bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Alnus glutinosa susceptibility to Phytophthora ×alni infection and its geographic pattern in the Czech Republic
Authors: Štochlová P. , Novotná K. , Černý K. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryVariation in natural susceptibility of the black alder population to Phytophthora ×alni (PA), the oomycete pathogen causing a devastating disease of alder, and its possible relationship to geographic origin, was studied in vitro using branch inoculation tests. Ninety black alder genotypes from different regions of the Czech Republic and two isolates of PA were employed. Host susceptibility varied significantly. After 1 week of infection, the lesion surface areas ranged from 254 to 2051 mm2 and from 19 to 970 mm2 for the two isolates, respectively. The differences were also dependent on the geographical origin and altitude of the sites from which particular host genotypes were taken. These findings have important implications for restoration plantings and for PA resistance breeding programmes, as there is potential to make selections from natural populations.
Flow cytometric measurement of platelet‐associated immunoglobulin in children with newly diagnosed Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nielsen Ole Haubjerg , Tuckuviene Ruta , Nielsen Kaspar René , Rosthøj Steen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the clinical utility of measuring platelet‐associated immunoglobulin (PAIG) at the time of diagnosis in children with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).MethodsPAIG was measured by flow cytometry using fluorescent murine anti‐IgG and anti‐IgM. In a cohort of 88 children with ITP, the assay was performed within 15 days of diagnosis and before any treatment in 68 cases. We reviewed the results and examined the relation of isotype profile and degree of elevation to clinical manifestations and course of disease.ResultsPAIG was elevated in 74%, with raised IgM being more frequent than IgG (63% vs. 44%, P = 0.04) and with isotype profile depending on symptom onset. Platelet counts at presentation were similar in all subgroups, but mucosal bleeding was less frequent in PAIG‐negative patients compared to the positive groups (5.5% vs. 34%, P = 0.03). Duration of thrombocytopenia was similar in negative and positive cases, but during follow‐up, significant bleeding events occurred less frequently in PAIG‐negative patients (0% vs. 14%, P = 0.18).ConclusionApproximately one‐quarter of children are PAIG‐negative, and these children have milder bleeding tendency at diagnosis and lower morbidity during follow‐up. Raised PAIG possibly may cause some degree of platelet dysfunction.
Short‐term effect of electrical nerve stimulation on spinal reciprocal inhibition during robot‐assisted passive stepping in humans
Authors: Obata Hiroki , Ogawa Tetsuya , Kitamura Taku , Masugi Yohei , Takahashi Miho , Kawashima Noritaka , Nakazawa Kimitaka 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation to the common peroneal nerve (CPN) on the spinal reflex and reciprocal inhibition (RI) during robot‐assisted passive ground stepping (PGS) in healthy subjects. Five interventions were applied for 30 min in healthy subjects: PGS alone; strong CPN stimulation [50% of the maximal tibialis anterior (TA) M‐wave, functional electrical stimulation (FES)] alone; weak CPN stimulation [just above the MT for the TA muscle, therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES)] alone; PGS with FES; and PGS with TES. FES and TES were applied intermittently to the CPN at 25 Hz. The soleus (Sol) H‐reflex and RI, which was assessed by conditioning the Sol H‐reflex with CPN stimulation, were investigated before (baseline), and 5, 15 and 30 min after each intervention. The amplitudes of the Sol H‐reflex were not significantly different after each intervention as compared with the baseline values. The amounts of RI were significantly decreased 5 min after PGS with FES as compared with the baseline values, whereas they were significantly increased 5 and 15 min after PGS with TES. The other interventions did not affect the amount of RI. These results suggest that interventions that combined PGS with CPN stimulation changed the spinal RI in an intensity‐dependent manner.
