bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Impairment and Incident Mobility Limitations: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Swenor Bonnielin K. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Newman Anne B. , Rubin Susan , Wilson Valerie ,   the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the association between multiple measures of visual impairment (VI) and incident mobility limitations in older adults.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingMemphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.ParticipantsHealth, Aging and Body Composition study participants aged 70 to 79 without mobility limitations at the Year 3 visit (N = 1,862).MeasurementsVision was measured at the Year 3 visit, and VI was defined as distance visual acuity (VA) worse than 20/40, contrast sensitivity (CS) less than 1.55 log Contrast, and stereoacuity (SA) greater than 85 arcsec. Incident persistent walking and stair climbing limitation was defined as two consecutive 6‐month reports of any difficulty walking one‐quarter of a mile or walking up 10 steps after 1, 3, and 5 years of follow‐up.ResultsAt Year 3 (baseline for these analyses), 7.4% had impaired VA, 27.2% had impaired CS, and 29.2% had impaired SA. At all follow‐up times, the incidence of walking and stair climbing limitations was higher in participants with VA, CS, or SA impairment. After 5 years, impaired CS and SA were independently associated with greater risk of walking limitation (hazard ratio (HR)CS = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–1.7; HRSA = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.6) and stair climbing limitation (HRCS = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8; HRSA = 1.3, 95% CI=1.1–1.7). Having impaired CS and SA was associated with greater risk of mobility limitations (HRwalking limitations = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.6–2.5; HRstair limitation = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6–2.8).ConclusionMultiple aspects of VI may contribute to mobility limitations in older adults. Addressing more than one component of vision may be needed to reduce the effect of vision impairment on functional decline.
Combinations of Hd2 and Hd4 genes determine rice adaptability to Heilongjiang Province, northern limit of China
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Liu Huazhao , Wang Maoqing , Liu Hualong , Tian Xiaojie , Zhou Wenjia , Lü Tianxiao , Wang Zhenyu , Chu Chengcai , Fang Jun , Bu Qingyun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHeading date is a key trait in rice domestication and adaption, and a number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified. The rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars in the Heilongjiang Province, the northernmost region of China, have to flower extremely early to fulfill their life cycle. However, the critical genes or different gene combinations controlling early flowering in this region have not been determined. QTL and candidate gene analysis revealed that Hd2/Ghd7.1/OsPRR37 plays a major role in controlling rice distribution in Heilongjiang. Further association analysis with a collection of rice cultivars demonstrated that another three major QTL genes (Hd4/Ghd7, Hd5/DTH8/Ghd8, and Hd1) also participate in regulating heading date under natural long day (LD) conditions. Hd2/Ghd7.1/OsPRR37 and Hd4/Ghd7 are two major QTLs and function additively. With the northward rice cultivation, the Hd2/Ghd7.1/OsPRR37 and Hd4/Ghd7 haplotypes became non‐functional alleles. Hd1 might be non‐functional in most Heilongjiang rice varieties, implying that recessive hd1 were selected during local rice breeding. Non‐functional Hd5/DTH8/Ghd8 is very rare, but constitutes a potential target for breeding extremely early flowering cultivars. Our results indicated that diverse genetic combinations of Hd1, Hd2, Hd4, and Hd5 determined the different distribution of rice varieties in this northernmost province of China.
