bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of biogeographic history on population vulnerability in European amphibians
Authors: Dufresnes Christophe , Perrin Nicolas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe genetic diversity of populations, which contributes greatly to their adaptive potential, is negatively affected by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation and destruction. However, continental‐scale losses of genetic diversity also resulted from the population expansions that followed the end of the last glaciation, an element that is rarely considered in a conservation context. We addressed this issue in a meta‐analysis in which we compared the spatial patterns of vulnerability of 18 widespread European amphibians in light of phylogeographic histories (glacial refugia and postglacial routes) and anthropogenic disturbances. Conservation statuses significantly worsened with distances from refugia, particularly in the context of industrial agriculture; human population density also had a negative effect. These findings suggest that features associated with the loss of genetic diversity in post‐glacial amphibian populations (such as enhanced fixation load or depressed adaptive potential) may increase their susceptibility to current threats (e.g., habitat fragmentation and pesticide use). We propose that the phylogeographic status of populations (i.e., refugial vs. post‐glacial) should be considered in conservation assessments for regional and national red lists.
Learner Performance in Mandarin Immersion and High School World Language Programs: A Comparison
Authors: Xu Xiaoqiu , Padilla Amado M. , Silva Duarte M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study compared the Mandarin performance of elementary immersion program students and high school world language program students in the same school district. A cross‐sectional design was employed to gather information on Mandarin proficiency of fourth and fifth graders and Level 4 and Level 5 (AP Chinese) high school students who took the Mandarin Standards‐Based Measurement of Proficiency assessment at the end of the school year. Results indicated that immersion students slightly outperformed the comparison high school group in reading but lagged slightly behind in writing and speaking skills, for which assessment tasks required higher levels of cognitive awareness. Findings also showed that while only a few nonheritage speakers in the high school world language program continued to Level 5 (AP), most nonheritage speakers remained in the immersion program for the full duration and performed as well, or nearly as well, as the heritage speakers when exiting the program. Further studies are needed, but the findings provide a strong rationale for the role of Mandarin immersion programs in assisting students to develop higher levels of linguistic proficiency in Mandarin.
Facial disfigurement due to osteitis fibrosa cystica or brown tumor from secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients on dialysis: A systematic review and an illustrative case report
Authors: Baracaldo Rafael M. , Bao Dashi , Iampornpipopchai Pichet , Fogel Joshua , Rubinstein Sofia 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOsteitis fibrosa cystica (OFC) is the most frequent type of osseous change in renal osteodystrophy affecting the majority of dialysis patients. Brown tumors are a severe form of OFC. The involvement of the craniofacial skeleton causing facial disfigurement in patients on dialysis appears to be limited to case reports. After searching PubMed, we performed a systematic review of 127 cases with a severe form of OFC resulting in a facial disfigurement to understand possible determinants for this condition. We found that since the first published case in 1974, and after a peak in 1996, there appears to be an increase in published reported cases. Only 27.6% of these cases were published in nephrology journals. The most common region for reported cases was North America. Mean age of these patients was 31.2 years with a mean dialysis duration of 7 years. Almost 67% were women, and almost all were on hemodialysis. The disease tended to most commonly localize to the maxilla (73.2%) and mandible (57.5%). As part of the treatment, 59% of patients had a parathyroidectomy. More than one‐third (35.4%) had symptomatic improvement at follow‐up. Mean follow‐up was 1.6 years. Clinicians should be aware of this clinical presentation of a severe form of OFC and/or brown tumors. Timely diagnosis and intervention may help to prevent or decrease destructive bone changes and reduce negative psychological consequences of facial disfigurement.
Biocompounds from rapeseed oil industry co‐stream as active ingredients for skin care applications
Authors: Rivera D. , Rommi K. , Fernandes M. M. , Lantto R. , Tzanov T. 
