bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergent host preferences of above‐ and below‐ground Culex pipiens mosquitoes and their hybrid offspring
Authors: FRITZ M. L. , WALKER E. D. , MILLER J. R. , SEVERSON D. W. , DWORKIN I. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCulex pipiens form pipiens and Cx. pipiens form molestus (Diptera: Culicidae) belong to a cosmopolitan taxonomic group known as the Pipiens Assemblage. Hybridization between these forms is thought to contribute to human transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America. Complementary choice and no‐choice landing assays were developed to examine host acceptance by North American Cx. pipiens in the laboratory. Populations collected from above‐ and below‐ground sites in suburban Chicago were identified as forms pipiens and molestus using a polymerase chain reaction‐based assay. Avian and human host acceptance was then quantified for the two populations, as well as for their hybrid and backcross offspring. No‐choice tests were used to demonstrate that both the pipiens and molestus forms were capable of feeding on human and avian hosts. Choice tests were used to demonstrate that form pipiens females were strongly avian‐seeking; an individual's probability of accepting the chick host was 85%. Form molestus females were more likely to accept the human host (87%). Rates of host acceptance by F1 and backcross progeny were intermediate to those of their parents. The results suggest that host preferences in Cx. pipiens are genetically determined, and that ongoing hybridization between above‐ and below‐ground populations is an important contributor to epizootic transmission of WNV in North America.
Reasons as the Unity Among the Varieties of Goodness
Authors: Cosker‐Rowland Rach 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOur concepts of good simpliciter, good for, and good as a particular kind of thing must share some common element. I argue that all three types of goodness can be analysed in terms of the reasons that there are for a certain sets of agents to have pro‐attitudes. To this end I provide new and compelling accounts of good for and goodness of a kind in terms of reasons for pro‐attitudes that are more explanatorily illuminating than competing accounts and that evade the objections that undermine previous accounts of good for and goodness of a kind in terms of reasons.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Absence and the Structure of Olfactory Perception
Authors: Roberts Tom 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe question of whether we can perceive absences, in addition to ‘positives’, has received recent attention in the literature on the nature of vision and audition. The aim is to demonstrate that there can be objectless forms of perceptual consciousness; specifically, to show that such episodes can be distinguished from those in which there is merely no perception at all. The current article explores this question for the domain of olfaction, and argues that there can be experiences of the absence of odours, in addition to positive smell perception. Doing so sheds light upon the structure and spatial content of olfaction.
Buprenorphine Transdermal System Improves Sleep Quality and Reduces Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Moderate‐to‐Severe Chronic Low Back Pain: Results from Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yarlas Aaron , Miller Kate , Wen Warren , Lynch Shau Yu , Ripa Steven R. , Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Raffa Robert B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of buprenorphine (Butrans®) transdermal System (BTDS) treatment on sleep outcomes for patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic low back pain (CLBP).MethodsTwo enriched‐enrollment, randomized‐withdrawal, double‐blind, controlled trials examined BTDS treatment for patients with moderate‐to‐severe CLBP. Trial I evaluated BTDS 10 and 20 mcg/hour against a placebo control among opioid‐naïve patients. Trial II compared BTDS 20 mcg/hour against a lower‐dose control (BTDS 5 mcg/hour) among opioid‐experienced patients. The patient‐reported Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS‐SS) assessed overall sleep quality (Sleep Problems Index [SPI]), Disturbance, and other sleep outcomes. In each trial, MOS‐SS scores were compared between target treatment and control arms during the 12‐week double‐blind phase. Correspondence of changes in sleep outcomes and pain severity and the degree to which pain reduction mediates treatment impact on sleep outcomes were examined.ResultsMedical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale scores were collected from 541 (Trial I) and 441 (Trial II) patients prior to randomization and from 369 (Trial I) and 274 (Trial II) patients at week 12. Patients receiving target treatment showed statistically significantly more improvement in SPI and Disturbance scores at 12 weeks than their respective controls (Ps < 0.05). Improvements in SPI and Disturbance for target treatment arms were statistically larger those of the controls by week 4 of the double‐blind phase. The clinical significance of these differences was not determined. Pain reduction predicted improvements in sleep outcomes.ConclusionBuprenorphine Transdermal System improved sleep quality and disturbance for opioid‐naïve and opioid‐experienced patients with moderate‐to‐severe CLBP. Benefits of BTDS for these sleep outcomes emerged within 4 weeks and were maintained over the entire 12‐week treatment period.
