bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Implication of β-Carotene Hydroxylases in Soybean Nodulation
Authors: Kim Yun-Kyoung , Kim Sunghan , Um Ji-Hyun , Kim Kyunga , Choi Sun-Kang , Um Byung-Hun , Kang Suk-Woo , Kim Jee-Woong , Takaichi Shinichi , Song Seok-Bo , Lee Choon-Hwan , Kim Ho-Seung , Kim Ki Woo , Nam Kyoung Hee , Lee Suk-Ha , Kim Yul-Ho , Park Hyang-Mi , Ha Sun-Hwa , Verma Desh Pal S. , Cheon Choong-Ill 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Legume-Rhizobium spp. symbiosis requires signaling between the symbiotic partners and differential expression of plant genes during nodule development. Previously, we cloned a gene encoding a putative β-carotene hydroxylase (GmBCH1) from soybean (Glycine max) whose expression increased during nodulation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. In this work, we extended our study to three GmBCHs to examine their possible role(s) in nodule development, as they were additionally identified as nodule specific, along with the completion of the soybean genome. In situ hybridization revealed the expression of three GmBCHs (GmBCH1, GmBCH2, and GmBCH3) in the infected cells of root nodules, and their enzymatic activities were confirmed by functional assays in Escherichia coli. Localization of GmBCHs by transfecting Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protoplasts with green fluorescent protein fusions and by electron microscopic immunogold detection in soybean nodules indicated that GmBCH2 and GmBCH3 were present in plastids, while GmBCH1 appeared to be cytosolic. RNA interference of the GmBCHs severely impaired nitrogen fixation as well as nodule development. Surprisingly, we failed to detect zeaxanthin, a product of GmBCH, or any other carotenoids in nodules. Therefore, we examined the possibility that most of the carotenoids in nodules are converted or cleaved to other compounds. We detected the expression of some carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (GmCCDs) in wild-type nodules and also a reduced amount of zeaxanthin in GmCCD8-expressing E. coli, suggesting cleavage of the carotenoid. In view of these findings, we propose that carotenoids such as zeaxanthin synthesized in root nodules are cleaved by GmCCDs, and we discuss the possible roles of the carotenoid cleavage products in nodulation.
Using multiple data sources provides density estimates for endangered Florida panther
Authors: Sollmann Rahel , Gardner Beth , Chandler Richard B. , Shindle David B. , Onorato David P. , Royle Jeffrey Andrew , O'Connell Allan F. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

To assess recovery of endangered species, reliable information on the size and density of the target population is required. In practice, however, this information has proved hard to acquire, especially for large carnivores that exist at low densities, are cryptic and range widely. Many large carnivore species such as the endangered Florida panther Puma concolor coryi lack clear visual features for individual identification; thus, using standard approaches for estimating population size, such as camera‐trapping and capture–recapture modelling, has so far not been possible.

We developed a spatial capture–recapture model that requires only a portion of the individuals in the population to be identifiable, using data from two 9‐month camera‐trapping surveys conducted within the core range of panthers in southwestern Florida. Identity of three radio‐collared individuals was known, and we incorporated their telemetry location data into the model to improve parameter estimates.

The resulting density estimates of 1·51 (±0·81) and 1·46 (±0·76) Florida panthers per 100 km2 for each year are the first estimates for this endangered subspecies and are consistent with estimates for other puma subspecies.

A simulation study showed that estimates of density may exhibit some positive bias but coverage of the true values by 95% credible intervals was nominal.

Synthesis and applications. This approach provides a framework for monitoring the Florida panther – and other species without conspicuous markings – while fully accounting for imperfect detection and varying sampling effort, issues of fundamental importance in the monitoring of wildlife populations.
