bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypomethylated Pollen Bypasses the Interploidy Hybridization Barrier inArabidopsis
Authors: Schatlowski Nicole , Wolff Philip , Santos-González Juan , Schoft Vera , Siretskiy Alexey , Scott Rod , Tamaru Hisashi , Köhler Claudia 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPlants of different ploidy levels are separated by a strong postzygotic hybridization barrier that is established in the endosperm. Deregulated parent-of-origin specific genes cause the response to interploidy hybridizations, revealing an epigenetic basis of this phenomenon. In this study, we present evidence that paternal hypomethylation can bypass the interploidy hybridization barrier by alleviating the requirement for the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) in the endosperm. PRC2 epigenetically regulates gene expression by applying methylation marks on histone H3. Bypass of the barrier is mediated by suppressed expression of imprinted genes. We show that the hypomethylated pollen genome causes de novo CHG methylation directed to FIS-PRC2 target genes, suggesting that different epigenetic modifications can functionally substitute for each other. Our work presents a method for the generation of viable triploids, providing an impressive example of the potential of epigenome manipulations for plant breeding.
The Impact of Massachusetts Health Care Reform on Access, Quality, and Costs of Care for the Already‐Insured
Authors: Joynt Karen E. , Chan David C. , Zheng Jie , Orav E. John , Jha Ashish K. 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of Massachusetts Health Reform (MHR) on access, quality, and costs of outpatient care for the already‐insured.Data Sources/Study SettingMedicare data from before (2006) and after (2009) MHR implementation.Study DesignWe performed a retrospective difference‐in‐differences analysis of quantity of outpatient visits, proportion of outpatient quality metrics met, and costs of care for Medicare patients with ≥1 chronic disease in 2006 versus 2009. We used the remaining states in New England as controls.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe used existing Medicare claims data provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Principal FindingsMHR was not associated with a decrease in outpatient visits per year compared to controls (9.4 prereform to 9.6 postreform in MA vs. 9.4–9.5 in controls, p = .32). Quality of care in MA improved more than controls for hemoglobin A1c monitoring, mammography, and influenza vaccination, and similarly to controls for diabetic eye examination, colon cancer screening, and pneumococcal vaccination. Average costs for patients in Massachusetts increased from $9,389 to $10,668, versus $8,375 to $9,114 in control states (p < .001).ConclusionsMHR was not associated with worsening in access or quality of outpatient care for the already‐insured, and it had modest effects on costs. This has implications for other states expanding insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Masculinity, Testosterone, and Financial Misreporting
Authors: JIA YUPING , LENT LAURENCE VAN , ZENG YACHANG 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWe examine the relation between a measure of male CEOs’ facial masculinity and financial misreporting. Facial masculinity is associated with a complex of masculine behaviors (including aggression, egocentrism, riskseeking, and maintenance of social status) in males. One possible mechanism for this relation is that the hormone testosterone influences both behavior and the development of the face shape. We document a positive association between CEO facial masculinity and various misreporting proxies in a broad sample of S&P1500 firms during 1996–2010. We complement this evidence by documenting that a CEO's facial masculinity predicts his firm's likelihood of being subject to an SEC enforcement action. We also show that an executive's facial masculinity is associated with the likelihood of the SEC naming him as a perpetrator. We find that facial masculinity is not a measure of overconfidence. Finally, we demonstrate that facial masculinity also predicts the incidence of insider trading and option backdating.
