bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle Strength and Physical Performance as Predictors of Mortality, Hospitalization, and Disability in the Oldest Old
Authors: Legrand Delphine , Vaes Bert , Matheï Catharina , Adriaensen Wim , Van Pottelbergh Gijs , Degryse Jean‐Marie 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the predictive value of muscle strength and physical performance in the oldest old for all‐cause mortality; hospitalization; and the onset of disability, defined as a decline in activities of daily living (ADLs), independent of muscle mass, inflammatory markers, and comorbidities.DesignA prospective, observational, population‐based follow‐up study.SettingThree well‐circumscribed areas of Belgium.ParticipantsFive hundred sixty participants aged 80 and older were followed for 33.5 months (interquartile range 31.1–35.6 months).MeasurementsGrip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and muscle mass were measured at baseline; ADLs at baseline and after 20 months; and all‐cause mortality and time to first hospitalization from inclusion onward. Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were calculated for all‐cause mortality and hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of decline in ADLs.ResultsKaplan–Meier curves showed significantly higher all‐cause mortality and hospitalization in subjects in the lowest tertile of grip strength and SPPB score. The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed that participants with high grip strength or a high SPPB score had a lower risk of mortality and hospitalization, independent of muscle mass, inflammatory markers, and comorbidity. A relationship was found between SPPB score and decline in ADLs, independent of muscle mass, inflammation, and comorbidity.ConclusionIn people aged 80 and older, physical performance is a strong predictor of mortality, hospitalization, and disability, and muscle strength is a strong predictor of mortality and hospitalization. All of these relationships were independent of muscle mass, inflammatory markers, and comorbidity.
Caregiver Experience During Advanced Chronic Illness and Last Year of Life
Authors: Sautter Jessica M. , Tulsky James A. , Johnson Kimberly S. , Olsen Maren K. , Burton‐Chase Allison M. , Hoff Lindquist Jennifer , Zimmerman Sheryl , Steinhauser Karen E. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence and predictors of caregiver esteem and burden during two different stages of care recipients' illnesses—advanced chronic illness and the last year of life.DesignLongitudinal, observational cohort study.SettingCommunity sample recruited from outpatient clinics at Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.ParticipantsIndividuals with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their primary caregiver, retrospectively coded as chronic‐illness (n = 62) or end‐of‐life (EOL; n = 62) care recipient–caregiver dyads.MeasurementsCaregiver experience was measured monthly using the Caregiver Reaction Assessment, which includes caregiver esteem and four domains of burden: schedule, health, family, and finances.ResultsDuring chronic illness and at the end of life, high caregiver esteem was almost universal (95%); more than 25% of the sample reported health, family, and financial burden. Schedule burden was the most prevalent form of burden; EOL caregivers (58%) experienced it more frequently than chronic‐illness caregivers (32%). Caregiver esteem and all dimensions of burden were relatively stable over 1 year. Few factors were associated with burden.ConclusionCaregiver experience is relatively stable over 1 year and similar in caregivers of individuals in the last year of life and those earlier in the course of chronic illness. Schedule burden stands out as most prevalent and variable among dimensions of experience. Because prevalence of burden is not specific to stage of illness and is relatively stable over time, multidisciplinary healthcare teams should assess caregiver burden and refer burdened caregivers to supportive resources early in the course of chronic illness.
L‐Cysteine inhibits root elongation through auxin/PLETHORA and SCR/SHR pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Zhen , Mao Jie‐Li , Zhao Ying‐Jun , Li Chuan‐You , Xiang Cheng‐Bin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractL‐Cysteine plays a prominent role in sulfur metabolism of plants. However, its role in root development is largely unknown. Here, we report that L‐cysteine reduces primary root growth in a dosage‐dependent manner. Elevating cellular L‐cysteine level by exposing Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings to high L‐cysteine, buthionine sulphoximine, or O‐acetylserine leads to altered auxin maximum in root tips, the expression of quiescent center cell marker as well as the decrease of the auxin carriers PIN1, PIN2, PIN3, and PIN7 of primary roots. We also show that high L‐cysteine significantly reduces the protein level of two sets of stem cell specific transcription factors PLETHORA1/2 and SCR/SHR. However, L‐cysteine does not downregulate the transcript level of PINs, PLTs, or SCR/SHR, suggesting that an uncharacterized post‐transcriptional mechanism may regulate the accumulation of PIN, PLT, and SCR/SHR proteins and auxin transport in the root tips. These results suggest that endogenous L‐cysteine level acts to maintain root stem cell niche by regulating basal‐ and auxin‐induced expression of PLT1/2 and SCR/SHR. L‐Cysteine may serve as a link between sulfate assimilation and auxin in regulating root growth.
