bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latent class analysis of diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: Machado de Assis Tália Santana , Rabello Ana , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective  To estimate the sensitivities and specificities of different diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using latent class analysis (LCA).Methods  This study was performed using data from a prospective study conducted in four Brazilian states from May 2004 to May 2007. Five diagnostic tests for VL were evaluated in 285 VL cases and 119 non‐cases: microscopy, indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant K39 antigen (rK39‐ELISA), direct agglutination test (DAT) and the rK39 rapid test.Results  Microscopy showed sensitivity of 77.0% (CI: 71.5–81.5) and specificity of 99.0% (CI: 94.0–99.7). The IFAT and the DAT showed similar sensitivities, 88.3% (CI: 84.0–92.0) and 88.5% (CI: 84.1–92.0), respectively, but the DAT had a higher specificity (95.4%, CI: 89.2–98.1) than did the IFAT (83.0%, CI: 75.0–88.2). The rK39‐ELISA and the rK39 rapid test showed sensitivities of 99.0% (CI: 96.3–99.6) and 94.0% (CI: 90.1–96.3), and specificities of 82.5% (CI: 75.0–88.3) and 100% (CI: 97.0–100.0%), respectively.Conclusions  Considering the lack of an adequate reference standard, LCA proved to be a useful tool in validating diagnostic methods for VL. The DAT and the rK39 rapid test showed better performance. Thus, clinically suspected cases of VL in a Brazilian endemic area could be treated based on the positivity of one of these tests.
A model for risk‐based assessment of Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape) eradication in fields
Authors: PRIDER J , CORRELL R , WARREN P 
Published: August 2012

Prider J, Correll R & Warren P (2012). A model for risk‐based assessment of Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape) eradication in fields. Weed Research52, 526–534.SummaryA method is required for evaluating the progress towards eradication for weeds that are difficult to detect and have a persistent seedbank. The objective of this study was to develop a risk assessment model for fields previously infected by the annual parasitic plant, Phelipanche mutelii (branched broomrape). We analysed presence/absence survey data for fields infested by P. mutelii to estimate the proportions of fields that will return a weed infestation at annual intervals after initial detection. Infested fields in South Australia are subject to quarantine and are the focus of a national weed eradication programme. The model predicted that after 12 years of absent surveys, the probability of a single field returning an infestation was 0.01, which declined to 0.001 after 20 years. These probabilities can be used by managers to assess the risk of declaring a field broomrape‐free after a given number of absent surveys. Simulation modelling reveals the first year following initial detection of the weed is crucial for control, as returning fields in this year have a large influence on the length of the eradication programme. It is predicted that complete eradication of the weed could occur in 38–62 years, with the lower limit achievable by maintaining low numbers of returning fields through effective control and containment.
The Reservation Wage Unemployment Duration Nexus*
Authors: Addison John T. , Machado José A. F. , Portugal Pedro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA thorny problem in identifying the determinants of reservation wages and particularly the role of continued joblessness in their evolution is the simultaneity issue. We deploy a control function approach to the problem that involves conditioning elapsed duration on completed unemployment duration in the reservation wage equation. Our analysis confirms that the use of elapsed duration alone compounds two separate and opposing influences. Only with the inclusion of completed duration is the negative effect of continued joblessness on reservation wages apparent.
