bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EjAP2‐1, an AP2/ERF gene, is a novel regulator of fruit lignification induced by chilling injury, via interaction with EjMYB transcription factors
Authors: Zeng Jiao‐ke , Li Xian , Xu Qian , Chen Jian‐ye , Yin Xue‐ren , Ferguson Ian B. , Chen Kun‐song 
Published: March 2015

SummaryLignin biosynthesis is regulated by many transcription factors, such as those of the MYB and NAC families. However, the roles of AP2/ERF transcription factors in lignin biosynthesis have been rarely investigated. Eighteen EjAP2/ERF genes were isolated from loquat fruit (Eriobotrya japonica), which undergoes postharvest lignification during low temperature storage. Among these, expression of EjAP2‐1, a transcriptional repressor, was negatively correlated with fruit lignification. The dual‐luciferase assay indicated that EjAP2‐1 could trans‐repress activities of promoters of lignin biosynthesis genes from both Arabidopsis and loquat. However, EjAP2‐1 did not interact with the target promoters (Ej4CL1). Yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays indicated protein–protein interactions between EjAP2‐1 and lignin biosynthesis‐related EjMYB1 and EjMYB2. Furthermore, repression effects on the Ej4CL1 promoter were observed with the combination of EjAP2‐1 and EjMYB1 or EjMYB2, while EjAP2‐1 with the EAR motif mutated (mEjAP2‐1) lost such repression, although mEjAP2‐1 still interacted with EjMYB protein. Based on these results, it is proposed that EjAP2‐1 is an indirect transcriptional repressor on lignin biosynthesis, and the repression effects were manifested by EAR motifs and were conducted via protein–protein interaction with EjMYBs.
Risk factors and antibiotic therapy in P. aeruginosa community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Laserna Elena , Maselli Diego Jose , Fernandez Juan Felipe , Mortensen Eric M. , Anzueto Antonio , Waterer Grant , Restrepo Marcos I. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveCurrent guidelines recommend empirical treatment against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients with specific risk factors. However, evidence to support these recommendations is limited. We evaluate the risk factors and the impact of antimicrobial therapy in patients hospitalized with CAP due to P. aeruginosa.MethodsWe performed a retrospective population‐based study of >150 hospitals. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of CAP and P. aeruginosa was identified as the causative pathogen. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the presence of risk factors and 30‐day mortality as the dependent measures.ResultsSeven hundred eighty‐one patients with P. aeruginosa pneumonia were identified in a cohort of 62 689 patients with pneumonia (1.1%). Of these, 402 patients (0.6%) were included in the study and 379 (0.5%) were excluded due to health care‐associated pneumonia or immunosuppression. In patients with CAP due to P. aeruginosa, 272 (67.8%) had no documented risk factors. These patients had higher rates of dementia and cerebrovascular disease. Empirical antibiotic therapy against P. aeruginosa within the first 48 h of presentation was independently associated with lower 30‐day mortality in patients with CAP due to P. aeruginosa (hazard ratio (HR) 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23–0.76) and in patients without risk factors for P. aeruginosa CAP (HR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21–0.76).ConclusionsRisk factor recommended by current guidelines only detect one third of the patients admitted with CAP due to P. aeruginosa. Risk factors did not define the whole benefit observed due to empirical therapy covering P. aeruginosa.
Millennial‐scale stratigraphy of a tide‐dominated incised valley during the last 14 kyr: Spatial and quantitative reconstruction in the Tokyo Lowland, central Japan