Local field potentials are local events in the mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Liu Xiuping , Zhou Linran , Ding Fangchao , Wang Yehan , Yan Jun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractLocal field potentials (LFPs) and spikes (SPKs) sampled at the thalamocortical recipient layers represent the inputs from the thalamus and outputs to other layers. Previous studies have shown that SPK‐constructed receptive fields (RFSPK) of cortical neurons are much smaller than LFP‐constructed RFs (RFLFP). The difference in cortical RFLFP and RFSPK is therefore a plausible indication of local networking. The presence of a boarder RFLFP appears due to contamination, to some degree, from remote sites. Our studies of the mouse primary auditory cortex show that the best frequencies and minimum thresholds of RFSPK and RFLFP were similar. We also observed that the RFLFP area was only slightly larger than the RFSPK area, a very different finding from previous reports. The bandwidth of RFLFP was slightly broader than that of RFSPK at all levels. These data do not support the explanation that bioelectrical signals from distant sites impact on cortical LFP through volume conduction. That the cortical LFP represents a local event is further supported by comparisons of RFSPK and RFLFP after cortical inhibition by muscimol and cortical disinhibition by bicuculine. We conclude that the difference between RFSPK (output of cortical neurons) and RFLFP (input of cortical neurons) results from intracortical processing, including cortical lateral inhibition and excitation.
The effect of dexmedetomidine on the firing properties of STN neurons in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Krishna Vibhor , Elias Gavin , Sammartino Francesco , Basha Diellor , King Nicolas K. K. , Fasano Alfonso , Munhoz Renato , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Venkatraghavan Lashmi , Lozano Andres M. , Hutchison William D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDexmedetomidine (an alpha‐2 adrenergic agonist) sedation is commonly used during subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep‐brain stimulation (DBS). Its effects on the electrophysiological characteristics of human STN neurons are largely unknown. We hypothesised that dexmedetomidine modulates the firing rates and bursting of human STN neurons. We analysed microelectrode recording (MER) data from patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent STN DBS. A ‘Dex bolus’ group (dexmedetomidine bolus prior to MER; 27 cells from seven patients) was compared with a ‘no sedation’ group (29 cells from 11 patients). We also performed within‐patient comparisons with varying dexmedetomidine states. Cells were classified as dorsal half or ventral half based on their relative location in the STN. Neuronal burst and oscillation characteristics were analysed using the Kaneoke–Vitek methodology and local field potential (LFP) oscillatory activity was also investigated. Dexmedetomidine was associated with a slight increase in firing rate (41.1 ± 9.9 vs. 34.5 ± 10.6 Hz, P = 0.02) but a significant decrease in burstiness (number of bursts, P = 0.02; burst index, P < 0.001; percentage of spikes in burst, P = 0.002) of dorsal but not ventral STN neurons. This was not associated with modulation of beta oscillations in the spike‐oscillations analysis(beta peak, P = 0.4; signal‐to‐noise ratio in the beta range for spikes and bursts, P = 0.3 and P = 0.5, respectively) and LFP analysis (Beta power, P = 0.17). As bursting pattern is often used to identify STN and guide electrode placement, we recommend that high‐dose dexmedetomidine should be avoided during DBS surgery.
Refugia and connectivity sustain amphibian metapopulations afflicted by disease
Authors: Heard Geoffrey W. , Thomas Chris D. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Scroggie Michael P. , Ramsey David S. L. , Clemann Nick 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMetapopulation persistence in fragmented landscapes depends on habitat patches that can support resilient local populations and sufficient connectivity between patches. Yet epidemiological theory for metapopulations has largely overlooked the capacity of particular patches to act as refuges from disease, and has suggested that connectivity can undermine persistence. Here, we show that relatively warm and saline wetlands are environmental refuges from chytridiomycosis for an endangered Australian frog, and act jointly with connectivity to sustain frog metapopulations. We coupled models of microclimate and infection probability to map chytrid prevalence, and demonstrate a strong negative relationship between chytrid prevalence and the persistence of frog populations. Simulations confirm that frog metapopulations are likely to go extinct when they lack environmental refuges from disease and lose connectivity between patches. This study demonstrates that environmental heterogeneity can mediate host–pathogen interactions in fragmented landscapes, and provides evidence that connectivity principally supports host metapopulations afflicted by facultative pathogens.
