bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The making of giant pumpkins: how selective breeding changed the phloem of Cucurbita maxima from source to sink
Authors: SAVAGE JESSICA A. , HAINES DUSTIN F. , HOLBROOK N. MICHELE 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDespite the success of breeding programmes focused on increasing fruit size, relatively little is known about the anatomical and physiological changes required to increase reproductive allocation. To address this gap in knowledge, we compared fruit/ovary anatomy, vascular structure and phloem transport of two varieties of giant pumpkins, and their smaller fruited progenitor under controlled environmental conditions. We also modelled carbon transport into the fruit of competitively grown plants using data collected in the field. There was no evidence that changes in leaf area or photosynthetic capacity impacted fruit size. Instead, giant varieties differed in their ovary morphology and contained more phloem on a cross‐sectional area basis in their petioles and pedicels than the ancestral variety. These results suggest that sink activity is important in determining fruit size and that giant pumpkins have an enhanced capacity to transport carbon. The strong connection observed between carbon fixation, phloem structure and fruit growth in field‐grown plants indicates that breeding for large fruit has led to changes throughout the carbon transport system that could have important implications for how we think about phloem transport velocity and carbon allocation.
Mechanisms underlying turgor regulation in the estuarine alga Vaucheria erythrospora (Xanthophyceae) exposed to hyperosmotic shock
Authors: MURALIDHAR ABISHEK , SHABALA LANA , BROADY PAUL , SHABALA SERGEY , GARRILL ASHLEY 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAquatic organisms are often exposed to dramatic changes in salinity in the environment. Despite decades of research, many questions related to molecular and physiological mechanisms mediating sensing and adaptation to salinity stress remain unanswered. Here, responses of Vaucheria erythrospora, a turgor‐regulating xanthophycean alga from an estuarine habitat, have been investigated. The role of ion uptake in turgor regulation was studied using a single cell pressure probe, microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique and membrane potential (Em) measurements. Turgor recovery was inhibited by Gd3+, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), verapamil and orthovanadate. A NaCl‐induced shock rapidly depolarized the plasma membrane while an isotonic sorbitol treatment hyperpolarized it. Turgor recovery was critically dependent on the presence of Na+ but not K+ and Cl− in the incubation media. Na+ uptake was strongly decreased by amiloride and changes in net Na+ and H+ fluxes were oppositely directed. This suggests active uptake of Na+ in V. erythrospora mediated by an antiport Na+/H+ system, functioning in the direction opposite to that of the SOS1 exchanger in higher plants. The alga also retains K+ efficiently when exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Overall, this study provides insights into mechanisms enabling V. erythrospora to regulate turgor via ion movements during hyperosmotic stress.
Disentangling the contributions of osmotic and ionic effects of salinity on stomatal, mesophyll, biochemical and light limitations to photosynthesis
Authors: CHEN TSU‐WEI , KAHLEN KATRIN , STÜTZEL HARTMUT 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere are conflicting opinions on the relative importance of photosynthetic limitations under salinity. Quantitative limitation analysis of photosynthesis provides insight into the contributions of different photosynthetic limitations, but it has only been applied under saturating light conditions. Using experimental data and modelling approaches, we examined the influence of light intensity on photosynthetic limitations and quantified the osmotic and ionic effects of salinity on stomatal (LS), mesophyll (LM), biochemical (LB) and light (LL) limitations in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under different light intensities. Non‐linear dependencies ofLS,LMandLLto light intensity were found. Osmotic effects onLSandLMincreased with the salt concentration in the nutrient solution (Ss) and the magnitude ofLMdepended on light intensity.LSincreased with theNa+concentration in the leaf water (Sl) and its magnitude depended onSs. Biochemical capacity declined linearly withSlbut, surprisingly, the relationship betweenLBandSlwas influenced bySs. Our results suggest that (1) improvement of stomatal regulation under ionic stress would be the most effective way to alleviate salinity stress in cucumber and (2) osmotic stress may alleviate the ionic effects onLBbut aggravate the ionic effects onLS.
Supporting Disadvantaged Young People into Work: Insights from the Capability Approach
Authors: Egdell Valerie , McQuaid Ronald 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Capability Approach (CA) offers a perspective on the employment activation of young people that is concerned with their freedom to make choices that they value rather than focusing solely on outcomes, such as having to take any job. It incorporates empowerment and the individual and external conversion factors that influence the conversion of resources into functionings for young people, such as getting a job that they value. This article considers the implications of using the CA as a lens for analyzing youth activation polices. A more capability informed approach to employment activation would not measure success solely by the transition into work, but rather by whether it has improved the young person's capabilities, and might focus, for example, on more sustainable and valued careers and develop individuals' freedom of choice in the labour market. Using data from two UK case studies of third sector organizations that support young people into work, it explores these issues empirically, including the extent to which these employment activation programmes, in their current form, can enhance the capabilities of beneficiaries. Conclusions on the implications of a CA for employment activation are made.
