bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of germination of dormant barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grains by blue light as related to oxygen and hormonal regulation
Authors: HOANG HAI HA , SECHET JULIEN , BAILLY CHRISTOPHE , LEYMARIE JULIETTE , CORBINEAU FRANÇOISE 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGermination of primary dormant barley grains is promoted by darkness and temperatures below 20 °C, but is strongly inhibited by blue light. Exposure under blue light at 10 °C for periods longer than five days, results in a progressive inability to germinate in the dark, considered as secondary dormancy. We demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of blue light is reinforced in hypoxia. The inhibitory effect of blue light is associated with an increase in embryo abscisic acid (ABA) content (by 3.5‐ to 3.8‐fold) and embryo sensitivity to both ABA and hypoxia. Analysis of expression of ABA metabolism genes shows that increase in ABA mainly results in a strong increase in HvNCED1 and HvNCED2 expression, and a slight decrease in HvABA8′OH‐1. Among the gibberellins (GA) metabolism genes examined, blue light decreases the expression of HvGA3ox2, involved in GA synthesis, increases that of GA2ox3 and GA2ox5, involved in GA catabolism, and reduces the GA signalling evaluated by the HvExpA11 expression. Expression of secondary dormancy is associated with maintenance of high embryo ABA content and a low HvExpA11 expression. The partial reversion of the inhibitory effect of blue light by green light also suggests that cryptochrome might be involved in this hormonal regulation.
Impact of Ultra‐Rapid Freezing on the Motility, Morphology, Viability and Acrosome Integrity of Epididymal Cat Sperm Diluted in Sucrose‐Based Extenders
Authors: Vizuete G , Jiménez E , Agüera EI , Pérez‐Marín CC 
Published: November 2013

ContentsThe objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of different sucrose‐based extenders on the motility, morphology, viability and acrosomal integrity of epididymal cat spermatozoa cryopreserved by ultra‐rapid freezing method. Nine cats were castrated, and collected semen was diluted 1 : 1 with Dulbecco`s phosphate‐buffered saline‐BSA1%‐based extender supplemented with different sucrose concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.4 and 0.6 m). After ultra‐rapid freezing, samples were thawed and sperm motility, morphology, viability and acrosome status were assessed. At thawing, the number of progressively motile (p < 0.01) and morphologically normal (p < 0.01) sperm was higher in the sucrose‐supplemented groups than in the sucrose‐free group. Viability of spermatozoa cryopreserved without sucrose was significantly reduced. In extender supplemented with 0.4 msucrose, spermatozoa viability showed higher values (57.0 ± 4.7; p < 0.01). No significant differences were detected among groups for sperm acrosome integrity. Results support that cat sperm survive after ultra‐rapid freezing using sucrose as a cryoprotectant, and the best results were achieved when 0.4 mof sucrose was used. This is the first report on sperm ultra‐rapid freezing of cat sperm and further studies on extenders, sperm management or cryovials should be carried out to improve sperm cryosurvival.
Lack of efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the lower limbs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Lei , Guo YongZhong , Liu Xunchao , Yan Junhong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRandomized controlled trials (RCT) were carried out to investigate the role of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these studies have small sample size and different measures for evaluating outcomes, and convey inconclusive results. We carried out a meta‐analysis to assess the effects of NMES to COPD patients.A computerized search was performed through PubMed and Embase databases (up to December 2012) for relevant RCT. Two investigators independently screened the articles. The primary outcome measures were quadriceps strength and exercise capacity, secondary outcomes included dyspnoea and muscle fibre characteristics. The weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and the heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test.Eight trials involving 156 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. We found that NMES was not associated with significant changes in quadriceps strength (standardized mean difference 0.38; 95% CI: −0.13–0.89) nor 6 min walk distance (WMD 13.63 m; 95% CI: −17.39–44.65). NMES failed to improve the muscle fibre characteristics (type I: WMD 1.09%; 95% CI: −19.45–21.64; type IIa: WMD −7.50%; 95% CI: −19.81–4.81). NMES significantly improved dyspnoea (WMD −0.98 scores; 95% CI: −1.42– −0.54).Evidence to support the benefits of NMES to COPD patients is currently inadequate. Larger‐scale studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of NMES.