Authors: Tanabe Susumu , Nakanishi Toshimichi , Ishihara Yoshiro , Nakashima Rei 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSpatial and quantitative analysis of infilling processes of the tide‐dominated incised valleys beneath the Tokyo Lowland during the last 14 kyr was undertaken by using data from 18 sediment cores, 467 radiocarbon dates and 6100 borehole logs. The post‐Last Glacial Maximum valley fills consist of braided river, meandering river, estuary, spit and delta systems in ascending order. The boundary between the estuary and delta systems is regarded as the maximum flooding surface. The maximum flooding surface beneath the Tokyo Lowland is dated at 8 ka in the Arakawa Valley and 7 ka in the Nakagawa Valley. This age difference is due to the migration of the Tone River from the Arakawa Valley to the Nakagawa Valley at 5 ka, and suggests that the widely held view that the global initiation of deltas coincided with the abrupt rise of sea‐level at 9 to 8 ka is true only where there has been steady sediment supply from major rivers. The meandering river system is dominated by sheet‐like sands that were deposited during lateral migration of channels during the Younger Dryas and isolated vertical sands within muds that reflect vertical aggradation of channels before and after the Younger Dryas. The transition between these channel geometries is controlled by a threshold sea‐level rise of 4 to 7 mm yr−1. Before migration of the Tone River at 5 ka, the tide‐dominated bay in the Nakagawa Valley was filled by upward‐fining laterally accreting muds. The muds accreted from the margin to the axis of the bay. Such lateral accretion of suspended particles derived from outside the bay has been documented in other tide‐dominated coastal environments and is probably common in other similar settings. After the migration of the Tone River, the bay was filled by upward‐coarsening deltaic sediments.
Evaluating the Impact of a Working Time Regulation on Capital Operating Time: The French 35‐hour Work Week Experience
Authors: Gilles Fabrice 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this article, we evaluate the impact of diminishing weekly working hours on capital operating time using the French 35‐hour working week experience. We merge the French survey on Capital Operating Time (COT, Banque de France, Central Bank of France; 1989–2004) and administrative Working Time Reduction agreements files (WTR, DARES, French Ministry of Labour; May 2003). We construct shift‐work‐based capital operating time indicators. Using differences‐in‐differences econometric models, we show that the implementation of the 35‐hour work week did not induce any reduction in COT. Hence, firms increased shift‐work to compensate for the decrease in working hours.
An Exploration of Future Patterns of the Contributions to OpenStreetMap and Development of a Contribution Index
Authors: Arsanjani Jamal Jokar , Mooney Peter , Helbich Marco , Zipf Alexander 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOpenStreetMap (OSM) represents one of the most well‐known examples of a collaborative mapping project. Major research efforts have so far dealt with data quality analysis but the modality of OSM's evolution across space and time has barely been noted. This study aims to analyze spatio‐temporal patterns of contributions in OSM by proposing a contribution index (CI) in order to investigate the dynamism of OSM. The CI is based on a per cell analysis of the node quantity, interactivity, semantics, and attractivity (the ability to attract contributors). Additionally this research explores whether OSM has been constantly attracting new users and contributions or if OSM has experienced a decline in its ability to attract continued contributions. Using the Stuttgart region of Germany as a case study the empirical findings of the CI over time confirm that since 2007, OSM has been constantly attracting new users, who create new features, edit the existing spatial objects, and enrich them with attributes. This rate has been dramatically growing since 2011. The utilization of a Cellular Automata‐Markov (CA‐Markov) model provides evidence that by the end of 2016 and 2020, the rise of CI will spread out over the study area and only a few cells without OSM features will remain.
Zombie Bible: Stant Litore's Strangers in the Land and the Conditions of Bibleness
Authors: Meredith Christopher 
Published: March 2015