Genome‐wide identification, expression analysis of auxin‐responsive GH3 family genes in maize (Zea mays L.) under abiotic stresses
Authors: Feng Shangguo , Yue Runqing , Tao Sun , Yang Yanjun , Zhang Lei , Xu Mingfeng , Wang Huizhong , Shen Chenjia 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAuxin is involved in different aspects of plant growth and development by regulating the expression of auxin‐responsive family genes. As one of the three major auxin‐responsive families, GH3 (Gretchen Hagen3) genes participate in auxin homeostasis by catalyzing auxin conjugation and bounding free indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) to amino acids. However, how GH3 genes function in responses to abiotic stresses and various hormones in maize is largely unknown. Here, the latest updated maize (Zea mays L.) reference genome sequence was used to characterize and analyze the ZmGH3 family genes from maize. The results showed that 13 ZmGH3 genes were mapped on five maize chromosomes (total 10 chromosomes). Highly diversified gene structures and tissue‐specific expression patterns suggested the possibility of function diversification for these genes in response to environmental stresses and hormone stimuli. The expression patterns of ZmGH3 genes are responsive to several abiotic stresses (salt, drought and cadmium) and major stress‐related hormones (abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid). Various environmental factors suppress auxin free IAA contents in maize roots suggesting that these abiotic stresses and hormones might alter GH3‐mediated auxin levels. The responsiveness of ZmGH3 genes to a wide range of abiotic stresses and stress‐related hormones suggested that ZmGH3s are involved in maize tolerance to environmental stresses.
Using calculated chemical potential relationships to account for replacement of kyanite by symplectite in high pressure granulites
Authors: Baldwin J. A. , Powell R. , White R. W. , Štípská P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCalculated mineral equilibria are used to account for the formation of sapphirine–plagioclase, spinel–plagioclase and corundum–plagioclase symplectites replacing kyanite in quartz–plagioclase–garnet–kyanite granulite facies gneisses from the Southern Domain of the Athabasca granulite terrane, a segment of the Snowbird tectonic zone in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Metamorphic conditions of >14 kbar and 800 °C are established for the high pressure, garnet–kyanite assemblage using constraints from P–T pseudosections and Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry. Replacement of kyanite by symplectites reflects the reaction of kyanite with the matrix following near‐isothermal decompression to <10 kbar. The chemical potential gradients developed between the kyanite and the matrix led to diffusion that attempted to flatten the gradients, kyanite persisting as a stable phase while it is consumed by symplectite from its edge. In this local equilibrium model, the mineral and mineral compositional spatial relationships are shown to correspond to paths in μ(Na2O)–μ(CaO)–μ(K2O)–μ(FeO)–μ(MgO) in the model chemical system, Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCKFMAS), with SiO2 and Al2O3 taken to be completely immobile. The values of μ(Na2O) and μ(CaO) are constrained by fixing P–T conditions and choosing appropriate μ(Na2O) and μ(CaO) values that correspond to the observed plagioclase compositions. μ(FeO)–μ(MgO) diagrams show the corresponding spatial relationships with kyanite and the symplectite phases. These results demonstrate that the replacement of kyanite by sapphirine–plagioclase and spinel–plagioclase appears to be metastable with respect to replacement by corundum–plagioclase. Replacement by corundum–plagioclase does also occur, apparently overprinting pre‐existing symplectite and also kyanite. Ignoring corundum, the resulting diagrams account for the spatial relationships and compositions observed in the spinel–plagioclase and sapphirine–plagioclase symplectites. They are predicted to occur over both a wide range of P–T conditions (6–11 kbar, 650–850 °C) and plagioclase compositions (XAn = 0.5–0.9). The wide range of P–T conditions that may result in identical spatial and compositional relationships suggests that such reaction textures may be of limited use in accurately quantifying the P–T conditions of retrograde metamorphism.
Hormonal Regulation of Steroid Receptor Coactivator‐1 mRNA in the Male and Female Green Anole Brain
Authors: Kerver H. N. , Wade J. 
