bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eye–voice span during rapid automatized naming of digits and dice in Chinese normal and dyslexic children
Authors: Pan Jinger , Yan Ming , Laubrock Jochen , Shu Hua , Kliegl Reinhold 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe measured Chinese dyslexic and control children's eye movements during rapid automatized naming (RAN) with alphanumeric (digits) and symbolic (dice surfaces) stimuli. Both types of stimuli required identical oral responses, controlling for effects associated with speech production. Results showed that naming dice was much slower than naming digits for both groups, but group differences in eye‐movement measures and in the eye–voice span (i.e. the distance between the currently fixated item and the voiced item) were generally larger in digit‐RAN than in dice‐RAN. In addition, dyslexics were less efficient in parafoveal processing in these RAN tasks. Since the two RAN tasks required the same phonological output and on the assumption that naming dice is less practiced than naming digits in general, the results suggest that the translation of alphanumeric visual symbols into phonological codes is less efficient in dyslexic children. The dissociation of the print‐to‐sound conversion and phonological representation suggests that the degree of automaticity in translation from visual symbols to phonological codes in addition to phonological processing per se is also critical to understanding dyslexia.
What aspects of rehabilitation provision contribute to self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation one year after stroke – amount, place, operator or timing?
Authors: Tistad Malin , von Koch Lena , Sjöstrand Christina , Tham Kerstin , Ytterberg Charlotte 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveTo a large extent, people who have suffered a stroke report unmet needs for rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of rehabilitation provision that potentially contribute to self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation 12 months after stroke with consideration also to severity of stroke.MethodsThe participants (n = 173) received care at the stroke units at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Using a questionnaire, the dependent variable, self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation, was collected at 12 months after stroke. The independent variables were four aspects of rehabilitation provision based on data retrieved from registers and structured according to four aspects: amount of rehabilitation, service level (day care rehabilitation, primary care rehabilitation and home‐based rehabilitation), operator level (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist) and time after stroke onset. Multivariate logistic regression analyses regarding the aspects of rehabilitation were performed for the participants who were divided into three groups based on stroke severity at onset.ResultsParticipants with moderate/severe stroke who had seen a physiotherapist at least once during each of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd–4th quarters of the first year (OR 8.36, CI 1.40–49.88 P = 0.020) were more likely to report met rehabilitation needs.ConclusionFor people with moderate/severe stroke, continuity in rehabilitation (preferably physiotherapy) during the first year after stroke seems to be associated with self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation.
Geographic patterns of low‐polymorphic enzyme‐encoding genes allelic variation in Aegilops tauschii
Authors: DUDNIKOV Alexander Ju. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAllele variation of ten low‐polymorphic enzyme‐encoding genes were analyzed among 349 accessions of Aegilops tauschii Coss., 183 of ssp. tauschii and 166 of ssp. strangulata (Eig) Tzvelev, representing all the species area. The data obtained indicated that both of these subspecies had originated and occupied their areas in ancient times. In ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata geographic occurrence of rare allozymes was sporadic and rather even through the subspecies areas. The probability of finding a rare allele of some of the ten loci studied in Ae. tauschii accession was also similar in the two subspecies and made up 0.066 and 0.060 for ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata, respectively. In both ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata an accession was found (k‐1954 and t‐91s, respectively) having more than one rare allele. Both accessions are of Caucasian origin, indicating that Ae. tauschii originated in this geographic region. Geographic distribution of rare allozymes occurrences reveals that genetic exchange between ssp. tauschii and ssp. strangulata takes place. Also this distribution indicates that in Ae. tauschii the same allozymes could have originated independently in different local populations: there are examples when the same rare allele was found in local populations located geographically very far from one another and belonging to different subspecies. Therefore it seems that the genetic system of Ae. tauschii local populations are in stochastic steady state. This makes this species a perfect model object for the studies of genetic basis of adaptive divergence.
Selection on QTL and complex traits in complex environments
Authors: Mitchell‐Olds Thomas 
Published: June 2013

