bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot‐scale comparison of four duckweed strains from different genera for potential application in nutrient recovery from wastewater and valuable biomass production
Authors: Zhao Y. , Fang Y. , Jin Y. , Huang J. , Bao S. , Fu T. , He Z. , Wang F. , Wang M. , Zhao H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe application potential of four duckweed strains from four genera, Wolffia globosa 0222, Lemna japonica 0223, Landoltia punctata 0224 and Spirodela polyrhiza 0225, were compared in four parallel pilot‐scale wastewater treatment systems for more than 1 year. The results indicated that each duckweed strain had unique potential advantages. Unlike L. japonica 0223 and La. punctata 0224, which grow throughout the year, S. polyrhiza 0225 and W. globosa 0222 do not survive cold weather. For year round performance, L. japonica 0223 was best not only in dry biomass production (6.10 g·m−2·day−1), but also in crude protein (35.50%), total amino acid (26.83%) and phosphorus (1.38%) content, plus recovery rates of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and CO2 (0.31, 0.085 and 7.76 g·m−2·day−1, respectively) and removal rates of TN and TP (0.66 and 0.089 g·m−2·day−1, respectively). This strongly demonstrates that L. japonica 0223 performed best in wastewater treatment and protein biomass production. Under nutrient starvation conditions, La. punctata 0224 had the highest starch content (45.84%), dry biomass production (4.81 g·m−2·day−1) and starch accumulation (2.9 g·m−2·day−1), making it best for starch biomass production. W. globosa 0222 and S. polyrhiza 0225 showed increased flavonoid biomass production, with higher total flavonoid content (5.85% and 4.22%, respectively) and high dominant flavonoids (>60%). This study provides useful information for selecting the appropriate local duckweed strains for further application in wastewater treatment and valuable biomass production.
Zeatin modulates flower bud development and tocopherol levels in Cistus albidus (L.) plants as they age
Authors: Hernández I. , Miret J. A. , Van Der Kelen K. , Rombaut D. , Van Breusegem F. , Munné‐Bosch S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn a previous study we showed that Cistus albidus (L.) experiences an age‐dependent decay in flower vigour correlated with a decline in trans‐zeatin (tZ) levels. In the present study we aimed to establish a causal relationship between these two phenomena. Exogenous tZ applied to plants grown under semi‐controlled conditions did not rescue flower vigour; however, it accelerated flower development, but only in younger individuals. Older plants showed lower tocopherol levels in flower buds, which were restored by exogenous tZ, suggesting that a loss of antioxidant defences may underlie the age‐dependent decay in flower vigour. We conclude that declining tZ levels may not be directly responsible for the age‐associated loss of floral vigour; that tZ modulates the speed of flower development as plants age; and that flower buds alter their sensitivity to tZ as plants age.
Limited evolutionary divergence of seedlings after the domestication of plant species
Authors: Milla R. , Morente‐López J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe most vulnerable stage in the life of plants is the seedling. The transition from wild to agricultural land that plants experienced during and after domestication implied a noticeable change in the seedlings′ environment. Building on current knowledge of seedling ecology, and on previous studies of cassava, we hypothesise that cultivation should have promoted epigeal germination of seedlings, and more exposed and photosynthetic cotyledons. To test this hypothesis, we phenotyped seedling morpho‐functional traits in a set of domesticated and wild progenitor accessions of 20 Eudicot herbaceous crop species. Qualitative traits like epi‐ versus hypogeal germination, leafy versus storage type of cotyledons, or crypto‐ versus phanerocotyledonar germination, remained conserved during the domestication of all 20 species. Lengths of hypocotyls and epicotyls, of cotyledon petioles, and indices of cotyledon exposure to the aboveground environment changed during evolution under cultivation. However, those changes occurred in diverse directions, depending on the crop species. No common seedling phenotypic convergence in response to domestication was thus detected among the group of species studied here. Also, none of the 20 crops evolved in accordance with our initial hypothesis. Our results reject the idea that strong selective filters exerted unconsciously by artificial selection should have resulted in generalised channelling of seedling morphology towards more productive and more herbivore risky phenotypes. This result opens up unexplored opportunities for directional breeding of seedling traits.
Application of in vitro digestibility methods in aquaculture: constraints and perspectives
Authors: Moyano Francisco J. , Saénz de Rodrigáñez Miguel A. , Díaz Manuel , Tacon Albert G. J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn vitro assays simulating the digestion process have been extensively used in the evaluation of the nutritional quality of foods and feeds for humans and terrestrial animals. Such techniques have been comparatively less used in nutrition of aquacultured species, although in recent years the interest in developing alternatives to the conventional in vivo digestibility assays has increased. Using 65 published papers as a reference, this review summarizes the different approaches and configurations used to date in the simulation of the digestion of food by aquatic animals, as well as the main limitations detected in the different methods and the potential advantages derived from their application. Some recommendations are suggested to develop suitable in vitro assays oriented either to the nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients or to get a more detailed knowledge on the interactions among digestive enzymes and feed components.
