bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TNF promoter SNP variation in Amerindians and white‐admixed women from Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Badano I. , Schurr T. G. , Stietz S. M. , Dulik M. C. , Mampaey M. , Quintero I. M. , Zinovich J. B. , Campos R. H. , Liotta D. J. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study is to describe genetic variation in the TNF promoter in the ethnically diverse population of Misiones, north‐eastern Argentina. We analysed 210 women including 66 Amerindians of the Mbya‐Guarani ethnic group and 144 white‐admixed individuals from urban and rural areas of Misiones. Their DNA samples were surveyed for TNF polymorphisms ‐376 A/G, ‐308 A/G ‐244 A/G and ‐238 A/G by PCR amplification and direct sequencing and for the Amerindian marker ‐857 C/T by real‐time PCR. Our main findings are as follows:(i) a distinctive pattern of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) distribution among these groups, (ii) genetic differentiation between the Mbya‐Guarani and the white‐admixed populations (P < 0.05), (iii) lower gene diversity (~0.05) in Mbya‐Guarani compared with the white‐admixed group (~0.21); and (iv) linkage disequilibrium between the ‐376A and ‐238A SNPs in white‐admixed populations. These data highlight the principal role of population history in establishing present‐day genetic variation at the TNF locus and provide a framework for undertaking ethnographic and disease association studies in Misiones.
Ecology of Gordian knots in natural conditions
Authors: Daoust Simon P. , Schatz Bertrand , Missé Dorothée , Thomas Frédéric 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe ecology of “Gordian knots” – aggregates of entwined reproductive individuals of nematomorphs, or hair worms – remains poorly understood. We studied the ecology of Gordian knots in a wild population of the hair worm Paragordius tricuspidatus sampled from a stream near Montpellier, France, in 2005 and 2006. At our study site, knots were composed entirely of males. The number of adults per knot varied throughout the summer, most likely due to the seasonal decrease in stream water level and the appearance of females later in the season. The average length of individual worms in each knot did not change significantly over time, but it became significantly more variable. We also showed that knots within these streams were more likely to be attached to floating rather than immobile substrates. Because the water levels in our sampling stream decrease as the season progresses, males in knots attached to floating substrates could be in a better position to cope with decreasing water levels, as they always remain immersed. An important avenue of future study would be to explore the effects of varying water level and the presence of females on the size and maintenance of knots in laboratory conditions.
An extraordinary new carnivorous sponge, Chondrocladia lyra, in the new subgenus Symmetrocladia (Demospongiae, Cladorhizidae), from off of northern California, USA
Authors: Lee Welton L. , Reiswig Henry M. , Austin William C. , Lundsten Lonny 
Published: October 2012

