bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitinase‐like gene family in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Xi Y. , Pan P‐L. , Ye Y‐X. , Yu B. , Xu H‐J. , Zhang C‐X. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractChitinases are important enzymes required for chitin degradation and reconstruction in insects. Based on a bioinformatics investigation, we identified 12 genes encoding putative chitinase‐like proteins, including 10 chitinases (Cht), one imaginal disc growth factor (IDGF) and one endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) in the genome of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). These 12 genes were clustered into nine different groups, with 11 in glycoside hydrolase family 18 groups (groups I‐VIII) and one in the ENGase group. Developmental and tissue‐specific expression pattern analysis revealed that the transcript levels of eight genes peaked periodically during moulting and were mainly expressed in the integument, except NlCht2, NlCht4, NlIDGF and NlENGase. NlCht2, NlIDGF and NlENGase were expressed at all stages with slight periodical changes and mainly expressed in the female reproductive organs in adults, whereas NlCht4 was highly expressed only at the adult stage in the male reproductive organs. Lethal phenotypes were observed in insects challenged by double‐stranded RNAs for NlCht1, NlCht5, NlCht7, NlCht9 and NlCht10 during moulting, suggesting their significant roles in old cuticle degradation. NlCht1 was the most sensitive gene, inducing 50% mortality even at 0.01 ng per insect. Our results illustrate the structural and functional differences of chitinase‐like family genes and provide potential targets for RNA interference‐based rice planthopper management.
Functional characterization of calliphorid cell death genes and cellularization gene promoters for controlling gene expression and cell viability in early embryos
Authors: Edman R. M. , Linger R. J. , Belikoff E. J. , Li F. , Sze S.‐H. , Tarone A. M. , Scott M. J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and the Australian sheep blow fly, Lucilia cuprina, are major pests of livestock. The sterile insect technique was used to eradicate C. hominivorax from North and Central America. This involved area‐wide releases of male and female flies that had been sterilized by radiation. Genetic systems have been developed for making ‘male‐only’ strains that would improve the efficiency of genetic control of insect pests. One system involves induction of female lethality in embryos through activation of a pro‐apoptotic gene by the tetracycline‐dependent transactivator. Sex‐specific expression is achieved using an intron from the transformer gene, which we previously isolated from several calliphorids. In the present study, we report the isolation of the promoters from the C. hominivorax slam and Lucilia sericata bnk cellularization genes and show that these promoters can drive expression of a GFP reporter gene in early embryos of transgenic L. cuprina. Additionally, we report the isolation of the L. sericata pro‐apoptotic hid and rpr genes, identify conserved motifs in the encoded proteins and determine the relative expression of these genes at different stages of development. We show that widespread expression of the L. sericata pro‐apoptotic genes was lethal in Drosophila melanogaster. The isolated gene promoters and pro‐apoptotic genes could potentially be used to build transgenic embryonic sexing strains of calliphorid livestock pests.
Reduced pressure for fewer pressure ulcers: can real‐time feedback of interface pressure optimise repositioning in bed?
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Carli Cheryl 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to (i) describe registered nurses' and assistant nurses' repositioning skills with regard to their existing attitudes to and theoretical knowledge of pressure ulcer (PU) prevention, and (ii) evaluate if the continuous bedside pressure mapping (CBPM) system provides staff with a pedagogic tool to optimise repositioning. A quantitative study was performed using a descriptive, comparative design. Registered nurses (n = 19) and assistant nurses (n = 33) worked in pairs, and were instructed to place two volunteers (aged over 70 years) in the best pressure‐reducing position (lateral and supine), first without viewing the CBPM monitor and then again after feedback. In total, 240 positionings were conducted. The results show that for the same person with the same available pressure‐reducing equipment, the peak pressure varied considerably between nursing pairs. Reducing pressure in the lateral position appeared to be the most challenging. Peak pressures were significantly reduced, based on visual feedback from the CBPM monitor. The number of preventive interventions also increased, as well as patients' comfort. For the nurses as a group, the knowledge score was 59·7% and the attitude score was 88·8%. Real‐time visual feedback of pressure points appears to provide another dimension to complement decision making with respect to PU prevention.
