bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome of the long-living sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
Authors: Ming Ray , VanBuren Robert , Liu Yanling , Yang Mei , Han Yuepeng , Li Lei-Ting , Zhang Qiong , Kim Min-Jeong , Schatz Michael C , Campbell Michael , Li Jingping , Bowers John E , Tang Haibao , Lyons Eric , Ferguson Ann A , Narzisi Giuseppe , Nelson David R , Blaby-Haas Crysten E , Gschwend Andrea R , Jiao Yuannian , Der Joshua P , Zeng Fanchang , Han Jennifer , Min Xiang Jia , Hudson Karen A , Singh Ratnesh , Grennan Aleel K , Karpowicz Steven J , Watling Jennifer R , Ito Kikukatsu , Robinson Sharon A , Hudson Matthew E , Yu Qingyi , Mockler Todd C , Carroll Andrew , Zheng Yun , Sunkar Ramanjulu , Jia Ruizong , Chen Nancy , Arro Jie , Wai Ching Man , Wafula Eric , Spence Ashley , Han Yanni , Xu Liming , Zhang Jisen , Peery Rhiannon , Haus Miranda J , Xiong Wenwei , Walsh James A , Wu Jun , Wang Ming-Li , Zhu Yun J , Paull Robert E , Britt Anne B , Du Chunguang , Downie Stephen R , Schuler Mary A , Michael Todd P , Long Steve P , Ort Donald R , William Schopf J , Gang David R , Jiang Ning , Yandell Mark , dePamphilis Claude W , Merchant Sabeeha S , Paterson Andrew H , Buchanan Bob B , Li Shaohua , Shen-Miller Jane
Published: May 2013

Background

Sacred lotus is a basal eudicot with agricultural, medicinal, cultural and religious importance. It was domesticated in Asia about 7,000 years ago, and cultivated for its rhizomes and seeds as a food crop. It is particularly noted for its 1,300-year seed longevity and exceptional water repellency, known as the lotus effect. The latter property is due to the nanoscopic closely packed protuberances of its self-cleaning leaf surface, which have been adapted for the manufacture of a self-cleaning industrial paint, Lotusan.

Results

The genome of the China Antique variety of the sacred lotus was sequenced with Illumina and 454 technologies, at respective depths of 101× and 5.2×. The final assembly has a contig N50 of 38.8 kbp and a scaffold N50 of 3.4 Mbp, and covers 86.5% of the estimated 929 Mbp total genome size. The genome notably lacks the paleo-triplication observed in other eudicots, but reveals a lineage-specific duplication. The genome has evidence of slow evolution, with a 30% slower nucleotide mutation rate than observed in grape. Comparisons of the available sequenced genomes suggest a minimum gene set for vascular plants of 4,223 genes. Strikingly, the sacred lotus has 16 COG2132 multi-copper oxidase family proteins with root-specific expression; these are involved in root meristem phosphate starvation, reflecting adaptation to limited nutrient availability in an aquatic environment.

Conclusions

The slow nucleotide substitution rate makes the sacred lotus a better resource than the current standard, grape, for reconstructing the pan-eudicot genome, and should therefore accelerate comparative analysis between eudicots and monocots.
Day-to-day associations between subjective sleep and affect in regard to future depressionin a female population-based sample
Authors: de Wild-Hartmann Jessica A. , Wichers Marieke , van Bemmel Alex L. , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Jacobs Nele , van Os Jim , Simons Claudia J. P.
Published: May 2013

Background

Poor sleep is a risk factor for depression, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms.

Aims

Disentangling potential mechanisms by which sleep may be related to depression by zooming downto the ‘micro-level’ of within-person daily life patterns of subjective sleep and affect usingthe experience sampling method (ESM).

Method

A population-based twin sample consisting of 553 women underwent a 5-day baseline ESM protocolassessing subjective sleep and affect together with four follow-up assessments of depression.

Results

Sleep was associated with affect during the next day, especially positive affect. Daytime negative affect was not associated with subsequent night-time sleep. Baseline sleep predicted depressive symptoms across the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The subtle, repetitive impact of sleep on affect on a daily basis, rather than the subtle repetitive impact of affect on sleep, may be one of the factors on the pathway to depression in women.
Research Resource: Small RNA-seq of Human Granulosa Cells Reveals miRNAs in FSHR and Aromatase Genes
Authors: Velthut-Meikas Agne , Simm Jaak , Tuuri Timo , Tapanainen Juha S. , Metsis Madis , Salumets Andres
Published: May 2013