Comparison of the performance of guaiac‐based and two immunochemical fecal occult blood tests for identifying advanced colorectal neoplasia in Taiwan
Authors: Ou Chi‐Hsing , Kuo Fu‐Chen , Hsu Wen‐Hung , Lu Chien‐Yu , Yu Fang‐Jung , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Wu Ming‐Tsang , Shiea Jentaie , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Hu Huang‐Ming 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the performance of fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) for the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsWe selected participants from a medical center in Taiwan, China from November 2009 to June 2011. All participants underwent screening colonoscopy and were asked to provide their stool samples for qualitative immunochemical FOBT (qlFIT), quantitative immunochemical FOBT (qnFIT) and the guaiac‐based FOBT(GT). The receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to determine the optimal cut‐off value of qnFIT. We measured the detection ability of the FOBT for colonic polypoid lesions.ResultsIn all, 699 participants were enrolled in this study. For qnFIT, we found increased levels of fecal hemoglobin in participants with polyps ≥10 mm (251.0 ng/mL), villous‐containing adenomas (98.7 ng/mL) and advanced adenomas (187.9 ng/mL). The optimal cut‐off value for qnFIT was 25 ng/mL for detecting advanced colorectal neoplasms (ACRN). All three FOBT had a similar but low estimate in detecting small and tubular adenomatous polyps. The qnFIT had a better detection ability for large adenomas (positive likelihood ratio [PLR], 5.6 vs 3.1 vs 0.3) and adenomas with villous‐components (PLR 3.7 vs 3.3 vs 0.3) than qlFIT and GT. For the ACRN group, qnFIT also showed the best screening ability with a sensitivity of 56.8%, accuracy of 86.7% and PLR 5.0.ConclusionsBoth qnFIT and qlFIT perform better than GT in detecting advanced adenomas and CRC in the Taiwanese population.
Initial human experience with Rubidium‐82 renal PET/CT imaging
Authors: Tahari Abdel K , Bravo Paco E , Rahmim Arman , Bengel Frank M , Szabo Zsolt 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionPreclinical data have shown that Rubidium‐82 chloride (82Rb) is a radiotracer with high first pass extraction and slow washout in the kidneys. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of human kidney imaging with 82Rb positron emission tomography (PET) and obtain quantitative data of its uptake non‐invasively.MethodsEight healthy volunteers underwent dynamic PET/CT imaging with 82Rb. A preprogrammed pump was used to insure reproducible injections. Tissue time activity curves were generated from the renal cortex. An input function was derived from the left ventricular blood pool (LVBP), the descending thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta. Renal blood flow was estimated by applying a two‐compartment kinetic model. Results obtained with different input functions were compared.ResultsRadiotracer accumulation was rapid and reached a plateau within 15–30 s after the bolus entered the kidneys. The derived K1 and k2 parameters were reproducible using input functions obtained from diverse vascular locations. K1 averaged 1.98 ± 0.14 mL/min/g. The average k2 was 0.35 ± 0.11/min. Correlation between K1 values obtained from the LVBP from different bed positions when the kidneys and abdominal aorta were in the same field of view was excellent (R = 0.95).ConclusionsNon‐invasive quantitative human kidney imaging with 82Rb PET is feasible. Advantages of renal PET with 82Rb include excellent image quality with high image resolution and contrast. 82Rb has potential as a clinical renal imaging agent in humans.
The effect of Echinacea purpurea on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel
Authors: Goey Andrew K. L. , Meijerman Irma , Rosing Hilde , Burgers Jacobus A. , Mergui‐Roelvink Marja , Keessen Marianne , Marchetti Serena , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H. M. 
