bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cardiac repair benefits of inflammation do not persist: evidence from mast cell implantation
Authors: Shao Zhengbo , Nazari Mansoreh , Guo Lily , Li Shu‐Hong , Sun Jie , Liu Shi‐Ming , Yuan Hui‐Ping , Weisel Richard D. , Li Ren‐Ke 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMultiple mechanisms contribute to progressive cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI) and inflammation is an important mediator. Mast cells (MCs) trigger inflammation after MI by releasing bio‐active factors that contribute to healing. c‐Kit‐deficient (KitW/W‐v) mice have dysfunctional MCs and develop severe ventricular dilatation post‐MI. We explored the role of MCs in post‐MI repair. Mouse wild‐type (WT) and KitW/W‐v MCs were obtained from bone marrow (BM). MC effects on fibroblasts were examined in vitro by proliferation and gel contraction assays. MCs were implanted into infarcted mouse hearts and their effects were evaluated using molecular, cellular and cardiac functional analyses. In contrast to WT, KitW/W‐v MC transplantation into KitW/W‐v mice did not improve cardiac function or scar size post‐MI. KitW/W‐v MCs induced significantly reduced fibroblast proliferation and contraction compared to WT MCs. MC influence on fibroblast proliferation was Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)‐dependent and MC‐induced fibroblast contractility functioned through transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. WT MCs transiently rescue cardiac function early post‐MI, but the benefits of BM cell implantation lasted longer. MCs induced increased inflammation compared to the BM‐injected mice, with increased neutrophil infiltration and infarct tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentration. This augmented inflammation was followed by increased angiogenesis and myofibroblast formation and reduced scar size at early time‐points. Similar to the functional data, these beneficial effects were transient, largely vanishing by day 28. Dysfunctional KitW/W‐v MCs were unable to rescue cardiac function post‐MI. WT MC implantation transiently enhanced angiogenesis and cardiac function. These data suggest that increased inflammation is beneficial to cardiac repair, but these effects are not persistent.
Brain response to viewing others being harmed in children with conduct disorder symptoms
Authors: Michalska Kalina J. , Zeffiro Thomas A. , Decety Jean 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundDeficient empathic processing is thought to foster conduct disorder (CD). It is important to determine the extent to which neural response associated with perceiving harm to others predicts CD symptoms and callous disregard for others.MethodsA total of 107 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children (52 female) were recruited from pediatric and mental health clinics, representing a wide range of CD symptoms. Children were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing brief video clips of persons being harmed intentionally or accidentally.ResultsPerceiving harm evoked increased hemodynamic response in the anterior insula (aINS), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, periaqueductal gray (PAG), caudate, and inferior parietal lobe (IPL) across all participants. Intentionally caused, relative to unintentional harm was associated with greater activity in the aINS, amygdala, and temporal pole. There was an inverse association of number of CD symptoms with right posterior insula in both the Harm > No Harm and the Intentional > Unintentional Harm contrasts. Furthermore, an inverse association between callousness and posterior insula activation was found in the Harm > No Harm contrast, with the opposite pattern for reactive aggression scores. An interaction revealed a stronger association in girls between CD symptoms and the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in the Intentional Harm versus Unintentional Harm contrast.ConclusionsChildren with greater CD and callousness exhibit dampened hemodynamic response to viewing others being harmed in the insula, a region which plays a key role in empathy and emotional awareness. Sex differences in the neural correlates of CD were observed.
Noninvasive Ultrasonic Monitoring of Ice Pigging in Pipes Containing Liquid Food Materials
Authors: Lucas Edward J.K. , Hales Alastair , McBryde Daniel , Yun Xiao , Quarini Giuseppe L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe use of ice slurry for cleaning in place can greatly reduce the amount of effluent created during industrial processes when compared with traditional flushing methods common in the food industry. Product recovery from within pipework is also improved through the use of such slurries. Noninvasive monitoring methods would allow this process to become automated and optimized for reduced effluent and increased product retrieval. For these reasons, the feasibility of using ultrasound within this context was assessed and found to be a reliable method of monitoring the fluid transitions within a section of test pipe.Practical ApplicationsThe food processing industry is increasingly adopting ice pigging as a novel, emergent technology for product recovery and waste effluent reduction. Where these methods are preferred, a noninvasive monitoring system is required for any process control to automate the diversion of product from waste. An ultrasound system has been designed to detect the change of fluids inside piping and which will serve as the monitoring arm of any control process. In principle, this system could be applied to other combinations of fluid transitions.
