bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arundo donax L. (Poaceae) — a C3 Species with Unusually High Photosynthetic Capacity
Authors: Rossa B. , Tüffers A. V. , Naidoo G. , VON Willert D. J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:Gas exchange characteristics, chlorophyll a fluorescence and leaf water potential were investigated in the giant reed, Arundo donax, under natural conditions in an estuarine mangrove swamp in Durban, South Africa. Maximum photosynthetic CO2 uptake ranged between 19.8 and 36.7 μmol m−2 s−1, depending on irradiance, and appeared to be regulated by leaf conductance. There was no saturation of CO2 uptake or electron transport through PSII (ETR) with increasing irradiance up to 2500 μmol photons m−2 s−1. A linear relationship between CO2 uptake, corrected for respiration (A), and ETR has only been reported for C4 species and C3 species when photorespiration is eliminated. From this relationship, it was calculated that 8.5 electrons were transported through PSII for the fixation of one mole of CO2. Predawn leaf water potential was about −0.5 MPa and decreased to −1.5 MPa on a cloudy day and to −2.1 MPa on a clear day. Diurnal change in leaf water potential had little influence on leaf conductance and hence CO2 uptake. The molar water use efficiency (WUE) ranged between 4.1 and 9.3 μmol mmol−1. Percentage photorespiration was between 36 and 39%.
Photosynthetic Capacity and Quantum Requirement of Three Secondary Mutants of Scenedesmus obliquus with Deletions in Carotenoid Biosynthesis*
Authors: Bishop N. I. , Bugla Beate , Senger H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:Photosynthetic capacity and quantum requirement of photosynthesis were evaluated in three secondary mutants of Scenedesmus obliquus possessing specific blocks in carotenoid biosynthesis. These were derived from the mutant, C‐2 A', a strain which develops chlorophyll only in the light. All strains were capable of a normal and rapid production of chlorophyll and the development of a functional photosynthetic apparatus when exposed to light. LHC‐II levels in the mutants lacking the β,ε‐carotenoids (strains C‐2 A'‐34,1 and C‐2 A'‐67, 3b) were considerably reduced in fully greened cells but normal in the β,β‐epoxycarotenoid deficient‐only strain (C‐2 A'‐67,1) (Bishop, 1996). The maximum photosynthetic capacity and the quantum efficiency (at λ=682nm) of photosynthesis of cells of C‐2A'‐34,1 and C‐2 A'‐67,1 showed no significant changes when compared to the original parent strain, C‐2 A'. However, the quantum requirement of the strain lacking both types of carotenoids, C‐2 A'‐67,3b, was slightly increased. It is of particular interest that both strains lacking the β,ε‐carotenoids also show a preferential loss of the oligomeric form of the LHC and its associated chlorophylls. The potential requirement of the different carotenoids in maintenance of photosynthetic efficiency in Scenedesmus is discussed.
Variation of Salvia fruticosa Essential Oils on the Island of Crete (Greece)
Authors: Karousou R. , Vokou D. , Kokkini S. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:The essential oil content and composition of Salvia fruticosa (Greek sage) plants growing wild in 20 localities scattered on the island of Crete are studied. The results of our analyses have shown a noticeable variation in the essential oil content (ranging from 1.1 up to 5.1 %) and the amount of the four main oil components: 1,8‐cineole (22.7 − 64.2% of total oil), α‐thujone (1.0 − 19.2%) β‐thujone (0.9 − 25.6%) and camphor (0.8 − 30.3%). Discriminant analysis revealed that the variation pattern of the essential oil content and the amount of the four main oil components is geographically related, following a W → E direction. Plants grown in Western Crete show a lower essential oil content and their oils are characterised by the predominance of 1,8‐cineole. On the other hand, those collected from Eastern Crete exhibit higher values in essential oil content and their oils, besides 1,8‐cineole, are rich in α‐ and β‐thujone or camphor. Our findings are further discussed in relation to literature data.
