bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon and Water Footprints and Energy Use of Greenhouse Tomato Production in Northern Italy
Authors: Almeida Joana , Achten Wouter M.J. , Verbist Bruno , Heuts Reindert F. , Schrevens Eddie , Muys Bart 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThis study reports on the carbon, water, and energy footprints of tomatoes grown in a greenhouse in Northern Italy and two possible future variations of heating and carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization on the current setup. The heat supply in place, consisting of natural gas (NG) and canola oil combustion, is compared to cogeneration and incineration of municipal solid waste for heating and CO2 from industrial exhaust for fertilization. As a benchmark, the current system is also compared to a conventional system, in which heat is delivered solely based on NG. Each kilogram (kg) of fresh tomatoes (“Cuore di Bue” variety) produced in the current greenhouse emits 2.28 kg CO2 equivalents (eq) and uses 95.5 megajoules (MJ) eq energy and 122 liters (L) of water. Relative to the system in place, the carbon footprint (CF) is 57.5% and 18% higher with conventional NG heating and cogeneration and is 40% lower with waste valorization. Further, 33%, 55%, and 63% less energy and 9%, 96%, and 14% less water are used in the conventional, cogeneration, and waste valorization scenarios, respectively. This confirms that there are multiple strategies to reduce the impact of the tomato production under consideration.
Effect of genetic and pharmacological blockade of GABA receptors on the 5‐HT2C receptor function during stress
Authors: Martin Cédric B. P. , Gassmann Martin , Chevarin Caroline , Hamon Michel , Rudolph Uwe , Bettler Bernhard , Lanfumey Laurence , Mongeau Raymond 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSerotonin (5‐HT)2C receptors play a role in psychoaffective disorders and often contribute to the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of psychotropic drugs. During stress, activation of these receptors exerts a negative feedback on 5‐HT release, probably by increasing the activity of GABAergic interneurons. However, to date, the GABA receptor types that mediate the 5‐HT2C receptor‐induced feedback inhibition are still unknown. To address this question, we assessed the inhibition of 5‐HT turnover by a 5‐HT2C receptor agonist (RO 60‐0175) at the hippocampal level and under conditions of stress, after pharmacological or genetic inactivation of either GABA‐A or GABA‐B receptors in mice. Neither the GABA‐B receptor antagonist phaclofen nor the specific genetic ablation of either GABA‐B1a or GABA‐B1b subunits altered the inhibitory effect of RO 60‐0175, although 5‐HT turnover was markedly decreased in GABA‐B1a knock‐out mice in both basal and stress conditions. In contrast, the 5‐HT2C receptor‐mediated inhibition of 5‐HT turnover was reduced by the GABA‐A receptor antagonist bicuculline. However, a significant effect of 5‐HT2C receptor activation persisted in mutant mice deficient in the α3 subunit of GABA‐A receptors. It can be inferred that non‐α3 subunit‐containing GABA‐A receptors, but not GABA‐B receptors, mediate the 5‐HT2C‐induced inhibition of stress‐induced increase in hippocampal 5‐HT turnover in mice.
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Serotonin (5‐HT2C) receptors expressed by GABA interneurons (2) are known to drive an indirect, GABA‐mediated, inhibitory feedback control of 5‐HT neurons, especially under stressful conditions. Using mutant mice and selective ligands, we demonstrated that this feedback control involves not only GABA‐A receptors (1) but also GABA‐B1a receptors (4), that would inhibit the stimulatory influence of cortical glutamatergic afferences (3) on GABA interneurons. Adaptations of these 5‐HT‐GABA‐glu interactions may contribute to the anxiolytic effects of chronic antidepressant treatments.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 recycles to the cell surface in protein phosphatase 2A‐dependent manner in non‐neuronal and neuronal cell lines
Authors: Pandey Saurabh , Mahato Prabhat Kumar , Bhattacharyya Samarjit 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTrafficking of G protein‐coupled receptors plays a crucial role in controlling the precise signalling of the receptor as well as its proper regulation. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), a G protein‐coupled receptor, is a member of the group I mGluR family. mGluR1 plays a critical role in neuronal circuit formation and also in multiple types of synaptic plasticity. This receptor has also been reported to be involved in various neuropsychiatric diseases. Other than the central nervous system, mGluR1 plays crucial roles in various non‐neuronal cells like hepatocytes, skin cells, etc. Although it has been reported that mGluR1 gets endocytosed on ligand application, the events after the internalization of the receptor has not been studied. We show here that mGluR1 internalizes on ligand application. Subsequent to endocytosis, majority of the receptors localize at the recycling compartment and no significant presence of the receptor was noticed in the lysosome. Furthermore, mGluR1 returned to the cell membrane subsequent to ligand‐mediated internalization. We also show here that the recycling of mGluR1 is dependent on the activity of protein phosphatase 2A. Thus, our data suggest that the ligand‐mediated internalized receptors recycle back to the cell surface in protein phosphatase 2A‐dependent manner.
