bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of concentration, distance, and application methods of Altriset (Chlorantraniliprole) on eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Barwary Znar , Gorzlancyk Austin , Hu Xing Ping 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe effects of various concentrations, distance, and application methods of Altriset (Chlorantraniliprole) were investigated against one of the most destructive termites, the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar. Three laboratory experiments were conducted. First, we examined the concentration effect of treating the soil contiguously to established foraging tunnels at a fixed 1 m distance. The results demonstrated 100% termite control in 19 d posttreatment at 100 and 50 μg/g and 27% termite mortality at 25 μg/g. Second, we tested the distance effect of the soil treatment (2 and 4 m) on the efficacy of Altriset to the satellite termite populations at a fixed 50 μg/g concentration. This resulted in 100% termite control in 22 d posttreatment at both 2 and 4 m. Third, we examined the effect of differing application methods using 12.5 and 25 μg/g prior to the establishment of foraging tunnels at a fixed 1m distance. This illustrated 100% termite control in 9 d posttreatment at 25 μg/g and 12 d posttreatment at 12.5 μg/g. The third experiment demonstrated soil treatments that were applied prior to termite tunnel establishment had greater efficacy than applications made post tunnel construction. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding about the efficacy of Altriset treatments on eastern subterranean termites.
Mabolizable Energy Differences between Values Calculated Using Energy Conversion Factors and Actual Values Determined by Metabolic Study of Korean Starch Foods
Authors: Kim Eunmi , Choi Jinho , Kim Hyejin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study was conducted to compare the metabolizable energies of Korean starch foods by an animal metabolic study with those calculated using well‐known energy conversion factors. There were 12 experimental diets (that is, 7 Korean foods, 3 Western foods, and 2 control foods): barley, brown rice, laver‐rolled rice, rice mixed with vegetables and meat, seafood noodle soup, rice cake soup, rice cake in hot pepper paste, pizza, hamburger, spaghetti, basal diet, and glucose. Each diet comprised 70% basal diet and 30% experimental food. After 3 d of adaptation, a metabolic trial was performed for 4 d. The apparent metabolizable energy of pizza, hamburger, spaghetti, and rice cake soup were significantly higher than that of the basal diet group (P < 0.05). For barley, brown rice, laver‐rolled rice, rice mixed with vegetables and meat, and seafood noodle soup, the differences between the actual and calculated energies were 8.7%, 13.3%, 4.5%, 17.2%, and 4.1%, respectively, and the actual energy contents were lower than those calculated using the Atwater conversion factor. The results of this study show that the energy contents of Korean foods are significantly different from those calculated using the conversion factors based on the food composition. Therefore, because Korean starch foods are considered to be calorie‐rich based on calculations, their energy contents can be accurately determined only by animal experiments.
Highly effective sequencing whole chloroplast genomes of angiosperms by nine novel universal primer pairs
Authors: Yang Jun‐Bo , Li De‐Zhu , Li Hong‐Tao 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChloroplast genomes supply indispensable information that helps improve the phylogenetic resolution and even as organelle‐scale barcodes. Next‐generation sequencing technologies have helped promote sequencing of complete chloroplast genomes, but compared with the number of angiosperms, relatively few chloroplast genomes have been sequenced. There are two major reasons for the paucity of completely sequenced chloroplast genomes: (i) massive amounts of fresh leaves are needed for chloroplast sequencing and (ii) there are considerable gaps in the sequenced chloroplast genomes of many plants because of the difficulty of isolating high‐quality chloroplast DNA, preventing complete chloroplast genomes from being assembled. To overcome these obstacles, all known angiosperm chloroplast genomes available to date were analysed, and then we designed nine universal primer pairs corresponding to the highly conserved regions. Using these primers, angiosperm whole chloroplast genomes can be amplified using long‐range PCR and sequenced using next‐generation sequencing methods. The primers showed high universality, which was tested using 24 species representing major clades of angiosperms. To validate the functionality of the primers, eight species representing major groups of angiosperms, that is, early‐diverging angiosperms, magnoliids, monocots, Saxifragales, fabids, malvids and asterids, were sequenced and assembled their complete chloroplast genomes. In our trials, only 100 mg of fresh leaves was used. The results show that the universal primer set provided an easy, effective and feasible approach for sequencing whole chloroplast genomes in angiosperms. The designed universal primer pairs provide a possibility to accelerate genome‐scale data acquisition and will therefore magnify the phylogenetic resolution and species identification in angiosperms.