Published: December 2014

Green anole lizards are seasonal breeders, with male sexual behaviour primarily regulated by an annual increase in testosterone. Morphological, biochemical and behavioural changes associated with reproduction are activated by testosterone, generally with a greater effect in the breeding season (BS) than in the nonbreeding season (NBS). The present study investigates the possibility that differences in a steroid receptor coactivator may regulate this seasonal difference in responsiveness to testosterone. In situ hybridisation was used to examine the expression of steroid receptor coactivator‐1 (SRC‐1) in the brains of gonadally intact male and female green anoles across breeding states. A second experiment examined gonadectomised animals with and without testosterone treatment. Gonadally intact males had more SRC‐1 expressing cells in the preoptic area and larger volumes of this region as defined by these cells than females. Main effects of both sex and season (males > females and BS > NBS) were present in cell number and volume of the ventromedial hypothalamus. An interaction between sex and season suggested that high expression in BS males was driving these effects. In hormone‐manipulated animals, testosterone treatment increased both the number of SRC‐1 expressing cells in and volumes of the preoptic area and amygdala. These results suggest that testosterone selectively regulates SRC‐1, and that this coactivator may play a role in facilitating reproductive behaviours across both sexes. However, changes in SRC‐1 expression are not likely responsible for the seasonal change in responsiveness to testosterone.
The effects of exposure duration to optimal concentration of 2‐phenoxyethanol on primary and secondary stress responses in kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum)
Authors: Javadi Moosavi M. , Salahi Ardekani M. M. , Pirbeigi A. , Ghazi S. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe goal of this study was to assess the anaesthetic induction and recovery time in kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) after exposure to various concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 ml/l) of 2‐PE as an anaesthetic, as well as the effects of optimal concentration (0.7 ml/l) of 2‐PE in relation to different exposure time (3, 10, 15 min) on some haematological and serum biochemical indices in this species. Moreover, the effects of 0.7 ml/l on blood parameters were assessed 24 h after the longest exposure. Significant increase was determined in Hb, MCH and MCHC after 10‐min exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05). Moreover, Hct, Hb and RBC levels increased significantly after 15 min‐exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05). There were no prominent changes in WBC and MCV. The plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and cortisol increased significantly after 10‐ and 15‐min exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05) compared with the control group and all other exposure times. The activity of ALT and AST were significantly increased after 10‐ and 15‐min exposure respectively (p < 0.05). In this study, it appears that anaesthetizing kutum with 2‐PE at 0.7 ml/l for 3 min had no effect on the stress markers.
Conceptual models for the initiation of hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tu Thomas , Budzinska Magdalena A. , Shackel Nicholas A. , Jilbert Allison R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a known risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the steps involved in the progression from normal liver to HCC are poorly understood. In this review, we apply five conceptual models, previously proposed by Vineis et al. to explain carcinogenesis in general, to explore the possible steps involved in the initiation and evolution of HBV‐associated HCC. Available data suggest that the most suitable and inclusive model is based on evolution of hepatocyte subpopulations. In this evolutionary model, HCC‐associated changes are driven by selection and subsequent clonal expansion of phenotypically altered hepatocyte subpopulations in the microenvironment of the HBV‐infected liver. This model can incorporate the wide range of mechanisms proposed to play a role in the initiation of HCC including oncogenic HBV proteins, integration of HBV DNA and chronic inflammation of the liver. The model may assist in the early prevention, detection and treatment of HCC and may guide future studies of the initiation of HBV‐associated HCC.
Selection of critical habitats for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) based on behavioral data, in relation to marine traffic in the Istanbul Strait, Turkey
Authors: Baş Aylin Akkaya , Amaha Öztürk Ayaka , Öztürk Bayram 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMarine traffic is a significant source of disturbance to the bottlenose dolphin population in the Istanbul Strait, Turkey. To determine the importance of this threat, behavioral data together with sighting data of both dolphins and marine vessels were assessed for 2012. The current study suggests that the Istanbul Strait is used mostly as a foraging ground for bottlenose dolphins. Nonetheless, in the same area there is intense marine traffic as well as increase of industrial fishing activities in autumn. The findings of this study indicated that high‐speed ferries and high‐speed boats were the most significant source of disturbance. Moreover, increased densities of fishing vessels resulted in a drastic decline of dolphin sightings. This study highlights that vessel type, speed, distance, and density have a cumulative negative effect on dolphins. In order to mitigate the impacts of vessels, it is necessary to establish managed areas in the Istanbul Strait. Such proposed areas should limit speed and density of marine traffic and have specific restrictions on vessel routes. We propose three different seasonal managed areas according to their values as critical habitat for bottlenose dolphins in the strait.