Creation of fragrant rice by targeted knockout of the OsBADH2 gene using TALEN technology
Authors: Shan Qiwei , Zhang Yi , Chen Kunling , Zhang Kang , Gao Caixia 
Published: January 2015

SummaryFragrant rice is favoured worldwide because of its agreeable scent. The presence of a defective badh2 allele encoding betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH2) results in the synthesis of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP), which is a major fragrance compound. Here, transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) were engineered to target and disrupt the OsBADH2 gene. Six heterozygous mutants (30%) were recovered from 20 transgenic hygromycin‐resistant lines. Sanger sequencing confirmed that these lines had various indel mutations at the TALEN target site. All six transmitted the BADH2 mutations to the T1 generation; and four T1 mutant lines tested also efficiently transmitted the mutations to the T2 generation. Mutant plants carrying only the desired DNA sequence change but not the TALEN transgene were obtained by segregation in the T1 and T2 generations. The 2AP content of rice grains of the T1 lines with homozygous mutations increased from 0 to 0.35–0.75 mg/kg, which was similar to the content of a positive control variety harbouring the badh2‐E7 mutation. We also simultaneously introduced three different pairs of TALENs targeting three separate rice genes into rice cells by bombardment and obtained lines with mutations in one, two and all three genes. These results indicate that targeted mutagenesis using TALENs is a useful approach to creating important agronomic traits.
Improving rice tolerance to potassium deficiency by enhancing OsHAK16p:WOX11‐controlled root development
Authors: Chen Guang , Feng Huimin , Hu Qingdi , Qu Hongye , Chen Aiqun , Yu Ling , Xu Guohua 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPotassium (K) deficiency in plants confines root growth and decreases root‐to‐shoot ratio, thus limiting root K acquisition in culture medium. A WUSCHEL‐related homeobox (WOX) gene, WOX11, has been reported as an integrator of auxin and cytokinin signalling that regulates root cell proliferation. Here, we report that ectopic expression of WOX11 gene driven by the promoter of OsHAK16 encoding a low‐K‐enhanced K transporter led to an extensive root system and adventitious roots and more effective tiller numbers in rice. The WOX11‐regulated root and shoot phenotypes in the OsHAK16p:WOX11 transgenic lines were supported by K‐deficiency‐enhanced expression of several RR genes encoding type‐A cytokinin‐responsive regulators, PIN genes encoding auxin transporters and Aux/IAA genes. In comparison with WT, the transgenic lines showed increases in root biomass, root activity and K concentrations in the whole plants, and higher soluble sugar concentrations in roots particularly under low K supply condition. The improvement of sugar partitioning to the roots by the expression of OsHAK16p:WOX11 was further indicated by increasing the expression of OsSUT1 and OsSUT4 genes in leaf blades and several OsMSTs genes in roots. Expression of OsHAK16p:WOX11 in the rice grown in moderate K‐deficient soil increased total K uptake by 72% and grain yield by 24%–32%. The results suggest that enlarging root growth and development by the expression of WOX11 in roots could provide a useful option for increasing K acquisition efficiency and cereal crop productivity in low K soil.
Rare heterozygous truncating variations and risk of autism spectrum disorder: Whole‐exome sequencing of a multiplex family and follow‐up study in a Japanese population
Authors: Inoue Emiko , Watanabe Yuichiro , Egawa Jun , Sugimoto Atsunori , Nunokawa Ayako , Shibuya Masako , Igeta Hirofumi , Someya Toshiyuki 
Published: January 2015

AimsRare heterozygous truncating variations in multiplex families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are suggested to play a major role in the genetic etiology of ASD. To further investigate the role of rare heterozygous truncating variations, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in a multiplex ASD family with four affected individuals (two siblings and two maternal cousins), and a follow‐up case–control study in a Japanese population.MethodsWES was performed in four individuals (a proband, his affected and unaffected siblings, and their putative carrier mother) from the multiplex ASD family. Rare heterozygous truncating variations prioritized in WES were genotyped in 243 patients and 667 controls.ResultsBy WES of the multiplex family, we prioritized two rare heterozygous truncating variations, RPS24 Q191X and CD300LF P261fsX266. However, we did not identify these variations in patients or controls in the follow‐up study.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that two rare heterozygous truncating variations (RPS24 Q191X and CD300LF P261fsX266) are risk candidates for ASD.