Development and Structure of the Haustorium of the Parasite Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Scrophulariaceae)
Authors: Neumann Ulla , Sallé G. , Weber H. Chr 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:Rhamphicarpa fistulosa (Hochst.) Benth. (Scrophulariaceae), a parasite of African cereals, develops secondary haustoria which penetrate the roots of the host plant. Light and electron microscopy have been used to study the structure and development of haustoria in this species, which, until now, have not been well characterized. Haustoria are initiated in the hypodermis of the parasite roots. A meristematic strand is developed between the parasite root stele and the host‐parasite interface. From this strand, cells differentiate into xylem elements after penetration of the host root. Xylem differentiation follows an acropetal pattern. Mature haustoria are characterized by a continuous xylem bridge between water conducting elements of parasite and host. A detailed study of the hostparasite interface revealed the presence of collapsed and compressed host cells at the lateral interface (between parasite cells and host cortex), whereas the central interface between parasite cells and the host stele is almost devoid of host cell remnants. Implications of these observations for the penetration mechanisms are discussed.
A Heat‐Stress Pulse Inactivates a 50 kDa Myelin Basic Protein Kinase in Tomato
Authors: Heider H. , Boscheinen O. , Scharf K.‐D. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:The involvement of kinases in heat stress signaling in tomato cells was studied by in gel kinase assays using myelin basic protein as substrate, and by in vitro phosphorylation assays in Mono Q fractions of tomato cell lysates.A kinase with an apparent molecular mass of approximately 50 kDa is rapidly deactivated upon heat stress as judged from in gel kinase assays. Cycloheximide treatment increases kinase activity, but concomitant heat treatment abolishes cycloheximide‐induced activation. Kinase activity from untreated cells was recovered at about 130 and 250 mM NaCl from Mono Q columns.
Development and Function of the Elaiosome in Knautia (Dipsacaceae)
Authors: Mayer Veronika , Svoma Erika 
Published: February 2014

Abstract:The fruits of the genus Knautia differ from those of all other Dipsacaceae by the possession of a white, ± hemispherical basal appendage (elaiosome). In a series of field experiments Sernander (1906) demonstrated that, due to this elaiosome, the fruits of Knautia are dispersed by ants. Sernander (1906) assumed that the elaiosome is built from fused bracts (forming the epicalyx) whereas Bresinsky (1963) interpreted it as part of the perianth.In the present study the elaiosome development was investigated in four species of all three subgenera of Knautia: subg. Trichera (K. drymeia, K. dipsacifolia), subg. Tricheranthes (K. integrifolia) and subg. Knautia (K. orientalis). A comparison with early stages of the fruit development in other Dipsacaceae (e.g., Lomelosia graminifolia) indicates that the elaiosome is of epicalyx origin. In all species of Knautia the development of the elaiosome begins prior to anthesis and independently of fertilization. The growth of the elaiosome tissue in K. orientalis is mainly caused by periclinal cell divisions in the subepidermal layers of the epicalyx base. In K. dipsacifolia and K. drymeia a meristem around the base of the central bundle, which supplies epicalyx and flower, becomes active and develops cells in cascade‐like rows. The elaiosome cells of ripe fruits are filled with numerous oil droplets. Moreover the central bundle increases by the formation of additional phloem cells.In addition, other important morphological adaptations to ant dispersal are demonstrated: the hair‐cover of the fruit and strongly lignified horizontal vascular bundles between elaiosome and seed prevent the seed from being eaten; a lignified cramp anchors the elaiosome to the fruit; and thickened and strongly cutinized walls of the epidermis protect the elaiosome during dispersal. In regard to germination, a correlation between the removal of the elaiosome and germination speed and rate was found; fruits with dissected elaiosomes germinate faster and with a higher germination rate than fruits with elaiosomes.
Can normal narcissism be managed to promote green product purchases? Investigating a counterintuitive proposition
Authors: Naderi Iman , Strutton David 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDespite the presumed influence of narcissism as a prevalent consumer trait, the psychological construct was only recently linked to consumer theory. “Normal” narcissism is traditionally associated with negative effects on others. But narcissism is examined from a different perspective here. This study investigates how narcissistic traits may influence consumer tendencies to engage in “green” behaviors. Study 1 demonstrates that narcissists do not intrinsically value green behavior or its potential societal benefits. However, four integrated experiments—grounded in costly signaling theory and the realistic accuracy model—demonstrated that situational factors such as product visibility, purchase visibility, relative price, and message detection and utilization could be influential in motivating normal narcissists to act “green.”
