bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legalization of Bribe Giving when Bribe Type Is Endogenous
Authors: OAK MANDAR 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA recent paper, Basu argues that for a class of bribes, called harassment bribes, legalization of bribe giving, but not bribe taking, will reduce bribery. We examine the applicability of Basu's insight in an environment in which the type of the bribe—harassment or nonharassment—is endogenously determined, and it is not feasible to legalize the giving of nonharassment bribes. We find that in such an environment Basu's proposal, in and of itself, yields mixed results: in one case it reduces even the prevalence of nonharassment bribes, and improves social welfare. However, in another case it is shown to be counter‐productive, i.e., it reduces social welfare while failing to eliminate bribery. Our analysis finds parameter values that determine which of the two cases will prevail, and points to additional policies aimed at strengthening the legal institutions which, in conjunction with Basu's proposal, will help reduce bribery.
Program Quality Competition in Broadcasting Markets
Authors: LI CHANGYING , ZHANG JIANHU 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper develops a duopoly model where broadcasters first choose their program quality and then their pricing strategy. Two alternative financing schemes are considered: pay‐TV and free‐to‐air. We find that, from a welfare perspective, a pay‐TV regime always generates inadequate quality and advertising, whereas free‐to‐air might produce excessive quality and advertising. In the case of asymmetric competition, a pay‐TV broadcaster always has a stronger incentive to conduct research and development than a free‐to‐air broadcaster does. Both platforms could either over‐ or underinvest. The pay‐TV broadcaster always shows too few advertisements, but the free‐to‐air media might act in the opposite manner.
Quantifying Optimal Growth Policy
Authors: GROSSMANN VOLKER , STEGER THOMAS M. , TRIMBORN TIMO 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe determine the optimal growth policy within a comprehensive endogenous growth model. The model accounts for important elements of the tax transfer system and for transitional dynamics. It captures the three main growth engines based on standard ingredients in order to understand the quantitative policy and welfare implications of the existing theory. Our calibrated model indicates that the current policy leads to severe underinvestment in both R&D and physical capital, implying that both R&D and capital investment subsidies should be increased substantially. We argue that previous research has overlooked a strong evidence for the welfare significance of the quest for the optimal growth policy by failing to calibrate the distortionary tax system.
Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence Analysis of Puccinia helianthi Schw. and Its Application in Detection of Sunflower Rust
Authors: Guo Dandan , Jing Jiali , Hu Wenjie , Navi Shrishail S. , Jing Lan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTwo basidiomycete‐specific primers ITS1‐F and ITS4‐B were used in identification of the genus Puccinia. The primers showed good specificity for the genus with an 816‐bp product that was amplified exclusively. Twenty sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of Puccinia helianthi isolates from China remain unchanged. The whole ITS length (including ITS1 sequence 194 bp, 5.8S rRNA gene 156 bp, ITS2 sequence 206 bp) was 556 bp. By comparing the aligned ITS sequences of several Puccinia isolates from China, Spain and the United States, ITS homogeneity among these sunflower rust isolates was >99%. Genetic homology and phylogeny of P. helianthi with other Puccinia spp. was investigated. Nineteen sequences of rDNA ITS1 and ITS2 were determined and used as phylogenetic markers. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS regions showed that Puccinia spp. of sunflower was clustered in one clade with P. komarovii and P. violae, divergent from Puccinia spp. of Chrysanthemum, P. tenaceti of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and Puccina spp. of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) indicating sunflower rust had distant phylogenetic relationships with other Compositae rusts. With the specified primers SR‐1 and SR‐2, either from purified urediniospores or symptomless (but infected) sunflower leaves could be examined specifically. Therefore, results of this study help in detection and polygenetic study of rust fungi occurring on sunflower.
Behaviour of Apricot Cultivars Against Hop Stunt Viroid
Authors: Rubio Manuel , Gómez Eva M. , Martínez‐Gómez Pedro , Dicenta Federico 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe apricot species is susceptible to infection by different viruses and viroids including the Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), widely distributed around the world and described as the causal agent associated with fruit degeneration disease in apricot. However, to date, there are no ‘ad hoc’ studies about the resistance or susceptibility of apricot cultivars to this viroid. In this study, we tested the resistance/susceptibility to HSVd of 26 Mediterranean and North American apricot cultivars in controlled greenhouse conditions. All apricot cultivars assayed were infected by HSVd, showing a different range of susceptibility. As no sources of resistance among the apricot cultivars evaluated have been detected yet, it is necessary to continue the search for such sources to be included in apricot breeding programmes. In addition, the high level of susceptibility found highlights the importance of identifying this viroid in routine tests performed by nurseries and plant protection services.
