bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Evolution of Phenotypic Plasticity and Shifting Thresholds of Genetic Assimilation in the NematodeCaenorhabditis remanei
Authors: Sikkink Kristin L , Reynolds Rose M , Ituarte Catherine M , Cresko William A , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMany organisms can acclimate to new environments through phenotypic plasticity, a complex trait that can be heritable, subject to selection, and evolve. However, the rate and genetic basis of plasticity evolution remain largely unknown. We experimentally evolved outbred populations of the nematode Caenorhabditis remanei under an acute heat shock during early larval development. When raised in a nonstressful environment, ancestral populations were highly sensitive to a 36.8° heat shock and exhibited high mortality. However, initial exposure to a nonlethal high temperature environment resulted in significantly reduced mortality during heat shock (hormesis). Lines selected for heat shock resistance rapidly evolved the capacity to withstand heat shock in the native environment without any initial exposure to high temperatures, and early exposure to high temperatures did not lead to further increases in heat resistance. This loss of plasticity would appear to have resulted from the genetic assimilation of the heat induction response in the noninducing environment. However, analyses of transcriptional variation via RNA-sequencing from the selected populations revealed no global changes in gene regulation correlated with the observed changes in heat stress resistance. Instead, assays of the phenotypic response across a broader range of temperatures revealed that the induced plasticity was not fixed across environments, but rather the threshold for the response was shifted to higher temperatures over evolutionary time. These results demonstrate that apparent genetic assimilation can result from shifting thresholds of induction across environments and that analysis of the broader environmental context is critically important for understanding the evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
A Recent Global Selective Sweep on theage-1Phosphatidylinositol 3-OH Kinase Regulator of the Insulin-Like Signaling Pathway WithinCaenorhabditis remanei
Authors: Jovelin Richard , Comstock Jennifer S , Cutter Asher D , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe discovery that genetic pathways can be manipulated to extend lifespan has revolutionized our understanding of aging, yet their function within natural populations remains poorly characterized. In particular, evolutionary theories of aging predict tradeoffs in resource investment toward somatic maintenance vs. reproductive output that should impose strong natural selection on genetic components that influence this balance. To explore such selective pressure at the molecular level, we examine population genetic variation in the insulin-like signaling pathway of the nematode Caenorhabditis remanei. We document a recent global selective sweep on the phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathway regulator, age-1, the first life-extension gene to have been identified. In particular, we find that age-1 has 5−20 times less genetic variation than any other insulin-like signaling pathway components and that evolutionary signatures of selection center on the age-1 locus within its genomic environment. These results demonstrate that critical components of aging-related pathways can be subject to shifting patterns of strong selection, as predicted by theory. This highly polymorphic outcrossing species offers high-resolution, population-level analyses of molecular variation as a complement to functional genetic studies within the self-reproducing C. elegans model system.
Fixation of Acute Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures Using Mitek Anchors: A
Retrospective Study
Authors: Al-Taher M. , Wouters Diederick B. 
Published: April 2014

Purpose of this Study:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical intra-osseous fixation of
the distal tendon of the ruptured biceps brachii muscle using Mitek anchors.

Materials and Methods:
Between 2005 and 2011, seven patients underwent unilateral distal biceps tendon repair using
Mitek anchors. All patients were men aged between 36 and 47 years. Six patients were assessed by physical examination
and use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results:
Surgery was performed within 3 to 17 days of rupture with a mean follow-up of 35 months. Of the six fully
completed DASH questionnaires, three patients had a score of 0, and three patients had scores of 5.8, 10 and 10.8,
respectively (10.1 is the mean score for the general population). Transient paraesthesias in the lateral antebrachial
cutaneous nerve region occurred in two patients and one patient experienced a transient stiffness of the elbow due to
scarring of the wound. No major complicatons have occurred.

Conclusion:
The use of Mitek anchors for the re-insertion of the ruptured distal biceps tendon proved to be a safe and
effective technique with excellent functional results in our series.
Audit Committee Director-Auditor Interlocking and Perceptions of Earnings Quality
Authors: Chen Jeng-Fang , Chou Yan-Yu , Duh Rong-Ruey , Lin Yu-Chen 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARY:
Using earnings response coefficients (ERCs) from returns-earnings regressions as a proxy for investor perceptions of earnings quality, we analyze how investors perceive reported earnings when companies with interlocking audit committee directors are audited by the same audit firm (hereafter, AC director-auditor interlocking). Our empirical results show that the extent of AC director-auditor interlocking is significantly and positively associated with ERCs. By dividing the sample period into pre-Sarbanes-Oxley Act (pre-SOX, 1998 through 2001) and post-SOX (2002 through 2010) periods, we find that the significantly positive effect of AC director-auditor interlocking on ERCs only exists in the post-SOX period, indicating that investors have reacted more positively to AC director-auditor interlocking after the implementation of SOX, which requires that audit committee members be independent. Finally, using financial expertise data for the period 2003 to 2010, we find that the positive relationship between the extent of AC director-auditor interlocking and ERCs is more pronounced when interlocking audit committee directors are financial experts than when they are not financial experts.
Effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment on the germination, vigour and health of Zinnia elegans seeds
Authors: Szopińska Dorota 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
The high infestation rate of zinnia (Zinnia elegans Jacq.) seeds with fungi, especially pathogenic Alternaria zinniae, has frequently resulted in a poor germination capacity associated with a high number of abnormal diseased seedlings. The effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment on the germination, vigour and health of zinnia seeds was investigated. Two samples of zinnia seeds - sample I, characterised with a low germination capacity (39.5%) and a high level of seed infection with A. zinniae (76%), and sample II, with a high germination capacity (87%) and free from this pathogen - were tested. For treatment, seeds were soaked in 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% H2O2 solutions for 10, 20, 30 and 60 min. Initially, the controls were seeds soaked in distilled water for 10, 20, 30 and 60 min, and then the results of selected treatments were compared with results obtained for untreated seeds and seeds treated with a fungicide (20% carbendazim and 45% thiram). The fungi Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. were frequently identified on tested seeds. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide affected the quality of zinnia seeds to a higher extent than the treatment time. However, all of the treatments applied, regardless of time and concentration of H2O2, positively affected seed health, significantly reducing seed infestation by fungi in both samples. Moreover, the lowest level of A. zinniae infection was observed if seeds were soaked in 6% and 9% H2O2 solutions for 60 and 20 min, respectively. Higher concentrations of H2O2 (9% and 12%) negatively influenced seed germination and vigour, especially in sample II. These findings suggested that the treatment of zinnia seeds with hydrogen peroxide can effectively improve germination mostly in samples heavily infected with pathogens, which means that it should be preceded by seed health evaluation.
Identification of plasma biomarker candidates in glioblastoma using an antibody-array-based proteomic approach
Authors: Zupancic Klemen , Blejec Andrej , Herman Ana , Veber Matija , Verbovsek Urska , Korsic Marjan , Knezevic Miomir , Rozman Primoz , Turnsek Tamara Lah , Gruden Kristina , Motaln Helena 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumour with a very high patient mortality rate, with a median survival of 47 weeks. This might be improved by the identification of novel diagnostic, prognostic and predictive therapy-response biomarkers, preferentially through the monitoring of the patient blood. The aim of this study was to define the impact of GBM in terms of alterations of the plasma protein levels in these patients. Materials and methods. We used a commercially available antibody array that includes 656 antibodies to analyse blood plasma samples from 17 healthy volunteers in comparison with 17 blood plasma samples from patients with GBM.
Results. We identified 11 plasma proteins that are statistically most strongly associated with the presence of GBM. These proteins belong to three functional signalling pathways: T-cell signalling and immune responses; cell adhesion and migration; and cell-cycle control and apoptosis. Thus, we can consider this identified set of proteins as potential diagnostic biomarker candidates for GBM. In addition, a set of 16 plasma proteins were significantly associated with the overall survival of these patients with GBM. Guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha (GNAO1) was associated with both GBM presence and survival of patients with GBM.
Conclusions. Antibody array analysis represents a useful tool for the screening of plasma samples for potential cancer biomarker candidates in small-scale exploratory experiments; however, clinical validation of these candidates requires their further evaluation in a larger study on an independent cohort of patients.
Un massif volcanique acide complexe des hautes terres malgaches, l'Andranonatoa (Itasy)
Authors: Mottet Gérard 
Published: April 2014

Résumé. - L'Andranonatoa est le massif le plus complexe de l'Itasy, du point de vue pétrographique, comme du point de vue morphologique. Sa superficie est de 3,5 km2 avec les coulées qui l'entourent. Sa hauteur relative atteint 400 m (altitude absolue 1605 m). Il s'est formé en 3 étapes, caractéristiques chacune d'un type de relief particulier. 1) Une extrusion à coulées latérales visqueuses, courtes et épaisses. 2) Fracturation du dôme et coulées fluides du flanc nord. C'est du fond de cet accident que sont sorties 4 coulées longues (jusqu'à 2 km) et fluides d'andésite. 3) Le sommet actuel est un petit cône trachytique postérieur. Sur le flanc est-sud-est s'échappe une petite coulée de trachyte et sur le flanc sud une très belle coulée d'ordanchite à grandes ondes convexes, canalisée dans des levées latérales très visibles.
