bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospects of engineering thermotolerance in crops through modulation of heat stress transcription factor and heat shock protein networks
Authors: FRAGKOSTEFANAKIS SOTIRIOS , RÖTH SASCHA , SCHLEIFF ENRICO , SCHARF KLAUS‐DIETER 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCell survival under high temperature conditions involves the activation of heat stress response (HSR), which in principle is highly conserved among different organisms, but shows remarkable complexity and unique features in plant systems. The transcriptional reprogramming at higher temperatures is controlled by the activity of the heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs). Hsfs allow the transcriptional activation of HSR genes, among which heat shock proteins (Hsps) are best characterized. Hsps belong to multigene families encoding for molecular chaperones involved in various processes including maintenance of protein homeostasis as a requisite for optimal development and survival under stress conditions. Hsfs form complex networks to activate downstream responses, but are concomitantly subjected to cell‐type‐dependent feedback regulation through factor‐specific physical and functional interactions with chaperones belonging to Hsp90, Hsp70 and small Hsp families. There is increasing evidence that the originally assumed specialized function of Hsf/chaperone networks in the HSR turns out to be a complex central stress response system that is involved in the regulation of a broad variety of other stress responses and may also have substantial impact on various developmental processes. Understanding in detail the function of such regulatory networks is prerequisite for sustained improvement of thermotolerance in important agricultural crops.
Hormonal dynamics contributes to divergence in seasonal stomatal behaviour in a monsoonal plant community
Authors: MCADAM SCOTT A.M. , BRODRIBB TIMOTHY J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a primary regulator of plant transpiration, but its influence in determining seasonal stomatal behaviour in natural plant communities is poorly understood. We examined distantly related vascular plants growing together in a seasonally dry, monsoonal environment to determine whether ABA dynamics contributed to contrasting water use patterns in this natural setting. Regular sampling of angiosperm, cycad, conifer and fern species revealed characteristic seasonal patterns in ABA production, but these were highly distinct among species. Although no general relationship was observed between ABA levels, plant hydration or stomatal conductance among species, the seasonal dynamics in stomatal behaviour within species were predictable functions of either ABA or leaf water potential. Strong divergence in the seasonal role of ABA among species suggests that modification in ABA–stomatal interactions represents an important evolutionary pathway for adaptation in plant water use.
Protein signatures correspond to survival outcomes of AJCC stage III melanoma patients
Authors: Mactier Swetlana , Kaufman Kimberley L. , Wang Penghao , Crossett Ben , Pupo Gulietta M. , Kohnke Philippa L. , Thompson John F. , Scolyer Richard A. , Yang Jean Y. , Mann Graham J. , Christopherson Richard I. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryOutcomes for melanoma patients with stage III disease differ widely even within the same subcategory. Molecular signatures that more accurately predict prognosis are needed to stratify patients according to risk. Proteomic analyses were used to identify differentially abundant proteins in extracts of surgically excised samples from patients with stage IIIc melanoma lymph node metastases. Analysis of samples from patients with poor (n = 14, <1 yr) and good (n = 19, >4 yr) survival outcomes identified 84 proteins that were differentially abundant between prognostic groups. Subsequent selected reaction monitoring analysis verified 21 proteins as potential biomarkers for survival. Poor prognosis patients are characterized by increased levels of proteins involved in protein metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, angiogenesis, deregulation of cellular energetics and methylation processes, and decreased levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and immune response. These proteins are able to classify stage IIIc patients into prognostic subgroups (P < 0.02). This is the first report of potential prognostic markers from stage III melanoma using proteomic analyses. Validation of these protein markers in larger patient cohorts should define protein signatures that enable better stratification of stage III melanoma patients.
Status of duckweed genomics and transcriptomics
Authors: Wang W. , Messing J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDuckweeds belong to the smallest flowering plants that undergo fast vegetative growth in an aquatic environment. They are commonly used in wastewater treatment and animal feed. Whereas duckweeds have been studied at the biochemical level, their reduced morphology and wide environmental adaption had not been subjected to molecular analysis until recently. Here, we review the progress that has been made in using a DNA barcode system and the sequences of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes to identify duckweed species at the species or population level. We also review analysis of the nuclear genome sequence of Spirodela that provides new insights into fundamental biological questions. Indeed, reduced gene families and missing genes are consistent with its compact morphogenesis, aquatic floating and suppression of juvenile‐to‐adult transition. Furthermore, deep RNA sequencing of Spirodela at the onset of dormancy and Landoltia in exposure of nutrient deficiency illustrate the molecular network for environmental adaption and stress response, constituting major progress towards a post‐genome sequencing phase, where further functional genomic details can be explored. Rapid advances in sequencing technologies could continue to promote a proliferation of genome sequences for additional ecotypes as well as for other duckweed species.
