could have a wide range of ecological and evolutionary effects on plant–pollinator interactions, these models require predators that are both abundant and mobile. Crab spiders, the main model system for studying the effects of ambush predators on plant–pollinator interactions, are neither of these.

The weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina is a keystone predator in South‐East Asian forests. It uses the flowers of a wide range of native and introduced species as hunting platforms for incoming pollinators. Weaver ants affect the behaviour of flower visitors and the reproductive success of their host plants.

Due to their ubiquity and mobility, O. smaragdina ants satisfy the assumptions of the theoretical models. They have the potential to affect the structure of pollination networks.

Synthesis. Oecophylla smaragdina in South‐East Asia, and possibly other predatory ant species in African and American tropical forests, may play a key role in shaping the ecological and evolutionary trajectories of plant–pollinator interactions.
Elevated vascular γ‐butyrobetaine levels attenuate the development of high glucose‐induced endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Vilskersts Reinis , Zharkova‐Malkova Olga , Mezhapuke Rudolfs , Grinberga Solveiga , Cirule Helena , Dambrova Maija 
Published: May 2013

Summary

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of vascular tissue levels of l‐carnitine and its precursor, γ‐butyrobetaine (GBB), on the development of endothelial dysfunction induced by 5 μmol/L lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), 10 mmol/L triglycerides (TG) or a high glucose concentration (44 mmol/L).

Changes in vascular tissue levels of l‐carnitine and GBB were induced by administration of l‐carnitine (100 mg/kg), mildronate (100 mg/kg; an inhibitor of l‐carnitine synthesis) or their combination to male Wistar rats for 2 weeks.

Treatment with l‐carnitine elevated vascular tissue levels of l‐carnitine, whereas administration of mildronate reduced l‐carnitine levels and increased GBB levels. Experimental animals that received the combination of both drugs showed elevated tissue levels of GBB.

The results from organ bath experiments demonstrated that increased GBB levels with preserved l‐carnitine content in vascular tissues attenuated the development of endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose. However, changes in vascular tissue l‐carnitine and GBB levels had no impact on endothelial dysfunction induced by TG or LPC.

The results demonstrate that increased levels of GBB with preserved l‐carnitine content in vascular tissue attenuate the development of endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose concentrations.
Geographic distribution and origin of the chloroplast T/C‐type in Quercus mongolica var. crispula in northeastern Japan
Authors: Liu Huan‐Zhen , Harada Ko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn order to investigate the historical expansion of common oaks (Quercus sect. Prinus) in the northeastern part of Japan, the relation between the chloroplast haplotypes (I and II) in Quercus mongolica var. crispula and the chloroplast types (T‐ and C‐type) were examined. Complete linkage between haplotype II and chloroplast C‐type was found. The chloroplasts examined in the oak species collected from Sakhalin and Primorski Krai, Russia, and Harbin, China were all T‐type. This suggests that the T to C mutation had occurred in haplotype II in Japan. Neither of haplotype I nor haplotype II was found outside Japan, suggesting both occurred in Japan independently from an ancestral haplotype VI. Haplotype I, which has been known only in Mount Hayachine within Honshu, is distributed southward to the Kanto district, where refugia might have occurred during glaciations.
Identification of Indian Crocodile Species Through DNA Barcodes
Authors: Meganathan P. R. , Dubey Bhawna , Jogayya Kothakota Naga , Haque Ikramul 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe biodiversity of India includes three crocodile species, Crocodylus palustris, Crocodylus porosus, and Gavialis gangeticus, whose status is threatened due to bushmeat crisis and illegal hunting. The crocodilian conservation management requires novel techniques to help forensic analysts to reveal species identity. DNA barcoding is a species identification technique, where a partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene is used as a marker for species identification. Herein, the DNA barcoding technique is evaluated for three Indian crocodiles by analyzing an approximately 750‐bp barcode region. The alignment result shows interspecific variations between sequences for discrimination of the three Indian crocodiles leading to species identification. The phylogenetic analyses also substantiate the established crocodilian relationships, which add further advantage to use this DNA barcoding approach for Indian crocodiles. This study provides preliminary evidences for the use of DNA barcoding technique in the identification of Indian crocodile species.
Sexual Dimorphism in Ulna: An Osteometric Study from India
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Saini Vineeta , Rai Rajesh Kumar , Pandey Shashikant , Singh Tei Bahadur , Tripathi Sunil Kumar , Pandey Abhay Kumar 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDetermination of sex constitutes the most important element during the identification process of human skeletal remains. Several sex‐specific features of human skeleton have been exploited for sex determination with varying reliability. This study aims to obtain sexual dimorphic standards for ulnae of the north Indian population. Eight measurements were obtained on a sample of 106 ulnae (males‐80, females‐26) in the age range of 25–65 years. The sexual dimorphism index and demarking points were calculated for all the variables. The data were then subjected to stepwise and direct discriminant function analysis. The best discriminator of sex was the maximum length (84.9%) followed by radial notch width (84%). In stepwise analysis, these two variables were selected and provided an accuracy of 88.7% (M‐87.5%, F‐92.3%). The proximal end provided a classification rate of 81.1% (M‐80%, F‐84.6%) with selection of the notch length and olecranon width.
Microbial production of lactate‐containing polyesters
Authors: Yang Jung Eun , Choi So Young , Shin Jae Ho , Park Si Jae , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: May 2013