AbstractChondrocladia (Symmetrocladia) lyra subgen. nov., sp. nov., is described from northeast Pacific sites at Escanaba Ridge and Monterey Canyon at depths of 3316–3399 m. Two retrieved specimens are described in detail, while variations are described in ten photographed or videotaped specimens. The basic structure, termed a vane, is harp‐ or lyre‐shaped. From 1 to 6 vanes extend by radial growth from the organism's center. The orientation among the vanes is approximately equiangular, such that together they display pentaradiate, tetraradiate, triradiate, or biradiate symmetries. Each vane is formed by a horizontal stolon supporting a series of upright, equidistantly spaced branches each of which terminates at its apex in a swollen ball in all observed specimens except the paratype. Swellings occur midway along the branches in the holotype, but not in the paratype. A linear row of filaments project from the sides, front, and back of each branch, and also from the tops of each stolon. The terminal balls are the sites of spermatophore production and release; mid‐branch swellings are sites of oocyte maturation. The two megasclere spicule types have specific distributions; styles support rhizoids, stolons, and branches, while subtylostyles support filaments and terminal balls. Anchorate isochelae cover all surfaces. Enclosed crustacean prey on branches and stolons provide direct evidence of carnivory. The structure of the vanes maximizes surface area for passive suspension feeding. Increased surface area could also maximize spermatophore capture, with the sigmas projecting from the spermatophore surface being caught by projecting isochelae on filaments. Swellings on filaments are snared spermatophores, firmly fused to recipient tissues and undergoing destruction. Spermatophores on filaments are present in branch swellings containing early and mature oocytes. Oogenesis and maturation occur only in proximity to branch swellings, suggesting that development is induced by spermatophore reception. Symmetrical development of uniserial branched stolons (the vanes) characterized members of the new subgenus Symmetrocladia.
A radio magnetotelluric study to evaluate the extents of a limestone quarry in Estonia
Authors: Bastani Mehrdad , Persson Lena , Beiki Majid , Harinen Ritva 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTElectromagnetic signals from distant radio transmitters in the frequency range 15–250 kHz were measured to model an electrical resistivity structure beneath 7 profiles in the vicinity of the Karinu limestone quarry in Estonia with the aim to map the extent of the economically exploitable limestone. The resistivity models from a 2D inversion of determinant resistivity and phase values using an Occam type of regularization contained reasonably accurate information about the geometry, namely depth to the top and the bottom of the target high‐resistivity limestone. The resistivity models correlated well with existing geological evidences as well as information from closely located boreholes. However, the sharp lithological boundaries seen in the boreholes were not resolved exactly in the resistivity models. This is probably because of the smoothing regularization used in the inversion process. Combined use of borehole data together with resistivity models resulted in two major geological interpretations; a) towards the western part of the existing limestone quarry there is a NNW to NS striking fault, covered by post‐glacial sediments, b) a potential cost‐effective exploitable area containing high quality highly resistive limestone is located south of the existing quarry. This case study shows the applicability of the reasonably fast radio magnetotelluric (RMT) method for the exploration of near‐surface resources.
Weight bearing does not contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Okazaki Shunichiro , Nagoya Satoshi , Tateda Kenji , Katada Ryuichi , Mizuo Keisuke , Watanabe Satoshi , Yamashita Toshihiko , Matsumoto Hiroshi 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe hip joint is one of the major structures in the human body and the resultant force acting through the hip joint is 300% of body weight. Therefore, weight bearing, as a cause of ischaemia, may contribute to the development of non‐traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, it remains unclear whether weight bearing is related to the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. Therefore the aim of this study was to clarify the role of weight bearing in the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. Non‐weight‐bearing (NWB) rats were tail suspended to prevent any weight coming to bear on the hindlimbs from day 1 to the time of sacrifice. The weight‐bearing (WB) group rats were also housed individually, although without tail suspension. All rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone to promote the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. All animals were sacrificed three weeks after the final methylprednisolone injection. Histopathological analysis was performed. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was observed not only in the NWB but also in the WB rats; however, no osteonecrosis of the humeral head was observed in either group. We confirmed that non‐traumatic ONFH developed in NWB rats, suggesting that weight bearing does not contribute to the development of non‐traumatic ONFH in rats.
Predictors of laterality of motor block during epidural analgesia in a mixed surgical population
Authors: SOUVATZIS X. , DIAMANTAKI E. , KORDA D. , DERMITZAKIS E. , ZAGANAS I. , TZANAKIS N. E. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPredictors of laterality of motor block during epidural analgesia are currently unknown, as studies so far have yielded conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate predictors of post‐operative asymmetric lower extremity motor blockade in a mixed surgical population.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 578 consecutive patients with post‐operative epidural analgesia for a variety of surgical procedures. A priori determined potential predictors of unilateral motor block were age, gender, body mass index, type of surgical procedure, vertebral level of puncture, catheter insertion depth into the epidural space and concentration of local anaesthetic. Logistic regression analysis was employed for evaluating predictors of laterality.ResultsUnilateral motor block occurred in 29.2% of the patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that young age, female gender, gynaecologic procedures, a low puncture level, an increased depth of catheter insertion and a high ropivacaine concentration (2 mg/ml vs. less than 2 mg/ml) were significantly associated with increased incidence of laterality. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR = 0.73 per decade increase, P = 0.00001), the vertebral level of epidural puncture (OR = 1.37 per lowering vertebral level, P < 0.000001) and the depth of catheter insertion (OR = 1.46 per centimetre deeper, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of unilateral motor block.ConclusionThese results suggest that young patients with lumbar epidural analgesia or deep catheter insertion should be frequently monitored for the occurrence of laterality of motor block. Also, these results provide support for a prospective study to determine the optimal catheter insertion depth to decrease the risk of unilateral motor block.
Transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors targeting OsSWEET genes enhance virulence on diverse rice (Oryza sativa) varieties when expressed individually in a TAL effector‐deficient strain of Xanthomonas oryzae
Authors: Verdier Valérie , Triplett Lindsay R. , Hummel Aaron W. , Corral Rene , Cernadas R. Andres , Schmidt Clarice L. , Bogdanove Adam J. , Leach Jan E. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Genomes of the rice (Oryza sativa) xylem and mesophyll pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and pv. oryzicola (Xoc) encode numerous secreted transcription factors called transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors. In a few studied rice varieties, some of these contribute to virulence by activating corresponding host susceptibility genes. Some activate disease resistance genes. The roles of X. oryzae TAL effectors in diverse rice backgrounds, however, are poorly understood.

Xoo TAL effectors that promote infection by activating SWEET sucrose transporter genes were expressed in TAL effector‐deficient X. oryzae strain X11‐5A, and assessed in 21 rice varieties. Some were also tested in Xoc on variety Nipponbare. Several Xoc TAL effectors were tested in X11‐5A on four rice varieties.