General and craniofacial development are complex adaptive processes influenced by diversity
Authors: Brook AH , O'Donnell M Brook , Hone A , Hart E , Hughes TE , Smith RN , Townsend GC 
Published: March 2014

AbstractComplex systems are present in such diverse areas as social systems, economies, ecosystems and biology and, therefore, are highly relevant to dental research, education and practice. AComplex Adaptive Systemin biological development is a dynamic process in which, from interacting components at a lower level, higher level phenomena and structures emerge.Diversitymakes substantial contributions to the performance of complex adaptive systems. It enhances the robustness of the process, allowing multiple responses to external stimuli as well as internal changes. From diversity comes variation in outcome and the possibility of major change; outliers in the distribution enhance the tipping points.The development of the dentition is a valuable, accessible model with extensive and reliable databases for investigating the role of complex adaptive systems in craniofacial and general development. The general characteristics of such systems are seen during tooth development: self‐organization; bottom‐up emergence; multitasking; self‐adaptation; variation; tipping points; critical phases; and robustness. Dental findings are compatible with theRandom Network Model, theThreshold Modeland also with theScale Free Network Modelwhich has aPower Lawdistribution. In addition, dental development shows the characteristics ofModularityandClusteringto formHierarchical Networks. The interactions between the genes (nodes) demonstrateSmall Worldphenomena,Subgraph MotifsandGene Regulatory Networks.Genetic mechanisms are involved in the creation and evolution of variation during development. The genetic factors interact with epigenetic and environmental factors at the molecular level and form complex networks within the cells. From these interactions emerge the higher level tissues, tooth germs and mineralized teeth. Approaching development in this way allows investigation of why there can be variations in phenotypes from identical genotypes; the phenotype is the outcome of perturbations in the cellular systems and networks, as well as of the genotype.Understanding and applying complexity theory will bring about substantial advances not only in dental research and education but also in the organization and delivery of oral health care.
Comparison of population genetic estimates amongst wild, F1 and F2 cultured abalone (Haliotis midae)
Authors: Rhode Clint , Maduna Simo N. , Roodt‐Wilding Rouvay , Bester‐van der Merwe Aletta E. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryHaliotis midae is South Africa's most important aquaculture species. The reproduction cycle is currently not closed as many farms rely on wild‐caught broodstock for seed production. However, there is an increasing interest in genetic improvement in commercial stocks, with a growing number of producers implementing selective breeding strategies. High throughput commercial production and mass spawning make it difficult to maintain breeding records; therefore, mostly mass selection is practised. The high fecundity and unequal parental contributions also often lead to increased levels of inbreeding. This study therefore aimed to assess the genetic effects of such breeding practices on commercial populations of H. midae. Using microsatellite loci, the genetic properties of a wild, an F1 and an F2 population were estimated and compared. Although there was no significant loss of genetic diversity amongst the cultured populations in comparison with the wild progenitor population, there was low‐to‐moderate genetic differentiation between populations. Relatedness amongst the F2 population was significant, and the rate of inbreeding was high. The effective population size for the F2 (±50) was also comparatively small with respect to the wild (∞) and F1 (±470) populations. These results suggest that farms need to give caution to breeding practices beyond the first (F1) generation and aim to increase effective population sizes and minimise inbreeding to ensure long‐term genetic gain and productivity. This study also confirms the usefulness of population genetic analyses for commercial breeding and stock management in the absence of extensive pedigree records.