Soft tissue sarcomas in the pharyngeal region of a 5‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Pezzanite L. M. , Devine D. V. , Toll L. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThis case report describes the identification of multiple soft tissue sarcomas in the pharyngeal region of a 5‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare. Diagnostic work‐up included physical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopic examination of upper airways and guttural pouch, and post mortem examination with histopathology. Humane euthanasia was indicated due to the chronicity of the condition, prognosis and financial constraints.
The sequenced rat brain transcriptome – its use in identifying networks predisposing alcohol consumption
Authors: Saba Laura M. , Flink Stephen C. , Vanderlinden Lauren A. , Israel Yedy , Tampier Lutske , Colombo Giancarlo , Kiianmaa Kalervo , Bell Richard L. , Printz Morton P. , Flodman Pamela , Koob George , Richardson Heather N. , Lombardo Joseph , Hoffman Paula L. , Tabakoff Boris 
Published: June 2015

A quantitative genetic approach, which involves correlation of transcriptional networks with the phenotype in a recombinant inbred (RI) population and in selectively bred lines of rats, and determination of coinciding quantitative trait loci for gene expression and the trait of interest, has been applied in the present study. In this analysis, a novel approach was used that combined DNA‐Seq data, data from brain exon array analysis of HXB/BXH RI rat strains and six pairs of rat lines selectively bred for high and low alcohol preference, and RNA‐Seq data (including rat brain transcriptome reconstruction) to quantify transcript expression levels, generate co‐expression modules and identify biological functions that contribute to the predisposition of consuming varying amounts of alcohol. A gene co‐expression module was identified in the RI rat strains that contained both annotated and unannotated transcripts expressed in the brain, and was associated with alcohol consumption in the RI panel. This module was found to be enriched with differentially expressed genes from the selected lines of rats. The candidate genes within the module and differentially expressed genes between high and low drinking selected lines were associated with glia (microglia and astrocytes) and could be categorized as being related to immune function, energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis, as well as glial–neuronal communication. The results of the present study show that there are multiple combinations of genetic factors that can produce the same phenotypic outcome. Although no single gene accounts for predisposition to a particular level of alcohol consumption in every animal model, coordinated differential expression of subsets of genes in the identified pathways produce similar phenotypic outcomes.DatabaseThe datasets supporting the results of the present study are available at http://phenogen.ucdenver.edu
Photosynthesis and isoprene emission from trees along an urban–rural gradient in Texas
Authors: Lahr Eleanor C. , Schade Gunnar W. , Crossett Caitlin C. , Watson Matthew R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIsoprene emission is an important mechanism for improving the thermotolerance of plant photosystems as temperatures increase. In this study, we measured photosynthesis and isoprene emission in trees along an urban–rural gradient that serves as a proxy for climate change, to understand daily and seasonal responses to changes in temperature and other environmental variables. Leaf‐level gas exchange and basal isoprene emission of post oak (Quercus stellata) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) were recorded at regular intervals over an entire growing season at urban, suburban, and rural sites in eastern Texas. In addition, the temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration experienced by leaves were experimentally manipulated in spring, early summer, and late summer. We found that trees experienced lower stomatal conductance and photosynthesis and higher isoprene emission, at the urban and suburban sites compared to the rural site. Path analysis indicated a daily positive effect of isoprene emission on photosynthesis, but unexpectedly, higher isoprene emission from urban trees was not associated with improved photosynthesis as temperatures increased during the growing season. Furthermore, urban trees experienced relatively higher isoprene emission at high CO2 concentrations, while isoprene emission was suppressed at the other sites. These results suggest that isoprene emission may be less beneficial in urban, and potentially future, environmental conditions, particularly if higher temperatures override the suppressive effects of high CO2 on isoprene emission. These are important considerations for modeling future biosphere–atmosphere interactions and for understanding tree physiological responses to climate change.