Understanding genetic variation for complex traits in heterogeneous environments is a fundamental problem in biology. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Fournier‐Level et al. () analyse quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing ecologically important phenotypes in mapping populations of Arabidopsis thaliana grown in four habitats across its native European range. They used causal modelling to quantify the selective consequences of life history and morphological traits and QTL on components of fitness. They found phenology QTL colocalizing with known flowering time genes as well as novel loci. Most QTL influenced fitness via life history and size traits, rather than QTL having direct effects on fitness. Comparison of phenotypes among environments found no evidence for genetic trade‐offs for phenology or growth traits, but genetic trade‐offs for fitness resulted because flowering time had opposite fitness effects in different environments. These changes in QTL effects and selective consequences may maintain genetic variation among populations.
Overweight and television and computer habits in Swedish school‐age children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Garmy Pernilla , Clausson Eva K. , Nyberg Per , Jakobsson Ulf 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents (6–16 years), and relationships between being overweight and sleep, experiencing of fatigue, enjoyment of school, and time spent in watching television and in sitting at the computer. Trained school nurses measured the weight and height of 2891 children aged 6, 7, 10, 14, and 16, and distributed a questionnaire to them regarding television and computer habits, sleep, and enjoyment of school. Overweight, obesity included, was present in 16.1% of the study population. Relationships between lifestyle factors and overweight were studied using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Having a bedroom television and spending more than 2 h a day watching television were found to be associated with overweight (OR 1.26 and 1.55 respectively). No association was found between overweight and time spent at the computer, short sleep duration, enjoyment of school, tiredness at school, or difficulties in sleeping and waking up. It is recommended that the school health service discuss with pupils their media habits so as to promote their maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Nitrogen deprivation promotes Populus root growth through global transcriptome reprogramming and activation of hierarchical genetic networks
Authors: Wei Hairong , Yordanov Yordan S. , Georgieva Tatyana , Li Xiang , Busov Victor 
Published: June 2013

Summary

We show a distinct and previously poorly characterized response of poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) roots to low nitrogen (LN), which involves activation of root growth and significant transcriptome reprogramming.

Analysis of the temporal patterns of enriched ontologies among the differentially expressed genes revealed an ordered assembly of functionally cohesive biological events that aligned well with growth and morphological responses. A core set of 28 biological processes was significantly enriched across the whole studied period and 21 of these were also enriched in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana during the LN response. More than half (15) of the 28 processes belong to gene ontology (GO) terms associated with signaling and signal transduction pathways, suggesting the presence of conserved signaling mechanisms triggered by LN.

A reconstruction of genetic regulatory network analysis revealed a sub‐network centered on a PtaNAC1 (P. tremula × alba NAM, ATAF, CUC 1) transcription factor. PtaNAC1 root‐specific up‐regulation increased root biomass and significantly changed the expression of the connected hub genes specifically under LN.

Our results provide evidence that the root response to LN involves hierarchically structured genetic networks centered on key regulatory factors. Targeting these factors via genetic engineering or breeding approaches can allow dynamic adjustment of root architecture in response to variable nitrogen availabilities in the soil.
Woody clockworks: circadian regulation of night‐time water use in Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Díaz‐Sierra Rubén , Goulden Michael L. , Barton Craig V. M. , Boer Matthias M. , Gessler Arthur , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Pfautsch Sebastian , Tissue David T. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

The role of the circadian clock in controlling the metabolism of entire trees has seldom been considered. We tested whether the clock influences nocturnal whole‐tree water use.

Whole‐tree chambers allowed the control of environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity). Night‐time stomatal conductance (gs) and sap flow (Q) were monitored in 6‐ to 8‐m‐tall Eucalyptus globulus trees during nights when environmental variables were kept constant, and also when conditions varied with time. Artificial neural networks were used to quantify the relative importance of circadian regulation of gs and Q.

Under a constant environment, gs and Q declined from 0 to 6 h after dusk, but increased from 6 to 12 h after dusk. While the initial decline could be attributed to multiple processes, the subsequent increase is most consistent with circadian regulation of gs and Q.