Melatonin induces nitric oxide and the potential mechanisms relate to innate immunity against bacterial pathogen infection in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi Haitao , Chen Yinhua , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Chan Zhulong , He Chaozu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMelatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is a naturally occurring small molecule, serving as important secondary messenger in the response of plants to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the interactions between melatonin and other important molecules in the plant stress response, especially in plant immunity, are largely unknown. In this study, we found that both melatonin and nitric oxide (NO) levels in Arabidopsis leaves were significantly induced by bacterial pathogen (Pst DC3000) infection. The elevated NO production was caused by melatonin as melatonin application enhanced endogenous NO level with great efficacy. Moreover, both melatonin and NO conferred improved disease resistance against Pseudomonas syringe pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 infection in Arabidopsis. NO scavenger significantly suppressed the rise of NO which was induced by exogenous application of melatonin. As a result, the beneficial effects of melatonin on the expression of salicylic acid (SA)‐related genes and disease resistance against bacterial pathogen infection were jeopardized by use of a NO scavenger. Consistently, melatonin application significantly lost its effect on the innate immunity against P. syringe pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 infection in NO‐deficient mutants of Arabidopsis. The results indicate that melatonin‐induced NO production is responsible for innate immunity response of Arabidopsis against Pst DC3000 infection.
Melatonin regulates carbohydrate metabolism and defenses against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Xu Lingfei , Su Tao , Jiang Yang , Hu Lingyu , Ma Fengwang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMelatonin has been reported to promote plant growth and development. Our experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana showed that exogenous applications of this molecule mediated invertase inhibitor (C/VIF)‐regulated invertase activity and enhanced sucrose metabolism. Hexoses were accumulated in response to elevated activities by cell wall invertase (CWI) and vacuolar invertase (VI). Analyses of sugar metabolism‐related genes revealed differential expression during plant development that was modulated by melatonin. In particular, C/VIF1 and C/VIF2 were strongly down‐regulated by exogenous feeding. We also found the elevated CWI activity in melatonin‐treated Arabidopsis improved the factors (cellulose, xylose, and galactose) for cell wall reinforcement and callose deposition during Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 infection, therefore, partially induced the pathogen resistance. However, CWI did not involve in salicylic acid (SA)‐regulated defense pathway. Taken together, this study reveals that melatonin plays an important role in invertase‐related carbohydrate metabolism, plant growth, and pathogen defense.
Comparative physiological and proteomic analyses reveal the actions of melatonin in the reduction of oxidative stress in Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L). Pers.)
Authors: Shi Haitao , Wang Xin , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Chan Zhulong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe fact of melatonin as an important antioxidant in animals led plant researchers to speculate that melatonin also acts in the similar manner in plants. Although melatonin has significant effects on alleviating stress‐triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS), the involvement of melatonin in direct oxidative stress and the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms remain unclear in plants. In this study, we found that exogenous melatonin significantly alleviated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐modulated plant growth, cell damage, and ROS accumulation in Bermuda grass. Additionally, 76 proteins significantly influenced by melatonin during mock or H2O2 treatment were identified by gel‐free proteomics using iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation). Metabolic pathway analysis showed that several pathways were markedly enhanced by melatonin and H2O2 treatments, including polyamine metabolism, ribosome pathway, major carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, redox, and amino acid metabolism. Taken together, this study provides more comprehensive insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of melatonin in Bermuda grass responses to direct oxidative stress. This may relate to the activation of antioxidants, modulation of metabolic pathways, and extensive proteome reprograming.
RETRACTED: Melatonin inhibits autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with carbon tetrachloride‐induced fibrosis
Authors: San‐Miguel Beatriz , Crespo Irene , Sánchez Diana I. , González‐Fernández Bárbara , Ortiz de Urbina Juan J. , Tuñón María J. , González‐Gallego Javier 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate whether inhibition of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) associates with the antifibrogenic effect of melatonin in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Mice received CCl4 5 μL/g body wt i.p. twice a week for 4 wk or 6 wk. Melatonin was given at 5 or 10 mg/kg/day i.p, beginning 2 wk after the start of CCl4 administration. Treatment with CCl4 resulted in fibrosis evidenced by the staining of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)‐positive cells. CCl4 induced an autophagic response measured as the presence of autophagic vesicles, protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) staining, conversion of LC3‐I to autophagosome‐associated LC3‐II, changes in expression of beclin‐1, UV radiation resistance‐associated gene (UVRAG), ubiquitin‐like autophagy‐related (Atg5), Atg12, Atg16L1, sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1), and lysosome‐associated membrane protein (LAMP)‐2, and increased phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). There was an increase in the expression of the ER stress chaperones CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), immunoglobulin‐heavy‐chain‐binding protein (BiP/GRP78), and 94‐kDa glucose‐regulated protein (GRP94), and in the mRNA levels of pancreatic ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), ATF4, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and spliced X‐box‐binding protein‐1 (XBP1). Phospho‐IRE1, ATF6, and phospho‐PERK protein concentration also increased significantly. Immunohistochemical staining of α‐SMA indicated an abrogation of hepatic stellate cells activation by melatonin. Furthermore, treatment with the indole resulted in significant inhibition of the autophagic flux and the unfolded protein response. Findings from this study give new insight into molecular pathways accounting for the protective effect of melatonin in fibrogenesis.