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Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 mGluR1 is involved in various forms of synaptic plasticity and in many neuropsychiatric disorders. We show here that mGluR1 internalizes on ligand application and subsequently recycles to the cell surface. Our data also suggest that inhibition of protein phosphatase PP2A activity completely inhibits the recycling of mGluR1. Thus, our data provide important information regarding the trafficking of mGluR1 to help us understand the regulation of the receptor in both the normal and diseased brain.
Protected Sites: Reconceptualising Secret Societies in Colonial and Postcolonial Singapore
Authors: Mohamed Nasir Kamaludeen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractStreet gangs in Singapore are commonly known as secret societies. The irony behind this term is that these secret societies have not only been contributing to the making of modern Singapore for more than a century, they have often carried out their dealings in the public sphere. These overt operations of the underworld are possible, in part, due to the symbiotic relationship forged between the Chinese triads and the police which have continued till today. Through examining the notion of protected sites, this article explores how the postcolonial state has taken on a similar pragmatic approach as that practised by its colonial predecessor in the management of the criminal underworld.
Melatonin promotes seed germination under high salinity by regulating antioxidant systems, ABA and GA4 interaction in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Jun , Zhang Na , Yang Rong‐Chao , Wang Li , Sun Qian‐Qian , Li Dian‐Bo , Cao Yun‐Yun , Weeda Sarah , Zhao Bing , Ren Shuxin , Guo Yang‐Dong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAlthough previous studies have found that melatonin can promote seed germination, the mechanisms involved in perceiving and signaling melatonin remain poorly understood. In this study, it was found that melatonin was synthesized during cucumber seed germination with a peak in melatonin levels occurring 14 hr into germination. This is indicative of a correlation between melatonin synthesis and seed germination. Meanwhile, seeds pretreated with exogenous melatonin (1 μm) showed enhanced germination rates under 150 mm NaCl stress compared to water‐pretreated seeds under salinity stress. There are two apparent mechanisms by which melatonin alleviated salinity‐induced inhibition of seed germination. Exogenous melatonin decreased oxidative damage induced by NaCl stress by enhancing gene expression of antioxidants. Under NaCl stress, compared to untreated control, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly increased by approximately 1.3–5.0‐fold, with a concomitant 1.4–2.0‐fold increase of CsCu‐ZnSOD, CsFe‐ZnSOD, CsCAT, and CsPOD in melatonin‐pretreated seeds. Melatonin also alleviated salinity stress by affecting abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin acid (GA) biosynthesis and catabolism during seed germination. Compared to NaCl treatment, melatonin significantly up‐regulated ABA catabolism genes (e.g., CsCYP707A1 and CsCYP707A2, 3.5 and 105‐fold higher than NaCl treatment at 16 hr, respectively) and down‐regulated ABA biosynthesis genes (e.g., CsNECD2, 0.29‐fold of CK2 at 16 hr), resulting in a rapid decrease of ABA content during the early stage of germination. At the same time, melatonin positively up‐regulated GA biosynthesis genes (e.g., GA20ox and GA3ox, 2.3 and 3.9‐fold higher than NaCl treatment at 0 and 12 hr, respectively), contributing to a significant increase of GA (especially GA4) content. In this study, we provide new evidence suggesting that melatonin alleviates the inhibitory effects of NaCl stress on germination mainly by regulating the biosynthesis and catabolism of ABA and GA4.
