bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological Disease in Lambs Associated with Exposure to High Environmental Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Sprake P.M. , Hubertus C. , Bissett W.T. , Porter B.F. , Russell K.E. , Garland T. , Young B.D. , Washburn K.E. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundWe detected a pattern of lambs presenting with hyperthermia and neurological signs during the summer.ObjectivesThe main objectives of this study were to compare clinical findings and results of diagnostic testing and to identify a potential etiology.AnimalsFifteen clinical cases of lambs less than 12 months of age presenting with neurological signs, tachypnea, and hyperthermia over 4 summers.MethodsRetrospective case series. Medical records were searched for lambs less than 12 months of age that presented with neurological signs including the following: kyphosis, pelvic limb hyperextension, treading of feet, muscle tremors and recumbency, and hyperthermia of greater than 104°F. A grading system was established to describe severity of presenting neurological signs. Weather data were collected from weather stations near the farm of origin for 3 days prior to presentation.ResultsThe lambs were from 7 flocks in central Texas. All cases occurred between July and September, with a median heat index of 90.5 for the 3 days before presentation. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, necropsy examination, rumen content, virology, brain MRI, liver copper, selenium, and vitamin E failed to identify a consistent etiology for the signs presented. The only common factor was high heat and humidity. Histopathological examination identified axonal degeneration and skeletal muscle necrosis in some lambs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese clinical cases appeared similar to the Australian disease humpyback and indicate that lambs exposed to high environmental temperatures and humidity might be at risk of developing the described clinical presentation.
Amino Acid, Iodine, Selenium, and Coat Color Status among Hyperthyroid, Siamese, and Age‐Matched Control Cats
Authors: Sabatino B.R. , Rohrbach B.W. , Armstrong P.J. , Kirk C.A. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundHyperthyroidism is common among older cats, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Siamese and Himalayan cats have a reduced risk of hyperthyroidism compared with domestic short‐hair cat breeds. A mechanism of risk reduction in pointed‐coat breeds is unknown.ObjectivesTo determine if tyrosine, phenylalanine, iodine, or selenium blood concentrations are altered in hyperthyroid cats and to describe the plasma amino acid profiles of client‐owned cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism.AnimalsTwenty‐seven client‐owned cats with (n = 12) and without (n = 15) hyperthyroidism were studied.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Hyperthyroid cats were prospectively recruited among cats presenting for radioiodine therapy. Control cats were recruited among pets of hospital personnel. Blood was collected for total thyroxine, plasma amino acid, selenium, and iodine determination. Coat color (8 white or pointed; 19 dark), breed, and diet history were recorded.ResultsTyrosine, phenylalanine, iodine, and selenium levels were not significantly different among light or dark cats or cats with or without hyperthyroidism (P > .05). Plasma amino acid profiles of hyperthyroid cats and control cats were similar, and neither group was deficient in any of the amino acids. l‐glutamine was significantly lower in cats with hyperthyroidism (mean ± SD: 648 ± 193) compared with control cats (816 ± 134; P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAltered tyrosine, iodine, and selenium metabolism were not associated with coat color or hyperthyroidism in pointed or light coat–colored cats.
Ecological determinants of mating system within and between three Fagus sylvatica populations along an elevational gradient
