bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diel vertical migration of adult Pacific cod Gadus macrocephalus in Alaska
Authors: Nichol D. G. , Kotwicki S. , Zimmermann M. 
Published: June 2013

The diel vertical migration (DVM) of Pacific cod Gadus macrocephalus was examined using depth and temperature data from 250 recaptured archival tags deployed on G. macrocephalus in the eastern Bering Sea and in the Gulf of Alaska near Kodiak Island. DVM of two types, deeper during daytime (type I) and deeper during night‐time (type II), occurred frequently (15–40% of all days) in G. macrocephalus released at all sites. Most individuals displayed both diel types, with each type of behaviour lasting up to 58 contiguous days, and day and night depth differences averaging c. 8 m. Despite high among‐individual variability, the occurrence of DVM varied significantly with the release site, season (i.e. day‐of‐year) and bottom depth, with the trend in seasonal occurrence nearly opposite for type I compared to type II DVM. No significance could be attributed to G. macrocephalus fork length, sex or ambient (tag) temperature. Trends in the magnitude of G. macrocephalus depth change were observed, with increased movement often occurring during night‐time, dawn and dusk, and at release sites where the bathymetry was more complex. Both type I and type II DVMs were attributed to foraging on prey species that also undergo DVM, and increased vertical movements of G. macrocephalus during crepuscular and night‐time periods were attributed to more active foraging during dim‐light conditions when G. macrocephalus can potentially exploit a sensory advantage over some of their prey.
Independent and Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Weight Loss on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Overweight and Obese Older Adults
Authors: Beavers Kristen M. , Ambrosius Walter T. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Rejeski W. Jack 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the independent effect of long‐term physical activity (PA) and the combined effects of long‐term PA and weight loss (WL) on inflammation in overweight and obese older adults.DesignEighteen‐month randomized, controlled trial.SettingThe community infrastructure of cooperative extension centers.ParticipantsOverweight and obese (body mass index >28.0 kg/m2) community‐dwelling men and women aged 60 to 79 at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).InterventionPhysical activity + weight loss (PA + WL) (n = 98), PA only (n = 97), or successful aging (SA) health education (n = 93) intervention.MeasurementsBiomarkers of inflammation (adiponectin, leptin, high‐sensitivity interleukin (hsIL)‐6, IL‐6sR, IL‐8, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1) were measured at baseline and 6 and 18 months.ResultsAfter adjustment for baseline biomarker, wave, sex, and visit, leptin and hsIL‐6 showed a significant intervention effect. Specifically, leptin was significantly lower in the PA + WL group (21.3 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 19.7–22.9 ng/mL) than in the PA (29.3 ng/mL, 95% CI = 26.9–31.8 ng/mL) or SA (30.3 ng/mL, 95% CI = 27.9–32.8 ng/mL) group (both P < .001), and hsIL‐6 was significantly lower in the PA + WL group (2.1 pg/mL, 95% CI = 1.9–2.3 pg/mL) than in the PA (2.5 pg/mL, 95% CI = 2.3–2.7 pg/mL) or SA (2.4 pg/mL, 95% CI = 2.2–2.6 pg/mL) group (P = .02).ConclusionAddition of dietary‐induced WL to PA reduced leptin and hsIL‐6 more than PA alone and more than a SA intervention in older adults at risk for CVD. Results suggest that WL, rather than increased PA, is the lifestyle factor primarily responsible for improvement in the inflammatory profile.
Polarity, Continuity, and Alignment in Plant Vascular Strands
Authors: Sawchuk Megan G. , Scarpella Enrico 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPlant vascular cells are joined end to end along uninterrupted lines to connect shoot organs with roots; vascular strands are thus polar, continuous, and internally aligned. What controls the formation of vascular strands with these properties? The “auxin canalization hypothesis”—based on positive feedback between auxin flow through a cell and the cell's capacity for auxin transport—predicts the selection of continuous files of cells that transport auxin polarly, thus accounting for the polarity and continuity of vascular strands. By contrast, polar, continuous auxin transport—though required—is insufficient to promote internal alignment of vascular strands, implicating additional factors. The auxin canalization hypothesis was derived from the response of mature tissue to auxin application but is consistent with molecular and cellular events in embryo axis formation and shoot organ development. Objections to the hypothesis have been raised based on vascular organizations in callus tissue and shoot organs but seem unsupported by available evidence. Other objections call instead for further research; yet the inductive and orienting influence of auxin on continuous vascular differentiation remains unique.
