bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CXCR4 and CXCR7 form a functional receptor unit for SDF‐1/CXCL12 in primary rodent microglia
Authors: Lipfert J. , Ödemis V. , Wagner D.‐C. , Boltze J. , Engele J. 
Published: January 2013

AimsMicroglial cells have been originally identified as a target for the CXC chemokine, SDF‐1, by their expression of CXCR4. More recently, it has been recognized that SDF‐1 additionally binds to CXCR7, which depending on the cell type acts as either a nonclassical, a classical or a scavenger chemokine receptor. Here, we asked whether primary microglial cells additionally express CXCR7 and if so how this chemokine receptor functions in this cell type.MethodsCXCR4 and CXCR7 expression was analysed in cultured rat microglia and in the brain of animals with permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) by either Western blotting, RT‐PCR, flow cytometry and/or immunocytochemistry. The function of CXCR4 and CXCR7 was assessed in the presence of selective antagonists.ResultsCultured primary rat microglia expressed CXCR4 and CXCR7 to similar levels. Treatment with SDF‐1 resulted in the activation of Erk1/2 and Akt signalling. Erk1/2 and Akt signalling were required for subsequent SDF‐1‐dependent promotion of microglial proliferation. In contrast, Erk1/2 signalling was sufficient for SDF‐1‐induced migration of microglial cells. Both SDF‐1‐dependent signalling and the resulting effects on microglial proliferation and migration were abrogated following pharmacological inactivation of either CXCR4 or CXCR7. Moreover, treatment of cultured microglia with lipopolysaccharide resulted in the co‐ordinated up‐regulation of CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression. Likewise, reactive microglia accumulating in the area adjacent to the lesion core in MCAO rats expressed both CXCR4 and CXCR7.ConclusionsCXCR4 and CXCR7 form a functional receptor unit in microglial cells, which is up‐regulated during activation of microglia both in vitro and in vivo.
The Long‐Run Impact of Foreign Aid in 36 African Countries: Insights from Multivariate Time Series Analysis*
Authors: Juselius Katarina , Møller Niels Framroze , Tarp Finn 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe comprehensively analyse the long‐run effect of foreign aid (ODA) on key macroeconomic variables in 36 sub‐Saharan African countries from the mid‐1960s to 2007, using a well‐specified cointegrated VAR model as statistical benchmark. Results provide broad support for a positive long‐run impact of ODA flows on the macroeconomy. In contrast, we find little evidence supporting the thesis that aid has been harmful. From a methodological point of view we highlight the importance of transparency in reporting results, especially when the hypothesis being tested differs from theoretical expectations, and we identify reasons for econometrically inadequate results in the literature.
Unit Root Testing under a Local Break in Trend using Partial Information on the Break Date*
Authors: Harvey David I. , Leybourne Stephen J. , Robert Taylor A.M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe consider unit root testing allowing for a break in trend when partial information is available regarding the location of the break date. This takes the form of knowledge of a relatively narrow window of data within which the break takes place, should it occur at all. For such circumstances, we suggest employing a union of rejections strategy, which combines a unit root test that allows for a trend break somewhere within the window with a unit root test that makes no allowance for a trend break. Asymptotic and finite sample evidence shows that our suggested strategy works well, provided that, when a break does occur, the partial information is correct. An empirical application to UK interest rate data containing the 1973 ‘oil shock’ is also considered.
Efficacy of the Sander bite‐jumping appliance in growing patients with mandibular retrusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martina R. , Cioffi I. , Galeotti A. , Tagliaferri R. , Cimino R. , Michelotti A. , Valletta R. , Farella M. , Paduano S. 
