bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water deficit induces chlorophyll degradation via the ‘PAO/phyllobilin’ pathway in leaves of homoio‐ (Craterostigma pumilum) and poikilochlorophyllous (Xerophyta viscosa) resurrection plants
Authors: CHRIST BASTIEN , EGERT AURÉLIE , SÜSSENBACHER IRIS , KRÄUTLER BERNHARD , BARTELS DOROTHEA , PETERS SHAUN , HÖRTENSTEINER STEFAN 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAngiosperm resurrection plants exhibit poikilo‐ or homoiochlorophylly as a response to water deficit. Both strategies are generally considered as effective mechanisms to reduce oxidative stress associated with photosynthetic activity under water deficiency. The mechanism of water deficit‐induced chlorophyll (Chl) degradation in resurrection plants is unknown but has previously been suggested to occur as a result of non‐enzymatic photooxidation. We investigated Chl degradation during dehydration in both poikilochlorophyllous (Xerophyta viscosa) and homoiochlorophyllous (Craterostigma pumilum) species. We demonstrate an increase in the abundance of PHEOPHORBIDE a OXYGENASE (PAO), a key enzyme of Chl breakdown, together with an accumulation of phyllobilins, that is, products of PAO‐dependent Chl breakdown, in both species. Phyllobilins and PAO levels diminished again in leaves from rehydrated plants. We conclude that water deficit‐induced poikilochlorophylly occurs via the well‐characterized PAO/phyllobilin pathway of Chl breakdown and that this mechanism also appears conserved in a resurrection species displaying homoiochlorophylly. The roles of the PAO/phyllobilin pathway during different plant developmental processes that involve Chl breakdown, such as leaf senescence and desiccation, fruit ripening and seed maturation, are discussed.
The biology of hyperpigmentation syndromes
Authors: Speeckaert Reinhart , Van Gele Mireille , Speeckaert Marijn M. , Lambert Jo , van Geel Nanja 
Published: February 2014

SummaryHyperpigmentation is a key feature in a variety of inherited and acquired syndromes. Nonetheless, determining the exact diagnosis only on the clinical phenotype can be challenging, and a detailed search for associated symptoms is often of crucial importance. As pigmentation pathways are regulated by complex signaling transduction cascades (e.g. MSH/cAMP, KIT signaling pathways), the underlying defects leading to elevated melanin production are numerous. With regard to treatment, limited therapeutic options exist, each with specific side effects. In acquired hyperpigmentation, the melanin deposition may, however, be reversible after adequate therapy of the underlying disorder or even disappear spontaneously. In this review, we provide an overview of the biology of hyperpigmentation syndromes classified according to the main underlying defect that deregulates physiological melanogenesis. The identification of novel genes or key players involved in hyperpigmentary disorders is becoming increasingly important in view of the development of safer and more efficient treatments.
The influence of nuptial feeding and sperm transfer on the immunological cost of reproduction in the ground cricket Allonemobius socius
Authors: Fedorka Kenneth M. , Sevgili Hasan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMating is often accompanied by decreased female immune function across numerous animals systems, suggesting that immune suppression is a widespread reproductive cost. However, the trade‐off between immunity and reproduction can be minimized when females have access to abundant nutrient resources. This observation suggests that the nuptial gifts provided by males in many insect systems may help to offset the common immunological cost to reproduction. In the present study, this hypothesis is tested in the ground cricket Allonemobius socius (Scudder), whose females receive a sizeable haemolymph‐based gift. Accordingly, male gift donation is controlled by covering the tibial spur (the source of the gift) of randomly chosen males with clear nail polish. The influence of sperm transfer on female immunity is disentangled from that of the nuptial gift by also examining females who fail to receive sperm during mating (spermatophore transfer has a 40% failure rate in virgin males). It is predicted that females who receive a nuptial gift will exhibit superior immune function compared with those who receive no gift. The results show that sperm transfer reduces female immune function, which is an expected immunological cost of reproduction. By contrast to the prediction, nuptial gifts do not minimize the immunological cost of reproduction in this system. Unexpectedly, the receipt of a gift appears to decrease female immune function independent of sperm transfer. The findings suggest that the nuptial gift, similar to sperm, signals the female to begin her reproductive investment, causing limited resources to be reallocated from immune function.