Non‐invasive objective evaluation of radiotherapy‐induced dry mouth
Authors: Fujimaki Youko , Tsunoda Koichi , Ishimoto Shin‐Ichi , Okada Kazunari , Kinoshita Makoto , Igaki Hiroshi , Terahara Atsuro , Asakage Takahiro , Yamasoba Tastuya 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundDry mouth is a common complaint in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Here, we employed the oral moisture meter Mucus III to evaluate dry mouth in head and neck tumor patients before and after they underwent radiotherapy.MethodsWe recruited 17 newly diagnosed patients with pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma or unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma, who received head and neck radiation therapy at Tokyo University Hospital in 2008–2010. The primary sites were the epipharynx (n = 1), oropharynx (n = 6), or hypopharynx (n = 5); it was unknown in five cases. Salivary function was assessed by a dry mouth questionnaire, resting saliva test, chewing gum test, and Mucus III, before (n = 17), immediately after radiotherapy (n = 10), and at 3 (n = 9) and 12 months after radiotherapy (n = 11).ResultsThe questionnaire, resting saliva test, and chewing gum test at 3 and 12 months after radiotherapy indicated a significantly decreased resting and stimulated whole saliva flow rate than prior radiotherapy (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). In contrast, Mucus III results showed significant worsening of xerostomia at 12 months after radiotherapy (P < 0.05).ConclusionMucus III has been proven to be an objective diagnostic tool for patients with serious dry mouth, such as in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. However, we did not find a perfect correlation between Mucus III and other objective (resting saliva and chewing gum) and subjective (questionnaire) measures of dry mouth. To precisely diagnose radiotherapy‐induced dry mouth, further improvement to the method is needed.
Utilising infant growth to predict obesity status at 5 years
Authors: Gittner Lisaann S , Ludington‐Hoe Susan M , Haller Harold S 
Published: June 2013

AimThis study determines if an early life growth pattern in healthy infants can predict obesity at age 5.MethodsRandomly selected from all healthy children born from 1997 to 2001 in a Midwestern US Health Maintenance Organization; growth patterns from birth to 5 years were described for children who were categorised by obesity classification at 5 years into normal weight (n = 61), overweight (n = 47), obese (n = 41) and morbidly obese (n = 72) cohorts using World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) criteria. A retrospective longitudinal analysis based on weighted least squares was performed on BMI by age (1 week; 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months; and 2, 3, 4 and 5 years). Graphs of the longitudinal repeated measures analysis of variance of means allowed identification of the earliest significant divergence of a cohort's average BMI pattern from other cohorts' patterns.ResultsDistinctions in growth patterns and BMIs were evident before 1‐year post‐birth. Children who were obese or morbidly obese at 5 years demonstrated a BMI pattern that differed from children who were normal weight at 5 years.ConclusionsIdentifying obesity development in early life may assist with prevention of later obesity. The results merit future study. An early life BMI growth pattern is clinically important because it permits discrimination of those who do and do not fit a normal weight pattern, guiding individualised interventions in the first year of life while precursors of later health are still forming.