Authors: Gauzere Julie , Klein Etienne K. , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractStudies addressing the variation of mating system between plant populations rarely account for the variability of these parameters between individuals within populations, although this variability is often non‐negligible. Here, we propose a new direct method based on paternity analyses (Mixed Effect Mating Model) to estimate individual migration (mi) and selfing rates (si) together with the pollen dispersal kernel. Using this method and the KINDIST approach, we investigated the variation of mating system parameters within and between three populations of Fagus sylvatica along an elevational gradient. Among the mother trees, si varied from 0% to 48%, mi varied from 12% to 86% and the effective number of pollen donors (Nepi) varied from 2 to 364. The mating patterns differed along the gradient, the top population showing higher m and lower s, and a trend to higher Nep than the bottom populations. The phenological lag shaped long‐distance pollen flow both within population (by increasing mi at mother‐tree level) and between populations (by increasing m at high elevation). Rather than the mate density, the canopy density was detected as a major mating system determinant within population; it acted as a barrier to pollen flow, decreasing the proportion of long‐distance pollen flow and increasing si. Overall, the effects of ecological factors on mating system were not the same within vs. between populations across the gradient, and these factors also differed from those traditionally found to shape variation at range‐wide scale, highlighting the interest of multiscale approaches.
Expression of antimicrobial peptides and toll‐like receptors is increased in tinea and pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Brasch J. , Mörig A. , Neumann B. , Proksch E. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIn superficial tinea and pityriasis versicolor, the causative fungi are for the most part confined to the stratum corneum which is barely reached by leukocytes. Therefore, a role of non‐cellular components in the epidermal antifungal defence was suggested. To investigate the presence of such factors in these infections, the expression of human beta defensins 2 and 3 (hBD‐2, hBD‐3), RNase 7, psoriasin, toll‐like receptors 2, 4 and 9 (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9) and dectin 2 was analysed by use of immunostainings in skin biopsies. We found that hBD2, hBD3, psoriasin, RNase7, TLR2 and TLR4 were significantly more often expressed in distinct layers of lesional epidermis as compared with uninfected epidermis. In both infections but not in normal skin, hBD2 and hBD3 were commonly expressed within the stratum corneum and in the stratum granulosum. Similarly, psoriasin was seen more often in the upper skin layers of both infections as compared with normal skin. No significant differences between normal and infected skin were found for the expression of TLR9 and dectin 2. Our findings clearly show the expression of specific antimicrobial proteins and defence‐related ligands in superficial tinea as well as in pityriasis versicolor, suggesting that these factors contribute to fungal containment.
Paternal leakage, heteroplasmy, and the evolution of plant mitochondrial genomes
Authors: McCauley David E. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPlant mitochondrial genomes are usually transmitted to the progeny from the maternal parent. However, cases of paternal transmission are known and are perhaps more common than once thought. This review will consider recent evidence, both direct and indirect, of paternal transmission (leakage) of the mitochondrial genome of seed plants, especially in natural populations, and how this can result in offspring that carry a mixture of maternally and paternally derived copies of the genome; a type of heteroplasmy. It will further consider how this heteroplasmy facilitates recombination between genetically distinct partners; a process that can enhance mitochondrial genotypic diversity. This will then form the basis for a discussion of five evolutionary questions that arise from these observations. Questions include how plant mitochondrial genome evolution can be placed on a sexual to asexual continuum, whether cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) facilitates the evolution of paternal leakage, whether paternal leakage is more likely in populations undergoing admixture, how leakage influences patterns of gene flow, and whether heteroplasmy occurs in natural populations at a frequency greater than predicted by crossing experiments. It is proposed that each of these questions offers fertile ground for future research on a diversity of plant species.