Published: January 2013

Structured AbstractObjectivesThe efficacy of functional appliances remains highly debated. This randomized controlled trial investigated the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects determined by the Sander bite‐jumping appliance (BJA). The null hypothesis to be tested was that the appliance would not induce supplementary mandibular growth compared to untreated controls.Setting and Sample PopulationThis study was carried out at the Section of Orthodontics, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Forty‐six patients receiving a clinical diagnosis of skeletal and dental class II due to mandibular retrusion were either allocated to a treatment (23 patients;15 boys, 8 girls; mean age ± SD: 10.9 ± 1.3 years) or to an untreated control group (23 patients;11 boys, 12 girls; mean age ± SD: 10.5 ± 1.2 years), by using a balanced block randomization.MethodsLateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment and used for comparisons. Measurements were analyzed by descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate statistical tests.ResultsTreated individuals had a significant increase in mandibular length (6.4 ± 2.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 mm; p < 0.001), overjet reduction (−5.0 ± 2.9 vs. 0.3 ± 1.2 mm; p < 0.001) and molar relationship improvement (−5.3 ± 2.4 vs. 0.1 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.001) compared to controls. The use of the appliance did not significantly affect jaw divergence. Proclination of lower incisors was slightly greater (3.0°, p = 0.023) in treated patients than in controls. The increase in mandibular length was not significantly influenced by cervical stage (p = 0.40).ConclusionThe BJA can effectively correct class II malocclusions by a combination of dentoalveolar and skeletal effects. The long‐term stability of the correction needs to be evaluated.
Functional analyses of TaHMA2, a P1B‐type ATPase in wheat
Authors: Tan Jinjuan , Wang Jianwu , Chai Tuanyao , Zhang Yuxiu , Feng Shanshan , Li Yan , Zhao Huijun , Liu Huimin , Chai Xingping 
Published: January 2013

SummaryCurrently, there are few studies concerning the function of heavy metal ATPase 2 (HMA2), particularly in monocotyledons, and the potential application of this protein in biofortification and phytoremediation. Thus, we isolated and characterized the TaHMA2 gene from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Our results indicate that TaHMA2 is localized to the plasma membrane and stably expressed, except in the nodes, which showed relatively high expression. Zinc/cadmium (Zn/Cd) resistance was observed in TaHMA2‐transformed yeast. The over‐expression of TaHMA2 increased the elongation and decreased the seed‐setting rate in rice (Oryza sativa L.), but not Arabidopsis thaliana, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) or wheat. TaHMA2 over‐expression also improved root‐shoot Zn/Cd translocation, especially in rice. The seeds of transgenic rice and wheat, not tobacco, showed decreased Zn concentrations. The Zn concentration was decreased in all parts of the transgenic rice seeds, but was decreased only in the ventral endosperm of wheat, which showed an increased Zn concentration in the embryo and aleurone. The over‐expression of TaHMA2 improved plant tolerance under moderate Zn stress and Zn deficiency, but Zn and Cd resistance decreased under high levels of Zn and Cd stress, respectively. The Cd concentration in transgenic rice seedlings was dramatically increased under Zn deficiency. Thus, over‐expression of TaHMA2 showed a more obvious phenotype in monocotyledons than in dicotyledons. These findings provide important information for TaHMA2, and more efforts should be made in the future to characterize the reduced Zn concentration in TaHMA2 transgenic grains and the diversity of TaHMA2 substrate specificity.
PHA Bioplastics, Biochemicals, and Energy from Crops
Authors: Somleva Maria N. , Peoples Oliver P. , Snell Kristi D. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryLarge scale production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in plants can provide a sustainable supply of bioplastics, biochemicals, and energy from sunlight and atmospheric CO2. PHAs are a class of polymers with various chain lengths that are naturally produced by some microorganisms as storage materials. The properties of these polyesters make them functionally equivalent to many of the petroleum‐based plastics that are currently in the market place. However, unlike most petroleum‐derived plastics, PHAs can be produced from renewable feedstocks and easily degrade in most biologically active environments. This review highlights research efforts over the last 20 years to engineer the production of PHAs in plants with a focus on polyhydroxybutryrate (PHB) production in bioenergy crops with C4 photosynthesis. PHB has the potential to be a high volume commercial product with uses not only in the plastics and materials markets, but also in renewable chemicals and feed. The major challenges of improving product yield and plant fitness in high biomass yielding C4 crops are discussed in detail.
Control of Microdochium majus in winter wheat with botanicals – from laboratory to the field
Authors: Vogelgsang S. , Bänziger I. , Krebs H. , Legro R. J. , Sanchez‐Sava V. , Forrer H.‐R. 