Biocontrol and plant growth‐promoting activity of rhizobacteria from Chinese fields with contaminated soils
Authors: Wang Xuefei , Mavrodi Dmitri V. , Ke Linfeng , Mavrodi Olga V. , Yang Mingming , Thomashow Linda S. , Zheng Na , Weller David M. , Zhang Jibin 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to inventory the types of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) present in the rhizosphere of plants grown in soils contaminated with heavy metals, recalcitrant organics, petroleum sewage or salinity in China. We screened 1223 isolates for antifungal activity and about 24% inhibited Rhizoctonia solani or Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Twenty‐four strains inhibitory to R. solani, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici and/or S. sclerotiorum and representing the dominant morphotypes were assayed for PGPR activity. Seven strains contained phlD, prnD, pltC or phzF genes and produced the antibiotics 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, pyrrolnitrin, pyoluteorin and phenazines respectively. Six strains contained acdS, which encodes 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid deaminase. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA and phlD, phzF and acdS genes demonstrated that some strains identified as Pseudomonas were similar to model PGPR strains Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5, Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens 30–84 and P. brassicacearum Q8r1‐96. Pseudomonas protegens‐ and P. chlororaphis‐like strains had the greatest biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia root rot and take‐all of wheat. Pseudomonas protegens and P. brassicacearum‐like strains showed the greatest promotion of canola growth. Our results indicate that strains from contaminated soils are similar to well‐described PGPR found in agricultural soils worldwide.
Genomic exploration and molecular marker development in a large and complex conifer genome using RADseq and mRNAseq
Authors: Karam M.‐J. , Lefèvre F. , Dagher‐Kharrat M. Bou , Pinosio S. , Vendramin G.G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe combined restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) using a hypomethylation‐sensitive enzyme and messenger RNA sequencing (mRNAseq) to develop molecular markers for the 16 gigabase genome of Cedrus atlantica, a conifer tree species. With each method, Illumina® reads from one individual were used to generate de novo assemblies. SNPs from the RADseq data set were detected in a panel of one single individual and three pools of three individuals each. We developed a flexible script to estimate the ascertainment bias in SNP detection considering the pooling and sampling effects on the probability of not detecting an existing polymorphism. Gene Ontology (GO) and transposable element (TE) search analyses were applied to both data sets. The RADseq and the mRNAseq assemblies represented 0.1% and 0.6% of the genome, respectively. Genome complexity reduction resulted in 17% of the RADseq contigs potentially coding for proteins. This rate was doubled in the mRNAseq data set, suggesting that RADseq also explores noncoding low‐repeat regions. The two methods gave very similar GO‐slim profiles. As expected, the two assemblies were poor in TE‐like sequences (<4% of contigs length). We identified 17,348 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RADseq data set and 5,714 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the transcriptome. A subset of 282 SNPs was validated using the Fluidigm genotyping technology, giving a conversion rate of 50.4%, falling within the expected range for conifers. Increasing sample size had the greatest effect for ascertainment bias reduction. These results validated the utility of the RADseq approach for highly complex genomes such as conifers.
A comparison of single nucleotide polymorphism and microsatellite markers for analysis of parentage and kinship in a cooperatively breeding bird
Authors: Weinman Lucia R. , Solomon Joseph W. , Rubenstein Dustin R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe development of genetic markers has revolutionized molecular studies within and among populations. Although poly‐allelic microsatellites are the most commonly used genetic marker for within‐population studies of free‐living animals, biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, have also emerged as a viable option for use in nonmodel systems. We describe a robust method of SNP discovery from the transcriptome of a nonmodel organism that resulted in more than 99% of the markers working successfully during genotyping. We then compare the use of 102 novel SNPs with 15 previously developed microsatellites for studies of parentage and kinship in cooperatively breeding superb starlings (Lamprotornis superbus) that live in highly kin‐structured groups. For 95% of the offspring surveyed, SNPs and microsatellites identified the same genetic father, but only when behavioural information about the likely parents at a nest was included to aid in assignment. Moreover, when such behavioural information was available, the number of SNPs necessary for successful parentage assignment was reduced by half. However, in a few cases where candidate fathers were highly related, SNPs did a better job at assigning fathers than microsatellites. Despite high variation between individual pairwise relatedness values, microsatellites and SNPs performed equally well in kinship analyses. This study is the first to compare SNPs and microsatellites for analyses of parentage and relatedness in a species that lives in groups with a complex social and kin structure. It should also prove informative for those interested in developing SNP loci from transcriptome data when published genomes are unavailable.