Relationship Education for Stepcouples Reporting Relationship Instability—Evaluation of the Smart Steps: Embrace the Journey Curriculum
Authors: Lucier‐Greer Mallory , Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Harcourt Kate Taylor , Gregson Kimberly D. 
Published: May 2014

Smart Steps: Embrace the Journey is a research‐based educational curriculum for stepfamily couples (“stepcouples”). The curriculum is designed to build couple strengths while addressing the unique challenges of repartnering with a child or children from a previous relationship. This study evaluated the effectiveness of this curriculum with 151 individuals in relationally less stable stepcouple relationships who either engaged in the Smart Steps curriculum (n = 97) or were part of the comparison group (n = 54). This study represents methodological and conceptual advances in the study of stepfamily programs with the use of a comparison group, a racially and economically diverse sample, and a relationally at‐risk population. Results indicated that those who participated in Smart Steps reported significant increases in individual empowerment, couple quality, family harmony, and parenting efficacy while these measures were unchanged for those who did not receive the program. Implications for future research and for practitioners are provided.
Nonlinear optical microscopy with vibrational contrast
Authors: WINTERHALDER M. J. , ZUMBUSCH A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryNonlinear optical techniques which provide vibrational contrast have gained increasing attention in microscopy during the last two decades. After outlining the potential of these techniques, we give a brief introduction to coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering, stimulated Raman scattering and sum frequency generation and discuss their suitability for contrast generation in optical microscopy. The rapid developments in these fields during the last decade have resulted in many different applications. Three exemplary application areas will therefore be presented in the last part of this manuscript.
Phylogenetic position of Sonneratia griffithii based on sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and 13 nuclear genes
Authors: YANG Yu‐Chen , YANG Shu‐Huan , FANG Lu , LI Jian‐Fang , ZHONG Cai‐Rong , ZHOU Ren‐Chao , SHI Su‐Hua 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCompared with single gene analysis, multi‐locus sequence data usually perform better in resolving phylogenetic relationships of closely related species. Sonneratia (Lythraceae s.l.), a genus of mangroves, is widely distributed in the Indo‐West Pacific region. Sonneratia griffithii Kurz is one of the rarest species of this genus and morphological analyses have produced conflicting results regarding its affinity to other species of Sonneratia. In this study, we aimed to resolve the phylogenetic position of S. griffithii by using sequence data of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and 13 nuclear genes. We first reconstructed the phylogeny of five Sonneratia species using nrITS and the nuclear gene rpl9, which showed that S. caseolaris (L.) Engl. diverged first from the other species and that S. griffithii was closer to S. apetala Buch.‐Ham. and S. ovata Backer; however, the relationships among S. griffithii, S. apetala, and S. ovata could not be resolved. Further phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of nrITS and 13 nuclear genes and using S. caseolaris as an outgroup showed that S. griffithii and S. apetala were sister species with high bootstrap support. We conclude that S. griffithii and S. apetala have the closest relationships. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses do not support previous intrageneric classifications of Sonneratia.
