bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Writing and pseudo‐writing from Internet‐based sources: implications for learning and assessment
Authors: Skaar Håvard 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn recent years, plagiarism has been on the increase across the Western world. This article identifies Internet access as a contributory cause of this trend and addresses the implications of readily available Internet sources for the teaching and assessment of writing in schools. The basis for the article is a previous study showing a wide incidence of plagiarism in the Internet‐based writing of students in three classes at upper secondary school level in Norway. I relate the students' choices to writing as a cognitive process and as a cultural practice. My basic assumption is that the students' writing is work. It is this work we have in mind when we relate writing to learning and when we assess students' skills on the basis of their written texts. Access to the Internet changes the premises for this work because writing can be replaced by ‘pseudo‐writing’. ‘Pseudo‐writing’ is a work reducing writing practice, which neither excludes nor coincides with what we traditionally associate with plagiarism in schools. The main point in this article is that when students have access to the Internet during essay writing, the result is unavoidably a product of both writing and pseudo‐writing. Internet access thus leads to greater uncertainty about the role writing plays in student learning and makes it more difficult to take written assignments into account in assessing students' school results and effort.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in Asian or Pacific Islander chronic hepatitis B patients with high viral load (≥ 9 log10 copies/ml)
Authors: Fung Scott , Gordon Stuart C. , Krastev Zahary , Horban Andrzej , Petersen Jörg , Sperl Jan , Gane Edward , Jacobson Ira M. , Yee Leland J. , Dinh Phillip , Martins Eduardo B. , Flaherty John F. , Kitrinos Kathryn M. , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Trinh Huy , Flisiak Robert , Rustgi Vinod K. , Buti Maria , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsWe evaluated the antiviral response of Asian or Pacific Islander (API) patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who had baseline high viral load (HVL), defined as pre‐treatment hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA ≥9 log10 copies/ml, following up to 288 weeks of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment.MethodsA total of 205 HBeAg‐negative and HBeAg‐positive self‐described API patients received 48 weeks of TDF 300 mg (HVL n = 18) or adefovir dipivoxil 10 mg (HVL n = 15) in a blinded fashion, followed by open‐label TDF for an additional 240 weeks. The proportions of HVL vs. non‐HVL patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/ml were compared. Mean declines in HBV DNA were evaluated in API vs. non‐API patients.ResultsThroughout the first 72 weeks of treatment, a smaller proportion of HVL API patients reached HBV DNA <400 copies/ml than non‐HVL API patients. However, after this timepoint similar proportions of HVL and non‐HVL API patients achieved HBV DNA <400 copies/ml (100% vs. 97%, respectively), which was maintained through week 288, where 92% of HVL patients and 99% of non‐HVL API patients on treatment had HBV DNA <400 copies/ml. During the 288 weeks of treatment, API patients had similar mean HBV DNA declines as non‐API patients, regardless of whether patients were HVL or non‐HVL. No API HVL patient had persistent viremia at week 288. No resistance was detected among HVL or non‐HVL patients.ConclusionsAPI patients with HVL CHB achieve HBV DNA <400 copies/ml with long‐term TDF treatment; however, achieving viral suppression may take longer for HVL patients relative to non‐HVL API patients.
Estimating exotic gene flow into native pine stands: zygotic vs. gametic components
Authors: Unger G. M. , Vendramin G. G. , Robledo‐Arnuncio J. J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMonitoring contemporary gene flow from widespread exotic plantations is becoming an important problem in forest conservation genetics. In plants, where both seed and pollen disperse, three components of exotic gene flow with potentially unequal consequences should be, but have not been, explicitly distinguished: zygotic, male gametic and female gametic. Building on a previous model for estimating contemporary rates of zygotic and male gametic gene flow among plant populations, we present here an approach that additionally estimates the third (female gametic) gene flow component, based on a combination of uni‐ and biparentally inherited markers. Using this method and a combined set of chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites, we estimate gene flow rates from exotic plantations into two Iberian relict stands of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Results show neither zygotic nor female gametic gene flow but moderate (6–8%) male gametic introgression for both species, implying significant dispersal of pollen, but not of seeds, from exotic plantations into native stands shortly after introduced trees reached reproductive maturity. Numerical simulation results suggest that the model yields reasonably accurate estimates for our empirical data sets, especially for larger samples. We discuss conservation management implications of observed levels of exposure to nonlocal genes and identify research needs to determine potentially associated hazards. Our approach should be useful for plant ecologists and ecosystem managers interested in the vectors of contemporary genetic connectivity among discrete plant populations.
Environmental drivers of ectomycorrhizal communities in Europe's temperate oak forests
Authors: Suz Laura M. , Barsoum Nadia , Benham Sue , Dietrich Hans‐Peter , Fetzer Karl Dieter , Fischer Richard , García Paloma , Gehrman Joachim , Kristöfel Ferdinand , Manninger Miklós , Neagu Stefan , Nicolas Manuel , Oldenburger Jan , Raspe Stephan , Sánchez Gerardo , Schröck Hans Werner , Schubert Alfred , Verheyen Kris , Verstraeten Arne , Bidartondo Martin I. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEctomycorrhizal fungi are major ecological players in temperate forests, but they are rarely used in measures of forest condition because large‐scale, high‐resolution, standardized and replicated belowground data are scarce. We carried out an analysis of ectomycorrhizas at 22 intensively monitored long‐term oak plots, across nine European countries, covering complex natural and anthropogenic environmental gradients. We found that at large scales, mycorrhizal richness and evenness declined with decreasing soil pH and root density, and with increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Shifts in mycorrhizas with different functional traits were detected; mycorrhizas with structures specialized for long‐distance transport related differently to most environmental variables than those without. The dominant oak‐specialist Lactarius quietus, with limited soil exploration abilities, responds positively to increasing nitrogen inputs and decreasing pH. In contrast, Tricholoma, Cortinarius and Piloderma species, with medium‐distance soil exploration abilities, show a consistently negative response. We also determined nitrogen critical loads for moderate (9.5–13.5 kg N/ha/year) and drastic (17 kg N/ha/year) changes in belowground mycorrhizal root communities in temperate oak forests. Overall, we generated the first baseline data for ectomycorrhizal fungi in the oak forests sampled, identified nitrogen pollution as one of their major drivers at large scales and revealed fungi that individually and/or in combination with others can be used as belowground indicators of environmental characteristics.
Slow carboxylation of Rubisco constrains the rate of carbon fixation during Antarctic phytoplankton blooms
Authors: Young Jodi N. , Goldman Johanna A. L. , Kranz Sven A. , Tortell Philippe D. , Morel Francois M. M. 
Published: October 2014