Pollen transfer efficiency and its effect on inflorescence size in deceptive pollination strategies
Authors: Scopece G. , Schiestl F. P. , Cozzolino S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPollination systems differ in pollen transfer efficiency, a variable that may influence the evolution of flower number. Here we apply a comparative approach to examine the link between pollen transfer efficiency and the evolution of inflorescence size in food and sexually deceptive orchids. We examined pollination performance in nine food‐deceptive, and eight sexually deceptive orchids by recording pollen removal and deposition in the field. We calculated correlations between reproductive success and flower number (as a proxy for resources allocated during reproductive process), and directional selection differentials were estimated on flower number for four species. Results indicate that sexually deceptive species experience decreased pollen loss compared to food‐deceptive species. Despite producing fewer flowers, sexually deceptive species attained levels of overall pollination success (through male and female function) similar to food‐deceptive species. Furthermore, a positive correlation between flower number and pollination success was observed in food‐deceptive species, but this correlation was not detected in sexually deceptive species. Directional selection differentials for flower number were significantly higher in food compared to sexually deceptive species. We suggest that pollination systems with more efficient pollen transfer and no correlation between pollination success and number of flowers produced, such as sexual deception, may allow the production of inflorescences with fewer flowers that permit the plant to allocate fewer resources to floral displays and, at the same time, limit transpiration. This strategy can be particularly important for ecological success in Mediterranean water‐deprived habitats, and might explain the high frequency of sexually deceptive species in these specialised ecosystems.
Roles of Ki‐67, p53, transforming growth factor‐β and lysyl oxidase in the metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Araz Omer , Demirci Elif , Yilmazel Ucar Elif , Calik Muhammet , Karaman Adem , Durur‐Subasi Irmak , Orsal Ebru , Subasi Mahmut , Daloglu Ferah , Akgun Metin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveMost lung cancer (LC) patients have metastatic disease at time of diagnosis, which influence the treatment regimen and is the most important prognostic factor. The main purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between cell proliferation (Ki‐67 label index), p53, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and lysyl oxidase (LOX), and the metastatic stages of different lung cancers. The secondary aim was to correlate these parameters with the standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary lesion during positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT).MethodsEighty‐five treatment‐naive patients with LC were enrolled. All patients were examined with PET‐CT. Ki‐67, p53, TGF‐β and LOX were evaluated histopathologically.ResultsSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) showed the most intense staining in all parameters. A well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma (AC) demonstrated a more diffuse and intense staining than squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There was no statistically significant relationship between the four parameters and metastases of SCLC and SCC. However, a significant relationship between TGF‐β, LOX and metastatic AC was demonstrated with regards to diffusivity and intensity. p53 and Ki‐67 did not show a significant relationship. No correlation between SCLC and SCC and SUVmax was found. However, in AC, the diffusivity and intensity of the LOX and p53 staining showed a statistically significant relationship to the SUVmax.ConclusionsLOX and TGF‐β may play roles in metastatic AC. LOX and TGF‐β may become markers of metastatic disease and inhibition could be explored for treatment.
Relationship between the baseline alveolar volume‐to‐total lung capacity ratio and airway responsiveness
Authors: Kaminsky David A. , Daud Anees , Chapman David G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveVentilation heterogeneity (VH) has been linked to airway responsiveness (AR) based on various measures of VH involving inert gas washout, forced oscillation and lung imaging. We explore whether VH at baseline, as measured by the simple ratio of single breath alveolar volume to plethysmographically determined total lung capacity (VA/TLC), would correlate with AR as measured by methacholine challenge testing.MethodsWe analysed data from spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity and methacholine challenge to derive the VA/TLC and the dose–response slope (DRS) of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (DRS‐FEV1) during methacholine challenge from 136 patients. We separated out airway closure versus narrowing by examining the DRS for forced vital capacity (DRS‐FVC) and the DRS for FEV1/FVC (DRS‐FEV1/FVC), respectively. Similarly, we calculated the DRS for sGaw (DRS‐sGaw) as another measure of airway narrowing. We performed statistical analysis using Spearman rank correlation and multifactor linear regression using a backward stepwise modelling procedure.ResultsWe found that the DRS‐FEV1 correlated with baseline VA/TLC (rho = −0.26, P < 0.01), and VA/TLC and FEV1 were independently associated with DRS‐FEV1 (R2 = 0.14, P = 0.01). In addition, VA/TLC was associated with both airway narrowing and closure in response to methacholine.ConclusionsThese results confirm that baseline VA/TLC is associated with AR, and reflects both airway closure and airway narrowing following methacholine challenge.
