bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Transformation of Wheat Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Cheng M. , Fry J. E. , Pang S. , Zhou H. , Hironaka C. M. , Duncan D. R. , Conner T. W. , Wan Y. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
A rapid Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for wheat was developed using freshly isolated immature embryos, precultured immature embryos, and embryogenic calli as explants. The explants were inoculated with a disarmed A. tumefaciens strain C58 (ABI) harboring the binary vector pMON18365 containing the β-glucuronidase gene with an intron, and a selectable marker, the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene. Various factors were found to influence the transfer-DNA delivery efficiency, such as explant tissue and surfactants present in the inoculation medium. The inoculated immature embryos or embryogenic calli were selected on G418-containing media. Transgenic plants were regenerated from all three types of explants. The total time required from inoculation to the establishment of plants in soil was 2.5 to 3 months. So far, more than 100 transgenic events have been produced. Almost all transformants were morphologically normal. Stable integration, expression, and inheritance of the transgenes were confirmed by molecular and genetic analysis. One to five copies of the transgene were integrated into the wheat genome without rearrangement. Approximately 35% of the transgenic plants received a single copy of the transgenes based on Southern analysis of 26 events. Transgenes in T1 progeny segregated in a Mendelian fashion in most of the transgenic plants.
Patterns and thresholds of grazing‐induced changes in community structure and ecosystem functioning: species‐level responses and the critical role of species traits
Authors: Li Wenhuai , Xu Fengwei , Zheng Shuxia , Taube Friedhelm , Bai Yongfei 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Overgrazing has resulted in widespread decline in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in grasslands world‐wide in recent decades. However, few studies have examined the patterns and thresholds of grazing‐induced changes in community structure and ecosystem functioning along a grazing gradient and based on species‐level responses and plant functional traits.

To identify the thresholds of grazing intensity (GI) at both species and community levels, we conducted a grazing manipulation experiment with seven levels of GI (0–9 sheep ha−1) and two topographies (flat vs. slope) in a typical steppe. Four plant functional traits were measured, including specific leaf area (SLA), plant height, leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and stem: leaf ratio.

The threshold of GI that significantly altered community composition was at 3·75 sheep ha−1 for the flat system and 3·0 sheep ha−1 for the slope system. For both flat and slope systems, the threshold GI for changes in primary productivity was at 3·0 sheep ha−1, beyond which the productivity decreased substantially.

At the species level, the abundances of common species, most of which are perennial grasses, declined at moderate grazing intensities (3·0–4·5 sheep ha−1). The abundances of most rare species, which are perennial forbs, declined at low grazing intensities (1·5–3·0 sheep ha−1). SLA and LNC are good predictors of species‐level responses to grazing. Low SLA and high LNC species are negatively affected by high GI, while high SLA and low LNC species are little affected by grazing. The negative effect of GI on species’ abundance was greater in the slope system than in the flat system.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that the structural and functioning thresholds of grazing intensity depend on plant traits and species composition, which is mediated by topographic location. These findings, integrating plant functional traits and threshold approaches, have important implications for determining sustainable grazing intensity in grassland management and biodiversity conservation in semi‐arid regions.