The association between clinical oral health and general quality of life: a population‐based study of individuals aged 50–74 in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fontanive Victor , Abegg Claides , Tsakos Georgios , Oliveira Monica 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesFew studies have assessed the impact that oral health status and prosthetic rehabilitation have on the general quality of life (QoL) of individuals and there is a lack of information about the association between prosthetic status and QoL. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between clinical oral health variables and general QoL in individuals aged 50–74 years in Porto Alegre.MethodologyThis cross‐sectional study consisted of 720 participants aged between 50 and 74 years residing in three health districts of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. They were selected through multistage proportional random sampling. Data were collected through (i) interview using structured questionnaire on demographic data and the World Health Organization Abbreviated Instrument for Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL‐BREF) to assess QoL, (ii) oral clinical examination using criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Epidemiological Survey SB/Brazil in 2000. The interviews and clinical examinations were performed at their homes by four pairs of trained and calibrated researchers. The scores of QoL were categorized by their median into low (≤median) and high (>median). The association between outcomes and the factors studied was analysed by Poisson Regression using multiple backward methods, with adjustment for robust variance, and Svyset function scheduled following the stages of the research.ResultsThe physical domain of WHOQOL‐BREF was associated with use of upper prosthesis and educational level. The psychological domain score was related to level of education. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), gender and educational level were associated to the social relations domain. In the environment domain, an association with use and need of lower prosthesis, age and educational level was observed.ConclusionsClinical oral health variables such as DMFT and use and need of prosthesis were associated with general QoL in this population.
Influence of periodontal ligament simulation and splints on strains developing at the cervical area of a tooth crown
Authors: Brosh Tamar , Zary Raviv , Pilo Raphael , Gavish Anat 
Published: August 2012

Many in vitro tooth models do not incorporate periodontal ligament (PDL) simulation. This study presents the influence of physiologically loaded occlusal splints on cervical strains in a model incorporating roots and PDL. Four sets (N = 10) of occlusal splints differing in material (hard/soft) and location (upper/lower) were prepared for first maxillary and mandibular anatomic molars. Two strain gauges were bonded to the buccal and lingual aspects of the lower molar. Teeth were embedded in acrylic resin with/without a PDL‐simulating material. Force vs. strain data were acquired during loading and the maximal strains at 500 N were analyzed. When PDL was incorporated into the model without splints, buccal compressive strains were significantly decreased. Usage of a soft splint resulted in compressive strains on both tooth aspects. Usage of a hard splint on the lower tooth resulted in higher compressive strains on the lingual side compared with the buccal side, whereas usage of this splint on the upper tooth resulted in tensile strains on the lingual side. Bending towards the buccal side occurred when the splints were located on the upper tooth. Soft splints reduce buccal bending, but do not reduce cervical strains. Periodontal ligament stimulation materials should therefore be incorporated in models involving teeth.
Sociological Theory of Religion
Authors: Goldstein Warren S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the sociological theory of religion‐ that is, the sociological theory that is used to guide the empirical research in the sociology of religion. Mainstream sociological theory of religion went through four distinct phases: 1) classical (Emile Durkheim and Max Weber) 2) the old paradigm 3) the new paradigm 4) the neo‐secularization paradigm. The article concludes by calling for a critical perspective, which while prevalent in religious studies and the other subfields of sociology is absent from the sociological study of religion.
Chemometric Characterization of Sunflower Seeds
Authors: Monferrere Gastón Lancelle , Azcarate Silvana Mariela , Cantarelli Miguel Ángel , Funes Israel German , Camiña José Manuel 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The spectroscopic characterization of different varieties of sunflower seeds based on their oleic acid content is proposed. One hundred fifty samples of sunflower seeds from different places of Argentina were analyzed by near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS). Seed samples were grounded and sieved without chemical treatment previous to the analysis. For the characterization, the used multivariate methods were: principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). By using PCA, CA, and LDA, and from the point of view of varieties of sunflower seeds, 2 groups were differentiated, based on the concentration of oleic acid: a low oleic group, which ranged from 15% to 25% w/w oleic acid; and the other one (mid‐high oleic varieties) which ranged from 26% to 90% w/w oleic acid. However, by using the PLS‐DA, 3 groups were correctly differentiated based on the concentration of oleic acid: low oleic (from 15% to 25% w/w oleic acid); mid oleic (26% to 76% w/w oleic acid); and high oleic (≥ than 77% w/w oleic acid), demonstrating the high classification ability of this method. This multivariate characterization of sunflower seed varieties did not require chromatographic analysis to generate the matrix of concentrations, and only direct measures of NIRDRS spectra were required. This characterization can be useful to quickly know the variety of sunflower seed in the grain market.Practical Applications:  This manuscript describes a method to determine 3 varieties of sunflower seeds (high, mid, and low oleic) The advantage of this method is to avoid the use of techniques that require long‐time analysis.
