bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring the evolutionary history of Indian Plasmodium vivax from population genetic analyses of multilocus nuclear DNA fragments
Authors: GUPTA BHAVNA , SRIVASTAVA NALINI , DAS APARUP 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is globally widespread, causing high malaria morbidity. As P. vivax is highly endemic to India, and previous reports indicate genetic homogeneity in population samples, we tested the hypothesis of no genetic structuring in Indian P. vivax. Further, based on the reports of increasing incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in comparison with P. vivax in recent years in India, it was important to understand whether reduction in population size has resulted in decrease in P. vivax infection rate in India. For this, we utilized recently developed putatively neutral markers from chromosome 13 of P. vivax to score single nucleotide polymorphisms in 126 P. vivax isolates collected from 10 different places in India. The overall results indicated that Indian P. vivax bears high nucleotide diversity within population samples but moderate amount of genetic differentiation between population samples. STRUCTURE analysis grouped 10 population samples into three clusters based on the proportion of the genetic ancestries in each population. However, the pattern of clustering does not correlate with sampling locations in India. Furthermore, analyses of past demographic events indicated reduction in population size in majority of population samples, but when isolates from all the 10 samples were considered as a single population, the data fit to the demographic equilibrium model. All these observations clearly indicate that Indian P. vivax presents complex evolutionary history but possesses several features of being a part of ancestral distribution range of this species.
Silicic magma petrogenesis in Iceland by remelting of hydrothermally altered crust based on oxygen isotope diversity and disequilibria between zircon and magma with implications for MORB
Authors: Bindeman Ilya , Gurenko Andrey , Carley Tamara , Miller Calvin , Martin Erwan , Sigmarsson Olgeir 
Published: February 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 227–232, 2012AbstractPetrogenesis of silicic magmas in Iceland has fundamental significance for understanding the relative importance of fractional crystallization of mantle‐derived basalt and partial melting of hydrothermally altered basaltic crust in formation of the earliest continental crust. First results of in situ oxygen isotope investigation of zircons in large‐volume silicic eruptive products of three volcanoes in Iceland (Askja, Torfajökull, and Hekla) demonstrate isotope diversity and disequilibria and long U–Th zircon pre‐eruptive residence of 103–104 year. This suggests that zircons did not grow from their host melts but instead were inherited from older magma batches and leftover cumulates with generally low and variable δ18O values. This study demonstrates that segregation of cubic kilometres of silicic magma is faster than mineral‐diffusive or recrystallization time‐scales (estimated at ∼103 years), and it suggests that partial melting of hydrothermally altered and oxidized oceanic crust is the mechanism that best explains silicic rocks in Iceland and early earth environments.
The hexanoyl‐CoA precursor for cannabinoid biosynthesis is formed by an acyl‐activating enzyme in Cannabis sativa trichomes
Authors: Stout Jake M. , Boubakir Zakia , Ambrose Stephen J. , Purves Randy W. , Page Jonathan E. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe psychoactive and analgesic cannabinoids (e.g. Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) in Cannabis sativa are formed from the short‐chain fatty acyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) precursor hexanoyl‐CoA. Cannabinoids are synthesized in glandular trichomes present mainly on female flowers. We quantified hexanoyl‐CoA using LC‐MS/MS and found levels of 15.5 pmol g−1 fresh weight in female hemp flowers with lower amounts in leaves, stems and roots. This pattern parallels the accumulation of the end‐product cannabinoid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). To search for the acyl‐activating enzyme (AAE) that synthesizes hexanoyl‐CoA from hexanoate, we analyzed the transcriptome of isolated glandular trichomes. We identified 11 unigenes that encoded putative AAEs including CsAAE1, which shows high transcript abundance in glandular trichomes. In vitro assays showed that recombinant CsAAE1 activates hexanoate and other short‐ and medium‐chained fatty acids. This activity and the trichome‐specific expression of CsAAE1 suggest that it is the hexanoyl‐CoA synthetase that supplies the cannabinoid pathway. CsAAE3 encodes a peroxisomal enzyme that activates a variety of fatty acid substrates including hexanoate. Although phylogenetic analysis showed that CsAAE1 groups with peroxisomal AAEs, it lacked a peroxisome targeting sequence 1 (PTS1) and localized to the cytoplasm. We suggest that CsAAE1 may have been recruited to the cannabinoid pathway through the loss of its PTS1, thereby redirecting it to the cytoplasm. To probe the origin of hexanoate, we analyzed the trichome expressed sequence tag (EST) dataset for enzymes of fatty acid metabolism. The high abundance of transcripts that encode desaturases and a lipoxygenase suggests that hexanoate may be formed through a pathway that involves the oxygenation and breakdown of unsaturated fatty acids.
