bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of seedlings from natural and afforested populations ofCupressus sempervirensunder different temperature and moisture regimes
Authors: Al‐Hawija Batoul N. , Lachmuth Susanne , Welk Erik , Hensen Isabell 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFor successful afforestation programs seed quality is crucial, but seedlings are susceptible to climatic stress. Therefore, to improve afforestation success it is necessary to compare performance of seedlings from natural and cultivated populations under different climatic conditions. We investigated growth performance in seedlings of three natural and four afforestedSyrianCupressus sempervirensL. populations under different temperature and moisture regimes. A “warm” climate chamber approximately simulated current mean annual temperatures (day/night: 20/10°C) while a “hot” chamber simulated an average increase of 5°C(day/night: 25/15°C). Seedlings were irrigated twice (drier) or thrice (moist) weekly. Seedlings from natural provenances outperformed those from afforested stands in all growth variables in both chambers. In the warm chamber, root length and biomass were not affected by irrigation for both population types, but shoot height decreased for afforested seedlings under drier treatment while it slightly increased in natural seedlings. In the hot chamber, shoot height decreased but root length and biomass increased for population types under the drier treatment. Comparison between the two chambers showed that under the drier treatment shoot height and biomass decreased at higher temperatures, but root length and biomass were not significantly different. The same response to higher temperatures was observed under the moist treatment, but root biomass decreased too. Our results emphasize the necessity to protect the remaining natural forest ofC. sempervirensinSyria and recommend systematic collection of seed material from natural stands for afforestation programs. This might also hold forex situcultivation of retrieving rare and endangered plant species.
Field‐scale tracking of active methane‐oxidizing communities in a landfill cover soil reveals spatial and seasonal variability
Authors: Henneberger Ruth , Chiri Eleonora , Bodelier Paul E. L. , Frenzel Peter , Lüke Claudia , Schroth Martin H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB) in soils mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. We assessed spatial and seasonal differences in active MOB communities in a landfill cover soil characterized by highly variable environmental conditions. Field‐based measurements of CH4 oxidation activity and stable‐isotope probing of polar lipid‐derived fatty acids (PLFA‐SIP) were complemented by microarray analysis of pmoA genes and transcripts, linking diversity and function at the field scale. In situ CH4 oxidation rates varied between sites and were generally one order of magnitude lower in winter compared with summer. Results from PLFA‐SIP and pmoA transcripts were largely congruent, revealing distinct spatial and seasonal clustering. Overall, active MOB communities were highly diverse. Type Ia MOB, specifically Methylomonas and Methylobacter, were key drivers for CH4 oxidation, particularly at a high‐activity site. Type II MOB were mainly active at a site showing substantial fluctuations in CH4 loading and soil moisture content. Notably, Upland Soil Cluster‐gamma‐related pmoA transcripts were also detected, indicating concurrent oxidation of atmospheric CH4. Spatial separation was less distinct in winter, with Methylobacter and uncultured MOB mediating CH4 oxidation. We propose that high diversity of active MOB communities in this soil is promoted by high variability in environmental conditions, facilitating substantial removal of CH4 generated in the waste body.
System‐wide characterization of bZIP transcription factor proteins involved in infection‐related morphogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Tang Wei , Ru Yanyan , Hong Li , Zhu Qian , Zuo Rongfang , Guo Xianxian , Wang Jingzhen , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe basic leucine zipper (bZIP) domain‐containing transcription factors (TFs) function as key regulators of cellular growth and differentiation in eukaryotic organisms including fungi. We have previously identified MoAp1 and MoAtf1 as bZIP TFs in Magnaporthe oryzae and demonstrated that they regulate the oxidative stress response and are critical in conidiogenesis and pathogenicity. Studies of bZIP proteins could provide a novel strategy for controlling rice blast, but a systematic examination of the bZIP proteins has not been carried out. Here, we identified 19 additional bZIP TFs and characterized their functions. We found that the majority of these TFs exhibit active functions, most notably, in conidiogenesis. We showed that MoHac1 regulates the endoplasmic reticulum stress response through a conserved unfolded protein response pathway, MoMetR controls amino acid metabolism to govern growth and differentiation, and MoBzip10 governs appressorium function and invasive hyphal growth. Moreover, MoBzip5 participates in appressorium formation through a pathway distinct from that MoBzip10, and MoMeaB appears to exert a regulatory role through nutrient uptake and nitrogen utilization. Collectively, our results provide insights into shared and specific functions associated with each of these TFs and link the regulatory roles to the fungal growth, conidiation, appressorium formation, host penetration and pathogenicity.
