bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BDNF and Huntingtin protein modifications by manganese: implications for striatal medium spiny neuron pathology in manganese neurotoxicity
Authors: Stansfield Kirstie H. , Bichell Terry Jo , Bowman Aaron B. , Guilarte Tomás R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHigh levels of manganese (Mn) exposure decrease striatal medium spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic length and spine density, but the mechanism(s) are not known. The Huntingtin (HTT) gene has been functionally linked to cortical brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) support of striatal MSNs via phosphorylation at serine 421. In Huntington's disease, pathogenic CAG repeat expansions of HTT decrease synthesis and disrupt transport of cortical–striatal BDNF, which may contribute to disease, and Mn is a putative environmental modifier of Huntington's disease pathology. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that changes in MSN dendritic morphology Mn due to exposure are associated with decreased BDNF levels and alterations in Htt protein. We report that BDNF levels are decreased in the striatum of Mn‐exposed non‐human primates and in the cerebral cortex and striatum of mice exposed to Mn. Furthermore, proBDNF and mature BDNF concentrations in primary cortical and hippocampal neuron cultures were decreased by exposure to Mn confirming the in vivo findings. Mn exposure decreased serine 421 phosphorylation of Htt in cortical and hippocampal neurons and increased total Htt levels. These data strongly support the hypothesis that Mn‐exposure‐related MSN pathology is associated with decreased BDNF trophic support via alterations in Htt.
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In this study, we provide evidence that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations are decreased in the striatum of manganese‐exposed mice and non‐human primates with implications to medium spiny neuron (MSN) pathology. Manganese (Mn) effects on huntingtin protein levels and phosphorylation at serine 421 may be associated with impaired cortical–striatal BDNF transport and reduced BDNF concentrations in the striatum. These findings suggest a mechanism by which exposure to excess manganese alters MSN morphology and influences basal ganglia function. Htt = Huntingtin protein.
ARFI elastography as a complementary diagnostic method for mammary neoplasia in female dogs – preliminary results
Authors: Feliciano M. A. R. , Maronezi M. C. , Pavan L. , Castanheira T. L. , Simões A. P. R. , Carvalho C. F. , Canola J. C. , Vicente W. R. R. 
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the applicability of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography as a complementary method in diagnosing mammary neoplasia in dogs.METHODSMammary tumours from 50 female dogs were evaluated and divided into two groups: G1 (benign tissue) and G2 (malignant tumours). The nodules were assessed by B‐Mode ultrasonography, qualitative and quantitative acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and histopathology.RESULTSB‐Mode ultrasound examination was ineffective at separating the tumours into the two groups. Likewise, there was no correlation between the grayscale images of the mammary tissue by qualitative elastography. A difference was found in the deformity of the mammary masses between the malignant and benign groups (P = 0 · 002). Using quantitative elastography, the mean values of shear velocity were 3 · 33 m/s for malignant tumours and 1 · 28 m/s for benign tissue (P < 0 · 0001).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe use of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography may help to differentiate between malignant and benign mammary neoplasms.
Gastrointestinal Ultrasonography of Normal Standardbred Neonates and Frequency of Asymptomatic Intussusceptions
Authors: Abraham M. , Reef V.B. , Sweeney R.W. , Navas de Solís C. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundUltrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described.ObjectivesTo describe (1) sonographic characteristics of theGIsegments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra‐ and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions.AnimalsEighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age.MethodsProspective, cross‐sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonograms were performed stall‐side. Intraobserver variability in wall thickness measurements was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). The Bland–Altman method was used to assess interobserver bias. Student'st‐test and Fisher's exact test were used to test the association among presence of intussusceptions, age, and selected sonographic findings.ResultsThe reference ranges (95% predictive interval) for wall thickness were 1.6–3.6 mm for the stomach, 1.9–3.2 mm for the duodenum, 1.9–3.1 mm for the jejunum, 1.3–2.2 mm for the colon, and 0.8–2.7 mm for the cecum. Intraobserver wall thicknessCVranged from 8 to 21% for the 2 observers for 5 gastrointestinal segments. The interobserver bias for wall thickness measurements was not significant except for the stomach (0.14 mm,P < .05) and duodenum (0.29 mm,P < .05). Diagnostic images of mural blood flow could not be obtained. Asymptomatic intussusceptions were found in 10/18 neonates. Associations between sonographic variables or age and the presence of intussusceptions were not found.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSonographic characteristics of theGItract of normal Standardbred neonates can be useful in evaluating ill foals. Asymptomatic small intestinal intussusceptions occur in normal Standardbred neonates.
Looks and Labor: Do Attractive People Work More?
Authors: Gehrsitz Markus 
Published: August 2014