Supply Disruptions and Regional Price Effects in a Spatial Oligopoly—An Application to the Global Gas Market
Authors: Growitsch Christian , Hecking Harald , Panke Timo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSupply shocks in the global gas market may affect countries differently, as the market is regionally interlinked but not perfectly integrated. Additionally, high supply‐side concentration may expose countries to market power in different ways. To evaluate the strategic position of importing countries with regard to gas supplies, we disentangle the import price into different components and characterize each component as price increasing or price decreasing. Because of the complexity of the interrelations in the global gas market, we use an equilibrium model programmed as a mixed complementarity problem (MCP) and simulate the blockage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through the Strait of Hormuz. This enables us to account for the oligopolistic nature and the asymmetry of the gas supply. We find that Japan faces the most severe price increases, as the Japanese gas demand completely relies on LNG supply. In contrast, European countries such as the UK benefit from good interconnection to the continental pipeline system and domestic price taking production, both of which help to mitigate an increase in physical costs of supply as well as in the exercise of market power.
Use and interpretation of test scores from limited cognitive test batteries: How g + Gc can equal g
Authors: Annell Stefan , Sjöberg Anders , Sverke Magnus 
Published: July 2014

Single scores from limited and unbalanced test batteries of cognitive ability can be ambiguous to interpret theoretically. In this study, a limited verbally and knowledge‐loaded cognitive test battery, from applicants to the Swedish police academies (N = 1,344), was examined to provide foundations for the use and interpretation of test scores. Three measurement models were compared: one single factor model and two bifactor models, which decomposed the variance of the battery into orthogonal components. The models were evaluated by fit indices and omega coefficients, and then applied to the prediction of academic performance. The overall prediction of all models was similar, although specific abilities also were found to provide substantial predictive validity over and above general intelligence (g). The findings provide support for the use of single scores in applied settings (selection), but suggest that it may be more appropriate to interpret such scores as composites of substantive components, and not just as measures of g.
Judges' views of child sexual abuse: Evaluating beliefs against research findings in a Finnish sample
Authors: Korkman Julia , Svanbäck Jatta , Finnilä Katarina , Santtila Pekka 
Published: July 2014

Beliefs impact our decision‐making and different professionals have been shown to have beliefs about child sexual abuse (CSA) that do not coincide with scientific findings. In the present study, judges' beliefs regarding CSA were explored. Finnish judges (N = 104) answered a questionnaire about CSA related issues as well as questions regarding their professional experience of CSA cases. The judges held both correct and incorrect beliefs; while their CSA prevalence estimates were rather well in line with research findings, half of the participants estimated that no professionals use suggestive methods when interviewing children and more than 40% thought suggestive methods can be useful when trying to get a child to tell about real events. Judges correctly assumed symptoms cannot be used to assess a CSA case, however, the majority thought play observations were appropriate means for evaluating such suspicions. Experience seemed to lead to more confidence in their own expertise but not in an actual increase in knowledge, namely, judges thought themselves more expert when more experienced although their expertise as measured by the questionnaire did not improve. Overall, the judges had both correct and erroneous beliefs but while experience did not improve the situation, gaining information about CSA did. More research about the beliefs of judges and how such beliefs impact legal decision‐making is needed.
Virtual Empathy? Anxieties and Connections Teaching and Learning Pastoral Care Online
Authors: McGarrah Sharp Melinda , Morris Mary Ann 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIs it possible to teach pastoral care online? McGarrah Sharp and Morris describe their process of transforming a residential on‐campus pastoral care course into the first online offering of the course at their seminary. They begin by describing a series of pedagogical choices made with the intent of facilitating dynamic movement between peer‐to‐peer, small group, and whole class discussions throughout the semester. Before and during the course, anxieties arose at many levels of instruction for the professor, teaching assistant, and students. Anecdotes and examples from the online course show how the online course design and facilitation was able to name and respond to anxieties as part of integrating pastoral care course content and practice – a key learning goal for the course. The authors are persuaded that online pedagogy can help identify how anxieties create space for developing empathy as much, if not more than, a traditional on‐campus format.