Comparison of Cryoprotective Effects of Lycopene and Cysteamine in Different Cryoprotectants on Bull Semen and Fertility Results
Authors: Tuncer PB , Büyükleblebici S , Eken A , Taşdemir U , Durmaz E , Büyükleblebici O , Çoşkun E 
Published: June 2014

ContentsThe objectives of this study were to compare glycerol and ethylene glycol at different concentrations as cryoprotectants and lycopene or cysteamine (with/without) as antioxidants in Tris extender for bull semen. Twenty‐four ejaculates were obtained from three bulls. Each ejaculate was split into four equal aliquots and diluted using both of the Tris extenders with glycerol (5% or 7%) or ethylene glycol (3% or 5%). After that, each extenders were split into three equal aliquots and added using both of the cysteamine 5 mm or lycopene 500 μg/ml, and control (without additives). The addition of 7% glycerol with cysteamine, 5% ethylene glycol with cysteamine and 3% ethylene glycol with cysteamine groups gave the lowest CASA motility than the other groups. However, 7% glycerol and 7% glycerol with lycopene resulted in a better rate of CASA progressive motility compared with that of other groups. Generally, all the lycopene groups signed better protective effects on acrosome and total morphology than the other groups. Glycerol 7% and 3% ethylene glycol with lycopene groups yielded to slight higher percentages of membrane integrity assessed by HOST than that of the other groups, but 7% glycerol with cysteamine and 3% ethylene glycol with cysteamine showed the worst percentages of membrane integrity. Glycerol 7% and 5% glycerol with lycopene gave rise to a higher value of VAP, VSL and VCL compared with that of the other groups. On the contrary, adding to 5% glycerol with cysteamine showed negative effect for VAP, VSL, VCL and ALH values. All cryoprotectant groups with lycopene decreased chromatin damage than the other groups. Ethylene glycol 3% led to lower non‐return rates of inseminated cows. However, this result was not considered to be statistically important.
Testing theMarshall–Lerner Condition inKenya
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil‐Alana Luis Alberiko , Mudida Robert 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this paper we examine theMarshall–Lerner (ML) condition for the Kenyan economy. In particular, we use quarterly data on the log of real exchange rates, export/import ratio and relative (US) income for the time period 1996q1‐2011q4, and employ techniques based on the concept of long memory or long‐range dependence. Specifically, we use fractional integration and cointegration methods, which are more general than standard approaches based exclusively on integer degrees of differentiation. The results indicate that there exists a well‐defined, cointegrating relationship linking the balance of payments to the real exchange rate and relative income, and that theMLcondition is satisfied in the long run, although the convergence process is relatively slow. They also imply that a moderate depreciation of the Kenyan shilling may have a stabilising influence on the balance of trade through the current account without the need for high interest rates.
Review of the Annual Phosphorus Loss Estimator tool – a new model for estimating phosphorus losses at the field scale
Authors: Benskin C. McW. H. , Roberts W. M. , Wang Y. , Haygarth P. M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractModels that estimate P‐loss from agricultural land to surface waters are important tools used by soil scientists, catchment scientists and land managers, to help identify high‐risk areas and determine measures that can reduce such losses. A widely used method for predicting P‐loss from agricultural land is the ‘Phosphorus Index’ (PI) tool, developed by Lemunyon and Gilbert [Journal of Production Agriculture (1993), 6, 483–486], which requires relatively basic input data and provides a qualitative estimate of the risk of P‐loss from agricultural fields. The PI delivers a single numerical score, typically expressed as a risk factor ranging from ‘low’ to ‘very high’. Across the USA, state‐wide adaptations to the original PI resulted in widely differing indices. In an attempt to reduce these interstate discrepancies, the US Department for Agriculture developed the Annual Phosphorus Loss Estimator (APLE; Vadas et al., Journal of Environmental Quality (2009), 38, 1645–1653) tool to provide a more transparent and quantitative (rather than qualitative) output for both particulate and dissolved P fractions. This short review compares the latest incarnation of the PI in the APLE tool with other P management indices and explores the various features and opportunities included in the model's inbuilt equations.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning self‐medication with antibiotics among university students in western China
Authors: Lv Bing , Zhou Zhongliang , Xu Guiping , Yang Dingkun , Wu Lina , Shen Qian , Jiang Minghuan , Wang Xiao , Zhao Guilan , Yang Shimin , Fang Yu 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviours of university students on the use of antibiotics.MethodsA knowledge–attitude–practice questionnaire was developed and distributed to undergraduate students of Xi'an Jiaotong University, comprising 18 schools/colleges in Shaanxi Province, western China. Chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify risk factors associated with self‐medication with antibiotics.ResultsOf the 731 respondents (response rate = 73.1%), 294 (40.2%) had self‐medicated with antibiotics in the past 6 months. Most of the antibiotics (59.2%) for self‐medication were purchased without prescription in retail pharmacies. The median score of students' knowledge about antibiotics was 4 (IQR: 3–6) of a maximum possible score of 10. Students had moderately accurate beliefs towards antibiotics. More than half of the students (56.5%) were storing antibiotics frequently. During self‐medication, 16.7% of students claimed to have experienced adverse reactions, and 30.6% had used antibiotics to prevent common colds. The majority preferred to use broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and nearly half preferred intravenous antibiotics. Over 44% of students had changed antibiotic dosage, and 36.5% had switched to another antibiotic during the treatment course. Logistic regression analysis identified college and home town as independent risk factors for self‐medication with antibiotics (P < 0.01).ConclusionsUndergraduate students had inadequate knowledge, moderately accurate beliefs and inappropriate practices concerning antibiotics, and a high rate of self‐medication. This highlights the need for focused educational intervention and stricter governmental regulation concerning antibiotic use and sale in retail pharmacies.