Assessing the latitudinal gradient in herbivory
Authors: Lim Jun Ying , Fine Paul V. A. , Mittelbach Gary G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPlant–herbivore interactions occur in all ecosystems and provide a major avenue for energy flow to higher trophic levels. A long‐standing hypothesis to explain the latitudinal gradient in species diversity proposes that the relatively stable and frost‐free climate of the tropics should lead to more intense biotic interactions in tropical compared with temperate environments, giving rise to a greater diversity of plants and herbivores. Herbivory rates have been compared across latitudes to test this biotic interactions hypothesis, with herbivory typically being measured from observable leaf damage. However, we argue that a measure of percentage leaf damage alone does not straightforwardly reflect the cost of herbivory to the plant, and on its own does not constitute an appropriate test of the biotic interactions hypothesis. For a given amount of herbivory, the impact of herbivory is dependent upon many factors, such as the construction cost of the leaf, the growth and replacement rates and leaf life span. We investigate the latitudinal gradient in herbivory by analysing a large dataset of herbivory rates for 452 tree species and separating the species into those with short and long leaf life spans. We show that annual herbivory rates tend to be greater at lower latitudes for evergreen species (which have long‐lived leaves), but no trend in herbivory rate with latitude was found for species with short leaf life spans. Phylogenetic least squares regression assuming Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck processes also showed a negative effect of latitude on herbivory rate for evergreen trees, but we caution that viewing herbivory as a species trait is problematic. An integrative approach that incorporates leaf life span, as well as the costs of investment in growth and potential costs of losing leaf tissue, is needed to further our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of herbivory.
Experience with central venous access devices (CVADs) in the Canadian hemophilia primary prophylaxis study (CHPS)
Authors: Langley A. R. , Stain A. M. , Chan A. , McLimont M. , Chait S. , Wu J. , Poon M.‐C. , Card R. , Israels S. J. , Laferriere N. , Klaassen R. J. , Rivard G. E. , Cloutier S. , Hawes S. , Feldman B. , Blanchette V. 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionHaemophilia A treatment with factor VIII concentrates requires frequent venipunctures; a central venous access device (CVAD) may be required to facilitate reliable venous access, especially in young children. While CVADs provide reliable venous access, complications such as infection and thrombosis may occur.AimThe aim of this study was to assess CVAD use in the Canadian Hemophilia Primary Prophylaxis Study (CHPS), a single‐arm, multi‐centre prospective study whereby factor use is tailored to individual prophylactic need.MethodsParticipants received a tailored, escalating dose, prophylaxis regimen of increasing frequency of FVIII infusions: step‐1: 50 IU kg−1 once weekly; step‐2: 30 IU kg−1 twice weekly; and step‐3: 25 IU kg−1 on alternate days, according to their level of bleeding. CVAD insertion was at the discretion of the local health care team. Details regarding CVAD use during this protocol were analysed.ResultsFifty six boys were enrolled, 21 required 25 CVADs due to difficult venous access. CVADs were inserted at a median age of 1.3 years (range: 0.6–2.1) and were removed at a median age of 8.7 years (range 6.3–11.8). Six participants experienced non‐life threatening CVAD‐complications, the most frequent being device malfunction requiring CVAD replacement (n = 4). Two boys were shown to have CVAD‐associated thrombosis detected on routine imaging; one required removal due to infusion difficulties and the other was asymptomatic and did not require device removal. No CVAD‐related infections were documented.ConclusionOur study shows that the CHPS tailored prophylaxis regimen is associated with a decreased requirement for CVADs and with few device‐related complications.