Sex‐specific differences in GABAA‐benzodiazepine receptor availability: relationship with sensitivity to pain and tobacco smoking craving
Authors: Esterlis Irina , McKee Sherry A. , Kirk Kathryne , Lee Dianne , Bois Frederic , Stiklus Stephanie M. , Seibyl John P. , Krishnan‐Sarin Suchitra , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Staley Julie K. , Cosgrove Kelly P. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTSex differences exist in tobacco smoking behaviors. Nicotine, the primary addictive ingredient in tobacco smoke, indirectly affects γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) function. Previous studies reported sex‐by‐smoking interactions in brain GABA levels. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if there is a sex‐by‐smoking interaction at the GABAA‐benzodiazepine receptors (GABAA‐BZRs), as well as relationships between GABAA‐BZR availability and behavioral variables before and after 1 week of smoking cessation. Twenty‐six women (8 non‐smokers, age 36.0 ± 13.4 years; 19 smokers, age 34.6 ± 8.9 years) and 25 men (8 non‐smokers, age 37.9 ± 13.8 years; 17 smokers, 34.1 ± 12.4 years) were imaged using [123I]iomazenil and single‐photon emission computed tomography. Smokers were imaged at baseline 7 hours after the last cigarette. A significantly great number of men were able to abstain from smoking for 1 week (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in nicotine dependence and cigarette craving, mood or pain sensitivity between male and female smokers. There was a significant effect of gender across all brain regions (frontal, parietal, anterior cingulate, temporal and occipital cortices, and cerebellum; P < 0.05), with all women (smokers and non‐smokers combined) having a higher GABAA‐BZR availability than all men. There was a negative correlation between GABAA‐BZR availability and craving (P ≤ 0.02) and pain sensitivity (P = 0.04) in female smokers but not male smokers. This study provides further evidence of a sex‐specific regulation of GABAA‐BZR availability in humans and demonstrates the potential for GABAA‐BZRs to mediate tobacco smoking craving and pain symptoms differentially in female and male smokers.
Anatomical Stages of Penile Erection in the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) Induced by Electro‐Ejaculation
Authors: Mollineau W. M. , Sampson T. , Adogwa A. O. , Garcia G. W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe reproductive system of the male agouti is not well documented. This study describes the specific anatomical features of the free part of the penis occurring during penile erection in the agouti. Electro‐ejaculation was used to induce erection in three male agoutis that had previously produced offspring. Results proved that there were four stages in the erection process. Stage 1 involved protrusion of the penis from the preputial orifice. The lateral penile cartilages were then spread (stage 2). During stage 3, there was the blooming of the head of the glans penis (penile flower) and eversion of the intromittent sac. The protrusion of the keratinaceous styles and ejaculation occurred during stage 4. This information could assist in semen collection for use in reproductive techniques for the agouti such as artificial insemination.
Genetic linkage mapping in an F2 perennial ryegrass population using DArT markers
Authors: Tomaszewski Céline , Byrne Stephen L. , Foito Alexandre , Kildea Steven , Kopecký David , Doležel Jaroslav , Heslop‐Harrison John Seymour (PAT) , Stewart Derek , Barth Susanne 
Published: February 2012

With 1 figure and 1 tableAbstractPerennial ryegrass is the principal forage grass species used in temperate agriculture. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop molecular marker strategies to allow cost‐effective characterization of a large number of loci simultaneously. One such strategy involves using DArT markers, and a DArT array has recently been developed for the Lolium‐Festuca complex. In this study, we report the first use of the DArTFest array to generate a genetic linkage map based on 326 markers in a Lolium perenne F2 population, consisting of 325 genotypes. For proof of concept, the map was used to identify QTL associated with differences in crown rust susceptibility, caused by the fungal biotroph, Puccinia coronata.
Downregulation of vasopressin V1A receptors and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase in rat mesangial cells cultured under high‐glucose conditions
Authors: Tahara Atsuo , Tsukada Junko , Tomura Yuichi , Yatsu Takeyuki , Shibasaki Masayuki 
Published: February 2012

Summary
In the present study we examined the effects of high extracellular glucose concentrations on vasopressin (AVP) V1A receptor kinetics and signal transduction in cultured rat mesangial cells.
