bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phycobilisome-Deficient Strains of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Have Reduced Size and Require Carbon-Limiting Conditions to Exhibit Enhanced Productivity
Authors: Lea-Smith David J. , Bombelli Paolo , Dennis John S. , Scott Stuart A. , Smith Alison G. , Howe Christopher J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Reducing excessive light harvesting in photosynthetic organisms may increase biomass yields by limiting photoinhibition and increasing light penetration in dense cultures. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 harvests light via the phycobilisome, which consists of an allophycocyanin core and six radiating rods, each with three phycocyanin (PC) discs. Via targeted gene disruption and alterations to the promoter region, three mutants with two (pcpcT→C) and one (ƊCpcC1C2:pcpcT→C) PC discs per rod or lacking PC (olive) were generated. Photoinhibition and chlorophyll levels decreased upon phycobilisome reduction, although greater penetration of white light was observed only in the PC-deficient mutant. In all strains cultured at high cell densities, most light was absorbed by the first 2 cm of the culture. Photosynthesis and respiration rates were also reduced in the ƊCpcC1C2:pcpcT→C and olive mutants. Cell size was smaller in the pcpcT→C and olive strains. Growth and biomass accumulation were similar between the wild-type and pcpcT→C under a variety of conditions. Growth and biomass accumulation of the olive mutant were poorer in carbon-saturated cultures but improved in carbon-limited cultures at higher light intensities, as they did in the ƊCpcC1C2:pcpcT→C mutant. This study shows that one PC disc per rod is sufficient for maximal light harvesting and biomass accumulation, except under conditions of high light and carbon limitation, and two or more are sufficient for maximal oxygen evolution. To our knowledge, this study is the first to measure light penetration in bulk cultures of cyanobacteria and offers important insights into photobioreactor design.
Urban cultivation in allotments maintains soil qualities adversely affected by conventional agriculture
Authors: Edmondson Jill L. , Davies Zoe G. , Gaston Kevin J. , Leake Jonathan R. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Modern agriculture, in seeking to maximize yields to meet growing global food demand, has caused loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and compaction, impairing critical regulating and supporting ecosystem services upon which humans also depend. Own‐growing makes an important contribution to food security in urban areas globally, but its effects on soil qualities that underpin ecosystem service provision are currently unknown.

We compared the main indicators of soil quality; SOC storage, total nitrogen (TN), C : N ratio and bulk density (BD) in urban allotments to soils from the surrounding agricultural region, and between the allotments and other urban greenspaces in a typical UK city. A questionnaire was used to investigate allotment management practices that influence soil properties.

Allotment soils had 32% higher SOC concentrations and 36% higher C : N ratios than pastures and arable fields and 25% higher TN and 10% lower BD than arable soils.

There was no significant difference between SOC concentration in allotments and urban non‐domestic greenspaces, but it was higher in domestic gardens beneath woody vegetation. Allotment soil C : N ratio exceeded that in non‐domestic greenspaces, but was lower than that in garden soil.

Three‐quarters of surveyed allotment plot holders added manure, 95% composted biomass on‐site, and many added organic‐based fertilizers and commercial composts. This may explain the maintenance of SOC, C : N ratios, TN and low BD, which are positively associated with soil functioning.