Published: May 2013

AimsThe herbal medicine Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) has been shown to induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) both in vitro and in humans. This study explored whether E. purpurea affects the pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A4 substrate docetaxel in cancer patients.MethodsTen evaluable cancer patients received docetaxel (135 mg, 60 min IV infusion) before intake of a commercially available E. purpurea extract (20 oral drops three times daily) and 3 weeks later after a 14 day supplementation period with E. purpurea. In both cycles, pharmacokinetic parameters of docetaxel were determined.ResultsBefore and after supplementation with E. purpurea, the mean area under the plasma concentration–time curve of docetaxel was 3278 ± 1086 and 3480 ± 1285 ng ml−1 h, respectively. This result was statistically not significant. Nonsignificant alterations were also observed for the elimination half‐life (from 30.8 ± 19.7 to 25.6 ± 5.9 h, P = 0.56) and maximum plasma concentration of docetaxel (from 2224 ± 609 to 2097 ± 925 ng ml−1, P = 0.30).ConclusionsThe multiple treatment of E. purpurea did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in this study. The applied E. purpurea product at the recommended dose may be combined safely with docetaxel in cancer patients.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided solely by ultrasonography: a 5‐year study of >700 cases
Authors: Yan Song , Xiang Fei , Yongsheng Song 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) solely guided by ultrasonography (US).
Patients and Methods
From May 2007 to July 2012, 705 24‐F‐tract PCNL procedures were performed (679 patients, of whom 26 had bilateral stones).
Calyceal puncture and dilatation were performed under US guidance in all cases.
The procedure was evaluated for access success, length of postoperative hospital stay, complications (modified Clavien system), stone clearance and the need for auxiliary treatments.
Results
The mean (sd) operating time was 66 (25) min, with a mean (sd) postoperative hospital stay of 3.98 (1.34) days.
The patients experienced a mean (sd) haemoglobin level decrease of 2.24 (2.02) g/day and the overall stone‐free rate at 4 weeks after surgery was 92.6% in patients with a single calculus and 82.9% in patients with staghorn or multiple calculi.
Auxiliary treatments, including shockwave lithotripsy in 52 patients, re‐PCNL in 41 patients and ureteroscopy in 18 patients, were performed 1 week after the primary procedure in 111 (15.7%) cases for residual stones >4 mm in size.
The sensitivities of intra‐operative US‐guidance and flexible nephroscopy for detecting significant residual stones and clinically insignificant residual fragments were 95.3 and 89.1%, respectively.
There were 94 grade 1 (13.3%), 17 grade 2 (2.4%), and two grade 3 (0.3%) complications, but there were no grade 4 or 5 complications.
Conclusion
Total US‐guided PCNL is safe and convenient, and may be performed without any major complications and with the advantage of preventing radiation hazards and damage to adjacent organs.
Positive surgical margins after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy in patients with pT2 and pT3a disease could be considered pathological upstaging
Authors: Ouzzane Adil , Rozet François , Salas Rafael Sanchez , Galiano Marc , Barret Eric , Prapotnich Dominique , Cathelineau Xavier 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To assess the prognostic significance of positive surgical margins (PSMs) after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) in interaction with other established prognosis factors.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively analysed data prospectively collected between 1998 and 2010 for 4628 consecutive patients who underwent MIRP for clinically localized prostate cancer.
The impact of PSM on biochemical recurrence (BCR), defined as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) >0.2 ng/mL, was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.
Estimates of BCR‐free survival were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared among groups using the log‐rank test.
Results
The median follow‐up was 55 months.
On multivariable analysis, PSM was an independent prognostic factor for BCR (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.14 for PSMs vs negative surgical margins (NSMs); 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86–2.45; P < 0.001). Other independent predictors for BCR were preoperative PSA, date of surgery, pT stage, Gleason score and lymph node involvement (all P < 0.001).
The 5‐year BCR‐free probability was 80.6% (95% CI: 79–82.2) for NSMs vs 51% (95% CI: 47–55) for PSMs (log‐rank P < 0.001).
Patients with pT2 and pT3a PSMs had a similar prognosis to those with pT3a and pT3b NSMs, respectively (log‐rank P ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion
A PSM after MIRP is associated with 2.14‐fold increased risk of BCR. In patients with pT2 and pT3a disease, a PSM could be considered a pathological upstaging.
