bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spanish barley landraces outperform modern cultivars at low‐productivity sites
Authors: Yahiaoui Samia , Cuesta‐Marcos Alfonso , Gracia Maria P. , Medina Blanca , Lasa José M. , Casas Ana M. , Ciudad Francisco J. , Montoya José L. , Moralejo Marian , Molina‐Cano José L. , Igartua Ernesto 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBarley landraces from the western Mediterranean area have not been thoroughly exploited by modern breeding. This study aims at assessing the agronomic value of a core collection of lines derived from landraces of Spanish origin and to compare them with sets of successful old and modern cultivars. The agronomic performance of a set of 175 barley genotypes, comprising 159 landrace‐derived lines and 26 cultivars, was evaluated in a series of 10 field trials, carried out over 3 years and several locations. The most relevant trait of the landraces was higher grain yield at low production sites than cultivars, which may be related with better ability to fill the grain under stressful conditions. On the other hand, lateness, excessive plant height and lodging were negative traits frequently found in the landraces. Large genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) for grain yield was detected, related partly with differences between germplasm groups, probably indicating local adaptation. GEI was also associated with the interaction of heading time and powdery mildew resistance with temperature.
Role of H2O2 dynamics in brassinosteroid‐induced stomatal closure and opening in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: XIA XIAO‐JIAN , GAO CHUN‐JUAN , SONG LIU‐XIA , ZHOU YAN‐HONG , SHI KAI , YU JING‐QUAN 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBrassinosteroids (BRs) are essential for plant growth and development; however, their roles in the regulation of stomatal opening or closure remain obscure. Here, the mechanism underlying BR‐induced stomatal movements is studied. The effects of 24‐epibrassinolide (EBR) on the stomatal apertures of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were measured by light microscopy using epidermal strips of wild type (WT), the abscisic acid (ABA)‐deficient notabilis (not) mutant, and plants silenced for SlBRI1, SlRBOH1 and SlGSH1. EBR induced stomatal opening within an appropriate range of concentrations, whereas high concentrations of EBR induced stomatal closure. EBR‐induced stomatal movements were closely related to dynamic changes in H2O2 and redox status in guard cells. The stomata of SlRBOH1‐silenced plants showed a significant loss of sensitivity to EBR. However, ABA deficiency abolished EBR‐induced stomatal closure but did not affect EBR‐induced stomatal opening. Silencing of SlGSH1, the critical gene involved in glutathione biosynthesis, disrupted glutathione redox homeostasis and abolished EBR‐induced stomatal opening. The results suggest that transient H2O2 production is essential for poising the cellular redox status of glutathione, which plays an important role in BR‐induced stomatal opening. However, a prolonged increase in H2O2 facilitated ABA signalling and stomatal closure.
Photoprotection of human skin beyond ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Grether‐Beck Susanne , Marini Alessandra , Jaenicke Thomas , Krutmann Jean 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPhotoprotection of human skin by means of sunscreens or daily skin‐care products is traditionally centered around the prevention of acute (e.g. sunburn) and chronic (e.g. skin cancer and photoaging) skin damage that may result from exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVB and UVA). Within the last decade, however, it has been appreciated that wavelengths beyond the ultraviolet spectrum, in particular visible light and infrared radiation, contribute to skin damage in general and photoaging of human skin in particular. As a consequence, attempts have been made to develop skin care/sunscreen products that not only protect against UVB or UVA radiation but provide photoprotection against visible light and infrared radiation as well. In this article, we will briefly review the current knowledge about the mechanisms responsible for visible light/infrared radiation‐induced skin damage and then, based on this information, discuss strategies that have been successfully used or may be employed in the future to achieve photoprotection of human skin beyond ultraviolet radiation. In this regard we will particularly focus on the use of topical antioxidants and the challenges that result from the task of showing their efficacy.
‘Like the Stem Connecting the Cherry to the Tree’: The Uncomfortable Place of Intermediaries in a Local Organic Food Chain
Authors: Rogers Juliette , Fraszczak Magalie 
Published: January 2014