Formulation of Aluminum Chloride Phthalocyanine in Pluronic™ P‐123 and F‐127 Block Copolymer Micelles: Photophysical properties and Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms
Authors: Vilsinski Bruno Henrique , Gerola Adriana Passarella , Enumo Junior Adalberto , Campanholi Katieli da Silva Souza , Pereira Paulo Cesar de Souza , Braga Gustavo , Hioka Noboru , Kimura Elza , Tessaro André Luiz , Caetano Wilker 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAluminum Chloride Phthalocyanine (AlPcCl) can be used as a photosensitizer (PS) for Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms (PDI). The AlPcCl showed favorable characteristics for PDI due to high quantum yield of singlet oxygen (ΦΔ) and photostability. Physicochemical properties and photodynamic inactivation of AlPcCl incorporated in polymeric micelles of tri‐block copolymer (P‐123 and F‐127) against microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were investigated in this work. Previously, it was observed that the AlPcCl undergoes self‐aggregation in F‐127, while in P‐123 the PS is in a monomeric form suitable for PDI. Due to the self‐aggregation of AlPcCl in F‐127, this formulation did not show any effect on these microorganisms. On the other hand, AlPcCl formulated in P‐123 was effective against S. aureus and C. albicans and the death of microorganisms was dependent on the PS concentration and illumination time. Additionally, it was found that the values of PS concentration and illumination time to eradicate 90% of the initial population of microorganisms (IC90 and D90, respectively) were small for the AlPcCl in P‐123, showing the effectiveness of this formulation for PDI.
Definition of innovation projects in small firms: A Spanish study
Authors: Marcelino Sádaba Sara , Pérez‐Ezcurdia Amaya , Echeverría‐Lazcano Angel M. , Benito Amurrio Marta 
Published: January 2015

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are the main holders of the European economy and innovation projects are essential tools for SMEs to ensure their growth. A high percentage of innovation projects implemented by SMEs lacks planning and initial management, which causes the appearance of important problems for the SMEs survival.The authors have confirmed with a field study of 72 Spanish small firms that a lot of these problems arise from an incomplete project definition, so it is necessary to help SMEs to have a specific methodology that is appropriate to their own characteristics and projects.The statistical analysis shows how the project management knowledge helps to a better project definition, contributing to the project alignment with the company strategy. Also, it reveals other problems related to the project definition as planning, budget, market and financing.Of this analysis, it concludes that the definition phase supports the other phases and is essential in order to achieve project success.This paper presents an ‘integration model of factors’ that helps SMEs in the management of the definition phase of their innovation projects. This model relates the various areas of analysis needed to ensure their integration at the project definition.The relationships between the different model areas have been defined, showing the way to integrate the technical, economic and strategic outlooks of project objectives management in the definition phase of the project.This model has been implemented in 21 new innovation project definitions. The users' valuation has been very positive with a 90.4% of success and all of the model users are interested in implementing the model again in next projects. The main advantages highlighted were user‐friendliness, intuitive model and easy application.