Metatranscriptomic analysis of ectomycorrhizal roots reveals genes associated with Piloderma–Pinus symbiosis: improved methodologies for assessing gene expression in situ
Authors: Liao H.‐L. , Chen Y. , Bruns T. D. , Peay K. G. , Taylor J. W. , Branco S. , Talbot J. M. , Vilgalys R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryEctomycorrhizal (EM) fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots that regulate nutrient exchange between forest plants and soil. Environmental metagenomics approaches that employ next‐generation sequencing show great promise for studying EM symbioses; however, metatranscriptomic studies have been constrained by the inherent difficulties associated with isolation and sequencing of RNA from mycorrhizae. Here we apply an optimized method for combined DNA/RNA extraction using field‐collected EM fungal–pine root clusters, together with protocols for taxonomic identification of expressed ribosomal RNA, and inference of EM function based on plant and fungal metatranscriptomics. We used transcribed portions of ribosomal RNA genes to identify several transcriptionally dominant fungal taxa associated with loblolly pine including Amphinema, Russula and Piloderma spp. One taxon, Piloderma croceum, has a publically available genome that allowed us to identify patterns of gene content and transcript abundance. Over 1500 abundantly expressed Piloderma genes were detected from mycorrhizal roots, including genes for protein metabolism, cell signalling, electron transport, terpene synthesis and other extracellular activities. In contrast, Piloderma gene encoding an ammonia transporter showed highest transcript abundance in soil samples. Our methodology highlights the potential of metatranscriptomics to identify genes associated with symbiosis and ecosystem function using field‐collected samples.
Why Do Countries Mandate Accrual Accounting for Tax Purposes?
Authors: GONCHAROV IGOR , JACOB MARTIN 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis study investigates why countries mandate accruals in the definition of corporate taxable income. Accruals alleviate timing and matching problems in cash flows, which smoothes taxable income and thus better aligns it with underlying economic performance. These accrual properties can be desirable in the tax setting as tax authorities seek more predictable corporate tax revenues. However, they can also make tax revenues procyclical by increasing the correlation between aggregate corporate tax revenues and aggregate economic activity. We argue that accruals shape the distribution of corporate tax revenues, which leads regulators to incorporate accruals into the definition of taxable income to balance the portfolio of government revenues and expenditures. Using a sample of 26 OECD countries, we find support for several theoretically motivated factors explaining the use of accruals in tax codes. We first provide evidence that corporate tax revenues are less volatile in high accrual countries, but high accrual countries collect relatively higher (lower) tax revenues when the corporate sector grows (contracts). Critically, we then show that accruals and smoother tax revenues are favored by countries with higher levels of government spending on public services and uncertain future expenditures, while countries with procyclical other tax collections favor cash rules and lower procyclicality of corporate tax revenues.
Diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage: A survey of Australasian emergency physicians and trainees
Authors: Rogers Andrew , Furyk Jeremy , Banks Colin , Chu Kevin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to establish current practice among Australasian emergency physicians and trainees on several aspects of the investigation of suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).MethodsAn electronic questionnaire (SurveyMonkeyTM) was distributed to emergency physicians and trainees by email through the ACEM. Survey recipients were asked about demographics, followed by a series of questions relating to the investigation of SAH.ResultsThere were 878 survey respondents (response rate 24%). Our data showed that 47.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that a CT brain within 6 h of headache onset is sufficient to exclude a diagnosis of SAH. For a CT performed within 12 h of ictus, 14.4% were satisfied that SAH could be excluded. After a negative CT scan, for further investigation of SAH, 88% of respondents preferred lumbar puncture to CT angiography. For detection of xanthochromia in the cerebrospinal fluid, 57.7% of respondents felt that spectrophotometry (vs visual inspection) is necessary to accurately diagnose SAH.ConclusionsA range of information was collected regarding the investigation of suspected SAH. We report significant differences in the diagnostic approach of Australasian emergency physicians and trainees to this condition, in particular the utility of CT within 6 h for exclusion of SAH.
