bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular cytogenetics of Leymus: Mapping the Ns genome‐specific repetitive sequences
Authors: ANAMTHAWAT‐JÓNSSON Kesara 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to summarize the work in my group on FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) mapping of Ns‐specific repetitive DNA sequences from Leymus and discuss the results in the context of classification based on the genome system currently used among Triticeae researchers. The key question here is whether the genome composition of a tetraploid Leymus species should be NsXm or NsNs (Ns1Ns2). Different types of Leymus‐specific dispersed retroelement‐like repeats have been isolated and characterized. Because the sequences occur in significantly high copy number in Leymus, based on strong hybridization signal in Southern blots, they are considered essentially specific to Leymus. They are also abundant in Psathyrostachys, the progenitor of Ns genome in Leymus. These dispersed repeats are found to distribute over the whole of all Leymus chromosomes, without any differentiation between chromosomes that have been suggested to be of different genomic origins, meaning that all genomes in Leymus are the same. GISH (genomic in situ hybridization) experiments on Leymus chromosomes using Psathyrostachys genomic DNA as probes further support the NsNs (Ns1Ns2) genome constitution for Leymus. The Xm genome of an unknown origin might have been there in the beginning of the allopolyploidization process, but the Ns genome‐specific elements must have spread predominantly and rapidly across genomes, thus homogenizing the nuclear genomes of Leymus. I present here for the first time evidence that Ns‐specific dispersed repeats can spread in a very short time, from Leymus over to wheat in Triticum × Leymus hybrids growing in artificial conditions.
Ruminant mandibular tooth mesowear: a new scheme for increasing paleoecological sample sizes
Authors: Fraser D. , Zybutz T. , Lightner E. , Theodor J. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractExtension of the mesowear method to include the lower cheek teeth of ruminants will dramatically increase sample sizes and thus the statistical power of paleodietary inferences. However, the mesowear method of Fortelius and Solounias, which was designed for application to the upper molars, does not effectively separate ruminant species by diet when applied to the lower teeth. Upper and lower mesowear scores have sometimes been compared among non‐analogous cusps (i.e. the buccal cusps of the maxillary teeth, which experience incursion and the buccal cusps of the mandibular teeth, which experience excursion during the chewing stroke). We therefore compare mesowear scores between the buccal cusps of maxillary cheek teeth and the lingual cusps of mandibular cheek for a large sample of ruminants because both cusps experience incursion during the chewing stroke. Using the original mesowear scoring method, we find dietary signal in both the maxillary and mandibular cheek teeth and a high correlation between them using both non‐phylogenetic and phylogenetic comparative methods. Noting unique patterns of mesowear among the mandibular teeth, we also propose a new scoring method with additional wear categories that improves dietary inference when applied to the lower teeth and is highly repeatable. We also find that mandibular mesowear scores are consistently lower than for their maxillary counterparts. Although differential wear among the upper and lower teeth is much less apparent when applying our new scoring method, wear differences might relate to anisodonty (i.e. mandibular cheek teeth are narrower). Overall, we recommend our new scoring method for application to the lingual cusps of the lower second molars of fossil ruminants.
Discovery of the most distal Ries tektites found in Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland
Authors: Brachaniec Tomasz , Szopa Krzysztof , Karwowski Łukasz 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe report the first occurrence of moldavites in Poland. This discovery confirms the hypothesis that moldavites could have been distributed up to 500 km from the Ries crater in Germany. The tektites were reworked from Middle Miocene sediments and redeposited in Late Miocene (Pannonian) fluvial deposits of the Gozdnicka Formation in Lower Silesia. The Polish moldavites are represented by nine (<8 mm) fragments with a total of 0.471 g. The lack of the autochthonous tektites indicates that tektites investigated here had to be redeposited in a fluvial environment, probably from the Lusatian area. The chemical composition of the Polish moldavites plots in the same area with those from other localities.