Oxygen desaturation and adverse events during 6‐min walk testing in patients with COPD
Authors: Roberts Mary M. , Cho Jin‐Gun , Sandoz Jacqueline S. , Wheatley John R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe 6‐min walk test (6MWT) is a simple test assessing functional capacity, but concerns about risks of substantial oxygen desaturation in pulmonary patients have led to non‐adherence to the standardised American Thoracic Society guideline. We evaluated the safety of the 6MWT in stable COPD patients and compared the incidence of adverse events in patients with and without substantial exertional hypoxaemia.Methods6MWT data were obtained for 1136 patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Demographics, adverse events, oxygen saturation (SpO2), 6‐min walk distance, lung function and quality of life measures were compared between patients with substantial exertional hypoxaemia (nadir SpO2 < 85%) and those without (SpO2 ≥ 85%). Comparisons were made using Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.ResultsTwenty‐five patients (2.2%) had adverse events, the most common being dizziness, chest tightness, chest pain and palpitations. Substantial exertional hypoxaemia did not increase the incidence of adverse events. No significant morbidity or mortality was recorded. Patients with adverse events had lower baseline SpO2, worse quality of life scores, and higher depression and anxiety scores. However, no significant differences were seen in anthropometric data, spirometric values or SpO2 during and after the 6MWT.ConclusionsAsymptomatic exertional hypoxaemia is not associated with an increased incidence of adverse events during 6MWT in COPD patients. Our data support the ATS guideline that the 6MWT should be continued in the absence of symptoms and that intermittent oximetry monitoring does not assist in preventing adverse events.
The psychological process of reintegration following a nine month/260 day solo sailboat circumnavigation of the globe
Authors: Kjærgaard Anders , Leon Gloria R. , Venables Noah C. 
Published: January 2015

The focus of this case report is on the psychological reintegration process following the achievement of a highly challenging long‐duration and solitary endeavor. The participant was a 29 year old male who successfully circumnavigated the globe during a 260 day solo sailing expedition. We assessed the psychological aftermath in terms of stability and change in personality characteristics and personal beliefs prior to, and at 180 and 360 days after the completion of the journey. Overall, the personality configuration reflected adaptive personality functioning. A belief in an internal locus of control was consistent throughout, as were perceptions of personal growth as a result of the circumnavigation experience. NEO PI‐R Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, and Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (Tri‐PM) Boldness scores remained stable. Positive personality change was reflected by an elevation in Conscientiousness; negative change by a decline in Agreeableness and an increase in Tri‐PM Disinhibition. While overall the participant exhibited positive change as a result of his journey, there were also some negative aspects of the reintegration phase in regard to interactions with other persons. This latter change may be related to the effects of isolation from usual social contacts over an extended period.
Validation of image analysis techniques to measure skin aging features from facial photographs
Authors: Hamer M. A. , Jacobs L. C. , Lall J. S. , Wollstein A. , Hollestein L. M. , Rae A. R. , Gossage K. W. , Hofman A. , Liu F. , Kayser M. , Nijsten T. , Gunn D. A. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundAccurate measurement of the extent skin has aged is crucial for skin aging research. Image analysis offers a quick and consistent approach for quantifying skin aging features from photographs, but is prone to technical bias and requires proper validation.MethodsFacial photographs of 75 male and 75 female North‐European participants, randomly selected from the Rotterdam Study, were graded by two physicians using photonumeric scales for wrinkles (full face, forehead, crow's feet, nasolabial fold and upper lip), pigmented spots and telangiectasia. Image analysis measurements of the same features were optimized using photonumeric grades from 50 participants, then compared to photonumeric grading in the 100 remaining participants stratified by sex.ResultsThe inter‐rater reliability of the photonumeric grades was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.65–0.93). Correlations between the digital measures and the photonumeric grading were moderate to excellent for all the wrinkle comparisons (Spearman's rho ρ = 0.52–0.89) bar the upper lip wrinkles in the men (fair, ρ = 0.30). Correlations were moderate to good for pigmented spots and telangiectasia (ρ = 0.60–0.75).ConclusionThese comparisons demonstrate that all the image analysis measures, bar the upper lip measure in the men, are suitable for use in skin aging research and highlight areas of improvement for future refinements of the techniques.