L'originalité de l'Andranonatoa vient non seulement de sa complexité mais du fait que le matériel acide du versant nord prend une morphologie de lave basique et le matériel basique du versant sud une morphologie de lave acide l Seul le dôme-coulée primitif offre une morphologie conforme aux observations courantes.
III. Relations entre fracturation, relief et modèle dans un massif granitique : l'exemple du Haut-Riberot (Pyrénées ariégeoises)
Authors: Lagasquie J. J. 
Published: April 2014

Situé en Couserans, au pied même du Valier (2 838 m), le petit massif granitique du Ribérot (4 km de long sur 3,5 de large) offre au regard de larges surfaces qui s'étendent entre 1 700 m et 2 400 m. C'est un bon exemple de batholite mis en creux par l'érosion ; il est, en effet, dominé par une vigoureuse ligne de crête schisteuse ou calcaire de 400 à 600 m de commandement. Elle est sculptée dans les roches de la couverture sédimentaire primaire de la zone axiale. Le massif cristallin, avec ses pentes élevées mais douces, a donné naissance au seul glacier notable de la partie occidentale du Couserans : celui du Ribérot qui venait mourir à 650 m d'altitude seulement, après avoir parcouru une dizaine de kilomètres.
Ce petit massif présente un triple intérêt morphologique : Celui de l'âge relatif de la mise en creux par rapport à la glaciation ; la mise en valeur de la fracturation par le travail de l'érosion glaciaire ; L'abondance des dalles d 'exfoliation.
Comparison of Validity of Mapping between Drug Indications and ICD-10
Authors: Choi Y. , Jung C. , Chae Y. , Kang M. , Kim J. , Joung K. , Lim J. , Cho S. , Sung S. , Lee E. , Kim S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBackground: Mapping of drug indications to ICD-10 was undertaken in Korea by a public and a private institution for their own purposes. A different mapping approach was used by each institution, which presented a good opportunity to compare the validity of the two approaches.Objectives: This study was undertaken to compare the validity of a direct mapping approach and an indirect terminology based mapping approach of drug indications against the gold standard drawn from the results of the two mapping processes.Methods: Three hundred and seventy-five cardiovascular reference drugs were selected from all listed cardiovascular drugs for the study. In the direct approach, two experienced nurse coders mapped the free text indications directly to ICD-10. In the indirect terminology based approach, the indications were extracted and coded in the Korean Standard Terminology of Medicine. These terminology coded indications were then manually mapped to ICD-10. The results of the two approaches were compared to the gold standard. A kappa statistic was calculated to see the compatibility of both mapping approaches. Recall, precision and F1 score of each mapping approach were calculated and analyzed using a paired t-test.Results: The mean number of indications for the study drugs was 5.42. The mean number of ICD-10 codes that matched in direct approach was 46.32 and that of indirect terminology based approach was 56.94. The agreement of the mapping results between the two approaches were poor (kappa = 0.19). The indirect terminology based approach showed higher recall (86.78%) than direct approach (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in precision and F1 score between the two approaches.Conclusions: Considering no differences in the F1 scores, both approaches may be used in practice for mapping drug indications to ICD-10. However, in terms of consistency, time and manpower, better results are expected from the indirect terminology based approach.
Seroprevalence and molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors in southern Iran
Authors: Sarkari Bahador , Shafiei Reza , Zare Mani , Sohrabpour Sattar , Kasraian Leila 
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite which can be transmitted to human through a variety of routes including blood transfusion. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and related epidemiological features among healthy blood donors. Methodology: A total of 1,480 healthy blood donors from five blood service centers in Fars province were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Blood samples were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. IgM-positive samples were also tested for the presence of Toxoplasma DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Demographic characteristics of participants were also recorded during samples collection. Results: Anti T. gondii antibodies were detected in sera of 286 out of 1,480 blood donors corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 19.3% in this population. From these, 182 (12.3%) were seropositive only for IgG, 81 (5.47%) were seropositive only for IgM and 23 (1.6%) were positive for both IgG and IgM. PCR detected active parasitemia in two (1.9%) of the IgM-positive subjects. Age, place of residence and level of education were statistically significant (p < 0.05) with seropositivity to Toxoplasma. Conclusions: Our results highlighted that asymptomatic blood donors, especially those with active parasitemia, may constitute a significant risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis to susceptible recipients.
Evaluation of the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent molars in a south-eastern Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Nur Bilge Gulsum , Ok Evren , Altunsoy Mustafa , Aglarci Osman Sami , Colak Mehmet , Gungor Enes 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the root and canal morphology of the mandibular first and second permanent molars in a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 966) and second molar (n = 1165) teeth from 850 Turkish patients were evaluated. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. The data were analyzed by Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The majority of mandibular molars were two rooted with three canals; however, three roots were identified in 0.05% of the first molars and 0.01% of the second molars, and 100% of the additional root canals were of type I configuration. Mesial roots had more complex canal systems with more than one canal, whereas most distal roots had a type I configuration. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that CBCT scanning provides supplemental information about the root canal configurations of mandibular molars in a Turkish population. This study may help clinicians in the root canal treatment of mandibular molars.
The antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica, Mimusops elengi, Tinospora cardifolia, Ocimum sanctum and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate on common endodontic pathogens: An in vitro study
Authors: Mistry Kunjal S. , Sanghvi Zarna , Parmar Girish , Shah Samir 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: To check the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Mimusops elelngi (Bakul), Tinospora cardifolia (Giloy) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) on common endodontic pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: The agar diffusion test was used to check the antimicrobial activity of the Methanolic extracts of the medicinal plants along with CHX. Six different concentrations of the tested agents were used for the study. The values of Zone of Inhibition were tabulated according to the concentration of the tested agent and data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) values were also recorded. Results: All the plants extracts showed considerable antimicrobial activity against selected endodontic pathogens. At 3mg. concentration, O.sanctum was the most effective against S. mutans, M. elengi showed highest zone of inhibition against E.faecalis, whereas CHX was the most effective agent against S.aureus. CHX was also the most consistent of all the medicaments testes, showing inhibitory effect against all the tree pathogens at all the selected concentrations. Conclusions: The Methanolic extract of A. Indica, O.sanctum, M. Elengi, T.cardifolia and Chlorhexidine Gluconate has considerable antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, E. faecalis and S. aureus.
Effects of early unilateral mandibular first molar extraction on condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry
Authors: Halicioglu Koray , Celikoglu Mevlut , Buyuk Suleyman K. , Sekerci Ahmet E. , Candirli Celal 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of the following study is to investigate the mandibular vertical asymmetry in a group of patients with early unilateral mandibular first molar extractions. Materials and Methods: Mandibular asymmetry index measurements (condylar, ramal and condylar-plus-ramal) were performed on the panoramic radiographs of a study group including 51 patients (mean age: 18.60 ± 1.11 years) and a control group of 51 patients (mean age: 18.53 ± 1.29 years). Group I included patients with a unilateral mandibular first molar extracted before the age of 12 years. Group II included patients with no extractions and had excellent Class I relationships, no missing teeth and slight or moderate anterior crowding. A paired t-test was used to determine possible statistically significant differences between the sides for the measurements. Student's t-test was used for the comparison of asymmetry index values between the groups and genders. Results: No group showed statistically significant sex-or side-specific differences for posterior vertical height measurements. Condylar asymmetry index and ramal asymmetry index measurements were not statistically different between the groups, while condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry index (CRAI) measurements were statistically different between the groups (P = 0.019). Conclusions: A slight difference for CRAI value was found in patients with early unilateral mandibular first molar extractions.
Evaluation of nasal morphology in predicting vertical and sagittal maxillary skeletal discrepancies’
Authors: Prasad Mandava , Chaitanya Nellore , Reddy Karnati Praveen Kumar , Talapaneni Ashok Kumar , Myla Vijaya Bhaskar , Shetty Sharath Kumar 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the relationship between nasal morphology and maxillary skeletal pattern. The clinical significance was to emphasize the importance of role of nasal pattern in diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and Methods: The sample included the pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 180 South Indian adults (94 women, 86 men), aged 18 to 28 years. Six maxillary and six nasal soft tissue parameters were measured. Pearson correlation coefficients and Analysis of variance were used for statistical analyses. Results: There were significant correlations between maxillary vertical and sagittal, skeletal and soft tissue parameters. The Mean and standard deviations were correlated between low insignificant range to high significant levels with nasal length, nasal depth and columella convexity. Nasal length also showed significant correlation with inclination of palatal plane. Significant influence of gender was seen on nasal length, nasal depth, columella convexity and nasal tip angle. A statistically significant difference was seen regarding nasal length between males and females, with nasal length being more in males (50.26 ± 4.18) than in females (48.86 ± 3.45), nasal depth being more in males (18.64 ± 2.56) than in females (16.63 ± 2.16), columella convexity being greater in males (4.31 ± 1.26) than in females (3.41 ± 1.13), nasolabial angle decreased in males (87.26° ±13.79°) than in females (89.38° ±15.72°) and nasal tip angle being more in females (80.18° ±9.44°) than in males (73.60° ±10.24°). There was no statistically significant difference in nasal hump between males (-2.01 ± 1.76) and females (-2.02 ± 1.62). Conclusion: Long nose with increased nasal prominence were seen with increase in the anteroposterior length and vertical height of maxilla. Male and female genders had a varied amount of nasal length, nasal depth and columella convexity along with nasal tip angle.