bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An auxin maximum in the middle layer controls stamen development and pollen maturation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cecchetti Valentina , Celebrin Daniela , Napoli Nadia , Ghelli Roberta , Brunetti Patrizia , Costantino Paolo , Cardarelli Maura 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Here, we investigated the role of auxin distribution in controlling Arabidopsis thaliana late stamen development.

We analysed auxin distribution in anthers by monitoring DR5 activity: at different flower developmental stages; inhibiting auxin transport; in the rpk2‐3 and ems1 mutants devoid of middle layer (ML) or tapetum, respectively; and in the auxin biosynthesis yuc6 and perception afb1‐3 mutants. We ran a phenotypic, DR5::GUS and gene expression analysis of yuc6rpk2 and afb1rpk2 double mutants, and of 1‐N‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA)‐treated flower buds.

We show that an auxin maximum, caused by transport from the tapetum, is established in the ML at the inception of late stamen development. rpk2‐3 mutant stamens lacking the ML have an altered auxin distribution with excessive accumulation in adjacent tissues, causing non‐functional pollen grains, indehiscent anthers and reduced filament length; the expression of genes controlling stamen development is also altered in rpk2‐3 as well as in NPA‐treated flower buds. By decreasing auxin biosynthesis or perception in the rpk2‐3 background, we eliminated these developmental and gene expression anomalies.

We propose that the auxin maximum in the ML plays a key role in late stamen development, as it ensures correct and coordinated pollen maturation, anther dehiscence and filament elongation.
Radionuclide Assessment of Cardiac Function and Dyssynchrony in Children with Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: ZAVADOVSKY KONSTANTIN V. , SAUSHKIN VICTOR V. , KHLYNIN MIKHAIL S. , POPOV SERGEY V. , LISHMANOV YURI B. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular beats on cardiac function and dyssynchrony and to elucidate relationships between data of scintigraphic and intracardiac electrophysiology studies (EPSs).MethodsThe study comprised 64 patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs; median age of 14 years ranging from 8 to 18 years). The control group comprised 20 patients (median age of 12 ranging from 7 to 16 years) without cardiac arrhythmias. EPS and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure for VA were performed in 21 children according to indications. The functional state of both ventricles was assessed by gated blood pool single photon emission computer tomography (GBP‐SPECT) before and after RFA in all patients.ResultsPatients with VA had local areas of asynchronous myocardial contraction (AMC). Compared with the control group, VA patients had significantly higher values of end‐diastolic volume, end‐systolic volume, and lower contractility indices. Negative association was found between total numbers of AMC areas and cardiac contractility indices. Ectopic foci localization, determined based on EPS data, was associated with AMC areas topography based on GBP‐SPECT. RFA procedure significantly improved cardiac contractility indices; AMC areas completely disappeared or decreased compared with the preoperative conditions.ConclusionIn VA patients, AMC areas were localized mostly in the right ventricle. Comparison of the results of GBP‐SPECT and EPS studies showed a relationship between AMC localizations and ectopic foci topography. The fact that AMC areas disappeared after RFA supports the hypothesis stating that the presence of AMC areas is a scintigraphic symptom of ectopic focus.
An Injury to One Is an Injury to All? Class Actions in South African Courts and Their Social Effects on Plaintiffs
Authors: Kesselring Rita 
Published: September 2016

This article contributes to one of the key issues in recent scholarship on the relation between law and society: how does engagement with the law trigger shifts in subjectivities? Scholars suggest that as groups and individuals seek recourse to the law, their subjectivities are legalized. They are skeptical of the global increase of social issues being taken to court.I critically review these theories of ‘legalization’ by empirically tracing the implications of procedural rules onto forms of sociality among apartheid‐era victims today. With the example of a class action, an emerging legal remedy in South Africa I will show that, on the hand, procedural pressure to personalize injuries may indeed disrupt solidarity. The reason why the law is effective in producing a suspicious subject position, however, cannot be attributed to the ‘quasi‐magical power’ of the law, as Bourdieu called it, but has to be searched for in historically grown social and political circumstances apartheid victims’ find themselves in today. The law does not simply impose its logic onto the social, it can only legalize for pre‐existing societal reasons.
Differential DNA methylation of the meiosis‐specific gene FKBP6 in testes of yak and cattle–yak hybrids
Authors: Li B , Luo H , Weng Q , Wang S , Pan Z , Xie Z , Wu W , Liu H , Li Q 
Published: September 2016