Reporting of exercise attendance rates for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review
Authors: Williams Marie T. , Lewis Lucy K. , McKeough Zoe , Holland Anne E. , Lee Annemarie , McNamara Renae , Phillips Anna , Wiles Louise , Knapman Leona , Wootton Sally , Milross Maree , Effing Tanja 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWhile recommendations for the duration, frequency, mode and intensity of exercise programmes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are specified in consensus statements, criteria for exercise session attendance are less clear. The review questions were: (i) how commonly are a priori criteria and attendance rates reported for people with COPD participating in exercise programmes and (ii) what is the strength of association between attendance and improvements in functional exercise capacity. Database searches identified primary studies of people with COPD participating in exercise or pulmonary rehabilitation programmes of at least 2 weeks duration. Primary outcomes were a priori criteria for attendance, reports of attendance at supervised exercise sessions and mean improvements in functional exercise assessments. Data extraction processes were confirmed prospectively (>80% agreement). Variants of exercise attendance data were described. Linear associations between attendance and improvements in exercise outcomes were explored (Pearson r, P < 0.05). Of the 234 included studies, 86 (37%) reported attendance and 29 (12%) provided a priori criteria for attendance. In the small sample of studies which reported attendance and functional exercise data before and after the intervention, there was little to no relationship between improvements in functional exercise capacity and training volume (prescribed r = −0.03, P = 0.88; attended r = −0.24, P = 0.18). Reporting of exercise programme attendance rates is low and of variable quality for people with COPD. Consistent and explicit reporting of exercise attendance in people with COPD will enable calculation of dose–response relationships and determine the value of a priori exercise attendance criteria.
A Double‐Slit Experiment for Non‐Classical Interference Effects in Decision Making
Authors: La Mura Pierfrancesco 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe discuss the possible nature and role of non‐physical entanglement, and the classical vs. non‐classical interface, in models of human decision‐making. We also introduce an experimental setting designed after the double‐slit experiment in physics, and discuss how it could be used to discriminate between classical and non‐classical interference effects in human decisions.
A blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of theJanus kinase inhibitor oclacitinib (Apoquel®) in client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cosgrove Sallie B. , Wren Jody A. , Cleaver Dawn M. , Walsh Kelly F. , Follis Stacey I. , King Vickie I. , Tena Jezaniah‐Kira S. , Stegemann Michael R. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundPruritus is the hallmark clinical sign of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs. Preliminary study results suggest that oclacitinib, a selectiveJanus kinase inhibitor, could reduce pruritus and associated inflammatory skin lesions in dogs withAD.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objective was to evaluate efficacy and safety of oclacitinib (Apoquel®) for the control ofADin a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.AnimalsClinicians at 18 specialty clinics enrolled client‐owned dogs (n = 299) with a history of chronicAD.MethodsDogs were randomized to receive either oclacitinib (0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days and then once daily for up to 112 days) or an excipient‐matched placebo. Owners assessed visual analog scale (VAS) scores of pruritus on days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Clinicians assessed CanineADExtent and Severity Index (CADESI‐02) scores on days 0, 14, 28, 56, 84 and 112.ResultsOn days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28, oclacitinib‐treated dogs had a 29.5, 42.3, 61.5, 66.7 and 47.4% reduction from baseline in owner‐assessed pruritus scores, respectively, compared with a 6.5, 9.1, 6.5, 3.9 and 10.4% reduction in placebo‐treated dogs. On days 14 and 28, dermatologists recorded a 48.4% reduction inCADESI‐02 scores in oclacitinib‐treated dogs compared with a 1.7% reduction and a 3.6% increase in placebo‐treated dogs. After day 28, >86% of all placebo‐treated dogs had moved to an open‐label study, making between‐group comparisons biased. Differences were significant at all time points assessed (P < 0.0001).Conclusions and clinical importanceOclacitinib provided rapid, effective and safe control ofAD, with substantial improvement in VAS andCADESI‐02 scores.