Holter Electrocardiography Findings and P‐Wave Dispersion in Pediatric Patients with Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: Ozyilmaz Isa , Ozyilmaz Sinem , Tola Hasan Tahsin , Saygi Murat , Kiplapinar Neslihan , Tanıdır Cansaran , Ergul Yakup , Guzeltas Alper , Odemis Ender 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the frequency of postintervention arrhythmia and factors associated with the development of arrhythmia, including the correlation between arrhythmia and P‐wave dispersion, and the effects of the latter on transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs).MethodsHolter ECG recordings were performed before and after the intervention and 6 and 12 months later in 47 of the 59 patients who had undergone transcatheter ASD closure and once in the healthy control subjects.ResultsA statistically significant correlation was identified between the patients’ arrhythmia grade according to Lown's system and each of the following: the number of defects, the size of the atrioventricular valve rim, the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm.ConclusionThe frequency of arrhythmia increases after transcatheter ASD closure, gradually decreases within the next year, and is most frequently of a benign nature. Lown's arrhythmia grading of patients occluded with either the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) or the Cardio‐O‐Fix septal occluder (CSO) were compared, and the arrhythmia frequency was higher with the latter. One day after the intervention, the P maximum (Pmax) and the P dispersion(Pdis) values were not increased but in fact slightly reduced in patients occluded with either ASO or CSO. An improvement in the electrical system resulting from early anatomical and mechanical healing following transcatheter ASD occlusion may explain the reduction in the Pmax and Pdis values.
Model selection criterion for causal parameters in structural mean models based on a quasi‐likelihood
Authors: Taguri Masataka , Matsuyama Yutaka , Ohashi Yasuo 
Published: March 2014

SummaryStructural mean models (SMMs) have been proposed for estimating causal parameters in the presence of non‐ignorable non‐compliance in clinical trials. To obtain a valid causal estimate, we must impose several assumptions. One of these is the correct specification of the structural model. Building on Pan's work (2001, Biometrics 57, 120–125) on developing a model selection criterion for generalized estimating equations, we propose a new approach for model selection of SMMs based on a quasi‐likelihood. We provide a formal model selection criterion that is an extension of Akaike's information criterion. Using subset selection of baseline covariates, our method allows us to understand whether the treatment effect varies across the available baseline covariate levels, and/or to quantify the treatment effect on a specific covariates level to target specific individuals to maximize treatment benefit. We present simulation results in which our method performs reasonably well compared to other testing methods in terms of both the probability of selecting the correct model and the predictive performances of the individual treatment effects. We use a large randomized clinical trial of pravastatin as a motivation.
MiRNome expression is deregulated in the peripheral lymphoid compartment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Campo Salvatore , Allegra Alessandro , D'Ascola Angela , Alonci Andrea , Scuruchi Michele , Russo Sabina , Avenoso Angela , Gerace Demetrio , Campo Giuseppe M. , Musolino Caterina 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNAs involved in the regulation of gene expression. Selected groups of miRNAs are differentially expressed in various types of cancers. Alterations in miRNAs gene expression have been shown in cells from the B‐cell malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM). However, although MM is a disease of plasma cells, abnormalities have been detected in the peripheral blood of the patients.The goal of our study was to analyse the entire miRNome in peripheral lymphocytes of MM patients using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Using in silica analysis, we also evaluated some of the most interesting and significant pathways. Analysis revealed that MM samples had a distinct miRNA profile compared to the controls. This resulted in the identification of 203 miRNAs, 85 of which were over‐expressed and 118 under‐expressed. Of these, 184 possessed validated or highly predicted mRNA targets. We identified 12 354 mRNA targets of the transcriptome: 36·4% of the related proteins are involved in death processes while the 21% are required for growth and cell proliferation. We have demonstrated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in the peripheral blood of MM patients compared to controls, affecting some pathways involved in the anti‐apoptotic process, cell proliferation and maybe anti‐angiogenesis.
