bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure-Guided Engineering of Plant Phytochrome B with Altered Photochemistry and Light Signaling
Authors: Zhang Junrui , Stankey Robert J. , Vierstra Richard D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPhytochromes (phys) encompass a diverse collection of biliproteins that enable cellular light perception by photoconverting between a red-light-absorbing ground state (Pr) and a far-red light-absorbing active state (Pfr). Based on the central role of plant phys in controlling numerous agriculturally important processes, their rational redesign offers great promise toward accelerating crop improvement. Employing as templates the available three-dimensional models of the photosensory module within bacterial phys, we report here our initial attempt to apply structure-guided mutagenesis to phy engineering using Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) phyB, the dominant isoform in light-grown plants, as the example. A collection of phyB mutants was generated affecting the bilin-binding pocket that altered photochemistry, thermal stability, and/or nuclear localization patterns, some of which also impacted phenotypic outputs. Of particular interest are the Y361F substitution, which created Arabidopsis plants with greatly enhanced light sensitivity, mutants variably altered in Pfr-to-Pr thermal reversion and nuclear aggregation, and the D307A substitution, which failed to photoconvert from Pr to Pfr and display light-induced nuclear aggregation but retained some biological activity and accelerated turnover in red light. Taken together, this collection provides variants potentially useful to agriculture as well as new tools to better understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning phy signaling.
Arabidopsis TWISTED DWARF1 Functionally Interacts with Auxin Exporter ABCB1 on the Root Plasma Membrane
Authors: Wang Bangjun , Bailly Aurélien , Zwiewka Marta , Henrichs Sina , Azzarello Elisa , Mancuso Stefano , Maeshima Masayoshi , Friml Jiří , Schulz Alexander , Geisler Markus 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Plant architecture is influenced by the polar, cell-to-cell transport of auxin that is primarily provided and regulated by plasma membrane efflux catalysts of the PIN-FORMED and B family of ABC transporter (ABCB) classes. The latter were shown to require the functionality of the FK506 binding protein42 TWISTED DWARF1 (TWD1), although underlying mechanisms are unclear. By genetic manipulation of TWD1 expression, we show here that TWD1 affects shootward root auxin reflux and, thus, downstream developmental traits, such as epidermal twisting and gravitropism of the root. Using immunological assays, we demonstrate a predominant lateral, mainly outward-facing, plasma membrane location for TWD1 in the root epidermis characterized by the lateral marker ABC transporter G36/PLEIOTROPIC DRUG-RESISTANCE8/PENETRATION3. At these epidermal plasma membrane domains, TWD1 colocalizes with nonpolar ABCB1. In planta bioluminescence resonance energy transfer analysis was used to verify specific ABC transporter B1 (ABCB1)–TWD1 interaction. Our data support a model in which TWD1 promotes lateral ABCB-mediated auxin efflux via protein–protein interaction at the plasma membrane, minimizing reflux from the root apoplast into the cytoplasm.
Research note: Seismic attenuation due to wave‐induced fluid flow at microscopic and mesoscopic scales
Authors: Rubino J. Germán , Holliger Klaus 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTWave‐induced fluid flow at microscopic and mesoscopic scales arguably constitutes the major cause of intrinsic seismic attenuation throughout the exploration seismic and sonic frequency ranges. The quantitative analysis of these phenomena is, however, complicated by the fact that the governing physical processes may be dependent. The reason for this is that the presence of microscopic heterogeneities, such as micro‐cracks or broken grain contacts, causes the stiffness of the so‐called modified dry frame to be complex‐valued and frequency‐dependent, which in turn may affect the viscoelastic behaviour in response to fluid flow at mesoscopic scales. In this work, we propose a simple but effective procedure to estimate the seismic attenuation and velocity dispersion behaviour associated with wave‐induced fluid flow due to both microscopic and mesoscopic heterogeneities and discuss the results obtained for a range of pertinent scenarios.