Review article: Components of a good quality discharge summary: A systematic review
Authors: Wimsett Jordon , Harper Alana , Jones Peter 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aims to inform the use of discharge summaries as a marker of the quality of communication between ED and primary care; this systematic review aims to identify a consensus on the key components of a high‐quality discharge summary.MethodA systematic search of the major medical and allied health databases and Google Scholar was conducted, using predetermined criteria for inclusion. Two authors independently reviewed the full texts of potentially relevant studies to determine eligibility for inclusion. Data were extracted using a standard form, and the level of evidence was assessed using a predetermined scale.ResultsWe screened 827 articles, and 84 articles underwent full‐text review. Thirty‐two studies were included, and 15 studies were level A or B studies. The agreement between authors for level of evidence was good: k = 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–0.84) and for which components were included was 1011/1056, 95.7% (95% CI 94.3–96.8%). Thirty‐four components were identified; however, only four were ranked as important by ≥80% of respondents or scored ≥80% on a scale of importance. These were: discharge diagnosis, treatment received, investigation results and follow‐up plan. The quality of information contained in summaries was incompletely assessed in most studies.ConclusionThe key components to include in a discharge summary are the discharge diagnosis, treatment received, results of investigations and the follow up required. The limited evidence pertaining to ED discharges was consistent with this. The adequacy of the components rather than just their presence or absence should also be considered when assessing the quality of discharge summaries.
Effect of Intramuscular Fat, Breed, and Age at Slaughter on Fatty Acid Composition in Green Hams
Authors: Storrustløkken Linda , Ekeberg Dag , Egelandsdal Bjørg , Håseth Torunn T. , Alvseike Ole 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe evolution of fatty acid classes (ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, and ΣPUFA) in neutral lipids (NL) and phospholipids (PL) in pigs were studied. The M. biceps femoris in green hams from Norwegian breeds Landrace (LR), Duroc (DU), and Hampshire (HS) slaughtered at 6, 7.5, and 9 mo of age were examined. The parameters were analyzed for age and breed effects with and without adjustment for NL or PL content. The fatty acid class contents of NL were not significantly different between the age groups. However, when NL content was adjusted, deposition of ΣSFA and ΣMUFA in NL significantly increased and deposition of ΣPUFA in NL significantly decreased with age. Duroc had consistently higher fatty acid class contents, but after adjusting for NL content, only the deposition of ΣSFA proved to be genetically different. The nonlinear relationship between NL content and ΣMUFA and ΣPUFA, together with the genetic potential of HS to deposit less ΣSFA than LR, gave significantly different fatty acid class compositions between the breeds. The content and proportion of ΣMUFA in PL increased with age. Specific ratios were also determined. The fat firmness index, C18:0/C18:2n − 6 in NL, increased with age and was lowest in HS due to genetics and highest in DU due to its high NL content. The sensory rancidity index C18:1n − 9/Σn − 6 increased in NL and decreased in PL between 7.5 and 9 mo. The C18:1n − 9/Σn − 6 in NL was highest in DU due to higher NL content. The Σn − 6/Σn − 3 in NL and PL increased between 7.5 and 9 mo.
Are staging investigations being overused in patients with low and intermediate risk prostate cancer?