Range‐Based Versus Automated Markerless Image‐Based Techniques For Rock Art Documentation
Authors: Lerma José L. , Navarro Santiago , Seguí Ana E. , Cabrelles Miriam 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNowadays there is a huge proliferation of fully automatic image‐based solutions producing either three‐dimensional (3D) point clouds or 3D models. However, the reliability of the output is not usually reported and clarified. This paper presents a comparison of the 3D modelling results achieved on two rock art shelters at separate archaeological sites using a high‐resolution digital camera. The 3D point clouds were produced using automatic image‐based photogrammetric and computer vision software running either locally (FOTOGIFLE and VisualSFM) or through a web‐based reconstruction service (Autodesk 123D Catch). The first two automatic approaches are compared with a manual bundle block adjustment. Dense image matching was undertaken to densify the point clouds prior to 3D modelling. The derived 3D models are compared with a time‐of‐flight laser scanning dataset that was used as ground truth. Statistical analysis shows significant metric differences on the digital surface models for the different solutions.
The genetic characterization of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis, the causal agent of walnut blight in Poland
Authors: Kałużna M. , Pulawska J. , Waleron M. , Sobiczewski P. 
Published: February 2014

Leaves and fruits of walnut trees exhibiting symptoms of bacterial blight were collected from six locations in Poland. Isolations on agar media resulted in 18 bacterial isolates with colony morphology resembling that of the Xanthomonas genus. PCR using X1 and X2 primers specific for Xanthomonas confirmed that all isolates belonged to this genus. In pathogenicity tests on unripe walnut fruits, all isolates caused typical black necrotic lesions covering almost the entire pericarp. Results of selected phenotypic tests indicated that characteristics of all isolates were the same as described for the type strain of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis. Genetic analyses (PCR MP, ERIC‐, BOX‐PCR and MLSA) showed similarities between the studied isolates and the reference strain of X. arboricola pv. juglandis CFBP 7179 originating from France. However, reference strains I‐391 from Portugal and LMG 746 from the UK were different. MLSA analysis of partial sequences of the fyuA, gyrB and rpoD genes of studied isolates and respective sequences from GenBank of pathotype strains of other pathovars of X. arboricola showed that the X. arboricola pv. juglandis isolates consisted of different phylogenetic lineages. An incongruence among MLSA gene phylogenies and traces of intergenic recombination events were proved. These data suggest that the sequence analysis of several housekeeping genes is necessary for proper identification of X. arboricola pathovars.
Does temporal preparation speed up visual processing? Evidence from the N2pc
Authors: Seibold Verena C. , Rolke Bettina 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA growing number of studies show that temporal preparation, which denotes processes of anticipation and preparation for an upcoming stimulus, facilitates perceptual processing. Recently, it has been hypothesized that this perceptual benefit arises due to an acceleration of early perceptual processing. Whereas this idea receives some direct support from a recent study showing that temporal preparation reduces the latency of early auditory ERPs, supportive evidence regarding the visual modality lacks so far. To further investigate this acceleration account, we measured the latency of early visual ERPs in a visual search task. We observed that temporal preparation, manipulated via constant foreperiods, reduced the latency of early visual ERPs, specifically the N2pc as an index of attentional target processing. This finding supports a modality‐independent acceleration of perceptual processing by temporal preparation.
