bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Variation for Seed Longevity and Seed Dormancy Are Negatively Correlated in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nguyen Thu-Phuong , Keizer Paul , van Eeuwijk Fred , Smeekens Sjef , Bentsink Leónie 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDormancy is a state of metabolic arrest that facilitates the survival of organisms during environmental conditions incompatible with their regular course of life. Many organisms have deep dormant stages to promote an extended life span (increased longevity). In contrast, plants have seed dormancy and seed longevity described as two traits. Seed dormancy is defined as a temporary failure of a viable seed to germinate in conditions that favor germination, whereas seed longevity is defined as seed viability after dry storage (storability). In plants, the association of seed longevity with seed dormancy has not been studied in detail. This is surprising given the ecological, agronomical, and economic importance of seed longevity. We studied seed longevity to reveal its genetic regulators and its association with seed dormancy in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Integrated quantitative trait locus analyses for seed longevity, in six recombinant inbred line populations, revealed five loci: Germination Ability After Storage1 (GAAS1) to GAAS5. GAAS loci colocated with seed dormancy loci, Delay Of Germination (DOG), earlier identified in the same six recombinant inbred line populations. Both GAAS loci and their colocation with DOG loci were validated by near isogenic lines. A negative correlation was observed, deep seed dormancy correlating with low seed longevity and vice versa. Detailed analysis on the collocating GAAS5 and DOG1 quantitative trait loci revealed that the DOG1-Cape Verde Islands allele both reduces seed longevity and increases seed dormancy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report a negative correlation between seed longevity and seed dormancy.
Age Estimation Using Foot Radiographs from a Modern Scottish Population
Authors: Hackman Lucina , Davies Catriona M. , Black Sue 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Hoerr et al. atlas was published in 1962 and provides a standard for the age estimation of juveniles through radiographs of the feet. This study examines the accuracy of this atlas when used as an age estimation method on a modern Scottish population. A total of 403 left foot/ankle radiographs (175 female, 228 male) were age assessed using the Hoerr et al. atlas method. Analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between chronological age and estimated age (female R² = 0.952, male R² = 0.962). The atlas had a tendency to underage all ages of females and to underage males up to the age of 10 years after which point the pattern is one of both over and underaging. This study showed that the Hoerr et al. atlas method can be applied to a modern population.
Calculating the Weight of Evidence in Low‐Template Forensic DNA Casework
Authors: Lohmueller Kirk E. , Rudin Norah 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInterpreting and assessing the weight of low‐template DNA evidence presents a formidable challenge in forensic casework. This report describes a case in which a similar mixed DNA profile was obtained from four different bloodstains. The defense proposed that the low‐level minor profile came from an alternate suspect, the defendant's mistress. The strength of the evidence was assessed using a probabilistic approach that employed likelihood ratios incorporating the probability of allelic drop‐out. Logistic regression was used to model the probability of drop‐out using empirical validation data from the government laboratory. The DNA profile obtained from the bloodstain described in this report is at least 47 billion times more likely if, in addition to the victim, the alternate suspect was the minor contributor, than if another unrelated individual was the minor contributor. This case illustrates the utility of the probabilistic approach for interpreting complex low‐template DNA profiles.
Local depletion of two larger Duikers in the Oban Hills Region, Nigeria
Authors: Jimoh Saka O. , Ikyaagba Emmanuel T. , Alarape Abideen A. , Adeyemi Adesoji A. , Waltert Matthias 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAcross West and Central Africa, duikers are important for trade and consumption; their populations are expected to become depleted. Reliable data on their status are scanty in Nigeria. We assessed duiker populations in the Oban Sector of Cross River National Park through diurnal and nocturnal surveys along 32 transects of 2 km each. After 508‐km survey effort, only Ogilby's duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi) and blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) were recorded. Using habitat as a covariate in modelling detection probability in DISTANCE 6.0, we estimated densities for the blue duiker ranging from 15.5 (95% CI: 7.8–30.9) in the core, 5.8 (CI: 2.6–12.9) in the buffer and 0.9 (CI: 0.09–10.1) km² in farm fallow to no duikers in the plantation. For Ogilby's duiker, densities ranged from 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.7) km² in the core, 2.0 (CI: 0.8–5.1) in buffer to no duikers in farm fallow and plantation. The apparent absence of yellow‐backed and Bay duikers may indicate local depletion. We call on all stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of rescuing this biological hotspot in Nigeria from further degradation and species loss through improved funding for well‐equipped field staff and institutionalized community wildlife management.