Shocked quartz grains from the Målingen structure, Sweden—Evidence for a twin crater of the Lockne impact structure
Authors: Alwmark C. , Alwmark‐Holm S. , Ormö J. , Sturkell E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Målingen structure in Sweden has for a long time been suspected to be the result of an impact; however, no hard evidence, i.e., shock metamorphic features or traces of the impactor, has so far been presented. Here we show that quartz grains displaying planar deformation features (PDFs) oriented along crystallographic planes typical for shock metamorphism are present in drill core samples from the structure. The shocked material was recovered from basement breccias, below the sediment infill, and the distribution of the orientation of the shock‐produced PDFs indicates that the studied material experienced low shock pressures. Based on our findings, we can exclude that the material is transported from the nearby Lockne impact structure, which means that the Målingen structure is a separate impact structure, the seventh confirmed impact structure in Sweden. Furthermore, sedimentological and biostratigraphic aspects of the deposits that fill the depression at Målingen are very similar to features at the Lockne impact structure. This implies a coeval formation age and thus also the confirmation of the first known marine target doublet impact craters on Earth (i.e., the Lockne–Målingen pair).
Iron‐responsive chromatin remodelling and MAPK signalling enhance adhesion in Candida albicans
Authors: Puri Sumant , Lai William K. M. , Rizzo Jason M. , Buck Michael J. , Edgerton Mira 
Published: May 2014

SummaryRecent cumulative data show that various transcription factors are recruited to the chromatin in an iron‐responsive manner to affect diverse cellular functions in the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Here we identified groups of iron‐responsive genes in C. albicans by chromatin remodelling analysis at gene promoters, using micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion followed by deep sequencing. Chromatin in the promoter regions of iron uptake and utilization genes showed repressed and active configuration, respectively, under iron‐replete conditions. GO Term enrichment analysis of genes with differentially remodelled chromatin, in respective promoter locales, suggested that many genes involved in adhesion are also iron‐responsive. C. albicans was observed to be more self‐adherent (twofold increase) and formed higher biofilm mass (77% increase) in the presence of iron. Furthermore, we identified various known and novel adhesion‐related genes with iron‐dependent active chromatin profiles that are indicative of potential upregulation under iron‐replete conditions. Transcription factor Cph1 that is activated upon Cek1 phosphorylation also showed an active chromatin profile under iron‐replete conditions and cells showed iron‐responsive Cek1 MAPK phosphorylation in the presence of iron. Thus, iron affects diverse biological functions by modulating chromatin profiles of large gene sets and by signalling through Cek1 MAPK in C. albicans.
PsMPK7, a stress‐associated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in Phytophthora sojae, is required for stress tolerance, reactive oxygenated species detoxification, cyst germination, sexual reproduction and infection of soybean
Authors: Gao Jian , Cao Mingna , Ye Wenwu , Li Haiyang , Kong Liang , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Yuanchao 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe sensing of stress signals and their transduction into appropriate responses are crucial for the adaptation, survival and infection of phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes. Amongst evolutionarily conserved pathways, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades function as key signal transducers that use phosphorylation to convey information. In this study, we identified a gene, designated PsMPK7, one of 14 predicted genes encoding MAPKs in Phytophthora sojae. PsMPK7 was highly transcribed in each tested stage, but was up‐regulated in the zoospore, cyst and cyst germination stages. Silencing of PsMPK7 affected the growth of germinated cysts, oospore production and the pathogenicity of soybean. PsMPK7 transcription was induced by stresses from sorbitol, NaCl and hydrogen peroxide. Transformants in which PsMPK7 expression was silenced (PsMPK7‐silenced) were significantly more sensitive to osmotic and oxidative stress. Aniline blue and diaminobenzidine staining revealed that the silenced lines did not suppress the host reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, indicating that either the inoculated plants activated stronger defence responses to the transformants and/or the PsMPK7‐silenced transformants failed to overcome plant defences. In addition, extracellular secretion of laccase decreased in the silenced lines. Overall, our results indicate that the PsMPK7 gene encodes a stress‐associated MAPK in P. sojae that is important not only for responses to various stresses, but also for ROS detoxification, cyst germination, sexual oospore production and infection of soybean.
