bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase salt tolerance of apple seedlings
Authors: Yang Shou-Jun , Zhang Zhong-Lan , Xue Yuan-Xia , Zhang Zhi-Fen , Shi Shu-Yi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background
Apple trees are often subject to severe salt stress in China as well as in the world that results in significant loss of apple production. Therefore this study was carried out to evaluate the response of apple seedlings inoculated with abuscular mycorrhizal fungi under 0, 2‰, 4‰ and 6‰ salinity stress levels and further to conclude the upper threshold of mycorrhizal salinity tolerance.

Results
The results shows that abuscular mycorrhizal fungi significantly increased the root length colonization of mycorrhizal apple plants with exposure time period to 0, 2‰ and 4‰ salinity levels as compared to non-mycorrhizal plants, however, percent root colonization reduced as saline stress increased. Salinity levels were found to negatively correlate with leaf relative turgidity, osmotic potential irrespective of non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal apple plants, but the decreased mycorrhizal leaf turgidity maintained relative normal values at 2‰ and 4‰ salt concentrations. Under salt stress condition, Cl− and Na+ concentrations clearly increased and K+ contents obviously decreased in non-mycorrhizal roots in comparison to mycorrhizal plants, this caused mycorrhizal plants had a relatively higher K+/Na+ ratio in root. In contrast to zero salinity level, although ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities in non-inoculated and inoculated leaf improved under all saline levels, the extent of which these enzymes increased was greater in mycorrhizal than in non-mycorrhizal plants. The numbers of survived tree with non-mycorrhization were 40, 20 and 0 (i.e., 66.7%, 33.3% and 0) on the days of 30, 60 and 90 under 4‰ salinity, similarly in mycorrhization under 6‰ salinity 40, 30 and 0 (i.e., 66.7%, 50% and 0) respectively.

Conclusion
These results suggest that 2‰ and 4‰ salt concentrations may be the upper thresholds of salinity tolerance in non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal apple plants, respectively.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Novel Mechanism in Amiodarone-Induced Destructive Thyroiditis
Authors: Lombardi Angela , Inabnet William Barlow , Owen Randall , Farenholtz Kaitlyn Ellen , Tomer Yaron 
Published: October 2014

AbstractContext:Amiodarone (AMIO) is one of the most effective antiarrhythmic drugs available; however, its use is limited by a serious side effect profile, including thyroiditis. The mechanisms underlying AMIO thyroid toxicity have been elusive; thus, identification of novel approaches in order to prevent thyroiditis is essential in patients treated with AMIO.Objective:Our aim was to evaluate whether AMIO treatment could induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in human thyroid cells and the possible implications of this effect in AMIO-induced destructive thyroiditis.Results:Here we report that AMIO, but not iodine, significantly induced the expression of ER stress markers including Ig heavy chain-binding protein (BiP), phosphoeukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and spliced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) in human thyroid ML-1 cells and human primary thyrocytes. In both experimental systems AMIO down-regulated thyroglobulin (Tg) protein but had little effect on Tg mRNA levels, suggesting a mechanism involving Tg protein degradation. Indeed, pretreatment with the specific proteasome inhibitor MG132 reversed AMIO-induced down-regulation of Tg protein levels, confirming a proteasome-dependent degradation of Tg protein. Corroborating our findings, pretreatment of ML-1 cells and human primary thyrocytes with the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid completely prevented the effect of AMIO on both ER stress induction and Tg down-regulation.Conclusions:We identified ER stress as a novel mechanism contributing to AMIO-induced destructive thyroiditis. Our data establish that AMIO-induced ER stress impairs Tg expression via proteasome activation, providing a valuable therapeutic avenue for the treatment of AMIO-induced destructive thyroiditis.
Comparison of cryopreserved amniotic membrane and umbilical cord tissue with dehydrated amniotic membrane/chorion tissue
Authors: Cooke M. , Tan E.K. , Mandrycky C. , He H. , O'Connell J. , Tseng S.C.G. 
Published: October 2014

