bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought Tolerance Screening Under Controlled Conditions Predicts Ranking of Water‐Limited Yield of Field‐Grown Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Pardo E. M. , Vellicce G. R. , Aguirrezabal L. , Pereyra Irujo G. , Rocha C. M. L. , García M. G. , Prieto Angueira S. , Welin B. , Sanchez J. , Ledesma F. , Castagnaro A. P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDrought is a major limitation to crop yields worldwide. Screening for soybean yield under water deficit is often a bottleneck in breeding programmes. We assessed the validity of a standardized drought tolerance screening method to predict water‐limited field performance of soybean in NW Argentina. First, to determine the phenological period when yield of glasshouse‐grown plants was more sensitive to water deficit, we applied treatments during 21 days in V7, R3 or R5 stages, being the period from R5 to R6 the most critical for yield. Afterwards, two glasshouse experiments were carried out to quantify the tolerance of either eight or four genotypes, respectively, by applying a controlled water deficit of constant intensity during the critical period. Finally, yield data obtained in field trials in Argentina across several locations and seasons classified according to rainfall were analysed. Drought Susceptibility Index was calculated for each experiment and for field data, and rankings of tolerance were similar in all cases. This standardized method, which can be automated for high‐throughput phenotyping, could represent a useful tool in breeding programmes for identifying soybean cultivars with improved performance under drought conditions.
Variation in plant diversity in mediterranean‐climate ecosystems: the role of climatic and topographical stability
Authors: Cowling Richard M. , Potts Alastair J. , Bradshaw Peter L. , Colville Jonathan , Arianoutsou Margarita , Ferrier Simon , Forest Felix , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Hopper Stephen D. , Ojeda Fernando , Procheş Şerban , Smith Rhian J. , Rundel Philip W. , Vassilakis Emmanuel , Zutta Brian R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimAlthough all five of the major mediterranean‐climate ecosystems (MCEs) of the world are recognized as loci of high plant species diversity and endemism, they show considerable variation in regional‐scale richness. Here, we assess the role of stable Pleistocene climate and Cenozoic topography in explaining variation in regional richness of the globe's MCEs. We hypothesize that older, more climatically stable MCEs would support more species, because they have had more time for species to accumulate than MCEs that were historically subject to greater topographic upheavals and fluctuating climates.LocationSouth‐western Africa (Cape), south‐western Australia, California, central Chile and the eastern (Greece) and western (Spain) Mediterranean Basin.MethodsWe estimated plant diversity for each MCE as the intercepts of species–area curves that are homogeneous in slope across all regions. We used two down‐scaled global circulation models of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to quantify climate stability by comparing the change in the location of MCEs between the LGM and present. We quantified the Cenozoic topographic stability of each MCE by comparing contemporary topographic profiles with those present in the late Oligocene and the early Pliocene.ResultsThe most diverse MCEs – Cape and Australia – had the highest Cenozoic environmental stability, and the least diverse – Chile and California – had the lowest stability.Main conclusionsVariation in plant diversity in MCEs is likely to be a consequence not of differences in diversification rates, but rather the persistence of numerous pre‐Pliocene clades in the more stable MCEs. The extraordinary plant diversity of the Cape is a consequence of the combined effects of both mature and recent radiations, the latter associated with increased habitat heterogeneity produced by mild tectonic uplift in the Neogene.