The histone chaperone complex HIR maintains nucleosome occupancy and counterbalances impaired histone deposition in CAF‐1 complex mutants
Authors: Duc Céline , Benoit Matthias , Le Goff Samuel , Simon Lauriane , Poulet Axel , Cotterell Sylviane , Tatout Christophe , Probst Aline V. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryChromatin organization is essential for coordinated gene expression, genome stability, and inheritance of epigenetic information. The main components involved in chromatin assembly are specific complexes such as Chromatin Assembly Factor 1 (CAF‐1) and Histone Regulator (HIR), which deposit histones in a DNA synthesis‐dependent or ‐independent manner, respectively. Here, we characterize the role of the plant orthologs Histone Regulator A (HIRA), Ubinuclein (UBN) and Calcineurin Binding protein 1 (CABIN1), which constitute the HIR complex. Arabidopsis loss‐of‐function mutants for the various subunits of the complex are viable, but hira mutants show reduced fertility. We show that loss of HIRA reduces extractable histone H3 protein levels and decreases nucleosome occupancy at both actively transcribed genes and heterochromatic regions. Concomitantly, HIRA contributes to maintenance of silencing of pericentromeric repeats and certain transposons. A genetic analysis based on crosses between mutants deficient in subunits of the CAF‐1 and HIR complexes showed that simultaneous loss of both the CAF‐1 and HIR histone H3 chaperone complexes severely affects plant survival, growth and reproductive development. Our results suggest that HIRA partially rescues impaired histone deposition in fas mutants to preserve nucleosome occupancy, implying plasticity in histone variant interaction and deposition.
Integrated genome sequence and linkage map of physic nut (Jatropha curcasL.), a biodiesel plant
Authors: Wu Pingzhi , Zhou Changpin , Cheng Shifeng , Wu Zhenying , Lu Wenjia , Han Jinli , Chen Yanbo , Chen Yan , Ni Peixiang , Wang Ying , Xu Xun , Huang Ying , Song Chi , Wang Zhiwen , Shi Nan , Zhang Xudong , Fang Xiaohua , Yang Qing , Jiang Huawu , Chen Yaping , Li Meiru , Wang Ying , Chen Fan , Wang Jun , Wu Guojiang 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe family Euphorbiaceae includes some of the most efficient biomass accumulators. Whole genome sequencing and the development of genetic maps of these species are important components in molecular breeding and genetic improvement. Here we report the draft genome of physic nut (Jatropha curcasL.), a biodiesel plant. The assembled genome has a total length of 320.5 Mbp and contains 27 172 putative protein‐coding genes. We established a linkage map containing 1208 markers and anchored the genome assembly (81.7%) to this map to produce 11 pseudochromosomes. After gene family clustering, 15 268 families were identified, of which 13 887 existed in the castor bean genome. Analysis of the genome highlighted specific expansion and contraction of a number of gene families during the evolution of this species, including the ribosome‐inactivating proteins and oil biosynthesis pathway enzymes. The genomic sequence and linkage map provide a valuable resource not only for fundamental and applied research on physic nut but also for evolutionary and comparative genomics analysis, particularly in the Euphorbiaceae.
Identification of three potent hydroxyproline O‐galactosyltransferases in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ogawa‐Ohnishi Mari , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu 
Published: January 2015

SummaryArabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are plant‐specific extracellular glycoproteins implicated in a variety of processes during growth and development. AGP biosynthesis involves O‐galactosylation of hydroxyproline (Hyp) residues followed by a stepwise elongation of the complex sugar chains. However, functionally dominant Hyp O‐galactosyltransferases, such that their disruption produces phenocopies of AGP‐deficient mutants, remain to be identified. Here, we purified and identified three potent Hyp O‐galactosyltransferases, HPGT1, HPGT2 and HPGT3, from Arabidopsis microsomal fractions. Loss‐of‐function analysis indicated that approximately 90% of the endogenous Hyp O‐galactosylation activity is attributable to these three enzymes. AGP14 expressed in the triple mutant migrated much faster on SDS‐PAGE than when expressed in wild‐type, confirming a considerable decrease in levels of glycosylation of AGPs in the mutant. Loss‐of‐function mutant plants exhibited a pleiotropic phenotype of longer lateral roots, longer root hairs, radial expansion of the cells in the root tip, small leaves, shorter inflorescence stems, reduced fertility and shorter siliques. Our findings provide genetic evidence that Hyp‐linked arabinogalactan polysaccharide chains are critical for AGP function and clues to how arabinogalactan moieties of AGPs contribute to cell‐to‐cell communication during plant growth and development.