Analysis of current testing practices for biallelic MUTYH mutations in MUTYH‐associated polyposis
Authors: Landon M. , Ceulemans S. , Saraiya D.S. , Strike B. , Arnell C. , Burbidge L.A. , Moyes K. , Theisen A. , Fernandes P.H. , Ji J.Q. , Abbott B. , Kaldate R.R. , Roa B. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMUTYH‐associated polyposis (MAP) is an autosomal recessive syndrome caused by biallelic mutations in the base excision repair gene MUTYH. Owing to potential limitations in the MAP testing strategy and testing criteria, it is possible that MAP is being under‐identified both genotypically and phenotypically. To determine whether full sequencing of MUTYH would increase clinical sensitivity over a founder mutation (FM) strategy, a retrospective analysis of two datasets from a commercial clinical laboratory was performed. The first cohort contained 1522 individuals who received MUTYH analysis for two FMs with subsequent full‐gene sequencing. Eighty‐five biallelic individuals were identified; 47 carried two FMs, 17 carried one FM and one mutation identified on full sequencing, and 21 carried biallelic mutations identified only on full sequencing. The second cohort contained 921 patients with colorectal cancer <50 years and <10 reported colorectal adenomas who had undergone MUTYH mutation testing. In this cohort, 19 of 921 (2.1%) individuals were identified as biallelic MUTYH carriers. Of these, 13 did not have a personal or family history of polyps and would not have met guidelines for MUTYH testing. These results suggest that individuals with biallelic MUTYH mutations are under‐ascertained based on both genotype and phenotype under current standard testing practices.
IKVAV regulates ERK1/2 and Akt signalling pathways in BMMSC population growth and proliferation
Authors: Li B. , Qiu T. , Zhang P. , Wang X. , Yin Y. , Li S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe molecular mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) population growth and proliferation, induced by Isoleucyl‐lysyl‐valyl‐alanyl‐valine (IKVAV), was explored in this study.Materials and methodsIKVAV peptides were synthesized by the solid‐phase method. Influence of IKVAV on BMMSC population growth and proliferation were investigated by assays of CCK‐8, flow cytometry, real‐time PCR and western blotting.ResultsIKVAV peptide was found to induce proliferation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) synthesis of BMMSC in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis showed that the proportion of IKVAV‐treated BMMSC in S phase in was higher than controls. Western blot results suggested that mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signalling pathways were activated by IKVAV by enhancing phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and Akt in the BMMSCs. Meanwhile, phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and Akt were partially blocked by ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) and Akt inhibitor (wortmannin), respectively.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that IKVAV stimulated BMMSC population growth and proliferation by activating MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. This study is the first to reveal an enhancement effect of IKVAV peptide on BMMSC at the signal transduction level, and the outcome could provide experimental evidence for application of IKVAV‐grafted scaffolds in the field of BMMSC‐based tissue engineering.
Cigarette smoking in living kidney donors: donor and recipient outcomes
Authors: Underwood Patrick W. , Sheetz Kyle H. , Cron David C. , Terjimanian Michael N. , Englesbe Michael J. , Waits Seth A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundLiving kidney donor pools are expanding with the use of “medically complex” donors. Whether or not to include cigarette smokers as living kidney donors remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between donor smoking and recipient outcomes. We hypothesized that donor smoking would increase donor complications and decrease allograft and recipient survival over time.MethodsThe charts of 602 living kidney donors and their recipients were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox modeling were used to assess the relationships between smoking and recipient and allograft survival.ResultsNo difference in postoperative complications was seen in smoking versus non‐smoking donors. Donor smoking at time of evaluation did not significantly decrease allograft survival (HR = 1.19, p = 0.52), but recipient smoking at evaluation did reduce allograft survival (HR = 1.74, p = 0.05). Both donor and recipient smoking decreased recipient survival (HR = 1.93, p < 0.01 vs HR = 1.74, p = 0.048).DiscussionWhen controlled for donor and recipient factors, cigarette smoking by living kidney donors significantly reduced recipient survival. This datum suggests that careful attention to smoking history is an important clinical measure in which to counsel potential donors and recipients. Policy efforts to limit donors with a recent smoking history should be balanced with the overall shortage of appropriate kidney donors.