AbstractUsing the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS) 2008, I investigate how looks affect an individual's labor supply decision. My results are, by and large, in line with predictions derived from the neoclassical model of labor supply. Applying regular probit, bivariate probit, Tobit and Heckman selection regression models, I find that good looks go hand in hand with higher employment probabilities and more hours of market work. Furthermore, physical attractiveness is positively associated with spousal income and spousal employment. Hence, beauty appears to affect labor supply decisions both directly and through the marriage market.
Individual performance in relation to cytonuclear discordance in a northern contact zone between long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) lineages
Authors: Lee‐Yaw Julie A. , Jacobs Chris G. C. , Irwin Darren E. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCytonuclear discordance in contact zones between related lineages is common, with mitochondrial clines often being displaced from clines in nuclear allele frequency. Proposed explanations for such a pattern include adaptive introgression of mtDNA or a neutral wake of mtDNA being left behind following hybrid zone movement. However, studies investigating these hypotheses are rare. Our previous survey of genetic variation in the long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) highlighted a potential case of cytonuclear discordance between two lineages in western Canada. Here, we use additional markers and samples to clarify the extent of this discordance. We simultaneously assess the feeding performance of individuals in a common environment to test for an association between mitotype and individual performance. The genetic results confirm a general pattern of cytonuclear discordance in the focal region. However, we also observed more limited introgression of a diagnostic nuclear marker. Intriguingly, although there were differences in individual performance associated with the transition between mitotypes, these differences were not fully explained by mitotype. Instead, the lowest performance was observed in individuals demonstrating the greatest mismatch between mtDNA and all nuclear markers, suggesting the potential for cytonuclear incompatibilities to be acting. These results highlight the complexity of understanding the causes and consequences of mtDNA introgression and cytonuclear discordance in contact zones.
Transcriptional control of floral anthocyanin pigmentation in monkeyflowers (Mimulus)
Authors: Yuan Yao‐Wu , Sagawa Janelle M. , Frost Laura , Vela James P. , Bradshaw Harvey D. 
Published: August 2014

Summary

A molecular description of the control of floral pigmentation in a multi‐species group displaying various flower color patterns is of great interest for understanding the molecular bases of phenotypic diversification and pollinator‐mediated speciation.

Through transcriptome profiling, mutant analyses and transgenic experiments, we aim to establish a ‘baseline’ floral anthocyanin regulation model in Mimulus lewisii and to examine the different ways of tinkering with this model in generating the diversity of floral anthocyanin patterns in other Mimulus species.

We find one WD40 and one bHLH gene controlling anthocyanin pigmentation in the entire corolla of M. lewisii and two R2R3‐MYB genes, PELAN and NEGAN, controlling anthocyanin production in the petal lobe and nectar guide, respectively. The autoregulation of NEGAN might be a critical property to generate anthocyanin spots. Independent losses of PELAN expression (via different mechanisms) explain two natural yellow‐flowered populations of M. cardinalis (typically red‐flowered). The NEGAN ortholog is the only anthocyanin‐activating MYB expressed in the M. guttatus flowers.

The mutant lines and transgenic tools available for M. lewisii will enable gene‐by‐gene replacement experiments to dissect the genetic and developmental bases of more complex floral color patterns, and to test hypotheses on phenotypic evolution in general.
Herbicidal β‐triketones are compartmentalized in leaves of Leptospermum species: localization by Raman microscopy and rapid screening
Authors: Killeen Daniel P. , van Klink John W. , Smallfield Bruce M. , Gordon Keith C. , Perry Nigel B. 
Published: August 2014

Summary

The New Zealand mānuka shrub, Leptospermum scoparium, and the Australian L. morrisonii produce herbicidal β‐triketones in their leaves. The localization of these potential self‐toxicants has not been proven.

We investigated the localization of these compounds in leaves using Raman microscopy. The results are presented as heat maps derived from principal component analysis (PCA) of the Raman spectra from sampling grids of leaf sections. This approach used undirected, data‐driven analysis to qualitatively distinguish localized plant chemistry. The presence of β‐triketones and lipophilic flavonoids was confirmed by GC‐MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Grandiflorone was compartmentalized within the leaf oil glands of L. morrisonii. Leptospermum scoparium also contained high concentrations of grandiflorone, previously reported as only a trace component in essential oils, localized in the oil glands in the leaves of varieties from diverse geographical locations. Raman microscopy was used to probe the chemistry of oil glands in several ornamental mānuka varieties, revealing high concentrations of bioactive flavonoids localized in these glands.

