bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A tale of two lineages: unexpected, long‐term persistence of the amphibian‐killing fungus in Brazil
Authors: Lips Karen 
Published: January 2014

For the past 17 years, scientists have been compiling a list of amphibian species susceptible to infection by the amphibian‐killing chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), all over the world, with >500 species infected on every continent except Antarctica (Olson et al. ). Where Bd has been found, the impacts on amphibians has been one of two types: either Bd arrives into a naïve amphibian population followed by a mass die‐off and population declines (e.g. Lips et al. ), or Bd is present at some moderate prevalence, usually infecting many species but at apparently nonlethal intensities for a long time. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rodriguez et al. () discover that the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil is home to two Bd lineages: the Global Pandemic Lineage (Bd‐GPL) – the strain responsible for mass die‐offs and population declines – and a lineage endemic to Brazil (Bd‐Bz). Even more surprising was that both lineages have been present in this area for the past 100 years, making these the oldest records of Bd infecting amphibians. The team also described a moderate but steady prevalence of ~20% across all sampled anuran families for over 100 years, indicating that Brazil has been in an enzootic disease state for over a century. Most amphibians were infected with Bd‐GPL, suggesting this lineage may be a better competitor than Bd‐Bz or may be replacing the Bd‐Bz lineage. Rodriguez et al. () also detected likely hybridization of the two Bd lineages, as originally described by Schloegel et al. ().
Marked changes in platelet count and function following pediatric congenital heart surgery
Authors: Bønding Andreasen Jo , Hvas Anne‐Mette , Ravn Hanne B. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundReduced hemostatic capacity is common following congenital heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The etiology is multifactorial with dilutional coagulopathy, as well as platelet adhesion and activation in the CPB circuit and oxygenator. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate platelet count and function in children following CPB.MethodsIn a prospective, observational study comprising 40 children, platelet count and function (Multiplate Analyzer®) were measured before surgery, immediately after bypass, and on the first postoperative day. Furthermore, conventional coagulation analysis and thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) were carried out.ResultsA significant decrease in platelet count was observed immediately after coming of bypass (P < 0.001) and persisted to the first postoperative day (P = 0.002). Platelet function was reduced immediately after bypass after induction with ADP (P < 0.001) or TRAP (P = 0.03). The duration of CPB correlated significantly with the decrease in platelet count (r = −0.62, P = 0.0001) and reduction in platelet function (r = −0.42—0.63; P < 0.01). Moderate to deep hypothermia during CPB was associated with a decreased platelet function (P = 0.01–0.12), whereas cyanosis or previous heart surgery caused no further changes in platelet function following CPB.ConclusionBoth platelet count and platelet function were significantly reduced after CPB in children undertaken correctional heart surgery. Duration of CPB and hypothermia was associated with significant changes in platelet function.
Effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine or oral midazolam premedication on sevoflurane EC50 for successful laryngeal mask airway placement in children: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Savla Jyothi R. , Ghai Babita , Bansal Dipika , Wig Jyotsna 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIntroductionThis study was conducted to determine the effect of oral midazolam (OM) or intranasal dexmedetomidine (IND) on the EC50 of sevoflurane for successful laryngeal mask airway placement in children. We hypothesize that premedication with either agent might reduce the sevoflurane EC50 for laryngeal mask airway placement in children to a similar extent.MethodsFifty‐two American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I children (aged 1–6 years) scheduled for general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway were randomized to one of the three groups: group M received 0.5 mg·kg−1 OM with honey and intranasal saline, group D received 2 μg·kg−1 IND along with oral honey, and group P received oral honey and intranasal saline at least 30 min prior to induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with incremental sevoflurane up to 8% in 100% O2. A predetermined target endtidal sevoflurane (ETsevo) concentration (2% in the first child of all three groups) was sustained for 10 min before the attempt of laryngeal mask airway insertion by adjusting dial concentration. No intravenous anesthetic or neuromuscular blockade was used. ETsevo was increased/decreased (step size 0.2%) using Dixon's and Massey's up and down method in next patient depending upon previous patient's response. Placement of the laryngeal mask airway without movement, coughing, biting, or bucking was considered as successful. EC50 of sevoflurane was calculated as the average of the crossover midpoints in each group, which was further confirmed by probit analysis.ResultsThe EC50 of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway placement after OM (1.66 ± 0.31) and IND (1.57 ± 0.14) premedications was significantly lower than the placebo group (2.00 ± 0.17, P < 0.0001). The EC95 (95% CI) derived from probit regression analysis was 2.34% (2.22–2.51%) with OM, 1.88% (1.77–2.04%) with IND, and 2.39% (2.25–2.35%) with placebo group.ConclusionsOral midazolam and IND premedications significantly reduce the sevoflurane EC50 for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children by 17% and 21%, respectively.
LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 and ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 differentially regulate UV‐C‐induced photooxidative stress signalling and programmed cell death in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: WITUSZYŃSKA WERONIKA , SZECHYŃSKA‐HEBDA MAGDALENA , SOBCZAK MIROSŁAW , RUSACZONEK ANNA , KOZŁOWSKA‐MAKULSKA ANNA , WITOŃ DAMIAN , KARPIŃSKI STANISŁAW 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAs obligate photoautotrophs, plants are inevitably exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Because of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV has become more and more dangerous to the biosphere. Therefore, it is important to understand UV perception and signal transduction in plants. In the present study, we show that LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 (LSD1) and ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) are antagonistic regulators of UV‐C‐induced programmed cell death (PCD) in Arabidopsis thaliana. This regulatory dependence is manifested by a complex deregulation of photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, antioxidative enzyme activity and UV‐responsive genes expression. We also prove that a UV‐C radiation episode triggers apoptotic‐like morphological changes within the mesophyll cells. Interestingly, chloroplasts are the first organelles that show features of UV‐C‐induced damage, which may indicate their primary role in PCD development. Moreover, we show that Arabidopsis Bax inhibitor 1 (AtBI1), which has been described as a negative regulator of plant PCD, is involved in LSD1‐dependent cell death in response to UV‐C. Our results imply that LSD1 and EDS1 regulate processes extinguishing excessive energy, reactive oxygen species formation and subsequent PCD in response to different stresses related to impaired electron transport.
Syndecan‐2 regulates melanin synthesis via protein kinase C βII‐mediated tyrosinase activation
Authors: Jung Hyejung , Chung Heesung , Chang Sung Eun , Choi Sora , Han Inn‐Oc , Kang Duk‐Hee , Oh Eok‐Soo 
Published: January 2014

SummarySyndecan‐2, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is highly expressed in melanoma cells, regulates melanoma cell functions (e.g. migration). Since melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, which largely function to synthesize melanin, we investigated the possible involvement of syndecan‐2 in melanogenesis. Syndecan‐2 expression was increased in human skin melanoma tissues compared with normal skin. In both mouse and human melanoma cells, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of syndecan‐2 was associated with reduced melanin synthesis, whereas overexpression of syndecan‐2 increased melanin synthesis. Similar effects were also detected in human primary epidermal melanocytes. Syndecan‐2 expression did not affect the expression of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, but instead enhanced the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase by increasing the membrane and melanosome localization of its regulator, protein kinase CβII. Furthermore, UVB caused increased syndecan‐2 expression, and this up‐regulation of syndecan‐2 was required for UVB‐induced melanin synthesis. Taken together, these data suggest that syndecan‐2 regulates melanin synthesis and could be a potential therapeutic target for treating melanin‐associated diseases.
Analysis of resistance to witches’ broom disease (Moniliophthora perniciosa) in flower cushions of Theobroma cacao in a segregating population
Authors: Silva D. V. , Araújo I. S. , Branco S. M. J. , Aguilar‐Vildoso C. I. , Lopes U. V. , Marelli J. P. , Motamayor J. C. , Royaert S. , Rebouças R. C. , Corrêa R. X. 