A Prospective DE‐MRI Study Evaluating the Role of TGF‐β1 in Left Atrial Fibrosis and Implications for Outcomes of Cryoballoon‐Based Catheter Ablation: New Insights into Primary Fibrotic Atriocardiomyopathy
Authors: CANPOLAT UĞUR , OTO ALI , HAZIROLAN TUNCAY , SUNMAN HAMZA , YORGUN HIKMET , ŞAHINER LEVENT , KAYA ERGÜN BARIŞ , AYTEMIR KUDRET 
Published: November 2014

TGF‐β1‐Mediated FACM and Impact on AF AblationBackgroundTransforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 mediated atrial fibrosis plays a major role in the development of vulnerable atrial substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). Although cryoablation effectively eliminates the triggers for AF, the impact of atrial substrate on the success of cryoablation remains unclear.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the association of plasma TGF‐β1 level with extent of left atrium (LA) fibrosis using delayed‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) and also effects of LA fibrosis on the success of cryoablation.MethodsA total of 41 symptomatic lone paroxysmal AF patients (58.5% male; age: 49.2 ± 7.6 years) underwent initial cryoablation. Cardiac DE‐MRI at 1.5‐Tesla scanner to quantify atrial fibrosis, plasma TGF‐β1, clinical and echocardiographic data were collected before cryoablation. Postablation blanking period was observed for 3 months.ResultsDE‐MRI revealed LA fibrosis in 27 (65.9%) patients with a median enhancement of 5% of the LA surface area. A total of 179 pulmonary veins (PV) were successfully isolated without any major complication. At median 18 months follow‐up, 32 patients (78.1%) remained free of AF recurrence. Only plasma TGF‐β1 level (P = 0.001) was found to be the predictor of the extent of LA fibrosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis pointed out that the extent of LA fibrosis (HR: 1.127, P = 0.007) and early AF recurrence (HR: 1.442, P = 0.011) were the independent predictors of AF recurrence in late follow‐up.ConclusionHigher levels of TGF‐β1 are associated with more extensive LA fibrosis and extent of LA fibrosis predict recurrences in patients undergoing cryoablation for lone AF.
Within‐plant variation in reproductive investment: consequences for selection on flowering time
Authors: Austen E. J. , Forrest J. R. K. , Weis A. E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractVariation among the leaves, flowers or fruit produced by a plant is often regarded as a nuisance to the experimenter and an impediment to selection. Here, we suggest that within‐plant variation can drive selection on other plant‐level traits. We examine within‐plant variation in floral sex allocation and in fruit set and predict that such variation generates variation in male success among plants, thereby driving selection on flowering time. We tested this prediction in a simulation model estimating selection on flowering time through male fitness when floral sex allocation and/or fruit set vary directionally among flowers on plants. We parameterized the model through a quantitative literature survey of within‐plant change in sex allocation. As predicted, within‐plant variation in floral sex allocation and in fruit set probability can generate selection on flowering time through male fitness. Declining fruit set from first to last flowers on plants, as occurs in many species, selected for early flowering onset through male fitness. This result was robust to self‐incompatibility and to varying returns on male versus female investment. Selection caused by declining fruit set was strong enough to reverse the selection for late flowering that can be caused by intrafloral protandry. Our model provides testable predictions regarding selection on flowering time through male fitness. The model also establishes the intriguing possibility that within‐plant variation may influence selection on other traits, regardless of whether that variation is under selection itself.
Automobile Driving in Older Adults: Factors Affecting Driving Restriction in Men and Women
Authors: Marie Dit Asse Laetitia , Fabrigoule Colette , Helmer Catherine , Laumon Bernard , Lafont Sylviane 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with driving restriction in elderly men and women.DesignProspective cohort study of French drivers from 2003 to 2009.SettingThe Three‐City Cohort of Bordeaux, a prospective study of 2,104 people aged 65 and older.ParticipantsFive hundred twenty‐three drivers with a mean age of 76 (273 male, 250 female).MeasurementsSociodemographic characteristics, driving habits, health variables, cognitive evaluation and dementia diagnosis. Predementia was defined as no dementia at one follow‐up and dementia at the next follow‐up.ResultsOver the 6‐year period, 54% of men and 63% of women stopped driving or reduced the distance they drove. Predementia, Parkinson's disease, older age, and a high number of kilometers previously driven were common restriction factors in both sexes. Prevalent dementia, depressive symptomatology, a decline in one or more instrumental activities of daily living, and poor visual working memory were specific factors in men. In women, low income, fear of falling, slow processing speed, and severe decline in global cognitive performance all affected driving restriction.ConclusionOlder women restricted their driving activity more than older men, regardless of the number of kilometers previously driven, physical health, and cognitive status. Factors affecting driving restriction differed according to sex, and women were more likely to stop driving than men in the period preceding a dementia diagnosis.