Forum: A New Culture of Learning
Authors: Hess Mary E. , Gallagher Eugene V. , Turpin Katherine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThese brief essays byMaryHess,EugeneGallagher, andKatherine Turpin are solicited responses from three different contexts to the provocative book byDouglasThomas andJohnSeelyBrown,The New Culture of Learning(2011).MaryHess writes from a seminary context, providing a critical summary of the authors' major concepts and their ramifications, positive and negative, for theological education and the church.EugeneGallagher writes from a liberal arts setting, identifying characteristics of the face‐to‐face classroom that would go missing in a careless adoption of online learning environments. Finally,Katherine Turpin reports from the classroom, chronicling her experience in a course she redesigned for a graduate theological setting to employ some of the authors' pedagogical principles and strategies. Together, these responses offer critical appreciation and constructive critique of the workThomas andSeelyBrown have done – and point the conversation forward.
Disseminated Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in a patient with Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome type II
Authors: Abu‐Arja R.F. , Gonzalez B.E. , Jacobs M.R. , Cabral L. , Egler R. , Auletta J. , Arnold J. , Cooke K.R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe describe the first case, to our knowledge, of disseminated Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin infection in a child with Bare Lymphocyte Syndrome type II after undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The patient presented 30 days post HSCT with fever and lymphadenitis. Lymph node, blood, and gastric aspirates were positive for M. bovis. The patient received a prolonged treatment course with a combination of isoniazid, levofloxacin, and ethambutol. Her course was further complicated by granulomatous lymphadenitis and otitis media associated with M. bovis that developed during immune suppression taper and immune reconstitution. Ultimately, the patient recovered fully, in association with restoration of immune function, and has completed 12 months of therapy.
Prescription patterns and treatment outcomes of MDR‐TB patients treated within and outside the National Tuberculosis Programme in Pham Ngoc Thach hospital, Viet Nam
Authors: Hoa Nguyen B. , Khanh Pham H. , Chinh Nguyen V. , Hennig Cornelia M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and analyse the prescription patterns and treatment outcomes of MDR‐TB patients managed within Green Light Committee (GLC) and outside (non‐GLC) the National TB programme in Viet Nam.MethodsRetrospective cohort study with two elements: (i) in‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with clinical doctors, hospital pharmacists, and the non‐GLC patients with MDR‐TB; (ii) review of treatment cards and patients' charts of all GLC and non‐GLC patients with MDR‐TB put on treatment during 2010.ResultsOf 282 patients with MDR‐TB, comprising 79 (28%) GLC patients MDR‐TB and 203 (72%) non‐GLC patients with MDR‐TB, were enrolled in the study. Treatment delay was significantly higher in the GLC group (12.8 days) than the non‐GLC group (2.3 days), (P = 0.004). The success rate was significantly better in GLC patients (84.8%) than in non‐GLC patients (53.7%) (P < 0.001). The default rate was significantly higher in non‐GLC patients than in GLC patients (25.6% vs. 6.3%), (P < 0.001). The risk of unsuccessful outcome was higher in non‐GLC patients (Hazard ratio = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.8–11.8).ConclusionsThe treatment outcomes of patients with MDR‐TB in the GLC group were significantly better than in the non‐GLC group. Reasons for the high default rate in non‐GLC patients with MDR‐TB must be further investigated.
Selection of suitable reference genes for normalization of genes of interest in canine soft tissue sarcomas using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Zornhagen K. W. , Kristensen A. T. , Hansen A. E. , Oxboel J. , Kjær A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractQuantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) is a sensitive technique for quantifying gene expression. Stably expressed reference genes are necessary for normalization of RT‐qPCR data. Only a few articles have been published on reference genes in canine tumours. The objective of this study was to demonstrate how to identify suitable reference genes for normalization of genes of interest in canine soft tissue sarcomas using RT‐qPCR. Primer pairs for 17 potential reference genes were designed and tested in archival tumour biopsies from six dogs. The geNorm algorithm was used to analyse the most suitable reference genes. Eight potential reference genes were excluded from this final analysis because of their dissociation curves. β‐Glucuronidase (GUSB) and proteasome subunit, beta type, 6 (PSMB6) were most stably expressed with an M value of 0.154 and a CV of 0.053 describing their average stability. We suggest that choice of reference genes should be based on specific testing in every new experimental set‐up.