Will to live in older people's medical decisions: immediate and delayed effects of aging stereotypes
Authors: Marques Sibila , Lima Maria Luísa , Abrams Dominic , Swift Hannah 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis research explores the duration of age stereotype priming effects on individuals' will to live when faced with a medical terminal illness decision. Study 1 established the content of the stereotype of the older age group in Portugal. Study 2 tested the effects of priming positive or negative age stereotypes on older and younger individuals' will to live, immediately after priming or after a delay. Results showed significant effects of stereotype valence on older people's will to live. As expected, immediate and delayed will‐to‐live scores were both lower in the negative than in the positive condition. In contrast, among younger people there were no significant effects of stereotype valence. These findings demonstrate the robustness of these types of unconscious influences on older people's fundamental decisions.
Imagine that: examining the influence of sport‐related imagined contact on intergroup anxiety and sexual prejudice across cultures
Authors: Lee Woojun , Cunningham George B. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine (a) the relationship among sport‐related imagined intergroup contact, intergroup anxiety, and sexual prejudice, and (b) how these relationships varied across cultures. Students enrolled at major public universities in South Korea (n = 100) and the United States (n = 100) participated in an experiment in which they imagined playing basketball and then engaging in a conversation with a gay man or with a friend. They then responded to a post‐experiment questionnaire. South Koreans' intergroup anxiety significantly decreased when they imagined contact with a gay man, but the same was not necessarily the case for Americans. Intergroup anxiety mediated the relationship between imagined contact and sexual prejudice for Americans, but not for Koreans.
Don't leave me: the effect of dependency and emotions in relationship conflict
Authors: Valor‐Segura Inmaculada , Expósito Francisca , Moya Miguel , Kluwer Esther 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTwo studies examined how the effect of dependency and emotions on the dynamics of relationship conflict differs between men and women. In Study 1, 96 women and 67 men were presented with conflict situations that might occur in their relationship; the probability of aggression, anger, and dependency was measured. Results showed that anger mediated the relationship between dependency and the intention to use aggression, in men, but not in women. In Study 2, 95 women and 65 men wrote about a conflict situation that they had experienced with their partner; loyalty, guilt, and dependency were measured. Results showed that dependency predicted loyalty among women, and that this effect was mediated by guilt.
Long‐Term Changes in Heart Rate Variability After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: 1‐Year Follow‐Up Study with Irrigation Tip Catheter
Authors: KANG KI‐WOON , KIM TAE HOON , PARK JUNEBOM , UHM JAE SUN , JOUNG BOYOUNG , HWANG CHUN , LEE MOON‐HYUNG , PAK HUI‐NAM 
Published: February 2014

HRV After AF Ablation by Irrigation Tip CatheterBackgroundRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) changes cardiac autonomic nerve activity. However, the long‐term effect of RFCA has not yet been evaluated when an open irrigation tip catheter (OITC) was used. Therefore, we hypothesized that AF ablation changes heart rate variability (HRV) that would be maintained over 1 year after OITC ablation and be associated with clinical recurrence of AF.Methods and ResultsWe analyzed pre‐RFCA HRV (HRVpre), HRV at 3 months (HRV3mo) and 1 year (HRV1yr) after RFCA using 24‐hour Holter monitoring after excluding arrhythmic events in 144 patients (70% male, 57 ± 10 years old, 83% paroxysmal AF) who underwent RFCA with OITC. After RFCA with OITC, the increase in mean heart rate and the reduction in HF or LF/HF were significant at HRV3mo (P < 0.001) and were maintained at HRV1yr (P < 0.001). During 20 ± 8 months of follow‐up, 33 of 144 patients (23%) showed clinical recurrence of AF. Patients in the nonrecurrence group showed significant reductions of rMSSD and HF at HRV3mo and HRV1yr, but patients with clinical recurrence did not. In Cox regression analysis, a reduction in LF/HF (ΔLF/HF) ≥0.26 at HRV3mo was significantly associated with clinical recurrence of AF (hazard ratio 2.52, 95% CI 1.19–5.32, P = 0.015).ConclusionIn contrast to previous reports about long‐term HRV recovery after AF ablation with a conventional catheter, change in cardiac autonomic nervous activity was maintained for 1 year after RFCA when an OITC was used. A reduction in ΔLF/HF ≥0.26 at HRV3mo was independently associated with clinical recurrence of AF after RFCA.