Published: January 2014

This study evaluates resistance to witches’ broom disease in flower cushions of Theobroma cacao under field conditions. The aim was to determine optimal inoculation methods to evaluate the disease incidence using flower cushions in the field. A segregating mapping population of 580 trees (cultivar TSH 1188 × CCN 51) was analysed under two field conditions: high and low inoculum levels (in different years), corresponding respectively to trees with or without dried witches’ brooms hanging on the trees and producing basidiocarps. The number of newly formed cushion brooms in each tree was counted by the conventional method, and also the healthy and infected flower cushions in three 30 cm‐long regions along the trunk and the two main branches. The field inoculation methods discriminated between genotypes, with a 26% increase in disease incidence by Moniliophthora perniciosa at high inoculum. Two different segregation patterns were also observed: 27:27:9:1 under low, and 27:9:9:9:3:3:3:1 under high inoculum potential. It was also determined that at least 20 flower cushions were needed to accurately determine the percentage of infection. These methodologies allowed identification of the extreme phenotypes in this mapping population, and can therefore facilitate the detection of sources of resistance to witches’ broom disease.
Sedimentological and deformational criteria for discriminating subglaciofluvial deposits from subaqueous ice‐contact fan deposits: A Pleistocene example (Ireland)
Authors: Ravier Edouard , Buoncristiani Jean‐François , Clerc Sylvain , Guiraud Michel , Menzies John , Portier Eric 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA pit located near Ballyhorsey, 28 km south of Dublin (eastern Ireland), displays subglacially deposited glaciofluvial sediments passing upwards into proglacial subaqueous ice‐contact fan deposits. The coexistence of these two different depositional environments at the same location will help with differentiation between two very similar and easily confused glacial lithofacies. The lowermost sediments show aggrading subglacial deposits indicating a constrained accommodation space, mainly controlled by the position of an overlying ice roof during ice‐bed decoupling. These sediments are characterized by vertically stacked tills with large lenses of tabular to channelized sorted sediments. The sorted sediments consist of fine‐grained laminated facies, cross‐laminated sand and channelized gravels, and are interpreted as subglaciofluvial sediments deposited within a subglacial de‐coupled space. The subglaciofluvial sequence is characterized by glaciotectonic deformation structures within discrete beds, triggered by fluid overpressure and shear stress during episodes of ice/bed recoupling (clastic dykes and folds). The upper deposits correspond to the deposition of successive hyperpycnal flows in a proximal proglacial lake, forming a thick sedimentary wedge erosively overlying the subglacial deposits. Gravel facies and large‐scale trough bedding sand are observed within this proximal wedge, while normally graded sand beds with developed bedforms are observed further downflow. The building of the prograding ice‐contact subaqueous fan implies an unrestricted accommodation space and is associated with deformation structures related to gravity destabilization during fan spreading (normal faults). This study facilitates the recognition of subglacial/submarginal depositional environments formed, in part, during localized ice/bed coupling episodes in the sedimentary record. The sedimentary sequence exposed in Ballyhorsey permits characterization of the temporal framework of meltwater production during deglaciation, the impact on the subglacial drainage system and the consequences on the Irish Sea Ice Stream flow mechanisms.
Climatic and eustatic signals in a global compilation of shallow marine carbonate accumulation rates
Authors: Kemp David B. , Sadler Peter M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTwo of the most important factors that control the accumulation rate of material in carbonate platform environments on geological time scales are climate and eustasy. Accurately assessing the importance of these inter‐related factors through the study of both modern and ancient carbonate facies, however, is problematic. These difficulties arise from both the complexities inherent in carbonate depositional systems and the demonstrable incompleteness of the stratigraphic record. Here, a new compilation of more than 19 000 global Phanerozoic shallow marine carbonate accumulation rates derived from nearly 300 individual stratigraphic sections is presented. These data provide the first global holistic view of changes in shallow marine carbonate production in response to climate and eustasy on geological time scales. Notably, a clear latitudinal dependence on carbonate accumulation rates is recognized in the data. Moreover, it can also be demonstrated that rates calculated across the last glacial maximum and Holocene track changes in sea‐level. In detail, the data show that globally averaged changes in carbonate accumulation rates lagged changes in sea‐level by ca 3 kyr, reflecting the commonly observed delay in the response of individual carbonate successions to sea‐level rise. Differences between the rates of carbonate accumulation and sea‐level change over the past 25 kyr ostensibly reflect changing accumulation mode, with platform drowning (give‐up mode) pervasive during peak Early Holocene sea‐level rise, followed by a switch to catch‐up mode accumulation from ca 9 ka to the present. Carbonate accumulation rates older than the Quaternary are typically calculated over time spans much greater than 100 kyr, and at these time spans, rates primarily reflect long‐term tectonically mediated accommodation space changes rather than shorter term changes in climate/eustasy. This finding, coupled with issues of stratigraphic incompleteness and data abundance, tempers the utility of this and other compilations for assessing accurately the role of climate and eustasy in mediating carbonate accumulation rates through geological time.