SummaryDue to our increasing concerns on environmental problems and limited fossil resources, biobased production of chemicals and materials through biorefinery has been attracting much attention. Optimization of the metabolic performance of microorganisms, the key biocatalysts for the efficient production of the desired target bioproducts, has been achieved by metabolic engineering. Metabolic engineering allowed more efficient production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of microbial polyesters. More recently, non‐natural polyesters containing lactate as a monomer have also been produced by one‐step fermentation of engineered bacteria. Systems metabolic engineering integrating traditional metabolic engineering with systems biology, synthetic biology, protein/enzyme engineering through directed evolution and structural design, and evolutionary engineering, enabled microorganisms to efficiently produce natural and non‐natural products. Here, we review the strategies for the metabolic engineering of microorganisms for the in vivo biosynthesis of lactate‐containing polyesters and for the optimization of whole cell metabolism to efficiently produce lactate‐containing polyesters. Also, major problems to be solved to further enhance the production of lactate‐containing polyesters are discussed.
The effect of a new calcium‐based agent, Pro‐Argin, on the microhardness of bleached enamel surface
Authors: Yesilyurt C , Sezer U , Ayar MK , Alp CK , Tasdemir T 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effects of Pro‐Argin application on the microhardness of bleached enamel and compared them with those of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) and casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) applications.MethodsForty blocks (4 × 4 × 4 mm) were prepared from the facial surfaces of 10 sound bovine incisors. The enamel surfaces were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide three times at 5‐day intervals. The specimens were divided into five treatment regimen groups (n = 8 each): Group 1, bleaching/no surface treatment (control); Group 2, bleaching/Pro‐Argin toothpaste treatment; Group 3, bleaching/Pro‐Argin treatment; Group 4, bleaching/APF treatment; and Group 5, bleaching/CPP‐ACP treatment. During bleaching treatments, specimens were stored in artificial saliva. Vickers microhardness measurements were performed at baseline and after treatment in all groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, and post hoc least significant difference tests.ResultsAfter bleaching, hardness values of enamel surfaces increased significantly in the treatment groups versus the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found among treatment groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThrough bleaching treatment, Pro‐Argin application may have a positive effect on enamel surface hardness, equivalent to that of CPP‐ACP or APF.
Effects of leached components from silorane and methacrylate‐based dental composites on the male mice reproductive system
Authors: Tabatabaei MH , roudsari H Sadeghipour , Bassir SH , saeed T Akbari , Hasani H 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of leached components from either a methacrylate‐based composite (Filtek Z250) or a silorane‐based composite (Filtek P90) on the male mice reproductive system.MethodsSixty adult Syrian male mice were divided into six groups. In test groups, leached components from composite specimens in artificial saliva or 75% aqueous ethanol solution were administered intragastrically daily for 28 days. The mice were then euthanized and the following reproductive parameters recorded: body weight changes; weight of paired testes; testis volume; Gonadosomatic Index (GSI); sperm motility; sperm viability; daily sperm production and epididymal sperm count.ResultsThere were no significant differences in body weight changes, weight of paired testes, GSI, testis volume, epididymal sperm count, and daily sperm production between groups. Sperm motility and sperm viability were significantly lower in all the test groups in comparison to the control groups. In addition, they were significantly lower in the test groups in which composite samples were immersed in aqueous ethanol solution.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, the present data indicate that leached components from dental composites could affect sperm quality and therefore could potentially cause adverse effects on the male mice reproductive system.