The role of trophoblast cell receptor expression in HIV‐1 passage across the placenta in pre‐eclampsia: an observational study
Authors: Dorsamy V , Vallen C , Haffejee F , Moodley J , Naicker T 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveTo compare expression of markers of HIV and associated receptors (p24, CD4, CCR5 and ICAM‐2) in placentae and umbilical cords of HIV‐associated and pre‐eclamptic pregnancies to elucidate any association between these conditions in mother‐to‐child transmission.DesignCross‐sectional immunohistochemical analysis of target receptor expression.SettingLaboratory‐based study of primigravidae attending a district hospital in South Africa.Population or sampleRetrospectively collected placental tissue (stratified into four groups according to HIV status of normotensive and pre‐eclamptic participants (n = 20/group).MethodImmunohistochemistry utilising CD4 (1:1), p24 (1:10), CCR5 (1:80) and ICAM‐2 (1:100) antibodies was performed using light microscopy for image acquisition and analysis.Main outcome measuresEvaluate the expression of receptors on syncytiotrophoblast involved in in utero transmission of HIV.ResultsSyncytiotrophoblast was immunopositive for CD4 and CCR5 antibody with greater expression of CCR5 in HIV‐positive versus HIV‐negative groups (F1,159 = 6.979, P = 0.009) and normotensive versus pre‐eclamptic groups (F1,159 = 8.803, P = 0.003). p24 was present in both placentae and umbilical cords of babies that were HIV‐negative at 6 weeks. ICAM‐2 immunostaining was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast across study groups and was significantly higher in the HIV‐negative pre‐eclamptic group (χ2 (3) = 45.3; P < 0.001).ConclusionConcurrent CD4 and CCR5 receptor expression demonstrates possible in utero viral entry routes across the placental barrier. ICAM‐2 expression may influence HIV passage across the placenta or restoration of risk of pre‐eclampsia in HAART‐treated mothers. HIV was found in fetal circulation regardless of antiretroviral treatment. Further confirmatory ultrastructural and molecular work is warranted.Tweetable abstractCD4, CCR5 and ICAM‐2 on syncytiotrophoblast may facilitate HIV infection of passage across the placenta.
Two sides of a coin: host‐plant synchrony fitness trade‐offs in the population dynamics of the western spruce budworm
Authors: Régnière Jacques , Nealis Vincent G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractConifer‐feeding budworms emerge from overwintering sites as small larvae in early spring, several days before budburst, and mine old needles. These early‐emerging larvae suffer considerable mortality during this foraging period as they disperse in search of available, current‐year buds. Once buds flush, surviving budworms construct feeding shelters and must complete maturation before fresh host foliage senesces and lignifies later in the summer. Late‐developing larvae suffer greater mortality and survivors have lower fecundity when feeding on older foliage. Thus, there is a seasonal trade‐off in fitness associated with host synchrony: early‐emerging budworms have a greater risk of mortality during spring dispersal but gain better access to the most nutritious foliage, while, on the other hand, late‐emerging larvae incur a lower risk during the initial foraging period but must contend with rapidly diminishing resource quality at the end of the feeding period. We investigate the balance that results from these early‐season and late‐season synchrony fitness trade‐offs using the concept of the phenological window. Parameters associated with the variation in the phenological window are used to estimate generational fitness as a function of host‐plant synchrony. Because defoliation modifies these relationships, it is also included in the analysis. We show that fitness trade‐offs characterizing the phenological window result in a robust synchrony relationship between budworm and host plant over a wide geographic range in southern British Columbia, Canada.
Quorum Sensing Involved in the Spoilage Process of the Skin and Flesh of Vacuum‐Packaged Farmed Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Stored at 4 °C
Authors: Zhang Caili , Zhu Suqin , Wu Haohao , Jatt Abdul‐Nabi , Pan Yurong , Zeng Mingyong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFish skin has both positive and negative effects on the shelf‐life of the fish. This study aimed to investigate the spoilage process of the skin and flesh of refrigerated farmed turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) with vacuum packaging. Microbial community changes were analyzed by combining culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results indicated that the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged refrigerated turbot was 16 d; skin mucus was the interference factor of turbot quality. The culture‐dependent analysis demonstrated that the total viable counts and the population of H2S‐producing bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., and lactic acid bacteria in skin had a range of 0.45 to 1.40 log (CFU/g) higher than the microbial numbers in flesh after 16 d in storage. 16S high throughout sequencing results demonstrated that the compositions of spoilage microbes were similar in skin and flesh. Shewanella spp., followed by Carnobacterium spp., was the dominant spoilage organism at day 16. Quorum sensing (QS) signaling activity increased during the storage. Exogenous N‐butanoyl‐L‐homoserinelactone(C4‐HSL) and N‐hexanoyl‐Lhomoserine lactone (C6‐HSL) significantly accelerated the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot, while the addition of 4, 5‐Dihydroxypentane‐2, 3‐dione (DPD) prolonged the lag phase duration. Therefore, QS may be involved in the spoilage process of refrigerated turbot.