Published: January 2013

The fungal pathogen Microdochium majus, causing snow mould, seedling blight and foot rot, results in severe yield losses in small grain cereals. There are few options to control this pathogen in organic production. In this study, aqueous extracts or botanical powders prepared from chamomile, meadowsweet, thyme and Chinese galls were tested in vitro against M. majus conidia germination and mycelial growth, respectively. Subsequently, three botanicals were chosen, applied as powders with different seed coating adhesives, and tested for their effect on the incidence of M. majus from naturally infected wheat seed lots and on seedling emergence from soil under controlled environmental conditions. Furthermore, seed treatments with warm water, a bacterial product or one chosen botanical were tested in a growth chamber and in a field experiment over three consecutive years. Of the botanicals tested, Chinese galls showed the highest efficacy in controlling M. majus, reducing conidia germination and mycelial growth by up to 97 and 100%, respectively, and reducing the incidence from infested seeds by up to 59%. In two growth chamber experiments, total seedling emergence increased by up to 30 and 59% compared with the control treatments following an application with Chinese galls. Under field conditions, yield increase through Chinese galls, the bacterial product and the warm water treatment was 19, 10 and 37% compared with the untreated control, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of Chinese galls to control M. majus in wheat. Options for improved formulations or combinations of heat‐based treatments with Chinese galls are discussed.
Characterization of Dickeya strains isolated from potato grown under hot‐climate conditions
Authors: Tsror (Lahkim) L. , Ben‐Daniel B. , Chalupowicz L. , van der Wolf J. , Lebiush S. , Erlich O. , Dror O. , Barel V. , Nijhuis E. , Manulis‐Sasson S. 
Published: January 2013

Dickeya strains isolated in Israel in 2006–2010 were characterized by dnaX sequence analysis, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), biochemical assays and pectolytic activity, and found to be homogeneous: most of them could be classified as ‘Dickeya solani’. Of the 34 strains isolated from imported seed tubers or potato plants grown from imported seed, 32 were typed as ‘D. solani’ and only two were characterized as Dickeya dianthicola. Biovar typing indicated that all ‘D. solani’ strains were biovar 3. ‘Dickeya solani’ strains were most closely related to Dickeya dadantii subsp. dieffenbachiae according to PFGE and dnaX analyses and both species exhibited high pectolytic activity. Expression levels of two putative virulence genes, pelL (encoding a pectic enzyme) and dspE (encoding a type III effector) were significantly induced in ‘D. solani’ strains isolated from potato plants or tubers grown in hot climates such as the Negev region in Israel, compared to those isolated from seed tubers imported from the Netherlands, France or Germany. Results of this study support the hypothesis that ‘D. solani’ strains isolated in Israel are also clonal; however, they appear to be more virulent than strains isolated in Europe.
Efficacy of cevimeline vs. pilocarpine in the secretion of saliva: a pilot study
Authors: Brimhall Jae , Jhaveri Malhar A. , Yepes Juan F. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo determine the efficacy and compare the side‐effects of cevimeline and pilocarpine in the secretion of saliva in patients with xerostomia.MethodsA randomized, cross‐over, double blind study was designed. Fifteen patients with diagnosis of xerostomia were assigned to take either 5 mg of pilocarpine or 30 mg of cevimeline three times a day for four weeks. Salivary flow rates were measured during the initial baseline, first and second month appointments. Statistical analysis was carried out with ANOVA and post hoc t‐tests.ResultsTwelve patients completed both medication treatments. Although both medications proved to increase salivary secretion, there was no significant difference between pilocarpine and cevimeline. Also, the perceived side‐effects between the two medications were similar.ConclusionBoth medications increased the secretion of saliva at the end of four weeks. However, there was a slightly higher increment in saliva with pilocarpine. However, the difference was not statistically significant.