Reduced Dielectric Loss and Strain Hysteresis in Fe and Mn Comodified High‐Temperature BiScO3–PbTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Jianguo , Jin Guoxi , Wang Chun‐Ming , Cheng Jinrong 
Published: September 2014

There is a growing requirement for high‐temperature piezoelectric materials in the petrochemical, automotive, and aerospace industries. Here, the piezoelectric materials of Fe and Mn comodified 0.36BiScO3–0.64PbTiO3 (BS‐PTFMn) ceramics with high Curie temperature (Tc), large mechanical quality factor (Qm), and reduced strain hysteresis were presented. XRD results revealed that all the BS‐PTFMn ceramics have a pure perovskite structure with tetragonal symmetry, and the ratio of c/a is insensitive to the contents of Fe. With the modifications of Fe, the dielectric loss tanδ and strain hysteresis decrease clearly, while the mechanical quality factor improves significantly. The Curie temperature, piezoelectric constant, planar electromechanical coupling factor, dielectric loss, and mechanical quality factor of the BS‐PTFMn with 3% Fe content are 492°C, 235 pC/N, 0.38, 0.6%, and 280, respectively. BS‐PTFMn ceramics show 50°C higher Tc than BS‐PT morphotropic phase boundary composition. The figure of merit (product of Qm, and kij) of BS‐PTFMn ceramics is about five times than that of pure BS‐PT ceramics. Furthermore, for the BS‐PTFMn ceramics with Fe content of 3 mol%, the high field strain coefficient value calculated from the electric‐field‐induced strain curves (Smax/Emax) is 320 pm/V, while the strain hysteresis (under 40 kV/cm) is reduced to one fifth that of unmodified BS‐PT ceramics. Moreover, the temperature‐dependent electromechanical coupling coefficient and dielectric constant are very stable in the temperature range from room temperature (RT) to 450°C. These results indicated that BS‐PTFMn ceramics are promising for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications.
Macroscopic and Nanoscopic Polarization Relaxation Kinetics in Lead‐Free Relaxors Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–Bi1/2K1/2TiO3–BiZn1/2Ti1/2O3
Authors: Gobeljic Danka , Dittmer Robert , Rödel Jürgen , Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Lupascu Doru C. 
Published: September 2014

The stability of the field‐induced ferroelectric (FE) state was studied in relaxor lead‐free ceramics (1 − y)[0.81Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.19Bi1/2K1/2TiO3]–yBiZn1/2Ti1/2O3 both macroscopically and microscopically. A strong dc electric field results in the formation of a stable FE state with a large piezoelectric coefficient for compositions with a small amount of Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3, which are in the non‐ergodic relaxor state at room temperature. Increasing temperature promotes ergodic relaxor behavior, which is accompanied by the rapid destabilization of the induced state, that is, small relaxation times. Based on the obtained data, it is proposed that the depolarization is a two‐step process consisting of an initial realignment of the FE domains and their subsequent breakup into polar nanoregions. The ergodic relaxor behavior is also promoted by increasing the Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 content. The related charge disorder results in an enhancement of random electric fields and consequently a stable FE state cannot be induced even at room temperature.
Development of an International School Nurse Asthma Care Coordination Model
Authors: Garwick Ann W. , Svavarsdóttir Erla Kolbrun , Seppelt Ann M. , Looman Wendy S. , Anderson Lori S. , Örlygsdóttir Brynja 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimTo identify and compare how school nurses in Reykjavik, Iceland and St. Paul, Minnesota coordinated care for youth with asthma (ages 10–18) and to develop an asthma school nurse care coordination model.BackgroundLittle is known about how school nurses coordinate care for youth with asthma in different countries.DesignA qualitative descriptive study design using focus group data.MethodsSix focus groups with 32 school nurses were conducted in Reykjavik (n = 17) and St. Paul (n = 15) using the same protocol between September 2008 and January 2009. Descriptive content analytic and constant comparison strategies were used to categorize and compare how school nurses coordinated care, which resulted in the development of an International School Nurse Asthma Care Coordination Model.FindingsParticipants in both countries spontaneously described a similar asthma care coordination process that involved information gathering, assessing risk for asthma episodes, prioritizing healthcare needs and anticipating and planning for student needs at the individual and school levels. This process informed how they individualized symptom management, case management and/or asthma education. School nurses played a pivotal part in collaborating with families, school and healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for youth with asthma.ConclusionsResults indicate a high level of complexity in school nurses' approaches to asthma care coordination that were responsive to the diverse and changing needs of students in school settings. The conceptual model derived provides a framework for investigators to use in examining the asthma care coordination process of school nurses in other geographic locations.