Microorganisms in recirculating aquaculture systems and their management
Authors: Rurangwa Eugene , Verdegem Marc C.J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecirculation aquaculture systems (RASs) are increasingly considered as production systems of the future with a minimum ecological impact for the production of aquatic food. To maintain a good water quality and to produce quality and healthy fishery products, the systems depend on a diverse microbial community involved in different processes of water purification but also in unwanted effects. The article reviews the present knowledge on microorganisms in RAS, their relative distribution within the system compartments and their role in system performance. The system possesses different microniches in which microorganisms retrieve their preferential conditions for oxygen and nutrients. Ammonia and nitrite are oxidized under aerobic conditions into less toxic compounds. Anaerobic ammonium oxidizers in the biofilm oxidize anaerobically both ammonia and nitrites into less harmful dinitrogen gas. Heterotrophic bacteria mineralize organic matter derived from uneaten feeds, dead bodies and excreta of fish. Under conditions of high organic load and high C/N content, nitrifiers are overgrown by heterotrophs with negative effects to the nitrification process. For not yet understood reasons, the presence of off‐flavour‐producing microorganisms occurs also in RAS. Microbial management and management of inputs to the systems to prevent the proliferation of pathogens are discussed and possible management techniques of off‐flavours are also presented. Research orientations are given to explore further the potential of heterotrophic bacteria in microbial management and intensive aquaculture production in systems other than RAS.
Cross‐linked polyacrylates in post‐mining substrates: persistence and effects on plant growth
Authors: Rodionov A. , Nii‐Annang S. , Fischer T. , Gattinger A. , Bens O. , Raab T. , Hüttl R. F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractApplication of hydrophilic polymers composed of cross‐linked polyacrylate can improve soil water‐holding capacity and accelerate the restoration of post‐mining substrates. In this work, we studied the persistence of a polyacrylate polymer incorporated into a soil and its impact on plant nutrients at a reclamation site of former lignite mining in Lusatia (Germany). In contrast to autumn application, the incorporation of the polymer enhanced the sequestration of plant‐derived carbon in the soil, which was reflected by a significant increase in the concentration of a lignin marker. Attenuated total reflexion–Fourier transform infrared spectra (ATR‐FTIR) and total elemental contents in the applied polymer suggested an intensive cation exchange between the polymer framework and the soil‐forming substrate. In addition, there was an enrichment of carbonaceous material, which seems to reduce the swelling and thus the water‐holding capacity of the cross‐linked polyacrylate. Conversely, this process protected the polymer structure from rapid decomposition.
Reduced prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in iron‐deficient Rwandan children
Authors: Danquah Ina , Gahutu Jean‐Bosco , Ignatius Ralf , Musemakweri Andre , Mockenhaupt Frank P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveAcute symptomatic infection with Giardia duodenalis impairs iron absorption, but iron deficiency may protect against infections caused by various micro‐organisms including parasites. We therefore examined the association of G. duodenalis infection and iron deficiency in 575 Rwandan children under 5 years of age.MethodsGiardia duodenalis infection was diagnosed by triplicate microscopy and PCR assays, and iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin concentration <12 ng/ml.ResultsLargely asymptomatic G. duodenalis infection was seen in 65.3% of the children and iron deficiency in 17.4%. G. duodenalis infection was less common in iron‐deficient children (51%) than in non‐deficient children (68%, P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the odds of G. duodenalis infection were almost halved in iron‐deficient children (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.86).ConclusionIn this highly endemic setting, there was no evidence that Giardia infection impairs iron status. Rather, iron deficiency appeared to protect against infection with this parasite.