Stant Litore’s Strangers in the Land represents a very canny fusion of apocalyptic zombie literature and the biblical story of Deborah from Judg 4–5. This article examines the way Litore redeploys the zombie sub-genre to put otherwise obscured aspects of the Judges story on full display. Thinking through the Zombie in relation to the process of Kristevan abjection, the article also explores the ways in which the novel presents the so-called 'real' Bible as an already-zombified cultural phenomenon. Is the undead corpse a useful emblem through which we can explore the functioning of the social idea called 'The Bible' in all its gory detail?
Regulation of Local Ambient GABA Levels via Transporter-Mediated GABA Import and Export for Subliminal Learning
Authors: Hoshino Osamu 
Published: March 2015

Perception of supraliminal stimuli might in general be reflected in bursts of action potentials (spikes), and their memory traces could be formed through spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). Memory traces for subliminal stimuli might be formed in a different manner, because subliminal stimulation evokes a fraction (but not a burst) of spikes. Simulations of a cortical neural network model showed that a subliminal stimulus that was too brief (10 msec) to perceive transiently (more than about 500 msec) depolarized stimulus-relevant principal cells and hyperpolarized stimulus-irrelevant principal cells in a subthreshold manner. This led to a small increase or decrease in ongoing-spontaneous spiking activity frequency (less than 1 Hz). Synaptic modification based on STDP during this period effectively enhanced relevant synaptic weights, by which subliminal learning was improved. GABA transporters on GABAergic interneurons modulated local levels of ambient GABA. Ambient GABA molecules acted on extrasynaptic receptors, provided principal cells with tonic inhibitory currents, and contributed to achieving the subthreshold neuronal state. We suggest that ongoing-spontaneous synaptic alteration through STDP following subliminal stimulation may be a possible neuronal mechanism for leaving its memory trace in cortical circuitry. Regulation of local ambient GABA levels by transporter-mediated GABA import and export may be crucial for subliminal learning.
Resolution Dependence of European Precipitation in a State-of-the-Art Atmospheric General Circulation Model
Authors: van Haren Ronald , Haarsma Reindert J. , Van Oldenborgh Geert Jan , Hazeleger Wilco 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In this study, the authors investigate the effect of GCM spatial resolution on modeled precipitation over Europe. The objectives of the analysis are to determine whether climate models have sufficient spatial resolution to have an accurate representation of the storm tracks that affect precipitation. They investigate if there is a significant statistical difference in modeled precipitation between a medium-resolution (~112-km horizontal resolution) and a high-resolution (~25-km horizontal resolution) version of a state-of-the-art AGCM (EC-EARTH), if either model resolution gives a better representation of precipitation in the current climate, and what processes are responsible for the differences in modeled precipitation. The authors find that the high-resolution model gives a more accurate representation of northern and central European winter precipitation. The medium-resolution model has a larger positive bias in precipitation in most of the northern half of Europe. Storm tracks are better simulated in the high-resolution model, providing for a more accurate horizontal moisture transport and moisture convergence. Using a decomposition of the precipitation difference between the medium- and high-resolution model in a part related and a part unrelated to a difference in the distribution of vertical atmospheric velocity, the authors find that the smaller precipitation bias in central and northern Europe is largely unrelated to a difference in vertical velocity distribution. The smaller precipitation amount in these areas is in agreement with less moisture transport over this area in the high-resolution model. In areas with orography the change in vertical velocity distribution is found to be more important.
The use of adaptive equipment following total knee replacement
Authors: McNaught Jamie , Paul Lorna 
Published: March 2015

Introduction This study evaluates the need for adaptive equipment following total knee replacement. There are no recent studies to guide occupational therapists in the optimum time adaptive equipment is required following total knee replacement. Method A non-experimental, concurrent mixed methods approach was used. The study population was patients attending for total knee replacement at a large general hospital. Outcome measures were the Oxford Knee Score, the United Kingdom Functional Independence Measure and a weekly diary. Results A total of 19 patients were included in the study. Following assessment, 53% ( n = 10) required adaptive equipment following total knee replacement. No significant difference was found in pre-operative pain or function scores, gender or surgical pathway when comparing those who did and did not need adaptive equipment post-operatively. Patients who required adaptive equipment post-operatively had significantly worse pain ( p = 0.030) and function ( p = 0.040) at 6 weeks post-operatively and had significantly longer inpatient stay ( p = 0.041). Conclusion Although there are resource implications, patients requiring adaptive equipment following total knee replacement should be assessed by occupational therapy staff 6 weeks post-operatively to ensure optimal functional outcomes following surgery.
Helping occupational performance through engagement: A service evaluation of a programme for informal carers of people with dementia
Authors: Hampson Caroline , Smith Sarah Jane 
Published: March 2015