Could we do better? Behavioural tracking on recommended consumer health websites
Authors: Burkell Jacquelyn , Fortier Alexandre 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines behavioural tracking practices on consumer health websites, contrasting tracking on sites recommended by information professionals with tracking on sites returned by Google.MethodsTwo lists of consumer health websites were constructed: sites recommended by information professionals and sites returned by Google searches. Sites were divided into three groups according to source (Recommended‐Only, Google‐Only or both) and type (Government, Not‐for‐Profit or Commercial). Behavioural tracking practices on each website were documented using a protocol that detected cookies, Web beacons and Flash cookies. The presence and the number of trackers that collect personal information were contrasted across source and type of site; a second set of analyses specifically examined Advertising trackers.ResultsRecommended‐Only sites show lower levels of tracking – especially tracking by advertisers – than do Google‐Only sites or sites found through both sources. Government and Not‐for‐Profit sites have fewer trackers, particularly from advertisers, than do Commercial sites.ConclusionsRecommended sites, especially those from Government or Not‐for‐Profit organisations, present a lower privacy threat than sites returned by Google searches. Nonetheless, most recommended websites include some trackers, and half include at least one Advertising tracker.ImplicationsTo protect patron privacy, information professionals should examine the tracking practices of the websites they recommend.
Mucinous micropapillary pattern in lung adenocarcinomas: a unique histology with genetic correlates
Authors: Kamata Tsugumasa , Yoshida Akihiko , Shiraishi Kouya , Furuta Koh , Kosuge Tomoo , Watanabe Shun‐ichi , Asamura Hisao , Tsuta Koji 
Published: June 2015

AimsIn lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), micropapillary carcinomas (MPCs) are associated with poor prognosis because these tumours exhibit higher metastatic potential. Despite this, there are no studies investigating the differences between mucinous and non‐mucinous MPC.Methods and resultsWe evaluated the proportion of micropapillary components in lung ADCs, and compared the differences with respect to the presence or absence of associated mucin. Tumour specimens from 694 patients with consecutively resected primary lung ADC were reviewed, and 37 cases of invasive mucinous ADCs were excluded. A significant (≥5%) micropapillary component was noted in 320 (48.7%) of 657 evaluable cases. When the cases with micropapillary component were divided into 67 (20.9%) mucinous and 253 (79.1%) non‐mucinous subtypes, tumours with mucinous micropapillary component exhibited significantly more aggressive pathological features, a higher proportion of HER2 mutations (P = 0.002) and ALK rearrangements (P < 0.001), and a lower proportion of EGFR mutations (P = 0.038) compared to those with a non‐mucinous micropapillary component. In survival analyses, mucinous MPC tended to be more aggressive compared with non‐mucinous MPC, but its prognostic value was not statistically significant (P = 0.076).ConclusionsMucinous micropapillary pattern is an under‐recognized unique growth associated significantly with HER2 mutation and ALK rearrangement.
Mutational analysis of MED12 exon 2 in a spectrum of fibroepithelial tumours of the breast: implications for pathogenesis and histogenesis
Authors: Lien Huang‐Chun , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Yang Ya‐Wen , Jeng Yung‐Ming 
Published: June 2015

AimsFibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumours (PTs) are fibroepithelial tumours. Mutations in MED12 exon 2 have been reported in FAs. This study investigated the MED12 mutations in a spectrum of fibroepithelial tumours.Methods and resultsUsing direct sequencing, we analysed MED12 exon 2 mutations on 121 samples, including PTs and FAs and variants. We found MED12 mutations in 71.4% of PTs. No significant difference in the mutation frequency was observed between benign, borderline and malignant PTs, and a general lack of correlation existed between mutations and pathological factors associated with PT grading. The mutation patterns were similar between PTs and FAs, with codon 44 being involved most frequently. MED12 mutations were identified in 47.1, 52.6 and 50.0% of complex FAs, juvenile FAs and tubular adenomas (TAs), respectively, and the frequency and mutation patterns were similar between these FA variants and usual FAs.ConclusionsThe high frequency and similar patterns of MED12 mutations in FAs and various grades of PTs implies that the MED12 mutation is a common and early pathological event in these fibroepithelial tumours. The similar frequency and patterns of the MED12 mutation between FAs and variants suggests that FA variants are bona fide FAs, with identical pathogenesis involving MED12 mutations.