The low birthweight, term infant and the need for admission to special care nurseries
Authors: Parry Michael , Davies Mark W 
Published: June 2013

AimWe aimed to determine, in full‐term newborns born between 2000 and 2499 g, what proportion develop problems or the need for interventions that would likely require admission to a special care nursery (SCN) (i.e. needed an intravenous line (IV) or a nasogastric tube (NGT).MethodsA multicentre, retrospective audit of all babies born from 1 January to 30 June 2011 was used. Eligible babies were term, inborn at one of four centres in south‐east Queensland, with a birthweight between 2000 and 2499 g.ResultsThe cohort of 98 babies had a mean (SD) birthweight of 2340 (122.3) g and a mean (SD) gestational age of 38.3 (1.0) weeks. Forty‐three had at least one low temperature, 55 had at least one low blood glucose, 35 had an NGT, 22 had an IV cannula. In the entire cohort, 48 babies (49%) required either an IV cannula or an NGT. Fifteen per cent had a second problem (either low blood glucose or low temperature) at a median (interquartile range) age of 11 (5.5–25.5) h: none required a second NGT or IV. The proportion of babies that required either an NGT or an IV was larger in the 2000–2199 g group (P = 0.026).ConclusionsAbout half of the babies born with a birthweight of 2000–2499 g will require some intervention that will require them to be admitted to a SCN. However, about half would be able to avoid an SCN admission if they are well and admitted to the post‐natal ward.
Optimal Taxation and Monopsonistic Labor Market: Does Monopsony Justify the Minimum Wage?
Authors: CAHUC PIERRE , LAROQUE GUY 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDoes monopsony on the labor market in itself justify the implementation of a minimum wage when it would not be used in a competitive economy? This issue is studied in a model of optimal taxation. We find that there is no room for the minimum wage when there are a continuum of skills with no isolated mass point at the bottom of the wage distribution. Accordingly, in the empirically relevant situation, where there is a continuum of wages at the bottom of the distribution, the minimum wage is not helpful.
Phospho‐regulation and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of CrzA in response to calcium and alkaline‐pH stress in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Hernández‐Ortiz Patricia , Espeso Eduardo A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTolerance to abiotic stresses by microorganisms require of appropriate signalling and regulatory pathways. Calcineurin phosphatases mediate calcium‐dependent signalling pathways which are widely distributed among phylogeny. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, calcineurin mediates the post‐translational modification of downstream effectors, most of them transcription factors, being the best‐characterized calcineurin‐regulated zinc‐finger factor 1, Crz1p. Here we study the signalling process of CrzA, a filamentous fungal Crz orthologue, in response to calcium and ambient‐pH alkalinization. In Aspergillus nidulans resting cells CrzA locates in the cytoplasm being excluded from nuclei. CrzA is a phospho‐protein and upon calcium, manganese or alkaline‐pH stresses, accumulates in nuclei in a calcineurin‐dependent manner. Functional analysis of CrzA defined the presence of a nuclear‐export and two nuclear‐localization signals as well as a PSINVE sequence that constitutes the major calcineurin‐docking domain. First 450 amino acids of CrzA contain these functional motifs and in this region is where phosphorylated residues locate. Different phosphorylation steps are identified in CrzA and activities of casein kinase 1 homologue, CkiA, and of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, identified for the first time here as GskA, are involved. The phospho‐signalling process and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of CrzA shows similarities to those described in yeast for Crz1p homologues and of NFATs in mammals.
Morphogenesis of Plasmodium zoites is uncoupled from tensile strength
Authors: Tremp Annie Z. , Carter Victoria , Saeed Sadia , Dessens Johannes T. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryA shared feature of the motile stages (zoites) of malaria parasites is a cortical cytoskeletal structure termed subpellicular network (SPN), thought to define and maintain cell shape. Plasmodium alveolins comprise structural components of the SPN, and alveolin gene knockout causes morphological abnormalities that coincide with markedly reduced tensile strength of the affected zoites, indicating the alveolins are prime cell shape determinants. Here, we characterize a novel SPN protein of Plasmodium berghei ookinetes and sporozoites named G2 (glycine at position 2), which is structurally unrelated to alveolins. G2 knockout abolishes parasite transmission and causes zoite malformations and motility defects similar to those observed in alveolin null mutants. Unlike alveolins, however, G2 contributes little to tensile strength, arguing against a cause‐effect relationship between tensile strength and cell shape. We also show that G2 null mutant sporozoites display an abnormal arrangement of their subpellicular microtubules. These results provide important new understanding of the factors that determine zoite morphogenesis, as well as the potential roles of the cortical cytoskeleton in gliding motility.