Strain Profiling of a Ferritic‐Martensitic Stainless Steel Sheet — Comparing Synchrotron with Conventional X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Olsson C.‐O. A. , Boström M. , Buslaps T. , Steuwer A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTo improve the fatigue resistance of stainless steel sheet, it is a common practice to induce compressive residual stress in the surface through shot‐peening or tumbling. Stress depth profiles obtained by tumbling of thin stainless steel tensile rods were analysed using laboratory and synchrotron X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Both the non‐destructive synchrotron and the laboratory XRD etch‐depth profile gave similar results: a residual stress profile decaying over a depth not exceeding 50 µm into the material.
Comparative assessment of a canine‐specific medium to support colony formation from canine hair follicular keratinocytes
Authors: Wiener Dominique J. , Doherr Marcus G. , Müller Eliane J. , Suter Maja M. , Welle Monika M. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundFollicular stem cells and their progeny are responsible for the cyclical renewal of hair follicles and maintenance of the hair coat. The understanding of pathways involved in this process is essential to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms of primary alopecia. Stem cells and their direct descendants are located in the bulge region of the isthmus of hair follicles. Although these cells have been studied extensively in mice and humans, data for canine isthmic keratinocyte activation and proliferation are not available.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim was to establish an accurate and reliable in vitro system to study the growth potential of canine isthmic keratinocytes. We assessed the colony‐promoting capability of a commercially available canine‐specific medium, CELLnTEC (CnT‐09), compared with a well‐established home‐made medium, complete FAD (cFAD). The CnT‐09 medium is specific for the growth of canine keratinocytes, while the cFAD medium can support growth and colony formation of keratinocytes from several species.AnimalsSkin biopsies were obtained from 15 recently euthanized dogs of various breeds with no skin abnormalities.MethodsThe isthmic region of compound hair follicles was isolated by microdissection and cell growth monitored using several parameters with colony‐forming assays.ResultsThe CnT‐09 and cFAD media provided similar growth as measured by the total number and size of colonies, as well as rate of cell differentiation.ConclusionsThe commercial canine‐specific CnT‐09 medium was comparable to the home‐made cFAD medium in supporting the growth and proliferation of canine follicular keratinocytes in vitro. The CnT‐09 medium should be a viable alternative growth medium for molecular studies of alopecic disorders in dogs.
Reliability and agreement in the use of four‐ and six‐point ordinal scales for the assessment of erythema in digital images of canine skin
Authors: Hill Peter B. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundGrading of erythema in clinical practice is a subjective assessment that cannot be confirmed using a definitive test; nevertheless, erythema scores are typically measured in clinical trials assessing the response to treatment interventions. Most commonly, ordinal scales are used for this purpose, but the optimal number of categories in such scales has not been determined.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the reliability and agreement of a four‐point and a six‐point ordinal scale for the assessment of erythema in digital images of canine skin.MethodsFifteen digital images showing varying degrees of erythema were assessed by specialist dermatologists and laypeople, using either the four‐point or the six‐point scale. Reliability between the raters was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach's α. Agreement was assessed using the variation ratio (the percentage of respondents who chose the mode, the most common answer). Intraobserver variability was assessed by comparing the results of two grading sessions, at least 6 weeks apart.ResultsBoth scales demonstrated high reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient values and Cronbach's α above 0.99. However, the four‐point scale demonstrated significantly superior agreement, with variation ratios for the four‐point scale averaging 74.8%, compared with 56.2% for the six‐point scale. Intraobserver consistency for the four‐point scale was very high.Conclusions and clinical importanceAlthough both scales demonstrated high reliability, the four‐point scale was superior in terms of agreement. For the assessment of erythema in clinical trials, a four‐point ordinal scale is recommended.