TRANSHUMANISM AND THE FATE OF NATALITY: AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: Cruz Eduardo R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTranshumanist thought on overpopulation usually invokes the welfare of present human beings and the control over future generation, thus minimizing the need and meaning of new births. Here we devise a framework for a more thorough screening of the relevant literature, to have a better appreciation of the issue of natality. We follow the lead of Hannah Arendt and Brent Waters in this respect. With three overlapping categories of words, headed by “natality,” “birth,” and “intergenerations,” a large sample of books on transhumanism is scrutinized, showing the lack of sustained reflection on the issue. After this preliminary scrutiny, a possible defense of natality in face of modern and transhumanist thought is marshaled, evoking a number of desirable human traits. One specific issue, the impact of modern values on natality, is further explored, reiterating that concerns about overpopulation and enhanced humans should keep in sight the natural cycle of birth and death.
TRANSCENDING OUR BIOLOGY: A VIRTUE ETHICS INTERPRETATION OF THE APPEAL TO NATURE IN TECHNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Authors: Kirkham Nin 
Published: November 2013

Abstract“Arguments from nature” are used, and have historically been used, in popular responses to advances in technology and to environmental issues—there is a widely shared body of ethical intuitions that nature, or perhaps human nature, sets some limits on the kinds of ends that we should seek, the kinds of things that we should do, or the kinds of lives that we should lead. Virtue ethics can provide the context for a defensible form of the argument from nature, and one that makes proper sense of its enduring role in debates concerning our relationship to technology and the environment. However, the notion of an ethics founded upon an account of the essential features of human nature is controversial. On the one hand, contemporary biological science no longer defines species by their essential characteristics, so from a biological point of view there just are no essential characteristics of human beings. On the other hand, it might be argued that humans have, in some sense, “transcended our biology,” so an understanding of humans as a biological species is extraneous to ethical questions. In this article, I examine and defend the argument from nature, as a way to ground an ethic of virtue, from some of the more common criticisms that are made against it. I argue that, properly interpreted as an appeal to an evaluative account of human nature, the argument from nature is defensible with the context of virtue ethics and, in this light, I show how arguments from nature made in popular responses to technological and environmental issues are best understood.
LIFE AS EMERGENT AGENTIAL SYSTEMS: TENDENCIES WITHOUT TELEOLOGY IN AN OPEN UNIVERSE
Authors: Peck Steven L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLife is a relationship among various kinds of agents interacting at different scales in ways that are multifarious, complex, and emergent. Life is always a part of an ecological embedding in communities of interaction, which in turn structure and influence how life evolves. Evolution is essential for understanding life and biodiversity. Henri Bergson's Creative Evolution suggests a way of examining “tendencies” without “teleology.” In this paper I reexamine that work in light of recent concepts in evolutionary ecology, and explore how agential aspects of life are essential for understanding how emergence provides a basis for a process‐based metaphysics of life. In support of this project, I will explore how the major transitions of life on Earth have proceeded through increasing levels of cooperation among agents (e.g., mitochondria in animal cells forming a mutualistic relationship), which have allowed further emergences and complexity to evolve. This complexity always, however, emerges in the context of ecological relationships and a nonteleological evolutionary process. Yet, while nonteleological, the progression of life thus far on this planet seems to hold the promise of certain tendencies that seem inherent in life itself.