Size differentiation in Finnish house sparrows follows Bergmann's rule with evidence of local adaptation
Authors: Brommer J. E. , Hanski I. K. , Kekkonen J. , Väisänen R. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBergmann's rule predicts that individuals are larger in more poleward populations and that this size gradient has an adaptive basis. Hence, phenotypic divergence in size traits between populations (PST) is expected to exceed the level of divergence by drift alone (FST). We measured 16 skeletal traits, body mass and wing length in 409 male and 296 female house sparrows Passer domesticus sampled in 12 populations throughout Finland, where the species has its northernmost European distributional margin. Morphometric differentiation across populations (PST) was compared with differentiation in 13 microsatellites (FST). We find that twelve traits phenotypically diverged more than FST in both sexes, and an additional two traits diverged in males. The phenotypic divergence exceeded FST in several traits to such a degree that findings were robust also to strong between‐population environmental effects. Divergence was particularly strong in dimensions of the bill, making it a strong candidate for the study of adaptive molecular genetic divergence. Divergent traits increased in size in more northern populations. We conclude that house sparrows show evidence of an adaptive latitudinal size gradient consistent with Bergmann's rule on the modest spatial scale of ca. 600 km.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Quality of Swiss Chard at Harvest and during Storage as Minimally Processed Produce
Authors: Miceli Alessandro , Miceli Claudia 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilization (0–50–100–150–200 kg/ha), minimal processing and cold storage (14 days at 4C) on yield and quality of fresh‐cut Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla L.) were evaluated. Increasing the level of nitrogen fertilization over 100 kg N/ha, plants had a higher fresh weight, reduced their dry matter content and resulted taller and leafier. Total and marketable yield increased linearly with increasing nitrogen level. Both nitrate and ascorbic acid content at harvest increased with increasing nitrogen supply. Nitrogen fertilization negatively affected the yield of minimal processing. No effect on appearance and quality loss during cold storage was detected. Reducing nitrogen fertilization could lead to a more environmentally friendly product with no significant loss in yield and quality both for raw plant and fresh‐cut Swiss chard. Minimal processing can improve nutritional quality lowering nitrates and increasing ascorbic acid content in fresh‐cut produce.Practical ApplicationsMinimally processed vegetables have gained a lot of interest among consumers as they are easy to use and ready to eat. Leafy vegetables are the most widespread among fresh‐cut produce. In order to increase the yield and the quality of leafy crops, farmers often supply great amounts of nitrogen fertilizers. Overdoses of nitrogen may negatively affect environment and nutritional quality of raw and minimally processed vegetables. This study focused on the assessment of the dose of nitrogen that can be more environmentally friendly and can assure to the industry of minimal processing, the best quality of raw Swiss chard and the retaining of good quality during storage. The reduction of nitrogen fertilization may lead to a reduction in nitrate content of the plants and, if associated to minimal processing, determines an improvement of the nutritional quality of fresh‐cut Swiss chard.