The compartmentalization of β‐triketones within oil glands inside leaves of Leptospermum shrubs may defend the plants against herbicidal activity.
Vapour pressure deficit during growth has little impact on genotypic differences of transpiration efficiency at leaf and whole‐plant level: an example from Populus nigra L.
Authors: RASHEED FAHAD , DREYER ERWIN , RICHARD BÉATRICE , BRIGNOLAS FRANCK , BRENDEL OLIVER , LE THIEC DIDIER 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPoplar genotypes differ in transpiration efficiency (TE) at leaf and whole‐plant level under similar conditions. We tested whether atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) affected TE to the same extent across genotypes. Six Populus nigra genotypes were grown under two VPD. We recorded (1) 13C content in soluble sugars; (2) 18O enrichment in leaf water; (3) leaf‐level gas exchange; and (4) whole‐plant biomass accumulation and water use. Whole‐plant and intrinsic leaf TE and 13C content in soluble sugars differed significantly among genotypes. Stomatal conductance contributed more to these differences than net CO2 assimilation rate. VPD increased water use and reduced whole‐plant TE. It increased intrinsic leaf‐level TE due to a decline in stomatal conductance. It also promoted higher 18O enrichment in leaf water. VPD had no genotype‐specific effect. We detected a deviation in the relationship between 13C in leaf sugars and 13C predicted from gas exchange and the standard discrimination model. This may be partly due to genotypic differences in mesophyll conductance, and to its lack of sensitivity to VPD. Leaf‐level 13C discrimination was a powerful predictor of the genetic variability of whole‐plant TE irrespective of VPD during growth.
Temporal changes of soil physical quality under two residue management systems
Authors: Castellini M. , Niedda M. , Pirastru M. , Ventrella D. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAlthough crop residue management is known to affect near‐surface soil physical quality, little is known about the temporal variability of these indicators over short time intervals. This study evaluates the temporal changes of nine indicators of soil physical quality. These are organic carbon content, structural stability index, bulk density, macroporosity, air capacity, relative field capacity, plant available water capacity, Dexter's S‐index and saturated hydraulic conductivity. A second set of soil physical indicators, based on the distribution of soil pore volume, was also evaluated. The indicators were determined in three different times during the growing cycle of winter durum wheat cultivated within a long‐term field research carrying out in Southern Italy and comparing two types of crop residue management, that is, burning (B) and soil incorporation (I). Only the bulk density changed over time for both treatments, although the air capacity also changed for the incorporation of wheat residues. Residual effects of the autumnal soil tillage and soil compaction were a common source of variability, irrespective of which treatment was used. Based on the existing guidelines for evaluating the physical quality of these agricultural soils, optimal or near‐optimal values were detected in about half of the cases under consideration. This suggests that both B and I create sufficiently good conditions for crop growth during the crop cycle. The comparison between observed and optimal soil pore distribution function was always poor. The pore volume distributions showed lower densities of small pores and relatively higher densities of large pores than the proposed optimal distribution. This study also suggests that the considered optimal or references curves probably cannot be applied successfully to a wide range of agricultural soils.
Predonation screening of candidate donors and prevention of window period donations
Authors: Lieshout‐Krikke Ryanne W. , Zaaijer Hans L. , van de Laar Thijs J.W. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundInfectious window period donations slip through routine donor screening procedures. To explore the potential value of predonation screening of candidate donors, we compared the proportion of incident transfusion‐transmissible infections in candidate donors, in first‐time donors, and in repeat donors.Study Design and MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of all incident hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in candidate, first‐time, and repeat donors in the Netherlands during the period 2009 to 2013.ResultsIn total, 176,716 candidate donors, 144,226 first‐time donations, and 4,143,455 repeat donations were screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. Acute HBV infection was identified in the predonation sample of six candidate donors. One first‐time donor, testing HIV‐negative at predonation screening, tested positive for anti‐HIV and HIV RNA in the first donation 29 days later. Among repeat donations we identified 15, one, and six incident HBV, HCV and HIV infections, respectively. The proportion of incident infections among candidate donors/first‐time donations/repeat donations was for HBV, 3.40/0/0.36; for HCV, 0/0/0.02; and for HIV 0/0.69/0.14 per 100,000, respectively.ConclusionPredonation screening of candidate donors very likely causes a loss of donations, but it might prevent undetected window period donations. Further studies are necessary to determine the value of predonation screening as an additional safety measure.
Vasopressin regulation of epithelial colonic proliferation and permeability is mediated by pericryptal platelet‐derived growth factor A
Authors: Miró Lluïsa , Pérez‐Bosque Anna , Maijó Mònica , Naftalin Richard J. , Moretó Miquel 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates distal colonic crypt cell proliferation and permeability in vivo, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Our study addresses whether AVP is acting directly on myofibroblasts and enterocytes or by mechanisms involving local regulators, in an in vitro model using human myofibroblasts and enterocyte cell lines.