The origins and progress of genomics research on Tef (Eragrostis tef)
Authors: Girma Dejene , Assefa Kebebew , Chanyalew Solomon , Cannarozzi Gina , Kuhlemeier Cris , Tadele Zerihun 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTef, Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter, is the most important cereal in Ethiopia. Tef is cultivated by more than five million small‐scale farmers annually and constitutes the staple food for more than half of the population of 80 million. The crop is preferred by both farmers and consumers due to its beneficial traits associated with its agronomy and utilization. The genetic and phenotypic diversity of tef in Ethiopia is a national treasure of potentially global importance. In order for this diversity to be effectively conserved and utilized, a better understanding at the genomic level is necessary. In the recent years, tef has become the subject of genomic research in Ethiopia and abroad. Genomic‐assisted tef improvement holds tremendous potential for improving productivity, thereby benefiting the smallholder farmers who have cultivated and relied on the crop for thousands of years. It is hoped that such research endeavours will provide solutions to some of the age‐old problems of tef's husbandry. In this review, we provide a brief description of the genesis and progress of tef genomic research to date, suggest ways to utilize the genomic tools developed so far, discuss the potential of genomics to enable sustainable conservation and use of tef genetic diversity and suggest opportunities for the future research.
Re‐interpreting plant morphological responses to UV‐B radiation
Authors: ROBSON T. MATTHEW , KLEM KAREL , URBAN OTMAR , JANSEN MARCEL A. K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThere is a need to reappraise the effects of UV‐B radiation on plant morphology in light of improved mechanistic understanding of UV‐B effects, particularly elucidation of the UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) photoreceptor. We review responses at cell and organismal levels, and explore their underlying regulatory mechanisms, function in UV protection and consequences for plant fitness. UV‐induced morphological changes include thicker leaves, shorter petioles, shorter stems, increased axillary branching and altered root:shoot ratios. At the cellular level, UV‐B morphogenesis comprises changes in cell division, elongation and/or differentiation. However, notwithstanding substantial new knowledge of molecular, cellular and organismal UV‐B responses, there remains a clear gap in our understanding of the interactions between these organizational levels, and how they control plant architecture. Furthermore, despite a broad consensus that UV‐B induces relatively compact architecture, we note substantial diversity in reported phenotypes. This may relate to UV‐induced morphological changes being underpinned by different mechanisms at high and low UV‐B doses. It remains unproven whether UV‐induced morphological changes have a protective function involving shading and decreased leaf penetration of UV‐B, counterbalancing trade‐offs such as decreased photosynthetic light capture and plant‐competitive abilities. Future research will need to disentangle seemingly contradictory interactions occurring at the threshold UV dose where regulation and stress‐induced morphogenesis overlap.
Cardiac Screening in Infants with Infantile Hemangiomas before Propranolol Treatment
Authors: Blei Francine , McElhinney Doff B. , Guarini Ascanio , Presti Salvatore 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThere is no uniform pretreatment cardiac evaluation for infants treated with oral propranolol, which is now the drug of choice for hemangiomas of infancy requiring systemic medical intervention. The aim of this study was to report and evaluate the findings of pretreatment cardiac evaluation. Data were reviewed for patients evaluated by a single hemangioma specialist and a single pediatric cardiologist prior to initiation of propranolol for infantile hemangioma. Cardiac evaluation included a complete echocardiogram. From July 2009 through January 2013, 239 consecutive patients 12 months of age or younger (median 2.7 months) were screened. No patients had cardiac contraindications to propranolol. However, 50 patients (21%) had an abnormal echocardiogram: 39 atrial septal defects (5 associated with right heart enlargement), 6 ventricular septal defects, 2 patent ductus arteriosus, 1 aortic coarctation, 1 pulmonary valve stenosis, and 1 aberrant subclavian artery. Overall, 69 patients had an audible heart murmur, 44 of which were not associated with pathologic findings on echocardiogram. All patients with a ventricular septal defect and 16 of 39 with an atrial septal defect had a murmur. Two of seven patients with PHACE syndrome had cardiac anomalies. None of the findings precluded the use of propranolol. Assisted reproductive technologies were used in 18% of pregnancies, including in vitro fertilization in 12%. Cardiac contraindications to propranolol treatment are uncommon in patients with infantile hemangioma. However, anatomic abnormalities were more common than reported in the general population. Further study is necessary to determine whether there is a pathogenic relationship between cardiac defects and nonsyndromic infantile hemangioma.