Planar strain analysis of liver undergoing microwave thermal ablation using x‐ray CT
Authors: Weiss Noam , Goldberg S. Nahum , Nissenbaum Yitzhak , Sosna Jacob , Azhari Haim 
Published: December 2014

Purpose:To study the planar strain effects in liver during microwave (MW) thermal ablation as a means for tracking tissue expansion and contraction as a method for improving ablation monitoring.Methods:1.4 mm circular metallic markers were inserted into 16 ex‐vivo bovine fresh liver specimens, that were subsequently ablated (with the markers inside the specimen) by 40 W of microwave energy, for 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 min. The markers were tracked during the ablation using an x‐ray CT scanner. Images were acquired every 5–10 s enabling determination of the markers’ coordinates over time. The 2D principal strains were calculated for triangles formed by subgroups of three markers, and their planar strain index, Ω, was plotted vs time. In addition, the radial distance of the markers from the antenna was measured at the end of each ablation. Subsequently, the tissue was sliced parallel to the imaged planes and the ablation zone was traced and digitized. The average ablation radius was then computed and compared to the radial distance.Results:The planar strain, Ω(t), profile demonstrated an ascending pattern until reaching a maximum at about 180 s, with a mean peak value (Ω = 1.31 ± 0.04) indicating tissue expansion. Thereafter, Ω progressively declined over the remaining duration of the ablation treatment, indicating tissue contraction. Furthermore, when plotting the ablation size vs time and the markers’ mean radial distance vs time, it was found that the two curves intercepted at a time corresponding to the time of peak planar strain.Conclusions:By detecting the point of maximal planar strain in tissues during MW application, it is possible to noninvasively identify the location of the ablation zone front. The fact that the liver tissue proximal to the ablated zone expands during the first part of the treatment and then contracts when the ablation front reaches it, may serve as an index for monitoring the thermal treatment.
Post Hoc
Analysis of the PATRICIA Randomized Trial of the Efficacy of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 (HPV-16)/HPV-18 AS04-Adjuvanted Vaccine against Incident and Persistent Infection with Nonvaccine Oncogenic HPV Types Using an Alternative Multiplex Type-Specific PCR Assay for HPV DNA
Authors: Struyf Frank , Colau Brigitte , Wheeler Cosette M. , Naud Paulo , Garland Suzanne , Quint Wim , Chow Song-Nan , Salmerón Jorge , Lehtinen Matti , Del Rosario-Raymundo M. Rowena , Paavonen Jorma , Teixeira Júlio C. , Germar Maria Julieta , Peters Klaus , Skinner S. Rachel , Limson Genara , Castellsagué Xavier , Poppe Willy A. J. , Ramjattan Brian , Klein Terry D. , Schwarz Tino F. , Chatterjee Archana , Tjalma Wiebren A. A. , Diaz-Mitoma Francisco , Lewis David J. M. , Harper Diane M. , Molijn Anco , van Doorn Leen-Jan , David Marie-Pierre , Dubin Gary 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16)/HPV-18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against cervical infections with HPV in the
Pa
pilloma
Tri
al against
C
ancer
i
n Young
A
dults (PATRICIA) was evaluated using a combination of the broad-spectrum L1-based SPF
10
PCR-DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA)/line probe assay (LiPA
25
) system with type-specific PCRs for HPV-16 and -18. Broad-spectrum PCR assays may underestimate the presence of HPV genotypes present at relatively low concentrations in multiple infections, due to competition between genotypes. Therefore, samples were retrospectively reanalyzed using a testing algorithm incorporating the SPF
10
PCR-DEIA/LiPA
25
plus a novel E6-based multiplex type-specific PCR and reverse hybridization assay (MPTS12 RHA), which permits detection of a panel of nine oncogenic HPV genotypes (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 58, and 59). For the vaccine against HPV types 16 and 18, there was no major impact on estimates of vaccine efficacy (VE) for incident or 6-month or 12-month persistent infections when the MPTS12 RHA was included in the testing algorithm versus estimates with the protocol-specified algorithm. However, the alternative testing algorithm showed greater sensitivity than the protocol-specified algorithm for detection of some nonvaccine oncogenic HPV types. More cases were gained in the control group than in the vaccine group, leading to higher point estimates of VE for 6-month and 12-month persistent infections for the nonvaccine oncogenic types included in the MPTS12 RHA assay (types 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 58, and 59). This
post hoc
analysis indicates that the per-protocol testing algorithm used in PATRICIA underestimated the VE against some nonvaccine oncogenic HPV types and that the choice of the HPV DNA testing methodology is important for the evaluation of VE in clinical trials. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00122681.)
Experimental Human Infection with Norwalk Virus Elicits a Surrogate Neutralizing Antibody Response with Cross-Genogroup Activity
Authors: Czakó Rita , Atmar Robert L. , Opekun Antone R. , Gilger Mark A. , Graham David Y. , Estes Mary K. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe human noroviruses (NoVs) are genetically diverse, rapidly evolving RNA viruses and are the major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis of humans. Serum antibodies that block the interaction of NoVs and NoV viruslike particles (VLPs) with host attachment factors are considered surrogate neutralizing antibodies in the absence of cell culture and small-animal replication models for the human NoVs. A serological assay for NoV-blocking antibodies was used to assess the breadth of the heterotypic antibody response in the context of an experimental challenge study with a human NoV. Heterotypic histo-blood group antigen (HBGA)-blocking activity against GI.4, GI.7, and GII.4 NoVs increased significantly in the serum of individuals (n= 18) infected with Norwalk virus (GI.1). Although the fold increases and peak titers of heterotypic antibody were more modest than titers of antibody reactive with the challenge antigen, Norwalk virus infection elicited a serological rise even against the novel Sydney variant of GII.4 NoVs. These observations indicate that the development of a broadly cross-protective NoV vaccine containing a limited number of genotypes may be possible.