Deliberative Capacity in the Political and Civic Sphere
Authors: Pedrini Seraina 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn an evolving deliberative system, a crucial question is how deliberation of ordinary citizens differs from that of professional politicians. This study compares the deliberative capacity of citizens and political elites on exactly the same issue, namely a direct democratic initiative in Switzerland on the expulsion of criminal immigrants. In concrete, I perform a quantitative content analysis of the quality of citizen deliberation in an online poll and compare this to the quality of deliberation in representative politics, namely in the non‐public committee and public floor debates in the Swiss parliament. The findings show that political elites reach much higher levels of justification rationality than ordinary citizens, but achieve lower levels in terms of respect. I conclude that citizen deliberation, while useful as an advisory tool, cannot replace serious deliberative scrutiny in representative politics.
Single‐copy gene‐based chromosome painting in cucumber and its application for chromosome rearrangement analysis in Cucumis
Authors: Lou Qunfeng , Zhang Yunxia , He Yuhua , Li Ji , Jia Li , Cheng Chunyan , Guan Wei , Yang Shuqiong , Chen Jinfeng 
Published: January 2014

SummaryChromosome painting based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has played an important role in chromosome identification and research into chromosome rearrangements, diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities and evolution in human and animal species. However, it has not been applied widely in plants due to the large amounts of dispersed repetitive sequences in chromosomes. In the present work, a chromosome painting method for single‐copy gene pools in Cucumis sativus was successfully developed. Gene probes with sizes above 2 kb were detected consistently. A cucumber karyotype was constructed based on FISH using a cocktail containing chromosome‐specific gene probes. This single‐copy gene‐based chromosome painting (ScgCP) technique was performed by PCR amplification, purification, pooling, labeling and hybridization onto chromosome spreads. Gene pools containing sequential genes with an interval less than 300 kb yielded painting patterns on pachytene chromosomes. Seven gene pools corresponding to individual chromosomes unambiguously painted each chromosome pair of C. sativus. Three mis‐aligned regions on chromosome 4 were identified by the painting patterns. A probe pool comprising 133 genes covering the 8 Mb distal end of chromosome 4 was used to evaluate the potential utility of the ScgCP technique for chromosome rearrangement research through cross‐species FISH in the Cucumis genus. Distinct painting patterns of this region were observed in C. sativus, C. melo and C. metuliferus species. A comparative chromosome map of this region was constructed between cucumber and melon. With increasing sequence resources, this ScgCP technique may be applied on any other sequenced species for chromosome painting research.
Prevalence of fur mites (Chirodiscoides caviae) in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in southern Italy
Authors: d'Ovidio Dario , Santoro Domenico 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundChirodiscoides caviae is the most common fur mite affecting guinea pigs; infestation is generally asymptomatic. No studies have been published on the prevalence of such mites in guinea pigs in southern Italy.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical signs of C. caviae infestation in guinea pigs in southern Italy.AnimalsClinical records of guinea pigs evaluated from August 2012 to July 2013 were retrospectively searched.MethodsIn this retrospective matched case–control study, records of guinea pigs with evidence of C. caviae infestation were selected. The prevalence of C. caviae infestation was evaluated and exposure variables were assessed among guinea pigs with and without infestation using stepwise conditional logistic regression. Guinea pigs seen during the same time period, but without a diagnosis of C. caviae, were included as control animals.ResultsThe prevalence of C. caviae was 32% (42 of 131); 66.6% of affected guinea pigs (28 of 42) originated from pet shops, whereas 28% (14 of 42) were privately owned. Thirty‐one guinea pigs (73.8%) were asymptomatic, whereas 11 (26.1%) showed clinical signs (pruritus, alopecia, erythema and scaling). The most frequently affected area was the lumbosacral region (38 of 42). Guinea pigs in pet shops were more likely to be affected by C. caviae than owned guinea pigs (odds ratio, 5.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.32–11.29; P < 0.0001).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe results of this study indicate a high prevalence of C. caviae infestation in guinea pigs in southern Italy. Chirodiscoides mites should be sought in guinea pigs, particularly in animals coming from pet shops.