Diversity and linkage disequilibrium in farmed Tasmanian Atlantic salmon
Authors: Kijas J. , Elliot N. , Kube P. , Evans B. , Botwright N. , King H. , Primmer C. R. , Verbyla K. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryFarmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a globally important production species, including in Australia where breeding and selection has been in progress since the 1960s. The recent development of SNP genotyping platforms means genome‐wide association and genomic prediction can now be implemented to speed genetic gain. As a precursor, this study collected genotypes at 218 132 SNPs in 777 fish from a Tasmanian breeding population to assess levels of genetic diversity, the strength of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and imputation accuracy. Genetic diversity in Tasmanian Atlantic salmon was lower than observed within European populations when compared using four diversity metrics. The distribution of allele frequencies also showed a clear difference, with the Tasmanian animals carrying an excess of low minor allele frequency variants. The strength of observed LD was high at short distances (<25 kb) and remained above background for marker pairs separated by large chromosomal distances (hundreds of kb), in sharp contrast to the European Atlantic salmon tested. Genotypes were used to evaluate the accuracy of imputation from low density (0.5 to 5 K) up to increased density SNP sets (78 K). This revealed high imputation accuracies (0.89–0.97), suggesting that the use of low density SNP sets will be a successful approach for genomic prediction in this population. The long‐range LD, comparatively low genetic diversity and high imputation accuracy in Tasmanian salmon is consistent with known aspects of their population history, which involved a small founding population and an absence of subsequent introgression. The findings of this study represent an important first step towards the design of methods to apply genomics in this economically important population.
The Bølling‐age Blomvåg Beds, western Norway: implications for the Older Dryas glacial re‐advance and the age of the deglaciation
Authors: Mangerud Jan , Briner Jason P. , Goslar Tomasz , Svendsen John Inge 
Published: October 2016

Blomvåg, on the western coast of Norway north of Bergen, is a classical site in Norwegian Quaternary science. Foreshore marine sediments, named the Blomvåg Beds and now dated to the Bølling‐Allerød from 14.8 to 13.3 cal. ka BP, contain the richest Lateglacial bone fauna in Norway, numerous mollusc shells, driftwood, and flint that some archaeologists consider as the oldest traces of humans in Norway. The main theme of this paper is that the Blomvåg Beds are overlain by a compact diamicton, named the Ulvøy Diamicton, which was interpreted previously as a basal till deposited during a glacial re‐advance into the ocean during the Older Dryas (c. 14 cal. ka BP). Sediment sections of the Blomvåg Beds and the Ulvøy Diamicton were exposed in ditches in a cemetery that was constructed in 1941–42 and have subsequently not been accessible. A number of radiocarbon and cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages demonstrate that the diamicton is not likely to be a till because minimum deglaciation ages (14.8–14.5 cal. ka BP) from the vicinity pre‐date the Ulvøy Diamicton. We now consider that sea ice and icebergs formed the Ulvøy Diamicton during the Younger Dryas. The Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin was located on the outermost coastal islands between at least c. 18.5 and 14.8 cal. ka BP; however, no ice‐marginal deposits have been found offshore from this long period. The Older Dryas ice margin in this area was located slightly inside the Younger Dryas margin, whereas farther south it was located slightly beyond the Younger Dryas margin.