Altered colonic function and microbiota profile in a mouse model of chronic depression
Authors: Park A. J. , Collins J. , Blennerhassett P. A. , Ghia J. E. , Verdu E. F. , Bercik P. , Collins S. M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundDepression often coexists with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is characterized by alterations in gut function. There is emerging evidence that the microbial composition (microbiota) of the gut is altered in IBS, but the basis for this is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether the induction of chronic depression results in changes in the colonic function and in its microbial community, and to explore underlying mechanisms.MethodsBilateral olfactory bulbectomy (OBx) was used to induce depression‐like behavior in mice. Colonic function was assessed by measuring muscle contractility, pellet excretion, c‐fos activity, and serotonin levels. Microbiota profiles were obtained using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The hypothalamic‐pituitary axis (HPA) was assessed by the hypothalamic expression of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH). In separate studies, mice without OBx received CRH via intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion for 4 weeks prior to assessing colonic function and microbiota profiles.Key ResultsOlfactory bulbectomy mice demonstrated chronic depression‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors associated with elevated central CRH expression and increases in c‐Fos activity, serotonin levels, and motility in the colon. These changes were accompanied by an altered intestinal microbial profile. Central CRH administration produced similar changes in behavior and motility and altered the microbiota profile in the colon.Conclusions & InferencesThe induction of chronic depression alters motor activity and the microbial profile in the colon likely via activation of the HPA. These findings provide a basis for linking the behavioral and gastrointestinal manifestations of IBS.
Molecular control of normal and acrocona mutant seed cone development in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and the evolution of conifer ovule‐bearing organs
Authors: Carlsbecker Annelie , Sundström Jens F. , Englund Marie , Uddenberg Daniel , Izquierdo Liz , Kvarnheden Anders , Vergara‐Silva Francisco , Engström Peter 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Reproductive organs in seed plants are morphologically divergent and their evolutionary history is often unclear. The mechanisms controlling their development have been extensively studied in angiosperms but are poorly understood in conifers and other gymnosperms. Here, we address the molecular control of seed cone development in Norway spruce, Picea abies.

We present expression analyses of five novel MADS‐box genes in comparison with previously identified MADS and LEAFY genes at distinct developmental stages. In addition, we have characterized the homeotic transformation from vegetative shoot to female cone and associated changes in regulatory gene expression patterns occurring in the acrocona mutant.

The analyses identified genes active at the onset of ovuliferous and ovule development and identified expression patterns marking distinct domains of the ovuliferous scale. The reproductive transformation in acrocona involves the activation of all tested genes normally active in early cone development, except for an AGAMOUS‐LIKE6/SEPALLATA (AGL6/SEP) homologue. This absence may be functionally associated with the nondeterminate development of the acrocona ovule‐bearing scales.

Our morphological and gene expression analyses give support to the hypothesis that the modern cone is a complex structure, and the ovuliferous scale the result of reductions and compactions of an ovule‐bearing axillary short shoot in cones of Paleozoic conifers.
Sociocultural characteristics, obesity and inflammatory biomarkers in Puerto Rican toddlers born in New York City
Authors: Kannan Srimathi , Acosta Luis M. , Acevedo‐Garcia Dolores , Divjan Adnan , Bracero Luis A. , Perzanowski Matthew S. , Chew Ginger L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the USA, Puerto Rican children have a higher prevalence of asthma than other Latino ethnicities, and acculturation is one of hypothesized reasons for this difference. We examined associations between sociocultural characteristics and serum leptin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and body mass index (BMI), and further, among hsCRP, leptin levels, BMI percentiles, and allergic sensitization in 2‐year‐old children.MethodsIgE antibodies, leptin, and hsCRP concentrations were measured in serum from Puerto Rican toddlers (n = 143) born in New York City with a maternal history of allergy and/or asthma. Demographic and home characteristics questionnaires were administered to the mother, postpartum and two years later. Children's weight and height were measured to determine BMI percentiles.ResultsMore girls (60%) had leptin levels above the median compared with boys (37%) (p = 0.0063). Leptin was positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.25; p = 0.0042). Children in daycare were more likely to be obese (40% vs. 24% p < 0.06). Maternal birthplace was significantly associated with children's leptin but not with hsCRP. Leptin levels were lower for children whose mothers were born on the US mainland (GM = 2.5 ng/ml, 95% CI [2.2–2.7]) compared with those whose mothers were born in Puerto Rico or another country (GM = 3.2 ng/ml, 95% CI [2.2–3.9], t‐test p = 0.01). Mothers born in another country were more likely than those born in the US mainland or Puerto Rico to have obese children (60% vs. 26% p < 0.02). Leptin, hsCRP, and BMI percentile were not associated with sensitization to any of the measured inhalant allergens or total IgE.ConclusionEven at a very young age, some acculturation factors were associated with biomarkers and anthropometric measures of obesity among this Puerto Rican pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the association of mother's birth place with child BMI and leptin as early as 24 months.