Maternal and infant outcome after caesarean section without recorded medical indication: findings from a Swedish case–control study
Authors: Karlström A , Lindgren H , Hildingsson I 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo compare maternal complications and infant outcomes for women undergoing elective caesarean sections based on a maternal request and without recorded medical indication with those of women who underwent spontaneous onset of labour with the intention to have a vaginal birth.DesignRetrospective register study.SettingSweden; Medical Birth Register used for data collection.MethodsA case–control study of 5877 birth records of women undergoing caesarean sections without medical indication and a control group of 13 774 women undergoing births through spontaneous onset of labour. The control group was further divided into women who actually had a vaginal birth and women who ended up with an emergency caesarean section.ResultsMaternal complications occurred more frequently among women undergoing caesarean section with odds ratios (OR) for bleeding complications of 2.5 (95% CI 2.1–3.0) in the elective caesarean group and 2.0 (95% CI 1.5–2.6) in the emergency caesarean group. The OR for infections was 2.6 in both groups. Breastfeeding complications were most common in women having an elective caesarean section: 6.8 (95% CI 3.2–14.5). Infant outcomes showed a higher incidence of respiratory distress with an OR of 2.7 (95% CI 1.8–3.9) in the elective caesarean section group compared with infants born by emergency caesarean section. The risk of hypoglycaemia was at least twice as high for infants in the caesarean group.ConclusionsCaesarean sections without medical indication as well as emergency caesarean sections were associated with higher risks for maternal and infant morbidity.
Taking the Bitter with the Sweet: Relationship of Supertasting and Sweet Preference with Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Intake
Authors: Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle , Tate Deborah F. , Moore Dominic , Popkin Barry 
Published: January 2013

AbstractResults examining the effects of tasting profile on dietary intake and health outcomes have varied. This study examined the interaction of sweet liker (SL) and supertaster (ST) (bitter taste test through phenylthiocarbamide [PTC]) status with incidence of metabolic syndrome. Participants (n = 196) as part of baseline testing in a behavioral weight loss study completed measures assessing SL and ST status, metabolic syndrome, and dietary intake. SLs were more likely to be African American. More women than men were STs. There was a significant interaction between ST and SL status as associated with metabolic syndrome, after adjustment for demographic characteristics. This interaction was also significantly associated with fiber and caloric beverage intake. Post hoc analyses showed that participants who were only an ST or SL appeared to have a decreased risk of having metabolic syndrome compared with those who have a combination or are neither taster groups (P = 0.047) and that SL + ST consumed less fiber than SL + non‐ST (P = 0.04). Assessing genetic differences in taster preferences may be a useful strategy in the development of more tailored approaches to dietary interventions to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.Practical Application: Tasting profile, such as sweet liking (SL) or supertaster (ST), may be influenced by genetics, and therefore in turn, may influence dietary intake. The present study found an interaction between ST and SL status with incidence of metabolic syndrome and fiber and caloric beverage intake. Testing people for these tasting profiles may assist with tailoring dietary recommendations, particularly around fiber and caloric beverage intake, and provide a way to modify metabolic syndrome risk.
Tunable reporter signal production in feedback‐uncoupled arsenic bioreporters
Authors: Merulla Davide , Hatzimanikatis Vassily , van der Meer Jan Roelof 
Published: January 2013

SummaryEscherichia coli‐based bioreporters for arsenic detection are typically based on the natural feedback loop that controls ars operon transcription. Feedback loops are known to show a wide range linear response to the detriment of the overall amplification of the incoming signal. While being a favourable feature in controlling arsenic detoxification for the cell, a feedback loop is not necessarily the most optimal for obtaining highest sensitivity and response in a designed cellular reporter for arsenic detection. Here we systematically explore the effects of uncoupling the topology of arsenic sensing circuitry on the developed reporter signal as a function of arsenite concentration input. A model was developed to describe relative ArsR and GFP levels in feedback and uncoupled circuitry, which was used to explore new ArsR‐based synthetic circuits. The expression of arsR was then placed under the control of a series of constitutive promoters, which differed in promoter strength, and which could be further modulated by TetR repression. Expression of the reporter gene was maintained under the ArsR‐controlled Pars promoter. ArsR expression in the systems was measured by using ArsR–mCherry fusion proteins. We find that stronger constitutive ArsR production decreases arsenite‐dependent EGFP output from Pars and vice versa. This leads to a tunable series of arsenite‐dependent EGFP outputs in a variety of systematically characterized circuitries. The higher expression levels and sensitivities of the response curves in the uncoupled circuits may be useful for improving field‐test assays using arsenic bioreporters.