ACTIONS AND AGENTS: NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL RECONSIDERED
Authors: Bracken Joseph A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractUsing a process‐oriented understanding of the relation between actions and agents, the author argues that an ontological agent is the ongoing effect or by‐product rather than the antecedent cause of actions. Applied to the relation between natural and supernatural in philosophical cosmology, this allows one to claim, first, that agents (whether natural or supernatural) are not sensibly perceived, but only inferred from the ongoing observation of empirical actions; second, that the distinction between the natural and the supernatural is then conceivably a distinction between interrelated processes rather than between independently existing agents; and third, that a higher order process of supernatural origin could be operative in a lower order empirical process without interference even though its existence and activity could only be established on the basis of a faith commitment, not empirical evidence. What Paul Ricoeur referred to as a “surplus of meaning” over and above the scientific explanation of an event would be in play with the claim of divine guidance for the cosmic process.
Impact of Changes in Clostridium difficile Testing Practices on Stool Rejection Policies and C. difficile Positivity Rates across Multiple Laboratories in the United States
Authors: Cohen Jessica , Limbago Brandi , Dumyati Ghinwa , Holzbauer Stacy , Johnston Helen , Perlmutter Rebecca , Dunn John , Nadle Joelle , Lyons Carol , Phipps Erin , Beldavs Zintars , Clark Leigh Ann , Lessa Fernanda C. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

We describe the adoption of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for
Clostridium difficile
diagnosis and their impact on stool rejection policies and
C. difficile
positivity rates. Of the laboratories with complete surveys, 51 (43%) reported using NAAT in 2011. Laboratories using NAAT had stricter rejection policies and increased positivity rates.
Bovine Ephemeral Fever Rhabdovirus α1 Protein Has Viroporin-Like Properties and Binds Importin β1 and Importin 7
Authors: Joubert D. Albert , Blasdell Kim R. , Audsley Michelle D. , Trinidad Lee , Monaghan Paul , Dave Keyur A. , Lieu Kim G. , Amos-Ritchie Rachel , Jans David A. , Moseley Gregory W. , Gorman Jeffrey J. , Walker Peter J. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Bovine ephemeral fever virus
(BEFV) is an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that is classified as the type species of the genus
Ephemerovirus
. In addition to the five canonical rhabdovirus structural proteins (N, P, M, G, and L), the large and complex BEFV genome contains several open reading frames (ORFs) between the G and L genes (α1, α2/α3, β, and γ) encoding proteins of unknown function. We show that the 10.5-kDa BEFV α1 protein is expressed in infected cells and, consistent with previous predictions based on its structure, has the properties of a viroporin. Expression of a BEFV α1-maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion protein in
Escherichia coli
was observed to inhibit cell growth and increase membrane permeability to hygromycin B. Increased membrane permeability was also observed in BEFV-infected mammalian cells (but not cells infected with an α1-deficient BEFV strain) and in cells expressing a BEFV α1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein, which was shown by confocal microscopy to localize to the Golgi complex. Furthermore, the predicted C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of α1, which contains a strong nuclear localization signal (NLS), was translocated to the nucleus when expressed independently, and in an affinity chromatography assay employing a GFP trap, the full-length α1 was observed to interact specifically with importin β1 and importin 7 but not with importin α3. These data suggest that, in addition to its function as a viroporin, BEFV α1 may modulate components of nuclear trafficking pathways, but the specific role thereof remains unclear.

IMPORTANCE
Although rhabdovirus accessory genes occur commonly among arthropod-borne rhabdoviruses, little is known of their functions. Here, we demonstrate that the BEFV α1 ORF encodes a protein which has the structural and functional characteristics of a viroporin. We show that α1 localizes in the Golgi complex and increases cellular permeability. We also show that BEFV α1 binds importin β1 and importin 7, suggesting that it may have a yet unknown role in modulating nuclear trafficking. This is the first functional analysis of an ephemerovirus accessory protein and of a rhabdovirus viroporin.