Objective:To evaluate how the different processing methods cryopreservation and dehydration affect the structural integrity and biological composition of key signalling molecules within amniotic membrane and umbilical cord tissues.Method:We directly compared cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM) and umbilical cord (UC) tissues with dehydrated amniotic membrane/chorion (dHACM) tissue using biochemical and functional assays including histological and histochemical staining, BCA, agarose gel electrophoresis, western blot, ELISA, and proliferation and cell death assays.Results:Cryopreservation retains the native architecture of the AM/UC extracellular matrix and maintains the quantity and activity of key biological signals present in fresh AM/UC, including high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, heavy chain-HA complex, and pentraxin 3. In contrast, dehydrated tissues were structurally compromised and almost completely lacked these crucial components.Conclusion:The results presented here indicate that cryopreservation better preserves the structural and biological signaling molecules of foetal tissues.Declaration of interest:S.C.G. Tseng and his family are more than 5% shareholders of TissueTech, Inc. TissueTech, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (Bio-Tissue and Amniox Medical) own US Patents Nos. 6,152,142; 6,326,019; and PCT/US2010/046675 on the method of preparation and clinical uses of human amniotic membrane with the CryoTek method distributed by Bio-Tissue, Inc. and Amniox Medical. S.C.G. Tseng, E.K. Tan, and H. He are employees of TissueTech, Inc. J. O'Connell and M. Cooke are employees and shareholders of Amniox Medical. C. Mandrycky has no financial conflict. This research was supported by a Venture Lab Grant #398 from the Georgia Research Alliance, Atlanta, GA, and a research grant from TissueTech, Inc., Miami, FL.
Adhesion of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to DACC-coated dressings
Authors: Ronner A.C. , Curtin J. , Karami N. , Ronner U. 
Published: October 2014

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to demonstrate the binding capacity of multiple meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains and compare the binding capacity to meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Method: The binding of Staphylococcus aureus to a surface was assessed by bioluminescent monitoring of the bacterial ATP levels. This assay can be used as an in vitro diagnostic model for bacteria binding in a critically colonised wound. Results: Eleven strains of Staphylococcus aureus were examined including MRSA, all of which efficiently and equally adhered to the dialkyl carbamoyl chloride (DACC)-coated dressing (Sorbact; Abigo Medical AB). The binding capacity was all in the same range 0.7–2.9×106CFU/cm2. regardless of the antibiotic resistance properties of the specific strain. Conclusion: The decrease of wound bioburden of Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA is the result of the high binding capacity shown in this study and by earlier data. The findings in this study strengthen the held view that development of antibiotic resistance has minimal impact on the surface structures of the microorganisms in wounds. Declaration of interest: This work was supported by Abigo Medical AB, Sweden. The laboratory facilities for the MRSA work were provided by Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Department for Clinical Bacteriology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. No animals or humans were used in this study..
The perspectives of adults with venous leg ulcers on exercise: an exploratory study
Authors: O'Brien J. , Finlayson K. , Kerr G , Edwards H. 
Published: October 2014