AbstractProducers' platforms are wholesale sales outlets for ‘local’ foods developed in the French organic sector to reclaim the success of mainstream organic distribution for its founders. This article examines four platforms in southeastern France (akin to ‘food hubs’ in North America) to understand the sociological stakes for the establishment of a local organic intermediary sales structure. The two‐year study used semi‐directive interviews and participant‐observation of platform and institutional actors, who widely consider platforms to be ‘short food supply chains’ (circuits courts). The question of direct interaction between farmers and buyers was touchy for platform participants, manifesting itself in a discomfort with ‘intermediaries’ and in a debate over who should assure deliveries. By evoking the ‘short chain’ label platforms assimilate themselves with direct sales, distinguishing themselves as the ‘real’ organic, as opposed to newcomers profiting from the organic ‘trend’. In the process, actors frame and adapt to organic sector evolutions in a way that is consistent with their awkward position as activists making a living off their cause.
The karrikin response system of Arabidopsis
Authors: Waters Mark T. , Scaffidi Adrian , Sun Yueming K. , Flematti Gavin R. , Smith Steven M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryArabidopsis thaliana provides a powerful means to investigate the mode of action of karrikins, compounds produced during wildfires that stimulate germination of seeds of fire‐following taxa. These studies have revealed close parallels between karrikin signalling and strigolactone signalling. The two perception systems employ similar mechanisms involving closely related α/β‐fold hydrolases (KAI2 and AtD14) and a common F–box protein (MAX2). However, karrikins and strigolactones may be distinguished from each other and elicit different responses. The karrikin response requires a newly discovered protein (SMAX1), a homologue of rice protein D53 that is required for the strigolactone response. Mutants defective in the response to karrikins have seeds with increased dormancy, altered seedling photomorphogenesis and modified leaf shape. As the karrikin and strigolactone response mechanisms are so similar, it is speculated that the endogenous signalling compound for the KAI2 system may be a specific strigolactone. However, new results show that the proposed endogenous signalling compound is not produced by the known strigolactone biosynthesis pathway via carlactone. Structural studies of KAI2 protein and its interaction with karrikins and strigolactone analogues provide some insight into possible protein–ligand interactions, but are hampered by lack of knowledge of the endogenous ligand. The KAI2 system appears to be present throughout angiosperms, implying a fundamentally important function in plant biology.
Comparison of the effects of topical and systemic atropine sulfate on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in the normal canine eye
Authors: Kovalcuka Liga , Birgele Edite , Bandere Dace , Williams David L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effects of topical 1% atropine sulfate and systemic 0.1% atropine sulfate on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and horizontal pupil diameter (HPD) in the canine eye.ProceduresFour groups, each containing 10 dogs of varying age, breed, and sex were treated as follows: (i) One 30 μL drop of topical 1% atropine sulfate was applied unilaterally in each dog, (ii) A control group, one drop of 0.9% saline was used, (iii) 0.06 mg/kg atropine sulfate was given by intramuscular injection, and (iv) Control with saline injected intramuscularly. In all groups, IOP and HPD were measured every 5 min over 60 min.ResultsTopical atropine significantly increased IOP in the treated eye with no change in the untreated eye. A maximum increase in IOP from 17.7 ± 3.1 to 20.3 ± 3.1 mmHg (14.7% increase) was obtained 23.0 ± 14.3 min post‐treatment. Maximal HPD of 12.1 ± 1.7 mm in the treated eye occurred 46.5 ± 6.3 min after treatment, with no increase in the untreated eye. Systemic atropine caused an increase in IOP in both eyes, showing a maximum at 15.5 ± 10.6 min post‐treatment with an IOP of 17.3 ± 4.6 mmHg in the right eye and 17.1 ± 5.2 mmHg in the left eye (21.8% increase in the right eye and 21.6% in the left eye). Maximal HPD was noted in both eyes 30.0 ± 11.6 min after treatment.ConclusionsAtropine sulfate causes a significant increase in IOP when given both topically and by intramuscular injection. It should be used with caution, or indeed avoided entirely, in dogs with glaucoma or in those with a predisposition to the condition.
On the determination of reference levels for quality assurance of flattening filter free photon beams in radiation therapy
Authors: Clivio Alessandro , Belosi Maria Francesca , Cozzi Luca , Nicolini Giorgia , Vanetti Eugenio , Bolard Grégory , Fenoglietto Pascal , Krauss Harald , Fogliata Antonella 
Published: January 2014