Contents

Summary
966

I.
Introduction
966

II.
Indirect and direct evidence for paternal leakage and heteroplasmy
967

III.
Five evolutionary issues raised by these observations
970

IV.
Conclusions
975

Acknowledgements
975

References
975
A novel role of PR2 in abscisic acid (ABA) mediated, pathogen‐induced callose deposition in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Oide Shinichi , Bejai Sarosh , Staal Jens , Guan Na , Kaliff Maria , Dixelius Christina 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Pathogenesis‐related protein 2 (PR2) is known to play a major role in plant defense and general stress responses. Resistance against the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans in Arabidopsis requires abscisic acid (ABA), which promotes the deposition of callose, a β‐1,3‐glucan polymer. Here, we examined the role of PR2 in callose deposition in relation to ABA treatment and challenge with L. maculans and Pseudomonas syringae.

Characterization of PR2‐overexpressing plants and the knockout line indicated that PR2 negatively affects callose deposition. Recombinant PR2 purified from Pichia pastoris showed callose‐degrading activity, and a considerable reduction in the callose‐degrading activity was observed in the leaf extract of the PR2 knockout line compared with the wild‐type.

ABA pretreatment before challenge with L. maculans concomitantly repressed PR2 and enhanced callose accumulation. Likewise, overexpression of an ABA biosynthesis gene NCED3 resulted in reduced PR2 expression and increased callose deposition.

We propose that ABA promotes callose deposition through the transcriptional repression of PR2 in Arabidopsis challenged by L. maculans and P. syringae. Callose by itself is likely to act antagonistically on salicylic acid (SA) defense signaling, suggesting that PR2 may function as a modulator of callose‐ and SA‐dependent defense responses.
Gene networks controlling Arabidopsis thaliana flower development
Authors: Ó'Maoiléidigh Diarmuid Seosamh , Graciet Emmanuelle , Wellmer Frank 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe formation of flowers is one of the main models for studying the regulatory mechanisms that underlie plant development and evolution. Over the past three decades, extensive genetic and molecular analyses have led to the identification of a large number of key floral regulators and to detailed insights into how they control flower morphogenesis. In recent years, genome‐wide approaches have been applied to obtaining a global view of the gene regulatory networks underlying flower formation. Furthermore, mathematical models have been developed that can simulate certain aspects of this process and drive further experimentation. Here, we review some of the main findings made in the field of Arabidopsis thaliana flower development, with an emphasis on recent advances. In particular, we discuss the activities of the floral organ identity factors, which are pivotal for the specification of the different types of floral organs, and explore the experimental avenues that may elucidate the molecular mechanisms and gene expression programs through which these master regulators of flower development act.

Contents

Summary
16

I.
Introduction
16

II.
Initiation of flower development
17

III.
Specification of floral organs: the ABCE model
18

IV.
Floral patterning: activating the floral organ identity genes in specific domains
19

V.
Mechanistic insights into floral organ identity factor function
21

VI.
Gene expression programs controlled by the floral organ identity factors
23

VII.
Network modeling
26

VIII.
Conclusions
26

Acknowledgements
27

References
27
SWEET sugar transporters for phloem transport and pathogen nutrition
Authors: Chen Li‐Qing 
Published: August 2013

SummaryMany intercellular solute transport processes require an apoplasmic step, that is, efflux from one cell and subsequent uptake by an adjacent cell. Cellular uptake transporters have been identified for many solutes, including sucrose; however, efflux transporters have remained elusive for a long time. Cellular efflux of sugars plays essential roles in many processes, such as sugar efflux as the first step in phloem loading, sugar efflux for nectar secretion, and sugar efflux for supplying symbionts such as mycorrhiza, and maternal efflux for filial tissue development. Furthermore, sugar efflux systems can be hijacked by pathogens for access to nutrition from hosts. Mutations that block recruitment of the efflux mechanism by the pathogen thus cause pathogen resistance. Until recently, little was known regarding the underlying mechanism of sugar efflux. The identification of sugar efflux carriers, SWEETs (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters), has shed light on cellular sugar efflux. SWEETs appear to function as uniporters, facilitating diffusion of sugars across cell membranes. Indeed, SWEETs probably mediate sucrose efflux from putative phloem parenchyma into the phloem apoplasm, a key step proceeding phloem loading. Engineering of SWEET mutants using transcriptional activator‐like effector nuclease (TALEN)‐based genomic editing allowed the engineering of pathogen resistance. The widespread expression of the SWEET family promises to provide insights into many other cellular efflux mechanisms.
Function of isoamylase‐type starch debranching enzymes ISA1 and ISA2 in the Zea mays leaf
Authors: Lin Qiaohui , Facon Maud , Putaux Jean‐Luc , Dinges Jason R. , Wattebled Fabrice , D'Hulst Christophe , Hennen‐Bierwagen Tracie A. , Myers Alan M. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Conserved isoamylase‐type starch debranching enzymes (ISAs), including the catalytic ISA1 and noncatalytic ISA2, are major starch biosynthesis determinants. Arabidopsis thaliana leaves require ISA1 and ISA2 for physiological function, whereas endosperm starch is near normal with only ISA1. ISA functions were characterized in maize (Zea mays) leaves to determine whether species‐specific distinctions in ISA1 primary structure, or metabolic differences in tissues, are responsible for the differing ISA2 requirement.