Self‐efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between parental closeness and suicidal ideation among Malaysian adolescents
Authors: Wu Shin Ling , Yaacob Siti Nor 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundSuicide has become a serious worldwide mental health problem, including Asian countries. Suicidal ideation happens prior to the actual suicidal behaviour; thus, identifying the roots of suicidal ideation is vital. This study investigated the relationships between parental closeness, self‐efficacy and suicidal ideation among adolescents in Malaysia. The mediation effect of self‐efficacy on the relationship between parental closeness and suicidal ideation was also examined.MethodA total of 684 school‐going adolescents aged 14–17 years old were recruited via multistage cluster sampling. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation analysis. The mediation model was tested using SPSS macro developed by Preacher and Hayes.ResultsThe results showed that mother closeness, father closeness and self‐efficacy had significant negative correlation with suicidal ideation. Specifically, self‐efficacy emerged as a partial mediator in the relation between mother closeness and suicidal ideation. Self‐efficacy also fully mediated the relationship between father closeness and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsThe findings implied that mother closeness had stronger correlation with adolescents' suicidal ideation compared to father closeness, while self‐efficacy plays an important role in the relationship between parental closeness and suicidal ideation. Prevention and intervention efforts by practitioners dealing with adolescents' mental health issues, specifically on suicidal ideation, should seriously consider providing them with skills to enhance mother–adolescent relationship and their self‐efficacy.
Fiscal rules in the Canadian provinces: Abject failure or qualified success?
Authors: Atkinson Michael M. , Mou Haizhen , Bruce Peter 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMost Canadian provinces have introduced legislation to require politicians of all ideological stripes to meet annual balanced budget (BB) targets. Critics of this type of legislation argue that it is unnecessary, confining, and subject to manipulation. We examine provincial balanced budget legislation before and after the Great Recession and argue that the response of provinces needs to be evaluated taking into account the multiple objectives of fiscal policy and the behavioural changes that the rules introduce, including creative non‐compliance. Rules should be evaluated on their ability to contribute to good fiscal governance rather than on their stringency.
Pethidine hydrochloride is a better sedation method for pharyngeal observation by transoral endoscopy compared with no sedation and midazolam
Authors: Yamasaki Yasushi , Ishihara Ryu , Hanaoka Noboru , Matsuura Noriko , Kanesaka Takashi , Akasaka Tomofumi , Kato Minoru , Hamada Kenta , Tonai Yusuke , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Ito Yuri , Yano Masahiko , Iishi Hiroyasu 
Published: October 2016

Background and AimStandard surveillance methods for pharyngeal cancer have not been established. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the best sedation method for pharyngeal observation using transoral endoscopy.MethodsIn total, 120 patients who underwent surveillance or diagnostic examinations for esophageal cancer were enrolled and divided equally into three groups (no sedation, midazolam, or pethidine hydrochloride). In the midazolam group, midazolam was given i.v. maintaining a Ramsay score of 3. In the pethidine group, pethidine hydrochloride (35 mg) given i.v. Seven sites in five pharyngeal regions were observed on insertion of the endoscope, and graded (0 = poor, 1 = good). After examination, the five pharyngeal regions were scored using a seven‐point scale. Primary endpoint was the total score from the five pharyngeal regions. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of the perfect score using the seven‐point scale, discomfort score, and adverse events.ResultsMean total scores for the no sedation group, the midazolam group and the pethidine group were 5.7, 5.5, and 6.8, respectively (P < 0.0001). Proportion of patients with a perfect score for the no sedation group, the midazolam group and the pethidine group were 53%, 35%, and 89%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The pethidine group had better results than the other two groups. Discomfort score and adverse events were low in the pethidine group.ConclusionPethidine hydrochloride is a feasible and safe sedation method, and was superior to no sedation and midazolam regarding pharyngeal observation of esophageal cancer patients.