ARF6 and GASP‐1 are post‐endocytic sorting proteins selectively involved in the intracellular trafficking of dopamine D2 receptors mediated by GRK and PKC in transfected cells
Authors: Cho DI , Zheng M , Min C , Kwon KJ , Shin CY , Choi HK , Kim KM 
Published: October 2012

Background and PurposeGPCRs undergo both homologous and heterologous regulatory processes in which receptor phosphorylation plays a critical role. The protein kinases responsible for each pathway are well established; however, other molecular details that characterize each pathway remain unclear. In this study, the molecular mechanisms that determine the differences in the functional roles and intracellular trafficking between homologous and PKC‐mediated heterologous internalization pathways for the dopamine D2 receptor were investigated.Experimental ApproachAll of the S/T residues located within the intracellular loops of D2 receptor were mutated, and the residues responsible for GRK‐ and PKC‐mediated internalization were determined in HEK‐293 cells and SH‐SY5Y cells. The functional role of receptor internalization and the cellular components that determine the post‐endocytic fate of internalized D2 receptors were investigated in the transfected cells.Key ResultsT134, T225/S228/S229 and S325 were involved in PKC‐mediated D2 receptor desensitization. S229 and adjacent S/T residues mediated the PKC‐dependent internalization of D2 receptors, which induced down‐regulation and desensitization. S/T residues within the second intracellular loop and T225 were the major residues involved in GRK‐mediated internalization of D2 receptors, which induced receptor resensitization. ARF6 mediated the recycling of D2 receptors internalized in response to agonist stimulation. In contrast, GASP‐1 mediated the down‐regulation of D2 receptors internalized in a PKC‐dependent manner.Conclusions and ImplicationsGRK‐ and PKC‐mediated internalizations of D2 receptors occur through different intracellular trafficking pathways and mediate distinct functional roles. Distinct S/T residues within D2 receptors and different sorting proteins are involved in the dissimilar regulation of D2 receptors by GRK2 and PKC.
Benzimidazolones enhance the function of epithelial Na+ transport
Authors: Laube M , Kimpel SU , Dietl P , Thome UH , Wittekindt OH 
Published: October 2012

Background and PurposePharmacological enhancement of vectorial Na+ transport may be useful to increase alveolar fluid clearance. Herein, we investigated the influence of the benzimidazolones 1‐ethyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2‐benzimidazolone (1‐EBIO), 5,6‐dichloro‐1‐EBIO (DC‐EBIO) and chlorzoxazone on vectorial epithelial Na+ transport.Experimental ApproachEffects on vectorial Na+ transport and amiloride‐sensitive apical membrane Na+ permeability were determined by measuring short‐circuit currents (ISC) in rat fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) monolayers. Furthermore, amiloride‐sensitive membrane conductance and the open probability of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) were determined by patch clamp experiments using A549 cells.Key ResultsISC was increased by approximately 50% after addition of 1‐EBIO, DC‐EBIO and chlorzoxazone. With permeabilized basolateral membranes in the presence of a 145:5 apical to basolateral Na+ gradient, the benzimidazolones markedly increased amiloride‐sensitive ISC. 5‐(N‐Ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)amiloride‐induced inhibition of ISC was not affected. The benzamil‐sensitive ISC was increased in benzimidazolone‐stimulated monolayers. Pretreating the apical membrane with amiloride, which inhibits ENaC, completely prevented the stimulating effects of benzimidazolones on ISC. Furthermore, 1‐EBIO (1 mM) and DC‐EBIO (0.1 mM) significantly increased (threefold) the open probability of ENaC without influencing current amplitude. Whole cell measurements showed that DC‐EBIO (0.1 mM) induced an amiloride‐sensitive increase in membrane conductance.Conclusion and ImplicationsBenzimidazolones have a stimulating effect on vectorial Na+ transport. The antagonist sensitivity of this effect suggests the benzimidazolones elicit this action by activating the highly selective ENaC currents. Thus, the results demonstrate a possible new strategy for directly enhancing epithelial Na+ transport.