Xoo TAL effectors enhanced X11‐5A virulence on most varieties, but to varying extents depending on the effector and variety. SWEET genes were activated in all tested varieties, but increased virulence did not correlate with activation level. SWEET activators also enhanced Xoc virulence on Nipponbare. Xoc TAL effectors did not alter X11‐5A virulence.

SWEET‐targeting TAL effectors contribute broadly and non‐tissue‐specifically to virulence in rice, and their function is affected by host differences besides target sequences. Further, the utility of X11‐5A for characterizing individual TAL effectors in rice was established.
Electric fields guide migration of epidermal stem cells and promote skin wound healing
Authors: Li Li , Gu Wei , Du Juan , Reid Brian , Deng Xianjian , Liu Zhidai , Zong Zhaowen , Wang Haiyan , Yao Bo , Yang Ce , Yan Jun , Zeng Ling , Chalmers Laura , Zhao Min , Jiang Jianxin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMigration of epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) into wounds may play an important role in wound healing. Endogenous electric fields (EFs) arise naturally at wounds. Consistent with previous reports, we measured outward electric currents at rat skin wounds using vibrating probes. Topical use of prostaglandin E2 significantly promoted wound healing. However, it is not known whether EpSCs respond to EFs. We first isolated and characterized EpSCs from rat skin. We then demonstrated that EpSCs isolated from the epidermis migrated directionally toward the cathode in EFs of 50–400 mV/mm. The directedness values increased in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. The migration speed of EpSCs was significantly increased in EFs. EFs induced asymmetric polymerization of intracellular F‐actin and activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B pathways. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, or PI3K significantly inhibited the cathodal distribution of F‐actin and the electrotactic response of EpSCs. These data for the first time show that EpSCs possess obvious electrotaxis, in which the epidermal growth factor receptor–mitogen activated protein kinase–PI3K pathways are involved. These data thus suggest a novel aspect of electric signaling in wound healing—to stimulate and guide migration of EpSCs and to regulate wound healing.
Testing the “Local Provenance” Paradigm: A Common Garden Experiment in Cumberland Plain Woodland, Sydney, Australia
Authors: Hancock Nola , Leishman Michelle R. , Hughes Lesley 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeed for restoration projects has traditionally been sourced locally to “preserve” the genetic integrity of the replanted site. Plants grown from locally sourced seeds are perceived to have the advantage of being adapted to local conditions, and the use of local provenance is a requirement of many restoration projects. However, the processes of climate change and habitat fragmentation, with the subsequent development of novel environments, are forcing us to reconsider this basic tenet of restoration ecology. We tested the “local provenance is best” paradigm, by comparing the performance of plants grown from local with non‐local seed sources within a common garden experiment. We selected six species representing a range of growth forms (Acacia falcata, Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa, Eucalyptus crebra, E. tereticornis, Hardenbergia violacea and Themeda australis) from an assemblage known as the Cumberland Plain Woodland, a threatened community in western Sydney. Multiple provenances were collected from within the range of each species and grown at two field sites on the Cumberland Plain. Growing time varied between species and ranged from 7 months to 2 years. With the exception of B. spinosa, and to a lesser extent T. australis, we found little evidence that local provenance plants were superior to distant provenances in terms of survival and establishment.
Influence of Alcohol Use and Family History of Alcoholism on Neural Response to Alcohol Cues in College Drinkers
Authors: Dager Alecia D. , Anderson Beth M. , Stevens Michael C. , Pulido Carmen , Rosen Rivkah , Jiantonio‐Kelly Rachel E. , Sisante Jason‐Flor , Raskin Sarah A. , Tennen Howard , Austad Carol S. , Wood Rebecca M. , Fallahi Carolyn R. , Pearlson Godfrey D. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundHeavy drinkers show altered functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to alcohol cues. Little is known about alcohol cue reactivity among college age drinkers, who show the greatest rates of alcohol use disorders. Family history of alcoholism (family history positive [FHP]) is a risk factor for problematic drinking, but the impact on alcohol cue reactivity is unclear. We investigated the influence of heavy drinking and family history of alcoholism on alcohol cue‐related fMRI response among college students.MethodsParticipants were 19 family history negative (FHN) light drinkers, 11 FHP light drinkers, 25 FHN heavy drinkers, and 10 FHP heavy drinkers, aged 18 to 21. During fMRI scanning, participants viewed alcohol images, nonalcohol beverage images, and degraded control images, with each beverage image presented twice. We characterized blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) contrast for alcohol versus nonalcohol images and examined BOLD response to repeated alcohol images to understand exposure effects.ResultsHeavy drinkers exhibited greater BOLD response than light drinkers in posterior visual association regions, anterior cingulate, medial frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal striatum, and hyperactivation to repeated alcohol images in temporo‐parietal, frontal, and insular regions (clusters > 8,127 μl, p < 0.05). FHP individuals showed increased activation to repeated alcohol images in temporo‐parietal regions, fusiform, and hippocampus. There were no interactions between family history and drinking group.ConclusionsOur results parallel findings of hyperactivation to alcohol cues among heavy drinkers in regions subserving visual attention, memory, motivation, and habit. Heavy drinkers demonstrated heightened activation to repeated alcohol images, which could influence continued drinking. Family history of alcoholism was associated with greater response to repeated alcohol images in regions underlying visual attention, recognition, and encoding, which could suggest aspects of alcohol cue reactivity that are independent of personal drinking. Heavy drinking and family history of alcoholism may have differential impacts on neural circuitry involved in cue reactivity.
Personal Word of Mouth, Virtual Word of Mouth, and Innovation Use
Authors: Kawakami Tomoko , Kishiya Kazuhiro , Parry Mark E. 
Published: October 2012