La subsidiarité en droit européen et canadien : Une comparaison
Authors: Arban Erika 
Published: May 2013

SommaireLe principe de subsidiarité, l'un des principes les plus importants en droit européen, est récemment entré dans le débat constitutionnel canadien grâce à des décisions de la Cour suprême en matière de partage de compétences. Après un survol de l'histoire intellectuelle du principe en question, cet article compare la façon dont la subsidiarité a été traitée par la Cour suprême du Canada et par la Cour de justice de l'Union européenne, dans le but de discerner quelles leçons le Canada peut tirer de l'expérience européenne en matière de subsidiarité, en particulier en ce qui concerne les politiques sociales.
Shifting scales of governance and civil society participation in Canada and the European Union
Authors: Laforest Rachel 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article compares how the role and place of civil society groups in multilevel governance have evolved in Canada and the European Union (EU). It argues that, while the scope for engagement of organizations in the EU has broadened, it has been increasingly narrowed in Canada, to the extent that the policy process may be undermined. The article concludes with some insights from the EU experience in order to revive policy coordination in Canada as a governance technique.
The role of citizens in the “soft law” of select social policy areas in Canada and the European Union
Authors: Simmons Julie M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article compares the role of citizens in public reporting exercises of Canada's National Child Benefit and health care service delivery to that of the European Union's open method of coordination (OMC) for social protection and social inclusion. It finds that the institutional infrastructure providing for coordination across social policy areas and possible roles for non‐governmental actors in policy development is more extensive in the OMC than in the “new modes of governance” in Canada. However, there are obstacles to developing such infrastructure in Canada, given the different histories and political contexts of the European community and the functioning of federalism in Canada.
Who pays the piper calls the tune? Comparing Canada's and the European Union's expansionary roles in pensions
Authors: Marier Patrik 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBoth Canada and the European Union (EU) have been active in developing pension policies despite the lack of formal mandates to do so. While the Canadian government used its fiscal powers to expand its role in pension programs when pension emerged as a policy issue, the EU has been strongly limited by its lack of resources, institutional complexities, and the maturity of public pension programs in its member states. The EU experience generates interesting lessons for Canadian policy makers who are dealing with increasingly complex pension issues.
Use of peer assessment in tooth extraction competency
Authors: Ali K. , Heffernan E. , Lambe P. , Coombes L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionPeer assessment is a widely recognised practice in higher education and is being increasingly utilised in healthcare education. It offers multiple advantages and may play a useful role in enhancing students' learning experience. This study was carried out to evaluate the utility of peer assessment in tooth extraction competency in simulated dental learning environment (SDLE).MethodsYear 2 dental students were invited to participate in a formative, peer assessment exercise on forceps tooth extraction in SDLE. The ratings made by peers in the formative assessment were compared with the ratings made by academic supervisors in an equivalent summative assessment.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐two students participated in both the formative and summative assessments. Descriptive statistics demonstrated that the majority of students were given the same rating in both assessments. However, there were a number of students who were rated as ‘Competent’ in one assessment and ‘Not Competent’ in the other assessment. Spearman's Rho correlations showed that there were weak relationships between the formative and summative assessments. There was also weak inter‐rater reliability for the ratings of the peers and academic supervisors, as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient. Feedback from the students and academic supervisors showed unanimously positive perceptions about the peer assessment experience, and they expressed the desire for incorporating peer assessment in other competencies.ConclusionsThis study shows mixed results with regard to the value of the peer assessment. Given the potential utility of peer assessment as a tool to augment and enrich students' learning experience, further work needs to be done to evaluate the use of peer assessment in operative competencies in dentistry.