Postoperative Medical Complications Associated with Anesthesia in Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Seitz Dallas P. , Gill Sudeep S. , Bell Chaim M. , Austin Peter C. , Gruneir Andrea , Anderson Geoff M. , Rochon Paula A. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the association between anesthetic technique and postoperative complications in older adults with dementia undergoing hip fracture surgery.DesignPopulation‐based, retrospective cohort study.SettingOntario, Canada.ParticipantsAll older adults with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fracture repair in Ontario, Canada, between April 1, 2003 and March 31, 2011.MeasurementsThe baseline characteristics of individuals who received general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) were compared. Individuals who received GA were matched to similar individuals who received RA using propensity scores to control for confounding, and their outcomes compared, including 30‐day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, specific postoperative medical complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS).ResultsIn the 6,135 matched pairs, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative 30‐day mortality (GA, 11.3%; RA, 10.8%, P = .44). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of specific postoperative medical complications or LOS in the two anesthetic groups, but GA was associated with higher rates of ICU admissions (6.1% vs 4.2%, P < .001).ConclusionFor older adults with dementia undergoing hip fracture surgery, GA and RA are associated with similar rates of most perioperative adverse events. Further studies are required to determine the optimal methods of providing anesthesia and perioperative care for older adults with dementia undergoing surgical procedures.
Revised empirical garnet–biotite–muscovite–plagioclase geobarometer in metapelites
Authors: Wu C. M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe garnet–biotite–muscovite–plagioclase (GBMP) barometer was empirically revised for P–T conditions of 1–14 kbar and 450–840 °C, using 263 metapelitic rock samples from all over the world. This barometer is based on activity models for garnet, biotite and plagioclase identical to those of the well‐calibrated garnet–biotite thermometer and the garnet–aluminosilicate–plagioclase–quartz (GASP) barometer. The GBMP barometer is less temperature dependent than the GASP barometer and can be applied to either Al2SiO5‐absent or Al2SiO5‐bearing metapelites. The total error of the GBMP barometer is estimated to be about ±1.2 kbar on considering input temperature error and analytical errors of chemical compositions of the phases involved. The random error of the GBMP barometer is evenly distributed with respect to pressure, temperature and mineral composition. Simultaneous application of the GBMP barometer and the garnet–biotite thermometer identifies the correct stability field for Al2SiO5‐bearing metapelites. Application of the GBMP barometer to metapelitic rocks within the same geological terranes or thermal contact aureoles yielded similar pressures within error. A spreadsheet for implementing the proposed GBMP geobarometer is supplied on the journal's website.
Up‐regulation of proteoglycan 4 in temporomandibular osteoarthritic synovial cells by hyaluronic acid
Authors: Guo Huilin , Fang Wei , Li Yingjie , Ke Jin , Deng Mohong , Meng Qinggong , Li Jian , Long Xing 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundHyaluronic acid (HA) injection is widely used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA). Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is another joint lubricant that protects surface of articular cartilage. But few studies had explored the role of HA in regulation of PRG4 expression in TMJ OA. In this study, the effects of HA on the expression of PRG4 in osteoarthritic TMJ synovial cells were investigated in hypoxia, which was similar to the TMJ physiologically.MethodsSynovial cells were isolated from the TMJ OA patients and were treated with or without HA under normoxia or hypoxia for indicated time periods. The proliferation of synovial cells was measured using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8). The gene expression of HAS2, VEGF, and PRG4 was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the secretion of PRG4 and VEGF was assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to examine the protein expression of hypoxia‐induced factor‐1α (HIF‐1α).ResultsHyaluronic acid markedly increased the proliferation of osteoarthritic synovial cells in hypoxia. The expression of HAS2 and PRG4 mRNA of osteoarthritic synovial cells under hypoxia was enhanced by HA treatment. However, HA had no effect on reducing the VEGF and HIF‐1α expression in synovial cells in hypoxia.ConclusionsHyaluronic acid could promote the expression of HAS2 and PRG4, but could not modulate HIF‐1α and VEGF expression of TMJ osteoarthritic synovial cells in hypoxia.