Summary

High‐latitude oceans are areas of high primary production despite temperatures that are often well below the thermal optima of enzymes, including the key Calvin Cycle enzyme, Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco).

We measured carbon fixation rates, protein content and Rubisco abundance and catalytic rates during an intense diatom bloom in the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) and in laboratory cultures of a psychrophilic diatom (Fragilariopsis cylindrus).

At −1°C, the Rubisco turnover rate, kcatc, was 0.4 C s−1 per site and the half saturation constant for CO2 was 15 μM (vs c. 3 C s−1 per site and 50 μM at 20°C). To achieve high carboxylation rates, psychrophilic diatoms increased Rubisco abundance to c. 8% of biomass (vs c. 0.6% at 20°C), along with their total protein content, resulting in a low carbon : nitrogen ratio of c. 5.

In psychrophilic diatoms, Rubisco must be almost fully active and near CO2 saturation to achieve carbon fixation rates observed in the WAP. Correspondingly, total protein concentrations were close to the highest ever measured in phytoplankton and likely near the maximum possible. We hypothesize that this high protein concentration, like that of Rubisco, is necessitated by slow enzyme rates, and that carbon fixation rates in the WAP are near a theoretical maximum.
Sedation monitoring during open muscle biopsy in children by Comfort Score and Bispectral Index – a prospective analysis
Authors: Tschiedel Eva , Müller Oliver , Schara Ulrike , Felderhoff‐Müser Ursula , Dohna‐Schwake Christian 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundOpen muscle biopsies in children are generally performed under general anesthesia. Alternatively, deep sedation and analgesia may be required.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to compare the Bispectral Index (BIS) and Comfort Score (CS) with respect to their clinical significance for sedation/analgesia in children undergoing open muscle biopsy.MethodsThirty pediatric patients subjected to open muscle biopsy for diagnosis of their underlying disease were prospectively enrolled. Sedation/analgesia was performed in all patients using remifentanil and propofol. The patients were simultaneously monitored using the CS and BIS.ResultsAll sedations and muscle biopsies were performed uneventfully. The CS and BIS were significantly correlated (R = 0.589; P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.918 with a maximum cut‐off point of BIS 70.5 (sensitivity 0.9; specificity 0.785) for adequate sedation. Sensitivity of 100% was achieved at BIS 60. Accordingly, all patients with BIS ≤60 had CS within the target range of 10–14. The BIS showed substantial intra‐ and interindividual variability (30 points and 58 points, respectively) during sedation, whereas CS varied only within close ranges during sedation. In 25 patients, sedatives were reduced according to low BIS values (<60). No unintended anesthesia awareness was noted during the study period.ConclusionBispectral Index provides an additional helpful tool to guide sedation/analgesia in minor surgical procedures in children. BIS values ≤60 correlated with sufficient depth of sedation and prevented unintended awareness. Additionally, BIS measurement allowed for distinct regulation of depth of sedation without prolonged sedation/analgesia due to unintended overdose.
Reproductive and Nutritional Management on Ovarian Response and Embryo Quality on Rabbit Does
Authors: Lorenzo PL , García‐García RM , Árias‐Álvarez M , Rebollar PG 
Published: October 2014