Combining 4D MR Flow Experimental Data and Computational Fluid Dynamics to Study the Neoaorta in Patients With Repaired Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Biglino Giovanni , Cosentino Daria , Castelli Matteo , De Nova Lorenzo , Ntsinjana Hopewell N. , Steeden Jennifer A. , Taylor Andrew M. , Schievano Silvia 
Published: January 2014

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital heart disease characterized by abnormal spatial arrangement of the two main vessels, with the aorta arising from the pulmonary valve and the main pulmonary artery arising from the aortic valve. TGA surgical repair with the arterial switch operation (ASO) involves physically repositioning the aorta and the pulmonary artery in their correct anatomical location, as well as separately moving the coronary arteries. Following ASO, decreased aortic distensibility and enlarged aortic root have been observed, together with late complications such as coronary artery obstruction, neoaortic valvar insufficiency, and arrhythmia [1]. Clearly, further knowledge of the hemodynamics in the neoaorta following ASO can be helpful in understanding the physiology of repaired-TGA. We suggest that engineering tools can provide access to such knowledge, both experimentally and computationally. 4D flow data from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can generate excellent maps of velocity streamlines and — to our knowledge — has never been applied to this clinical problem. In addition, 4D MR flow data gathered in-vitro (hence more reproducible and more stable than in-vivo) can be a resourceful tool for validating a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the same problem. The experimental model, lacking respiration effects and concerns about scanning time, can also be used for exploring the optimal spatial and temporal resolution for improving the quality of the data. Ultimately, we suggest that a synergistic approach (experimental 4D MR flow + CFD study) carried out at a patient-specific level can provide knowledge about the hemodynamics in the neoaorta following ASO. For this purpose, we present two comparisons:
(a) TGA anatomy vs. an age-matched healthy subject
(b) in-vitro vs. in-silico.
IGRT/ART phantom with programmable independent rib cage and tumor motion
Authors: Haas Olivier C. L. , Mills John A. , Land Imke , Mulholl Pete , Menary Paul , Crichton Robert , Wilson Adrian , Sage John , Anna Morenc , Depuydt Tom 
Published: January 2014

Purpose:This paper describes the design and experimental evaluation of the Methods and Advanced Equipment for Simulation and Treatment in Radiation Oncology (MAESTRO) thorax phantom, a new anthropomorphic moving ribcage combined with a 3D tumor positioning system to move target inserts within static lungs.Methods:The new rib cage design is described and its motion is evaluated using Vicon Nexus, a commercial 3D motion tracking system. CT studies at inhale and exhale position are used to study the effect of rib motion and tissue equivalence.Results:The 3D target positioning system and the rib cage have millimetre accuracy. Each axis of motion can reproduce given trajectories from files or individually programmed sinusoidal motion in terms of amplitude, period, and phase shift. The maximum rib motion ranges from 7 to 20 mm SI and from 0.3 to 3.7 mm AP with LR motion less than 1 mm. The repeatability between cycles is within 0.16 mm root mean square error. The agreement between CT electron and mass density for skin, ribcage, spine hard and inner bone as well as cartilage is within 3%.Conclusions:The MAESTRO phantom is a useful research tool that produces programmable 3D rib motions which can be synchronized with 3D internal target motion. The easily accessible static lungs enable the use of a wide range of inserts or can be filled with lung tissue equivalent and deformed using the target motion system.