Purpose:New definitions for some dosimetric parameters for use in quality assurance of flattening filter free (FFF) beams generated by medical linear accelerators have been suggested. The present study aims to validate these suggestions and to propose possible reference levels.Methods:The main characteristics of FFF photon beams were described in terms of: field size, penumbra, unflatness, slope, and peak‐position parameters. Data were collected for 6 and 10 MV‐FFF beams from three different Varian TrueBeam Linacs. Measurements were performed with a 2D‐array (Starcheck system from PTW‐Freiburg) and with the portal dosimetry method GLAaS utilizing the build‐in portal imager of TrueBeam. Data were also compared to ion chamber measurements. A cross check validation has been performed on a FFF beam of 6 MV generated by a Varian Clinac‐iX upgraded to FFF capability.Results: All the parameters suggested to characterize the FFF beams resulted easily measurable and little variation was observed among different Linacs. Referring to two reference field sizes of 10 × 10 and 20 × 20 cm2, at SDD = 100 cm and d = dmax, from the portal dosimetry data, the following results (averaging X and Y profiles) were obtained. Field size: 9.95 ± 0.02 and 19.98 ± 0.03 cm for 6 MV‐FFF (9.94 ± 0.02 and 19.98 ± 0.03 cm for 10 MV‐FFF). Penumbra: 2.7 ± 0.3 and 2.9 ± 0.3 mm for 6 MV‐FFF (3.1 ± 0.2 and 3.3 ± 0.3 for 10 MV‐FFF). Unflatness: 1.11 ± 0.01 and 1.25 ± 0.01 for 6 MV‐FFF (1.21 ± 0.01 and 1.50 ± 0.01 for 10 MV‐FFF). Slope: 0.320 ± 0.020%/mm and 0.43 ± 0.015%/mm for 6 MV‐FFF (0.657 ± 0.023%/mm and 0.795 ± 0.017%/mm for 10 MV‐FFF). Peak Position −0.2 ± 0.2 and −0.4 ± 0.2 mm for 6 MV‐FFF (−0.3 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.3 mm for 10 MV‐FFF). Results would depend upon measurement depth. With thresholds set to at least 95% confidence level from the measured data and to account for possible variations between detectors and methods and experimental settings, a tolerance set of: 1 mm for field size and penumbra, 0.04 for unflatness, 0.1%/mm for slope, and 1 mm for peak position could be proposed from our data.Conclusions: The parameters proposed for the characterization and routine control of stability of profiles of FFF beams appear to be a viable solution with a strong similarity to the conventional parameters used for flattened beams. The results from three different TrueBeams and the cross‐validation against a Clinac‐iX suggested the possible generalization of the methods and the possibility to use common tolerances for the parameters. The data showed also the reproducibility of beam characteristics among different systems (of the same vendor) and the resulting parameter values could therefore be possibly generalized.
Specific Humoral Immune Response Induced by Propionibacterium acnes Can Prevent Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Infection in Mice
Authors: Yang Feng , Ma Qiuyue , Lei Liancheng , Huang Jing , Ji Qun , Zhai Ruidong , Wang Lei , Wang Yu , Li Linxi , Sun Changjiang , Feng Xin , Han Wenyu 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPorcine contagious pleuropneumonia, caused byActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, has a major impact on economics, ecology, and animal welfare in the pig-rearing industry.Propionibacterium acnes, a facultative anaerobic Gram-positive corynebacterium, exists widely in normal healthy adult animals. We have shown previously thatP. acnescan preventA. pleuropneumoniaeinfections in mice and pigs. To elucidate the mechanism of this effect and to identify novelA. pleuropneumoniaevaccines, the role of anti-P. acnesantibodies in preventing infection was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence and opsonophagocytosis assaysin vitro. The role of the specific humoral immune response induced byP. acneswas confirmed in a B cell depletion mouse model. The survival rates of mice challenged withA. pleuropneumoniaeexhibited a highly significant positive rank correlation with the levels of anti-P. acnesantibodies. The specific antibodies induced byP. acneshad the ability to combine withA. pleuropneumoniaeand increase opsonization ofA. pleuropneumoniaefor phagocytosis. Furthermore, analysis in the murine B cell depletion model confirmed that the humoral immune response induced byP. acnesplayed an important role in resistance toA. pleuropneumoniaeinfection. In this study, we further elucidated the reasons thatP. acnescan preventA. pleuropneumoniaeinfection, which provides useful evidence for the development of heterologous vaccines for the control of porcine contagious pleuropneumonia.
Influence of Acanthamoeba Genotype on Clinical Course and Outcomes for Patients with Acanthamoeba Keratitis in Spain
Authors: Arnalich-Montiel Francisco , Lumbreras-Fernández Blanca , Martín-Navarro Carmen M. , Valladares Basilio , Lopez-Velez Rogelio , Morcillo-Laiz Rafael , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Genotype T4 is by far the most frequent genotype of
Acanthamoeba
keratitis
(AK) and therefore has been considered the most virulent. This study included 14 cases of AK of genotype T4 and three cases of non-T4 genotype. We found that cases of non-T4 genotype had a worse response to medical therapy, greater need for surgical intervention, greater risk of extracorneal involvement, and remarkably poorer final visual outcome than those of T4 genotype, suggesting an association between
Acanthamoeba
virulence and genotype that requires additional case investigation.
Comparison of the BD MAX Enteric Bacterial Panel to Routine Culture Methods for Detection of Campylobacter, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (O157), Salmonella, and Shigella Isolates in Preserved Stool Specimens
Authors: Anderson Neil W. , Buchan Blake W. , Ledeboer Nathan A. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTWe compared the BD MAX enteric bacterial panel (EBP) to culture for the detection ofSalmonella,Shigella,Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) O157 in seeded stool samples. The EBP panel demonstrated superior sensitivity and reliably detectedSalmonella, EHEC O157,Shigella, andCampylobacterat concentrations 1- to 2-log10lower than those needed for culture detection.
Rapid Identification of Bacteria and Candida Pathogens in Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent from Patients with Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis by Use of Multilocus PCR Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chang Yu-Tzu , Wang Hsuan-Chen , Wang Ming-Cheng , Wu An-Bang , Sung Junne-Ming , Sun H. Sunny , Su Ih-Jen , Kan Wei-Chih , Chien Chih-Chiang , Hwang Jyh-Chang , Wang Hsien-Yi , Tseng Chin-Chung , Wu Chi-Jung 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

