bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Phenotypic Traits with Ploidy and Genome Size in Annual Ryegrass
Authors: Rios Esteban F. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Munoz Patricio R. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTAnnual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lamarck) is planted annually on more than 1 million ha of pastures in the southeastern United States. The exact ploidy level and genome size of the annual ryegrass germplasm collection (USDA–ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network, GRIN) are unknown and the future use of this germplasm relies on their determination. The study was conducted to (i) estimate the ploidy level and determine the DNA content of 139 accessions from the GRIN collection, 15 experimental lines, and 13 commercial cultivars through flow cytometry; and (ii) identify morphological and agronomic characteristics that could be used to differentiate diploid from tetraploid annual ryegrass. A total of 140 diploid and 27 tetraploid lines were successfully identified through flow cytometry. The average 2C DNA content was 6.13 ± 0.36 pg for the diploid lines and 12.30 ± 0.83 pg for the tetraploids. Diploid and tetraploid annual ryegrass showed significant differences for morphological and agronomic variables such as seed size, leaf width and length, guard cell size, plant height, tiller size, plant biomass, and seed head length, and all variables were significantly correlated with DNA content. The use of morphological and agronomic variables may guide the determination of ploidy when flow cytometry is not available. Ploidy level and genome size information will benefit those that request accessions from the GRIN system for specific studies at the diploid or tetraploid level in the species.
Designing Selection Criteria for Use of Reed Canarygrass as a Bioenergy Feedstock
Authors: Casler Michael D. , Cherney Jerome H. , Charles Brummer E. , Dien Bruce S. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTReed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a perennial C3 grass with a circumglobal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere and adaptation to a wide range of environmental conditions. This species is currently under development as a bioenergy feedstock in North America and Europe. Thus, the objectives of this study were to (i) quantify genetic variation for biomass quality traits of reed canarygrass cultivars and accessions, (ii) determine the relationships for biomass yield with reed canarygrass quality traits, and (iii) identify favorable and attainable breeding objectives for biomass yield and quality traits of reed canarygrass. Eighty cultivars or accessions were grown at five field locations and evaluated for 26 biomass quality traits in 2006 through 2008. Ignoring biomass quality traits in favor of the singular breeding objective of high biomass yield would be likely to result in a few favorable correlated responses including low N, low ash, low Cl, low Fe, and high enzymatic xylan conversion efficiency. These changes would not be sufficiently large to transform reed canarygrass into a more favorable bioenergy feedstock within a few generations of breeding. To do so will require a more focused effort with a relatively small number of traits, for example, high biomass yield, low ash, and high gross calorific value (GCV) for a thermochemical conversion platform or high biomass yield, low lignin, and high glucan and xylan conversion efficiencies for a fermentation platform.
A randomized controlled trial of self-perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances
Authors: Wiedel Anna-Paulina , Bondemark Lars 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To compare patients’ perceptions of fixed and removable appliance therapy for correction of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition, with special reference to perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function.

Material and Methods:
Sixty-two patients with anterior crossbite and functional shift were recruited consecutively and randomized for treatment with fixed appliances (brackets and archwires) or removable appliances (acrylic plates and protruding springs). A questionnaire, previously found to be valid and reliable, was used for evaluation at the following time points: before appliance insertion, on the evening of the day of insertion, every day/evening for 7 days after insertion, and at the first and second scheduled appointments (after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively).

Results:
Pain and discomfort intensity were higher for the first 3 days for the fixed appliance. Pain and discomfort scores overall peaked on day 2. Adverse effects on school and leisure activities were reported more frequently in the removable than in the fixed appliance group. The fixed appliance group reported more difficulty eating different kinds of hard and soft food, while the removable appliance group experienced more speech difficulties. No significant intergroup difference was found for self-estimated disturbance of appearance between the appliances.