The granulosa cells in the mammalian ovarian follicle respond to gonadotropin signaling and are involved in the processes of folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. Studies on gene expression and regulation in human granulosa cells are of interest due to their potential for estimating the oocyte viability and in vitro fertilization success. However, the posttranscriptional gene expression studies on micro-RNA (miRNA) level in the human ovary have been scarce. The current study determined the miRNA profile by deep sequencing of the 2 intrafollicular somatic cell types: mural and cumulus granulosa cells (MGCs and CGCs, respectively) isolated from women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization. Altogether, 936 annotated and 9 novel miRNAs were identified. Ninety of the annotated miRNAs were differentially expressed between MGCs and CGCs. Bioinformatic prediction revealed that TGFβ, ErbB signaling, and heparan sulfate biosynthesis were targeted by miRNAs in both granulosa cell populations, whereas extracellular matrix remodeling, Wnt, and neurotrophin signaling pathways were enriched among miRNA targets in MGCs. Two of the nine novel miRNAs found were of intronic origin: one from the aromatase and the other from the FSH receptor gene. The latter miRNA was predicted to target the activin signaling pathway. In addition to revealing the genome-wide miRNA signature in human granulosa cells, our results suggest that posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs could play an important role in the modification of gonadotropin signaling. miRNA expression studies could therefore lead to new prognostic markers in assisted reproductive technologies.
PTEN is involved in modulation of vasculogenesis in early chick embryos
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Xiao-yu , Wu Ting , Chuai Manli , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Wang Li-jing , Yang Xuesong
Published: May 2013

PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated and/or deleted in many types of tumor. This gene also plays a very distinct role in the early stages of embryonic development such as cell migration, proliferation and migration. Nevertheless, little is known of the function of PTEN in vasculogenesis during chick embryonic development. In this study, we used in situ hybridization to first demonstrate the expression pattern of PTEN during gastrulation. PTEN was found mainly expressed in the blood islands of area opaca, the neural tube and mesodermal structures. Overexpression of PTEN obstructed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in the primitive streak. EMT is the first prerequisite required for the emigration of hemangioblasts during vasculogenesis. When PTEN expression was silenced, we observed that it produced an adverse effect on mesodermal cell emigration to the extra-embryonic blood islands. In addition, we also demonstrated that even if the perturbed-PTEN cells did not affect the formation of blood islands, migrant mesodermal cells overexpressing wt PTEN-GFP had difficulties integrating into the blood islands. Instead, these cells were either localized on the periphery of the blood islands or induced to differentiate into endothelial cells if they managed to integrate into blood islands. Development of the intra-embryonic primary vascular plexus was also affected by overexpression of PTEN. We proposed that it was elevated PTEN lipid phosphatase activity that was responsible for the morphogenetic defects induced by PTEN overexpression. In this context, we did not find PTEN affecting VEGF signaling. In sum, our study has provided evidence that PTEN is involved in vasculogenesis during the early stages of chick embryo development.
Molecular Mechanisms of Tau Binding to Microtubule and its Role in Microtubule Dynamics in Live Cells
Authors: Breuzard Gilles , Hubert Pierre , Nouar Roqiya , De Bessa Tiphany , Devred François , Barbier Pascale , Sturgis James N. , Peyrot Vincent
Published: May 2013

Despite extensive studies, molecular mechanisms of Tau binding to microtubule (MT) and its consequences on MT stability still remain misunderstood. It is especially true in cells where spatio-temporal distribution of Tau-MT interactions is unknown. Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), we showed that Tau-MT interaction was distributed along MTs in periodic hotspots of high and low FRET intensities. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) revealed a two phase of Tau exchange with MTs as a rapid diffusion followed by a slower binding phase. A real-time FRET assay showed that high FRET occurred simultaneously with rescue and pause transitions at MT ends. To further explore the functional interaction of Tau to the MT, the binding of paclitaxel (PTX), tubulin acetylation induced by trichostatin A (TSA) and the expression of non-acetylable tubulin were used. With PTX and TSA, FRAP curves best fitted with a single phase with a long time constant, while with non-acetylable α-tubulin, curves best fitted a two phase recovery. Upon PTX and TSA incubations, quantities of high and low FRET hotspots decreased by up to 50% and no hotspot was observed during rescue and pause transitions. In the presence of non-acetylable α-tubulin, a 34% increase of low FRET hotspots was measured, and our real-time FRET assay revealed that low FRET hotspots appeared with MTs recovering growth. In conclusion, we have evidence by FRET and FRAP a discrete Tau-MT interaction where Tau could induce conformational changes of MTs, favoring recovery of MT self-assembly.
Pbx1 restrains myeloid maturation while preserving lymphoid potential in hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Ficara Francesca , Crisafulli Laura , Lin Chenwei , Iwasaki Masayuki , Smith Kevin S. , Zammataro Luca , Cleary Michael L.
Published: May 2013

The capacity of the hematopoietic system to promptly respond to peripheral demands relies on adequate pools of progenitors able to transiently proliferate and differentiate in a regulated manner. However, little is known about factors that may restrain progenitor maturation to maintain their reservoirs. Conditional knockout mice for the Pbx1 proto-oncogene have a significant reduction in lineage-restricted progenitors in addition to a profound defect in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. Through analysis of purified progenitor proliferation, differentiation capacity and transcriptional profiling, we demonstrate that Pbx1 regulates the lineage-specific output of multipotent and oligopotent progenitors. In the absence of Pbx1 multipotent progenitor (MPP) and common myeloid progenitor (CMP) pools are reduced due to aberrantly rapid myeloid maturation. This is associated with premature expression of myeloid differentiation genes and decreased maintenance of proto-oncogene transcriptional pathways including reduced expression of Meis1, a Pbx1 dimerization partner, and its subordinate transcriptional program. Conversely, Pbx1 maintains lymphoid differentiation potential of lymphoid-primed MPPs (LMPPs) and common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), whose reduction in the absence of Pbx1 is associated with a defect in lymphoid priming that is also present in CMPs, which persistently express lymphoid and HSC genes underlying a previously unappreciated lineage promiscuity that is maintained by Pbx1. These results demonstrate a role for Pbx1 in restraining myeloid maturation while maintaining lymphoid potential to appropriately regulate progenitor reservoirs.
Histone H3 phosphorylation and elimination of paternal X chromosomes at early cleavages in sciarid flies
Authors: Escribá M. Carmen , Goday Clara
Published: May 2013