Predicting pre‐ and post‐resectional histologic discrepancies in gastric low‐grade dysplasia: A comparison of white‐light and magnifying endoscopy
Authors: Hwang Jin Won , Bae Young Seok , Kang Mi Seon , Kim Ji Hyun , Jee Sam Ryong , Lee Sang Heon , An Min Sung , Kim Kwang Hee , Bae Ki Beom , Kim Bomi , Seol Sang Young 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the parameters of conventional white‐light endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (MENBI) for the prediction of discrepancies between pre‐ and post‐resectional histology in cases of gastric adenoma with low‐grade dysplasia (LGD) that were diagnosed based on endoscopically biopsied specimens.MethodsThe medical records of 266 lesions with gastric LGD that were diagnosed by endoscopic forceps biopsies were retrospectively reviewed. The Vienna classification was used for histologic diagnosis. These patients all underwent MENBI examinations followed by analyses of the incidence of histologic discrepancies and histologic heterogeneity. The relationship between white‐light endoscopic/MENBI parameters and the presence of histologic discrepancies was also analyzed.ResultsDiscrepancies between the pre‐ and post‐resectional histologies were found in 74 cases (27.9%). Among those cases, the histology was upgraded in 71 cases, whereas the histology was downgraded in three cases. The presence of erythema and positive MENBI findings were independent factors for the prediction of upgraded histologic discrepancies (P‐values = 0.008, < 0.001, respectively). A positive MENBI finding yielded the highest predictive value, with a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of 42.46. Histologic heterogeneity in post‐resectional specimens was found in 40.8% of cases with upgraded histologic discrepancies.ConclusionsMENBI can provide more accurate information than white‐light endoscopy for the prediction of pre‐ and post‐resectional histologic discrepancies in biopsy‐proven gastric LGD. Endoscopic resection is strongly recommended in cases with surface erythema on conventional white‐light endoscopy or positive MENBI, irrespective of the lesion size.
Rice caryopsis development I: Dynamic changes in different cell layers
Authors: Wu Xiaoba , Liu Jinxin , Li Dongqi , Liu Chun‐Ming 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRice caryopsis as one of the most important food sources for humans has a complex structure that is composed of maternal tissues including the pericarp and testa and filial tissues including the endosperm and embryo. Although rice caryopsis studies have been conducted previously, a systematic characterization throughout the entire developmental process is still lacking. In this study, detailed morphological examinations of caryopses were made during the entire 30‐day developmental process. We observed some rapid changes in cell differentiation events and cataloged how cellular degeneration processes occurred in maternal tissues. The differentiations of tube cells and cross cells were achieved by 9 days after pollination (DAP). In the testa, the outer integument was degenerated by 3 DAP, while the outer layer of the inner integument degenerated by 7 DAP. In the nucellus, all tissues with the exception of the nucellar projection and the nucellar epidermis degenerated in the first 5 DAP. By 21 DAP, all maternal tissues, including vascular bundles, the nucellar projection and the nucellar epidermal cells were degenerated. In summary, this study provides a complete atlas of the dynamic changes in cell differentiation and degeneration for individual maternal cell layers of rice caryopsis.
The MNE as a Challenge to Institutional Theory: Key Concepts, Recent Developments and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Saka‐Helmhout Ayse , Deeg Richard , Greenwood Royston 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe co‐existence of multiple, often contradictory, institutional demands pose challenges to organizations. Despite the intriguing context that multinational enterprises (MNEs) present for the study of organizational action to such demands, research has focused on organizational fields. To more deeply consider the MNE context, we argue that MNEs offer an opportunity to examine the role of society in the ‘management’ of multiple institutional logics. Further, we highlight organizational attributes such as economic ties, foreignness, and location strategy that filter institutional complexity in the context of MNEs. The papers in this Special Issue explore how the dynamic interaction between MNEs and the varying institutional demands across their multiple environments creates avenues for active agency.
Plasma Procalcitonin Concentration in Healthy Horses and Horses Affected by Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Bonelli F. , Meucci V. , Divers T.J. , Jose‐Cunilleras E. , Corazza M. , Tognetti R. , Guidi G. , Intorre L. , Sgorbini M. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe diseases most frequent associated with SIRS in adult horses are those involving the gastrointestinal tract. An early diagnosis should be the goal in the management of horses with SIRS.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the plasma procalcitonin (PCT) concentration in healthy and SIRS horses to assess differences between the two groups.AnimalsSeventy‐eight horses (30 healthy and 48 SIRS).MethodsProspective in vivo multicentric study. Horses were classified as SIRS if at least 2 of the following criteria were met: abnormal leukocyte count or distribution, hyperthermia or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea. Healthy horses showed no clinical or laboratory signs of SIRS. Plasma PCT concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA assay for equine species. Results were expressed as mean±standard deviation. T‐test for unpaired data was performed between healthy and SIRS group. SIRS group was divided in 4 subgroups and t‐test was performed between healthy versus each subgroup.ResultsPCT concentrations in healthy and SIRS horses were 18.28 ± 20.32 and 197.0 ± 117.0 pg/mL, respectively. T‐test showed statistical differences between healthy versus SIRS group and between healthy versus all subgroups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceResults showed an increase in PCT concentration in SIRS horses as previously reported in humans and dogs. PCT could be used as a single assay in equine practice for detection of SIRS.