ContentsFK506‐binding protein 6 (FKBP6) is essential for meiosis during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the molecular regulation of FKBP6 during spermatogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we performed molecular characterization of the meiosis‐specific gene FKBP6 in yak testes. Yak FKBP6 encodes a polypeptide of 295 amino acid residues with an FK506‐binding domain (FKBP_C) and three tetratricopeptide repeat domains. The methylation level of the FKBP6 promoter in testes was significantly higher in cattle–yak with male sterility than in yak, and the FKBP6 promoter was methylated in liver tissues in which FKBP6 is not expressed. FKBP6 promoter activity was significantly decreased after treatment with the M.SssI methyltransferase in vitro. Furthermore, the FKBP6 gene was remarkably activated in bovine mammary epithelial cells treated with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that the FKBP6 promoter is differentially methylated in testes; together with the functional promoter analysis, this suggests that methylation of this promoter may contribute to cattle–yak male infertility.
Overcoming Barriers to Life Insurance Coverage: A Behavioral Approach
Authors: Coe Norma B. , Belbase Anek , Wu April Yanyuan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWhile life insurance purchase decisions have long been studied, we still do not know how people decide if they need insurance or how much they need. Using in‐depth interviews, we peer into the black box of employee decision making to learn what people know about this employee benefit, and how they decide if it is of value for them. We find that individuals understand the need for life insurance, but find many behavioral economic barriers to getting adequate coverage, including mental accounting, money illusion, and a strong role of defaults. We then conduct an online experiment of the hypothetical employee‐benefit purchase scenario, and find a few, simple interventions could help individuals better decide their life insurance needs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance and Mechanism of Action of Five Hemostatic Agents Used in Neurosurgery
Authors: Brundage Cord M. , Packer Rebecca A. , Jones Matthew D. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the magnetic resonance (MR) image appearance of 5 hemostatic agents placed in the brain, and to review their clinical application.Study DesignDescriptive ex vivo and in vivo study.AnimalsCanine cadavers (n=4), client‐owned dogs (n=4).MethodsHeads from 4 canine cadavers were used, each with 5 hemostatic agents placed in specific locations in the brain. Hemostatic agents were used in their native form in 2 cadaveric brains, and in 2 others the materials were saturated with fresh whole blood prior to placement to mimic application in a field of active hemorrhage. The heads underwent MR imaging and the images were reviewed. Postoperative MRI images from 4 dogs undergoing brain tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the images from the cadavers. All clinical cases and cadaveric specimens underwent surgical closure prior to MR imaging including placement of titanium mesh over the craniotomy defect with a dural graft of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) sealed with Tisseel (fibrin sealant).ResultsThe SIS and Tisseel used in the dural graft were consistently indistinguishable from the surrounding tissues on MR images. The MR imaging appearance of the remaining 4 hemostatic agents (Gelfoam, Avitene, Surgicel, and Floseal) placed on the surface or in the parenchyma of canine brain, varied with MR sequence weighting and blood saturation.ConclusionAccurate evaluation of the degree of brain tumor resection on postoperative MR images requires careful differentiation between hemorrhage, residual tumor, and hemostatic agents implanted.
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Removal of Unilateral Noninvasive Pheochromocytomas in 10 Dogs
Authors: Pitt Kathryn A. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Steffey Michele A. , Culp William T. N. , Fuller Mark C. , Della Maggiore Ann , Nelson Richard W. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo report the surgical technique and outcome of dogs undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for removal of unilateral noninvasive pheochromocytoma.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs with unilateral noninvasive adrenal tumors (n=10).MethodsMedical records of dogs that underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma were reviewed. Dogs were positioned in lateral recumbency with the table tilted up to create a semi‐sternal position. Three or 4 ports were used and dissection of the mass proceeded using a combination of laparoscopic instrumentation, bipolar vessel‐sealing devices, and in some cases monopolar electrosurgical probes. Conversion rate, complications, surgical time, hospitalization time, and long‐term follow‐up were recorded.ResultsThe procedure was completed without the need for conversion in 9 of 10 dogs. In 1 dog, hemorrhage obscured the visual field and conversion to an open approach was elected. In 5 cases, a 3‐port approach was used, and in 5 cases, a 4th port was placed. Median surgical time was 105 minutes (range, 65–250). Intraoperative complications included 1 splenic laceration. Postoperatively, 1 dog developed gastric dilatation‐volvulus. All dogs were discharged from the hospital. Median follow‐up time was 16.0 months (range, 6.9–38.0).ConclusionWith careful case selection, laparoscopic adrenalectomy for resection of pheochromocytoma was feasible and could be performed efficiently by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
Determination of Porto‐Azygos Shunt Anatomy in Dogs by Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Or Matan , Ishigaki Kumiko , de Rooster Hilde , Kutara Kenji , Asano Kazushi 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the morphology of porto‐azygos shunts in a large series of dogs using computed tomography (CT) angiography.Study DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsDogs (n=36) with porto‐azygos shunts.MethodsCT angiography was performed in dogs subsequently proven to have a porto‐azygos shunt. The origin and insertion of the shunts were assessed on native images. The diameter of the porto‐azygos shunt and the portal vein, cranial and caudal to the shunt origin, were measured. The porto‐azygos shunt anatomy was studied on three‐dimensional images.ResultsAll porto‐azygos shunts originated either in the left gastric vein (33 left gastro‐azygos shunts) or the right gastric vein (3 right gastro‐azygos shunts). Two left gastro‐azygos shunts had concurrent caval‐azygos continuation and 2 right gastro‐azygos shunts had a caudal splenic loop. All shunts crossed the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. The majority of porto‐azygos shunts (32) followed a straight pathway after traversing the diaphragm, although 4 shunts followed a tortuous route. All shunts terminated in the thoracic part of the azygos vein, perpendicular to the aorta. The shunt diameter at insertion was only 3 mm on average. The insertion site was consistently the narrowest part of the shunt.ConclusionCT angiography was well suited to provide anatomic details of porto‐azygos shunts and comprehensively documented that all porto‐azygos shunts had a thoracic terminus, after crossing the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. Different shunt types existed with minor variations.
Technical Note: An oversampling procedure to calculate the MTF of an imaging system from a bar‐pattern image
Authors: González‐López Antonio , Campos‐Morcillo Pedro Antonio , Lago‐Martín José Domingo 
Published: September 2016

