bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium imaging in Arabidopsis pollen cells using G‐CaMP5
Authors: Diao Min , Qu Xiaolu , Huang Shanjin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCalcium (Ca2+) signaling has been implicated in pollen germination and pollen tube growth. To date, however, we still know very little about how exactly Ca2+ signaling links to various physiological subcellular processes during pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Given that Ca2+ signaling is tightly related to the cytosolic concentration and dynamics of Ca2+, it is vital to trace the dynamic changes in Ca2+ levels in order to decode Ca2+ signaling. Here, we demonstrate that G‐CaMP5 serves well as an indicator for monitoring cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics in pollen cells. Using this probe, we show that cytosolic Ca2+ changes dramatically during pollen germination, and, as reported previously, Ca2+ forms a tip‐focused gradient in the pollen tube and undergoes oscillation in the tip region during pollen tube growth. In particular, using G‐CaMP5 allowed us to capture the dynamic changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in pollen tubes in response to various exogenous treatments. Our data suggest that G‐CaMP5 is a suitable probe for monitoring the dynamics of [Ca2+]cyt in pollen cells.
Embedding routine health checks for adults with intellectual disabilities in primary care: practice nurse perceptions
Authors: Macdonald S. , Morrison J. , Melville C. A. , Baltzer M. , MacArthur L. , Cooper S. A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have consistently poorer health outcomes than the general population. There is evidence that routine health checks in primary care may improve outcomes. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of practice nurse led health checks. Here, we report findings from the nested qualitative study.AimTo explore practice nurse perceptions and experience of delivering an anticipatory health check for adults with IDs.Design and SettingQualitative study in General Practices located in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.MethodEleven practice nurses from 11 intervention practices participated in a semi‐structured interview. Analysis was guided by a framework approach.ResultsPractice nurses reported initially feeling ‘swamped’ and ‘baffled’ by the prospect of the intervention, but early misgivings were not realised. Health checks were incorporated into daily routines with relative ease, but this was largely contingent on existing patient engagement. The intervention was thought most successful with patients already well known to the practice. Chronic disease management models are commonly used by practice nurses and participants tailored health checks to existing practice. It emerged that few of the nurses utilised the breadth of the check instead modifying the check to respond to individual patients' needs. As such, already recognised ‘problems’ or issues dominated the health check process. Engaging with the health checks in this way appeared to increase the acceptability and feasibility of the check for nurses. There was universal support for the health check ethos, although some questioned whether all adults with IDs would access the health checks, and as a consequence, the long‐term benefits of checks.ConclusionWhile the trial found the intervention to be dominant over standard health care, the adjustments nurses made may not have maximised potential benefits to patients. Increasing training could further improve the benefits that health checks provide for people with IDs.
A qualitative investigation of the origins of excessive work behaviour
Authors: Kirrane Melrona , Breen Marianne , O'Connor Cliódhna 
Published: February 2018