Versatile roles of Arabidopsis plastid ribosomal proteins in plant growth and development
Authors: Romani Isidora , Tadini Luca , Rossi Fabio , Masiero Simona , Pribil Mathias , Jahns Peter , Kater Martin , Leister Dario , Pesaresi Paolo 
Published: August 2012

SummaryA lack of individual plastid ribosomal proteins (PRPs) can have diverse phenotypic effects in Arabidopsis thaliana, ranging from embryo lethality to compromised vitality, with the latter being associated with photosynthetic lesions and decreases in the expression of plastid proteins. In this study, reverse genetics was employed to study the function of eight PRPs, five of which (PRPS1, ‐S20, ‐L27, ‐L28 and ‐L35) have not been functionally characterised before. In the case of PRPS17, only leaky alleles or RNA interference lines had been analysed previously. PRPL1 and PRPL4 have been described as essential for embryo development, but their mutant phenotypes are analysed in detail here. We found that PRPS20, ‐L1, ‐L4, ‐L27 and ‐L35 are required for basal ribosome activity, which becomes crucial at the globular stage and during the transition from the globular to the heart stage of embryogenesis. Thus, lack of any of these PRPs leads to alterations in cell division patterns, and embryo development ceases prior to the heart stage. PRPL28 is essential at the latest stages of embryo–seedling development, during the greening process. PRPS1, ‐S17 and ‐L24 appear not to be required for basal ribosome activity and the organism can complete its entire life cycle in their absence. Interestingly, despite the prokaryotic origin of plastids, the significance of individual PRPs for plant development cannot be predicted from the relative phenotypic severity of the corresponding mutants in prokaryotic systems.
FtsHi1/ARC1 is an essential gene in Arabidopsis that links chloroplast biogenesis and division
Authors: Kadirjan‐Kalbach Deena K. , Yoder David W. , Ruckle Michael E. , Larkin Robert M. , Osteryoung Katherine W. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe Arabidopsis arc1 (accumulation and replication of chloroplasts 1) mutant has pale seedlings and smaller, more numerous chloroplasts than the wild type. Previous work has suggested that arc1 affects the timing of chloroplast division but does not function directly in the division process. We isolated ARC1 by map‐based cloning and discovered it encodes FtsHi1 (At4g23940), one of several FtsHi proteins in Arabidopsis. These poorly studied proteins resemble FtsH metalloproteases important for organelle biogenesis and protein quality control but are presumed to be proteolytically inactive. FtsHi1 bears a predicted chloroplast transit peptide and localizes to the chloroplast envelope membrane. Phenotypic studies showed that arc1 (hereafter ftsHi1‐1), which bears a missense mutation, is a weak allele of FtsHi1 that disrupts thylakoid development and reduces de‐etiolation efficiency in seedlings, suggesting that FtsHi1 is important for chloroplast biogenesis. Consistent with this finding, transgenic plants suppressed for accumulation of an FtsHi1 fusion protein were often variegated. A strong T‐DNA insertion allele, ftsHi1‐2, caused embryo‐lethality, indicating that FtsHi1 is an essential gene product. A wild‐type FtsHi1 transgene rescued both the chloroplast division and pale phenotypes of ftsHi1‐1 and the embryo‐lethal phenotype of ftsHi1‐2. FtsHi1 overexpression produced a subtle increase in chloroplast size and decrease in chloroplast number in wild‐type plants while suppression led to increased numbers of small chloroplasts, providing new evidence that FtsHi1 negatively influences chloroplast division. Taken together, our analyses reveal that FtsHi1 functions in an essential, envelope‐associated process that may couple plastid development with division.