Published: March 2015

SynopsisObjectiveDespite the great number of substances produced by the skincare industry, very few of them seem to truly have an effect on the skin. Therefore, given the social implications surrounding physical appearance, the search for new bioactive compounds to prevent or attenuate skin ageing and enhance self‐image is a priority of current research. In this context, being rich in valuable compounds, such as proteins, phenolics, lipids and vitamins, this study is focused on the potential activity of rapeseed press cake hydrolysates to be used as raw materials for skincare applications.MethodsIn this study, the protein‐rich press residue from the rapeseed oil industry was converted enzymatically into short‐chain biologically active peptides using four protease products with varying substrate specificity – Alcalase 2.4L FG, Protex 6L, Protamex and Corolase 7089. The antioxidant, anti‐wrinkle and anti‐inflammatory activities of the obtained hydrolysates were evaluated in vitro while their biocompatibility with human skin fibroblasts was tested.ResultsAll hydrolysates were biocompatible with skin fibroblasts after 24 h of exposure, while the non‐hydrolysed extract induced cell toxicity. Alcalase 2,4L FG and Protex 6L‐obtained hydrolysates were the most promising extracts showing improved bioactivities suitable for skin anti‐ageing formulations, namely antioxidant activity, inhibiting approximately 80% cellular reactive oxidative species, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐wrinkle properties, inhibiting around 36% of myeloperoxidase activity and over 83% of elastase activity.ConclusionThe enzymatic technology applied to the rapeseed oil industry costream results in the release of bioactive compounds suitable for skincare applications.
Relationship between perilipin genes polymorphisms and growth, carcass and meat quality traits in pigs
Authors: Gol S. , Ros‐Freixedes R. , Zambonelli P. , Tor M. , Pena R.N. , Braglia S. , Zappaterra M. , Estany J. , Davoli R. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe perilipins (PLIN) belong to a family of structural proteins that play a role regulating intracellular lipid storage and mobilization. Here, PLIN1 and PLIN2 have been evaluated as candidate genes for growth, carcass and meat quality traits in pigs. A sample of 607 Duroc pigs were genotyped for two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, one in intron 2 of the PLIN1 gene (JN860199:g.173G>A) and the other at the 3′ untranslated region of the PLIN2 gene (GU461317:g.98G>A). Using a Bayesian approach, we have been able to find evidence of additive, dominant and epistatic associations of the PLIN1 and PLIN2 polymorphisms with early growth rate and carcass length. However, the major effects were produced by the dominant A allele at the PLIN2 polymorphism, which also affected the carcass lean weight. Thus, pigs carrying an additional copy of the A allele at the g.98G>A PLIN2 polymorphism had a probability of at least 98% of producing carcasses with heavier lean weight (+0.41 kg) and ham weight (+0.10 kg). The results obtained indicate that the PLIN2 polymorphism could be a useful marker for lean growth. In particular, it may help to reduce the undesired negative correlated response in lean weight to selection for increased intramuscular fat content, a common scenario in some Duroc lines involved in the production of high quality pork products.
Postnatal ontogeny of the cochlea and flight ability in Jamaican fruit bats (Phyllostomidae) with implications for the evolution of echolocation
Authors: Carter Richard T. , Adams Rick A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent evidence has shown that the developmental emergence of echolocation calls in young bats follow an independent developmental pathway from other vocalizations and that adult‐like echolocation call structure significantly precedes flight ability. These data in combination with new insights into the echolocation ability of some shrews suggest that the evolution of echolocation in bats may involve inheritance of a primitive sonar system that was modified to its current state, rather than the ad hoc evolution of echolocation in the earliest bats. Because the cochlea is crucial in the sensation of echoes returning from sonar pulses, we tracked changes in cochlear morphology during development that included the basilar membrane (BM) and secondary spiral lamina (SSL) along the length of the cochlea in relation to stages of flight ability in young bats. Our data show that the morphological prerequisite for sonar sensitivity of the cochlea significantly precedes the onset of flight in young bats and, in fact, development of this prerequisite is complete before parturition. In addition, there were no discernible changes in cochlear morphology with stages of flight development, demonstrating temporal asymmetry between the development of morphology associated with echo‐pulse return sensitivity and volancy. These data further corroborate and support the hypothesis that adaptations for sonar and echolocation evolved before flight in mammals.