An Inactivated Ross River Virus Vaccine Is Well Tolerated and Immunogenic in an Adult Population in a Randomized Phase 3 Trial
Authors: Wressnigg Nina , van der Velden Maikel V. W. , Portsmouth Daniel , Draxler Wolfgang , O'Rourke Maria , Richmond Peter , Hall Stephen , McBride William J. H. , Redfern Andrew , Aaskov John , Barrett P. Noel , Aichinger Gerald 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTRoss River virus (RRV) is endemic in Australia and several South Pacific Islands. More than 90,000 cases of RRV disease, which is characterized by debilitating polyarthritis, were reported in Australia in the last 20 years. There is no vaccine available to prevent RRV disease. A phase 3 study was undertaken at 17 sites in Australia to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated whole-virus Vero cell culture-derived RRV vaccine in 1,755 healthy younger adults aged 16 to 59 years and 209 healthy older adults aged ≥60 years. Participants received a 2.5-μg dose of Al(OH)3-adjuvanted RRV vaccine, with a second and third dose after 3 weeks and 6 months, respectively. Vaccine-induced RRV-specific neutralizing and total IgG antibody titers were measured after each immunization. Vaccine safety was monitored over the entire study period. The vaccine was safe and well-tolerated after each vaccination. No cases of arthritis resembling RRV disease were reported. The most frequently reported systemic reactions were headache, fatigue, and malaise; the most frequently reported injection site reactions were tenderness and pain. After the third immunization, 91.5% of the younger age group and 76.0% of the older age group achieved neutralizing antibody titers of ≥1:10; 89.1% of the younger age group and 70.9% of the older age group achieved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers of ≥11 PanBio units. A whole-virus Vero cell culture-derived RRV vaccine is well tolerated in an adult population and induces antibody titers associated with protection from RRV disease in the majority of individuals. (This study is registered atwww.clinicaltrials.govunder registration no. NCT01242670.)
Survey of Immunological Features of the Alpha-Like Proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Maeland Johan A. , Afset Jan E. , Lyng Randi V. , Radtke Andreas 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTNearly allStreptococcus agalactiae(group B streptococcus [GBS]) strains express a protein which belongs to the so-called alpha-like proteins (Alps), of which Cα, Alp1, Alp2, Alp3, Rib, and Alp4 are known to occur in GBS. The Alps are chimeras which form mosaic structures on the GBS surface. Both N- and C-terminal stretches of the Alps possess immunogenic sites of dissimilar immunological specificity. In this review, we have compiled data dealing with the specificity of the N- and C-terminal immunogenic sites of the Alps. The majority of N-terminal sites show protein specificity while the C-terminal sites show broader cross-reactivity. Molecular serotyping has revealed that antibody-based serotyping has often resulted in erroneous Alp identification, due to persistence of cross-reacting antibodies in antisera for serotyping. Retrospectively, this could be expected on the basis of sequence analysis results. Some of the historical R proteins are in fact Alps. The data included in the review may provide a basis for decisions regarding techniques for the preparation of specific antisera for serotyping of GBS, for use in other approaches in GBS research, and for decision making in the context of GBS vaccine developments.
Prospective Cohort Study on the Effectiveness of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines in Preventing Pneumonia Development and Hospitalization
Authors: Song Joon Young , Lee Jin Soo , Wie Seong-Heon , Kim Hyo Youl , Lee Jacob , Seo Yu Bin , Jeong Hye Won , Kim Shin Woo , Lee Sun Hee , Park Kyung-Hwa , Noh Ji Yun , Choi Won Suk , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic illness are leading causes of influenza-related hospitalization. Therefore, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are strongly recommended for adults with comorbidities. Using a hospital-based influenza surveillance system, we performed a multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients visiting emergency rooms with influenza-like illness (ILI) during the influenza epidemic period in 2013 to 2014. Patients aged ≥19 years were enrolled, and clinical data were collected. Multivariate analyses were performed to estimate the effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in preventing pneumonia development and hospitalization. During study periods, 2,262 patients with ILI were registered. Among 2,217 patients with available vaccination records, 31.9% (707 patients) and 9.7% (216 patients) had received influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively. Among patients who had been administered a pneumococcal vaccine, 94.4% had received the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). The adjusted rates of effectiveness of the influenza vaccine for preventing pneumonia development and hospitalization were 64.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 29% to 81%) and 35.0% (95% CI = 12% to 52%), respectively. Pneumococcal vaccination did not reduce pneumonia development or hospitalization. In conclusion, influenza rather than PPV23 vaccination may reduce pneumonia development and hospitalization in patients with preceding ILI.