Simultaneous detection of major blackleg and soft rot bacterial pathogens in potato by multiplex polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Potrykus M. , Sledz W. , Golanowska M. , Slawiak M. , Binek A. , Motyka A. , Zoledowska S. , Czajkowski R. , Lojkowska E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for simultaneous, fast and reliable detection of the main soft rot and blackleg potato pathogens in Europe has been developed. It utilises three pairs of primers and enables detection of three groups of pectinolytic bacteria frequently found in potato, namely: Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum together with Pectobacterium wasabiae and Dickeya spp. in a multiplex PCR assay. In studies with axenic cultures of bacteria, the multiplex assay was specific as it gave positive results only with strains of the target species and negative results with 18 non‐target species of bacteria that can possibly coexist with pectinolytic bacteria in a potato ecosystem. The developed assay could detect as little as 0.01 ng µL–1 of Dickeya sp. genomic DNA, and down to 0.1 ng µL–1 of P. atrosepticum and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum genomic DNA in vitro. In the presence of competitor genomic DNA, isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens cells, the sensitivity of the multiplex PCR decreased tenfold for P. atrosepticum and Dickeya sp., while no change was observed for P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum and P. wasabiae. In spiked potato haulm and tuber samples, the threshold level for target bacteria was 101 cfu mL–1 plant extract (102 cfu g–1 plant tissue), 102 cfu mL–1 plant extract (103 cfu g–1 plant tissue), 103 cfu mL–1 plant extract (104 cfu g–1 plant tissue), for Dickeya spp., P. atrosepticum and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum/P. wasabiae, respectively. Most of all, this assay allowed reliable detection and identification of soft rot and blackleg pathogens in naturally infected symptomatic and asymptomatic potato stem and progeny tuber samples collected from potato fields all over Poland.
ET‐1 increases reactive oxygen species following hypoxia and high‐salt diet in the mouse glomerulus
Authors: Heimlich J. B. , Speed J. S. , Bloom C. J. , O'Connor P. M. , Pollock J. S. , Pollock D. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThis study was designed to determine whether ET‐1 derived from endothelial cells contributes to oxidative stress in the glomerulus of mice subjected to a high‐salt diet and/or hypoxia.MethodsC57BL6/J control mice or vascular endothelial cell ET‐1 knockout (VEET KO) mice were subjected to 3‐h exposure to hypoxia (8% O2) and/or 2 weeks of high‐salt diet (4% NaCl) prior to metabolic cage assessment of renal function and isolation of glomeruli for the determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS).ResultsIn control mice, hypoxia significantly increased urinary protein excretion during the initial 24 h, but only in animals on a high‐salt diet. Hypoxia increased glomerular ET‐1 mRNA expression in control, but not in vascular endothelial cell ET‐1 knockout (VEET KO) mice. Under normoxic conditions, mice on a high‐salt diet had approx. 150% higher glomerular ET‐1 mRNA expression compared with a normal‐salt diet (P < 0.05). High‐salt diet administration significantly increased glomerular ROS production in flox control, but not in glomeruli isolated from VEET KO mice. In C57BL6/J mice, the ETA receptor‐selective antagonist, ABT‐627, significantly attenuated the increase in glomerular ROS production produced by high‐salt diet. In addition, chronic infusion of C57BL6/J mice with a subpressor dose of ET‐1 (osmotic pumps) significantly increased the levels of glomerular ROS that were prevented by ETA antagonist treatment.ConclusionThese data suggest that both hypoxia and a high‐salt diet increase glomerular ROS production via endothelial‐derived ET‐1‐ETA receptor activation and provide a potential mechanism for ET‐1‐induced nephropathy.