Genetic factors implied in melanin‐based coloration of the Italian wall lizard
Authors: Fulgione D. , Lega C. , Trapanese M. , Buglione M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAs largely demonstrated for a wide range of vertebrates, the melanin‐based coloration can be the effect of both mutations in the melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene and of differential expression of the same gene. However, in lizards, this mechanism is poorly known and some populations exhibit a high variation of melanism. Some populations ofPodarcis siculusshow a gradual melanization, suggesting a case of a quantitative phenomenon rather than a qualitative one. Here, we objectively quantify the continuous colour variation by spectrophotometric analysis demonstrating that the changes in the skin reflectance are not associated to mutations in the coding region of theMC1Rgene but seem to be related to a concomitant variation of expression for this gene.
Anatomically related gray and white matter alterations in the brains of functional dyspepsia patients
Authors: Nan J. , Liu J. , Mu J. , Zhang Y. , Zhang M. , Tian J. , Liang F. , Zeng F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies summarized altered brain functional patterns in functional dyspepsia (FD) patients, but how the brain structural patterns are related to FD remains largely unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the brain structural characteristics in FD patients.MethodsOptimized voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics were employed to investigate the changes in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) respectively in 34 FD patients with postprandial distress syndrome and 33 healthy controls based on T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted imaging. The Pearson's correlation evaluated the link among GM alterations, WM abnormalities, and clinical variables in FD patients. The optimal brain structural parameters for identifying FD were explored using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Key ResultsCompared to controls, FD patients exhibited a decrease in GM density (GMD) in the right posterior insula/temporal superior cortex (marked as pINS), right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), and left middle cingulate cortex, and an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, posterior thalamic radiation, and external capsule (EC). Interestingly, the GMD in the pINS was significantly associated with GMD in the IFC and FA in the EC. Moreover, the EC adjacent to the pINS provided the best performance for distinguishing FD patients from controls.Conclusions & InferencesOur results showed pINS‐related structural abnormalities in FD patients, indicating that GM and WM parameters were not affected independently. These findings would lay the foundation for probing an efficient target in the brain for treating FD.
Weighing in on a method to discriminate maize haploid from hybrid seed
Authors: Smelser Andrew , Blanco Michael , Lübberstedt Thomas , Schechert Axel , Vanous Adam , Gardner Candice 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe doubled haploid breeding method can produce maize inbred lines faster than traditional methods, but there are challenges associated with it. Sorting haploid from hybrid seed based on visual colour markers is time consuming and can be difficult due to colour inhibitors that obscure pigmentation needed to distinguish between haploid, hybrid and outcrossed seed. In this study, weight was evaluated as a method to sort haploid from hybrid seed. A first experiment utilized two families for analysis in a preliminary study. Eleven haploid and hybrid kernels from both families were weighed for a total of 44 experimental units. A second experiment was carried out using six families, using the same format as the previous, for 132 experimental units. Hybrid seed weighed significantly more than haploid seed in both experiments. However, the interaction between line and kernel type was significant in the second experiment. In conclusion, efficacy of sorting haploid from hybrid kernels based on weight depends on the genotypes involved.
Matched related donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results in a long‐term follow‐up of a pediatric acquired severe aplastic anemia subset: A stem cell source perspective
Authors: Hamidieh Amir Ali , Mozafari Mohammad , Noshad Sina , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Behfar Maryam , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHSCT has substantially improved pediatric acquired SAA patients' outcomes. Retrospectively, we attempted to assess the outcome of MRD HSCT in 65 pediatric patients referred to a single center from 1992 to 2012. We were particularly interested to find out whether source of SC (PB, n = 40 and BM, n = 25) significantly impacts EFS and GVHD incidence. With a median follow‐up of 45 months, total EFS was 87.7%; EFS for PB and BM groups was 87.5% and 88%, respectively. Acute GVHD (grades 3–4) occurred in 13 patients (PB, n = 10 [25%] and BM, n = 3 [12%]), acute GVHD (grades 2–4) occurred in 24 (PB, n = 16 [40%] and BM, n = 8 [32%]). Extensive chronic GVHD occurred in five patients (PB, n = 3 [7.5%] and BM, n = 2 [8%]). Cox regression revealed that elapsed time of <10 months between diagnosis and HSCT is associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 95% CI = 1.204, 1.010–1.434, p = 0.038). SC source did not significantly affect EFS, incidence of acute GVHD (grades 3–4), or extensive chronic GVHD (p = 0.938, 0.121, and 0.487, respectively). Based on our findings, pediatric acquired SAA patients are benefitted most if MRD‐HSCT is carried out early in disease process and SC source does not affect outcome of MRD‐HSCT in these patients.