Child Care Quality and Cognitive Development: Trajectories Leading to Better Preacademic Skills
Authors: Côté Sylvana M. , Mongeau Chantal , Japel Christa , Xu Qian , Séguin Jean R. , Tremblay Richard E. 
Published: October 2012

The associations between trajectories of child care quality from ages 2 to 4 years and children's cognitive performance at 4 years (n = 250) were tested. Distinct quality trajectories were identified: low and high ascending Teaching and Interactions trajectory; low and high Provision for Learning trajectory. Membership in the high ascending Teaching and Interactions trajectory was associated with better numeracy (effect size [ES] = .39, confidence interval [CI] = .21–.66), receptive vocabulary (ES = .41, CI = .14–.68), and school readiness (ES = .32, CI = .06–.58). The results suggest that a pattern of increasing quality of teacher–child interactions during the preschool years, particularly with regard to supporting the development of language, has a moderate impact on children's cognitive development.
Heterogeneity in the responses of human lung mast cells to stem cell factor
Authors: Lewis A. , Wan J. , Baothman B. , Monk P. N. , Suvarna S. K. , Peachell P. T. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundStem cell factor (SCF) is a growth factor that is involved in mast cell differentiation and proliferation. SCF primes human lung mast cells for enhanced responses to IgE‐directed activation but is not generally recognized as a direct activator. SCF mediates its effects through c‐kit.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to reappraise the effects of SCF on human lung mast cells.MethodsMast cells were isolated from human lung. Mast cells were challenged with anti‐IgE or SCF and the generation of histamine, cysteinyl‐leukotrienes (cys‐LTs) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) was assessed as was expression of the activation marker, CD63. The effects of c‐kit inhibitors on mediator release were evaluated.ResultsStem cell factor (10 ng/mL) alone was unable to induce mediator release but primed mast cells for enhanced IgE‐dependent secretion. At higher concentrations (≥ 30 ng/mL), SCF had more varied effects and even when used alone was able to drive substantial levels of histamine release in about a third of all preparations studied. Similarly, SCF (100 ng/mL) alone was effective in stimulating the generation of cys‐LTs in half of the preparations studied. SCF (100 ng/mL) was even more effective at stimulating PGD2 generation as almost all preparations generated substantial quantities of the prostanoid. Mediator release induced by SCF was accompanied by the up‐regulation of the activation marker, CD63. There was a positive correlation between the extent of mediator release induced by SCF and c‐kit receptor expression. The effects of SCF on mediator release from mast cells were reversed by the c‐kit inhibitor imatinib.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThese data demonstrate that the responses of mast cells to SCF are heterogeneous. SCF can drive much greater levels of mediator release from mast cells, especially of PGD2, than hitherto appreciated and this could be important in the context of respiratory diseases.
Visual outcomes of cataract surgery performed by supervised novice surgeons during training in rural China
Authors: Huang Wenyong , Ye Ronghua , Liu Bin , Chen Qianyun , Huang Guofu , Liu Yizhi , Friedman David S , Congdon Nathan G , Ling Jin , He Mingguang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground To assess the outcomes of cataract surgery performed by novice surgeons during training in a rural programme.Design Retrospective study.Participants Three hundred thirty‐four patients operated by two trainees under supervision at rural Chinese county hospitals.Methods Two trainees performed surgeries under supervision. Visual acuity, refraction and examinations were carried out 3 months postoperatively.Main Outcome Measures Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, pinhole visual acuity, causes of visual impairment (postoperative uncorrected visual acuity < 6/18)Results Among 518 operated patients, 426 (82.2%) could be contacted and 334 (64.4% of operated patients) completed the examinations. The mean age was 74.1 ± 8.8 years and 62.9% were women. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was available in 372 eyes. Among them, uncorrected visual acuity was ≥6/18 in 278 eyes (74.7%) and <6/60 in 60 eyes (16.1%), and 323 eyes (86.8%) had pinhole visual acuity ≥ 6/18 and 38 eyes (10.2%) had pinhole visual acuity < 6/60. Main causes of visual impairment were uncorrected refractive error (63.9%) and comorbid eye disease (24.5%). Comorbid eye diseases associated with pinhole visual acuity < 6/60 (n = 23, 6.2%) included glaucoma, other optic nerve atrophy, vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment.Conclusions The findings suggest that hands‐on training remains safe and effective even when not implemented in centralized training centres. Further refinement of the training protocol, providing postoperative refractive services and more accurate preoperative intraocular lens calculations, can help optimize outcomes.