Objective: Exercise has the potential to offer a range of health benefits in addition to improving healing outcomes for people with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). However, despite evidence-based recommendations, most of these individuals do not engage in regular exercise. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the perspectives of adults with VLUs, in relation to exercise. Method: This was a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews and discussions. Ten participants with venous leg ulceration volunteered to participate. Recruitment was through a specialist wound clinic. Verbatim data were collected by an experienced moderator using a semi-structured guide. Data saturation was reached after three group discussions and two interviews. A random selection of transcripts was sent back to the participants for verification. Thematic content analysis was used to determine major themes and categories. Two transcripts were independently analysed, categories and themes independently developed, cross checked and found comparable. Remaining transcripts were analysed using the developed categories and codes. Results: Regardless of their current exercise routine, participants reported exercising before venous leg ulceration and expressed an interest in either becoming active or maintaining an active lifestyle. Overall, four themes emerged from the findings: i) participant understanding of the relationship between chronic venous insufficiency and exercise patterns; ii) fear of harm impacts upon positive beliefs and attitudes to exercise; iii) perceived factors limit exercise; and iv) structured management facilitates exercise. Conclusion: The value of exercise in improving outcomes in VLUs lies in its capacity to promote venous return and reduce the risk of secondary conditions in this population. Despite motivation and interest in being exercise active, people with VLUs report many obstacles. Further exploration of mechanisms that assist this patient population and promote understanding about management of barriers, coupled with promotion of enabling factors, is vital for improving their exercise participation. Declaration of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Der Buchhandels- und Verlagsmarkt für polnische Displaced Persons nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg in Westdeutschland und die Verbreitung polnischer Literatur durch Bibliotheken
Authors: Łakomy Agnieszka 
Published: October 2014

Zusammenfassung:
Der Buchhandels- und Verlagsmarkt für polnischsprachige Literatur in Westdeutschland kurz nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs stellt ein interessantes Phänomen dar. Es gelang in der Nachkriegszeit, ein stabiles, effektiv funktionierendes Produktions- und Vertriebsnetz für diese Druckwerke aufzubauen. Ergänzt wurde dies durch eine Vielzahl von Bibliotheken, die sich die Sammlung und Verbreitung polnischsprachiger Literatur zur Aufgabe machten.
The Clash: Humor and critical attitude in verbal irony
Authors: Garmendia Joana 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMany pragmatic accounts of irony were proposed over the last decades. The best known may be the Gricean approach (Grice 1989a, 1989b), the echoic account (Sperber and Wilson 1981, 1995 [1986]; Wilson 2006, 2009) and the pretense theory (Clark and Gerrig 1984). These approaches state that irony consists in communicating the opposite, echoing or pretending, respectively. My aim here is to show that what defines verbal irony is something subtler: an overt clash between contents is the only thing that we shall find in every ironic utterance. On a different level, the relationships between irony and criticism on the one hand, and irony and humor on the other, have also been of great interest to authors working in the field. Different positions are defended regarding these two issues: here I will claim that criticism is an essential condition for ironic utterances, whereas humor is a consequence of some basic characteristics of irony.
Isn't it ironic? Defining the scope of humorous irony
Authors: Dynel Marta 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper takes as its bedrock a neo-Gricean definition of the trope of irony, championing two essential conditions for diagnosing its presence: overt untruthfulness (or pretence) arising from flouting the first maxim of Quality, together with evaluative implicature, i.e., implied (negative) evaluation. The paramount aim here is to delineate the boundaries of humorous irony, a term frequently overused both in everyday discourse and in academic research, vis-à-vis a range of distinct humor forms. Arguing in favour of a need for terminological and conceptual rigidity, the author indicates a few types of humor (teasing, absurdity, parody, and sarcasm) and potentially humorous phenomena (bald-faced lying, as well as metaphor, hyperbole and metonymy) which appear to meet at least one of the two conditions and, as a result, tend to be mistakenly labeled as (humorous) irony. The theoretical discussion is illustrated with humorous examples taken from the television series
Tai Chi and meditation-plus-exercise benefit neural substrates of executive function: a cross-sectional, controlled study
Authors: Hawkes Teresa D. , Manselle Wayne , Woollacott Marjorie H. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground: We report the first controlled study of Tai Chi effects on the P300 event-related potential, a neuroelectric index of human executive function. Tai Chi is a form of exercise and moving meditation. Exercise and meditation have been associated with enhanced executive function. This cross-sectional, controlled study utilized the P300 event-related potential (ERP) to compare executive network neural function between self-selected long-term Tai Chi, meditation, aerobic fitness, and sedentary groups. We hypothesized that because Tai Chi requires moderate aerobic and mental exertion, this group would show similar or better executive neural function compared to meditation and aerobic exercise groups. We predicted all health training groups would outperform sedentary controls.Methods: Fifty-four volunteers (Tai Chi, n=10; meditation, n=16; aerobic exercise, n=16; sedentary, n=12) were tested with the Rockport 1-mile walk (estimated VO2Max), a well-validated measure of aerobic capacity, and an ecologically valid visuo-spatial, randomized, alternating runs Task Switch test during dense-array electroencephalographic (EEG) recording.Results: Only Tai Chi and meditation plus exercise groups demonstrated larger P3b ERP switch trial amplitudes compared to sedentary controls.Conclusions: Our results suggest long-term Tai Chi practice, and meditation plus exercise may benefit the neural substrates of executive function.
Differential utilization of expanded genetic screening tests in patients of reproductive ages from private and academic practices
Authors: Schoen Corina , Santolaya-Forgas Joaquin , Genc Mehmet , Ashkinadze Elena 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Objective: We sought to evaluate the types of genetic screening tests that are performed in women of childbearing ages in New Jersey.