PCR coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) was compared with culture for pathogen detection in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. Of 21 samples of PD effluent, PCR/ESI-MS identified microorganisms in 18 (86%) samples, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in 1 culture-negative sample. Of 15 double-positive samples, PCR/ESI-MS and culture reached levels of agreement of 100% (15/15) and 87.5% (7/8) at the genus and species levels, respectively. PCR/ESI-MS can be used for rapid pathogen detection in PD-related peritonitis.
Nod-Like Receptor X-1 Is Required for Rhinovirus-Induced Barrier Dysfunction in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Unger Benjamin L. , Ganesan Shyamala , Comstock Adam T. , Faris Andrea N. , Hershenson Marc B. , Sajjan Uma S. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Barrier dysfunction of airway epithelium may increase the risk for acquiring secondary infections or allergen sensitization. Both rhinovirus (RV) and polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid [poly(I·C)], a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimetic, cause airway epithelial barrier dysfunction, which is reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent, implying that dsRNA generated during RV replication is sufficient for disrupting barrier function. We also demonstrated that RV or poly(I·C)-stimulated NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX-1) partially accounts for RV-induced ROS generation. In this study, we identified a dsRNA receptor(s) contributing to RV-induced maximal ROS generation and thus barrier disruption. We demonstrate that genetic silencing of the newly discovered dsRNA receptor Nod-like receptor X-1 (NLRX-1), but not other previously described dsRNA receptors, abrogated RV-induced ROS generation and reduction of transepithelial resistance (