Authors: Kim Laurence , Min Myo , Roos Daniel , Nguyen Luom , Yeoh Eric 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionAccording to international best practice guidelines, staging abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CTAP) and whole body bone scan (WBBS) are not recommended for asymptomatic low and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer. Despite this, many patients undergo these investigations. Our aim was to determine the rate and cost of scans being performed for this group of patients.MethodWe utilised a database of prostate cancer patients treated by a radiation oncologist specialising in prostate cancer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between January 2008 and December 2012. Risk criteria were defined according to the D’Amico system. We identified the staging investigations ordered.ResultsOf 236 consecutive eligible patients, 69 (70%) and 85 (86%) of 99 low risk, and 112 (82%) and 126 (92%) of 137 intermediate‐risk patients, were found to have had staging CTAP and WBBS, respectively. In fact, only 9.7% of the patients followed the international best practice guidelines and had no staging investigations. None of these scans showed evidence of metastatic disease. The total costs of these investigations for the low and intermediate‐risk groups were approximately AUD 75 000 and AUD 116 000, respectively.ConclusionWe found that there is clearly a significant overuse of staging investigations for both these groups while the incidence of metastases identified was very low. This is likely to have a significant impact on the waiting time for scans and lead to substantial waste of resources. It places unnecessary financial burden on the patients and the healthcare system. There are also issues of increased radiation and contrast exposure, and potentially unnecessary further investigations.
Molecular diversity ofGermany's freshwater fishes and lampreys assessed byDNAbarcoding
Authors: Knebelsberger Thomas , Dunz Andreas R. , Neumann Dirk , Geiger Matthias F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study represents the first comprehensive molecular assessment of freshwater fishes and lampreys fromGermany. We analysedCOIsequences for almost 80% of the species mentioned in the currentGermanRedList. In total, 1056DNAbarcodes belonging to 92 species from all major drainages were used to (i) build a reliableDNAbarcode reference library, (ii) test for phylogeographic patterns, (iii) check for the presence of barcode gaps between species and (iv) evaluate the performance of the barcode index number (BIN) system, available on theBarcode ofLife Data Systems. For over 78% of all analysed species,DNAbarcodes are a reliable means for identification, indicated by the presence of barcode gaps. An overlap between intra‐ and interspecific genetic distances was present in 19 species, six of which belong to the genusCoregonus. The Neighbour‐Joining phenogram showed 60 nonoverlapping species clusters and three singleton species, which were related to 63 separateBINnumbers. Furthermore,Barbatula barbatula,Leucaspius delineatus,Phoxinus phoxinusandSqualius cephalusexhibited remarkable levels of cryptic diversity. In contrast, 11 clusters showed haplotype sharing, or low levels of divergence between species, hindering reliable identification. The analysis of our barcode library together with public data resulted in 89BINs, of which 56% showed taxonomic conflicts. Most of these conflicts were caused by the use of synonymies, inadequate taxonomy or misidentifications. Moreover, our study increased the number of potential alien species inGermany from 14 to 21 and is therefore a valuable groundwork for further faunistic investigations.
Safety guideline: skin antisepsis for central neuraxial blockade
Authors:   Membership of the Working Party:, Campbell J. P , Plaat F. , Checketts M. R. , Bogod D. , Tighe S. , Moriarty A. , Koerner R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryConcise guidelines are presented that recommend the method of choice for skin antisepsis before central neuraxial blockade. The Working Party specifically considered the concentration of antiseptic agent to use and its method of application. The advice presented is based on previously published guidelines, laboratory and clinical studies, case reports, and on the known properties of antiseptic agents.
Perinatal outcomes and travel time from home to hospital: Welsh data from 1995 to 2009
Authors: Paranjothy Shantini , Watkins W John , Rolfe Kim , Adappa Roshan , Gong Yi , Dunstan Frank , Kotecha Sailesh 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo study the association between travel time from home to hospital and birth outcomes.MethodsFor all registrable births to women resident in Wales (1995–2009), we calculated the travel time between the mother's residence and the postcode‐based location for both the birth hospital and all hospitals with maternity services that were open. Using logistic regression, we obtained odds ratios for the association between travel time and each birth outcome, adjusted for confounders.ResultsIn our analysis of 412 827 singleton births, for every 15‐min increase in travel time to the birth hospital, there was an increased risk of early (n = 609; OR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.20) and late neonatal death (n = 251; OR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.26). Results for intrapartum stillbirth were inconclusive (n = 135; OR: 1.13; 95%CI: 0.98, 1.30). For the above‐combined (n = 995) results, we get OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.20. No association was found with travel time to the nearest hospital (OR: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.90, 1.13 per 15‐min increase in travel time) for the composite outcome of intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal deaths.ConclusionLonger travel time to the birth hospital was associated with increased risk of neonatal deaths, but there was no strong evidence of association with the geographical location of maternity services.