Conclusions:
The general levels of pain and discomfort were low to moderate in both groups. There were some statistically significant differences between the groups, but these were only minor and with minor clinical relevance. As both appliances were generally well accepted by the patients, either fixed or removable appliance therapy can be recommended.
Clinical Markers of the Intensity of Balance Challenge: Observational Study of Older Adult Responses to Balance Tasks
Authors: Farlie Melanie K. , Molloy Elizabeth , Keating Jennifer L. , Haines Terry P. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundEffective balance rehabilitation is critically important to the aging population. Optimal exercise prescription for balance rehabilitation has not been described, as there is no measure of balance exercise intensity. To rate the intensity of balance exercise, an item set is required.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore verbal and nonverbal markers that differentiated tasks of high, medium, and low balance intensity to inform the development of an instrument to measure the intensity of balance challenge.DesignThis was an observational study utilizing an interpretive description approach.MethodsTwenty older adults were observed performing 3 balance tasks that challenged balance at low to high intensity. Verbal and nonverbal responses were recorded. After each task, participants were asked to describe the test experience. Data were analyzed to identify potential markers of balance challenge intensity.ResultsMarkers of the intensity of balance challenge were grouped by time periods defined as pretask, in-task, and posttask. A key pretask finding was an increased delay to task commencement with increased task difficulty. Commencement delay was accompanied by talk in 19 of 21 instances. Physical markers of the intensity of balance challenge were grouped into 3 categories—bracing, postural reactions, and sway—and were increasingly observed as intensity of balance challenge increased. Participants described tasks as pushing them toward the limits of their balancing capacity as the intensity of balance challenge increased.ConclusionsVerbal and nonverbal markers of the intensity of balance challenge in older adults performing balance tasks that differentiated high-intensity tasks from medium- to low-intensity tasks were identified. The pretask phase of balance exercise performance is an important diagnostic space, rich in verbal and nonverbal markers.
Clinical Tests of Standing Balance in the Knee Osteoarthritis Population: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hatfield Gillian L. , Morrison Adam , Wenman Matthew , Hammond Connor A. , Hunt Michael A. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundPeople with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have a high prevalence of falls. Poor standing balance is one risk factor, but the extent of standing balance deficits in people with knee OA is unknown.PurposeThe primary purpose of this study was to summarize available data on standing balance in people with knee OA compared with people without knee OA. A secondary purpose was to establish the extent of balance impairment across disease severity.Data SourcesA literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases through November 19, 2014, was conducted.Study SelectionStudies on individuals with knee OA containing clinical, quantifiable measures of standing balance were included. Methodological quality was assessed by 2 reviewers using a 16-item quality index developed for nonrandomized studies. Studies scoring &gt;50% on the index were included.Data ExtractionParticipant characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, OA severity, compartment involvement, unilateral versus bilateral disease) and balance outcomes were extracted by 2 reviewers. Standardized mean differences were pooled using a random-effects model.Data SynthesisThe search yielded 2,716 articles; 8 met selection and quality assessment criteria. The median score on the quality index was 13/17. People with knee OA consistently performed worse than healthy controls on the Step Test, Single-Leg Stance Test, Functional Reach Test, Tandem Stance Test, and Community Balance and Mobility Scale. The pooled standardized mean difference was −1.64 (95% confidence interval=−2.58, −0.69). No differences were observed between varying degrees of malalignment, or between unilateral versus bilateral disease.LimitationsNo studies compared between-knee OA severities. Thus, expected changes in balance as the disease progresses remain unknown.ConclusionsFew studies compared people with knee OA and healthy controls, but those that did showed that people with knee OA performed significantly worse. More research is needed to understand the extent of balance impairments in people with knee OA using easy-to-administer, clinically available tests.
Premiers épisodes de la fabrication des longues haches alpines : ramassage de galets ou choc thermique sur des blocs ?