PurposeLine‐pair resolution phantoms are used to determine the spatial resolution of medical imaging systems. In some cases, these phantoms are used to determine the maximum number of line‐pairs per mm that the system can resolve. In other cases, a numerical determination of the modulation transfer function (MTF) is carried out by means of the analysis of the variance of ROIs on the image. In this note, a new procedure is implemented to calculate the presampled MTF of an imaging system.MethodsImages of a commercial line‐pair phantom are acquired in a flat panel detector. After applying an edge detector and a Radon transform to the image, the direction of the bars in the phantom is calculated. Then, an area of the image that excludes the ends of the bars is determined. Every pixel in this area is used to obtain an oversampled profile on which the MTF is calculated. Every group of line‐pairs conforms a periodic wave on this profile. Each of these waves is the output of the system for a square wave input with the same frequency. After extracting a wave, the MTF value for its frequency is calculated as the ratio of its first odd harmonic to the first odd harmonic of the square wave input. The amplitude of this square wave is obtained from two uniform areas on the phantom image.ResultsThe results obtained are compared to those obtained following the standard edge method, as recommended by the IEC, and show a very good agreement between both methods, in both main directions of the detector and all the dose ranges analyzed.ConclusionsThe presented method is shown accurate and can be used to extend the conventional use of line‐pair phantoms in conventional radiology.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J. 
Published: September 2016