Mean remaining life span: a new clinically relevant parameter to assess the quality of transfused red blood cells
Authors: Kuruvilla Denison J. , Nalbant Demet , Widness John A. , Veng‐Pedersen Peter 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe quality of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) to treat anemia depends on its potential for oxygen delivery, governed by two properties: 1) initial posttransfusion recovery and 2) life span of initially surviving RBCs. The latter property is poorly evaluated by the traditional mean potential life span (MPL) or mean cell age (MA), because these parameters do not evaluate how long transfused RBCs remain in circulation. Furthermore, evaluation of MPL is based on two problematic assumptions regarding transfused RBCs: 1) they were produced at a constant steady‐state rate and 2) they have similar storage life spans.Study Design and MethodsThis work introduces a new parameter, the mean remaining life span (MRL) to quantify transfused RBC survival (TRCS) and presents a simple algorithm for its evaluation. The MRL was calculated for four adult subjects with sickle cell disease and four adult diabetic and nondiabetic subjects using RBC survival data sets with existing TRCS parameters.ResultsThe RBC survival curves in the sickle cell subjects were nonlinear with rapid decline in survival within the first 5 days. The MRL was approximately 4.6 days. Thus, the MRL was indicative of the survival of all transfused RBCs. For the diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, the RBC disappearance curves did not deviate substantially from a linear decline. Thus, the estimates for MRL ranging from 39 to 51 days are similar to the MA previously computed.ConclusionMRL overcomes limitations of previously proposed TRCS parameters, is simpler to calculate, and is physiologically and clinically more appropriate.
Red blood cell transfusions for thalassemia: results of a survey assessing current practice and proposal of evidence‐based guidelines
Authors: Goss Cheryl , Giardina Patricia , Degtyaryova Diana , Kleinert Dorothy , Sheth Sujit , Cushing Melissa 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundIn the absence of curative treatment, such as stem cell transplant, regular transfusions remain the mainstay of therapy for individuals with thalassemia major, a syndrome that results from marked ineffective erythropoiesis and the resultant anemia. The primary objectives of transfusion therapy are twofold: to suppress ineffective erythropoiesis and to ensure appropriate growth and development through childhood. In practice, a number of different transfusion protocols are in use across the developed world, with on‐demand transfusion still being the paradigm in most of the developing world with limited resources.Study Design and MethodsTo investigate perceived differences in transfusion practice, a self‐reported electronic survey was disseminated to eight US thalassemia treatment centers in February 2011. The survey was divided into sections ranging from laboratory and clinical practices to emerging transfusion‐transmitted diseases.ResultsThe survey response rate was 100%. The total number of transfused patients was 411. One‐hundred percent of institutions used leukoreduced blood. No centers routinely provided cytomegalovirus‐seronegative red blood cells (RBCs). Half the centers provided irradiated RBCs; only one routinely provided washed RBCs, and none transfused RBCs of defined storage age. Seventy‐five percent of centers routinely phenotyped thalassemia patients' RBC antigens; 50% prophylactically matched for Rh and K antigens. The frequency of antibody investigations varied widely, and 25% of centers routinely medicated patients before transfusion.ConclusionEight thalassemia centers in the United States were surveyed to determine the uniformity of transfusion practice. The variability of the results was surprising. Consequently, we performed a literature review and propose an evidence‐based protocol for routine transfusion therapy for patients with thalassemia.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Catalytic Effect: Do IMF Agreements Improve Access of Emerging Economies to International Financial Markets?
Authors: Arabaci Mehmet C. , Ecer Sencer 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe investigate whether countries have access to loans with better conditions after an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement. We conduct an empirical analysis which takes into account both the maturity and the interest rate of public and publicly guaranteed private debt. A two‐stage least squares estimation method is used to avoid selection bias problems. Panel data covering 116 countries between 1984 and 2007 and two other subsets of this panel data are used. The results indicate an improvement in access to international financial markets when an IMF programme is announced. The improvement increases as the sample consists of better‐performing countries. We conclude that, the catalytic effect may lower the level of commitment, political will and ‘ownership’ of the programme of the borrower country. On the other hand, borrower countries should consider the catalytic effect in determining the amount of financial assistance from the IMF.