Population biology and secondary production of the harvested clam Tivela mactroides (Born, 1778) (Bivalvia, Veneridae) in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Turra Alexander , Petracco Marcelo , Amaral Antonia Cecília Z. , Denadai Márcia R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe population structure, growth and production of the trigonal clam Tivela mactroides were investigated by monthly sampling between January 2003 and October 2004 in two areas (southern and northern) of the intertidal and subtidal zones of Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil. Intertidal sampling was carried out in each area along eight transects perpendicular to the shoreline. In the subtidal zone of both areas, one 50‐m dredging was performed along five sampling stations arranged on three transects perpendicular to the coast. The intertidal abundance of T. mactroides was higher in the southern (more dissipative conditions) than in the northern area. High abundances occurred in February–March 2004 in the south and in September 2004 in the north. The size structure showed that younger individuals dominated in the sublittoral, indicating that recruitment occurs in this zone, followed by the migration of these individuals to the intertidal, where they complete their life cycle. Tivela mactroides showed continuous reproduction, with 26 cohorts detected in the study period. The lower estimates for the growth index (ϕ′ = 3.22), mortality rate (Z = 2.10 year−1) and turnover rate (P/B = 1.21 year−1), and conversely the longer life span (2.5 years) of T. mactroides in Caraguatatuba Bay (24°S) compared with Venezuelan populations (10°N) suggests a latitudinal pattern of these life‐history traits. The high production of T. mactroides in Caraguatatuba Bay was due to continuous recruitment and rapid and continuous growth, and demonstrates the importance of T. mactroides as a biological resource for many marine species and for the local residents.
Ectopically expressed sweet pepper ferredoxin PFLP enhances disease resistance to Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum affected by harpin and protease‐mediated hypersensitive response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ger Mang‐Jye , Louh Guan‐Yu , Lin Yi‐Hsien , Feng Teng‐Yung , Huang Hsiang‐En 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPlant ferredoxin‐like protein (PFLP) is a photosynthesis‐type ferredoxin (Fd) found in sweet pepper. It contains an iron–sulphur cluster that receives and delivers electrons between enzymes involved in many fundamental metabolic processes. It has been demonstrated that transgenic plants overexpressing PFLP show a high resistance to many bacterial pathogens, although the mechanism remains unclear. In this investigation, the PFLP gene was transferred into Arabidopsis and its defective derivatives, such as npr1 (nonexpresser of pathogenesis‐related gene 1) and eds1 (enhanced disease susceptibility 1) mutants and NAHG‐transgenic plants. These transgenic plants were then infected with the soft‐rot bacterial pathogen Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora, ECC) to investigate the mechanism behind PFLP‐mediated resistance. The results revealed that, instead of showing soft‐rot symptoms, ECC activated hypersensitive response (HR)‐associated events, such as the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrical conductivity leakage and expression of the HR marker genes (ATHSR2 and ATHSR3) in PFLP‐transgenic Arabidopsis. This PFLP‐mediated resistance could be abolished by inhibitors, such as diphenylene iodonium (DPI), 1‐l‐trans‐epoxysuccinyl‐leucylamido‐(4‐guanidino)‐butane (E64) and benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethylketone (z‐VAD‐fmk), but not by myriocin and fumonisin. The PFLP‐transgenic plants were resistant to ECC, but not to its harpin mutant strain ECCAC5082. In the npr1 mutant and NAHG‐transgenic Arabidopsis, but not in the eds1 mutant, overexpression of the PFLP gene increased resistance to ECC. Based on these results, we suggest that transgenic Arabidopsis contains high levels of ectopic PFLP; this may lead to the recognition of the harpin and to the activation of the HR and other resistance mechanisms, and is dependent on the protease‐mediated pathway.
Renal unit characteristics and patient education practices that predict a high prevalence of home‐based dialysis in Australia
Authors: Fortnum Debbie , Ludlow Marie , Morton Rachael L 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe proportion of patients using home dialysis in Australia varies from 6% to 62% between renal units. The aim of this study was to determine if the variance is attributed to any underlying renal unit factors including pre‐end stage education practices.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to all Australian units that offered home dialysis. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the effects of renal unit characteristics on the binary outcome of <30% versus ≥30% of patients using home dialysis, and for ≥10% of patients using home haemodialysis (HHD) dialysis specifically. Prevalent home dialysis rates were sourced from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Association registry.Results33 of 43 units (77%) completed the survey. Factors shown to predict ≥30% of patients using home dialysis were; a metropolitan based renal unit compared with a rural or remote unit (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15), a New South Wales unit compared with other states (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22), and a unit that offered multiple group education sessions per year (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02). A unit that offered >1 h of pre‐end stage education per patient, compared with ≤1 h predicted more than 10% of patients on HHD (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.17–6.90).ConclusionOur data suggest certain pre‐end stage education practices are significantly associated with home dialysis rates above the national average. The consistent above average home dialysis rates witnessed in New South Wales appear to be the result of renal unit culture, education strategies and policies that support ‘home dialysis first’.