Statement of context The Helping Occupational Performance through Engagement programme is a series of workshops which aim to equip informal caregivers with the skills and knowledge they require to engage a person with dementia in meaningful daily occupations. Reflection on practice Following the initial implementation of the programme, a service evaluation was carried out to establish whether these aims were being met. The evaluation took a mixed methods approach, combining questionnaire and focus group data obtained from participants of the programme. Implications for practice Results demonstrated that whilst in general the programme is fulfilling its aims, further evaluation is required to establish the long-term impact of the programme.
An explorative study of the relationship between functional and cognitive decline in older persons with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Vermeersch Sophie , Gorus Ellen , Cornelis Elise , De Vriendt Patricia 
Published: March 2015

Introduction This study explored the relationship between functional decline on three advanced activities of daily living and cognitive decline in elderly persons. The use of everyday technology, driving a vehicle, and performing complex economic activities are advanced activities of daily living domains presumed to be sensitive to early cognitive decline and therefore of interest for the profession of occupational therapy. Method We included 45 persons with mild cognitive impairment, 48 persons with Alzheimer’s disease, and 50 cognitively healthy controls. Functional impairment due to cognitive decline was evaluated by the advanced activities of daily living tool. Cognitive disability indices were computed for the investigated advanced activities of daily living domains and correlated with the Mini Mental State Examination and the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly, Cognitive Part. Results The cognitive disability index for performing complex economic activities and the cognitive disability index for the three advanced activities of daily living domains together differed significantly between the three groups. For the whole sample, the advanced activity of daily living cognitive disability indices correlated strongly with the cognitive measures. Within each separate group, few correlations were found. Conclusion This study contributes to the field of knowledge for occupational therapy by emphasizing the value of assessment of advanced activities of daily living in early cognitive decline. For the occupational therapy profession, further research is required in the interaction between functional decline and cognition in early cognitive decline.
Turning evidence into practice: Barriers to research use among occupational therapists
Authors: Samuelsson Kersti , Wressle Ewa 
Published: March 2015

Introduction Research has demonstrated that occupational therapists generally have a positive attitude regarding the use of evidence in their daily practice and decision-making. In addition, occupational therapists are expected to implement evidence-based practice, which is often understood as equivalent to research. However, evidence-based practice might be difficult to reconcile with occupational therapy from a client-centred focus. This study examines what occupational therapists perceive as barriers to research use and discusses the challenge of clinical implementation. Method This study uses a descriptive cross-sectional design. The Barriers to Research Utilization Scale questionnaire was mailed to 807 randomly selected Swedish occupational therapists. The response rate was 59%. Findings The occupational therapists identified three main barriers to the use of research: insufficient facilities (82%); lack of time to read research (77%); difficulty understanding statistical analyses (75%). Degree of education was shown to affect results; occupational therapists with higher education levels indicated a higher use of research. Conclusion Implementing research in clinical practice is a challenge. Occupational therapists are interested but they lack the optimal prerequisites and time.
The content validity and acceptability of the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire in musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Hammond Alison , Prior Yeliz , Tennant Alan , Tyson Sarah , Nordenskiold Ulla 
Published: March 2015

Introduction The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire is a detailed self-report measure of activity limitations. It has two parts, 10 scales of symptom severity and 14 daily activity domains, including 138 activities. It has good psychometric properties in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim was next to establish its content validity and acceptability in seven musculoskeletal conditions: ankylosing spondylitis; osteoarthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus; systemic sclerosis; chronic pain; chronic hand/upper limb musculoskeletal disorders; and primary Sjögren's syndrome. Method Participants completed the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire in their own time, followed by a cognitive debriefing interview to identify their views of importance of including each item and Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire acceptability. Results Six to 12 people with each condition were interviewed ( n = 70): 17 men and 53 women, 57.38 (SD 12.83) years of age and with 13.15 (SD 11.02) years condition duration. Overall, all 10 scales and 138 activities were considered important to include. Most found it: had clear instructions (93%); was easy to complete (87%); included about the right amount of activities (77%); and would help an occupational therapist gain insight into the effects of the person's conditions (87%). Conclusion The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire has good content validity and acceptability in these seven conditions.
Antiviral Activities and Phosphorylation of 5-halo-2'-Deoxyuridines and N-Methanocarbathymidine in Cells Infected with Vaccinia Virus
Authors: Smee Donald F , Humphreys Daniel E , Hurst Brett L , Barnard Dale L 
Published: March 2015