Impact of variation in structure of condensed tannins from sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) on in vitro ruminal methane production and fermentation characteristics
Authors: Hatew B. , Stringano E. , Mueller‐Harvey I. , Hendriks W. H. , Carbonero C. Hayot , Smith L. M. J. , Pellikaan W. F. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryOur study investigated the effects of condensed tannins (CT) on rumen in vitro methane (CH4) production and fermentation characteristics by incubating lucerne in buffered rumen fluid in combination with different CT extracts at 0 (control), 40, 80 and 120 g CT/kg of substrate DM. Condensed tannins were extracted from four sainfoin accessions: Rees ‘A’, CPI63763, Cotswold Common and CPI63767. Gas production (GP) was measured using a fully automated GP apparatus with CH4 measured at distinct time points. Condensed tannins differed substantially in terms of polymer size and varied from 13 (Rees ‘A’) to 73 (CPI63767) mean degree of polymerization, but had relatively similar characteristics in terms of CT content, procyanidin: prodelphinidin (PC: PD) and cis:trans ratios. Compared to control, addition of CT from CPI63767 and CPI63763 at 80 and 120 g CT/kg of substrate DM reduced CH4 by 43% and 65%, and by 23% and 57%, respectively, after 24‐h incubation. Similarly, CT from Rees ‘A’ and Cotswold Common reduced CH4 by 26% and 46%, and by 28% and 46% respectively. Addition of increasing level of CT linearly reduced the maximum rates of GP and CH4 production, and the estimated in vitro organic matter digestibility. There was a negative linear and quadratic (p < 0.01) relation between CT concentration and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Inclusion of 80 and 120 g CT/kg of substrate DM reduced (p < 0.001) branched‐chain VFA production and acetate: propionate ratio and was lowest for CPI63767. A decrease in proteolytic activity as indirectly shown by a change in VFA composition favouring a shift towards propionate and reduction in branched‐chain VFA production varied with type of CT and was highest for CPI63767. In conclusion, these results suggest that tannin polymer size is an important factor affecting in vitro CH4 production which may be linked to the CT interaction with dietary substrate or microbial cells.
Modelling and determination of metabolic pools by stable carbon isotopes in the avian duodenal mucosa and albumen
Authors: Ducatti C. , Sartori M. M. P. , Denadai J. C. , Costa V. E. , Pelícia V. C. , Macari M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryStable isotope analyses have helped in assessing dietary switches if the diet undergoes metabolic alteration (isotopic exchange). However, when considering the effects over time of switching from one diet to another, one can assess how quickly the new diet is incorporated into tissues via the isotopic renewal or incorporation rate, or turnover. Turnover is obtained using exponential curves that fit the original data, allowing the determination of practical order parameters such as the half‐life (T) and the turnover constant (k). Researchers have found that metabolic incorporation can be fractionated. The resulting fractions, called metabolic pools, are identified using the linearization of the isotopic exchange model and its linear fit. This fractionation methodology is still not well defined. The objective of this study was to assess the behaviour of the metabolic renewal rate (turnover) in fractionated form, explain the theory, and apply it to data from the avian duodenal mucosa and albumen. We concluded that the duodenal mucosa has one metabolic pool, with a half‐life of 1.23 days, and that the albumen has two metabolic pools, with half‐lives of 1.89 and 6.32 days.
Impact of dietary plane of energy during the dry period on lipoprotein parameters in the transition period in dairy cattle
Authors: Newman A. , Mann S. , Nydam D. V. , Overton T. R. , Behling‐Kelly E. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe high energy demands of dairy cows during the transition period from late gestation into early lactation can place them at an increased risk for the development of metabolic and infectious diseases. Modification of the dry period diet has been investigated as a preventive means to minimize the detrimental aspects of metabolic shifts during the transition period. Studies investigating the impact of dry period diet on lipid parameters during the transition period have largely focused on markers of lipolysis and ketogenesis. Total cholesterol declines during the periparturient period and increases in early lactation. The impact total energy in the dry period diet has on the ability of the cow to maintain total serum cholesterol, as well as its natural high‐density lipoprotein‐rich status, during this metabolically challenging window is not clear. The impact of lipoproteins on inflammation and immune function may have a clinical impact on the cow's ability to ward off production‐related diseases. In this study, we hypothesized that the provision of adequate, but not excessive, total metabolizable energy, would better allow the cow to maintain total cholesterol and a higher relative proportion of HDL throughout the transition period. Cows were allocated to one of three dry period dietary treatment groups following a randomized block design. Total serum triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoprotein fractions were measured on a weekly basis from approximately 7 weeks pre‐calving to 6 weeks post‐calving. The cows on the high energy diet maintained total serum cholesterol as compared to the cows provided a lower energy diet, but there was no significant increase in the LDL fraction of lipoproteins between diet treatment groups.