Closing gaps: linking elements that control stomatal movement
Authors: Kollist Hannes , Nuhkat Maris , Roelfsema M. Rob G. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryStomata are an attractive experimental system in plant biology, because the responses of guard cells to environmental signals can be directly linked to changes in the aperture of stomatal pores. In this review, the mechanics of stomatal movement are discussed in relation to ion transport in guard cells. Emphasis is placed on the ion pumps, transporters, and channels in the plasma membrane, as well as in the vacuolar membrane. The biophysical properties of transport proteins for H+, K+, Ca2+, and anions are discussed and related to their function in guard cells during stomatal movements. Guard cell signaling pathways forABA,CO2, ozone, microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and blue light are presented. Special attention is given to the regulation of the slow anion channel (SLAC) and SLAC homolog (SLAH)‐type anion channels by theABAsignalosome. Over the last decade, several knowledge gaps in the regulation of ion transport in guard cells have been closed. The current state of knowledge is an excellent starting point for tackling important open questions concerning stress tolerance in plants.ContentsSummary44I.Introduction44II.Mechanics of stomatal movement45III.Guard cells – specialists in ion transport46IV.Regulation of stomatal movement53V.Outlook56Acknowledgements57References57
The Semantic Significance of Faultless Disagreement
Authors: Palmira Michele 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe article investigates the significance of the so‐called phenomenon of apparent faultless disagreement for debates about the semantics of taste discourse. Two kinds of description of the phenomenon are proposed. The first ensures that faultless disagreement raises a distinctive philosophical challenge; yet, it is argued that Contextualist, Realist and Relativist semantic theories do not account for this description. The second, by contrast, makes the phenomenon irrelevant for the problem of what the right semantics of taste discourse should be. Lastly, the following dilemma is assessed: either faultless disagreement provides strong evidence against semantic theories; or its significance should be considerably downplayed.
Cyclic adenosine 5′‐diphosphoribose (cADPR) cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate positively function in Ca2+ elevation in methyl jasmonate‐induced stomatal closure, cADPR is required for methyl jasmonate‐induced ROS accumulation NO production in guard cells
Authors: Hossain M. A. , Ye W. , Munemasa S. , Nakamura Y. , Mori I. C. , Murata Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMethyl jasmonate (MeJA) signalling shares several signal components with abscisic acid (ABA) signalling in guard cells. Cyclic adenosine 5′‐diphosphoribose (cADPR) and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers in ABA‐induced stomatal closure. In order to clarify involvement of cADPR and cGMP in MeJA‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana (Col‐0), we investigated effects of an inhibitor of cADPR synthesis, nicotinamide (NA), and an inhibitor of cGMP synthesis, LY83583 (LY, 6‐anilino‐5,8‐quinolinedione), on MeJA‐induced stomatal closure. Treatment with NA and LY inhibited MeJA‐induced stomatal closure. NA inhibited MeJA‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and nitric oxide (NO) production in guard cells. NA and LY suppressed transient elevations elicited by MeJA in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in guard cells. These results suggest that cADPR and cGMP positively function in [Ca2+]cyt elevation in MeJA‐induced stomatal closure, are signalling components shared with ABA‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis, and that cADPR is required for MeJA‐induced ROS accumulation and NO production in Arabidopsis guard cells.
