bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of wood cell wall porosity using small carbohydrate molecules and confocal fluorescence microscopy
Authors: DONALDSON L.A. , KROESE H.W. , HILL S.J. , FRANICH R.A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA novel approach to nanoscale detection of cell wall porosity using confocal fluorescence microscopy is described. Infiltration of cell walls with a range of nitrophenyl‐substituted carbohydrates of different molecular weights was assessed by measuring changes in the intensity of lignin fluorescence, in response to the quenching effect of the 4‐nitrophenyl group. The following carbohydrates were used in order of increasing molecular weight; 4‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐glucopyrano‐side (monosaccharide), 4‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐lactopyranoside (disaccharide), 2‐chloro‐4‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐maltotrioside (trisaccharide), and 4‐nitrophenyl α‐D‐maltopentaoside (pentasaccharide). This technique was used to compare cell wall porosity in wood which had been dewatered to 40% moisture content using supercritical CO2, where cell walls remain fully hydrated, with kiln dried wood equilibrated to 12% moisture content. Infiltration of cell walls as measured by fluorescence quenching, was found to decrease with increasing molecular weight, with the pentasaccharide being significantly excluded compared to the monosaccharide. Porosity experiments were performed on blocks and sections to assess differences in cell wall accessibility. Dewatered and kiln dried wood infiltrated as blocks showed similar results, but greater infiltration was achieved by using sections, indicating that not all pores were easily accessible by infiltration from the lumen surface. In wood blocks infiltrated with 4‐nitrophenyl α‐D‐maltopentaoside, quenching of the secondary wall was quite variable, especially in kiln dried wood, indicating limited connectivity of pores accessible from the lumen surface.
Effect of super dosing of phytase on growth performance, ileal digestibility and bone characteristics in broilers fed corn–soya‐based diets
Authors: Manobhavan M. , Elangovan A. V. , Sridhar M. , Shet D. , Ajith S. , Pal D. T. , Gowda N. K. S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA feeding trial was designed to assess the effect of super dosing of phytase in corn–soya‐based diets of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty‐eight day‐old broilers were selected and randomly allocated to four dietary treatment groups, with 6 replicates having 7 chicks per treatment group. Two‐phased diets were used. The starter and finisher diet was fed from 0 to 3 weeks and 4 to 5 weeks of age respectively. The dietary treatments were consisted of normal phosphorus (NP) group without any phytase enzyme (4.5 g/kg available/non‐phytin phosphorus (P) during starter and 4.0 g/kg during finisher phase), three low‐phosphorus (LP) groups (3.2 g/kg available/non‐phytin P during starter and 2.8 g/kg during finisher phase) supplemented with phytase at 500, 2500, 5000 FTU/kg diet, respectively, to full fill their phosphorus requirements. The results showed that super doses of phytase (at 2500 FTU and 5000 FTU/kg) on low‐phosphorus diet improved feed intake, body weight gain, ileal digestibility (serine, aspartic acid, calcium, phosphorus), blood P levels and bone minerals such as calcium (Ca), P, magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) content. It could be concluded that super doses of phytase in low‐phosphorus diet were beneficial than the normal standard dose (at 500 FTU/kg) of phytase in diet of broiler chicken.
Involvement of Rho-Kinase/LIM Kinase/Cofilin Signaling Pathway in Corporal Fibrosis after Cavernous Nerve Injury in Male Rats
Authors: Song Sang Hoon , Park Kwanjin , Kim Soo Woong , Paick Jae-Seung , Cho Min Chul 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The molecular mechanism of corporal fibrosis leading to erectile dysfunction (ED) following cavernous nerve (CN) injury is poorly understood.

Aim
To determine whether the LIMK2/cofilin pathway, the downstream effectors of ROCK1, was involved in ED and corporal fibrosis following bilateral CN injury in male rats.