Light scattering microscopy with angular resolution and its possible application to apoptosis
Authors: RICHTER V. , VOIT F. , KIENLE A. , SCHNECKENBURGER H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAn inverted microscope has been modified for light scattering experiments with high angular resolution in combination with transmission, wide‐field fluorescence or laser scanning microscopy. Supported by simulations of Mie scattering, this method permits detection of morphological changes of 3T3 fibroblasts on apoptosis and formation of spherically shaped cells of about 20 μm diameter, in agreement with visual observation. Smaller sub‐structures (e.g. cell nuclei) as well as cell clusters may possibly contribute to the scattering behaviour. Results of 2‐dimensional cell cultures are confirmed by 3‐dimensional multicellular spheroids of 3T3 fibroblasts and HeLa 2E8 cervix carcinoma cells, where in most cases no morphological changes are discernable. This offers some advantage of light scattering microscopy for label‐free detection of apoptosis and may represent a first step towards label‐free in vivo diagnostics.
Examining the judicial decision to substitute credibility instructions for expert testimony on confessions
Authors: Gomes Dayna M. , Stenstrom Douglas M. , Calvillo Dustin P. 
Published: September 2014

PurposeThe present study tested the judicial decision to deny false confession expert testimony on the basis that jury instructions are sufficient to aid jurors in their determinations of disputed confession evidence.MethodsThree groups of mock jurors (N = 150) were presented with a trial summary that included a videotaped re‐enactment of an interrogation in which the interrogator used a maximization ploy. One group received expert testimony in the trial summary, another group received credibility instructions, and a control group received neither. All participants received standard reasonable doubt instructions at the end of the trial summary and then answered questions such as their verdict in the case, the defendant's likelihood of guilt, and the voluntariness of the defendant's confession.ResultsThe results showed a high rate of conviction that was only reduced when participants received expert testimony. Across all measures, no significant differences were found between the control and credibility instruction groups.ConclusionsThe results suggest that credibility instructions are not comparable to expert testimony in influencing jurors' judgments of disputed confession evidence. These findings do not support the judicial decision to deny expert testimony on the basis that credibility instructions alone are sufficient to aid potential jurors in their evaluations of confession evidence. Avenues for future research on expert testimony and jury instructions in confession cases are discussed.