Signaling mechanism underlying α2A‐adrenergic suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats
Authors: Yi Feng , Liu Shu‐Su , Luo Fei , Zhang Xue‐Han , Li Bao‐Ming 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStimulation of α2A‐adrenoceptors (ARs) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) produces a beneficial effect on cognitive functions such as working memory. A previous study in our laboratory showed that α2A‐AR stimulation suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission in layer V‐VI pyramidal cells of the rat medial PFC (mPFC). However, the intracellular mechanism underlying the α2A‐AR suppression remains unclear. In the present study, we recorded evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (eEPSC) in layer V‐VI pyramidal cells of the mPFC, using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording. We found that the α2A‐AR agonist guanfacine significantly suppresses eEPSC in mPFC pyramidal cells. The α2A‐AR inhibition is mediated by the Gi‐cAMP‐PKA‐PP1‐CaMKII‐AMPAR signaling pathway, as such inhibition no longer exists when each step of this pathway is blocked with NF023, Rp‐cAMP, PKI5–24 or H89, tautomycin, and KN‐62 or KN‐93, respectively.
Effects of Temperature on the Antipredator Behaviour and on the Cholinergic Expression in the European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) Juveniles
Authors: Malavasi Stefano , Cipolato Giacomo , Cioni Carla , Torricelli Patrizia , Alleva Enrico , Manciocco Arianna , Toni Mattia 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this paper, an experimental approach was used to test for the parallel effects of temperature (T) increase on the antipredator behaviour and the cholinergic expression in the juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.). The effects of three T treatments (18, 22 and 26°C) were tested on the main behavioural components of the antipredator response towards live aquatic predators and aerial simulated attacks, whereas brain cholinergic expression was evaluated by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoblotting (Western blot) at the extreme values of the thermal range (18 and 26°C). Antipredator responses towards a live fish were analysed over pre‐exposure and exposure phases within a short temporal scale (20 s before and after the stimulus). The results suggest that T modulates several quantitative components of the antipredator behaviour. The mean shoaling index (shoal cohesiveness) was higher at 22°C than at 18 and 26°C during both the pre‐stimulus and the exposure phase. Conversely, the mean distances from the predator and the tank bottom were, respectively, lower and higher at 26°C than in the other two treatments. In regard to the antipredator response on the aerial stimulus, comparisons across treatments revealed statistically significant differences between fish performing freezing or latency to recovery, suggesting that the fright reaction has a higher persistence at the coldest T (18°C) than at 22 and 26°C. Western blot analysis revealed a reduction in brain ChAT expression in fish acclimated to 26°C compared to those at 18°C. Results were discussed in the light of the relationships between behavioural traits, metabolism and their consequences on the population level, as a response to climate change in coastal habitats.
Population genetics provides new insights into biomarker prevalence in dab (Limanda limanda L.): a key marine biomonitoring species
Authors: Tysklind Niklas , Taylor Martin I. , Lyons Brett P. , Goodsir Freya , McCarthy Ian D. , Carvalho Gary R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBioindicators are species for which some quantifiable aspect of its biology, a biomarker, is assumed to be sensitive to ecosystem health. However, there is frequently a lack of information on the underlying genetic and environmental drivers shaping the spatiotemporal variance in prevalence of the biomarkers employed. Here, we explore the relative role of potential variables influencing the spatiotemporal prevalence of biomarkers in dab, Limanda limanda, a species used as a bioindicator of marine contaminants. Firstly, the spatiotemporal genetic structure of dab around UK waters (39 samples across 15 sites for four years: 2005–2008) is evaluated with 16 microsatellites. Two temporally stable groups are identified corresponding to the North and Irish Seas (average between basin = 0.007; = 0.022). Secondly, we examine the association between biomarker prevalence and several variables, including genetic structuring, age and contaminant exposure. Genetic structure had significant interactive effects, together with age and some contaminants, in the prevalence of some of the biomarkers considered, namely hyperpigmentation and liver lesions. The integration of these data sets enhanced our understanding of the relationship between biomarker prevalence, exposure to contaminants and population‐specific response, thereby yielding more informative predictive models of response and prospects for environmental remediation.