Persistent inter‐ and intraspecific gene exchange within a parallel radiation of caterpillar hunter beetles (Calosomasp.) from theGalápagos
Authors: Hendrickx Frederik , Backeljau Thierry , Dekoninck Wouter , Van Belleghem Steven M. , Vandomme Viki , Vangestel Carl 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWhen environmental gradients are repeated on different islands within an archipelago, similar selection pressures may act within each island, resulting in the repeated occurrence of ecologically similar species on each island. The evolution of ecotypes within such radiations may either result from dispersal, that is each ecotype evolved once and dispersed to different islands where it colonized its habitat, or through repeated and parallel speciation within each island. However, it remains poorly understood how gene flow during the divergence process may shape such patterns. In the Galápagos islands, three phenotypically similar species of the beetle genusCalosomaoccur at higher elevations of different islands, while lowlands are occupied by a fourth species. By genotyping all major populations within this radiation for two nuclear and three mitochondrial gene fragments and seven microsatellite markers, we found strong support that the oldest divergence separates the highland species of the oldest island from the remaining species. Despite their morphological distinctness, highland species of the remaining islands were genetically closely related to the lowland population on each island and within the same magnitude as lowland populations sampled at different islands. Repeated evolution of highland ecotypes out of the lowland species appears the most likely scenario and estimates of geneflow rates revealed extensive admixture among ecotypes within islands, as well as between islands. These findings indicate that gene exchange among the different populations and species may have shaped the phylogenetic relationships and the repeated evolution of these ecotypes.
Population genetic structure of Bombus terrestris in Europe: Isolation and genetic differentiation of Irish and British populations
Authors: Moreira António S. , Horgan Finbarr G. , Murray Tomás E. , Kakouli‐Duarte Thomais 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe genetic structure of the earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) was examined across 22 wild populations and two commercially reared populations using eight microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial genes. Our study included wild bumblebee samples from six populations in Ireland, one from the Isle of Man, four from Britain and 11 from mainland Europe. A further sample was acquired from New Zealand. Observed levels of genetic variability and heterozygosity were low in Ireland and the Isle of Man, but relatively high in continental Europe and among commercial populations. Estimates of Fst revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations. Bayesian cluster analysis indicated that Irish populations were highly differentiated from British and continental populations, the latter two showing higher levels of admixture. The data suggest that the Irish Sea and prevailing south westerly winds act as a considerable geographical barrier to gene flow between populations in Ireland and Britain; however, some immigration from the Isle of Man to Ireland was detected. The results are discussed in the context of the recent commercialization of bumblebees for the European horticultural industry.
Enteric glial cells are associated with stress‐induced colonic hyper‐contraction in maternally separated rats
Authors: Fujikawa Y. , Tominaga K. , Tanaka F. , Tanigawa T. , Watanabe T. , Fujiwara Y. , Arakawa T. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundEnteric glial cells (EGCs) play important roles in enteric integrity and regulation of gastrointestinal function. However, whether EGCs undergo pathophysiological changes in stress‐associated gastrointestinal disorders is unknown. We investigated structural and functional alterations in colonic EGCs and their roles in colonic contraction in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) model.MethodsAs a chronic stress, male Wistar rats underwent 3‐h maternal separation during postnatal days 2–14. As an acute stress, we used water‐immersion stress (4 h) in adulthood (at 8 weeks). We quantitatively and morphologically evaluated enteric neurons and EGCs using whole‐mount longitudinal muscle‐myenteric plexus preparations. Colonic contraction was analyzed with electrical field stimulation (EFS).Key ResultsGlial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and the number of total, cholinergic, and nitrergic neurons were unchanged in maternally separated rats with acute stress (combined stress: an IBS model) compared with controls. However, the density of GFAP‐positive EGC processes that apparently overlapped with the neurons and the extent of bulbous swelling of terminals increased according to the stress intensity: control, acute stress, maternal separation, and combined stress. EFS‐induced colonic contractions were significantly greater in the combined stress rats than in controls. Higher dose of fluorocitrate, a selective inhibitor of EGC metabolism, was required to inhibit both EFS‐induced contraction and EGCs activation in the combined stress rats than in controls.Conclusions & InferencesColonic EGCs exhibited structural alterations according to the stress intensity. EGCs were associated with stress‐induced colonic hyper‐contraction in the combined stress rats, which may underlie the pathogenesis of IBS.