Synthesis and applications. Maintenance and protection of the quality of our soil resource is essential for sustainable food production and for regulating and supporting ecosystem services upon which we depend. Our study establishes, for the first time, that small‐scale urban food production can occur without the penalty of soil degradation seen in conventional agriculture, and maintains the high soil quality seen in urban greenspaces. Given the involvement of over 800 million people in urban agriculture globally, and its important contribution to food security, our findings suggest that to better protect soil functions, local, national and international urban planning and policy making should promote more urban own‐growing in preference to further intensification of conventional agriculture to meet increasing food demand.
Determination of Lutein from Green Tea and Green Tea By‐Products Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction and UPLC
Authors: Heo Ji‐Young , Kim Suna , Kang Jae‐Hyun , Moon BoKyung 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe aimed to identify the optimum conditions for the extraction of lutein from green tea using accelerated solvent extraction, and achieve improved analytical resolution and sensitivity between lutein and zeaxanthin using an ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system. The optimized method employed 80% ethanol as the extraction solvent, 160 °C as the temperature, 2 static cycles, and 5 min of static time. In the validation of the UPLC method, recovery was found to be in the range approximately 93.73 to 108.79%, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9974 and a relative standard deviation of <9.29% in inter‐ and intraday precision analyses. Finally, the lutein contents of green tea and green tea by‐products were measured as 32.67 ± 0.70 and 18.18 ± 0.68 mg/100g dw, respectively. Furthermore, we verified that green tea by‐products, which are discarded after producing green tea beverages, might be used as a great resource for massive lutein production.Practical ApplicationWe have demonstrated that the common problem of inadequate resolution between lutein and zeaxanthin during carotenoid analyses can be overcome by optimizing the combined techniques of accelerated solvent extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). UPLC was highly effective for saving time, solvent, and labor, as well as providing better resolution. The results in this study demonstrated that green tea by‐products could be used as new sources for industrial lutein production owing to their massive production during the extraction of green tea beverages.
Degradation of Endogenous and Exogenous Genes of Genetically Modified Rice with Cry1Ab during Food Processing
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xing Fuguo , Selvaraj Jonathan Nimal , Liu Yang 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn order to assess the degradation of endogenous and exogenous genes during food processing, genetically modified rice with Cry1Ab was used as raw material to produce 4 processed foods: steamed rice, rice noodles, rice crackers, and sweet rice wine. The results showed various processing procedures caused different degrees of degradation of both endogenous and exogenous genes. During the processing of steamed rice and rice noodles, the procedures were so mild that only genes larger than 1500 bp were degraded, and no degradation of NOS terminator and Hpt gene was detected. For rice crackers, frying was the most severe procedure, followed by microwaving, baking, boiling, 1st drying, and 2nd drying. For sweet rice wine, fermentation had more impact on degradation of genes than the other processing procedures. All procedures in this study did not lead to degradation of genes to below 200 bp, except for NOS terminator. In the case of stability of the genes studied during processing of rice crackers and sweet rice wine, SPS gene was the most, followed by the Cry1Ab gene, Hpt gene, Pubi promoter, and NOS terminator.Practical ApplicationIn our study, we gained some information about the degradation of endogenous and exogenous genes during 4 foods processing, compared the different stabilities between endogenous and exogenous genes, and analyzed different effects of procedure on degradation of genes. In addition, the fragments of endogenous and exogenous genes about 200 bp could be detected in final products, except NOS terminator. As a result, we provided some base information about risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) food and appropriate length of fragment to detect GM component in processed foods.
Electron transport and protein secretion pathways involved in Mn(III) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Szeinbaum Nadia , Burns Justin L. , DiChristina Thomas J. 
Published: April 2014