End‐stage methotrexate‐related liver disease is rare and associated with features of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Dawwas M. F. , Aithal G. P. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in contemporary medicine with a well‐recognised hepatotoxic potential, for which stringent laboratory and histological surveillance has long been advocated.AimTo estimate the population burden of end‐stage methotrexate‐related liver disease (MTX‐LD) in the United States and identify independent host risk factors for this disease entity.MethodsWe analysed the records of all individuals who had been listed for, and/or received, liver transplantation in the United States, as reported to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network between 1 October 1987 and 31 December 2011, and identified those whose liver disease was attributed, wholly or partly, to MTX therapy. We also compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of adult individuals with MTX‐LD with those listed and/or transplanted for alcoholic liver disease (ALD, n = 43 285), non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n = 7569) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, n = 8526) using the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) derived from multi‐variable logistic regression models.ResultsOf 158 904 adults who had been listed for, and/or received, liver transplantation during the study period, only 117 (0.07%) had MTX‐LD. Compared with individuals with ALD and PSC, those with MTX‐LD were more likely to be older (AORs per 5‐year increase: 1.27, P < 0.001 and 1.33, P < 0.001 respectively); female (AORs: 1.78, P = 0.003 and 3.87, P < 0.001); Caucasian (AORs: 3.03, P = 0.001 and 2.05, P = 0.04); and diabetic (AORs: 2.76, P < 0.001 and 4.12, P < 0.001). With the exception of Caucasian ethnicity (AOR: 1.94, P = 0.05), the odds of these characteristics did not differ from individuals with NASH. The odds of elevated body mass index among MTX‐LD individuals were higher than those with PSC (AOR per 5 kg/m2: 1.51, P < 0.001); similar to those with ALD (AOR per 5 kg/m2:1.15, P = 0.1); and lower than those with NASH (AOR per 5 kg/m2: 0.66, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe United States population burden of end‐stage methotrexate‐related liver disease is likely to be exceedingly small, suggesting the need for reappraisal of current hepatotoxicity surveillance guidelines. The risk factor profile of methotrexate‐related liver disease supports the notion that it may share a common pathogenesis with NASH.
Changes to the uterine epithelium during the reproductive cycle of two viviparous lizard species (Niveoscincus spp.)
Authors: Wu Qiong , Fong Cameron K. , Thompson Michael B. , Murphy Christopher R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe investigated morphological differences in uterine epithelia of the reproductive cycle between two closely related viviparous skinks, Niveoscincus metallicus (lecithotrophic) and Niveoscincus ocellatus (placentotrophic), which have similar placental complexity but different degrees of placentotrophy. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the uterine surface of non‐reproductive females of both species is mainly covered by ciliated cells. As vitellogenesis begins, the uterine epithelium consists of ciliated and non‐ciliated cells under a thin glycocalyx. Microvilli are greatly reduced at mid‐pregnancy, and the uterus differentiates into two structurally distinct regions: the chorioallantoic and the omphaloplacenta. At late stages of pregnancy, the uterine epithelium of chorioallantoic placenta in both species is further ridged, forming a knobbly uterine surface. The ultrastructural evidence between N. metallicus and N. ocellatus cannot strictly account for the distinct differences in their placentotrophy; as yet unexplored molecular nutrient transport mechanisms that are not reflected in uterine ultrastructure must play significant roles in nutrient transportation. Characteristics consistent with a plasma membrane transformation were confirmed in both species.