Anti‐transforming growth factor β‐induced protein antibody ameliorates vascular barrier dysfunction and improves survival in sepsis
Authors: Bae J.‐S. , Lee W. , Son H.‐N. , Lee Y.‐M. , Kim I.‐S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimSepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome resulting from a microbial infection. Transforming growth factor β‐induced protein (TGFBIp) is an extracellular matrix protein expressed by human endothelial cells and platelets that induces sepsis through interaction with integrin αvβ5. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TGFBIp in vascular permeability and the underlying mechanisms using TGFBIp‐neutralizing antibody.MethodsMice were subjected to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with or without neutralizing anti‐TGFBIp antibody (300 μg kg−1, intravenously). Wild‐type or integrin β5‐null mice received TGFBIp (0.1 mg kg−1, intravenously) or were subjected to CLP. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (100 ng mL−1) with or without neutralizing anti‐TGFBIp antibody (50 μg mL−1).ResultsAdministration of neutralizing anti‐TGFBIp antibody in mice attenuated CLP‐induced secretion of TGFBIp, leucocyte migration and vascular permeability and reduced septic mortality. Injected TGFBIp did not enhance vascular barrier permeability or leucocyte migration in β5‐null mice. Finally, neutralizing anti‐TGFBIp antibody inhibited the specific interactions between TGFBIp and its receptor, integrin αvβ5.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that treatment with a TGFBIp‐neutralizing antibody can ameliorate the deleterious effects of sepsis.
Long‐term climate forcings to assess vulnerability in North Africa dry argan woodlands
Authors: Alba‐Sánchez Francisca , López‐Sáez José Antonio , Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractQuestionsNorth African dry woodlands constitute mediterranean climatic ecotone ecosystems of vital importance for human livelihoods and local biodiversity. To improve the basis for managing these key ecosystems, we selected a Tertiary relict woodland (Argania spinosa) in order to clarify the sensitivity to long‐term climate change (the present, the past glacial‐interglacial cycle and under future scenarios). We also discuss the impact of long‐term human land use for the distribution of dry woodlands in North Africa.LocationNorth Africa.MethodsTo assess whether the argan woodland is in equilibrium with current climate, we used species distribution modelling (SDM) to estimate its potential range. Then, SDM was used to estimate its potential distribution during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21,000 BP) and the Middle Holocene (Mid‐Holocene; 6,000 BP). Model predictions for past scenarios were compared with Quaternary palaeorecords to evaluate their accuracy. Finally, we forecasted changes in the potential range to year 2080 to assess its likely future range dynamics.ResultsAt the LGM, suitable areas occurred at more southern latitudes, where the Sahara Desert currently lies, while suitable areas in the Mid‐Holocene shifted northwards, occupying areas similar to those of today. The estimated past distributions are consistent with palaeorecords, providing evidence for the important role of Quaternary climate changes in driving dry woodland range dynamics. The current range‐filling constitutes 44% of the potential distribution, probably primarily reflecting anthropic land‐use effects. Future climate change is forecast not to cause latitudinal/altitudinal range shifts, but rather an overall range contraction.ConclusionsThe models reflect the high sensitivity of the dry woodland ecosystem to past climate changes, in agreement with palaeorecords. The estimated climatic sensitivity also predicts severe range contraction during future climate change. Consequently, management strategies for dry woodlands should be developed to facilitate their in situ survival, particularly by reducing the currently intensive human pressure.
Changes of cortical excitability as markers of antidepressant response in bipolar depression: preliminary data obtained by combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG)
Authors: Canali Paola , Sferrazza Papa Giovanna , Casali Adenauer G , Schiena Giandomenico , Fecchio Matteo , Pigorini Andrea , Smeraldi Enrico , Colombo Cristina , Benedetti Francesco 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundIt is still unclear which biological changes are needed to recover from a major depressive episode. Current perspectives focus on cortical synaptic neuroplasticity. Measures of cortical responses evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) change with sleep homeostasic pressure in humans and approximate measures of synaptic strength in animal models. Using repeated total sleep deprivation as a model of antidepressant treatment, we aimed to correlate recovery from depression with these measures of cortical excitability.MethodsWe recorded electroencephalographic responses to TMS in the prefrontal cortex of 21 depressed inpatients with bipolar disorder treated with repeated sleep deprivation combined with light therapy. We performed seven TMS/electroencephalography sessions during one week and calculated three measures of cortical excitability.ResultsCortical excitability progressively increased during the antidepressant treatment and as a function of time awake. Higher values differentiated responders from non‐responders at baseline and during and after treatment on all measures.ConclusionsChanges in measures of cortical excitability parallel and predict antidepressant response to combined sleep deprivation and light therapy. Data suggest that promoting cortical plasticity in bipolar depression could be a major effect of successful antidepressant treatments, and that patients not responding could suffer a persistent impairment in their neuroplasticity mechanisms.