In sciarid flies (Diptera, Sciaridae), one or two paternally derived X chromosomes are discarded from the soma at early cleavages to determine the sex of the embryo (XX females, X0 males). X chromosome/s elimination is achieved by an abnormal anaphase segregation so that X sister chromatids do not reach the poles and are not included in the daughter nuclei. A cis-acting locus (CE) within the heterochromatin proximal to the centromere is known to regulate X chromosome elimination. By immunofluorescence analysis in early embryos from Sciara ocellaris and Sciara coprophila, we investigated histone H3 phosphorylation at Ser10, Ser28 and Thr3 prior to, and during the X elimination process. We found that the regular syncytial nuclear divisions are characterized by a gradual loss of H3S10 phosphorylation along the chromosome arms at anaphase. Importantly, the eliminating X chromosomes show a retardation in anaphase chromatid segregation and high levels of H3S10 phosphorylation in the chromosome arms. We provide here the first evidence linking the hyper-phosphorylated H3 status of the X chromosome with a delay in sister chromatid separation at anaphase. Our findings support the idea that the CE induces a deficiency in H3 dephosphorylation in the paternal X chromosomes to be eliminated.
Oxidative stress, photodamage and the role of screening pigments in insect eyes
Authors: Insausti Teresita C. , Le Gall Marion , Lazzari Claudio R.
Published: May 2013

Using triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduvidae) red-eyed mutants, we tested the hypothesis of an alternative function of insect screening pigments against oxidative stress. To tests our hypothesis, we studied the morphological and physiological changes associated with the mutation. We found that wild-type eyes possess great amount of brown and red screening pigment inside the primary and secondary pigment cells as well as in the retinular cells. Red-eyed mutants, however, have only some scarce red granules inside the pigmentary cells. We then compared red-eyed mutants and wild-types visual sensitivity by measuring photonegative responses of insects reared in light/dark cycles (LD 12:12) or constant darkness (DD). Finally, we analyzed both the impact of oxidative stress associated with blood ingestion and photodamage of UV light on the eye retina. We found that red-eyed mutants reared in DD conditions were the most sensitive to the light intensities tested. Retinae of LD reared mutants were gradually damaged over the life cycle while for DD reared insects retinae were conserved intact. No retinal damages were observed on non-fed mutants exposed to UV lights for two weeks while insects fed on blood prior to UV exposition showed clear signs of retinal damage. Wild-type insects exposed to UV-light showed a marked increase in the amount and density of screening pigments.
Intra- and inter-individual variations in flight direction in a migratory butterfly co-vary with individual mobility
Authors: Larranaga Nicolas , Baguette Michel , Calvez Olivier , Trochet Audrey , Ducatez Simon , Legrand Delphine
Published: May 2013

Flight direction is a major component of animal's migratory success. However, few studies focused on variation in flight direction both between and within individuals, which is likely to be correlated with other traits implied in migration processes. We report patterns of intra- and inter-individual variation in flight direction in the large white butterfly Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758). The presence of inter-individual variation in flight direction for individuals tested in the same conditions suggests that this trait is inherited in P. brassicae and we propose that a rapid loss of migratory skills may exist in the absence of selection for migration. The magnitude of intra-individual variation was negatively correlated to two surrogates of the potential for migration: mobility and wing length. Highly mobile and longed-winged individuals within the same family were found to fly in similar directions, whereas less mobile and short-winged individuals displayed divergent flight direction compared to the average direction of their kin. There was also a negative correlation between the variance to the mean flight direction of a family and its average mobility, but no correlation with wing length. We discuss these issues in terms of evolution of traits potentially implied both in migration and dispersal in P. brassicae.
Heart rate responses to temperature in free-swimming Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)
Authors: Clark Timothy D. , Farwell Charles J. , Rodriguez Luis E. , Brandt William T. , Block Barbara A.
Published: May 2013