Pterosaur Research: Recent Advances and a Future Revolution
Authors: HONE David W. E. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:In the years since the first description of a pterosaur specimen in 1784, pterosaur research has inevitably advanced considerably. However the last decade has arguably seen a much greater increase in our knowledge than the preceding two centuries. Since the turn of the new millennium, more than 40 new pterosaur genera and species have been described and whole new clades have been discovered, in addition to much new data being developed on pterosaur anatomy, functional morphology, palaeobiology, systematics, ecology and more. We are perhaps at the start of a golden age of pterosaur research and much as the dinosaurs underwent a revolution in the 1970s through to the early 1990s, now the Pterosauria are taking their turn. There is also a new and wider interest in pterosaur work as it attracts both more researchers and greater public interest. Pterosaurs appear to be an increasingly popular aspect of paleontology in popular culture and of interest to the media, both mainstream and digital.
S and Pb Isotopic Constraints on the Relationship between the Linong Granodiorite and the Yangla Copper Deposit, Yunnan, China
Authors: Xi'an YANG , Jiajun LIU , Siyu HAN , Huan WANG , Siyao CHEN 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:The Yangla copper deposit, located in western Yunnan Province, China, is a typical giant, newly started mining copper deposit with an estimated Cu reserves of about 1,200,000 tons. The deposit is spatially and temporally associated with the Linong granodiorite, which is rich in SiO2 (SiO2=58.25 wt%–69.84 wt%) and alkalis (Na2O+K2O=5.98 wt%–8.34 wt%), indicating an association with shoshonitic series to high‐K calc‐alkaline series granites, and shows low contents of TiO2 (0.35 wt%–0.48 wt%), MgO (1.51 wt%–1.72 wt%), and Al2O3 (13.38 wt%–19.75 wt%). The δ34S values of sulfides of the main ore stage from copper ores vary range from −4.2‰ to −0.9‰, indicating a much greater contribution from the mantle to the ore‐forming fluids. The δ34S values of the late ore stage is −9.8‰, indicating enrichment of biogenic sulfur which may derive from the crustal hydrothermal fluid. The 208pb/204pbj 207pb/204pb and 206pb/204pb of sulfides of the main ore stage from copper ores range within 38.66–38.73, 15.71–15.74 and 18.35–19.04, respectively, implying that the Pb was derived from the mantle, with the crustal component, probably representing mixtures of mantle lead and crustal lead. Sulfide of the late ore stage in their Pb isotopic composition, 208Pb/204Pb= 38.69, 207Pb/204Pb=15.70, 206Pb/204Pb=18.35, implying that the Pb was derived from the crust. The Linong granodiorite is syncollisional, produced by partial melting of thickened lower crust, which was triggered by the westward subduction of the Jinshajiang Oceanic plate. During a transition in geodynamic setting from collision‐related compression to extension, gently dipping ductile shear zones (related to subduction) were transformed to brittle shear zones, consisting of a series of thrust faults in the Jinshajiang tectonic belt. The tensional thrust faults would have been a favorable environment for ore‐forming fluids. The ascending magma provided a channel for the ore‐forming fluid from the mantle wedge. After the magma arrived at the base of the early‐stage Linong granodiorite, the platy granodiorite at the base of the body would have shielded the late‐stage magma from the fluid. The magma would have cooled slowly, and some of the ore‐forming fluid in the magma would have entered the gently dipping thrust faults near the Linong granodiorite, resulting in mineralization.
Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Diabase Dyke Swarms in East Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Zuoheng ZHANG , Fengmei CHAI , Tuanhua WANG , Yanbo CHENG , Lingang XU , Shunda YUAN 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:Diabase dyke swarms are widespread in the East Tianshan and Beishan regions. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb ages of these diabase vary from 305 Ma to 278 Ma, showing that these dykes were formed during Late Carboniferous‐Early Permian magmatism. All diabase samples are subalkali calc‐alkali, characterized by slight LREE and LILEs enrichment, and weak negative Ti, Nb and Ta anomalies. The diabase samples have positive εNd(t) values (>+3), high Sr isotopic compositions (initial 87Sr/86Sr values=0.7030–0.7097), and large variation of Pb isotopic compositions, indicating they were derived from a deplete mantle source. Regional geology and geochemistry evidences indicate that these diabase dyke swarms were generated in a lithosphere extensional setting and had the same magma sources. Initial magmas may be a mixture of depleted asthenosphere mantle and enriched lithospheric mantle during rapid magma ascending.
Clinical model to estimate the pretest probability of malignancy in patients with pulmonary focal Ground‐glass Opacity
Authors: Jiang Long , Situ Dongrong , Lin Yongbin , Su Xiaodong , Zheng Yan , Zhang Yigong , Long Hao 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundEffective strategies for managing patients with pulmonary focal Ground‐glass Opacity (fGGO) depend on the pretest probability of malignancy. Estimating a clinical probability of malignancy in patients with fGGOs can facilitate the selection and interpretation of subsequent diagnostic tests.Methods Data from patients with pulmonary fGGO lesions, who were diagnosed at Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, was retrospectively collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent clinical predictors for malignancy and to develop a clinical predictive model to estimate the pretest probability of malignancy in patients with fGGOs.Results One hundred and sixty‐five pulmonary fGGO nodules were detected in 128 patients. Independent predictors for malignant fGGOs included a history of other cancers (odds ratio [OR], 0.264; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.072 to 0.970), pleural indentation (OR, 8.766; 95% CI, 3.033‐25.390), vessel‐convergence sign (OR, 23.626; 95% CI, 6.200 to 90.027) and air bronchogram (OR, 7.41; 95% CI, 2.037 to 26.961). Model accuracy was satisfactory (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.894 to 0.975), and there was excellent agreement between the predicted probability and the observed frequency of malignant fGGOs.ConclusionsWe have developed a predictive model, which could be used to generate pretest probabilities of malignant fGGOs, and the equation could be incorporated into a formal decision analysis.
The role of lipid‐related genes, aging‐related processes, and environment in healthspan
Authors: Kulminski Alexander M. , Culminskaya Irina , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Stallard Eric , Arbeeva Liubov , Yashin Anatoli I. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe inherent complexity of aging‐related traits can temper progress in unraveling the genetic origins of healthspan. We focus on two generations in the Framingham Heart Study, the original (FHS) and offspring (FHSO) cohorts, to determine whether aging‐related processes in changing environments can substantially impact the role of lipid‐related genes discovered in candidate gene (the apolipoprotein E (APOE) e2/3/4 polymorphism) and genome‐wide (the APOB rs1042034 (C/T)) studies, in regulation of total cholesterol (TC) and onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We demonstrate that the APOE e4 allele and APOB CC genotype can play detrimental, neutral, and protective sex‐specific roles in the etiology of CVD at different ages and in different environments. We document antagonistic roles for the e4 allele in the onset of CVD characterized by detrimental effects at younger ages (RR≤ 75 years = 1.49, P = 7.5 × 10−4) and protective effects at older ages (RR76+years = 0.77, P = 0.044) for FHS participants. We found that disregarding the role of aging erroneously nullifies the significant effects of the e4 allele in this sample (RR = 0.92, P = 0.387). The leading biogenetic pathways mediating genetic effects on CVD may be more relevant to lipid metabolism for APOB than APOE. Aging‐related processes can modulate the strength of genetic associations with TC in the same individuals at different chronological ages. We found substantial differences in the effects of the same APOE and APOB alleles on CVD and TC across generations. The results suggest that aging‐related processes in changing environments may play key roles in the genetics of healthspan. Detailed systemic integrative analyses may substantially advance the progress.