Genetic methods provided lines lacking ISA1 or ISA2. Biochemical analyses characterized ISA activities in mutant tissues. Starch content, granule morphology, and amylopectin fine structure were determined.

Three ISA activity forms were observed in leaves, two ISA1/ISA2 heteromultimers and one ISA1 homomultimer. ISA1 homomultimer activity existed in mutants lacking ISA2. Mutants without ISA2 differed in leaf starch content, granule morphology, and amylopectin structure compared with nonmutants or lines lacking both ISA1 and ISA2. The data imply that both the ISA1 homomultimer and ISA1/ISA2 heteromultimer function in the maize leaf.

The ISA1 homomultimer is present and functions in the maize leaf. Evolutionary divergence between monocots and dicots probably explains the ability of ISA1 to function as a homomultimer in maize leaves, in contrast to other species where the ISA1/ISA2 heteromultimer is the only active form.
European deciduous trees exhibit similar safety margins against damage by spring freeze events along elevational gradients
Authors: Lenz Armando , Hoch Günter , Vitasse Yann , Körner Christian 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Minimum temperature is assumed to be an important driver of tree species range limits. We investigated during which period of the year trees are most vulnerable to freezing damage and whether the pressure of freezing events increases with increasing elevation.

We assessed the course of freezing resistance of buds and leaves from winter to summer at the upper elevational limits of eight deciduous tree species in the Swiss Alps. By reconstructing the spring phenology of these species over the last eight decades using a thermal time model, we linked freezing resistance with long‐term minimum temperature data along elevational gradients.

Counter‐intuitively, the pressure of freeze events does not increase with elevation, but deciduous temperate tree species exhibit a constant safety margin (5–8.5 K) against damage by spring freeze events along elevational gradients, as a result of the later flushing at higher elevation. Absolute minimum temperatures in winter and summer are unlikely to critically injure trees.

Our study shows that freezing temperatures in spring are the main selective pressure controlling the timing of flushing, leading to a shorter growing season at higher elevation and potentially driving species distribution limits. Such mechanistic knowledge is important to improve predictions of tree species range limits.
Scale dependence in the effects of leaf ecophysiological traits on photosynthesis: Bayesian parameterization of photosynthesis models
Authors: Feng Xiaohui , Dietze Michael 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Relationships between leaf traits and carbon assimilation rates are commonly used to predict primary productivity at scales from the leaf to the globe. We addressed how the shape and magnitude of these relationships vary across temporal, spatial and taxonomic scales to improve estimates of carbon dynamics.

Photosynthetic CO2 and light response curves, leaf nitrogen (N), chlorophyll (Chl) concentration and specific leaf area (SLA) of 25 grassland species were measured. In addition, C3 and C4 photosynthesis models were parameterized using a novel hierarchical Bayesian approach to quantify the effects of leaf traits on photosynthetic capacity and parameters at different scales.

The effects of plant physiological traits on photosynthetic capacity and parameters varied among species, plant functional types and taxonomic scales. Relationships in the grassland biome were significantly different from the global average. Within‐species variability in photosynthetic parameters through the growing season could be attributed to the seasonal changes of leaf traits, especially leaf N and Chl, but these responses followed qualitatively different relationships from the across‐species relationship.