Methods
Forty-eight 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups: sham surgery (S); bilateral CN crush injury (I); and bilateral CN resection (R). Within each groups, two subgroups were analyzed at 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures
Electrostimulation was performed to assess erectile function by the ratio of maximal intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) and areas under the ICP curve to MAP (AUC/MAP). Penile tissue was processed for Masson's trichrome staining, Western blot (ROCK1, total LIMK2, phospho-LIMK2, total cofilin, phospho-cofilin), immunohistochemistry (alpha-SM actin [α-SMA]), and double immunofluorescent staining (ROCK1, phospho-LIMK2, vimentin).

Results
At each time point, both I and R groups showed a significantly lower percent of ICP/MAP and AUC, and decreased SM cell/collagen ratio and expression of α-SMA than S group. Densitometry revealed a significantly higher expression of ROCK1 in I and R groups compared with S group at all time points. The LIMK2 phosphorylation in I and R groups significantly increased at 1 week, but not at 4 weeks. The cofilin phosphorylation in R group significantly increased to that in S group starting at 1 week, while that in I group was increased significantly at 4 weeks. The double immunofluorescent staining noted that coexpression of vimentin with ROCK1 or phospho-LIMK2 in I and R groups was significantly increased mainly in the subtunical area at 1 week but not at 4 weeks.

Conclusions
The ROCK1/LIMK2/cofilin pathway may be involved in ED related to corporal fibrosis, and it appears to be functional particularly in the early period after CN injury.
Satiated Consumers: Allocation of Consumption Time in an Affluent Society
Authors: Fellner Wolfgang J. , Seidl Roman J. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBased on Ian Steedman's seminal contribution ‘Consumption Takes Time’, we propose a formal activity‐based model for consumer behaviour. The model simultaneously incorporates choices over consumption time, as well as quantities and qualities of products consumed. We identify and examine preconditions for satiation with products and draw implications for economic policy. Satiation with products explains the limited effects of price or income changes on demand and questions the pertinence of economic growth for development. It further highlights the relevance of working time reductions for well‐being.
Genome‐wide gene expression dynamics of the fungal pathogen Dothistroma septosporum throughout its infection cycle of the gymnosperm host Pinus radiata
Authors: Bradshaw Rosie E. , Guo Yanan , Sim Andre D. , Kabir M. Shahjahan , Chettri Pranav , Ozturk Ibrahim K. , Hunziker Lukas , Ganley Rebecca J. , Cox Murray P. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWe present genome‐wide gene expression patterns as a time series through the infection cycle of the fungal pine needle blight pathogen, Dothistroma septosporum, as it invades its gymnosperm host, Pinus radiata. We determined the molecular changes at three stages of the disease cycle: epiphytic/biotrophic (early), initial necrosis (mid) and mature sporulating lesion (late). Over 1.7 billion combined plant and fungal reads were sequenced to obtain 3.2 million fungal‐specific reads, which comprised as little as 0.1% of the sample reads early in infection. This enriched dataset shows that the initial biotrophic stage is characterized by the up‐regulation of genes encoding fungal cell wall‐modifying enzymes and signalling proteins. Later necrotrophic stages show the up‐regulation of genes for secondary metabolism, putative effectors, oxidoreductases, transporters and starch degradation. This in‐depth through‐time transcriptomic study provides our first snapshot of the gene expression dynamics that characterize infection by this fungal pathogen in its gymnosperm host.
Suboptimal vitamin K status and its risk factors in a population of Chinese chronic haemodialysis patients
Authors: Feng Yunlin , Ruan Yizhe , He Qiang , Zhang Wensong , Wang Li 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimsVitamin K deficiency is known to be common in haemodialysis patients and associates with adverse outcomes in this population, particularly vascular calcification. We aimed to investigate the vitamin K status in a population of Chinese haemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsWe collected demographic and biochemical data from a population of maintenance HD (MHD) patients in our unit and a control group composed of healthy subjects from our outpatient clinic. Fasting serum samples from all subjects were collected for the measurement of known vitamin K‐dependent proteins i.e. matrix Gla protein (MGP), osteocalcin (OC) and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC). We also quantified the fraction of ucOC to total OC (%ucOC). Differences of these parameters between groups were analyzed and risk factors of vitamin K deficiency based on the definition as per %ucOC were investigated.ResultsWe enrolled 93 MHD patients as a test group and 93 healthy subjects as a control group. There was no significant difference in MGP between groups (4.0 ± 2.8 pg/mL in MHD vs 4.2 ± 1.2 pg/mL in control; P = 0.676). Mean %ucOC was significantly greater in the MHD patients as compared to control subjects (76.4 ± 20.0% in MHD vs 48.56 ± 15.5%; P < 0.001). Time on dialysis and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level appeared to be indicators of vitamin K deficiency, with the former being an independent risk factor.ConclusionsDefining Vitamin K deficiency by %ucOC, suboptimal vitamin K levels appear common in Chinese MHD patients. Time on dialysis and LDL cholesterol level predict vitamin K deficiency.
Visualization and translocation of ternary Calcineurin‐A/Calcineurin‐B/Calmodulin‐2 protein complexes by dual‐color trimolecular fluorescence complementation
Authors: Offenborn Jan Niklas , Waadt Rainer , Kudla Jörg 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Fluorescence complementation (FC) techniques are expedient for analyzing bimolecular protein–protein interactions. Here we aimed to develop a method for visualization of ternary protein complexes using dual‐color trimolecular fluorescence complementation (TriFC).