Background: The antipoxviral activities and phosphorylation of N-methanocarbathymidine ([ N]-MCT) and four 5-halo-2'-deoxyuridines, namely 5-fluoro- (FdU), 5-chloro- (CldU), 5-bromo- (BrdU), and 5-iodo- (IdU) derivatives, were explored. Methods: Antiviral activities and nucleoside metabolism were determined in C127I mouse, LLC-MK2 monkey, and A549 human cells infected with thymidine-kinase-containing and -deficient (TK+and TK−) vaccinia (WR strain) viruses. Results: The antiviral potencies of CldU, BrdU and IdU were increased 16–26-fold in LLC-MK2 cells infected with TK+compared with TK−virus infections, but enhancement of activity was much less in the other cell lines. ( N)-MCT was nearly equally active against TK+and TK−viruses in the three cell lines. Antiviral activity of FdU was associated with cytotoxicity. Uninfected and infected cells metabolized compounds to mono-, di- and triphosphates. The thymidine, BrdU and IdU triphosphate levels were higher in C127I and LLC-MK2 cells infected with TK+than with TK−virus. ( N)-MCT monophosphate levels were much higher in TK+virus-infected cells, but without corresponding increases in ( N)-MCT triphosphate. Furthermore, TK+virus infections did not appreciably alter ( N)-MCT triphosphate levels in other mouse (L929), monkey (MA-104 and Vero) and human cell lines (A549). Antiviral potency of the compounds was greater in C127I than in LLC-MK2 cells, yet lower intracellular triphosphate levels were found in C127I cells. Conclusion: We conclude that viral TK plays an important role in increasing the antiviral potencies of these compounds in some cell lines, but minimally in others. These findings may have implications in treating infected animals with compounds that are dependent upon poxvirus TK for their activation, because viral TK activity may vary greatly due to cell type.
Combinations of 2'-C-Methylcytidine Analogues with Interferon-α2b and Triple Combination with Ribavirin in the Hepatitis C Virus Replicon System
Authors: Bassit Leda , Grier Jason , Bennett Matthew , Schinazi Raymond F 
Published: March 2015

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase is an essential enzyme for HCV replication and has multiple inhibitor binding sites making it a major target for antiviral intervention. It is apparent that no single drug can inhibit HCV replication in humans. Hence, combinations of nucleoside analogues β-D-2'- C-methylcytidine (2'- C-MeC; NM-107) or β-D-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'- C-methylcytidine (2'-F- C-MeC; PSI-6130) with interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) or triple combination with ribavirin (RBV) were evaluated. Methods: Huh-7 cells containing the self-replicating subgenomic HCV replicon (Clone B) were used for drug combination studies. After drug treatment for 5 days, total cellular RNA was then extracted and both ribosomal RNA and HCV replicon RNA were amplified in a single-step multiplex real-time PCR assay. Drug interaction analyses were performed using the CalcuSyn program. Results: Double combinations of 2'- C-MeC or 2'-F- C-MeC with IFN-α2b at all ratios tested had weighted average combination index (CIwt) values <1 indicating synergistic inhibition of HCV replication in the replicon system. For the triple combinations of IFN-α2b plus RBV with either 2'- C-MeC or 2'-F- C-MeC, the CIwt values at 1:1:1 ratio tested were 0.5 and 0.8, respectively, indicating synergistic antiviral effects. No apparent cytotoxicity effects were observed with any of the combinations tested. Conclusion: These promising in vitro data warrant clinical investigation of the nucleosides analogues such as 2'- C-MeC or 2'-F- C-MeC in their prodrug forms, together with IFN-α2b and RBV, for successful treatment of HCV infections.