Method: Data from patients who had a reproductive genetics consultation between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2012, were stratified according to the referring providers, i.e., those from academic or private practices, and descriptive analyses performed. Unconventional genetic screening was defined as any test ordered by the referring health care provider outside the recommendations from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Results: Overall, 30% of 371 patients referred for a genetic consultation underwent unconventional screening. As compared to patients from academic practices, the relative rate of unconventional screening was 10-fold higher among patients from private practices, resulting in a relative 34-fold increase in the estimated cost in genetic screening (P<0.01).

Conclusion: This set of preliminary observations highlight the need for further state, nationwide, and international studies to understand the financial, personal, and societal impact that this discrepancy health care system in the use of genetic carrier screening portends.
Discrete Versus Continuous Time in an Endogenous Growth Model with Durable Consumption
Authors: Gómez Manuel A. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The choice of time as a discrete or continuous variable may radically
affect the stability of equilibrium in an endogenous growth model with
durable consumption. In the continuous-time model the steady state is
locally saddle-path stable with monotonic convergence. However, in the
discrete-time model the steady state may be unstable or saddle-path
stable with monotonic or oscillatory convergence.
Is There an International Convergence in Defence Burdens? Some Initial Findings
Authors: Arvanitidis Paschalis , Kollias Christos , Anastasopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper examines whether or not there is convergence in defence burdens across the world. To this effect, σ-convergence and β-convergence methodologies are employed. The sample consists of 128 countries and covers the period 1988–2008. Initial findings reported herein point to a process of convergence in defence burdens possibly reflecting the emergence of defence policies that share similar characteristics at least in terms of the allocation of resources.
The crystal structure of ferdowsiite Ag8Sb4(As,Sb)4S16 and its relations to other ABX2 (A=Ag; B=As,Sb,Bi; X=S,Se) structures
Authors: Makovicky Emil , Topa Dan 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Ferdowsiite is monoclinic, a=8.677(2) Å, b=5.799(1) Å, c=13.839(3) Å, β=96.175(4)°, unit cell volume 692.3 Å3. Space group P21/n. Refinement from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data reached R
1=0.028 for 626 F
o>4σ(F
o) and 0.032 for all 716 F
o used. Value of wR
2 is 0.065. The crystal structure of ferdowsiite, approximately Ag8Sb4(As,Sb)4S16, contains four distinct cation and four different anion sites in the asymmetric unit, all in general positions. Besides two Ag sites and one Sb site, the crystal structure contains one mixed As-Sb coordination polyhedron (0.63 As and 0.37 Sb in the site). The Sb1 site has three short Sb-S bonds 2.503–2.645 Å. As and Sb in the mixed site were refined separately, with isotropic displacement coefficients. As has typical bond length values of 2.248–2.354 Å whereas Sb has 2.443–2.392 Å, i.e., the observed ligand positions are visibly influenced by the predominant arsenic. The crystal structure of ferdowsiite is a superstructure of a PbS like motif. The {100} planes of the PbS-like substructure are the (105̅), (301) and (010) planes in terms of the ferdowsiite lattice. The structure contains zig-zag chains of Sb1 connected via short Sb-S bonds and flanked by (Sb,As)S3 groups and Ag polyhedra. Groups of four SbS5-and (Sb,As)S5 coordination pyramids form an interconnected network with interspaces which accommodate both the lone electron pairs and the tetrahedrally coordinated Ag situated in coordination octahedra. Partial lead substitution takes place in the coordination polyhedra of Sb1 and Ag2. In the paper, the structure is compared with the other Ag(As,Sb,Bi)(S,Se)2 structures. The configurationally closest PbS-based homeotypic structure, however, is diaphorite, which is an ordered superstructure of the ferdowsiite arrangement, with a substantial presence of Pb, and without As.
Presynaptic Modulation of Spinal Nociceptive Transmission by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)
Authors: Salio Chiara , Ferrini Francesco , Muthuraju Sangu , Merighi Adalberto 
Published: October 2014