Mixed‐severity natural disturbance regime dominates in an old‐growth Norway spruce forest of northwest Russia
Authors: Khakimulina Tatiana , Fraver Shawn , Drobyshev Igor 
Published: October 2015

AbstractQuesionsWhat were the long‐term disturbance rates (including variability) and agents in pristine Norway spruce‐dominated (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forests? Have soil moisture conditions influenced disturbance rates across this boreal spruce‐dominated forest? Were the temporal recruitment patterns of canopy dominants associated with past disturbance periods?LocationInterfluvial region of Northern Dvina and Pinega rivers, Arkhangelsk, northwest Russia.MethodsWe linked dendrochronological data with tree spatial data (n trees = 1659) to reconstruct the temporal and spatial patterns of canopy gaps in a 1.8‐ha area from 1831–2008, and to develop a growth‐release chronology from 1775–2008.ResultsNo evidence of stand‐replacing disturbances was found within selected forest stands over the studied period. Forest dynamics were driven by small‐ to moderate‐scale canopy disturbances, which maintained a multi‐cohort age structure. Disturbance peaks were observed in the 1820s, 1920s, 1970s and 2000s, with decadal rates reaching 32% of the stand area disturbed.ConclusionsThe overall mean decadal rate was 8.3% canopy area disturbed, which suggests a canopy turnover time of 122 yr, with a 95% confidence envelop of 91–186 yr. Bark beetle outbreaks (possibly exacerbated by droughts) and wind‐storms emerged as the principal disturbance agents. Recruitment of both Norway spruce and downy birch was associated with periods of increased canopy disturbance. Moisture conditions (moist vs mesic stands) were not significantly related to long‐term disturbance rates. The studied spruce‐dominated boreal forests of this region apparently exhibited long‐term forest continuity under this mixed‐severity disturbance regime. These disturbances caused considerable structural alterations to forest canopies, but apparently did not result in a pronounced successional shifts in tree species composition, rather occasional minor enrichments of birch in these heavily spruce‐dominated stands.
Longitudinal profiles of highly sensitive hepatitis B surface antigen levels: re‐evaluation of HBsAg seroclearance
Authors: Seto Wai‐Kay , Tanaka Yasuhito , Wong Danny K.‐H. , Shinkai Noboru , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Liu Kevin S.‐H. , Fung James , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsSerologic profiles after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have not been well‐studied.MethodsWe employed a highly sensitive HBsAg (hs‐HBsAg) assay (lower detection limit 0.5 mIU/ml), 100 times more sensitive than conventional HBsAg measurements. CHB patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays were followed up for serum hs‐HBsAg, HBV DNA and antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) levels at 0 months, 6–12 months and 3–5 years after HBsAg seroclearance. Factors associated with hs‐HBsAg detectability were determined.ResultsOne hundred and nine patients were recruited; 94 (86.2%) were followed up to years 3–5; and 25 patients (22.9%) were on nucleoside analogue therapy for a median duration of 6.0 (range 1.5–12.7) years before HBsAg seroclearance. Detectable hs‐HBsAg was noted in 88 (80.7%), 60 (55.0%) and 20 (21.3%) patients at 0 months, 6–12 months and 3–5 years respectively. At years 3–5, genotype B patients, when compared to genotype C patients, had a higher anti‐HBs positive rate (63.2% and 41.1% respectively, P = 0.036). Serum anti‐HBs positivity, when compared to persistent anti‐HBs negativity, was associated with a lower rate of hs‐HBsAg detection (7.4% and 40% respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed anti‐HBs negativity at years 3–5 to be independently associated with persistently positive hs‐HBsAg (P = 0.007, odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7–29.3).ConclusionSerum hs‐HBsAg could detect HBsAg presence in a substantial proportion of CHB after HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays, especially among anti‐HBs negative individuals. Serum hs‐HBsAg could potentially assist differentiating HBsAg‐negative CHB from individuals with only past HBV exposure without carrier state.
Right whale occurrence in the coastal waters of Virginia, U.S.A.: Endangered species presence in a rapidly developing energy market
Authors: Salisbury Daniel P. , Clark Christopher W. , Rice Aaron N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe endangered North Atlantic right whale is susceptible to increased risks associated with the developing energy market off the Virginia coast of the U.S.A., including increased noise exposure from shipping and energy exploration and extraction, and shipping activity. Primarily viewed as a migratory corridor between northern feeding and mating areas and the southern calving area, Virginia waters have not been intensely monitored for right whales. We conducted a 1 yr, continuous, passive acoustic survey from the Virginia coast to the continental shelf to better describe the seasonal occurrence and spatial distribution of right whales in this area. We found that whales were acoustically detected in every month of the year, with increased seasonal occurrences in fall and late winter/early spring, and not just during limited periods of the year. As industry activities continue to increase in the area, these new right whale occurrence data have implications for siting and permitting of offshore energy activities.