The results suggest that one broad‐scale relationship is not sufficient to characterize ecosystem condition and change at multiple scales. Applying trait relationships without articulating the scales may cause substantial carbon flux estimation errors.
The use of a double‐lumen central venous catheter for airway management in pediatric patients undergoing laryngeal papillomatosis surgery
Authors: Zhu Zhi‐rui , Hu Zhi‐yong , Jiang Yi‐lei , Xu Li‐li , McQuillan Patrick M. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a double‐lumen central venous catheter (DLCVC) in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.MethodsThirty‐six pediatric patients with laryngeal papillomatosis undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery were anesthetized with oxygen and volatile anesthetic insufflation while spontaneously breathing. Anesthesia was induced by inhalation of 8% sevoflurane in oxygen by mask. Atropine, dexamethasone, lidocaine, and midazolam were administered intravenously. The tip of a 7Fr DLCVC was inserted below the glottis after placement of the laryngoscope and establishing suspension. Anesthesia was maintained with insufflation of 4–6% sevoflurane and oxygen with a total fresh gas flow of 6 l·min−1 through the 14G (larger lumen) of the DLCVC. Endtidal carbon dioxide tension (PetCO2) was monitored using the other lumen of the DLCVC, which was connected to the CO2 sampling line. Duration of the procedure as well as total anesthesia time was recorded. Electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and PetCO2 were also monitored. Arterial blood was sampled for blood gas analysis including pH, PaO2, PaCO2, and actual base excess (ABE). Complications, including intraoperative patient movement, hypoxemia (SpO2 < 95% during oxygen insufflation), nausea, vomiting, bronchospasm, and arrhythmias, were recorded.ResultsThere was a significant increase in PetCO2 and PaCO2 (P values <0.05) as well as a decrease in ABE, pH, and PaO2 (P values <0.05) in samples collected before and after surgery. MAP, HR, and SpO2 after surgery were not significantly different from after induction values (P values >0.05). During surgery, SpO2 < 95% in three cases and body movements in three cases were observed. No patient had any other of the complications previously described. Furthermore, no postsurgical endotracheal intubation was needed in any patient.ConclusionAfter establishing an adequate depth of anesthesia, a spontaneous ventilation anesthesia technique with insufflation of oxygen and volatile agent through a DLCVC is feasible in pediatric patients undergoing suspension laryngoscopic surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis.
Unreliable Knowledge
Authors: Turri John 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThere is a virtual consensus in contemporary epistemology that knowledge must be reliably produced. Everyone, it seems, is a reliabilist about knowledge in that sense. I present and defend two arguments that unreliable knowledge is possible. My first argument proceeds from an observation about the nature of achievements, namely, that achievements can proceed from unreliable abilities. My second argument proceeds from an observation about the epistemic efficacy of explanatory inference, namely, that inference to the best explanation seems to produce knowledge, even if it isn't reliable. I also propose a successor to standard versions of reliabilism, which I call ‘ecumenical reliabilism’. Ecumenical reliabilism is consistent with unreliably produced knowledge and helps explain why unreliably produced knowledge is possible.
Differences in gas exchange contribute to habitat differentiation in Iberian columbines from contrasting light and water environments
Authors: Jaime R. , Serichol C. , Alcántara J. M. , Rey P. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDuring photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration, gas exchange occursviathe stomata and so plants face a trade‐off between maximising photosynthesis while minimising transpiration (expressed as water use efficiency,WUE). The ability to cope with this trade‐off and regulate photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance may be related to niche differentiation between closely related species. The present study explored this as a possible mechanism for habitat differentiation in Iberian columbines. The roles of irradiance and water stress were assessed to determine niche differentiation among Iberian columbinesviadistinct gas exchange processes. Photosynthesis–irradiance curves (P–I curves) were obtained for four taxa, and common garden experiments were conducted to examine plant responses to water and irradiance stress, by measuring instantaneous gas exchange and plant performance. Gas exchange was also measured in ten individuals using two to four field populations per taxon. The taxa had different P–I curves and gas exchange in the field. At the species level, water stress and irradiance explained habitat differentiation. Within each species, a combination of irradiance and water stress explained the between‐subspecies habitat differentiation. Despite differences in stomatal conductance andCO2assimilation, taxa did not have differentWUEunder field conditions, which suggests that the environment equally modifies photosynthesis and transpiration. The P–I curves, gas exchange in the field and plant responses to experimental water and irradiance stresses support the hypothesis that habitat differentiation is associated with differences among taxa in tolerance to abiotic stress mediated by distinct gas exchange responses.