Authors: Pétrequin Pierre , Pétrequin Anne-Marie , Errera Michel , Riveron Olaf Jaime , Bailly Maxence , Gauthier Estelle , Rossi Guido 
Published: July 2015

omphacitite, en jadéitite ou en amphibolite ont alimenté des réseaux de diffusion qui, pendant le Ve millénaire, ont atteint les franges maritimes de l’Europe occidentale, le Danemark, l’Écosse, l’Irlande à 1 800 km à vol d’oiseau. D’énormes blocs en position primaire ou secondaire proches des affleurements sont à l’origine de ces extraordinaires circulations de matière première rare. La question de l’exploitation de ces blocs massifs de roches choisies pour leur extrême ténacité et leurs remarquables propriétés esthétiques a souvent été passée sous silence par les chercheurs, malgré plusieurs rappels des modèles ethnoarchéologiques où l’on voit l’emploi du feu pour détacher des lames et des éclats courts, des blocs minces avec une surface régulière, favorables à une mise en forme par taille directe au percuteur, par bouchardage ou par sciage, selon les régions et selon les périodes. Les auteurs se proposent d’explorer cette hypothèse de l’utilisation du feu – et, plus généralement, du choc thermique – lors de l’exploitation des boudins et des blocs dans le massif du mont Viso, où ils ont découvert des carrières néolithiques entre 1 800 et 2 350 m d’altitude. Le rappel des modèles ethnographiques de Nouvelle-Guinée, chez les Wano et les Una de Papua (Indonésie), sera suivi par la présentation d’approches expérimentales de fragmentation par le feu (jadéitites du Guatemala, éclogites et jadéitites du massif du Viso). Les produits expérimentaux seront alors décrits et caractérisés. On cherchera enfin, dans les déchets de taille des exploitations du mont Viso et parmi un bon millier de grandes haches alpines, à identifier d’éventuels critères spécifiques à l’exploitation première des blocs par choc
thermique.
Nouveaux éléments pour une périodisation de la céramique de la Hoguette sur le site rubané d’Ittenheim (Bas-Rhin)
Authors: Lefranc Philippe 
Published: July 2015

La découverte en contexte Rubané récent évolué d’un fragment de vase de la Hoguette orné à l’aide d’un peigne à trois dents utilisé en mode pivotant, configuration jusqu’ici inédite, permet de revenir sur la définition
des groupes stylistiques de cette culture et de proposer quelques orientations pour une périodisation des vases la Hoguette ornés au peigne. Trois styles sont distingués : les styles A et B, en relation d’exclusion géographique (vallée du Neckar et vallée du Rhin), sont associés aux deux premières étapes du Rubané (Rubané le plus ancien et Flomborn). Le style A ne se rencontre qu’au sein des ensembles de la première étape, uniquement sur le cours du Neckar, alors que le style B est présent dans les ensembles du Rubané le plus ancien de la confluence du Rhin-Main et dans les ensembles Flomborn alsaciens. La question de l’articulation de ces deux styles (chronologique ou géographique) n’est pas résolue. Le style C, caractérisé par l’emploi du peigne à trois dents et de la technique pivotante, procède probablement de l’évolution du style B au cours de l’étape récente évoluée du Rubané.