Lipopolysaccharide enhances OSCC migration by promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: He Zhifeng , Deng Runzhi , Huang Xiaofeng , Ni Yanhong , Yang Xudong , Wang Zhiyong , Hu Qingang 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThis study was performed to examine whether lipopolysaccharide can influence cell migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsThree oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (HSC3, CAL27, and SCC4) were obtained for the study. TLR4 expression in three cell lines was analyzed by Q‐PCR and Western blot. After cells treated with LPS, cell migration was analyzed by wound‐healing and chemotaxis cell migration assay. Changes of E‐cadherin and vimentin expression were tested by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. To examine NF‐κB activation, NF‐κB nuclear translocation was investigated.ResultsTLR4 was expressed in all three cell lines and was highest in HSC3 while lowest in SCC4. TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide accelerated wound healing and enhanced cell migration. Also, it stimulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition demonstrated by decreased E‐cadherin and increased vimentin expression. Lipopolysaccharide also provoked NF‐κB nuclear translocation. Either TLR4 or NF‐κB blocking reverted these effects.ConclusionsLipopolysaccharide can induce TLR4‐mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cell migration in oral squamous cell carcinoma. These responses could further affect tumor progressing by inducing tumor cell metastasis.
Trends in self‐reported sleep problems, tiredness and related school performance among Finnish adolescents from 1984 to 2011
Authors: Kronholm Erkki , Puusniekka Riikka , Jokela Jukka , Villberg Jari , Urrila Anna Sofia , Paunio Tiina , Välimaa Raili , Tynjälä Jorma 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate long‐term trends in insomnia symptoms, tiredness and school performance among Finnish adolescents. A time–series from 1984 to 2011 was analysed from two large‐scale survey studies, the Finnish School Health Promotion Study and the Health Behavior in School‐Aged Children study. A total of 1 136 583 adolescents aged 11–18 years answered a standardized questionnaire assessing frequency of insomnia symptoms, tiredness and school performance. A clear approximately twofold increasing trend in insomnia symptoms and tiredness was found from the mid‐1990s to the end of the 2000s. The increase was evident in all participating age groups and in both genders. After 2008, the increase seems to have stopped. Insomnia symptoms and tiredness were associated with lower school performance and they were more prevalent among girls (11.9 and 18.4%) compared to boys (6.9 and 9.0%, respectively). Unexpectedly, we also observed an increasingly widening gap in school performance between normally vigilant and chronically tired pupils. The underlying causes of these phenomena are unknown, but may concern changes in the broader society. The observed recent increasing trend in adolescents’ sleep problems is worrisome: poor sleep quality has also been suggested to associate with clinical or subclinical mood or anxiety disorders and behavioural problems and predispose to sleep and psychiatric disorders later in life. Our results justify further studies and call for serious attention to be paid to adolescent's sleep in the Finnish educational system and society at large.
Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: what's known and what's next?
Authors: Gamfeldt Lars , Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Byrnes Jarrett E. K. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Duffy J. Emmett , Griffin John N. 