Trachoma in Australia: an update
Authors: Taylor Hugh R , Anjou Mitchell D 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn 2001, one of the authors wrote in the Medical Journal of Australia about trachoma explaining that Australia is the only developed country in the world where blinding trachoma still exists. Ten years later, the same is still true, but there is some progress and the situation in Australia is starting to change. However, this progress has been somewhat glacial, especially compared with the rapid changes being made in other ‘undeveloped’ parts of the world.
Assessment of adequate removal of ophthalmic viscoelastic device with irrigation/aspiration by quantifying intraocular lens ‘Judders’
Authors: Sim Benjamin WC , Amjadi Shahriar , Singh Ravjit , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Dubey Rahul , Francis Ian C 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the efficacy of ‘Judders’ as a technique reflecting adequacy of removal of ophthalmic viscoelastic device in cataract surgery.DesignProspective, consecutive, single surgeon study.ParticipantsCohort of 223 patients undergoing phacoemulsification.Methods‘Judders’ are periodic, abrupt, horizontal displacements of the intraocular lens causing balanced salt solution to displace retropseudophakic ophthalmic viscoelastic device. The number of ‘Judders’ was correlated with axial length, anterior chamber depth, and preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure.Main Outcome MeasuresNumber of ‘Judders’, axial length, anterior chamber depth, day 1 postoperative intraocular pressure.ResultsThe mean number of ‘Judders’ was 3.2. There was a positive association between the number of ‘Judders’ and axial length, but not between number of ‘Judders’ and anterior chamber depth. Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 14.5 mmHg; mean day 1 postoperative intraocular pressure was 15.6 mmHg. Intraocular pressure rose in 47% of cases. In six cases (5%), intraocular pressure rose greater than 10 mmHg (range 11–23 mmHg) from the preoperative level.ConclusionsAspirating ophthalmic viscoelastic device with the irrigation/aspiration tip posterior to the intraocular lens may be associated with the risk of a posterior capsule tear. Maintaining the irrigation/aspiration tip anterior to the intraocular lens may offer a significant safety advantage. The number of ‘Judders’, usually 3–4, appears to be a safe and reliable end‐point of complete ophthalmic viscoelastic device removal. There were significantly more ‘Judders’ in eyes with a longer axial length. The safety and efficacy of ‘Judders’ are reflected by the stable mean postoperative intraocular pressure.
In vivo evaluation of bioactive glass‐based coatings on dental implants in a dog implantation model
Authors: van Oirschot Bart A. J. A. , Alghamdi Hamdan S. , Närhi Timo O. , Anil Sukumaran , Al Farraj Aldosari Abdullah , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Jansen John A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesAlthough titanium is commonly used as a favorable bone implant material due to its mechanical properties, its bioactive and osteoconductive capacity is relatively low. Calcium phosphate ceramics, predominantly hydroxyapatite (HA), have been frequently used for coating purposes to improve the bioactive properties. In view of the suggested osteopromotive capacity of bioactive glasses (BGs), this study aimed to evaluate the effect of BG incorporation into HA coatings on implant performance in terms of bone contact and bone area.Materials and MethodsA total of 48 screw‐type titanium implants with magnetron sputter coatings containing different ratios of HA and BG (HA, HABGLow, and HABGHigh; n = 8) were placed into the mandible of 16 Beagle dogs. After 4 and 12 weeks, their performance was evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically. Peri‐implant bone area percentage (BA%) was determined in three zones (inner, 0–500 μm; middle, 500–1000 μm; and outer, 1000–1500 μm). Additionally, bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%) and first bone–implant contact (1st BIC) were assessed for each sample.ResultsAfter 4 weeks, bone‐to‐implant contact for the HA‐ and HABGLow‐coated groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than for the HABGHigh coatings. Mean values for overall BA% showed comparable values for both the HABGLow (58.3%)‐ and HABGHigh (56.3%)‐coated groups. Data suggest that the relative BA around the HA‐coated implants (67.8%) was higher, although this was only significant compared to the HABGHigh group. After 12 weeks, all three groups showed similar bone‐to‐implant contact and no differences in BA were found.ConclusionsThe incorporation of BG into HA sputter coatings did not enhance the performance of a dental implant in implantations sites with good bone quality and quantity. On the contrary, coatings containing high concentrations of BG resulted in inferior performance during the early postimplantation healing phase.