Gene targeting by the TAL effector PthXo2 reveals cryptic resistance gene for bacterial blight of rice
Authors: Zhou Junhui , Peng Zhao , Long Juying , Sosso Davide , Liu Bo , Eom Joon‐Seob , Huang Sheng , Liu Sanzhen , Vera Cruz Casiana , Frommer Wolf B. , White Frank F. , Yang Bing 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBacterial blight of rice is caused by the γ‐proteobacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, which utilizes a group of type III TAL (transcription activator‐like) effectors to induce host gene expression and condition host susceptibility. Five SWEET genes are functionally redundant to support bacterial disease, but only two were experimentally proven targets of natural TAL effectors. Here, we report the identification of the sucrose transporter gene OsSWEET13 as the disease‐susceptibility gene for PthXo2 and the existence of cryptic recessive resistance to PthXo2‐dependent X. oryzae pv. oryzae due to promoter variations of OsSWEET13 in japonica rice. PthXo2‐containing strains induce OsSWEET13 in indica rice IR24 due to the presence of an unpredicted and undescribed effector binding site not present in the alleles in japonica rice Nipponbare and Kitaake. The specificity of effector‐associated gene induction and disease susceptibility is attributable to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which is also found in a polymorphic allele of OsSWEET13 known as the recessive resistance gene xa25 from the rice cultivar Minghui 63. The mutation of OsSWEET13 with CRISPR/Cas9 technology further corroborates the requirement of OsSWEET13 expression for the state of PthXo2‐dependent disease susceptibility to X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Gene profiling of a collection of 104 strains revealed OsSWEET13 induction by 42 isolates of X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Heterologous expression of OsSWEET13 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells elevates sucrose concentrations in the apoplasm. The results corroborate a model whereby X. oryzae pv. oryzae enhances the release of sucrose from host cells in order to exploit the host resources.
Prediction of hard meningiomas: quantitative evaluation based on the magnetic resonance signal intensity
Authors: Watanabe Keita , Kakeda Shingo , Yamamoto Junkoh , Ide Satoru , Ohnari Norihiro , Nishizawa Shigeru , Korogi Yukunori 
Published: March 2015

Background From a surgical perspective, presurgical prediction of meningioma consistency is beneficial. Purpose To quantitatively analyze the correlation between the magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity (SI) or apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and meningioma consistency and to determine which MR sequence could help predicting hard meningiomas. Material and Methods This study included 43 patients with meningiomas who underwent preoperative MR imaging (MRI), including T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, T2-weighted (T2W) imaging, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), contrast-enhanced (CE)-T1W imaging, and CE-fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA). A neurosurgeon evaluated the tumor consistency using a visual analog scale (VAS) with the anchors “soft” (score = 0) and “hard” (score = 10). The SI ratio (tumor to cerebral cortex SI) and ADC value were compared with the tumor consistency. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for predicting hard meningiomas (VAS score ≥8; 9 of 43 patients) were calculated using cutoff values for the SI ratio that were obtained in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results A significant negative correlation was observed between the tumor consistency and the SI ratio on T2W imaging, FLAIR, and CE-FIESTA ( P < 0.05) but not on T1W imaging, CE-T1W imaging, and the ADC value. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for predicting hard meningiomas were 89%, 79%, and 81% with T2W imaging; 89%, 76%, and 79% with FLAIR; and 100%, 74%, and 79% with CE-FIESTA, respectively. Conclusion Our results suggest that a quantitative assessment using conventional T2W imaging or FLAIR may be a simple and useful method for predicting hard meningiomas.