Safety of food challenges to extensively heated egg in egg‐allergic children: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Turner Paul J. , Mehr Sam , Joshi Preeti , Tan John , Wong Melanie , Kakakios Alyson , Campbell Dianne E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundMany children with IgE‐mediated allergy to egg can tolerate egg in baked foods. However, the clinical characteristics and severity of reactions of egg‐allergic children who react to baked egg at open food challenge (OFC) are not well defined.MethodsChildren presenting to our tertiary referral clinic with a diagnosis of egg allergy and following complete egg avoidance in their diet were offered OFC to baked egg. Challenges were performed with incremental dosages to a total of one baked muffin containing 1/6 egg (equivalent to 1 g egg protein) following a standardized protocol. Data were collected prospectively from 2009–2012.ResultsOpen food challenge to baked egg were carried out on 236 egg‐allergic children who had been strictly avoiding egg in their diet. A total of 150 children (64%) passed and successfully incorporated baked egg into their diet. Eighty‐six children (36%) reacted to their challenge. Of these, 12 (14%) experienced anaphylaxis (according to WAO criteria), including four to <100 mg extensively heated egg protein. Intramuscular adrenaline was administered to 5 of the 12 children, one of whom required a second dose due to persistent hypotension. Skin prick testing, asthma, or prior egg anaphylaxis were not predictive of challenge outcome.ConclusionThe majority of children with IgE‐mediated allergy to egg were able to tolerate 1 g of baked egg protein, but the outcome of OFC remained unpredictable, and 14% of children who failed OFC reacted with anaphylaxis. We recommend that OFC to baked egg should take place under medical supervision.
Influence of maternal and cord blood C‐reactive protein on childhood respiratory symptoms and eczema
Authors: Sonnenschein‐van der Voort Agnes M. M. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Moll Henriëtte A. , Hofman Albert , van der Valk Ralf J. P. , de Jongste Johan C. , Duijts Liesbeth 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory processes during pregnancy might affect fetal lung development and immune responses. We examined the associations of maternal and cord blood C‐reactive protein levels with respiratory symptoms and eczema in preschool children.MethodsThis study was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study of 4984 children. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effect of C‐reactive protein levels on respiratory symptoms or eczema. C‐reactive protein levels were measured during early pregnancy and at birth. Wheezing, lower respiratory tract infections, and eczema until the age of 4 yr were annually obtained by questionnaires.ResultsMaternal C‐reactive protein was not associated with the risks of wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections. Compared to children with maternal C‐reactive protein in the lowest quarter, children in the highest quarter had increased risks of eczema OR 1.20 (1.03, 1.40). Compared to children with cord blood C‐reactive protein lower than 0.20 mg/l, those with levels higher than 0.20 mg/l had increased risks of wheezing, OR 1.21 (1.07, 1.36), and lower respiratory tract infections, OR 1.21 (1.05, 1.39), but not of eczema.ConclusionsOur results suggest that elevated maternal C‐reactive protein in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of eczema, and C‐reactive protein in cord blood with a higher risk of wheezing and lower respiratory tract infections in the first 4 yrs.