SummarySoluble Mn(III) represents an important yet overlooked oxidant in marine and freshwater systems. The molecular mechanism of microbial Mn(III) reduction, however, has yet to be elucidated. Extracellular reduction of insoluble Mn(IV) and Fe(III) oxides by the metal‐reducing γ‐proteobacterium Shewanella oneidensis involves inner (CymA) and outer (OmcA) membrane‐associated c‐type cytochromes, the extracellular electron conduit MtrCAB, and GspD, the secretin of type II protein secretion. CymA, MtrCAB and GspD mutants were unable to reduce Mn(III) and Mn(IV) with lactate, H2, or formate as electron donor. The OmcA mutant reduced Mn(III) and Mn(IV) at near wild‐type rates with lactate and formate as electron donor. With H2 as electron donor, however, the OmcA mutant was unable to reduce Mn(III) but reduced Mn(IV) at wild‐type rates. Analogous Fe(III) reduction rate analyses indicated that other electron carriers compensated for the absence of OmcA, CymA, MtrCAB and GspD during Fe(III) reduction in an electron donor‐dependent fashion. Results of the present study demonstrate that the S. oneidensis electron transport and protein secretion components involved in extracellular electron transfer to external Mn(IV) and Fe(III) oxides are also required for electron transfer to Mn(III) and that OmcA may function as a dedicated component of an H2 oxidation‐linked Mn(III) reduction system.
Variation of prey responses to cues from a mesopredator and an apex predator
Authors: Cremona Teigan , Crowther Mathew S. , Webb Jonathan K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDetection and avoidance of predator cues can be costly, so it is important for prey to balance the benefits of gaining food against the costs of avoiding predators. Balancing these factors becomes more complicated when prey are threatened by more than one type of predator. Hence, the ability to recognize species‐specific predator odours and prioritize behaviours according to the level of risk is essential for survival. We investigated how rock rats, Zyzomys spp. modify their foraging behaviour and giving‐up density (GUD) in the presence of an apex predator, the dingo Canis dingo, a mesopredator, the northern quoll Dasyurus hallucatus, a herbivore, the rock wallaby Petrogale brachyotis as a pungency control and water as a procedural control. Both dingoes and quolls consume rock rats, but because quolls can enter small crevices inhabited by rock rats, they pose a greater threat to rock rats than dingoes. Rock rats demonstrated a stronger avoidance to quoll odour than dingo odour, and no avoidance of the pungency control (rock wallaby) and the procedural control (water). GUD values declined significantly over the duration of the study, but did not differ between odour treatments. Our results support the hypothesis that prey vary behaviour according to perceived predator threat, and show stronger responses to potentially more dangerous predators.
QT Interval Prolongation in End‐Stage Liver Disease Cannot Be Explained by Nonhepatic Factors
Authors: Patel Divyang , Singh Prabhpreet , Katz William , Hughes Christopher , Chopra Kapil , Němec Jan 
Published: April 2014

IntroductionQT interval prolongation in patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) is common. However, electrolyte abnormalities, renal insufficiency, treatment with QT‐prolonging drugs, and other factors known to prolong QT interval independently of liver disease occur frequently in ESLD. Moreover, elevated heart rate may be present in ESLD and result in spurious QTc prolongation if the Bazett formula is used for rate correction. It thus remains unclear whether QT prolongation in ESLD is directly caused by liver failure, or indirectly by these confounding factors.MethodsMedical records of all patients (n = 437) who received orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) at our institution between 2008 and 2011 were reviewed. Data from 51 patients with available pre‐OLTx dobutamine stress echo (DSE), post‐OLTx ECG and without nonhepatic factors affecting QT interval duration were analyzed. For each patient, QT versus RR regression line was calculated from ECG tracings obtained during DSE. The QT interval on post‐OLTx ECG was compared with the pre‐OLTx QT predicted by the regression line for the same RR interval.ResultsQT interval shortened significantly post‐OLTx (from 394 ± 47 to 364 ± 45 ms at RR interval 750 ± 144 ms; P < 0.002) when compared using the regression method. Corrected QT intervals calculated by Bazett and Fridericia formulas also shortened. Patients with prolonged QT pre‐OLTx had significantly higher INR and lower serum albumin.ConclusionESLD impairs ventricular repolarization even in the absence of other known factors affecting repolarization. QT prolongation in ESLD is associated with impaired synthetic liver function.
Retracted: Rutin protects against cognitive deficits and brain damage in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Qu Jie , Zhou Qiong , Du Ying , Zhang Wei , Bai Miao , Zhang Zhuo , Xi Ye , Li Zhuyi , Miao Jianting 
Published: April 2014