Fifteen years of the tropEd Masters in International Health programme: what has it delivered? Results of an alumni survey of masters students in international health
Authors: Gerstel L. , Zwanikken P. A. C. , Hoffman A. , Diederichs C. , Borchert M. , Peterhans B. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesIn 2010–2011, recent graduates (2008 or earlier) of the Masters in International Health (MIH) (as offered by over 30 universities and institutions collaborating in the tropEd network) were surveyed. We aimed to examine whether the competencies gained proved appropriate for alumni's current positions and to develop the programme according to alumni's needs.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to 327 alumni. One hundred and seventy‐seven responded and 99 met the inclusion criteria. We calculated frequency distributions of the answers and performed a bivariate analysis of certain variables.ResultsAlumni feel confident in all areas covered by the MIH. Most competencies acquired are perceived as essential or very relevant to their current position. Many respondents (77%) changed jobs after graduation, mostly from curative care to public health. More African and Asian alumni work in their country of origin (66% and 63%, respectively) than alumni from other continents (42%). The respondents had mostly worked at a national or provincial level, but after graduating mostly worked at international or national level. Alumni said that the network's mobility and flexibility had important advantages and disadvantages.ConclusionsThis is the first alumni survey of the MIH programme offered through the international network tropEd. The results suggest that competencies gained by graduates are relevant for their current careers. We recommend offering better guidance to students planning modules and to improve administration.
Strengthening pharmacy practice in vietnam: findings of a training intervention study
Authors: Minh Pham Duc , Huong Dinh Thi Mai , Byrkit Ramona , Murray Marjorie 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of a training and supportive supervision intervention in strengthening the capacity of pharmacy staff in Vietnam to deliver client‐oriented, accurate healthcare information and appropriate services for childhood diarrhoea and emergency contraceptive pills (ECP).MethodsPre‐ and post‐intervention study using a cross‐sectional design. Pharmacy staff participated in 3 days of training on customer relations, good pharmacy practice, childhood diarrhoea and ECP over a period of 1 month, consisting of lectures, discussion, question‐and‐answer sessions and role‐playing. We compared baseline and 6‐month post‐intervention surveys to ascertain changes in knowledge, attitudes and practice of pharmacists, using univariate statistics to find significant differences.ResultsMore than 1200 pharmacists received training and supportive supervision. After interventions, pharmacy staff knowledge was significantly improved on most of the measured indicators. Knowledge of dehydration symptoms for diarrhoea increased from 19% to 88%, and for side effects of ECP increased from 27% to 77%. While assessment of actual practice revealed that this knowledge was not always used, significant improvement was observed. Before interventions, 12% gave information on dehydration symptoms but 45% did so afterwards. The proportion giving information on side effects of ECP increased from 13% to 54%.ConclusionsProviding a programme of training and supportive supervision is an effective way to improve knowledge and practice of pharmacists at private pharmacies in Vietnam. These improvements have the potential to lead to better community health care.
Intact microtubules are required for the intercellular movement of the SHORT‐ROOT transcription factor
Authors: Wu Shuang , Gallagher Kimberly L. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn both plants and animals, cell‐to‐cell signaling controls key aspects of development. In plants, cells communicate through direct transfer of transcription factors between cells. It is thought that most, if not all, mobile transcription factors move via plasmodesmata, membrane‐lined channels that connect nearly all cells in the plant. However, the mechanisms by which these proteins access the plasmodesmata are not known. Using four independent assays, we examined the movement of the SHORT‐ROOT (SHR) transcription factor under conditions that affect microtubule stability, organization or dynamics. We found that intact microtubules are required for cell‐to‐cell trafficking of SHR. Either chemical or genetic disruption of microtubules results in a significant reduction in SHR transport. Interestingly, inhibition of microtubules also results in mis‐localization of the SHR‐INTERACTING EMBRYONIC LETHAL (SIEL) protein, which has been shown to bind directly to SHR and is required for SHR movement. These results show that microtubules facilitate cell‐to‐cell transport of an endogenous plant protein.
The value of molecular expression of KIT and KIT ligand analysed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry as a prognostic indicator for canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Authors: Costa Casagrande T. A. , de Oliveira Barros L. M. , Fukumasu H. , Cogliati B. , Chaible L. M. , Dagli M. L. Z. , Matera J. M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the correlation between KIT gene expression determined by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and the rate of tumour recurrence and tumour‐related deaths in dogs affected with mast cell tumour (MCT). Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed to compare tumour recurrence and tumour‐related death between patients. The log‐rank test was used to check for significant differences between curves. KIT‐I, KIT‐II and KIT‐III staining patterns were observed in 9 (11.11%), 50 (61.73%) and 22 (27.16%) tumours, respectively. Tumour recurrence rates and tumour‐related deaths were not associated with KIT staining patterns (P = 0278, P > 0.05), KIT (P = 0.289, P > 0.05) or KIT ligand (P = 0.106, P > 0.05) gene expression. Despite the lack of association between KIT staining pattern and patient survival time, the results suggest a correlation between aberrant KIT localization and increased proliferative activity of MCTs. RT‐PCR seems to be a sensible method for quantitative detection of KIT gene expression in canine MCT, although expressions levels are not correlated with prognosis.