Studies of workers who engage in excessive work behaviour continue to attract the attention of researchers. Most research in this field adheres to quantitative methodologies aligned to the addiction or trait paradigms and largely focuses on correlates and consequences of such behaviour. However, within this literature, empirically based understandings of the factors that propel individuals to engage in excessive work patterns are sparse. Resting on socio‐cultural theories of work, we adopt a novel approach to this field of enquiry and examine the genesis of excessive working using a qualitative methodology. We use discourse analysis to comparatively explore data from a sample of twenty‐eight workers comprising excessive and non‐excessive workers. Our study identified the roles of family of origin, educational experience, and professional norms as clear drivers of excessive work patterns. Data to support the dominant addiction and trait paradigms within this research domain were equivocal. Lifestyle decision‐making differentiated the comparison group from the excessive workers. We discuss our findings with reference to theories of workaholism and consider their implications for the evolution of this field.Practitioner pointsOrganizational culture can strongly influence the emergence of excessive work patterns among employees. Human resource professionals and organizational leaders are in a position to intervene in the development and support of work cultures that are conducive to effective work patternsEmployee selection and assessment procedures should be sufficiently in‐depth to gather relevant information into the personal backgrounds of applicantsEmployee development initiatives should take account of learned work orientations to ensure the effectiveness of interventions.
A confirmatory examination of age‐associated personality differences: Deriving age‐related measurement‐invariant solutions using ant colony optimization
Authors: Olaru Gabriel , Schroeders Ulrich , Wilhelm Oliver , Ostendorf Fritz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine age‐associated personality differences using a measurement‐invariant representation of the higher‐order structure of the Five‐Factor Model.MethodWe reanalyzed the German NEO‐PI‐R norm sample (N = 11,724) and applied ant colony optimization in a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis setting in order to select three items per first‐order factor that would optimize model fit and measurement invariance across 18 age groups ranging from 16 to 65 years of age.ResultsAnt colony optimization substantially improved absolute and relative model fit under measurement invariance constraints. However, the results showed that even when selecting items, measurement invariance across a large age span could not be guaranteed. Strong measurement invariance for Extraversion and Agreeableness could not be established. The age‐associated mean‐level differences of the first‐order factors of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness supported the maturity hypothesis. The mean levels of the first‐order factors of Openness varied substantially from each other across age.ConclusionsFindings on age differences in personality can be particularly distorted in older age groups. Testing for and ensuring measurement invariance with item selection procedures can help solve this problem. The higher‐order structure of personality should be accounted for when personality development is examined.
Pierre Hadot on Habit, Reason, and Spiritual Exercises
Authors: del Nido Daniel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis essay is a reappraisal of Pierre Hadot's concept of spiritual exercises in response to recent criticisms of his work. The author argues that contrary to the claims of his critics, Hadot articulates a compelling argument that spiritual exercises that employ imaginative, rhetorical, and cognitive techniques are both necessary for and successful at producing a subject in which reason is integrated into human character. Such exercises are critical for overcoming the effects of habit, as a result of which everyday conduct resists rational control, and Hadot provides a nuanced account of how particular practices affect different aspects of emotion, behavior, and thought. The concept of spiritual exercises remains a viable component of theoretical frameworks for the study of religious ethics, though the author concludes that Hadot's position on habit and its role in ethical practice requires further investigation.
Sterculia and Brachychiton: a comprehensive overview on their ethnopharmacology, biological activities, phytochemistry and the role of their gummy exudates in drug delivery
Authors: Thabet Amany A , Youssef Fadia S , El-Shazly Mohamed , Singab Abdel Nasser B 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Sterculia and Brachychiton are two related genera (Malvaceae) containing more than 300 species. Most of these species are ornamental trees that are native to Australia and widely cultivated in many countries. Different members of the two genera were used by various cultures for medicinal and economical purposes. This review sheds light on the medicinal values and chemical composition of various species of these two genera.

Key findings
Sterculia and Brachychiton species were used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, microbial infection, skin diseases, inflammation and many other conditions. The seeds of various species were roasted and eaten by many traditional tribes. Plants from the two genera revealed their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, insecticidal and analgesic activity. These activities may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids particularly sesquiterpenes and triterpenes in addition to sterols and fatty acids. Moreover, the gummy exudates obtained from some members of these genera played an important role in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug-delivery systems.