Background and PurposeChronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a critical causative factor for the development of cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly, which involves many pathophysiological processes. Consequently, inhibition of several pathophysiological pathways is an attractive therapeutic strategy for this disorder. Rutin, a biologically active flavonoid, protects the brain against several insults through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, but its effect on cognitive deficits and brain damage caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion remains unknown. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of rutin on cognitive impairments and the potential mechanisms underlying its action in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.Experimental ApproachWe used Sprague‐Dawley rats with permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), a well‐established model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. After rutin treatment for 12 weeks, the neuroprotective effect of rutin in rats was evaluated by behavioural tests, biochemical and histopathological analyses.Key ResultsBCCAO rats showed marked cognitive deficits, which were improved by rutin treatment. Moreover, BCCAO rats exhibited central cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative damage, inflammatory responses and neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, compared with sham‐operated rats. All these effects were significantly alleviated by treatment with rutin.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results provide new insights into the pharmacological actions of rutin and suggest that rutin has multi‐targeted therapeutical potential on cognitive deficits associated with conditions with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion such as vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Hypoxia augments the calcium‐activated chloride current carried by anoctamin‐1 in cardiac vascular endothelial cells of neonatal mice
Authors: Wu Ming‐Ming , Lou Jie , Song Bin‐Lin , Gong Yuan‐Feng , Li Yan‐Chao , Yu Chang‐Jiang , Wang Qiu‐Shi , Ma Tian‐Xing , Ma Ke , Hartzell H Criss , Duan Dayue Darrel , Zhao Dan , Zhang Zhi‐Ren 
Published: April 2014