Molecular Phylogeny and Cryptic Diversity of the Genus Phacus (Phacaceae, Euglenophyceae) and the Descriptions of Seven New Species
Authors: Kim Jong Im , Shin Woongghi 
Published: August 2014

The photosynthetic euglenoid genus Phacus is commonly found in freshwater; it is characterized by a rigid to semi‐rigid cell, usually flat with numerous small discoid chloroplasts without pyrenoids. To understand the phylogenetic relationships among Phacus species, we used combined cytoplasmic SSU and LSU rDNA and plastid‐encoded SSU and LSU rDNA sequence data from 82 strains, including seven Lepocinclis, three Discoplastis, one Eutreptia, and two Eutreptiella strains, as well as morphological data. The combined molecular dataset was analyzed using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. The resulting tree revealed that the genus Phacus was not monophyletic and fully resolved the phylogenetic relationships among eight lineages that were congruent with unique morphological characters in each clade. Molecular phylogeny and detailed morphological data led to the descriptions of seven new species: P. brevisulca, P. claviformis, P. hordei‐formis, P. longisulca, P. minimus, P. paraorbicularis, and P. viridioryza. The new species were well supported as independent species and formed close relationships with small Phacus species and P. orbicularis in the tree. In addition, the new species had unique molecular signatures and showed high genetic diversity. Although the strains of P. orbicularis sensu Hübner were morphologically very similar, the phylogenetic analyses and genetic diversity suggested that P. orbicularis sensu Hübner should be divided into two subclades.
Efavirenz modulation of sleep spindles and sleep spectral profile
Authors: Simen Arthur A. , Ma Junshui , Svetnik Vladimir , Mayleben David , Maynard James , Roth Adam , Mixson Lori , Mogg Robin , Shera David , George Laura , Mast T. Chris , Beals Chan , Stoch Aubrey , Struyk Arie , Shire Norah , Fraser Iain 
Published: August 2014

SummaryNon‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are important antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus. Some non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, in particular efavirenz, have prominent effects on sleep, cognition and psychiatric variables that limit their tolerability. To avoid confounds due to drug–drug and drug–disease interactions, we assessed the effects of efavirenz in healthy volunteers on sleep, cognition and psychological endpoints during the first week of treatment. Forty healthy male subjects were randomized to receive placebo or efavirenz 600 mg nightly for 7 days after completion of a 3‐day placebo run‐in period. Treatment with efavirenz was associated with reduced time to sleep onset in the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, an increase in non‐rapid eye movement sleep, a large exposure‐related decrease in sigma band spectral density and sleep spindle density during non‐rapid eye movement sleep, and reduced performance on an attention switching task. Because efavirenz has been shown to have serotonin 2A receptor partial‐agonist properties, we reasoned that antagonism of serotonin 2A receptor signalling in the thalamic reticular nucleus, which generates sleep spindles and promotes attention, may be responsible. Consistent with predictions, treatment of healthy volunteers with a single dose of a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist was found to significantly suppress sigma band spectral density in an exposure‐related manner and modulated the overall spectral profile in a manner highly similar to that observed with efavirenz, consistent with the notion that efavirenz exhibits serotonin 2A receptor partial‐agonist pharmacology in humans.
Do the same genes underlie parallel phenotypic divergence in different Littorina saxatilis populations?