The bluefin tuna heart remains at ambient water temperature (Ta) but must supply blood to warm regions of the body served by countercurrent vascular heat exchangers. Despite this unusual physiology, inherent difficulties have precluded an understanding of the cardiovascular responses to Ta in free-swimming bluefin tunas. We measured the heart rate (fH) responses of two captive Pacific bluefin tunas (Thunnus orientalis; 9.7 and 13.3 kg) over a cumulative period of 40 d. Routine fH during fasting in the holding tank at a Ta of 20°C was 45.1±8.0 and 40.7±6.5 beats min-1 for Tuna 1 and Tuna 2, respectively. fH decreased in each fish with Q10 of 2.6 (Tuna 1) and 3.1 (Tuna 2) as Ta in the tank was slowly decreased to 15°C (~0.4oC h-1), despite a gradual increase in swimming speed. The same thermal challenge during digestion revealed similar thermal dependence of fH and indicated that the rate of visceral cooling is not buffered by the heat increment of feeding. Acutely decreasing Ta from 20 to 10°C while Tuna 1 swam in a tunnel respirometer caused a progressive increase in tail beat-frequency and oxygen consumption rate (Mo2). fH of this fish decreased with Q10 of 2.7 as Ta decreased between 20 and 15°C, while further cooling to 10°C saw a general plateau in fH around 35 beats min-1 with Q10 of 1.3. A discussion of the relationships between fH, Mo2 , and haemoglobin-oxygen binding sheds further light on how bluefin cardiorespiratory systems function in a changing thermal environment.
Ontogenetic development of magnetic compass orientation in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Denzau Susanne , Nießner Christine , Rogers Lesley , Wiltschko Wolfgang
Published: May 2013

Domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) can be trained to search for a social stimulus in a specific magnetic direction, and cryptochrome 1a found in the retina has been proposed as a receptor molecule mediating magnetic directions. The present study combines immuno-histochemical and behavioural data to analyse the ontogenetic development of this ability. Newly hatched chicks already have a small amount of cryptochrome 1a in their violet cones; on day 5, the amount of cryptochrome 1a has reached the same level as in adult chickens, suggesting that the physical basis for magnetoreception is present. In behavioural tests, however, young chicks 5 to 7 days old failed to show a preference of the training direction; on days 8, 9 and 12, they could be successfully trained to search along a specific magnetic axis. Trained and tested again a week later, the chicks that had not shown a directional preference on day 5 to 7 continued to search randomly, while the chicks tested from day 8 onward preferred the correct magnetic axis when tested one week later. The observation that the magnetic compass is not functional before day 8 suggests that certain maturation processes in the magnetosensitive system in the brain are not yet complete before that day. The reasons why chicks that have been trained before that day fail to learn the task later remain unclear.
A novel variable delay Go/No-Go task to study attention, motivation and working memory in the head-fixed rodent
Authors: Dolzani Samuel D , Nakamura Shinya , Cooper Donald C
Published: May 2013

In order to parse the causal elements underlying complex behaviors and decision-making processes, appropriate behavioral methods must be developed and used in concurrence with molecular, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches. Presented is a protocol for a novel Go/No-Go behavioral paradigm to study the brain attention and motivation/reward circuitry in awake, head-restrained rodents. This experimental setup allows: (1) Pharmacological and viral manipulation of various brain regions via targeted guide cannula; (2) Optogenetic cell-type specific activation and silencing with simultaneous electrophysiological recording and; (3) Repeated electrophysiological single and multiple unit recordings during ongoing behavior. The task consists of three components. The subject first makes an observing response by initiating a trial by lever pressing in response to distinctive Go or No-Go tones.  Then, after a variable delay period, the subject is presented with a challenge period cued by white noise during which they must respond with a lever press for the Go condition or withhold from lever pressing for the duration of the cue in the No-Go condition. After correctly responding during the challenge period (Challenge) and a brief delay, a final reward tone of the same frequency as the initiation tone is presented and sucrose reward delivery is available and contingent upon lever pressing. Here, we provide a novel procedure and validating data set that allows researchers to study and manipulate components of behavior such as attention, motivation, impulsivity, and reward-related working memory during an ongoing operant behavioral task while limiting interference from non task-related behaviors.
Elastic Bands as a Component of Periodized Resistance Training
Authors: Joy Jordan M. , Lowery Ryan P. , Oliveira de Souza Eduardo , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: May 2013

Joy, JM, Lowery, RP, Oliveira de Souza, E, and Wilson, JM. Elastic bands as a component of periodized resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2100–2106, 2016—Variable resistance training (VRT) has recently become a component of strength and conditioning programs. Prior research has demonstrated increases in power and/or strength using low loads of variable resistance. However, no study has examined using high loads of variable resistance as a part of a periodized training protocol to examine VRT within the context of a periodized training program and to examine a greater load of variable resistance than has been examined in prior research. Fourteen National Collegiate Athletic Association division II male basketball players were recruited for this study. Athletes were divided equally into either a variable resistance or control group. The variable resistance group added 30% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as band tension to their prescribed weight 1 session per week. Rate of power development (RPD), peak power, strength, body composition, and vertical jump height were measured pretreatment and posttreatment. No baseline differences were observed between groups for any measurement of strength, power, or body composition. A significant group by time interaction was observed for RPD, in which RPD was greater in VRT posttraining than in the control group. Significant time effects were observed for all other variables including squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, deadlift 1RM, clean 3RM, vertical jump, and lean mass. Although there were no significant group ×-time interactions, the VRT group's percent changes and effect sizes indicate a larger treatment effect in the squat and bench press 1RM values and the vertical jump performed on the force plate and vertec. These results suggest that when using variable resistance as a component of a periodized training program, power and strength can be enhanced. Therefore, athletes who add variable resistance to 1 training session per week may enhance their athletic performance.
Shortness: an unknown phenotype of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: López Caroline L , Langer Peter , Waldmann Jens , Fendrich Volker , Sitter Helmut , Nies Christoph , Bartsch Detlef K
Published: May 2013

Objective

An observation of shortness among the female participants of a regular screening program in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients has raised the question as to whether shortness represents a phenotype characteristic of the disease.