Effect of Whey Protein Concentrate and Buttermilk Powders on Rheological Properties of Dough and Bread Quality
Authors: Madenci A. Büşra , Bilgiçli Nermin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhey protein concentrate powder (WPC) and buttermilk powder (BP) were used in leavened and unleavened flat bread dough at different levels (0, 4 and 8%). The effects of WPC and BP on dough rheology were evaluated with farinogram and extensogram parameters. Some physical, chemical and sensory properties of breads were also studied. Generally, WPC and BP addition improved dough properties in terms of dough stability, resistance to extension and maximum resistance values. Protein content of the flat breads increased up to 14.6% with WPC usage. Significant (P < 0.05) increments were also observed in ash and mineral (Ca, K, Mg and P) contents of the leavened/unleavened flat bread with utilization of 8% WPC or BP. WPC at 8% level gave more yellowness (b*) on leavened flat bread surface compared with other leavened/unleavened flat breads. As a result of sensory analysis, leavened/unleavened flat bread containing BP has achieved higher taste, odor and overall acceptability scores than control and WPC‐containing breads.Practical ApplicationsDairy by‐products are used in the food industry to improve nutritional, functional and sensory properties of different products. WPC and BP as dairy by‐products can be used for improvement of dough rheology. Usage of both dairy by‐products can be recommended for enrichment of leavened/unleavened flat breads in terms of mineral and protein content. Sensory properties of breads can be improved with BP usage in flat bread formulation.
Polypharmacy, Drug–Drug Interactions, and Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Greene Meredith , Steinman Michael A. , McNicholl Ian R. , Valcour Victor 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the frequency of medication‐related problems in older adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsHIV‐positive individuals aged 60 and older and age‐ and sex‐matched HIV‐negative individuals.MeasurementsTotal number of medications, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) according to the modified Beers Criteria, anticholinergic drug burden according to the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), and drug–drug interactions using the Lexi‐Interact online drug interactions database.ResultsOf 89 HIV‐positive participants, most were Caucasian (91%) and male (94%), with a median age of 64 (range 60–82). Common comorbidities included hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and depression. Participants were taking a median of 13 medications (range 2–38), of which only a median of four were antiretrovirals. At least one PIM was prescribed in 46 participants (52%). Sixty‐two (70%) participants had at least one Category D (consider therapy modification) drug–drug interaction, and 10 (11%) had a Category X (avoid combination) interaction. One‐third of these interactions were between two nonantiretroviral medications. Fifteen participants (17%) had an ARS score of 3 or greater. In contrast, HIV‐negative participants were taking a median of six medications, 29% had at least one PIM, and 4% had an ARS score of 3 or greater (P < .05 for each comparison, except P = .07 for anticholinergic burden).ConclusionHIV‐positive older adults have a high frequency of medication‐related problems, of which a large portion is due to medications used to treat comorbid diseases. These medication issues were substantially higher than HIV‐negative participants. Attention to the principles of geriatric prescribing is needed as this population ages in order to minimize complications from multiple medication use.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Pain Following Inpatient Palliative Care Consultations
Authors: Laguna Jeff , Goldstein Rebecca , Braun William , Enguídanos Susan 
Published: February 2014

Studies have documented high levels of pain in hospitalized individuals at the end of life, with minorities reporting higher levels of pain than whites. In response, inpatient palliative care (IPC) teams have grown rapidly to improve care of seriously ill individuals. Although research indicates that IPC teams effectively reduce and maintain control of pain, racial and ethnic differences in pain following IPC consultation remain unclear. This study investigated racial and ethnic pain differences after an IPC intervention in 385 seriously ill white, black, and Latino individuals aged 65 and older. Using the 11‐point Numeric Rating Scale for pain, individuals were asked to rate their pain intensity at four points during hospitalization (before IPC consultation, 2 and 24 hours after the consultation, and at hospital discharge). Results indicate that whites (F1.657, 173.998 = 16.528, P < .001), blacks (F1.800, 95.410 = 7.103, P = .002), and Latinos (F1.388, 73.584 = 10.902, P < .001) all experienced significant reductions in pain after the intervention. Adjusted multivariate models testing between‐group racial and ethnic differences revealed that Latinos were 62% more likely than whites to report experiencing pain at hospital discharge (relative risk = 0.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.15–0.97). Regardless of race or ethnicity, IPC effectively reduces and controls pain after consultation. Despite pain decreases, Latinos remain more likely than whites to report pain at follow‐up. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms in operation and to better understand and address the needs of this population.