Authors: Westram A. M. , Galindo J. , Alm Rosenblad M. , Grahame J. W. , Panova M. , Butlin R. K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractParallel patterns of adaptive divergence and speciation are cited as powerful evidence for the role of selection driving these processes. However, it is often not clear whether parallel phenotypic divergence is underlain by parallel genetic changes. Here, we asked about the genetic basis of parallel divergence in the marine snail Littorina saxatilis, which has repeatedly evolved coexisting ecotypes adapted to either crab predation or wave action. We sequenced the transcriptome of snails of both ecotypes from three distant geographical locations (Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom) and mapped the reads to the L. saxatilis reference genome. We identified genomic regions potentially under divergent selection between ecotypes within each country, using an outlier approach based on FST values calculated per locus. In line with previous studies indicating that gene reuse is generally common, we expected to find extensive sharing of outlier loci due to recent shared ancestry and gene flow between at least two of the locations in our study system. Contrary to our expectations, we found that most outliers were country specific, suggesting that much of the genetic basis of divergence is not shared among locations. However, we did find that more outliers were shared than expected by chance and that differentiation of shared outliers is often generated by the same SNPs. We discuss two mechanisms potentially explaining the limited amount of sharing we observed. First, a polygenic basis of divergent traits might allow for multiple distinct molecular mechanisms generating the same phenotypic patterns. Second, additional, location‐specific axes of selection that we did not focus on in this study may produce distinct patterns of genetic divergence within each site.
Silencing the mob: disrupting quorum sensing as a means to fight plant disease
Authors: Helman Yael , Chernin Leonid 
Published: August 2014

SummaryBacteria are able to sense their population's density through a cell–cell communication system, termed ‘quorum sensing’ (QS). This system regulates gene expression in response to cell density through the constant production and detection of signalling molecules. These molecules commonly act as auto‐inducers through the up‐regulation of their own synthesis. Many pathogenic bacteria, including those of plants, rely on this communication system for infection of their hosts. The finding that the countering of QS‐disrupting mechanisms exists in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms offers a promising novel method to fight disease. During the last decade, several approaches have been proposed to disrupt QS pathways of phytopathogens, and hence to reduce their virulence. Such studies have had varied success in vivo, but most lend promising support to the idea that QS manipulation could be a potentially effective method to reduce bacterial‐mediated plant disease. This review discusses the various QS‐disrupting mechanisms found in both bacteria and plants, as well as the different approaches applied artificially to interfere with QS pathways and thus protect plant health.
The importance of dietary protein for muscle health in inactive, hospitalized older adults
Authors: Thalacker‐Mercer Anna E. , Drummond Micah J. 
Published: August 2014

Dietary protein and amino acids are necessary for overall human health. Insufficient protein intake induces a negative protein balance with adverse outcomes such as muscle atrophy and functional decline—outcomes that are worsened in older adults. Furthermore, during inactivity, such as bed rest/hospitalization, skeletal muscle protein synthesis is reduced, protein balance is negative, and older adults lose significant amounts of muscle. Dietary protein and amino acid supplementation (∼30 g protein and ∼3 g leucine) stimulate skeletal muscle protein anabolism in healthy, community‐dwelling older adults and may be considered as possible nutritional interventions to improve the muscle protein balance and potentially support skeletal muscle maintenance in hospitalized older adults. The following is a timely review of metabolic and dietary challenges faced by hospitalized older adults and potential dietary protein and amino acids solutions for maintaining skeletal muscle health during hospitalization‐induced inactivity in this population.
A comparison of the effectiveness of physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions in reducing sedentary time in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Prince S. A. , Saunders T. J. , Gresty K. , Reid R. D. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe objective of this study was to systematically review the literature and compare the effectiveness of controlled interventions with a focus on physical activity (PA) and/or sedentary behaviours (SBs) for reducing sedentary time in adults. Six electronic databases were searched to identify all studies that examined the effects of interventions that targeted PA and/or SBs and that reported on changes in SBs (sedentary, sitting or television time). A qualitative synthesis was performed for all studies, and meta‐analyses conducted among studies with mean differences (min/d) of sedentary time. PROSPERO: CRD42014006535. Sixty‐five controlled studies met inclusion criteria; 33 were used in the meta‐analyses. Interventions with a focus on PA or that included a PA and SB component produced less consistent findings and generally resulted in modest reductions in sedentary time (PA: standardized mean differences [SMD] = −0.22 [95% confidence interval {CI}: −0.35, −0.10], PA + SB: SMD = −0.37 [95% CI: −0.69, −0.05]). Moderate quality evidence from the randomized controlled trial meta‐analysis coupled with the qualitative synthesis provides consistent evidence that large and clinically meaningful reductions in sedentary time can be expected from interventions with a focus on reducing SBs (SMD = −1.28 [95% CI: −1.68, −0.87] ). There is evidence to support the need for interventions to include a component focused on reducing SBs in order to generate clinically meaningful reductions in sedentary time.