Abdominal Collateral Vein as an Unconventional Vascular Access for Hemodialysis in Patient with Central Vein Occlusion
Authors: Stróżecki Paweł , Flisiński Mariusz , Serafin Zbigniew , Wiechecka‐Korenkiewicz Joanna , Manitius Jacek 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA 65‐year‐old female patient with chronic kidney disease stage 5 and a history of spleen neoplasm with dissemination within peritoneum is presented. During 5 years of hemodialysis therapy, bilateral occlusion of brachiocephalic and iliac vein developed as a consequence of vein catheterization. An attempt to cannulate inferior vena cava was unsuccessful. A cannulation of dilated collateral abdominal veins with dialysis needles allowed to perform several hemodialysis sessions in the patient.
Exceptional silica speleothems in a volcanic cave: A unique example of silicification and sub‐aquatic opaline stromatolite formation (Terceira, Azores)
Authors: Daza Brunet Raquel , Bustillo Revuelta María Ángeles 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSilica stromatolites occur in a number of modern hydrothermal environments, but their formation in caves is very rare. The silica stromatolitic speleothems of the Branca Opala cave (Terceira Island, Azores), however, provide an excellent opportunity for their study. These formations may be analogous to ancient silica stromatolites seen around the world. Petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were undertaken on the silica speleothems of the above cave, and on the silica‐tufa deposits outside it, with the aim of understanding their genesis. The possible hydrothermal origin of their silica is discussed. X‐ray diffraction analyses showed opal‐A to be the sole silica phase. Negligible ordering of this opal‐A showed ageing to be insignificant, as expected for recent silica deposits. Most of the silica speleothems examined were definable as sub‐aquatic opaline stromatolites that are not currently growing. Optical microscopy clearly revealed a lower microlaminated, an intermediate and an upper microlaminated zone within the stromatolites. Stromatolite types (I, II and III) were classified with respect to their internal structure and distribution throughout the cave. Scanning electron microscopy showed silicified bacterial filaments within the stromatolites, the silicified plant remains and the silica‐tufa deposits. Bacteria therefore played a major role in the precipitation of the opal‐A. Plasma emission/mass spectrometry showed major, minor and rare earth elements to be present in only small quantities. The rare earth elements were mainly hosted within volcanic grains. Rapid silica precipitation from highly super‐saturated water would explain the intense silicification of the plant remains found inside and outside the cave. The opaline stromatolites, the silica‐tufa deposits and the above‐mentioned intense general silicification suggest a local hydrothermal source for the silica. Indeed, these deposits strongly resemble plant‐rich silica sinter associated with low‐temperature hot spring deposits that include bacterial filaments. However, no geochemical signals that might indicate a hydrothermal origin could be found.
Relationship Between Time of Day Physical Exercise and the Reduced Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhao Huan , Chu Xiao-Qiu , Lian Xiao-Qing , Wang Ze-Mu , Gao Wei , Wang Lian-Sheng 
Published: May 2014

Purpose:Exercise leads to a lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, whether time of day physical exercise has effects on CAD is still unclear. The present study is to investigate the relationship between time of day physical exercise and angiography determined CAD in a Chinese population.Subjects:A total of 1,129 consecutive participants who underwent coronary angiography for the first time were enrolled in our study. Participants were divided into non-CAD group and CAD group according to the result of coronary angiography. We used a predesigned questionnaire—the work-related activity, leisure-time activity, and physical exercise information were recorded in the form of self-reporting.Results:Doing physical exercise was associated with a reduced risk of CAD, after adjusting the established and potential confounders, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.48 (95% CI, 0.35–0.67) compared with those who did not any physical exercise. Moreover, the risk of CAD could linearly decrease with increase of intensity, duration and frequency of exercise. Further stratification analysis revealed that the protective effects of exercise were more significant in the afternoon and evening group than in the morning and forenoon group. The adjusted ORs of doing physical exercise in morning, forenoon, afternoon, and evening groups were 0.53 (0.36–0.78), 0.51(0.27–0.96), 0.46(0.25–0.85), 0.43(0.28–0.66), respectively, compared with nonexerciser (p < .05).Conclusions:Doing physical exercise can decrease the risk of CAD, and exercising in the afternoon or evening may have more significant effects on the prevention of CAD than in other time of day.