Static Langer's line and wound contraction rates according to anatomical regions in a porcine model
Authors: Kwak Minho , Son Daegu , Kim Junhyung , Han Kihwan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study investigated wound contraction rates according to anatomical regions and wound morphology according to skin tension line in a micropig porcine model. Of the four animals used, skin tension morphology was determined in one pig. In the remaining three pigs, six pairs of full‐thickness skin excisions were created on the dorsum (six square and six circular). The wounds were grouped, Wounds #1 through #5, according to the skin tension line and anatomical regions: Wounds #1 and #2, cephalic; Wounds #4 and #5, caudal; and Wound #3, center. Wound sizes and contraction rates were calculated for 28 days. A static tension topography of the micropig dorsum was obtained. Excisional wounds deformed along the local tension vector and healed in this fashion. Wound contraction rates were significantly higher for cephalic wounds (p = 0.004). No significant difference in wound contraction rates were observed between square and circular wounds. Final wound morphology was related to the local tension vector and initial wound shape. Cephalic wounds contracted more quickly. Further studies are needed to characterize scar formation after primarily closed surgical wounds in relation to the newly established skin tension topography and to elucidate the mechanism behind the variable wound contraction rates in the cephalocaudal gradient.
Capsule Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans Is Coordinated with Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: García-Rodas Rocío , Cordero Radames J. B. , Trevijano-Contador Nuria , Janbon Guilhem , Moyrand Frédérique , Casadevall Arturo , Zaragoza Oscar 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

The fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
has several virulence factors, among which the most important is a polysaccharide capsule. The size of the capsule is variable and can increase significantly during infection. In this work, we investigated the relationship between capsular enlargement and the cell cycle. Capsule growth occurred primarily during the G
1
phase. Real-time visualization of capsule growth demonstrated that this process occurred before the appearance of the bud and that capsule growth arrested during budding. Benomyl, which arrests the cells in G
2
/M, inhibited capsule growth, while sirolimus (rapamycin) addition, which induces G
1
arrest, resulted in cells with larger capsule. Furthermore, we have characterized a mutant strain that lacks a putative G
1
/S cyclin. This mutant showed an increased capacity to enlarge the capsule, both
in vivo
(using
Galleria mellonella
as the host model) and
in vitro
. In the absence of Cln1, there was a significant increase in the production of extracellular vesicles. Proteomic assays suggest that in the
cln1
mutant strain, there is an upregulation of the glyoxylate acid cycle. Besides, this cyclin mutant is avirulent at 37°C, which correlates with growth defects at this temperature in rich medium. In addition, the
cln1
mutant showed lower intracellular replication rates in murine macrophages. We conclude that cell cycle regulatory elements are involved in the modulation of the expression of the main virulence factor in
C. neoformans
.

IMPORTANCE
Cryptococcus neoformans
is a pathogenic fungus that has significant incidence worldwide. Its main virulence factor is a polysaccharide capsule that can increase in size during infection. In this work, we demonstrate that this process occurs in a specific phase of the cell cycle, in particular, in G
1
. In agreement, mutants that have an abnormal longer G
1
phase show larger capsule sizes. We believe that our findings are relevant because they provide a link between capsule growth, cell cycle progression, and virulence in
C. neoformans
that reveals new aspects about the pathogenicity of this fungus. Moreover, our findings indicate that cell cycle elements could be used as antifungal targets in
C. neoformans
by affecting both the growth of the cells and the expression of the main virulence factor of this pathogenic yeast.