The effects of pH on wound healing, biofilms, and antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Percival Steven L. , McCarty Sara , Hunt John A. , Woods Emma J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIt is known that pH has a role to play in wound healing. In particular, pH has been shown to affect matrix metalloproteinase activity, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases activity, fibroblast activity, keratinocyte proliferation, microbial proliferation, and also immunological responses in a wound; the patient's defense mechanisms change the local pH of a wound to effect microorganism invasion and proliferation; this pH change has been found to affect the performance of antimicrobials, and therefore the efficacy in biological environments directly relevant to wound healing. Based on the available body of scientific evidence to date, it is clear that pH has a role to play in both the healing of and treatment of chronic and acute wounds. It is the purpose of this review to evaluate the published knowledge base that concerns the effect of pH changes, the role it plays in wound healing and biofilm formation, and how it can affect treatment efficacy and wound management strategies.
The combinational use of CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene editing and targeted toxin technology enables efficient biallelic knockout of the α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene in porcine embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Miyoshi Kazuchika , Nagao Yozo , Nishi Yohei , Ohtsuka Masato , Nakamura Shingo , Sakurai Takayuki , Watanabe Satoshi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe recent development of the type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has enabled genome editing of mammalian genomes including those of mice and human; however, its applicability and efficiency in the pig have not been studied in depth. Here, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we aimed to destroy the function of the porcine α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (α‐GalT) gene (GGTA1) whose product is responsible for the synthesis of the α‐Gal epitope, a causative agent for hyperacute rejection upon pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation.MethodsPorcine embryonic fibroblasts were transfected with a Cas9 expression vector and guide RNA specifically designed to target GGTA1. At 4 days after transfection, the cells were incubated with IB4 conjugated with saporin (IB4SAP), which eliminates α‐Gal epitope‐expressing cells. Therefore, the cells surviving after IB4SAP treatment would be those negative for α‐Gal epitope expression, which in turn indicates the generation of GGTA1 biallelic knockout (KO) cells.ResultsOf the 1.0 × 106 cells transfected, 10–33 colonies survived after IB4SAP treatment, and almost all colonies (approximately 90%) were negative for staining with red fluorescence‐labeled IB4. Sequencing of the mutated portion of GGTA1 revealed a frameshift of the α‐GalT protein. Porcine blastocysts derived from the somatic cell nuclear transfer of these α‐Gal epitope‐negative cells also lacked the α‐Gal epitope on their surface.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can efficiently induce the biallelic conversion of GGTA1 in the resulting somatic cells and is thus a promising tool for the creation of KO cloned piglets.
THE IMAGO DEI AS A WORK IN PROGRESS: A PERSPECTIVE FROM PALEOANTHROPOLOGY
Authors: De Smedt Johan , De Cruz Helen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article considers the imago Dei from the perspective of paleoanthropology. We identify structural, functional, and relational elements of the imago Dei that emerged mosaically during human evolution. Humans are unique in their ability to relate to each other and to God, and in their membership of cultural communities where shared attention, the transmission of moral norms, and symbolic behavior are important elements. We discuss similarities between our approach and the concept of theosis adopted in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
BUDDHISM, NATURALISM, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Authors: Goodman Charles 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOwen Flanagan's important book The Bodhisattva's Brain presents a naturalized interpretation of Buddhist philosophy. Although the overall approach of the book is very promising, certain aspects of its presentation could benefit from further reflection. Traditional teachings about reincarnation do not contradict the doctrine of no self, as Flanagan seems to suggest; however, they are empirically rather implausible. Flanagan's proposed “tame” interpretation of karma is too thin; we can do better at fitting karma into a scientific worldview. The relationship between eudaimonist and utilitarian strands in Buddhist ethics is more complex than the book suggests. Flanagan is right to criticize incautious and imprecise claims that Buddhism will make practitioners happy. We can make progress by distinguishing between happiness in the sense of a Buddhist version of eudaimonia, and happiness in the sense of attitudinal pleasure. Doing so might result in an interpretation of Buddhist views about happiness that was simultaneously philosophically interesting, historically credible, and psychologically testable.