Prevention of Diaper Dermatitis in Infants—a Literature Review
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Hauser Matthias , Lünnemann Lena , Stamatas Georgios N. , Kottner Jan , Garcia Bartels Natalie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDiaper dermatitis (DD) is one of the most common skin conditions in neonates and infants, with a peak between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Appropriate skin care practices that support skin barrier function and protect the buttocks skin from urine and feces are supposed to be effective in the prevention ofDD. Despite many recommendations for parents and caregivers on proper diaper skin care, there is no up‐to‐date synthesis of the available evidence to develop recommendations forDDprevention practice. Therefore we performed a systematic literature review on the efficacy of nonmedical skin care practices on the diapered area of healthy, full‐term infants ages 0 to 24 months. We identified 13 studies covering skin care practices such as cleansing, bathing, and application of topical products.DDprevalence and incidence and physiologic skin parameters were used as efficacy parameters. The results of this review indicate that cleansing of the diaper area using baby wipes or water and a washcloth have comparable effects on diapered skin. Bathing with a liquid baby cleanser twice weekly seems comparable with water alone. The application of ointments containing zinc oxide or petrolatum with or without vitamin A seems to have comparable effects onDDseverity. There seems to be no information on whether single skin care practices such as cleansing, bathing, and application of topical preparations can preventDD. High‐quality randomized clinical trials are needed to show the effectiveness of skin care practices for controlling and preventingDD.
Questing activity in bed bug populations: male and female responses to host signals
Authors: Aak Anders , Rukke Bjørn A. , Soleng Arnulf , Rosnes Marte K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA large‐arena bioassay is used to examine sex differences in spatiotemporal patterns of bed bug Cimex lectularius L. behavioural responses to either a human host or CO2 gas. After release in the centre of the arena, 90% of newly‐fed bed bugs move to hiding places in the corners within 24 h. They require 3 days to settle down completely in the arena, with generally low activity levels and the absence of responses to human stimuli for 5 days. After 8–9 days, persistent responses can be recorded. Sex differences are observed, in which females are more active during establishment, respond faster after feeding, expose themselves more than males during the daytime, and respond more strongly to the host signal. The number of bed bugs that rest in harbourages is found to vary significantly according to light setting and sex. Both sexes stay inside harbourages more in daylight compared with night, and males hide more than females during the daytime but not during the night. The spatial distribution of the bed bugs is also found to change with the presence of CO2, and peak aggregation around the odour source is observed after 24 min. Both male and female bed bugs move from hiding places or the border of the arena toward the centre where CO2 is released. Peak responses are always highest during the night. Bed bug behaviour and behaviour‐regulating features are discussed in the context of control methods.
Occurrence of resistance‐breaking strains of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus in sugar beet in northwestern Europe and identification of a new variant of the viral pathogenicity factor P25
Authors: Bornemann K. , Hanse B. , Varrelmann M. , Stevens M. 