Surgery Upregulates High Mobility Group Box‐1 and Disrupts the Blood–Brain Barrier causing Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Rats
Authors: He Hui‐Juan , Wang Yi , Le Yuan , Duan Kai‐Ming , Yan Xue‐Bin , Liao Qin , Liao Yan , Tong Jian‐Bin , Terrando Niccolò , Ouyang Wen 
Published: October 2012

SummaryAimPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a growing and largely underestimated problem without defined etiology. Herein, we sought to determine the relationship between cognitive decline, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and inflammation, namely high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), after surgery in aged rats.MethodsAged rats were randomly assigned as surgery group (n = 45, splenectomy under general anesthesia), anesthesia (n = 45, 2% isoflurane for 2 h), and naïve control (n = 15). Markers of inflammation were measured in plasma and brain. Blood–brain barrier ultrastructure and permeability were measured by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and IgG immunohistochemistry. Cognitive function was assessed in a reversal learning version of the Morris water maze (MWM).ResultsSurgical trauma under general anesthesia caused distinct changes in systemic and central proinflammatory cytokines. Levels of HMGB1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus of operated animals. Immunohistochemistry and TEM showed BBB disruption induced by surgery and anesthesia. These molecular changes were associated with cognitive impairment in latency with the MWM up to postoperative day 3.ConclusionsHMGB1 and RAGE signaling appear pivotal mediators of surgery‐induced cognitive decline and may contribute to the changes in BBB permeability after peripheral surgical trauma.
Laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon carcinoma: a surgical challenge but oncologically feasible
Authors: Fernández‐Cebrián J. M. , Gil Yonte P. , Jimenez‐Toscano M. , Vega L. , Ochando F. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and to compare the clinicopathological outcome with that of conventional open surgery.MethodFrom March 1998 to December 2009, 1253 patients with colorectal tumours were operated on, 564 laparoscopically. There were 154 cases of transverse colon cancer, 86 of which were included in the study. Details were collected on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to resume a liquid diet, postoperative length of hospital stay, complications, TNM stage, tumour size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of nodes harvested and surgical procedure. Laparoscopic and open surgical removal was compared.ResultsNo significant differences were found between laparoscopic and conventional groups in age, sex, BMI, operation time or postoperative length of hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (105.9 ± 140.9 ml vs 305.7 ± 325.3 ml; P = 0.05). The time to the first flatus was shorter (2.1 ± 0.3 days vs 3.8 ± 3.0 days; P = 0.043) and diet was started earlier (3.1 ± 1.4 days vs 3.4 ± 1.5 days) in the laparoscopic group. No significant differences in tumour size, proximal resection margin or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was not statistically different (10.3 ± 4.5 cm vs 8.8 ± 4.9 cm). At a mean follow up of 33 ± 2.3 months, nonport‐site metastases occurred in eight patients and locoregional recurrence occurred in three, with no significant difference between the groups. The 3‐year cumulative overall survival rate was 78%, and the disease‐free survival rate was 69%.ConclusionThere was no difference in the outcome of laparoscopic and open surgery for transverse colon cancer, including the cancer‐specific outcome.