We conclude that endogenous regulation of gs is an important driver of night‐time Q under natural environmental variability. The proportion of nocturnal Q variation associated with circadian regulation (23–56%) was comparable to that attributed to vapor pressure deficit variation (25–58%). This study contributes to our understanding of the linkages between molecular and cellular processes related to circadian regulation, and whole‐tree processes related to ecosystem gas exchange in the field.
Body mass index and risk of pneumonia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Phung D. T. , Wang Z. , Rutherford S. , Huang C. , Chu C. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe aims of our meta‐analysis were to examine the pattern and gender's influence on body mass index (BMI) – pneumonia relationship. Published studies were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases using keywords of pneumonia, BMI and epidemiologic studies. Random‐effects analysis was applied to estimate pooled effect sizes from individual studies. The Cochrane Q‐test and index of heterogeneity (I2) were used to evaluate heterogeneity, and Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias. Random‐effects meta‐regression was applied to examine the pattern and gender's influence on BMI–pneumonia relationship.A total of 1,531 studies were initially identified, and 25 studies finally were included. The pooled relative risk (RR) and meta‐regression model revealed a J‐shaped relationship between BMI and risk of community‐acquired pneumonia (underweight, RR 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.2, P < 0.01; overweight, 0.89, 95%CI, 0.8–1.03, P, 0.1; obesity, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.8–1.3, p. 8) and U‐shaped relationship between BMI and risk of influenza‐related pneumonia (underweight, RR 1.9, 95% CI, 1.2–3, P < 0.01; overweight, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.79–0.99, P, 0.03; obesity, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.05–1.63, p. 2; morbidity obesity, 4.6, 95% CI, 2.2–9.8, P < 0.01); whereas, no difference in risk of nosocomial pneumonia was found across the BMI groups. Gender difference did not make significant contribution in modifying BMI–pneumonia risk relationship.
HIF‐1α, VEGF, and EGFR: contributing factors in the pathogenesis of necrotizing sialometaplasia
Authors: Allon I , Kaplan I , Allon DM , Vered H , Shlomi B , Hirshberg A 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesNecrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is an uncommon reactive lesion involving the minor salivary glands. This study aimed to investigate the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor alpha (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis of NS.MethodsParaffin‐embedded tissue sections from 10 cases of NS were immunohistochemically stained for HIF‐1α, VEGF, and EGFR. A semiquantitative morphometric analysis was performed and compared with normal palatal salivary glands and traumatic ulcerations.ResultsHypoxia‐inducible factor alpha staining was observed in most elements of the affected area, the acini and ducts of the involved salivary glands as well as in the inflammatory infiltrate, the endothelial cells, and stromal cells. HIF‐1α was almost absent in the control glands (P < 0.0001). VEGF staining was positive in the stromal capillaries and in the inflammatory infiltrate. The expression was higher in cases of NS compared with the normal salivary glands (P < 0.001). EGFR was expressed in the surface epithelium, the pseudo‐epitheliomatous hyperplasia, and the islands of squamous metaplasia. VEGF expression in traumatic ulcerations was lower than that in cases of NS.ConclusionThis study provides molecular evidence to the role of hypoxia in NS; HIF‐1α, the main regulator of hypoxia, was expressed in the infarcted salivary glands, EGFR in the metaplastic epithelium and VEGF in the stromal capillaries, all three components are the key factors induced by hypoxia.
I Can't Make Heads Or Tails Out Of What You Are Saying, So Let's Just Agree To Be Fair
Authors: Carter Rickey E. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAssuming a coin is fair is common place in introductory statistical education. This article offers three approaches to test if a coin is fair. The approaches lend themselves to straightforward simulation studies that can enrich student understanding of joint probability and sample size requirements. Simulation studies comparing the relative merits of the three, or potential other, approaches are an example of problem‐based learning.
Altered Ca2+ concentration, permeability and buffering in the myofibre Ca2+ store of a mouse model of malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Manno Carlo , Figueroa Lourdes , Royer Leandro , Pouvreau Sandrine , Lee Chang Seok , Volpe Pompeo , Nori Alessandra , Zhou Jingsong , Meissner Gerhard , Hamilton Susan L. , Ríos Eduardo 
Published: June 2013

Key points
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) affects the Ca2+ movements that control muscle contraction. We measured Ca2+ movements in skeletal muscle of “Y522S” mice, with a tyrosine‐to‐serine mutation in the RyR channel that causes MH in mice and humans.
In YS cells, [Ca2+] inside the Ca2+ store (sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR) was 45% of that in the wild type (WT), but the SR membrane permeability increased 2‐fold, resulting in Ca2+ release of initially normal value.
During Ca2+release, cytosolic [Ca2+] and SR Ca2+ buffering power evolved differently in YS and WT. These variables became similar in WT exposed to BAPTA, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐dependent inactivation (CDI) of the RyR, suggesting that tyrosine 522 is involved in CDI.
Similar paradoxical observations in YS and WT cells with reduced content of the SR protein calsequestrin, revealed the importance of balance between SR Ca permeability (increased in YS) and storage capability (decreased when calsequestrin is low).
Abstract  Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is linked to mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor, RyR1, the Ca2+ channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. The Y522S MH mutation was studied for its complex presentation, which includes structurally and functionally altered cell ‘cores’. Imaging cytosolic and intra‐SR [Ca2+] in muscle cells of heterozygous YS mice we determined Ca2+ release flux activated by clamp depolarization, permeability (P) of the SR membrane (ratio of flux and [Ca2+] gradient) and SR Ca2+ buffering power (B). In YS cells resting [Ca2+]SR was 45% of the value in normal littermates (WT). P was more than doubled, so that initial flux was normal. Measuring [Ca2+]SR(t) revealed dynamic changes in B(t). The alterations were similar to those caused by cytosolic BAPTA, which promotes release by hampering Ca2+‐dependent inactivation (CDI). The [Ca2+] transients showed abnormal ‘breaks’, decaying phases after an initial rise, traced to a collapse in flux and P. Similar breaks occurred in WT myofibres with calsequestrin reduced by siRNA; calsequestrin content, however, was normal in YS muscle. Thus, the Y522S mutation causes greater openness of the RyR1, lowers resting [Ca2+]SR and alters SR Ca2+ buffering in a way that copies the functional instability observed upon reduction of calsequestrin content. The similarities with the effects of BAPTA suggest that the mutation, occurring near the cytosolic vestibule of the channel, reduces CDI as one of its primary effects. The unstable SR buffering, mimicked by silencing of calsequestrin, may help precipitate the loss of Ca2+ control that defines a fulminant MH event.
Antileishmanial Activity, Uptake, and Biodistribution of an Amphotericin B and Poly(α-Glutamic Acid) Complex
Authors: Mohamed-Ahmed Abeer H. A. , Seifert Karin , Yardley Vanessa , Burrell-Saward Hollie , Brocchini Stephen , Croft Simon L. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