Morphology delimits more species than molecular genetic clusters of invasive Pilosella
Authors: Moffat Chandra E. , Ensing David J. , Gaskin John F. , De Clerck‐Floate Rosemarie A. , Pither Jason 
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Accurate assessments of biodiversity are paramount for understanding ecosystem processes and adaptation to change. Invasive species often contribute substantially to local biodiversity; correctly identifying and distinguishing invaders is thus necessary to assess their potential impacts. We compared the reliability of morphology and molecular sequences to discriminate six putative species of invasive Pilosella hawkweeds (syn. Hieracium, Asteraceae), known for unreliable identifications and historical introgression. We asked (1) which morphological traits dependably discriminate putative species, (2) if genetic clusters supported morphological species, and (3) if novel hybridizations occur in the invaded range.• Methods: We assessed 33 morphometric characters for their discriminatory power using the randomForest classifier and, using AFLPs, evaluated genetic clustering with the program structure and subsequently with an AMOVA. The strength of the association between morphological and genotypic dissimilarity was assessed with a Mantel test.• Key results: Morphometric analyses delimited six species while genetic analyses defined only four clusters. Specifically, we found (1) eight morphological traits could reliably distinguish species, (2) structure suggested strong genetic differentiation but for only four putative species clusters, and (3) genetic data suggest both novel hybridizations and multiple introductions have occurred.• Conclusions: (1) Traditional floristic techniques may resolve more species than molecular analyses in taxonomic groups subject to introgression. (2) Even within complexes of closely related species, relatively few but highly discerning morphological characters can reliably discriminate species. (3) By clarifying patterns of morphological and genotypic variation of invasive Pilosella, we lay foundations for further ecological study and mitigation.
The evolutionary history of ferns inferred from 25 low‐copy nuclear genes
Authors: Rothfels Carl J. , Li Fay‐Wei , Sigel Erin M. , Huiet Layne , Larsson Anders , Burge Dylan O. , Ruhsam Markus , Deyholos Michael , Soltis Douglas E. , Stewart C. Neal , Shaw Shane W. , Pokorny Lisa , Chen Tao , de Pamphilis Claude , DeGironimo Lisa , Chen Li , Wei Xiaofeng , Sun Xiao , Korall Petra , Stevenson Dennis W. , Graham Sean W. , Wong Gane K‐S. , Pryer Kathleen M. 
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Understanding fern (monilophyte) phylogeny and its evolutionary timescale is critical for broad investigations of the evolution of land plants, and for providing the point of comparison necessary for studying the evolution of the fern sister group, seed plants. Molecular phylogenetic investigations have revolutionized our understanding of fern phylogeny, however, to date, these studies have relied almost exclusively on plastid data.• Methods: Here we take a curated phylogenomics approach to infer the first broad fern phylogeny from multiple nuclear loci, by combining broad taxon sampling (73 ferns and 12 outgroup species) with focused character sampling (25 loci comprising 35877 bp), along with rigorous alignment, orthology inference and model selection.• Key results: Our phylogeny corroborates some earlier inferences and provides novel insights; in particular, we find strong support for Equisetales as sister to the rest of ferns, Marattiales as sister to leptosporangiate ferns, and Dennstaedtiaceae as sister to the eupolypods. Our divergence‐time analyses reveal that divergences among the extant fern orders all occurred prior to ∼200 MYA. Finally, our species‐tree inferences are congruent with analyses of concatenated data, but generally with lower support. Those cases where species‐tree support values are higher than expected involve relationships that have been supported by smaller plastid datasets, suggesting that deep coalescence may be reducing support from the concatenated nuclear data.• Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the utility of a curated phylogenomics approach to inferring fern phylogeny, and highlights the need to consider underlying data characteristics, along with data quantity, in phylogenetic studies.