R
T

) in polarized airway epithelial cells. In addition, both RV and poly(I·C) stimulated mitochondrial ROS, the generation of which was dependent on NLRX-1. Treatment with Mito-Tempo, an antioxidant targeted to mitochondria, abolished RV-induced mitochondrial ROS generation, reduction in

R
T

, and bacterial transmigration. Furthermore, RV infection increased NLRX-1 localization to the mitochondria. Additionally, NLRX-1 interacts with RV RNA and poly(I·C) in polarized airway epithelial cells. Finally, we show that NLRX-1 is also required for RV-stimulated NOX-1 expression. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which RV stimulates generation of ROS, which is required for disruption of airway epithelial barrier function.

IMPORTANCE
Rhinovirus (RV), a virus responsible for a majority of common colds, disrupts the barrier function of the airway epithelium by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Poly(I·C), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimetic, also causes ROS-dependent barrier disruption, implying that the dsRNA intermediate generated during RV replication is sufficient for this process. Here, we demonstrate that both RV RNA and poly(I·C) interact with NLRX-1 (a newly discovered dsRNA receptor) and stimulate mitochondrial ROS. We show for the first time that NLRX-1 is primarily expressed in the cytoplasm and at the apical surface rather than in the mitochondria and that NLRX-1 translocates to mitochondria following RV infection. Together, our results suggest a novel mechanism for RV-induced barrier disruption involving NLRX-1 and mitochondrial ROS. Although ROS is necessary for optimal viral clearance, if not neutralized efficiently, it may increase susceptibility to secondary infections and alter innate immune responses to subsequently inhaled pathogens, allergens, and other environmental factors.
Common Mechanism for RNA Encapsidation by Negative-Strand RNA Viruses
Authors: Green Todd J. , Cox Robert , Tsao Jun , Rowse Michael , Qiu Shihong , Luo Ming 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
The nucleocapsid of a negative-strand RNA virus is assembled with a single nucleocapsid protein and the viral genomic RNA. The nucleocapsid protein polymerizes along the length of the single-strand genomic RNA (viral RNA) or its cRNA. This process of encapsidation occurs concomitantly with genomic replication. Structural comparisons of several nucleocapsid-like particles show that the mechanism of RNA encapsidation in negative-strand RNA viruses has many common features. Fundamentally, there is a unifying mechanism to keep the capsid protein protomer monomeric prior to encapsidation of viral RNA. In the nucleocapsid, there is a cavity between two globular domains of the nucleocapsid protein where the viral RNA is sequestered. The viral RNA must be transiently released from the nucleocapsid in order to reveal the template RNA sequence for transcription/replication. There are cross-molecular interactions among the protein subunits linearly along the nucleocapsid to stabilize its structure. Empty capsids can form in the absence of RNA. The common characteristics of RNA encapsidation not only delineate the evolutionary relationship of negative-strand RNA viruses but also provide insights into their mechanism of replication.

IMPORTANCE
What separates negative-strand RNA viruses (NSVs) from the rest of the virosphere is that the nucleocapsid of NSVs serves as the template for viral RNA synthesis. Their viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase can induce local conformational changes in the nucleocapsid to temporarily release the RNA genome so that the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase can use it as the template for RNA synthesis during both transcription and replication. After RNA synthesis at the local region is completed, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase processes downstream, and the RNA genome is restored in the nucleocapsid. We found that the nucleocapsid assembly of all NSVs shares three essential elements: a monomeric capsid protein protomer, parallel orientation of subunits in the linear nucleocapsid, and a (5H + 3H) motif that forms a proper cavity for sequestration of the RNA. This observation also suggests that all NSVs evolved from a common ancestor that has this unique nucleocapsid.