Scatchard analysis of [3H]‐AVP binding to mesangial cell plasma membranes showed that although high glucose (30 mmol/L) decreased V1A receptor numbers relative to cells cultured in normal glucose (10 mmol/L), receptor affinity was not affected. This V1A receptor downregulation was associated with an attenuated increase in AVP‐stimulated cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i).
In addition, high glucose increased both the basal and AVP‐stimulated activity of the classic mitogen‐activated protein kinase, namely extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, high glucose induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in mesangial cells that could be inhibited by coincubation with the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (10 nmol/L). Staurosporine also markedly attenuated the high glucose‐induced downregulation of V1A receptors on mesangial cells and blocked the depressed [Ca2+]i response and increased ERK activity induced by AVP.
The results indicate that high extracellular glucose downregulates V1A receptors on rat mesangial cells and modulates their signal transduction properties via PKC activation.
N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide levels aid the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal dysfunction
Authors: OUANES ISLEM , JALLOUL FATEN , AYED SAMIA , DACHRAOUI FAHMI , OUANES‐BESBES LAMIA , FEKIH HASSEN MOHAMED , ELATROUS SOUHEIL , ABROUG FEKRI 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the performance of N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and renal dysfunction.Methods:  NT‐proBNP levels at admission were measured in consecutive patients admitted to two participating intensive care units with acute exacerbations of COPD. Left ventricular dysfunction was assessed on the basis of clinical and echocardiographic criteria. The performance of NT‐proBNP levels was evaluated in patients with or without renal dysfunction.Results:  Among the 120 patients included in the study, 70 had impaired renal function, defined as a glomerular filtration rate of <90 mL/min/1.73 m2. NT‐proBNP levels were inversely correlated with glomerular filtration rate (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.457, P < 0.001). Overall, left ventricular dysfunction was diagnosed in 58 patients (48.3%). Median NT‐proBNP levels were significantly higher in these patients, irrespective of whether their renal function was normal (3313 (interquartile range (IQR) 4603) vs 337 (IQR 695) pg/mL, P < 0.001) or impaired (5692 (IQR 10714) vs 887 (IQR 1165) pg/mL, P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. The threshold NT‐proBNP value with the highest diagnostic accuracy was greater in the setting of renal dysfunction (2000 pg/mL; sensitivity 71%, specificity 82%, compared with 1000 pg/mL in patients with normal renal function; sensitivity 94%, specificity 82%). Multivariate analysis showed that left ventricular dysfunction and glomerular filtration rate were independently associated with elevated NT‐proBNP levels.Conclusions:  NT‐proBNP remains an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction associated with acute exacerbations of COPD. Threshold values of NT‐proBNP were higher in patients with impaired renal function than in those with normal renal function.
The Tragedy of the Commodity and the Farce of AquAdvantage Salmon®
Authors: Clausen Rebecca , Longo Stefano B. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve AquAdvantage Salmon as the first genetically modified animal for human consumption. The genetic modifications allow the proprietary fish to grow at a rate twice as fast as a wild salmon, leading to greater ‘efficiency’ in terms of reduced costs and reduced time to market. This article provides an analysis of the ways in which AquAdvantage Salmon exemplifies capitalist market forces controlling and guiding the terms of salmon recovery and conservation. The authors trace historical developments within the salmon industry to demonstrate how capitalist commodity production has impacted fishing communities. They reject the oft‐cited ‘tragedy of the commons’ hypothesis offered to explain fisheries crises. In its place, they offer the conceptual framework of the ‘tragedy of the commodity’ to explore how capitalist market forces and complicit state regulations amplify rather than resolve global environmental problems.
An internet survey on self‐reported food allergy in Greece: clinical aspects and lack of appropriate medical consultation
Authors: Kalogeromitros D. , Makris M.P. , Chliva C. , Sergentanis T.N. , Church M.K. , Maurer M. , Psaltopoulou T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Food allergy (FA) represents a common and worldwide disorder but in publications referring to FA the reported diagnosis is rarely confirmed. Consequently, the subjectively assessed FA may negatively affect the quality of life of patients and their families.Objective  We have conducted this internet survey in order to estimate the self‐reported perception of FA in Greece.Methods  A standard anonymous questionnaire was posted for a 3‐month period on http://www.in.gr, a Greek popular Internet portal. Each individual could participate only once. Participants were screened for the presence or history of FA by a key question and were then asked to provide information on symptoms, course and management.Results  A total of 3673 adult subjects (mean age 34.2 years, range 18–74, females 61.3%), reporting FA were included in analysis. Most reported reactions were related to fruits (14.9%), seafood (10.7%) and nuts (9.2%). The first episode occurred principally during the second (29.2%) and third (30.9%) decade within 3 h from consumption (82.2%). Predominant symptoms were urticaria and oral allergy syndrome (almost 25% each one). Nearly half of the participants sought no medical advice, while 31.4% asked for an allergist’s consultation. Almost 21% of reactors were hospitalized; nuts, severity of symptoms (lower respiratory and/or cardiovascular), onset in lower age, previous exercise and concomitant alcohol and/or aspirin intake were positively associated with hospitalization.Conclusion  Although FA causes severe anaphylactic episodes, almost 50% of individuals who experience symptoms perceived as FA do not seek medical advice. Awareness programmes must be carried out in order to increase consciousness about this potentially fatal medical condition.