The Characterization of RNA Viruses in Tropical Seawater Using Targeted PCR and Metagenomics
Authors: Culley Alexander I. , Mueller Jaclyn A. , Belcaid Madhi , Wood-Charlson Elisha M. , Poisson Guylaine , Steward Grieg F. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Viruses have a profound influence on the ecology and evolution of plankton, but our understanding of the composition of the aquatic viral communities is still rudimentary. This is especially true of those viruses having RNA genomes. The limited data that have been published suggest that the RNA virioplankton is dominated by viruses with positive-sense, single-stranded (+ss) genomes that have features in common with those of eukaryote-infecting viruses in the order
Picornavirales
(picornavirads). In this study, we investigated the diversity of the RNA virus assemblages in tropical coastal seawater samples using targeted PCR and metagenomics. Amplification of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes from fractions of a buoyant density gradient suggested that the distribution of two major subclades of the marine picornavirads was largely congruent with the distribution of total virus-like RNA, a finding consistent with their proposed dominance. Analyses of the RdRp sequences in the library revealed the presence of many diverse phylotypes, most of which were related only distantly to those of cultivated viruses. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that there were hundreds of unique picornavirad-like phylotypes in one 35-liter sample that differed from one another by at least as much as the differences among currently recognized species. Assembly of the sequences in the metagenome resulted in the reconstruction of six essentially complete viral genomes that had features similar to viruses in the families
Bacillarna
-,
Dicistro
-, and
Marnaviridae
. Comparison of the tropical seawater metagenomes with those from other habitats suggests that +ssRNA viruses are generally the most common types of RNA viruses in aquatic environments, but biases in library preparation remain a possible explanation for this observation.

IMPORTANCE
Marine plankton account for much of the photosynthesis and respiration on our planet, and they influence the cycling of carbon and the distribution of nutrients on a global scale. Despite the fundamental importance of viruses to plankton ecology and evolution, most of the viruses in the sea, and the identities of their hosts, are unknown. This report is one of very few that delves into the genetic diversity within RNA-containing viruses in the ocean. The data expand the known range of viral diversity and shed new light on the physical properties and genetic composition of RNA viruses in the ocean.
Standards for Sequencing Viral Genomes in the Era of High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Ladner Jason T. , Beitzel Brett , Chain Patrick S. G. , Davenport Matthew G. , Donaldson Eric , Frieman Matthew , Kugelman Jeffrey , Kuhn Jens H. , O’Rear Jules , Sabeti Pardis C. , Wentworth David E. , Wiley Michael R. , Yu Guo-Yun ,   The Threat Characterization Consortium, Sozhamannan Shanmuga , Bradburne Christopher , Palacios Gustavo 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies, genome sequencing has become a common component in nearly all aspects of viral research; thus, we are experiencing an explosion in both the number of available genome sequences and the number of institutions producing such data. However, there are currently no common standards used to convey the quality, and therefore utility, of these various genome sequences. Here, we propose five “standard” categories that encompass all stages of viral genome finishing, and we define them using simple criteria that are agnostic to the technology used for sequencing. We also provide genome finishing recommendations for various downstream applications, keeping in mind the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different levels of finishing. Our goal is to define a common vocabulary that will allow comparison of genome quality across different research groups, sequencing platforms, and assembly techniques.
A mixed methods feasibility study to evaluate the use of a low-intensity, nurse-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dainty Andrew David , Fox Mark , Lewis Nina , Hunt Melissa , Holtham Elizabeth , Timmons Stephen , Kinsella Philip , Wragg Andrew , Callaghan Patrick 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and bloating. These symptoms impact on health-related quality of life, result in excess service utilisation and are a significant burden to healthcare systems. Certain mechanisms which underpin IBS can be explained by a biopsychosocial model which is amenable to psychological treatment using techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). While current evidence supports CBT interventions for this group of patients, access to these treatments within the UK healthcare system remains problematic.Methods and analysisA mixed methods feasibility randomised controlled trial will be used to assess the feasibility of a low-intensity, nurse-delivered guided self-help intervention within secondary care gastrointestinal clinics. A total of 60 participants will be allocated across four treatment conditions consisting of: high-intensity CBT delivered by a fully qualified cognitive behavioural therapist, low-intensity guided self-help delivered by a registered nurse, self-help only without therapist support and a treatment as usual control condition. Participants from each of the intervention arms of the study will be interviewed in order to identify potential barriers and facilitators to the implementation of CBT interventions within clinical practice settings. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics only. Qualitative data will be analysed using a group thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study will provide essential information regarding the feasibility of nurse-delivered CBT interventions within secondary care gastrointestinal clinics. The data gathered during this study would also provide useful information when planning a substantive trial and will assist funding bodies when considering investment in substantive trial funding. A favourable opinion for this research was granted by the Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee.Trial registration numberISRCTN: 83683687 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN83683687).