Jikoshu-kyofu in Singapore
Authors: Lim Leslie , Wan Yi Min 
Published: March 2015

Objective: Jikoshu-kyofu (JKF), a condition characterised by a fear of offending others through emitting foul body odour, was first described in Japan in the 1960s. Although initially thought to be a culture-bound syndrome, it has been described in other countries. It is well established that there are two variants, a non- delusional and a delusional variant. Method: We describe two cases of JKF who sought treatment from a hospital in Singapore, compare and contrast their characteristics, and in view of overlaps with other conditions, discuss differential diagnoses. Results: Both cases involved women with fairly similar symptomatology except that the first case was younger, had overvalued ideas (but not delusions), an earlier age of onset and good treatment response, while the other had delusions, late age of onset, became too distressed to continue working and was initially resistant to treatment. Conclusion: It appears that the delusional variant may have a longer symptomatic duration before presentation, poorer insight, more resistance to treatment and multiple physician consultations, as well as greater impairment of socio-occupational functioning in contrast to the non-delusional variant.
Caracterização de Passiflora mucronata Lam.: nova alternativa de maracujá ornamental
Authors: Meletti Laura Maria Molina , Soares-Scott Marta Dias , Bernacci Luís Carlos , Alvares Valdemir , Azevedo Filho Joaquim Adelino de 
Published: March 2015

<p>No Brasil, a família Passifloraceae possui ampla diversidade genética devido ao elevado número de espécies nativas, entretanto, o valor ornamental da família ainda é praticamente inexplorado. <em>Passiflora mucronata </em>Lam. é uma das espécies nativas que integram o Banco de Germoplasma de Maracujazeiros do Instituto Agronômico (IAC), que estão sendo caracterizadas para fins ornamentais, em condições de campo, objetivando sua utilização comercial. Foram avaliados desenvolvimento vegetativo, época de florescimento, período de antese, compatibilidade, viabilidade polínica, produção de frutos, comportamento germinativo e longevidade das sementes. As flores de <em>P. mucronata </em>são brancas, fosforescentes e têm antese noturna, atraindo mariposas e morcegos. A viabilidade polínica permaneceu elevada (75,8%), desde a antese (18h00min h) até a manhã seguinte. A espécie mostrou-se autoincompatível. A polinização cruzada resultou em frutos ovoides, com 14,82g de peso médio, 4,59cm de diâmetro longitudinal por 2,73cm de diâmetro equatorial. A casca do fruto é delgada, amarelo-canária quando totalmente maduro. A polpa apresentou pouca suculência, sem aroma característico, mas sabor agradável. As sementes são achatadas, de coloração marrom-enegrecida, com dormência quando recém-colhidas, o que pode ser superado efetivamente com armazenamento em câmara fria e seca mais choque térmico, associados. A longevidade das sementes foi de cerca de um ano. Os acessos avaliados de <em>P. mucronata </em>evidenciaram se tratar de uma planta de vigor vegetativo intermediário, tolerante ao frio, com intenso florescimento, que se estende por um longo período do ano. Em função destas vantagens adicionais, pode ser utilizada como planta ornamental, uma alternativa dentro do grupo das trepadeiras indicadas para cercas vivas ou caramanchões. </p>
Propagação vegetativa de samambaia gigante - Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm
Authors: Matthes Luiz Antonio Ferraz , Uzzo Roberta Pierry , Carvalho Antonio Carlos de 
Published: March 2015

<p>A samambaia gigante (Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm.) pode ser propagada por meio das aurículas que ocorrem na base da fronde, que devem ser retiradas das frondes mais velhas e plantadas em recipientes contendo substrato leve, mantidas permanentemente irrigadas, em locais sombreados. Após aproximadamente oito meses, os primeiros brotos começam a emergir. Com um ano e meio a dois da muda formada, ela pode ser plantada em local definitivo.</p>