Relationship between Brain Natriuretic Peptides and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Successful Direct Current Cardioversion: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: ZOGRAFOS THEODOROS , MANIOTIS CHRISTOS , KATSIVAS APOSTOLOS , KATRITSIS DEMOSTHENES 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence is common after successful direct current cardioversion (DCCV), with a 40% rate of recurrence within the first month. Several studies have investigated the potential association between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N‐terminal (NT)‐proBNP levels before DCCV and the risk of AF recurrence, but results have been inconsistent. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all available data to determine whether sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance after successful DCCV may be determined by preprocedural BNP and NT‐proBNP levels.MethodsWe systematically searched Scopus, the Cochrane library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases to identify publications evaluating BNP or NT‐proBNP levels in relation to post‐DCCV AF recurrence, indexed from inception to September 2013. Among the initial 1,067 citations, 18 studies fulfilled the specified criteria. The difference in BNP and NT‐proBNP concentrations in the AF recurrence and the SR‐maintaining group was estimated by the standardized mean difference and the estimates of the pooled outcomes were evaluated using random‐effects models.ResultsBaseline BNP levels in the AF recurrence group were significantly higher compared to BNP levels in the SR‐maintaining group (standardized mean difference [SMD] –1.51, confidence interval [CI] [–2.53, –0.48], P = 0.004). Similar results were observed for NT‐proBNP levels, which were significantly higher in the AF recurrence group compared with the SR‐maintaining group (SMD –0.63, CI [–1.13, –0.14], P = 0.01).ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that low preprocedural BNP/NT‐proBNP levels are associated with SR maintenance. The use of BNP or NT‐proBNP for prediction of long‐term response to DCCV appears to be useful and should be further evaluated.
Acute Improvement of Left Ventricular Relaxation as a Predictor of Volume Reduction after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Pilot Study Assessing the Value of Left Ventricular Hemodynamic Parameter
Authors: KATO HIROYUKI , SHIMANO MASAYUKI , SUMI TAKUYA , MURAKAMI HISASHI , KADA KENJI , INDEN YASUYA , TSUBOI NAOYA , MUROHARA TOYOAKI 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves cardiac function, but CRT recipients with advanced heart failure (HF) do not always respond well. Because the best parameters for the prediction of CRT response are not established, we investigated whether improvement of invasive left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic diastolic parameters could identify CRT responders.MethodsA total of 34 consecutive patients (age, 69 ± 9 years; 70% men) who received CRT devices for HF were assessed as to whether acute invasive hemodynamic parameters with and without CRT function could predict LV volume responders.ResultsThese patients demonstrated an improvement in LV dP/dtmax (11.1 ± 11.7%), LV dP/dtmin (4.6 ± 12.1%), and tau (3.7 ± 11.6%) by biventricular pacing. Nineteen patients (55%) were classified as CRT responders, which was defined by a >15% decrease in LV end‐systolic volume (ESV) at the 6‐month follow‐up evaluation. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve to detect CRT volume response was 0.93 for the shortening of tau, which was superior to any other hemodynamic parameter. The multivariate analysis revealed that this improvement in tau was the strongest predictive factor for identifying CRT volume responders. Of note, the magnitude of tau shortening during biventricular pacing was significantly correlated with the reduction in LVESV at the 6‐month follow‐up evaluation.ConclusionsThe extent of acute improvement in LV isovolumic relaxation time, as assessed by tau, was associated with favorable response to CRT. The assessment of invasive diastolic function could provide valuable information about CRT volume response.