Spatial and temporal drivers of small mammal distributions in a semi‐arid environment: The role of rainfall, vegetation and life‐history
Authors: Kelly Luke T. , Dayman Ray , Nimmo Dale G. , Clarke Michael F. , Bennett Andrew F. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA key task in ecology is to understand the drivers of animal distributions. In arid and semi‐arid environments, this is challenging because animal populations show considerable spatial and temporal variation. An effective approach in such systems is to examine both broad‐scale and long‐term data. We used this approach to investigate the distribution of small mammal species in semi‐arid ‘mallee’ vegetation in south‐eastern Australia. First, we examined broad‐scale data collected at 280 sites across the Murray Mallee region. We used generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to examine four hypotheses concerning factors that influence the distribution of individual mammal species at this scale: vegetation structure, floristic diversity, topography and recent rainfall. Second, we used long‐term data from a single conservation reserve (surveyed from 1997 to 2012) to examine small mammal responses to rainfall over a period spanning a broad range of climatic conditions, including record high rainfall in 2011. Small mammal distributions were strongly associated with vegetation structure and rainfall patterns, but the relative importance of these drivers was species‐specific. The distribution of the mallee ningaui Ningaui yvonneae, for example, was largely determined by the cover of hummock grass; whereas the occurrence of the western pygmy possum Cercartetus concinnus was most strongly associated with above‐average rainfall. Further, the combination of both broad‐scale and long‐term data provided valuable insights. Bolam's mouse Pseudomys bolami was uncommon during the broad‐scale survey, but long‐term surveys showed that it responds positively to above‐average rainfall. Conceptual models developed for small mammals in temperate and central arid Australia, respectively, were not, on their own, adequate to account for the distributional patterns of species in this semi‐arid ecosystem. Species‐specific variation in the relative importance of different drivers was more effectively explained by qualitative differences in life‐history attributes among species.
Aged care system workforce: Training quality in NSW
Authors: Smith Sharlene , Stevens Stella Christiana 
Published: January 2013

AimThis study examines the consistency and acceptability by employers of the Certificate III in Aged Care as a qualification for unregistered care workers in metropolitan NSW.MethodAn expert committee developed consistency measures and surveyed 10 registered training organisations providing courses leading to this qualification to establish course consistency. Ten employers of graduates from these organisations were surveyed to examine the courses' acceptability as preparation for care workers.ResultsTraining organisations provided widely different content, clinical experience and levels of supervision for students at varying rates of cost and duration. Facilities were not satisfied by levels of skills and knowledge of graduates and did not employ those from 20% of the sample surveyed.ConclusionCare workers' qualifications should be regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the title and roles of these workers become more defined and clarified as a result.
Evolving a common surgical curriculum for ASEAN nations with a public health approach
Authors: Lum Siew Kheong 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) on medical practitioners' agreement will become a reality in the year 2015. Doctors registered in one ASEAN country will be given reciprocal recognition in another country under this agreement. Rapid and excessive movement of human resources between countries in a short span of time is undesirable and can be destabilizing. The surgical fraternity in the ASEAN countries should plan for a common surgical curriculum, a common examination and an ASEAN Board of Surgery so that standards of future trainees in different countries are comparable. The curriculum should take into consideration the diversity of the countries in socio‐economic development. Ideally, it should be based on a public health approach to bring affordable quality surgical care to the masses in an efficient and effective manner.