Dual‐color TriFC combines protein fragments of mCherry and mVenus, in which a scaffold protein is bilaterally fused to C‐terminal fragments of both fluorescent proteins and combined with potential interacting proteins fused to an N‐terminal fluorescent protein fragment. For efficient visual verification of ternary complex formation, TriFC was combined with a cytoplasm to plasma membrane translocation assay.

Modular vector sets were designed which are fully compatible with previously reported bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) vectors. As a proof‐of‐principle, the ternary complex formation of the PP2B protein phosphatase Calcineurin‐A/Calcineurin‐B with Calmodulin‐2 was investigated in transiently transformed Nicotiana benthamiana leaf epidermal cells. The results indicate a Calcineurin‐B‐induced interaction of Calmodulin‐2 with Calcineurin‐A.

TriFC and the translocation of TriFC complexes provide a novel tool to investigate ternary complex formations with the simplicity of a BiFC approach. The robustness of FC applications and the opportunity to quantify fluorescence complementation render this assay suitable for a broad range of interaction analyses.
Cyborgs, biotechnologies, and informatics in health care – new paradigms in nursing sciences
Authors: Monteiro Ana Paula Teixeira de Almeida Vieira 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNursing Sciences are at a moment of paradigmatic transition. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the new epistemological paradigms of nursing science from a critical approach. In this paper, we identified and analysed some new research lines and trends which anticipate the reorganization of nursing sciences and the paradigms emerging from nursing care: biotechnology‐centred knowledge; the interface between nursing knowledge and new information technologies; body care centred knowledge; the human body as a cyborg body; and the rediscovery of an aesthetic knowledge in nursing care.
Transcriptome‐wide analysis of the MADS‐box gene family in the orchid Erycina pusilla
Authors: Lin Choun‐Sea , Hsu Chen‐Tran , Liao De‐Chih , Chang Wan‐Jung , Chou Ming‐Lun , Huang Yao‐Ting , Chen Jeremy J. W. , Ko Swee‐Suak , Chan Ming‐Tsair , Shih Ming‐Che 
Published: April 2015