The authors examine the impact of word‐of‐mouth communication on innovation use. Hypotheses are developed linking both personal and virtual word of mouth (vWOM) directly to innovation use. The authors also examine the mediating role of two additional variables that link word of mouth and innovation use. Existing research suggests that personal word of mouth (pWOM) indirectly influences intensity of innovation use through its impact on consumer perceptions of the size of local adopter population. In addition, both personal and virtual word‐of‐mouth influence should be positively associated with consumer perceptions of the availability of complementary products, which prior studies have linked to variety of innovation use.The authors test these hypotheses using data collected from 247 Japanese adopters of new‐generation portable gaming devices. Findings indicate that both personal and virtual word of mouth are directly related with variety of innovation use, which is in turn related with intensity of use. In addition, pWOM is positively related with both intensity of use and variety of use through its impact on consumer perceptions of (1) the perceived size of the local adopter population and (2) the availability of complementary products. In contrast, through these same two paths, vWOM is negatively related with both intensity of use and variety of use.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐like syndrome associated with median cleft lip and palates: First prenatally detected case
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Lituania Mario 
Published: October 2012

Abstract An early second‐trimester prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of an arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐like syndrome associated with median clefts is reported. A molecular biological work‐up was performed to search for a potentially overlapping syndrome and dysostosis. Autopsy and postmortem radiogram were performed to confirm the ultrasound diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis enabled early detection of multiple fetal malformations, thus allowing early termination of pregnancy. Moreover, three‐dimensional ultrasound with volume rendering in the maximum surface mode demonstrated its value in diagnosing oro‐facial clefts, even at an early stage of fetal development.
Investigation for methods of anesthesia and euthanasia for rat fetuses in developmental toxicity studies
Authors: Kato Hirohito , Dokai Momoko , Katagiri Ryuichi , Arima Akihiro , Ooshima Yojiro 
Published: October 2012

Abstract Japan Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine (JALAM) recommends humane handling of rat fetuses. However, it is a challenge to accept proposed euthanizing methods such as cervical dislocation, decapitation and/or intracardiac injection of potassium chloride, because these methods would damage fetal specimens for skeletal and visceral examinations in developmental toxicity studies. The present study aimed at seeking better methodologies for fetal euthanasia and anesthesia. We were unable to accomplish fetal euthanasia directly, but instead, we could euthanize fetuses under pain‐controlled anesthesia. It is recommended that hypothermia by immersion in cold physiological saline is an appropriate method for anesthesia. Moreover, we recommend that the anesthetized fetuses should be euthanized immediately by removal of the vital organs or immersion in appropriate fixatives.
Caring for older people with dementia: An exploratory study of staff knowledge and perception of training in three Australian dementia care facilities
Authors: Jones Cindy , Moyle Wendy , Stockwell‐Smith Gillian 
Published: October 2012

AimTo ascertain care staff's knowledge of dementia relating to aetiology and/or pathology, symptoms and care/treatment; and explore their perceptions of the importance and adequacy of dementia education and training opportunities.MethodsThirty‐five care staff working in three secure dementia care facilities were recruited. Dementia knowledge was surveyed using the Staff Knowledge of Dementia Test (SKDT). Perceptions of dementia education and training were examined via semi‐structured individual interviews.ResultsAn average of 21 out of 33 SKDT questions (SD = 4.0) was correctly answered. Knowledge discrepancy was attributed to participants’ cultural and ethnic origin and the length of residency in Australia of migrant care staff. Participants acknowledged the importance of dementia education and training but were critical of the content relevancy to direct care practices.ConclusionThere is a need to improve care staff knowledge of dementia, and dementia education and training should include direct practical competencies required for effective care delivery.