A monitoring and feedback service as a way to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of consumption
Authors: Hyvönen Kaarina , Saastamoinen Mika , Hongisto Mikko , Kallio Arto , Södergård Caj 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper explores and assesses the acceptability of an Internet‐based greenhouse gas emission monitoring and feedback service and its possibilities for motivating households to voluntary change their consumption behaviour towards a more climate‐friendly direction. We studied consumers' experiences and assessments of the acceptability of such a service and its potential to promote the desired behaviour in a Finnish Climate Bonus research project wherein a demonstration version of the service was developed and tested. In total, 35 pre‐selected consumers tried out and evaluated the service in day‐to‐day life for a period of 4 weeks. Online questionnaires, focus groups and an online discussion forum were used to collect their feedback. The results indicated that the service was well received among the participating consumers. Above all, the consumers regarded the service interesting and useful because it offered concrete feedback on the emissions caused by their own household consumption. All in all, the study indicated that a well‐designed, easy‐to‐use and consumer‐empowering monitoring and feedback service might be a potential tool to motivate people to reduce their consumption‐based emissions voluntarily.
Application of Best Practice Tips in manual dishwashing in Germany and Spain
Authors: Fuss Natalie , Stamminger Rainer 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInvestigations on the consumer behaviour of manual dishwashing have shown that there is a large variety of ways of how to wash up by hand, and the corresponding resource consumption is affected accordingly. In order to reduce resource consumption in manual dishwashing while achieving an acceptably good cleaning result, Best Practice Tips have been established (published in Fuss et al.) on the basis of laboratory experiments and the knowledge of everyday behaviour. This study is aimed at verifying the potential to save resources in real life when consumers are applying Best Practice Tips for manual dishwashing. A 4‐week in‐house study was run in two European countries, and data of the manual dishwashing behaviour were acquired before and after training on the Best Practice Tips. The results of both periods were compared with each other and between the countries. The test participants in Germany needed approximately 30% less water and 40% less energy, on average, in the period in which they applied the Best Practice Tips; in Spain, nearly 50% less water and 60% less energy for dishwashing in the period after the training. It has to be taken into consideration, however, that individual savings are very different due to specific living conditions, household sizes, practices in dishwashing and more or less prejudice against the Best Practice Tips.
Changing laundry habits in Norway
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun G. , Boks Casper 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMaintenance is often the most energy‐demanding stage during clothes' life cycle. Therefore, a shift towards more sustainable washing habits has great potential to reduce the consumption of energy, water and detergent. This paper discusses the change in laundering practices during the past 10 years in Norway and suggests strategies to help consumers change their laundry habits to more sustainable ones.Quantitative information of consumers' experiences, habits and opinions concerning clothing maintenance was collected through three surveys in Norway in 2002, 2010 and 2011. The 2010 study was supplemented with qualitative in‐depth interviews of a strategic sample of households.The average washing temperature has decreased slightly during the studied time periods. Some products' washing frequencies remained the same, whereas other products such as jeans were used a few more days before washing. The cotton programme is the most used washing programme, but short programmes are gaining popularity. The laundry sorting processes vary greatly and are influenced by several factors such as washing temperature, colours, fibre type and use area. For some consumers, the use of several different sorting categories made it more difficult to collect a sufficient amount of clothing to fill the machine. They were also afraid that overfilling the machine would result in clothes that were not clean enough or had detergent residues. Detergent dosing practices are far from optimal. In 2010, although the majority of respondents only used eye measure and did not know the water hardness of their area, they still tried to vary detergent dosage based on the amount of laundry and the level of soiling. Different design for sustainable behaviour strategies could be used within detergent dosage systems, care labelling, machine programme selection (such as suggesting lower temperature and eco‐programme), machine filling grade indicators, storage systems for slightly used clothing and textile material choice.