ContentsRabbit does in modern rabbitries are under intensive reproductive rhythms. Females are high milk producers with high energetic expenses due to the extensive overlap between lactation and gestation. This situation leads to a negative energy balance with a mobilization of body fat especially in primiparous rabbit does. Poor body condition and poor health status severely affect the reproductive features (fertility rate and lifespan of the doe as well as ovarian physiology). This paper reviews some reproductive and nutritional approaches used in the last years to improve the reproductive performance of rabbit females, mainly focusing on the influence on ovarian response and embryo quality and with emphasis on epigenetic modifications in pre‐implantation embryos and offspring consequences.
Melatonin in Sperm Biology: Breaking Paradigms
Authors: Cebrián‐Pérez JA , Casao A , González‐Arto M , dos Santos Hamilton TR , Pérez‐Pé R , Muiño‐Blanco T 
Published: October 2014

ContentsMelatonin is a ubiquitous molecule, present in a wide range of organisms, and involved in multiple functions. Melatonin relays the information about the photoperiod to the tissues that express melatonin‐binding sites in both central and peripheral nervous systems. This hormone has a complex mechanism of action. It can cross the cell plasma membrane and exert its actions in all cells of the body. Certain melatonin actions are mediated by receptors that belong to the superfamily of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), the MT1 and MT2 membrane. Melatonin can also bind to calmodulin as well as to nuclear receptors of the retinoic acid receptor family, RORα1, RORα2 and RZRβ. The purpose of this review is to report on recent developments in the physiological role of melatonin and its receptors. Specific issues concerning the biological function of melatonin in mammalian seasonal reproduction and spermatozoa are considered. The significance of the continuous presence of melatonin in seminal plasma with a fairly constant concentration is also discussed.
Hormone‐free Protocols for the Control of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination in Goats
Authors: Lopez‐Sebastián A , Coloma MA , Toledano A , Santiago‐Moreno J 
Published: October 2014

ContentsThe dairy goat industry is of great economic importance to certain rural areas of theEuropeanUnion (EU), especially the Mediterranean region. Its sustainability, however, is severely affected by the seasonality of goat reproduction, which leads to fluctuations in the availability of final products. Classical hormone treatments based on progestagens andeCGare the main tools employed in the effort to achieve fertility outside of the normal breeding season. They are also used to induce and synchronize oestrus and ovulation in artificial insemination programs. The food safety policy of theEUis becoming ever stricter with regard to the use of hormonal treatments for reproductive purposes, pushing livestock‐raising towards ever cleaner and greener production systems. Recent advances in the use of natural methods able to generate endocrine signals that induce the ovulatory process have improved our capacity to foster reproduction in the non‐breeding season. When used in a fashion appropriate for the latitude at which animals live, their breed, and the management system under which they are raised, environmental (photoperiod), nutritional and sociosexual (the male effect) signals offer alternatives to classic hormonal techniques. This affords the fragile and heterogeneous goat production sector with new opportunities. This article describes the most representative advances made in the use of the male effect as a natural method of inducing ovulation during seasonal anoestrus. Its association with other methods for optimizing responses and synchronizing induced ovulation is also discussed; such associations allow it to be used as an alternative to hormonal treatment in artificial insemination programs.
Physiopathologic Mechanisms Involved in Mare Endometrosis
Authors: Rebordão MR , Galvão A , Szóstek A , Amaral A , Mateus L , Skarzynski DJ , Ferreira‐Dias G 
Published: October 2014

ContentsEndometrosis is a degenerative chronic process, characterized by paramount fibrosis development in mare endometrium. This condition is one of the major causes of subfertility/infertility in mares. As in other organs, fibrosis might be a pathologic sequel of many chronic inflammatory diseases. However, aetiology and physiopathologic mechanisms involved in endometrial fibrosis are still controversial. This review presents new hypotheses based on our newest data. As the first line of innate immune defence, systemic neutrophils arrive in the uterus at mating or in the presence of pathogens. A novel paradigm is that neutrophils cast out theirDNAin response to infectious stimuli and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We have shown that bacterial strains ofStreptococcus zooepidemicus, Escherichia coliorStaphylococcus capitis, known to cause endometritis in mares were able to induceNETs releasein vitroby equinePMNto different extents. An intriguing dilemma is the dual action ofNETs. WhileNETs play a desirable role fighting micro‐organisms in mare uterus, they may also contribute to endometrial fibrosis. A long‐termin vitroexposure of mare endometrium explants toNETs components (myeloperoxidase, elastase and cathepsin G) up‐regulated fibrosis markersTGFβand Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP‐1). Also, pro‐fibrotic cytokines regulated collagen deposition and fibrosis. Changes in expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukins (IL)1‐α,IL‐1β,IL‐6 and receptors in endometrium with different degrees of fibrosis and/or inflammation were observed. A putative role ofCTGF,ILandNETs components in endometrosis development should be considered. Additionally, we speculate that in sustained endometritis in mares, prostaglandins may not only cause early luteolysis or early pregnancy loss, but may also be related to endometrial fibrosis pathogenesis by stimulating collagen deposition.
Modelling central metabolic fluxes by constraint‐based optimization reveals metabolic reprogramming of developing Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) fruit
Authors: Colombié Sophie , Nazaret Christine , Bénard Camille , Biais Benoît , Mengin Virginie , Solé Marion , Fouillen Laëtitia , Dieuaide‐Noubhani Martine , Mazat Jean‐Pierre , Beauvoit Bertrand , Gibon Yves 
Published: October 2014