Conclusions
More research is recommended on other species of Sterculia and Brachychiton to discover new molecular entities with potential biological and economic values.
Pteridryaceae: A new fern family of Polypodiineae (Polypodiales) including taxonomic treatments
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Mao , Zhang Liang , Lu Ngan Thi , Gao Xin‐Fen , Zhang Li‐Bing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe undertook phylogenetic analyses to resolve the relationships of Pteridrys and related taxa based on six plastid markers (atpA, atpB, matK & rps16‐matK, rbcL, rps4 & rps4‐trnS, and trnL & trnL‐F) and nuclear pgiC. We included 195 accessions representing approximately 147 species in 38 genera, and seven of the nine families in Polypodiineae (eupolypods I). Tectariaceae s.l. (i.e., Arthropteris, Draconopteris, Hypoderris, Malaifilix, Pteridrys, Tectaria, and Triplophyllum in addition to Polydictyum) is recovered as monophyletic (97% maximum likelihood bootstrap value), but with low (<50%) maximum parsimony jackknife value. The family Tectariaceae s.l. is therefore the only family in ferns without a corresponding non‐parametric‐based strong support in spite of our data totaling 9616 aligned base pairs. Tectariaceae s.l. can not be unambiguously recognized by any of the 13 morphological characters analyzed. However, if the clade composed of Draconopteris, Malaifilix, Polydictyum, and Pteridrys (DMPP) is recognized as a distinct family, at least four morphological characters enable the distinction of the DMPP clade from its sister clade. Considering the uncertainty in the monophyly, the diagnosability, and the deep divergence, we propose to establish a new family, Pteridryaceae, to accommodate the DMPP clade. Species of Pteridryaceae share mostly the following characteristics: erect to suberect rhizomes, reduced basal pinnae, anastomosing or free venation, absence of catenate hairs at the leaf surface, and perine ornamentation lacking spines or spinules. Identification keys are provided for the four genera and 31 species of the DMPP clade (or Pteridryaceae). Reflecting the presented results, the recognition of Arthropteridaceae is the preferred taxonomic status of the Arthropteris clade.
Characterization of Paroxysmal Gluten‐Sensitive Dyskinesia in Border Terriers Using Serological Markers
Authors: Lowrie M. , Garden O.A. , Hadjivassiliou M. , Sanders D.S. , Powell R. , Garosi L. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundParoxysmal gluten‐sensitive dyskinesia (PGSD) in border terriers (BTs) results from an immunologic response directed against transglutaminase (TG)2 and gliadin. Recent evidence suggests that PGSD is only one aspect of a range of possible manifestations of gluten sensitivity in the breed.Hypothesis/ObjectivesGluten sensitivity in BTs is a heterogeneous disease process with a diverse clinical spectrum; to characterize the phenotype of PGSD using TG2 and gliadin autoantibodies as diagnostic markers.AnimalsOne hundred twenty‐eight client‐owned BTs with various disorders.MethodsProspective study. BTs with paroxysmal episodes and a normal interictal examination were phenotyped using footage of a representative episode and assigned to 3 groups: idiopathic epilepsy (IE), paroxysmal dyskinesia (PD), or other. Owners of each dog completed a questionnaire to obtain information regarding clinical signs. Healthy BTs formed a control group. Serum antibodies against TG2 and AGA were measured in all dogs.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐eight BTs were enrolled; 45 with PD, 28 with IE, 35 with other conditions, and 20 controls. Three overlapping phenotypes were identified; PD, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatopathy. AGA‐IgG concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P = 0.012), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.018) conditions. Anti‐canine TG2‐IgA concentrations were increased in PD, compared with IE (P < 0.0001), controls (P < 0.0001) and other (P = 0.012) conditions. Serological markers are highly specific for PGSD but lack sensitivity.ConclusionsPGSD appears part of a syndrome of gluten intolerance consisting of episodes of transient dyskinesia, signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease, and dermatological hypersensitivity.
Evaluation of SNAP cPL, Spec cPL, VetScan cPL Rapid Test, and Precision PSL Assays for the Diagnosis of Clinical Pancreatitis in Dogs
Authors: Cridge H. , MacLeod A.G. , Pachtinger G.E. , Mackin A.J. , Sullivant A.M. , Thomason J.M. , Archer T.M. , Lunsford K.V. , Rosenthal K. , Wills R.W. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of 4 diagnostic assays (SNAP canine pancreatic lipase (cPL), specific cPL (Spec cPL), VetScan cPL Rapid Test, and Precision PSL) for pancreatitis in dogs have not been directly compared.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the level of agreement among each of the 4 assays and a clinical suspicion score, level of agreement among the assays, and sensitivity and specificity of each assay in a clinically relevant patient group.AnimalsFifty client‐owned dogs with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease.MethodsProspective study. History, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, abdominal ultrasound examination, and the 4 diagnostic assays for pancreatitis were performed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the level of agreement between each assay and a clinical suspicion score determined by a panel of 5 board‐certified veterinary internists.ResultsThe ICC between the clinical suspicion score and the 4 assays were SNAP cPL, 0.61; Spec cPL, 0.68; VetScan cPL Rapid Test, 0.68; and Precision PSL, 0.60. The sensitivities of the assays ranged from 73.9 to 100.0%, whereas the specificities were SNAP cPL, 71.1–77.8%; Spec cPL, 74.1–81.1%; VetScan cPL Rapid Test, 76.9–83.8%; and Precision PSL, 64.0–74.3%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA good to excellent level of agreement was demonstrated among the 4 assays. The previously unreported sensitivity and specificity of the VetScan cPL Rapid Test were 73.9–83.3% and 76.9–83.8%, respectively. Results of any of the 4 diagnostic assays alone, in the absence of supporting clinical findings, are insufficient to establish a diagnosis of clinical pancreatitis in dogs.
Clinical Utility of Plasma Fructosamine Concentration as a Hypoglycemic Biomarker during Early Lactation in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Megahed A.A. , Hiew M.W.H. , Constable P.D. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundPlasma fructosamine concentration ([FRA]) is a widely used long term hyperglycemic biomarker in humans and dogs, but its clinical usefulness as a hypoglycemic biomarker in dairy cattle is uncertain.ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between plasma [FRA] and glucose concentration ([gluc]) as well as indices of energy balance during early lactation in dairy cattle, and to characterize the influence of plasma total protein concentration ([TP]) and albumin concentration ([albumin]) on [FRA].AnimalsConvenience sample comprising 103 periparturient Holstein–Friesian cattle.MethodsPlasma [gluc], [TP], [albumin], and other clinicopathologic indices of energy status were determined periodically from Day 4 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and backfat thickness (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) were measured ultrasonographically. Plasma [FRA] was measured at approximately 28 days postpartum. Associations between plasma [FRA] and study variables were evaluated using Spearman's rho and stepwise forward linear regression. Statistical significance was declared atP < 0.05.ResultsA positive association was detected between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] from Days 4–28 postpartum (rs = +0.36,P < 0.001), and between plasma [FRA] and LDT (rs = +0.28,P = 0.007), BCS (rs = +0.23,P = 0.029), and BFT (rs = +0.21,P = 0.043). Multivariable regression identified a positive association between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc] and [albumin] from Days 4–28 postpartum. Correcting plasma [FRA] for [albumin] improved the association (rs = +0.46,P < 0.001) between plasma [FRA] and mean plasma [gluc].Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePlasma [FRA] does not provide a clinically useful method for quantifying the magnitude of hypoglycemia or negative energy balance in dairy cows during early lactation.
Interference of transcription across H‐NS binding sites and repression by H‐NS
Authors: Rangarajan Aathmaja Anandhi , Schnetz Karin 
Published: February 2018

SummaryNucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS represses transcription by forming extended DNA–H‐NS complexes. Repression by H‐NS operates mostly at the level of transcription initiation. Less is known about how DNA–H‐NS complexes interfere with transcription elongation. In vitro H‐NS has been shown to enhance RNA polymerase pausing and to promote Rho‐dependent termination, while in vivo inhibition of Rho resulted in a decrease of the genome occupancy by H‐NS. Here we show that transcription directed across H‐NS binding regions relieves H‐NS (and H‐NS/StpA) mediated repression of promoters in these regions. Further, we observed a correlation of transcription across the H‐NS‐bound region and de‐repression. The data suggest that the transcribing RNA polymerase is able to remodel the H‐NS complex and/or dislodge H‐NS from the DNA and thus relieve repression. Such an interference of transcription and H‐NS mediated repression may imply that poorly transcribed AT‐rich loci are prone to be repressed by H‐NS, while efficiently transcribed loci escape repression.
Review: Relationship of type 2 diabetes to human brain pathology
Authors: Pruzin J. J. , Nelson P. T. , Abner E. L. , Arvanitakis Z. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are both highly prevalent diseases worldwide, and each is associated with high‐morbidity and high‐mortality. Numerous clinical studies have consistently shown that T2D confers a two‐fold increased risk for a dementia, including dementia attributable to AD. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this relationship, especially nonvascular mechanisms, remain debated. Cerebral vascular disease (CVD) is likely to be playing a role. But increased AD neuropathologic changes (ADNC), specifically neuritic amyloid plaques (AP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), are also posited mechanisms. The clinicopathological studies to date demonstrate T2D to be consistently associated with infarcts, particularly subcortical lacunar infarcts, but not ADNC, suggesting the association of T2D with dementia may largely be mediated through CVD. Furthermore, growing interest exists in insulin resistance (IR), particularly IR within the brain itself, which may be an associated but distinct phenomenon from T2D, and possibly itself associated with ADNC. Other mechanisms largely related to protein processing and efflux in the central nervous system with altered function in T2D may also be involved. Such mechanisms include islet amyloid polypeptide (or amylin) deposition, co‐localized with beta‐amyloid and found in more abundance in the AD temporal cortex, blood‐brain barrier breakdown and dysfunction, potentially related to pericyte degeneration, and disturbance of brain lymphatics, both in the glial lymphatic system and the newly discovered discrete central nervous system lymph vessels. Medical research is ongoing to further disentangle the relationship of T2D to dementia in the ageing human brain.
The stereotyped positioning of the generative cell associated with vacuole dynamics is not required for male gametogenesis in rice pollen
Authors: Huang Xiaorong , Peng Xiongbo , Xie Fei , Mao Wanying , Chen Hong , Sun Meng‐Xiang 
Published: February 2018