Published: November 2014

Marine ecosystems are experiencing rapid and pervasive changes in biodiversity and species composition. Understanding the ecosystem consequences of these changes is critical to effectively managing these systems. Over the last several years, numerous experimental manipulations of species richness have been performed, yet existing quantitative syntheses have focused on a just a subset of processes measured in experiments and, as such, have not summarized the full data available from marine systems. Here, we present the results of a meta‐analysis of 110 marine experiments from 42 studies that manipulated the species richness of organisms across a range of taxa and trophic levels and analysed the consequences for various ecosystem processes (categorised as production, consumption or biogeochemical fluxes).Our results show that, generally, mixtures of species tend to enhance levels of ecosystem function relative to the average component species in monoculture, but have no effect or a negative effect on functioning relative to the ‘highest‐ performing’ species. These results are largely consistent with those from other syntheses, and extend conclusions to ecological functions that are commonly measured in the marine realm (e.g. nutrient release from sediment bioturbation). For experiments that manipulated three or more levels of richness, we attempted to discern the functional form of the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship. We found that, for response variables related to consumption, a power‐function best described the relationship, which is also consistent with previous findings. However, we identified a linear relationship between richness and production. Combined, our results suggest that changes in the number of species will, on average, tend to alter the functioning of marine ecosystems. We outline several research frontiers that will allow us to more fully understand how, why, and when diversity may drive the functioning of marine ecosystems.SynthesisThe oceans host an incredible number and variety of species. However, human activities are driving rapid changes in the marine environment. It is imperative we understand ecosystem consequences of any associated loss of species. We summarized data from 110 experiments that manipulated species diversity and evaluated resulting changes to a range of ecosystem responses. We show that losing species, on average, decreases productivity, growth, and a myriad of other processes related to how marine organisms capture and utilize resources. Finally, we suggest that the loss of species may have stronger consequences for some processes than others.
Variability within a pea core collection of LEAM and HSP22, two mitochondrial seed proteins involved in stress tolerance
Authors: AVELANGE‐MACHEREL MARIE‐HÉLÈNE , PAYET NICOLE , LALANNE DAVID , NEVEU MARTINE , TOLLETER DIMITRI , BURSTIN JUDITH , MACHEREL DAVID 
Published: November 2014

AbstractLEAM, a late embryogenesis abundant protein, and HSP22, a small heat shock protein, were shown to accumulate in the mitochondria during pea (Pisum sativum L.) seed development, where they are expected to contribute to desiccation tolerance. Here, their expression was examined in seeds of 89 pea genotypes by Western blot analysis. All genotypes expressed LEAM and HSP22 in similar amounts. In contrast with HSP22, LEAM displayed different isoforms according to apparent molecular mass. Each of the 89 genotypes harboured a single LEAM isoform. Genomic and RT‐PCR analysis revealed four LEAM genes differing by a small variable indel in the coding region. These variations were consistent with the apparent molecular mass of each isoform. Indels, which occurred in repeated domains, did not alter the main properties of LEAM. Structural modelling indicated that the class A α‐helix structure, which allows interactions with the mitochondrial inner membrane in the dry state, was preserved in all isoforms, suggesting functionality is maintained. The overall results point out the essential character of LEAM and HSP22 in pea seeds. LEAM variability is discussed in terms of pea breeding history as well as LEA gene evolution mechanisms.
Child deaths with persistent neglected experiences from medico‐legal documents in Japan
Authors: Yamaoka Yui , Tamiya Nanako , Fujiwara Takeo , Yamasaki Yukie , Matsuzawa Akemi , Miyaishi Satoru 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have examined the actual conditions of fatal neglect in Japan. The aims of this study were to investigate persistent neglect among child fatalities using medico‐legal documents, and to describe the characteristics of the socio‐familial background and biological data.MethodsThe current study analyzed the documents of all postmortem external examinations and autopsies in children <2 years old carried out in one prefecture in Japan from 2006 to 2011. After examining 59 autopsy cases using modified the Maltreatment Classification System, we identified six children who experienced persistent neglect as study samples.ResultsThree children were found in unsanitary rooms and one was left alone inside a car. In two cases, age of mother at delivery was <21 years old. Three victims had 1 year older sibling. With regard to history of use of health services, three mothers missed some prenatal care visits, and two refused to receive neonatal home visits. With regard to biological data the average weight Z score of six children was −2.22 after being adjusted to average weight for age (in months) and sex. Three children had acute or chronic undernutrition. Three victims had thymic involution considered as being due to chronic child maltreatment.ConclusionsThe present collaboration between public health and legal medicine has enabled investigation of the background and biological impact of experiences of persistent neglect. A multidisciplinary system of evaluating child death is needed to identify preventable factors in order to intervene in the case of neglected children in a timely manner.