SummaryModelling of metabolic networks is a powerful tool to analyse the behaviour of developing plant organs, including fruits. Guided by our current understanding of heterotrophic metabolism of plant cells, a medium‐scale stoichiometric model, including the balance of co–factors and energy, was constructed in order to describe metabolic shifts that occur through the nine sequential stages of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) fruit development. The measured concentrations of the main biomass components and the accumulated metabolites in the pericarp, determined at each stage, were fitted in order to calculate, by derivation, the corresponding external fluxes. They were used as constraints to solve the model by minimizing the internal fluxes. The distribution of the calculated fluxes of central metabolism were then analysed and compared with known metabolic behaviours. For instance, the partition of the main metabolic pathways (glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, etc.) was relevant throughout fruit development. We also predicted a valid import of carbon and nitrogen by the fruit, as well as a consistent CO2 release. Interestingly, the energetic balance indicates that excess ATP is dissipated just before the onset of ripening, supporting the concept of the climacteric crisis. Finally, the apparent contradiction between calculated fluxes with low values compared with measured enzyme capacities suggest a complex reprogramming of the metabolic machinery during fruit development. With a powerful set of experimental data and an accurate definition of the metabolic system, this work provides important insight into the metabolic and physiological requirements of the developing tomato fruits.
Cyperus rotundus control using a mechanical digger and solar radiation
Authors: Hershenhorn J , Zion B , Smirnov E , Weissblum A , Shamir N , Dor E , Achdari G , Ziadna H , Shilo A 
Published: October 2014

SummaryCyperus rotundus (purple nutsedge) is considered one of the most noxious weeds affecting agricultural areas worldwide. With its fast growth rate, it competes with annual crops for water, minerals, light and space. It excretes allelopathic materials that impede crop development. Controlling this weed is difficult and is done mostly by manual weeding, cultivation and herbicides, with limited effectiveness. A method was developed for the control of C. rotundus. A machine penetrates the soil and rearranges it, so that the tubers are lifted to the upper soil layer, where they are left exposed to the hot summer climate, dehydrate and die. The method was tested in seven field experiments on various soil types. Two months after the experimental plots were irrigated, 70–100% weed control was observed. The machine's speed (at 1.2 or 1.8 km h−1) and the number of treatments (one, or two treatments a month apart) did not influence the level of weed control. The method has a very high potential to replace manual weeding and application of herbicides. Further work will test whether the treatment has a long‐term effect or should be repeated every season.
Quantitative reproductive potential of Heterodera schachtii on weeds typical for late summer fallow in sugar beet rotations
Authors: Meinecke A , Westphal A 
Published: October 2014

SummaryIn Europe, sugar beet is often produced in a 3‐year rotation with cereals, leaving stubble fields fallow from cereal harvest until primary tillage in autumn in the year prior to sugar beet production. The weed flora on such fields could include host plants of Heterodera schachtii that is one of the most important pests of sugar beet. Crop sequences with non‐hosts and cover cropping with resistant cruciferous hosts during this period have been crucial for its management. Availability of resistant and tolerant sugar beet cultivars could entice growers to forego cover cropping, exacerbating weed problems during the fallow period. The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive potential of H. schachtii on weeds that develop during this period. Under glasshouse conditions, reproduction on 39 plant species was compared with that on oilseed radish and sugar beet of differing nematode host status. In 2 years in field microplots, 18 previously tested species were grown in H. schachtii‐infested soil during the typical fallow period at 60 plants m−2, and nine of these species were also grown at 180 plants m−2. There were variable results between years after 8 weeks of growth, but most weeds allowed lower reproduction (<10%) than the susceptible sugar beet; only Stellaria media at 180 plants m−2 and Thlaspi arvense at both plant densities increased nematodes. Such weed densities may seldom occur under commercial conditions; thus, weed management for nematological considerations during the stubble period may have limited importance.