Methods

The body height (cm) of genetically confirmed MEN1 patients at the time of diagnosis was compared with the body height of their unaffected relatives (parents, siblings, and children), the mid-parental body height, and the body height of the age-matched German population. Univariate analysis of the clinical variables was performed using thet-test, Mann–WhitneyUtest, and ANOVA as appropriate, and multivariate analysis was performed as a logistic regression analysis.Pvalues <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean body height of 22 female MEN1 patients (mean age 33.5 years) was 161±5 cm and thus significantly lesser than the body heights of their unaffected female relatives (mean 165.5±7.3 cm,P=0.027) and the age-matched German female population (mean 167 cm,P=0.0001) and mid-parental height (177.5 cm,P<0.0001). The mean body height of 24 male MEN1 patients (mean age 34.8 years) was also lesser (177±6.5 cm) than the average body height of German males in this age group (180 cm,P=0.031) and tended to be lesser than that of their unaffected male relatives (178.5±5.8 cm,P=0.0915) and the mid-parental body height (177.5 cm,P=0.124).

Conclusions

Small body height is a yet unrecognized phenotype characteristic of MEN1 patients, especially in women. The mechanisms behind this phenotypical characteristic warrant further investigation.
Physical exercise ameliorates the toxic effect of fluoride on the insulin–glucose system
Authors: Lombarte Mercedes , Fina Brenda L , Lupo Maela , Buzalaf Marília A , Rigalli Alfredo
Published: May 2013

Daily intake of water with fluoride concentrations >1.5 mg/l produces insulin resistance (IR). On the other hand, physical activity increases insulin sensitivity in the muscle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity on IR in rats treated with sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n=10/group): Control (drinking water without NaF), NaF (drinking water with NaF 15 mg/l for 30 days), and Exercise (daily running on a treadmill for 60 min at 2.25 m/min and drinking water with NaF 15 mg/l for 30 days). IR was evaluated with the homeostasis model assessment–IR (HOMA–IR) index using fasting plasma levels of glucose and insulin. IR increased in rats treated with 15 mg/l NaF in drinking water. A decrease in IR was observed in rats that performed physical activity and drank water with 15 mg/l NaF; the Exercise group also showed an increase in the amounts of bone fluoride. The variation in the HOMA–IR values could be the consequence of variation in the sensitivity of tissues to insulin or decrease in plasma fluoride levels due to bone fluoride intake. These findings indicate that the performance of daily physical activity could reduce the negative effects of the chronic ingestion of NaF on glucose homeostasis.
Recent Advances on Bulk Tantalum Carbide Produced by Solvothermal Synthesis and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Clark Braeden M. , Kelly James P. , Graeve Olivia A.
Published: May 2013

The sintering of tantalum carbide nanopowders by spark plasma sintering (SPS) is investigated. The washing procedure for the powders is modified from previous work to eliminate excess lithium in the powders that is left over from the synthesis process. The sintering behavior of the nanopowders is investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy by studying specimens that were sintered to different temperatures. To improve the homogeneity of the microstructure of the specimens, milling procedures were implemented. Vaporization during sintering is observed, and the usefulness of carbon additions and systematic decreases in temperature to curb this behavior was explored. Future experiments to achieve full density and to maintain a nanostructure of the specimens include sintering with higher pressures, lower temperatures, and longer dwell times. Additives for maintaining a nanostructure and developing suitable high-temperature properties are also discussed.
Magnetic resonance imaging study cannot individually distinguish individuals with mild cognitive impairment, mild Alzheimer's disease, and normal aging
Authors: Menezes Terce Liana , Andrade-Valença Luciana Patrízia A. , Valença Marcelo Moraes
Published: May 2013

Objective: To evaluate the volumetric and spectroscopy aspects of hippocampus in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: A series of patients older than 65 years and with memory deficit were studied. Results: The evocation of words test presented a significant reduction in the number of words recalled by the patients with MCI and mild AD as compared with the control group. Bilateral reduction of the hippocampus volume in the AD group was observed when compared to the control group. There were no statistical differences in the values of NAA/Cr, mI/Cr, Cho/Cr and mI/NAA between the groups. Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging study failed to individually distinguish patients with MCI, mild AD and normal aging. However, patients with mild AD presented loss of asymmetry between the right and left hippocampus, and a reduction in hippocampus volume.
Patterns of depressive symptoms in epilepsy
Authors: Triantafyllou Nikolaos I. , Gatzonis Stergios , Kararizou Evangelia , Papageorgiou Charalampos C.
Published: May 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and extent of depressive symptoms among patients with epilepsy. Methods: Ninety patients were investigated over a three-month period: 42 were suffering from generalized epilepsy, 29 from focal epilepsy and 19 from undetermined epilepsy. All completed the Zung self-rating scale for assessment of the depressive symptoms. Results: Sixty-seven patients felt stigmatized because of epilepsy (67%): 73.6% in the undetermined epilepsy group, 55.1% in the focal epilepsy group and 88% in the generalized epilepsy group. Moreover, among the 90 epileptic patients studied, symptoms of irritability, indecisiveness, personal devaluation and emptiness showed a constant increasing trend for their presence from the undetermined epilepsy group through the generalized epilepsy group to the focal epilepsy group. Conclusions: These findings indicate that although the focal epilepsy patients felt less stigmatized, they did not differ greatly in terms of depressive symptoms, in relation to the undetermined epilepsy and generalized epilepsy patients.
Intracranial cavernous malformation in children: a single-centered experience with 30 consecutive cases
Authors: Amato Marcelo Campos Moraes , Madureira João Flávio Gurjão , Oliveira Ricardo Santos de
Published: May 2013