Musical ability and non‐native speech‐sound processing are linked through sensitivity to pitch and spectral information
Authors: Kempe Vera , Bublitz Dennis , Brooks Patricia J. 
Published: September 2014

Is the observed link between musical ability and non‐native speech‐sound processing due to enhanced sensitivity to acoustic features underlying both musical and linguistic processing? To address this question, native English speakers (N = 118) discriminated Norwegian tonal contrasts and Norwegian vowels. Short tones differing in temporal, pitch, and spectral characteristics were used to measure sensitivity to the various acoustic features implicated in musical and speech processing. Musical ability was measured using Gordon's Advanced Measures of Musical Audiation. Results showed that sensitivity to specific acoustic features played a role in non‐native speech‐sound processing: Controlling for non‐verbal intelligence, prior foreign language‐learning experience, and sex, sensitivity to pitch and spectral information partially mediated the link between musical ability and discrimination of non‐native vowels and lexical tones. The findings suggest that while sensitivity to certain acoustic features partially mediates the relationship between musical ability and non‐native speech‐sound processing, complex tests of musical ability also tap into other shared mechanisms.
Creative methodologies to enhance communication
Authors: Kennedy Lucille , Brewer Gayle 
Published: September 2014

Accessible summary

Those who support people with learning disabilities should listen carefully to what they have to say.

Whilst sharing life stories can be a good way to listen to someone, not everyone is able to talk about their story.

Here, four people who have a learning disability share their stories by singing, taking photographs or making a scrap book, and looking for themes in their work.

The four people enjoyed their work and found that sharing it with others was a helpful way to let people know something about their lives, their skills, and what is important to them.

SummaryThe experiences and opinions of people with learning disabilities are often ignored or devalued. Oral and life history projects allow individuals to communicate their own opinions and experiences. This process can lead to more meaningful interactions between those with learning disabilities and support workers. Whilst the interview techniques often employed by life history projects may not be appropriate for those with limited verbal abilities, alternative methodologies such as photography, drawings, music and poetry may be adopted. The current study demonstrates that a life history approach incorporating creative techniques can provide valuable information about the beliefs, experiences and values of people with learning disabilities. Therefore, creative forms of communication should be encouraged to promote personalised care and greater representation in learning disability research.
Expression of L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) as a prognostic and therapeutic indicator in multiple myeloma
Authors: Isoda Atsushi , Kaira Kyoichi , Iwashina Masanori , Oriuchi Noboru , Tominaga Hideyuki , Nagamori Shushi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Oyama Tetsunari , Asao Takayuki , Matsumoto Morio , Sawamura Morio 
Published: September 2014

L‐type amino‐acid transporter 1 (LAT1) plays a key role in cell growth and survival. To determine the prognostic significance of LAT1 in multiple myeloma (MM), we investigated the expression of LAT1 and its functional subunit, 4Fc heavy chain (CD98), on myeloma cells by immunohistochemistry in 100 newly diagnosed MM patients. High expression (moderate or strong staining intensity) of LAT1 and CD98 was detected in 56% and 45% of patients, respectively. The LAT1 expression score was positively correlated with Ki‐67 index (r = 0.631, P < 0.001), and there was a statistically significant difference in Durie–Salmon stage between patients with high and low LAT1 expression (P = 0.03). In 43 patients treated with melphalan and prednisolone, the overall response rate was significantly higher in the high LAT1 expression group (60.0%) than in the low LAT1 expression group (17.6%) (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high expression of LAT1 was a significant prognostic factor for predicting poor overall survival independently from the International Staging System (both P = 0.01). Here, we show that the overexpression of LAT1 is significantly associated with high proliferation and poor prognosis in newly diagnosed MM patients. Thus, LAT1 may be a promising pathological marker for identifying high‐risk MM.