Published: May 2014

Rhizomania, one of the most devastating diseases in sugar beet production, is caused by Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) and transmitted by Polymyxa betae. Previously, disease control was possible by cultivation of sugar beet hybrids carrying a major resistance gene Rz1, which restricts virus accumulation in taproots and suppresses symptom development. Over the last few years, BNYVV strains with four RNA components have arisen, which are able to overcome Rz1‐mediated resistance. All strains described so far possess an A67V amino acid exchange within the RNA3‐encoded P25 pathogenicity factor. In this study, BNYVV was isolated from Rz1 plants, collected in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, displaying patches of strong rhizomania symptoms. Sequencing of the coat protein and P25 gene of three isolates showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity and detected AYPR as the P25 tetrad amino acid composition. The ability of this strain to accumulate to higher levels in young plants of Rz1 resistant but not in Rz1 + Rz2 resistant genotypes was initially demonstrated in a greenhouse assay in natural field soil from the Netherlands. This strain was loaded into a virus‐free P. betae population and compared to reference strains. The AYPR strain retained its resistance‐breaking ability in the Rz1 genotypes and displayed replication at a higher rate compared to the Rz1‐resistance‐breaking P type. The strain origin is unclear and it remains speculative whether the occurrence at different geographic locations is the result of independent selection or displacement of infested soil.
Participation, Online and Otherwise: What's the Difference for Policy Preferences?
Authors: Oser Jennifer , Leighley Jan E. , Winneg Kenneth M. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveOne explanation for why voters’ preferences are privileged by policymakers is that voters are likely to communicate their preferences through additional avenues as well. We examine this “communication hypothesis” by comparing the policy preferences of different types of political participators.MethodsWe analyze the National Annenberg Election Survey (2008) using latent class analysis to identify different types of political participators and multinomial logistic regression to compare the policy preferences of these participator types.ResultsVoters who also engage in additional online and/or offline political acts have policy preferences that differ in a number of meaningful ways from those who “only” vote.ConclusionThe findings indicate that prior research has overlooked important evidence on the connection between citizen participation and political outcomes due to a primary focus on the act of voting. This study suggests how future research can assess the impact of citizens’ broader patterns of political participation.
Dengue disease surveillance: an updated systematic literature review
Authors: Runge‐Ranzinger S. , McCall P. J. , Kroeger A. , Horstick O. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo review the evidence for the application of tools for dengue outbreak prediction/detection and trend monitoring in passive and active disease surveillance systems in order to develop recommendations for endemic countries and identify important research needs.MethodsThis systematic literature review followed the protocol of a review from 2008, extending the systematic search from January 2007 to February 2013 on PubMed, EMBASE, CDSR, WHOLIS and Lilacs. Data reporting followed the PRISMA statement. The eligibility criteria comprised (i) population at risk of dengue, (ii) dengue disease surveillance, (iii) outcome of surveillance described and (iv) empirical data evaluated. The analysis classified studies based on the purpose of the surveillance programme. The main limitation of the review was expected publication bias.ResultsA total of 1116 papers were identified of which 36 articles were included in the review. Four cohort‐based prospective studies calculated expansion factors demonstrating remarkable levels of underreporting in the surveillance systems. Several studies demonstrated that enhancement methods such as laboratory support, sentinel‐based reporting and staff motivation contributed to improvements in dengue reporting. Additional improvements for passive surveillance systems are possible by incorporating simple data forms/entry/electronic‐based reporting; defining clear system objectives; performing data analysis at the lowest possible level (e.g. district); seeking regular data feedback. Six studies showed that serotype changes were positively correlated with the number of reported cases or with dengue incidence, with lag times of up to 6 months. Three studies found that data on internet searches and event‐based surveillance correlated well with the epidemic curve derived from surveillance data.ConclusionsPassive surveillance providing the baseline for outbreak alert should be strengthened and appropriate threshold levels for outbreak alerts investigated. Additional enhancement tools such as syndromic surveillance, laboratory support and motivation strategies can be added. Appropriate alert signals need to be identified and integrated into a risk assessment tool. Shifts in dengue serotypes/genotype or electronic event‐based surveillance have also considerable potential as indicator in dengue surveillance. Further research on evidence‐based response strategies and cost‐effectiveness is needed.