Objectives: To determine the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of pediatric intracranial cavernous malformation (CM) in a single-centered institution. Methods: Clinical data review of 30 patients under 18 years-old who had undergone surgery for cavernous malformation from January 1993 to December 2011. Results: The Study Group included 18 males and 12 females (mean age: 8.7 years-old). Symptoms at presentation were seizures (16/30, 53.3%), headache (15/30, 50.0%), and focal neurological deficits (11/30, 36.6%). Multiple cavernous malformations were found in 5/30 (16.6%). According to location, patients were classified in groups: (G1) brain-steam in 5/30 (16.6%), (G2) cerebellum in 2/30 (6.6%), (G3) supratentorial associated with seizures in 16/30 (53.3%), and (G4) supratentorial without seizures in 7/30 (23.3%). Surgical resection was performed in 26 out of 30 (86.6%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years. Of 15 children followed-up with preoperative seizures, all were rendered seizure-free after surgery. Conclusions: For symptomatic solitary cavernous malformation, the treatment of choice is complete microsurgical excision preceded by careful anatomical and functional evaluation. For multiple cavernous malformation or asymptomatic patients, the treatment modalities must be cautiously considered.
Raphe obscurus neurons participate in thermoregulation in rats
Authors: Ulhoa Melissa Araújo , Silva Nyam Florencio da , Pires José Guilherme Pinheiro , Futuro Neto Henrique de Azevedo
Published: May 2013

In mammalian, several evidences suggest that central serotonin participates in thermoregulation. Nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO), a serotonergic nucleus, has been recognized to be the source of generation of various hemodynamic patterns in different behavioral conditions, but its involvement in thermoregulation is unclear. In the present study, extracellular action potentials of NRO neurons were recorded in anesthetized rats, which were submitted to cold and warm stimuli in the tail. The firing rate of the neurons was compared before and after each stimulation. It was found that 59% of the neurons submitted to a cold stimulus trial had a significant increase in their firing frequency, while 48% of the neurons submitted to warm stimulation trial were inhibited. The opposite responses in neuronal activity of NRO units to cooling or heating suggest that these cells are involved in producing the homoeothermic vascular adaptations secondary to changes in cutaneous temperature in the rat tail.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma: what a neurologist/neurosurgeon should know?
Authors: Perini Guilherme Fleury , Campregher Paulo Vidal , Santos Fabio Pires de Souza , Hamerschlak Nelson
Published: May 2013

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare disease, with bad prognosis. Neurologists and neurosurgeons should be familiar with the diagnostic,and biologic features, as well as the initial management of patients. A correct approach to these patients is mandatory for a better outcome.
Influence of competition and rainfall manipulation on the growth responses of savanna trees and grasses
Authors: February Edmund C. , Higgins Steven I. , Bond William J. , Swemmer Louise
Published: May 2013

In this study, we explored how rainfall manipulation influenced competitive interactions between grasses and juvenile trees (small nonreproductive trees capable of resprouting) in savanna. To do this, we manipulated rainfall amount in the field using an incomplete factorial experiment that determined the effects of rainfall reduction, no manipulation, rainfall addition, and competition between grasses and trees on grass and tree growth. As response variables, we focused on several measures of tree growth and Disc Pasture Meter settling height as an estimate of grass aboveground biomass. We conducted the study over four years, at two sites in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Our results show that rainfall manipulation did not have substantial effects on any of the measures of tree growth we considered. However, trees at plots where grasses had been removed grew on average 15 cm more in height and 1.3–1.7 times more in basal area per year than those in plots with grasses. Grass biomass was not influenced by the presence of trees but was significantly and positively influenced by rainfall addition. These findings were not fundamentally influenced by soil type or by prevailing precipitation, suggesting applicability of our results to a wide range of savannas. Our results suggest that, in savannas, increasing rainfall serves to increase the competitive pressure exerted by grasses on trees. The implication is that recruitment into the adult tree stage from the juvenile stage is most likely in drought years when there is little competition from grass for resources and grass fuel loads are low.
Two's company, three's a crowd: Food and shelter limitation outweigh the benefits of group living in a shoaling fish
Authors: Ford John R. , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: May 2013