The Penicillium digitatum protein O‐mannosyltransferase Pmt2 is required for cell wall integrity, conidiogenesis, virulence and sensitivity to the antifungal peptide PAF26
Authors: Harries Eleonora , Gandía Mónica , Carmona Lourdes , Marcos Jose F. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe activity of protein O‐mannosyltransferases (Pmts) affects the morphogenesis and virulence of fungal pathogens. Recently, PMT genes have been shown to determine the sensitivity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the antifungal peptide PAF26. This study reports the identification and characterization of the three Pdpmt genes in the citrus post‐harvest pathogen Penicillium digitatum. The Pdpmt genes are expressed during fungal growth and fruit infection, with the highest induction for Pdpmt2. Pdpmt2 complemented the growth defect of the S. cerevisiae Δpmt2 strain. The Pdpmt2 gene mutation in P. digitatum caused pleiotropic effects, including a reduction in fungal growth and virulence, whereas its constitutive expression had no phenotypic effect. The Pdpmt2 null mutants also showed a distinctive colourless phenotype with a strong reduction in the number of conidia, which was associated with severe alterations in the development of conidiophores. Additional effects of the Pdpmt2 mutation were hyphal morphological alterations, increased sensitivity to cell wall‐interfering compounds and a blockage of invasive growth. In contrast, the Pdpmt2 mutation increased tolerance to oxidative stress and to the antifungal activity of PAF26. These data confirm the role of protein O‐glycosylation in the PAF26‐mediated antifungal mechanism present in distantly related fungal species. Important to future crop protection strategies, this study demonstrates that a mutation rendering fungi more resistant to an antifungal peptide results in severe deleterious effects on fungal growth and virulence.
Adams–Oliver Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Frantz Jeanine Aparecida Magno , Lehmkuhl Rafaela Ludvig , Leitis Lucas Hummelgen , Uliano Vanessa Golfetto , Siementcoski Guilherme Antonio 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe report the case of an infant with Adams–Oliver syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita, defects of the limbs and extremities, and cutis marmorata telangiectatica. Other associated anomalies have been reported, such as facial dysmorphism, heart defects, and disorders of the central nervous system.
Following the North Star: Radial Marker Lines Help Preserve Anatomic Landmarks After Local Injection of Anesthetic
Authors: Krakowski Andrew C. , Admani Shehla , Eichenfield Lawrence F. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInjection of local anesthetic can result in distortion of local anatomic architecture. “Following the North Star” is a technique that uses radial markings to aid in better preservation of surgical landmarks.
Neural Tube Dysraphism: Review of Cutaneous Markers and Imaging
Authors: Sewell Matthew J. , Chiu Yvonne E. , Drolet Beth A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNeural tube dysraphisms are congenital anomalies resulting from impaired formation of structures along the craniospinal axis during central nervous system development. When these malformations are large or lack a skin covering, they are easily recognized, whereas smaller or skin‐covered malformations may not be readily apparent. Due to the intimate embryologic origin of the skin and nervous system, these occult malformations are often heralded by associated cutaneous abnormalities. In this article, the common clinical presentations and cutaneous markers of craniospinal dysraphism are reviewed, along with the recommended imaging modalities.