Metastatic cancer of unknown primary in 21 dogs
Authors: Rossi F. , Aresu L. , Vignoli M. , Buracco P. , Bettini G. , Ferro S. , Gattino F. , Ghiani F. , Costantino R. , Ressel L. , Bellei E. , Marconato L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe aim of this retrospective study was to describe clinical features, treatment and outcome of 21 dogs with metastatic cancer of unknown primary (MCUP), a biopsy‐proven malignancy being diagnosed at a metastatic stage, in which the anatomical origin of the primary tumour cannot be detected. All dogs underwent total‐body computed tomography. Signalment, type and duration of clinical signs, metastasis site, pathology results, treatment and outcome were recorded. Carcinoma was the most common diagnosis (57.1%), followed by sarcoma, melanoma and mast cell tumour. The median number of disease sites per dog was 2, with bones, lymph nodes, lungs and spleen being the most frequent metastatic locations. The median survival for all dogs was 30 days. Overall, a primary site was not identified in 20 (95.2%) dogs. MCUP encompasses a variety of different pathologic entities and harbours a poor prognosis.
Proving the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for specific elliptic curves of analytic rank zero and one
Authors: Miller Robert L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe describe an algorithm to prove the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjectural formula for any given elliptic curve defined over the rational numbers of analytic rank zero or one. With computer assistance we rigorously prove the formula for 16714 of the 16725 such curves of conductor less than 5000.
Genetic algorithm for optimization in adaptive bus signal priority control
Authors: TU Tran Vu , SANO Kazushi 
Published: January 2013

This paper firstly proposes an improved genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization in adaptive bus signal priority control at signalized intersections. Unlike conventional genetic algorithms with slow convergence speed, this algorithm can increase the convergence speed by utilizing the compensation rule between consecutive signal cycles to narrow new possible generated population spaces. Secondly, the paper would like to present a way to apply the algorithm to a simple adaptive bus signal priority control as well as compare how much the computation time is saved when applying the improved algorithm. Then the research thirdly investigates the efficiency of the proposed algorithm under various flow rate situations. The results show that the improved genetic algorithm can reduce the computation time considerably, by up to 48.39% for the studied case. With high saturation degrees on the cross street, the convergence rate performance of the improved genetic algorithm is significantly good. The figure can be up to 36.2% when compared with the convergence rate of the conventional GA.
Phylogenetic relationships of the family Sphaeromatidae Latreille, 1825 (Crustacea: Peracarida: Isopoda) within Sphaeromatidea based on 18S-rDNA molecular data
Authors: WETZER REGINA , PÉREZ-LOSADA MARCOS , BRUCE NIEL L. 
Published: January 2013

Based on 18S-rDNA sequences of 97 isopods including 18 Sphaeromatidea, we show Sphaeromatidae, Valvifera, Serolidae, and Ancinidae is a well supported clade. The within clade relationships of these taxa are not as definitively demonstrated because taxon sampling for some groups is still limited. In our analyses the Sphaeromatidae are shown to be unequivocally monophyletic. This is contrary to the morphology-based analysis by A. Brandt and G. Poore in 2003, which included only five Sphaeromatidae and found the family to be paraphyletic. The Ancinidae are also upheld, and the Valvifera is the sister taxon to Serolidae. Surprisingly Plakarthrium (Plakarthiidae) is nested within the Sphaeromatidae in most analyses. We point out short-comings in our sampling and suggest areas which would benefit from better sampling. We also review the long and convoluted nomenclatural history of the Sphaeromatidea, Sphaeromatoidea, and Sphaeromatidae.