Evolutionary force of AT‐rich repeats to trap genomic and episomal DNAs into the rice genome: lessons from endogenous pararetrovirus
Authors: Liu Ruifang , Koyanagi Kanako O. , Chen Sunlu , Kishima Yuji 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn plant genomes, the incorporation of DNA segments is not a common method of artificial gene transfer. Nevertheless, various segments of pararetroviruses have been found in plant genomes in recent decades. The rice genome contains a number of segments of endogenous rice tungro bacilliform virus‐like sequences (ERTBVs), many of which are present between AT dinucleotide repeats (ATrs). Comparison of genomic sequences between two closely related rice subspecies, japonica and indica, allowed us to verify the preferential insertion of ERTBVs into ATrs. In addition to ERTBVs, the comparative analyses showed that ATrs occasionally incorporate repeat sequences including transposable elements, and a wide range of other sequences. Besides the known genomic sequences, the insertion sequences also represented DNAs of unclear origins together with ERTBVs, suggesting that ATrs have integrated episomal DNAs that would have been suspended in the nucleus. Such insertion DNAs might be trapped by ATrs in the genome in a host‐dependent manner. Conversely, other simple mono‐ and dinucleotide sequence repeats (SSR) were less frequently involved in insertion events relative to ATrs. Therefore, ATrs could be regarded as hot spots of double‐strand breaks that induce non‐homologous end joining. The insertions within ATrs occasionally generated new gene‐related sequences or involved structural modifications of existing genes. Likewise, in a comparison between Arabidopsis thaliana and Arabidopsis lyrata, the insertions preferred ATrs to other SSRs. Therefore ATrs in plant genomes could be considered as genomic dumping sites that have trapped various DNA molecules and may have exerted a powerful evolutionary force.
Neurohypophyseal response to fluid resuscitation with hypertonic saline during septic shock in rats
Authors: Santiago Michael Brian , Vieira Alexandre Antonio , Elias Lucila L. K. , Rodrigues José Antunes , Giusti‐Paiva Alexandre 
Published: August 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Small‐volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline (HS) has been proposed to restore physiological haemodynamics during haemorrhagic and endotoxic shock. Hypertonic solutions rapidly increase intravascular volume by generating an osmotic gradient that pulls water from the intracellular and interstitial space into the intravascular compartment. Infusion of HS increases plasma sodium levels and osmolality, which may stimulate hormone release from the neurohypophysis. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effects of HS administration during septic shock caused by caecal ligation and perforation.
What is the main finding and its importance?The present study demonstrated that HS infusion into rats subjected to caecal ligation and perforation induced neurohypophyseal hormone secretion, as well as a transient increase in blood pressure that was mediated by the V1 receptor.
Septic shock is a serious condition with a consequent drop in blood pressure and inadequate tissue perfusion. Small‐volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline (HS) has been proposed to restore physiological haemodynamics during haemorrhagic and endotoxic shock. In the present study, we sought to determine the effects produced by an HS infusion in rats subjected to caecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Male Wistar rats were randomly grouped and submitted to either CLP or sham surgery. Either HS (7.5% NaCl, 4 ml kg−1 i.v.) or isotonic saline (IS; 0.9% NaCl, 4 ml kg−1 i.v.) was administered 6 h after CLP. Recordings of mean arterial pressure and heart rate were made during this protocol. Moreover, measurements of electrolyte, vasopressin and oxytocin secretion were analysed after either the HS or the IS treatment. Six hours after CLP, we observed a characteristic decrease in mean arterial pressure that occurs after CLP. The HS infusion in these rats produced a transient elevation of the plasma sodium concentration and osmolality and increased plasma vasopressin and oxytocin levels. Moreover, the HS infusion could restore the mean arterial pressure after CLP, which was completely blunted by the previous injection of the vasopressin but not the oxytocin antagonist. The present study demonstrated that rats subjected to CLP and an infusion of hypertonic saline respond with secretion of neurohypophyseal hormones and a transient increase in blood pressure mediated by the V1 receptor.