Overexpression of the potassium channel TPKb in small vacuoles confers osmotic and drought tolerance to rice
Authors: Ahmad Izhar , Devonshire Jean , Mohamed Radwa , Schultze Michael , Maathuis Frans J. M. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Potassium (K+) is the most important cationic nutrient for all living organisms. Vacuolar two‐pore K+ (TPK) channels are important players in the regulation of cellular levels of K+ but have not been characterised in rice.

In order to assess the role of OsTPKb, a K+ selective ion channel predominantly expressed in the tonoplast of small vacuoles, we generated overexpressing (OX) lines using a constitutive promoter and compared their phenotypes with control plants.

Relative to control plants, OX lines showed better growth when exposed to low‐K+ or water stress conditions. K+ uptake was greater in OX lines which may be driven by increased AKT1 and HAK1 activity. The enhanced K+ uptake led to tissue K+ levels that were raised in roots and shoots. Furthermore, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses showed a higher cytoplasm: vacuole K+ ratio which is likely to contribute to the increased stress tolerance.

In all, the data suggest that TPKb can alter the K+ status of small vacuoles, which is important for general cellular K+ homeostasis which, in turn, affects stress tolerance.
Codon reassignment to facilitate genetic engineering and biocontainment in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Young Rosanna E. B. , Purton Saul 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThere is a growing interest in the use of microalgae as low‐cost hosts for the synthesis of recombinant products such as therapeutic proteins and bioactive metabolites. In particular, the chloroplast, with its small, genetically tractable genome (plastome) and elaborate metabolism, represents an attractive platform for genetic engineering. In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, none of the 69 protein‐coding genes in the plastome uses the stop codon UGA, therefore this spare codon can be exploited as a useful synthetic biology tool. Here, we report the assignment of the codon to one for tryptophan and show that this can be used as an effective strategy for addressing a key problem in chloroplast engineering: namely, the assembly of expression cassettes in Escherichia coli when the gene product is toxic to the bacterium. This problem arises because the prokaryotic nature of chloroplast promoters and ribosome‐binding sites used in such cassettes often results in transgene expression in E. coli, and is a potential issue when cloning genes for metabolic enzymes, antibacterial proteins and integral membrane proteins. We show that replacement of tryptophan codons with the spare codon (UGG→UGA) within a transgene prevents functional expression in E. coli and in the chloroplast, and that co‐introduction of a plastidial trnW gene carrying a modified anticodon restores function only in the latter by allowing UGA readthrough. We demonstrate the utility of this system by expressing two genes known to be highly toxic to E. coli and discuss its value in providing an enhanced level of biocontainment for transplastomic microalgae.
The wheat durable, multipathogen resistance gene Lr34 confers partial blast resistance in rice
Authors: Krattinger Simon G. , Sucher Justine , Selter Liselotte L. , Chauhan Harsh , Zhou Bo , Tang Mingzhi , Upadhyaya Narayana M. , Mieulet Delphine , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Weidenbach Denise , Schaffrath Ulrich , Lagudah Evans S. , Keller Beat 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe wheat gene Lr34 confers durable and partial field resistance against the obligate biotrophic, pathogenic rust fungi and powdery mildew in adult wheat plants. The resistant Lr34 allele evolved after wheat domestication through two gain‐of‐function mutations in an ATP‐binding cassette transporter gene. An Lr34‐like fungal disease resistance with a similar broad‐spectrum specificity and durability has not been described in other cereals. Here, we transformed the resistant Lr34 allele into the japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare. Transgenic rice plants expressing Lr34 showed increased resistance against multiple isolates of the hemibiotrophic pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. Host cell invasion during the biotrophic growth phase of rice blast was delayed in Lr34‐expressing rice plants, resulting in smaller necrotic lesions on leaves. Lines with Lr34 also developed a typical, senescence‐based leaf tip necrosis (LTN) phenotype. Development of LTN during early seedling growth had a negative impact on formation of axillary shoots and spikelets in some transgenic lines. One transgenic line developed LTN only at adult plant stage which was correlated with lower Lr34 expression levels at seedling stage. This line showed normal tiller formation and more importantly, disease resistance in this particular line was not compromised. Interestingly, Lr34 in rice is effective against a hemibiotrophic pathogen with a lifestyle and infection strategy that is different from obligate biotrophic rusts and mildew fungi. Lr34 might therefore be used as a source in rice breeding to improve broad‐spectrum disease resistance against the most devastating fungal disease of rice.