SummaryOrchids exhibit a range of unique flower shapes and are a valuable ornamental crop. MADS‐box transcription factors are key regulatory components in flower initiation and development. Changing the flower shape and flowering time can increase the value of the orchid in the ornamental horticulture industry. In this study, 28 MADS‐box genes were identified from the transcriptome database of the model orchid Erycina pusilla. The full‐length genomic sequences of these MADS‐box genes were obtained from BAC clones. Of these, 27 were MIKC‐type EpMADS (two truncated forms) and one was a type I EpMADS. Eleven EpMADS genes contained introns longer than 10 kb. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 24 MIKCc genes into nine subfamilies. Three specific protein motifs, AG, FUL and SVP, were identified and used to classify three subfamilies. The expression profile of each EpMADS gene correlated with its putative function. The phylogenetic analysis was highly correlated with the protein domain identification and gene expression results. Spatial expression of EpMADS6, EpMADS12 and EpMADS15 was strongly detected in the inflorescence meristem, floral bud and seed via in situ hybridization. The subcellular localization of the 28 EpMADS proteins was also investigated. Although EpMADS27 lacks a complete MADS‐box domain, EpMADS27‐YFP was localized in the nucleus. This characterization of the orchid MADS‐box family genes provides useful information for both orchid breeding and studies of flowering and evolution.
Metabolic disease in 10 patients with sudden unexpected death in infancy or acute life‐threatening events
Authors: Takahashi Tomoo , Yamada Kenji , Kobayashi Hironori , Hasegawa Yuki , Taketani Takeshi , Fukuda Seiji , Yamaguchi Seiji 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn order to determine the associations between sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) or acute life‐threatening events (ALTE) and inborn errors of metabolism, particularly organic acidemia and fatty acid oxidation disorders, we evaluated clinical features in patients with SUDI or ALTE. The subjects were infants between the ages of 7 days and 3 years who developed SUDI or ALTE between January 2004 and December 2013. They were then diagnosed as having inborn errors of metabolism on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and/or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The age distribution, onset forms, and clinical findings were evaluated during the acute phase. Inborn errors of metabolism were detected in three of 196 patients with SUDI, and in seven of 167 patients with ALTE. Of these 10 patients, nine had a history of poor feeding and somnolence during the neonatal period, and symptoms of infection such as cough, fever or vomiting during infancy. Routine laboratory tests during an acute phase indicated hyperammonemia, liver dysfunction, increased blood creatine kinase, acidosis, positive ketone bodies in urine or blood, or hypoglycemia. When SUDI or ALTE are encountered in the emergency unit, it is essential that a detailed medical history is taken, particularly with regard to the neonatal period, and that specific abnormalities are investigated on routine laboratory tests. Moreover, samples such as urine, serum, and filter paper blood specimens should be collected for GC/MS and/or MS/MS of organic acids and acylcarnitines, to identify inborn metabolic disorders.
Disruption of Cerevisin via Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation affects microsclerotia formation and virulence of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: He X.‐J. , Li X.‐L. , Li Y.‐Z. 
Published: April 2015

Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation (ATMT) was used to obtain a large number of Verticillium dahliae (Vd991) T‐DNA insertion mutants that were randomly integrated. Insertion mutants that produced significantly fewer microsclerotia were chosen for further analysis. Mutant T0065 was identified as having the Cerevisin gene interrupted by T‐DNA, and it was named cerevisin. The cerevisin protein showed a high amino acid sequence similarity with the vacuolar protease B. The mutant strain cerevisin displayed decreased production of microsclerotia and conidia, significantly reduced growth rate and reduction in virulence compared to the wild type. Moreover, the composition of secreted proteins differed between the cerevisin mutant and the wild type. Loss of function of Cerevisin decreased secretion of proteins of low molecular weight (14–25 kDa). Upon treatment with the secreted proteins of the mutant, the degree of leaf wilting decreased, indicating that Cerevisin is implicated in production of these proteins, which are putative pathogenicity factors of V. dahliae. The results suggest that Cerevisin is involved in controlling multiple processes of development and metabolism, plays an important role in vegetative growth and microsclerotia formation and affects virulence of V. dahliae.
Differential reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica in watermelon cultivars and cucurbit rootstocks
Authors: López‐Gómez M. , Talavera M. , Verdejo‐Lucas S. 
Published: April 2015