Identifying how density and number‐dependent processes regulate populations is important for predicting population response to environmental change. Species that live in groups, such as shoaling fish, can experience both direct density‐dependent mortality through resource limitation and inverse number‐dependent mortality via increased feeding rates and predator evasion in larger groups. To investigate the role of these processes in a temperate reef fish population, we manipulated the density and group size of the shoaling species Trachinops caudimaculatus on artificial patch reefs at two locations with different predator fields in Port Phillip Bay, Australia. We compared mortality over four weeks to estimates of predator abundance and per capita availability of refuge and food to identify mechanisms for density or number dependence. Mortality was strongly directly density dependent throughout the experiment, regardless of the dominant predator group; however, the limiting resource driving this effect changed over time. In the first two weeks when densities were highest, density‐dependent mortality was best explained by refuge competition and the abundance of benthic predators. During the second two weeks, food competition best explained the pattern of mortality. We detected no effect of group size at either location, even where pelagic‐predator abundance was high. Overall, direct density effects were much stronger than those of group size, suggesting little survival advantage to shoaling on isolated patch reefs where resource competition is high. This study is the first to observe a temporal shift in density‐dependent mechanisms in reef fish, and the first to observe food limitation on short temporal scales. Food competition may therefore be an important regulator of postsettlement reef fish cohorts after the initial intense effects of refuge limitation and predation.
The thermal dependence of biological traits
Authors: Dell Anthony I. , Pawar Samraat , Savage Van M.
Published: May 2013

Environmental temperature has strong and systematic effects on biological processes at all levels of organization, ranging from cells to ecosystems. The large temporal and spatial variation in Earth's temperature creates a complex thermal landscape within which life evolves and operates. Here, we present a data set on how diverse biological rates and times respond to temperature, which we hope will aid in the search for general mechanisms of thermal dependence.

For nearly a century, intraspecific studies (within single species' populations) of thermal responses have been conducted on a wide range of organismal traits. Comparative studies of these data are essential for elucidating mechanisms underlying thermal response curves. However, such comparative intraspecific studies have been limited because of a lack of a comprehensive database that organizes these data with consistent units and trait definitions. Here, we present a database of 2352 thermal responses for 220 traits for microbes, plants, and animals compiled from 270 published sources. This represents the most diverse and comprehensive thermal response data set ever compiled. The traits in this database span levels of biological organization from internal physiology to species interactions and were measured in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats for 411 species. Although we include some physiological rates, most data are for ecological traits, which we define here to mean any organismal trait that directly determines interactions between individuals within or across species.

We hope that publication of our data set will encourage others to compile complementary data sets, especially on individual physiology and life history traits. Intraspecific and interspecific (across species' populations) analyses of our data set should provide new insights into generalities and deviations in the thermal dependence of biological traits, and thus how biological systems, from cells to ecosystems, respond to temperature change. Such insights are essential for understanding how natural biological systems function, and how life is responding to Earth's complex and rapidly changing thermal landscape.
Yield and Nutritive Value Responses of Forage Barley Cultivars and Lines
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Kawada Naoyuki , Hattori Ikuo , Morita Satoshi , Araki Hitoshi
Published: May 2013

Forage barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has attracted attention as a potential crop in Japan; however, promising cultivars and lines have not been selected and selection criteria for breeding have not been found. This study aimed to determine the effects of cultivars and lines (Wasedorinijyo, Saikaikawa 67, Saikaihadaka 68, Hakei B 0878, Hakei B 0879, and Nishinochikara) on dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value in southwestern Japan. In the 2010–2011 crop season at heading and soft dough, Hakei B 0879 had similar DM yield to the other cultivars and lines used. However, in the 2011–2012 crop season, Hakei B 0879 had the highest number of tillers and the highest DM yield among all the cultivars and lines. The number of emerged seedlings of Hakei B 0879 was much higher in the 2011–2012 crop season than in the 2010–2011 crop season. Thus, in the 2010–2011 crop season at soft dough, the DM yield of Hakei B 0879 was reduced because of the lower number of tillers. To stabilize the DM yield of Hakei B 0879, improved seedling emergence and growth at early stages could be important. In both crop seasons at heading and soft dough, DM yield was positively correlated with the number of tillers and leaf plus stem dry weight (DW). In addition, in both crop seasons at heading, the in vitro dry matter digestibly (IVDMD) concentration of Saikaikawa 67 was higher than, or similar to, those of the other cultivars and lines used because of the lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration. These results suggest that spike‐number type cultivars may be more suitable for forage barley than spike‐weight type cultivars and the number of tillers could be a selection criteria for breeding.
Evaluation and Interpretation of Interactions
Authors: Crossa Jose , Vargas Mateo , Cossani C. Mariano , Alvarado Gregorio , Burgueño Juan , Mathews Ky L. , Reynolds Matthew P.
Published: May 2013