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Neil Stremmel.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Genome Sequence of Lassa Virus Isolated from the First Domestically Acquired Case in Germany
Authors: Wolff Svenja , Schultze Tilman , Fehling Sarah Katharina , Mengel Jan Philipp , Kann Gerrit , Wolf Timo , Eickmann Markus , Becker Stephan , Hain Torsten , Strecker Thomas 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic, hemorrhagic fever-causing virus endemic in West Africa, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatment options exist. Here, we report the genome sequence of LASV isolated from the first case of acquired Lassa fever disease outside of Africa.
Draft Genome Sequences of 11 Salmonella enterica Strains with Variable Levels of Barotolerance
Authors: Ronholm Jennifer , Petronella Nicholas , Tamber Sandeep 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The diversity of the genus
Salmonella
is reflected in the physiological adaptations used by its members in response to stressors such as high pressure. Here we report the draft whole genome sequences of 11
Salmonella enterica
strains, five sensitive strains and six demonstrating high levels of pressure resistance.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolate Enterococcus faecium VRE16
Authors: de Mello Suelen Scarpa , Van Tyne Daria , Dabul Andrei Nicoli Gebieluca , Gilmore Michael S. , Camargo Ilana L. B. C. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Specific lineages of the commensal bacterium
Enterococcus faecium
belonging to CC17, especially ST412, have been isolated from patients in several hospitals worldwide and harbor antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Here, we report a high-quality draft genome sequence and highlight features of
E. faecium
VRE16, a representative of this ST.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 5 Strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75
Authors: Hiono Takahiro , Matsuno Keita , Tuchiya Kotaro , Lin Zhifeng , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75, which was determined using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The determined sequence shares 97% homology and similar genetic features with the previously known genome sequence of avian paramyxovirus serotype 5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/Kunitachi/74.
Complete Genome Sequences of 17 Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Strains
Authors: Caverly Lindsay J. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequences of 17 rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) strains, including 16
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex strains and one
M. immunogenum
strain. These sequences add value to studies of the genetic diversity of rapidly growing NTM strains recovered from human specimens.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alternaria alternata Isolated from Onion Leaves in South Africa
Authors: Bihon Wubetu , Cloete Michele , Gerrano Abe Shegro , Oelofse Dean , Adebola Patrick 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Alternaria alternata
(Fr.) Keissler strain PPRI 21032 was isolated from onion leaves collected in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, South Africa. The whole genome of this strain was sequenced and produced a total of 33.12 Mb with a GC content of 50.9%. The whole genome comprises 11,701 predicted coding sequences.
Multimethod study of a large-scale programme to improve patient safety using a harm-free care approach
Authors: Power Maxine , Brewster Liz , Parry Gareth , Brotherton Ailsa , Minion Joel , Ozieranski Piotr , McNicol Sarah , Harrison Abigail , Dixon-Woods Mary 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate whether a large-scale two-phase quality improvement programme achieved its aims and to characterise the influences on achievement.SettingNational Health Service (NHS) in England.ParticipantsNHS staff.InterventionsThe programme sought to (1) develop a shared national, regional and locally aligned safety focus for 4 high-cost, high volume harms; (2) establish a new measurement system based on a composite measure of ‘harm-free’ care and (3) deliver improved outcomes. Phase I involved a quality improvement collaborative intended to involve 100 organisations; phase II used financial incentives for data collection.MeasuresMultimethod evaluation of the programme. In phase I, analysis of regional plans and of rates of data submission and clinical outcomes reported to the programme. A concurrent process evaluation was conducted of phase I, but only data on submission rates and clinical outcomes were available for phase II.ResultsA context of extreme policy-related structural turbulence impacted strongly on phase I. Most regions' plans did not demonstrate full alignment with the national programme; most fell short of recruitment targets and attrition in attendance at the collaborative meetings occurred over time. Though collaborative participants saw the principles underlying the programme as attractive, useful and innovative, they often struggled to convert enthusiasm into change. Developing the measurement system was arduous, yet continued to be met by controversy. Data submission rates remained patchy throughout phase I but improved in reach and consistency in phase II in response to financial incentives. Some evidence of improvement in clinical outcomes over time could be detected but was hard to interpret owing to variability in the denominators.ConclusionsThese findings offer important lessons for large-scale improvement programmes, particularly when they seek to develop novel concepts and measures. External contexts may exert far-reaching influence. The challenges of developing measurement systems should not be underestimated.
Experiences of primary care professionals providing healthcare to recently arrived migrants: a qualitative study
Authors: Lindenmeyer Antje , Redwood Sabi , Griffith Laura , Teladia Zaheera , Phillimore Jenny 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesThe main objectives of the study were to explore the experiences of primary care professionals providing care to recent migrants in a superdiverse city and to elicit barriers and facilitators to meeting migrants' care needs. This paper focuses on a strong emergent theme: participants' descriptions and understandings of creating a fit between patients and practices.DesignAn exploratory, qualitative study based on the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews.Setting and participantsA purposive sample of 10 practices. We interviewed 6 general practitioners, 5 nurses and 6 administrative staff; those based at the same practice opted to be interviewed together. 10 interviewees were from an ethnic minority background; some discussed their own experiences of migration.ResultsCreating a fit between patients and practice was complex and could be problematic. Some participants defined this in a positive way (reaching out, creating rapport) while others also focused on ways in which patients did not fit in, for example, different expectations or lack of medical records. A small but vocal minority put the responsibility to fit in on to migrant patients. Some participants believed that practice staff and patients sharing a language could contribute to achieving a fit but others outlined the disadvantages of over-reliance on language concordance. A clearly articulated, team-based strategy to create bridges between practice and patients was often seen as preferable.ConclusionsAlthough participants agreed that a fit between patients and practice was desirable, some aimed to adapt to the needs of recently arrived migrants, while others thought that it was the responsibility of migrants to adapt to practice needs; a few viewed migrant patients as a burden to the system. Practices wishing to improve fit might consider developing strategies such as introducing link workers and other ‘bridging’ people; however, they could also aim to foster a general stance of openness to diversity.