Background and PurposeThe molecular identity of calcium‐activated chloride channels (CaCCs) in vascular endothelial cells remains unknown. This study sought to identify whether anoctamin‐1 (Ano1, also known as TMEM16A) functions as a CaCC and whether hypoxia alters the biophysical properties of Ano1 in mouse cardiac vascular endothelial cells (CVECs).Experimental ApproachWestern blot, quantitative real‐time PCR, confocal imaging analysis and patch‐clamp analysis combined with pharmacological approaches were used to determine whether Ano1 was expressed and functioned as CaCC in CVECs.Key ResultsAno1 was expressed in CVECs. The biophysical properties of the current generated in the CVECs, including the Ca2+ and voltage dependence, outward rectification, anion selectivity and the pharmacological profile, are similar to those described for CaCCs. The density of ICl(Ca) detected in CVECs was significantly inhibited by T16Ainh‐A01, an Ano1 inhibitor, and a pore‐targeting, specific anti‐Ano1 antibody, and was markedly decreased in Ano1 gene knockdown CVECs. The density of ICl(Ca) was significantly potentiated in CVECs exposed to hypoxia, and this hypoxia‐induced increase in the density of ICl(Ca) was inhibited by T16Ainh‐A01 or anti‐Ano1 antibody. Hypoxia also increased the current density of ICl(Ca) in Ano1 gene knockdown CVECs.Conclusions and ImplicationsAno1 formed CaCC in CVECs of neonatal mice. Hypoxia enhances Ano1‐mediated ICl(Ca) density via increasing its expression, altering the ratio of its splicing variants, sensitivity to membrane voltage and to Ca2+. Ano1 may play a role in the pathophysiological processes during ischaemia in heart, and therefore, Ano1 might be a potential therapeutic target to prevent ischaemic damage.
Practical Science Communication Strategies for Graduate Students
Authors: KUEHNE LAUREN M. , TWARDOCHLEB LAURA A. , FRITSCHIE KEITH J. , MIMS MERYL C. , LAWRENCE DAVID J. , GIBSON POLLY P. , STEWART‐KOSTER BEN , OLDEN JULIAN D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDevelopment of skills in science communication is a well‐acknowledged gap in graduate training, but the constraints that accompany research (limited time, resources, and knowledge of opportunities) make it challenging to acquire these proficiencies. Furthermore, advisors and institutions may find it difficult to support graduate students adequately in these efforts. The result is fewer career and societal benefits because students have not learned to communicate research effectively beyond their scientific peers. To help overcome these hurdles, we developed a practical approach to incorporating broad science communication into any graduate‐school time line. The approach consists of a portfolio approach that organizes outreach activities along a time line of planned graduate studies. To help design the portfolio, we mapped available science communication tools according to 5 core skills essential to most scientific careers: writing, public speaking, leadership, project management, and teaching. This helps graduate students consider the diversity of communication tools based on their desired skills, time constraints, barriers to entry, target audiences, and personal and societal communication goals. By designing a portfolio with an advisor's input, guidance, and approval, graduate students can gauge how much outreach is appropriate given their other commitments to teaching, research, and classes. The student benefits from the advisors’ experience and mentorship, promotes the group's research, and establishes a track record of engagement. When graduate student participation in science communication is discussed, it is often recommended that institutions offer or require more training in communication, project management, and leadership. We suggest that graduate students can also adopt a do‐it‐yourself approach that includes determining students’ own outreach objectives and time constraints and communicating these with their advisor. By doing so we hope students will help create a new culture of science communication in graduate student education.Estrategias Prácticas para la Comunicación Científica para Estudiantes de Posgrado
“They Will Take the Country from Us”:LaborZionism, the Origins and Legacy of the “Other” inIsraeli Mass Media, and Hegemonic Narratives
Authors: Frantzman Seth J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAfter 1948,Israel's governing elites embarked on a rigorous program of state building and settling hundreds of thousands ofJewish immigrants. In the process, the elites, primarily from the leadingMapai party, developed a process of otheringJewish immigrants fromArab countries,Arab citizens, andOrthodoxJews. They were physically segregated in their own schools and communities, and the elite culture described them as a threat against theEuropean culture ofJewish immigrants from centralEurope. The process targetedMizrahiJews before moving on to deplore the “demographic threat” ofOrthodoxJews and resulted in the current normative hegemonic discourse inIsrael that paints numerous groups as threatening the state. This article proposes a four‐part model for understanding “the other” inIsrael: contemporary denial and nostalgia for a homogenous past, the view ofZionism as a civilizing mission, the application of separation of ethnic groups in planning, and demographic fear of the other. Altogether, they paint a picture of anIsrael that has not come to grips with its past, and therefore continues the process of “othering” in its contemporary ethnocratic framework. Combining the analysis of geographic separation, and planning and media, it presents an innovative understanding of Israeli society.
Sidelining the Hardliners: A 2+1 Solution forIsrael‐Palestine
Authors: Ferrero Christopher J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article presents a modified two‐state solution to theIsraeli‐Palestinian conflict. A “2 + 1 solution” would see the establishment of aState ofPalestine in theWestBank whose constitution proscribes the participation in government of any party whose platform calls for the elimination ofIsrael;Gaza would accede upon the reform or demise ofHamas. Achieving a state in theWestBank should be the proximate, urgent goal of thePalestinian people. Ideologically motivatedIsraeli settlement of theWestBank continues apace and threatens the viability of a two‐state solution. Meanwhile, religiously motivated policies of colonization hide behind a security narrative conflatingHamas withFatah and suggesting that thePalestinians pose an existential threat. The 2 + 1 solution, by excludingHamas from aState ofPalestine, directly addressesIsrael's legitimate security concerns and thus carries the potential to lay bare the extent to which ideology informsIsraeli policy. The approach also gives moderatePalestinians the opportunity to define the civic values and attributes ofPalestinian national identity in a way that supports a lasting two‐state peace.
Merger andAcquisition Activity as Driver of Spatial Clustering: The Spatial Evolution of theDutch Banking Industry, 1850–1993
Authors: Boschma Ron , Hartog Matté 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the extent to which merger and acquisition (M&A) activity contributed to the spatial clustering of theDutch banking industry inAmsterdam. This analysis is based on a unique database of all banks in theNetherlands that existed in the period 1850–1993. We found that spatial clustering of theDutch banking industry was not driven by the fact that banks performed better in theAmsterdam region: being located inAmsterdam decreased rather than increased the survival chances of banks. However, banks inAmsterdam were disproportionally active in acquiring other banks outsideAmsterdam. Experience inM&As accumulated mainly in the Amsterdam region, which in turn had a positive impact on the survival chances of banks located there. Our findings suggest thatM&Aactivity was a driving force behind the spatial clustering of theDutch banking industry between 1850 and 1993.