Understanding the factors that define a given interaction is important in agricultural, agronomic, and plant breeding research, where agronomic treatments or genotypes are evaluated under several environmental conditions and where interactions usually complicate a researcher's decisions. We give examples of how interactions, in common agricultural experiments, can be examined and studied to make use of the rich information available on the interaction term of the model. Examples with different levels of interaction complexity are used to illustrate how to analyze and interpret interactions and how interaction components can be partitioned into comparisons with sensible biological interpretations. It will offer researchers a greater understanding of how to exploit interaction information beyond the standard statistical tests performed in the usual analysis of variance. Simple SAS codes for performing standard interaction contrasts and defining interaction covariables are provided.
Evaluation of Two Transgenes for Aluminum Tolerance in Alfalfa
Authors: Reyno Rafael , Khu Dong-Man , Monteros Maria J. , Bouton Joseph H. , Parrott Wayne , Brummer E. Charles
Published: May 2013

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production is dramatically reduced in acidic, Al‐rich soil. Transgenic plants of several species overexpressing organic acid synthesis and/or organic acid transporter genes have shown enhanced tolerance to Al. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the citrate synthase (CS) and the Daucus carota L. plasma membrane H+‐transporting adenosine triphosphatase (H+ATPase) (DcPA1) transgenes on Al tolerance in alfalfa. Stem cuttings from a full‐sib T2 population including four isogenic groups (plants with neither transgene, CS only, DcPA1 only, and both transgenes) together with nontransformed check genotypes were evaluated for Al and acid soil tolerance in a greenhouse assay in limed and unlimed soil. Aluminum and acid soil tolerance was assessed by measuring the ratios of root and shoot dry weight in unlimed soil compared to limed soil. The three transgenic populations, CS, DcPA1, and CS plus DcPA1, all showed higher Al and acid soil tolerance and lower levels of Al in shoot tissue than the nontransgenic isogenic population or the nontransgenic parental genotypes. This suggests that an Al‐exclusion mechanism could be driving Al and acid soil tolerance in this study. We observed no advantage of combining both transgenes in the same genetic background. These transgenes offer an efficient method to achieve enhanced Al and acid soil tolerant alfalfa cultivars, but more information is needed on their stability across generations and genetic backgrounds and their performance under field conditions.
Evaluation of a Heat Dissipation Sensor for In Situ Measurement of Soil Temperature
Authors: Illston Bradley G. , Fiebrich Christopher A. , Grimsley David L. , Basara Jeffrey B.
Published: May 2013

Scientists at the Oklahoma Mesonet analyzed the Campbell Scientific (CS) 229 heat dissipation matric potential sensor to determine if it could be used as a dual‐purpose sensor to measure soil temperature in addition to soil matric potential. The objectives of the study were to identify how the installation wiring of the CS 229 impacts the accuracy of temperature measurements, to understand how the CS 229 temperature measurements compared with existing soil temperature measurements taken by BetaTHERM thermistors, and to determine the spatial variabilities of soil temperature measurements in situ. An improved wiring technique for the CS 229 sensor greatly reduced the mean squared error of temperature measurements from 0.20 to 0.01°C. The BetaTHERM and CS 229 sensors yielded strong correlations (RMSD of 0.96°C at 5 cm) and linearities (R2 of 0.99 at 5 cm) with a small bias (mean difference of 0.19°C at 5 cm toward the CS 229) in the field. The two sensor types also had low variability in their differences (average RMSE of 0.06°C for BetaTHERM and 0.09°C for CS 229) when analyzed in a controlled laboratory environment. The variability (e.g., standard deviation) of the daily average 5‐cm soil temperatures measured within a 10‐m transect was 0.29°C, while less variability was observed at the 10‐ and 30‐cm depths. The analyses showed that the CS 229 would provide soil temperature measurements of comparable accuracy to that of existing BetaTHERM sensors. The overall results of the experiments demonstrated that the CS 229 is a viable soil temperature sensor when properly calibrated and installed.
Soil Carbon Stocks under Productive and Degraded Brachiaria Pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Braz Sérgio P. , Urquiaga Segundo , Alves Bruno J.R. , Jantalia Claudia P. , Guimarães Ana Paula. , dos Santos Camila A. , dos Santos Sashia C. , Machado Pinheiro Érika F. , Boddey Robert M.
Published: May 2013

In the central savannah (Cerrados) region of Brazil approximately 50 Mha are occupied by Brachiaria pastures, most of which are classified as degraded. There are few reliable data on soil C stocks under planted pastures in this region and how soil C has been affected by their establishment and subsequent decline in productivity. This study was performed to compare soil C stocks under native Cerrado vegetation (NV) and productive (PP) and degraded pastures (DP) at four sites (chronosequences). Soil texture, bulk density, and 13C abundance were investigated as candidate indicators for validation of the chronosequences. Productivity of the pastures at each site was evaluated using forage regrowth, existing and deposited litter, and the light fraction of soil organic matter (SOM). At all sites, the soil C stocks were higher under the PP than under the neighboring NV, and stocks under the DP were intermediate or very similar to the stocks under the NV. Soil 13C abundance and C to N ratio suggested that SOM derived from NV was lost at a very low rate except in the surface layers (0–20 cm) and that soil C lost as pastures declined in productivity was principally derived from the pasture grass Brachiaria. The difference between soil C stocks under NV and PP was only 6 to 7 Mg C ha‐1 at two sites with lower clay content (11 and 16%, respectively) but reached 12 Mg C ha‐1 at Site C (46% clay) and 47 Mg C ha‐1 at Site D (67% clay).