A noncovalent, water-soluble complex of amphotericin B (AMB) and poly(α-glutamic acid) (PGA), with AMB loadings ranging from 25 to 55% (wt/wt) using PGA with a molecular weight range of 50,000 to 70,000, was prepared as a potential new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The AMB-PGA complex was shown to be as active as Fungizone (AMB deoxycholate) against intracellular
Leishmania donovani
amastigotes in differentiated THP-1 cells. The
in vitro
uptake of the AMB-PGA complex by differentiated THP-1 cells was similar to that of Fungizone and higher than that of AmBisome (liposomal AMB). The AMB-PGA complex also displayed a dose-response profile similar to that of AmBisome
in vivo
in BALB/c mice against
L. donovani
, with 50% effective doses (ED
50
s) of 0.24 ± 0.03 mg/kg of body weight for the AMB-PGA complex and 0.24 ± 0.06 mg/kg for AmBisome. A biodistribution study with mice indicated that the AMB-PGA complex cleared more rapidly from plasma than AmBisome, with a comparable low level of distribution to the kidneys.
The Mycoplasma gallisepticum Virulence Factor Lipoprotein MslA Is a Novel Polynucleotide Binding Protein
Authors: Masukagami Yumiko , Tivendale Kelly A. , Mardani Karim , Ben-Barak Idan , Markham Philip F. , Browning Glenn F. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Although lipoproteins of mycoplasmas are thought to play a crucial role in interactions with their hosts, very few have had their biochemical function defined. The gene encoding the lipoprotein MslA in
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
has recently been shown to be required for virulence, but the biochemical function of this gene is not known. Although this gene has no significant sequence similarity to any gene of known function, it is located within an operon in
M. gallisepticum
that contains a homolog of a gene previously shown to be a nonspecific exonuclease. We mutagenized both genes to facilitate expression in
Escherichia coli
and then examined the functions of the recombinant proteins. The capacity of MslA to bind polynucleotides was examined, and we found that the protein bound single- and double-stranded DNA, as well as single-stranded RNA, with a predicted binding site of greater than 1 nucleotide but less than or equal to 5 nucleotides in length. Recombinant MslA cleaved into two fragments
in vitro
, both of which were able to bind oligonucleotides. These findings suggest that the role of MslA may be to act in concert with the lipoprotein nuclease to generate nucleotides for transport into the mycoplasma cell, as the remaining genes in the operon are predicted to encode an ABC transporter.
The effect of multiple chronic conditions on self-rated health, disability and quality of life among the older populations of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: a comparison of two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
Authors: McDaid Olga , Hanly Mark J , Richardson Kathryn , Kee Frank , Kenny Rose Anne , Savva George M 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesMultimorbidity is common in the older population, but the impact of combinations of chronic conditions on disability and quality of life (QoL) is not well known. This analysis explores the effect of specific combinations of chronic diseases on disability, QoL and self-rated health (SRH).DesignWe used data from two population representative cross-sectional studies, the Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey (NIHSWS) 2005 and the Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN) 2007 (conducted in the Republic of Ireland).SettingRandomly selected community-living participants were interviewed at home.ParticipantsA total of 6159 participants aged 50 years and older were included in the analysis.Outcome measuresChronic conditions were classified as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, diabetes or respiratory disease. Interaction terms estimated by logistic regression were used to examine the effects of multiple chronic conditions on disability, SRH and QoL.ResultsEach chronic condition group was correlated with each of the others after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Those from Northern Ireland were more likely to report a limitation in daily activities (45%) compared to those from the Republic of Ireland (21%). Each condition had an independent effect on disability, SRH and QoL, and those with multiple chronic conditions reported the worst outcomes. However, there were no statistically significant positive interactions between chronic condition groups with respect to any outcome.ConclusionsChronic conditions affect individuals largely independent of each other with respect to their effect on disability, SRH and QoL. However, a significant proportion of the population aged 50 years and over across the island of Ireland lives with multimorbidity, and this group is at the highest risk of disability, poor SRH and poor QoL.