What is the main finding and its importance?
The effect of AVP in stimulating myofibroblast proliferation involves pericryptal platelet‐derived growth factor A, which mediates local effects by an autocrine loop and epithelial proliferation and permeability by a paracrine mechanism. These data highlight the role of growth factors as local mediators of systemic hormones.
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has trophic effects on the rat distal colon, increasing the growth of pericryptal myofibroblasts and reducing the colonic crypt wall permeability. This study aimed to reproduce in vitro the effects of AVP observed in vivo using cultures of human CCD‐18Co myofibroblasts and T84 colonic epithelial cells. Proliferation of myofibroblasts was quantified by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation; the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor A (PDGFA), platelet‐derived growth factor B, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β and vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by PCR and the expression of epithelial junction proteins by Western blot. Arginine vasopressin stimulated myofibroblast proliferation and the expression of PDGFA without affecting the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor B, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β or vascular endothelial growth factor. These effects were prevented when AVP receptor inhibitors were present in the medium. Pre‐incubation of CCD‐18Co cells with anti‐PDGF antibody or with an inhibitor of the PDGF receptor abolished the effects of AVP. When colonocytes were incubated with medium obtained from myofibroblasts incubated with AVP, both cell proliferation and the expression of epithelial junction proteins increased; however, direct incubation of colonocytes with AVP did not modify these variables. These results demonstrate that AVP stimulates myofibroblast proliferation and induces PDGFA secretion, implying that PDGFA mediates local myofibroblast proliferation by an autocrine feedback loop and regulates epithelial proliferation and permeability by a paracrine mechanism.
Infusion of ATP increases leg oxygen delivery but not oxygen uptake in the initial phase of intense knee‐extensor exercise in humans
Authors: Nyberg Michael , Christensen Peter M. , Mortensen Stefan P. , Hellsten Ylva , Bangsbo Jens 
Published: August 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
In the transition from rest to exercise, skeletal muscle blood flow, oxygen delivery and extraction of oxygen from the blood increase to accommodate the need for additional oxygen in the contracting fibres. To what extent skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery limit the rise in skeletal muscle oxygen uptake in the initial phase of intense exercise remains controversial.
What is the main finding and its importance?
A marked increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery, induced by infusion of ATP, did not affect the increase in oxygen uptake. This finding suggests that oxygen delivery does not limit skeletal muscle oxygen uptake in the initial phase of intense exercise.
The present study examined whether an increase in leg blood flow and oxygen delivery at the onset of intense exercise would speed the rate of rise in leg oxygen uptake. Nine healthy men (25 ± 1 years old, mean ± SEM) performed one‐leg knee‐extensor exercise (62 ± 3 W, 86 ± 3% of incremental test peak power) for 4 min during a control setting (CON) and with infusion of ATP into the femoral artery in order to increase blood flow before and during exercise. In the presence of ATP, femoral arterial blood flow and O2 delivery were higher (P < 0.001) at the onset of exercise and throughout exercise (femoral arterial blood flow after 10 s, 5.1 ± 0.5 versus 2.7 ± 0.3 l min−1; after 45 s, 6.0 ± 0.5 versus 4.1 ± 0.4 l min−1; after 90 s, 6.6 ± 0.6 versus 4.5 ± 0.4 l min−1; and after 240 s, 7.0 ± 0.6 versus 5.1 ± 0.3 l min−1 in ATP and CON conditions, respectively). Leg oxygen uptake was not different in ATP and CON conditions during the first 20 s of exercise but was lower (P < 0.05) in the ATP compared with CON conditions after 30 s and until the end of exercise (30 s, 436 ± 42 versus 549 ± 45 ml min−1; and 240 s, 705 ± 31 versus 814 ± 59 ml min−1 in ATP and CON, respectively). Lactate release was lower after 60, 120 and 180 s of exercise with ATP infusion. These results suggest that O2 delivery is not limiting the rise in skeletal muscle oxygen uptake in the initial phase of intense exercise.
Evaluation of West Virginia’s Healthy Lifestyles Act Physical Education Component Using the YRBSS
Authors: Pilkerton Courtney , Bias Thomas K. 
Published: August 2014

Background:Public health researchers have demonstrated the potential for significant gains in physical activity through public policy. West Virginia passed House Bill 2816, known as the Healthy Lifestyles Act in 2005. This Act amended the code on the requirements of physical education and physical fitness in schools, creating minimum physical education requirements at each grade level. The goal of this policy evaluation was to identify if, 5 years postimplementation, students have increased physical education in schools.Methods:Data from the 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System surveys were used to examine the time trend of weekly PE participation in WV Schools.Results:There have been no significant changes in participation in physical education classes since before the implementation of the HLA.Conclusions:Simple policy changes by themselves may not effectively create change in physical activity environments, as policy is moderated by strength of language, implementation, and enforcement. Further studies are needed to determine why the HLA has not been successful in increasing physical activity of youth and what changes to the standards and mandates, ways implementation in schools could be improved, and/or the enforcement of these standards are needed for such policies to be successful.