The suitability of watermelon cultivars and cucurbit rootstocks as hosts to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica was determined in pot and field experiments. Meloidogyne incognita showed higher reproduction than did M. javanica on watermelon and cucurbit rootstocks. The watermelon cultivars did not differ in host status when challenged with these two species and supported lower nematode reproduction than the cucurbit rootstocks. Rootstocks Lagenaria siceraria cv. Pelops and Cucurbita pepo AK15 supported lower reproduction than did the squash hybrid rootstocks (C. maxima × C. moschata). Egg production increased (P < 0·05) with a rising initial inoculum level (Pi) in the non‐grafted Sugar Baby but the reproduction factor Rf (eggs per plant/Pi) was similar at two Pi levels. The total egg production in the plants grafted onto squash hybrids RS841 and Titan was greater (P < 0·05) at the higher Pi, but the Rf values were lower. The development of field‐grown non‐grafted watermelon plants was significantly stunted in plots where nematodes were detected at planting. However, no differences were observed in plots with grafted plants. In plots with nematodes, non‐grafted and Titan‐grafted plants had similar yields that were higher than that of RS841‐grafted plants. In the commercial plastic houses with grafted watermelon, the average Rf value was 42‐fold, confirming the high susceptibility of squash hybrids as rootstocks for grafted watermelon. The Titan–Sugar Baby combination was tolerant to M. javanica.
Effect of azole fungicide mixtures, alternations and dose on azole sensitivity in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Dooley H. , Shaw M. W. , Spink J. , Kildea S. 
Published: April 2015

The evolution of fungicide resistance in the cereal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici is a serious threat to the sustainability and profitability of wheat production in Europe. Application of azole fungicides has been shown to affect fitness of Z. tritici variants differentially, so it has been hypothesized that combinations of azoles could slow the evolution of resistance. This work assessed the effects of dose, mixtures and alternations of two azoles on selection for isolates with reduced sensitivity and on disease control. Naturally infected field trials were carried out at six sites across Ireland and the sensitivity of Z. tritici isolates monitored pre‐ and post‐treatment. Epoxiconazole and metconazole were applied as solo products, in alternation with each other, and as a pre‐formulated mixture. Full and half label doses were tested. Isolates were partially cross‐resistant to the two azoles, with a common azole resistance principal component accounting for 75% of the variation between isolates. Selection for isolates with reduced azole sensitivity was correlated with disease control. Decreased doses were related to decreases in sensitivity but the effect was barely significant (P = 0·1) and control was reduced. Single applications of an active ingredient (a.i.) caused smaller decreases in sensitivity than double applications. Shifts in sensitivity to the a.i. applied to a plot were greater than to the a.i. not applied, and the decrease in sensitivity was greater to the a.i. applied at the second timing. These results confirm the need to mix a.i.s with different modes of action.
Ethical challenges in nursing homes – staff's opinions and experiences with systematic ethics meetings with participation of residents’ relatives
Authors: Bollig Georg , Schmidt Gerda , Rosland Jan Henrik , Heller Andreas 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundMany ethical problems exist in nursing homes. These include, for example, decision‐making in end‐of‐life care, use of restraints and a lack of resources.AimsThe aim of the present study was to investigate nursing home staffs’ opinions and experiences with ethical challenges and to find out which types of ethical challenges and dilemmas occur and are being discussed in nursing homes.MethodsThe study used a two‐tiered approach, using a questionnaire on ethical challenges and systematic ethics work, given to all employees of a Norwegian nursing home including nonmedical personnel, and a registration of systematic ethics discussions from an Austrian model of good clinical practice.ResultsNinety‐one per cent of the nursing home staff described ethical problems as a burden. Ninety per cent experienced ethical problems in their daily work. The top three ethical challenges reported by the nursing home staff were as follows: lack of resources (79%), end‐of‐life issues (39%) and coercion (33%). To improve systematic ethics work, most employees suggested ethics education (86%) and time for ethics discussion (82%). Of 33 documented ethics meetings from Austria during a 1‐year period, 29 were prospective resident ethics meetings where decisions for a resident had to be made. Agreement about a solution was reached in all 29 cases, and this consensus was put into practice in all cases. Residents did not participate in the meetings, while relatives participated in a majority of case discussions. In many cases, the main topic was end‐of‐life care and life‐prolonging treatment.ConclusionsLack of resources, end‐of‐life issues and coercion were ethical challenges most often reported by nursing home staff. The staff would appreciate systematic ethics work to aid decision‐making. Resident ethics meetings can help to reach consensus in decision‐making for nursing home patients. In the future, residents’ participation should be encouraged whenever possible.