Temperature effects on asexual reproduction of the scyphozoan Aurelia aurita s.l.: differences between exotic (Baltic and Red seas) and native (Mediterranean Sea) populations
Authors: Pascual Maria , Fuentes Verónica , Canepa Antonio , Atienza Dacha , Gili Josep‐Maria , Purcell Jennifer E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMassive occurrences of jellyfish can cause direct impacts on the economy, especially on tourism and commercial fisheries. Translocation of jellyfish species by humans has caused damaging blooms in new habitats. Aurelia aurita s.l. has been introduced in many locations around the world. To test the potential success of Au. aurita s.l. in various habitats, scyphistomae from different climatic locations (Mediterranean, Red and Baltic Seas) were cultured individually for 201 days at three temperatures (14, 21 and 28 °C) with the same salinity, food and light. We tested the null hypotheses that there were no differences in survival or asexual reproduction (budding and strobilation) amongst populations [native (Mediterranean) and exotic (Red and Baltic)]. Survival of the three scyphistoma populations did not differ significantly across temperatures; however, the Red Sea group had lower survival at all temperatures than did the other populations. Most individuals strobilated at 14 °C. Red Sea scyphistomae strobilated more quickly than Baltic and Mediterranean Sea scyphistomae and produced the fewest ephyrae, whereas Baltic Sea scyphistomae produced the most. Our results indicate that Au. aurita from the Baltic or Red Seas introduced into the Northwest Mediterranean Sea would potentially persist and successfully asexually reproduce there. A new invader could even have greater asexual production than the local Au. aurita s.l. Establishment of the invaders could increase genetic variation of subsequent generations and increase their adaptability to environmental changes. Our results suggest that introduction of exotic Au. aurita s.l. populations could increase jellyfish blooms in the Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat use of inter‐tidal chitons – role of colour polymorphism
Authors: Mendonça Vanessa , Vinagre Catarina , Cabral Henrique , Silva Ana C. F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study presents a new approach to examining European chiton habitat use according to morphological characteristics. Time‐search transects were conducted on four Portuguese rocky shores at two shore levels. The chiton species, abundance and individual morphometric features were recorded and related to the substratum dominant epiphytes and surface roughness. The chiton Lepidochitona cinerea (Linnaeus 1767) was the dominant species (77%), followed by Leptochiton algesirensis (Capellini 1859) (15%) and Acanthochitona crinita (Pennant 1777) (8%). Species abundance did not vary significantly with shore level or amongst shores. Six colour morphs were considered for Lepidochitona cinerea, four for A. crinita and one for Lepidochiton algesirensis. Substratum characteristics significantly explained the variation in species and colour morph distribution. There was a high correlation between the presence/absence and type of epiphytic algae and the substratum surface roughness level. We hypothesize that three mechanisms operating either independently or in interaction may explain the non‐random distribution of colour polymorphisms according to their habitat characteristics: (i) presence of algae that are part of their diet; (ii) use of rock as shelter – for instance, crevices and cover resulting from algae fronds and; (iii) morph–rock colour matching as a camouflage mechanism to reduce predation pressure.
Biofilm dispersal: deciding when it is better to travel
Authors: Wood Thomas K. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBacteria live predominantly in biofilms, and the internal signal cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) is a universal signal that governs the formation and the dispersal of these communities. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important reference systems for studying bacterial biofilms and contains numerous diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) for synthesizing c‐di‐GMP and phosphodiesterases (PDEs) for degrading c‐di‐GMP. However, few studies have discerned how cells in biofilms respond to their environment to regulate c‐di‐GMP concentrations through this sophisticated network of enzymes. Basu Roy and Sauer (2014) provide insights on how cells disperse in response to an increase in nutrient levels. Their results show that the inner membrane protein NicD is a DGC that controls dispersal by sensing nutrient levels: when glutamate concentrations are increased, NicD is dephosphorylated, which increases c‐di‐GMP levels and leads to phosphorylation and processing of dispersal regulator BdlA. Processing of BdlA leads to activation of PDE DipA, which results in a net reduction of c‐di‐GMP and biofilm dispersal. These results suggest biofilm dispersal relies on surprisingly dynamic c‐di‐GMP concentrations as a result of a sophisticated interaction between DGCs and PDEs.