Emergence of the Virulence-Associated PB2 E627K Substitution in a Fatal Human Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H7N7) Infection as Determined by Illumina Ultra-Deep Sequencing
Authors: Jonges Marcel , Welkers Matthijs R. A. , Jeeninga Rienk E. , Meijer Adam , Schneeberger Peter , Fouchier Ron A. M. , de Jong Menno D. , Koopmans Marion 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Avian influenza viruses are capable of crossing the species barrier and infecting humans. Although evidence of human-to-human transmission of avian influenza viruses to date is limited, evolution of variants toward more-efficient human-to-human transmission could result in a new influenza virus pandemic. In both the avian influenza A(H5N1) and the recently emerging avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses, the polymerase basic 2 protein (PB2) E627K mutation appears to be of key importance for human adaptation. During a large influenza A(H7N7) virus outbreak in the Netherlands in 2003, the A(H7N7) virus isolated from a fatal human case contained the PB2 E627K mutation as well as a hemagglutinin (HA) K416R mutation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether these mutations occurred in the avian or the human host by Illumina Ultra-Deep sequencing of three previously uninvestigated clinical samples obtained from the fatal case. In addition, we investigated three chicken samples, two of which were obtained from the source farm. Results showed that the PB2 E627K mutation was not present in any of the chicken samples tested. Surprisingly, the avian samples were characterized by the presence of influenza virus defective RNA segments, suggestive for the synthesis of defective interfering viruses during infection in poultry. In the human samples, the PB2 E627K mutation was identified with increasing frequency during infection. Our results strongly suggest that human adaptation marker PB2 E627K has emerged during virus infection of a single human host, emphasizing the importance of reducing human exposure to avian influenza viruses to reduce the likelihood of viral adaptation to humans.
DNA Virus Replication Compartments
Authors: Schmid Melanie , Speiseder Thomas , Dobner Thomas , Gonzalez Ramon A. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTViruses employ a variety of strategies to usurp and control cellular activities through the orchestrated recruitment of macromolecules to specific cytoplasmic or nuclear compartments. Formation of such specialized virus-induced cellular microenvironments, which have been termed viroplasms, virus factories, or virus replication centers, complexes, or compartments, depends on molecular interactions between viral and cellular factors that participate in viral genome expression and replication and are in some cases associated with sites of virion assembly. These virus-induced compartments function not only to recruit and concentrate factors required for essential steps of the viral replication cycle but also to control the cellular mechanisms of antiviral defense. In this review, we summarize characteristic features of viral replication compartments from different virus families and discuss similarities in the viral and cellular activities that are associated with their assembly and the functions they facilitate for viral replication.
Epigenetic Deregulation of the LMP1/LMP2 Locus of Epstein-Barr Virus by Mutation of a Single CTCF-Cohesin Binding Site
Authors: Chen Horng-Shen , Martin Kayla A. , Lu Fang , Lupey Lena N. , Mueller Joshua M. , Lieberman Paul M. , Tempera Italo 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
The chromatin regulatory factors CTCF and cohesin have been implicated in the coordinated control of multiple gene loci in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency. We have found that CTCF and cohesin are highly enriched at the convergent and partially overlapping transcripts for the LMP1 and LMP2A genes, but it is not yet known how CTCF and cohesin may coordinately regulate these transcripts. We now show that genetic disruption of this CTCF binding site (EBVΔCTCF166) leads to a deregulation of LMP1, LMP2A, and LMP2B transcription in EBV-immortalized B lymphocytes. EBVΔCTCF166 virus-immortalized primary B lymphocytes showed a decrease in LMP1 and LMP2A mRNA and a corresponding increase in LMP2B mRNA. The reduction of LMP1 and LMP2A correlated with a loss of euchromatic histone modification H3K9ac and a corresponding increase in heterochromatic histone modification H3K9me3 at the LMP2A promoter region in EBVΔCTCF166. Chromosome conformation capture (3C) revealed that DNA loop formation with the origin of plasmid replication (OriP) enhancer was eliminated in EBVΔCTCF166. We also observed that the EBV episome copy number was elevated in EBVΔCTCF166 and that this was not due to increased lytic cycle activity. These findings suggest that a single CTCF binding site controls LMP2A and LMP1 promoter selection, chromatin boundary function, DNA loop formation, and episome copy number control during EBV latency.