Evaluation of Treatments for Pruritus in Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Danial Christina , Adeduntan Rasidat , Gorell Emily S. , Lucky Anne W. , Paller Amy S. , Bruckner Anna L. , Pope Elena , Morel Kimberly D. , Levy Moise L. , Li Shufeng , Gilmore Elaine S. , Lane Alfred T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPruritus is a common complication in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). There is limited published data about the treatments that individuals with EB use for pruritus. The objective of the current study was to determine quantitatively which treatments individuals with EB have used for pruritus and to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of these treatments in pruritus relief. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the treatments and therapies used for pruritus in patients of all ages and for all types of EB. Questions about bathing products, moisturizers, topical products, oral medications, dressings, and alternative therapies were included. A 5‐point Likert scale (−2 = relieves itch a lot, −1 = relieves itch a little, 0 = no change, 1 = increases itch a little, 2 = increases itch a lot) was used to evaluate perceived effectiveness. Patients from seven North American EB centers were invited to participate. Greasy ointments (53.4%), lotions (45.2%), creams (40.4%), and oral hydroxyzine (39.0%) were the most frequently used treatments for pruritus. Treatments that were used frequently and perceived to be the most effective included creams (mean = −1.1), topical prescription corticosteroids (mean = −1.0), oils (mean = −0.9), oral hydroxyzine (mean = −0.9), topical diphenhydramine (mean = −0.9), and vaporizing rub (menthol, camphor, eucalyptus) (mean = −0.9). Systemic opioids (mean = 0.3), adherent bandages (mean = 0.3), and bleach baths (mean = 0.2) slightly increased pruritus. Randomized controlled trials of therapies will be necessary to develop evidence‐based recommendations for control of pruritus in individuals with EB.
Physiological integration enhanced the tolerance of Cynodon dactylon to flooding
Authors: Li Z. J. , Fan D. Y. , Chen F. Q. , Yuan Q. Y. , Chow W. S. , Xie Z. Q. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMany flooding‐tolerant species are clonal plants; however, the effects of physiological integration on plant responses to flooding have received limited attention. We hypothesise that flooding can trigger changes in metabolism of carbohydrates and ROS (reactive oxygen species) in clonal plants, and that physiological integration can ameliorate the adverse effects of stress, subsequently restoring the growth of flooded ramets. In the present study, we conducted a factorial experiment combining flooding to apical ramets and stolon severing (preventing physiological integration) between apical and basal ramets of Cynodon dactylon, which is a stoloniferous perennial grass with considerable flooding tolerance. Flooding‐induced responses including decreased root biomass, accumulation of soluble sugar and starch, as well as increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in apical ramets. Physiological integration relieved growth inhibition, carbohydrate accumulation and induction of antioxidant enzyme activity in stressed ramets, as expected, without any observable cost in unstressed ramets. We speculate that relief of flooding stress in clonal plants may rely on oxidising power and electron acceptors transferred between ramets through physiological integration.
Identification and distribution of mating‐type idiomorphs in populations of Podosphaera macularis and development of chasmothecia of the fungus
Authors: Wolfenbarger S. N. , Twomey M. C. , Gadoury D. M. , Knaus B. J. , Grünwald N. J. , Gent D. H. 
Published: December 2014

Podosphaera macularis, the causal agent of hop powdery mildew, is known to produce chasmothecia (formerly cleistothecia) in eastern North America and Europe. Ascocarps have not yet been reported from the Pacific Northwestern region of North America. Reasons for the apparent absence of chasmothecia in the Pacific Northwest were unknown. This study established that P. macularis is heterothallic and ascocarp ontogeny, maturation, dehiscence and ascospore infection proceed similarly to other powdery mildew fungi. Genome sequencing of a MAT1‐1 isolate revealed the structure of the MAT1 locus and presence of MAT1‐1‐3, demonstrating further similarities to other powdery mildew fungi. PCR assays with primers designed from conserved domains of the MAT1 idiomorphs were developed to characterize the frequency of idiomorphs in populations of P. macularis. Amongst 317 samples of P. macularis collected during 2012 and 2013 from the Pacific Northwest only the MAT1‐1 idiomorph was found. In contrast, among 56 samples from the eastern United States and Europe, MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 idiomorphs were detected at equivalent frequencies. At temperatures representative of late season conditions in the Pacific Northwest, chasmothecia formed readily when a Pacific Northwest MAT1‐1 isolate was paired with a MAT1‐2 isolate collected from outside the region. Although these findings do not encompass all climatic, geographic or temporal barriers that could inhibit the formation of chasmothecia, the current absence of the ascigerious stage of P. macularis in the Pacific Northwest could be explained by the absence of the MAT1‐2 mating type idiomorph.