PA/Lateral Chest X‐Ray is Equivalent to Cine‐Fluoroscopy for the Detection of Conductor Externalization in Defibrillation Leads
Authors: STEINBERG CHRISTIAN , SARRAZIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , PHILIPPON FRANÇOIS , CHAMPAGNE JEAN , MOLIN FRANCK , NAULT ISABELLE , BLIER LOUIS , BOUCHARD MARC‐ANDRÉ , ARSENAULT JEAN , O'HARA GILLES 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundRiata™ and Riata ST defibrillation leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) are susceptible to insulation defects with conductor externalization. Cine‐fluoroscopy is considered to be the gold standard for the documentation of insulation defects, but similar detection rates have been reported for posterior‐anterior (PA)/lateral chest x‐ray (CXR) with zooming.ObjectiveProspective single‐center study to assess the diagnostic equivalence of a PA/lateral CXR with zooming for the detection of Riata insulation defects in a direct comparison to cine‐fluoroscopy.MethodsSeventy‐eight consecutive patients underwent 3‐view cine‐fluoroscopy and a PA/lateral CXR. All CXRs and cine‐fluoroscopy images were reviewed by blinded electrophysiologists and staff radiologists.ResultsForty‐four of 78 patients had an abnormal cine‐fluoroscopy (56%). The diagnostic correlation between PA/lateral CXR and cine‐fluoroscopy was excellent (κ = 0.90; 95% confidence interval 0.80–1.00). PA/lateral CXR was equivalent to cine‐fluoroscopy for the detection of conductor externalization showing a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 91.2%. The mean radiation effective dose of CXR was significantly lower compared to cine‐fluoroscopy (0.09 millisievert [mSV] vs 0.85 ± 0.47 mSv; P < 0.001). Also, CXR was significantly less expensive.ConclusionPA/lateral CXR with zooming is equivalent to cine‐fluoroscopy for the detection of Riata insulation defects and should be considered as the preferred screening method.
Lumenless Pacing Leads: Performance and Extraction in Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: GARNREITER JASON , WHITAKER PATRICIA , PILCHER THOMAS , ETHERIDGE SUSAN , SAAREL ELIZABETH 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) patients requiring permanent pacing present unique challenges, including need for long duration of implant, small size, and structural abnormalities. We report 6 years of experience with a novel 4.1‐Fr lumenless pacing lead (model 3830, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) in this population.MethodsRetrospective review of M3830 leads implanted at a pediatric center from 2005 to 2011. Data were compared to a population with a conventional pacing lead (model 1488, St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA).ResultsA total of 193 patients with 198 model 3830 leads (125 atrial, 73 ventricular) were enrolled. CHD was present in 121 (63%). Age and weight at implant were 16.6 ± 8.5 years and 51.7 ± 23.5 kg, respectively. Length of follow‐up was 26 ± 19 months (range 0–73). At implant, mean sensing and capture thresholds were good and remained stable over time. There were no significant differences in electrical performance compared to 101 leads in the comparison group. Implant complications were rare. Follow‐up complications occurred in 4% of the M3830 leads and 16% of M1488 leads. Eleven M3830 leads required extraction. All were extracted without complications using only manual traction. There were three deaths in each group. One death in the M1488 group occurred during lead extraction. No other deaths were lead related.ConclusionDuring up to 6 years of use in pediatric and CHD patients, the M3830 lead has demonstrated excellent efficacy, a low rate of complications, and straightforward extractability relative to traditional pacing leads.
The Effect of the Left Stellate Ganglion on Sympathetic Neural Remodeling of the Left Atrium in Rats Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: LI ZHIYUAN , WANG MENGZAN , ZHANG YUJIAO , ZHENG SHAOHUA , WANG XIMIN , HOU YINGLONG 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe neural remodeling of the atrium plays an important role in the initiation of atrial fibrillation after myocardial infarction (MI); however, the effects of the left stellate ganglion (LSG) on the neural remodeling of the atrium remain incompletely understood. Thus, this study investigated the mechanism by which the LSG mediates sympathetic neural remodeling of the left atrium (LA) in rats after MI.MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a Sham group and an MI group. The expression levels of growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP43) and nerve growth factor (NGF) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and density of GAP43‐ and NGF‐positive nerves. The expression levels of the proteins were quantified by Western blotting.ResultsCompared with the Sham group, GAP43 mRNA expression in the LSG was increased in the MI group (P < 0.01), but not significantly increased in the LA. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that in both the LSG and the LA, the mean densities of GAP43‐ and NGF‐positive nerves in the MI group were increased (P < 0.01). In both the LSG and the LA, the protein levels of GAP43 and NGF in the MI group were increased relative to the Sham group (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe increased levels of NGF and GAP43 proteins can induce sympathetic nerve hyperinnervation in the LSG and the LA after MI. The increased GAP43 proteins in the LA, which may have been transported from the LSG, accelerated LA sympathetic neural remodeling in rats.