Research Involving Health Providers and Managers: Ethical Issues Faced by Researchers Conducting Diverse Health Policy and Systems Research in Kenya
Authors: Molyneux Sassy , Tsofa Benjamin , Barasa Edwine , Nyikuri Mary Muyoka , Waweru Evelyn Wanjiku , Goodman Catherine , Gilson Lucy 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThere is a growing interest in the ethics of Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), and especially in areas that have particular ethical salience across HPSR. Hyder et al (2014) provide an initial framework to consider this, and call for more conceptual and empirical work. In this paper, we respond by examining the ethical issues that arose for researchers over the course of conducting three HPSR studies in Kenya in which health managers and providers were key participants. All three studies involved qualitative work including observations and individual and group interviews. Many of the ethical dilemmas researchers faced only emerged over the course of the fieldwork, or on completion, and were related to interactions and relationships between individuals operating at different levels or positions in health/research systems. The dilemmas reveal significant ethical challenges for these forms of HPSR, and show that potential ‘solutions’ to dilemmas often lead to new issues and complications. Our experiences support the value of research ethics frameworks, and suggest that these can be enriched by incorporating careful consideration of context embedded social relations into research planning and conduct. Many of these essential relational elements of ethical practice, and of producing quality data, are given stronger emphasis in social science research ethics than in epidemiological, clinical or biomedical research ethics, and are particularly relevant where health systems are understood as social and political constructs. We conclude with practical and research implications.
Cross‐cultural validity of standardized motor development screening and assessment tools: a systematic review
Authors: Mendonça Bianca , Sargent Barbara , Fetters Linda 
Published: October 2016

AimTo investigate whether standardized motor development screening and assessment tools that are used to evaluate motor abilities of children aged 0 to 2 years are valid in cultures other than those in which the normative sample was established.MethodThis was a systematic review in which six databases were searched. Studies were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and appraised for evidence level and quality. Study variables were extracted.ResultsTwenty‐three studies representing six motor development screening and assessment tools in 16 cultural contexts met the inclusion criteria: Alberta Infant Motor Scale (n=7), Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition (n=2), Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (n=8), Denver Developmental Screening Test, 2nd edition (n=4), Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (n=1), and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd edition (n=1). Thirteen studies found significant differences between the cultural context and normative sample. Two studies established reliability and/or validity of standardized motor development assessments in high‐risk infants from different cultural contexts. Five studies established new population norms. Eight studies described the cross‐cultural adaptation of a standardized motor development assessment.InterpretationStandardized motor development assessments have limited validity in cultures other than that in which the normative sample was established. Their use can result in under‐ or over‐referral for services.
True morphology of mitral regurgitant flow assessed by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Lombardero Martin , Henquin Ruth , Perea Gabriel , Corneli Mariana , Izurieta Carlos 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionQuantification of mitral regurgitation (MR) by two‐dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is based on the analysis of the proximal flow convergence (PFC) and the “vena contracta” (VC). This method assumes geometries and can be misleading. In contrast, three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography directly measures flow volumes and does not assume geometries, which allows for more accurate MR evaluation.AimsTo report the 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) feasibility for MR quantification and evaluate its concordance with 2D echo.MethodsTwenty‐seven consecutive patients undergoing 2D and 3DTEE for presurgical MR evaluation were studied prospectively. MR quantification was performed by classical 2D methods based on PFC. Diameters of the VC in orthogonal planes by 3DTEE were estimated, establishing the VC sphericity index as well as VC area (VCA) by direct planimetry. In case of multiple jets, we calculated the sum of the VCA.ResultsMR assessment by 3DTEE was feasible. An adequate concordance between VC measurements by 2D methods (TTE and TEE) was observed; however, there was a poor correlation when compared with 3DTEE. The sphericity index of the VC was: 2.08 (±0. 72), reflecting a noncircular VC.Conclusions3DTEE is a feasible method for the assessment of the MR true morphology, allowing a better quantification of MR without assuming any geometry. This method revealed the presence of multiple jets, potentially improving MR evaluation and leading to changes in medical decision when compared to 2D echo assessment.