Summary

During male gametogenesis in cereals, the generative cell undergoes a positioning process that parallels the dynamics of the central vacuole, which is believed to be associated with generative cell movement in the male gametophyte. However, the impact of the generative cell positioning and the central vacuole dynamics on male gametogenesis has remained poorly understood.

Here, we report that OsGCD1 (GAMETE CELLS DEFECTIVE1) dysfunction influenced pollen development and disrupted pollen germination.

Loss of function of OsGCD1 altered the central vacuole dynamics and the generative cell was mispositioned. Nevertheless, twin sperm cells were generated normally, indicating that gametogenesis does not rely on positional information as long as a generative cell is produced. The normal vacuole dynamics seems necessary only for pollen maturation and germination.

Our findings also indicate that osgcd1 mutation resulted in rice male sterility in which pollen has full cell viability and generated normal gametes, but lacks the potential to germinate.
Microbiome‐based mechanisms hypothesized to initiate obesity‐associated rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Luo Y. , Blackledge W. C. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryWorldwide, the growing obesity pandemic contributes to a range of chronic diseases. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested an association between obesity and the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly among young women, whereby pro‐inflammatory effects of adipokines provide one explanatory hypothesis. Yet, recent clinical and laboratory‐based studies provide emerging evidence indicating microbiome involvement in RA initiation and development, including anti‐citrullinated antibody formation and Th17 cell activation. Obesity and RA‐associated microbiome alteration might provide a plausible link to address the impact of obesity to RA pathogenesis. The microbiome's influence on RA development – at mucosal as well as articular sites – and relevant pathophysiological mechanisms regarding obesity's association with RA are presented herein to discuss this hypothesis and aid understanding of obesity's role in RA development.