Elevated local skin temperature impairs cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses to a simulated haemorrhagic challenge while heat stressed
Authors: Pearson J. , Lucas R. A. I. , Crandall C. G. 
Published: August 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Individuals exposed to combined heat stress and simulated haemorrhage show small but insufficient reductions in cutaneous vascular conductance at presyncope in non‐heated skin. In the vast majority of skin directly exposed to increases in temperature during whole‐body heat stress, the cutaneous vascular response during simulated haemorrhage to presyncope is unclear.
What is the main finding and its importance?During whole‐body heat stress followed by simulated haemorrhage to presyncope, cutaneous vasoconstriction is absent/negligible in directly heated skin. These results have important implications for blood pressure control in individuals who are often heat stressed and at a higher risk for experiencing haemorrhage, such as soldiers.
During a simulated haemorrhagic challenge, syncopal symptoms develop sooner when individuals are hyperthermic relative to normothermic. This is due, in part, to a large displacement of blood to the cutaneous circulation during hyperthermia, coupled with inadequate cutaneous vasoconstriction during the hypotensive challenge. The influence of local skin temperature on these cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses is unclear. This project tested the hypothesis that local skin temperature modulates cutaneous vasoconstriction during simulated haemorrhage in hyperthermic humans. Eight healthy participants (four men and four women; 32 ± 7 years old; 75.2 ± 10.8 kg) underwent lower‐body negative pressure to presyncope while heat stressed via a water‐perfused suit sufficiently to increase core temperature by 1.2 ± 0.2°C. At forearm skin sites distal to the water‐perfused suit, local skin temperature was either 35.2 ± 0.6 (mild heating) or 38.2 ± 0.2°C (moderate heating) throughout heat stress and lower‐body negative pressure, and remained at these temperatures until presyncope. The reduction in cutaneous vascular conductance during the final 90 s of lower‐body negative pressure, relative to heat‐stress baseline, was greatest at the mildly heated site (−10 ± 15% reduction) relative to the moderately heated site (−2 ± 12%; P= 0.05 for the magnitude of the reduction in cutaneous vascular conductance between sites), because vasoconstriction at the moderately heated site was either absent or negligible. In hyperthermic individuals, the extent of cutaneous vasoconstriction during a simulated haemorrhage can be modulated by local skin temperature. In situations where skin temperature is at least 38°C, as is the case in soldiers operating in warm climatic conditions, a haemorrhagic insult is unlikely to be accompanied by cutaneous vasoconstriction.
Effect of Rainfall-Induced Soil Geochemistry Dynamics on Grassland Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Cruz-Martínez Karelyn , Rosling Anna , Zhang Yang , Song Mingzhou , Andersen Gary L. , Banfield Jillian F. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn Mediterranean-type grassland ecosystems, the timing of rainfall events controls biogeochemical cycles, as well as the phenology and productivity of plants and animals. Here, we investigate the effect of short-term (days) soil environmental conditions on microbial community structure and composition during a natural wetting and drying cycle. Soil samples were collected from a meadow in Northern California at four time points after the first two rainfall events of the rainy season. We used 16S rRNA microarrays (PhyloChip) to track changes in bacterial and archaeal community composition. Microbial communities at time points 1 and 3 were significantly different than communities at time points 2 and 4. Based on ordination analysis, the available carbon, soil moisture, and temperature explained most of the variation in community structure. For the first time, a complementary and more comprehensive approach using linear regression and generalized logical networks were used to identify linear and nonlinear associations among environmental variables and with the relative abundance of subfamilies. Changes in soil moisture and available carbon were correlated with the relative abundance of many phyla. Only the phylumActinobacteriashowed a lineage-specific relationship to soil moisture but not to carbon or nitrogen. The results indicate that the use of a high taxonomic rank in correlations with nutritional indicators might obscure divergent subfamily-level responses to environmental parameters. An important implication of this research is that there is short-term variation in microbial community composition driven in part by rainfall fluctuation that may not be evident in long-term studies with coarser time resolution.