The role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in nociceptive pathways is still controversial, as both pronociceptive and antinociceptive actions have been reported. To elucidate this role in the mouse, we performed combined structural and functional studiesin vivoand in acute spinal cord slices where C-fiber activation was mimicked by capsaicin challenge.Nociceptors and their terminals in superficial dorsal horn (SDH; laminae I–II) constitute two separate subpopulations: the peptidergic CGRP/somatostatin+ cells expressing GDNF and the nonpeptidergic IB4+ neurons expressing the GFRα1-RET GDNF receptor complex. Ultrastructurally the dorsal part of inner lamina II (LIIid) harbors a mix of glomeruli that either display GDNF/somatostatin (GIb)-IR or GFRα1/IB4 labeling (GIa). LIIid thus represents the preferential site for ligand-receptor interactions.Functionally, endogenous GDNF released from peptidergic CGRP/somatostatin+ nociceptors upon capsaicin stimulation exert a tonic inhibitory control on the glutamate excitatory drive of SDH neurons as measured after ERK1/2 phosphorylation assay. Real-time Ca2+imaging and patch-clamp experiments with bath-applied GDNF (100 nm) confirm the presynaptic inhibition of SDH neurons after stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive, nociceptive primary afferent fibers. Accordingly, the reduction of the capsaicin-evoked [Ca2+]irise and of the frequency of mEPSCs in SDH neurons is specifically abolished after enzymatic ablation of GFRα1. Therefore, GDNF released from peptidergic CGRP/somatostatin+ nociceptors acutely depresses neuronal transmission in SDH signaling to nonpeptidergic IB4+ nociceptors at glomeruli in LIIid. These observations are of potential pharmacological interest as they highlight a novel modality of cross talk between nociceptors that may be relevant for discrimination of pain modalities.
Increased Meiotic Crossovers and Reduced Genome Stability in Absence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad16 (XPF)
Authors: Mastro Tara L , Forsburg Susan L 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad16 is the ortholog of the XPF structure-specific endonuclease, which is required for nucleotide excision repair and implicated in the single strand annealing mechanism of recombination. We show that Rad16 is important for proper completion of meiosis. In its absence, cells suffer reduced spore viability and abnormal chromosome segregation with evidence for fragmentation. Recombination between homologous chromosomes is increased, while recombination within sister chromatids is reduced, suggesting that Rad16 is not required for typical homolog crossovers but influences the balance of recombination between the homolog and the sister. In vegetative cells, rad16 mutants show evidence for genome instability. Similar phenotypes are associated with mutants affecting Rhp14XPA but are independent of other nucleotide excision repair proteins such as Rad13XPG. Thus, the XPF/XPA module of the nucleotide excision repair pathway is incorporated into multiple aspects of genome maintenance even in the absence of external DNA damage.