Acute cellular rejection with isolated v‐lesions is not associated with more favorable outcomes than vascular rejection with more tubulointerstitial inflammations
Authors: Wu K. Y. , Budde K. , Schmidt D. , Neumayer H. H. , Rudolph B. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of isolated v‐lesions on clinical outcome in biopsies with acute cellular rejection (ACR) is unclear.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty‐five biopsies showing the highest ACR severity for each patient were recruited and classified into four groups: (i) acute interstitial rejection (AIR) I with minimal tubulointerstitial inflammation (TI), (ii) AIR II with intensive TI, (iii) acute vascular rejection (AVR) I with minimal TI, and (iv) AVR II with intensive TI.ResultsThe complete reversal rates of AIR I and AIR II groups were marginally higher than AVR I and AVR II groups (p = 0.16). At eight yr of transplantation, the death‐censored graft survival (DCGS) rate of AIR I group (93.3%) was significantly higher compared with the AVR I (72.7%) or AVR II (72.9%) group. AVR I group had a similar DCGS rate with AVR II group (72.7% vs. 74.1%), whereas AVR with v1‐lesion showed significantly higher graft survival (GS) rate than those with v2‐lesion (70.2% vs. 45.5%). The t‐lesion of AIR and v‐lesion of AVR group were associated with graft loss.ConclusionThe extent of TI is non‐specifically associated with graft loss in biopsies with AVR; the higher grade v‐lesion predicts the lower complete reversal rate and poorer long‐term graft survival.
Living kidney donation: the importance of public education
Authors: Tumin Makmor , Rasiah Rajah , Noh Abdillah , Satar NurulHuda Mohd , Chong Chin‐Sieng , Lim Soo‐Kun , Ng Kok‐Peng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA sample of Malaysians in the Klang Valley indicating their decision on becoming unrelated living kidney donors was surveyed regarding huge amounts of financial incentives to be rewarded to them. From the 1310 respondents, 72.1% said “no” on becoming a living donor. The reason “I don't think humans can live with only one kidney” scored the highest (35.6%), and from the 27.9% of the respondents who are willing to donate their organ with the right financial incentive, most of the respondents picked the reasons “I want to do something noble in life” (50%), and monetary reason scored the lowest (6.2%), indicating that financial incentive is not a major reason guiding individuals' decision on becoming living donors. We suggest that the government should put priority at targeting public education to raise the understanding on the risk, safety and the quality of life of donation and transplantation, and improving the public trust on the donation and the surgical methods to carry out transplantation.
Mimicry's palette: widespread use of conserved pigments in the aposematic signals of snakes
Authors: Kikuchi David W. , Seymoure Brett M. , Pfennig David W. 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYMimicry, where one species resembles another species because of the selective benefits of sharing a common signal, is especially common in snakes. Snakes might be particularly prone to evolving mimicry if all species share some of the same proximate mechanisms that can be used to produce aposematic/mimetic signals. We evaluated this possibility by examining color pigments in 11 species of snakes from four different families, three species of which participate in a coral snake mimicry complex involving convergence in coloration. We found that all 11 species used combinations of two pteridine pigments and melanin in their coloration, regardless of whether or not they were mimics. Furthermore, the presence or absence of red pteridines was strongly correlated with the relative excitation of medium‐ and long‐wavelength photoreceptors in birds, thereby linking shared pigmentation to perception of those pigments by likely agents of selection. Thus, precise color mimicry might be relatively easy to evolve among snakes owing to symplesiomorphies in pigmentation.