Spatiotemporal features of microsporogenesis in the cycad species Macrozamia communis
Authors: Yan Xiaodong , Bai Mei , Ning Xiping , Ouyang Haibo , Zhang Shouzhou , Yang Ming , Wu Hong 
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Spatiotemporal features of microsporogenesis may provide important clues about the evolution of microsporogenesis in seed plants. One cellular feature that attracts special attention is advance cell wall ingrowths (ACWIs) at future cytokinetic sites in microsporocytes since they have been found only in species of an ancient lineage of angiosperms, Magnolia, and in much less detail, of an ancient lineage of gymnosperms, cycads. Further investigation into microsporogenesis in a cycad species may yield knowledge critical to understanding the establishment of ACWIs as an important feature for comparative studies of microsporogenesis in seed plants.• Methods: Bright‐field and epifluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the microsporogenic process in Macrozamia communis, a species in the Zamiaceae family of cycads.• Key results: In prophase‐II microsporocytes in M. communis, ACWIs form as a callose ring between the newly formed nuclei and are not accompanied by cytokinetic apparatuses such as mini‐phragmoplasts, wide tubules, or wide tubular networks. Shortly after the second nuclear division, new ACWIs, albeit thinner than the previous ACWIs, form between the newly formed nuclei. Subsequent cell plate formation in the planes of the ACWIs typically results in tetragonal tetrads.• Conclusions: Cytokinesis at the cell periphery is initiated earlier than cell plate formation in the cell interior in microsporogenesis in M. communis. The cellular features uncovered in M. communis may serve as useful reference features for comparative studies of microsporogenesis in plants.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor– and TCR-Modified T Cells Enter Main Street and Wall Street
Authors: Barrett David M. , Grupp Stephan A. , June Carl H. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The field of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is currently comprised of chimeric Ag receptor (CAR)– and TCR-engineered T cells and has emerged from principles of basic immunology to paradigm-shifting clinical immunotherapy. ACT of T cells engineered to express artificial receptors that target cells of choice is an exciting new approach for cancer, and it holds equal promise for chronic infection and autoimmunity. Using principles of synthetic biology, advances in immunology, and genetic engineering have made it possible to generate human T cells that display desired specificities and enhanced functionalities. Clinical trials in patients with advanced B cell leukemias and lymphomas treated with CD19-specific CAR T cells have induced durable remissions in adults and children. The prospects for the widespread availability of engineered T cells have changed dramatically given the recent entry of the pharmaceutical industry to this arena. In this overview, we discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that face the field of ACT.
IL-17–Mediated Immunity to the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Conti Heather R. , Gaffen Sarah L. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
IL-17 (IL-17A) has emerged as a key mediator of protection against extracellular microbes, but this cytokine also drives pathology in various autoimmune diseases. Overwhelming data in both humans and mice reveal a clear and surprisingly specific role for IL-17 in protection against the fungus Candida albicans, a commensal microbe of the human oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive mucosa. The IL-17 pathway regulates antifungal immunity through upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, neutrophil-recruiting chemokines (e.g., CXCL1 and CXCL5), and antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins), which act in concert to limit fungal overgrowth. This review focuses on diseases caused by C. albicans, the role of IL-17–mediated immunity in candidiasis, and the implications for clinical therapies for both autoimmune conditions and fungal infections.
Acceptability of neonatal circumcision by pregnant women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Phili Rogerio , Karim Quarraisha A. 
Published: July 2015

Background: Studies on voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) have provided convincing evidence on its efficacy to provide partial protection against female-to-male HIV transmission in circumcised men. The World Health Organization and UNAIDS subsequently formulated recommendations for VMMC implementation that included implementation of neonatal medical male circumcision (NMMC) to all infants up to two months old. Knowledge regarding the acceptability of NMMC by pregnant women who are candidates for granting of consents for NMMC procedures or its ideal placement within health programmes is low.Objectives: We sought to establish NMMC acceptability by pregnant women and the feasibility of its integration within Maternal, Child and Women’s Health (MCWH) programmes to inform implementation guidelines.Method: Nurses and counsellors at two public health facilities were trained to provide NMMC counselling and offer NMMC to 1778 pregnant women presenting for antenatal care services. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed on data collected on NMMC acceptance and refusals. Thematic analysis was also performed on qualitative reasons for refusals.Results: Acceptability of NMMC by women was high (82.9%). Refusals resulted from the need for consultations with partners and/or family members prior to consenting (41.3%), fear of the procedure (23.8%), cultural reasons (15.9%) and no reasons given (15.3%).Conclusion: The acceptability of NMMC by pregnant women and its integration with MCWH services was feasible. However socio-cultural factors, including the need for further consultation prior to consenting for NMMC procedures and preference of traditional circumcision by some women, need to be addressed in order to increase uptakes.