bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Youth Politics and Culture in Contemporary Latin America: A Review
Authors: Coe Anna-Britt , Vandegrift Darcie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractYouth politics in contemporary Latin America diverge from those of previous generations. Increasingly decoupled from parties, unions, and the state, young people glide seamlessly across previously assumed boundaries: culture and politics, individual and organization, subjectivity and collectivity, virtual and “real.” This article presents findings from a systematic review of research on youth politics and demonstrates the new direction through three main categories: repression, incorporation, and exclusion, relationships between state institutions and youth identities; generational, cultural, and digital lenses, the innovative trends for theorizing current patterns of youth politics; and unsettling politics, the fusion and diffusion of youth political dexterity. The article concludes by highlighting current strengths and proposing future steps to build on this new direction.
Quality of Life and Quality of Support for People with Severe Intellectual Disability and Complex Needs
Authors: Beadle‐Brown J. , Leigh J. , Whelton B. , Richardson L. , Beecham J. , Baumker T. , Bradshaw J. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundPeople with severe and profound intellectual disabilities often spend substantial time isolated and disengaged. The nature and quality of the support appears to be important in determining quality of life.MethodsStructured observations and staff questionnaires were used to explore the quality of life and quality of support for 110 people with severe and profound disabilities and complex needs.ResultsOn average, people spent approximately 40% of their time engaged in meaningful activities, received contact from staff 25% of the time (6% in the form of assistance to be engaged). Just over one‐third received consistently good active support, which was associated with other measures of quality of support and emerged as the strongest predictor of outcomes.ConclusionsQuality of life and quality of support were relatively poor, although with about one‐third of people receiving skilled support. Consistently good active support was the best predictor of outcome and proposed as a good indicator of skilled support.
Sexual antagonism in the pistil varies among populations of a hermaphroditic mixed‐mating plant
Authors: Hersh E. , Madjidian J. A. , Andersson S. , Strandh M. , Armbruster W. S. , Lankinen Å. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSexual conflicts and their evolutionary outcomes may be influenced by population‐specific features such as mating system and ecological context; however, very few studies have investigated the link between sexual conflict and mating system. The self‐compatible, mixed‐mating hermaphrodite Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae) is thought to exhibit a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity. This conflict involves (i) delayed stigma receptivity, which intensifies pollen competition, and (ii) early fertilization forced by pollen, which reduces seed set. We investigated the potential for the conflict to occur under field conditions and performed glasshouse crosses within eight populations to assess its consistency across populations. Flowers were visited, and produced seeds after pollination, at all developmental stages, suggesting that the conflict can be of significance under natural conditions. In the glasshouse, early pollination imposed costs in all populations. Overall, the timing of first seed set was most strongly affected by the maternal parent, denoting stronger female than male ability to influence the onset of stigma receptivity. Crosses also revealed a negative relationship between donor‐ and recipient‐related onset of receptivity within individuals, a novel result hinting at trade‐offs in sex allocation or a history of antagonistic selection. Neither timing of stigma receptivity, timing of first seed set, nor pollen competitive ability covaried with population outcrossing rate. In conclusion, these results indicate that sexually antagonistic selection may be present in varying degrees in different populations of C. heterophylla, but this variation does not appear to be directly related to mating system variation.
Social monogamy vs. polyandry: ecological factors associated with sex roles in two closely related birds within the same habitat
Authors: Goymann W. , Makomba M. , Urasa F. , Schwabl I. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWhy mainly males compete and females take a larger share in parental care remains an exciting question in evolutionary biology. Role‐reversed species are of particular interest, because such ‘exceptions’ help to test the rule. Using mating systems theory as a framework, we compared the reproductive ecology of the two most contrasting coucals with regard to sexual dimorphism and parental care: the black coucal with male‐only care and the biparental white‐browed coucal. Both species occur in the same lush habitat and face similar ecological conditions, but drastically differ in mating system and sexual dimorphism. Black coucals were migratory and occurred at high breeding densities. With females being obligatory polyandrous and almost twice as heavy as males, black coucals belong to the most extreme vertebrates with reversed sexual dimorphism. Higher variance in reproductive success in fiercely competing females suggests that sexual selection is stronger in females than in males. In contrast, resident white‐browed coucals bred at low densities and invariably in pairs. They were almost monomorphic and the variance in reproductive success was similar between the sexes. Black coucals were more likely to lose nests than white‐browed coucals, probably facilitating female emancipation of parental care in black coucals. We propose that a combination of high food abundance, high population density, high degree of nest loss and male bias in the adult sex ratio represent ecological conditions that facilitate role reversal and polyandry in coucals and terrestrial vertebrates in general.
Volatile organic compounds released by Rumex confertus following Hypera rumicis herbivory and weevil responses to volatiles
Authors: Piesik D. , Wenda‐Piesik A. , Krasińska A. , Wrzesińska D. , Delaney K. J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe report in this study large induction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a single inflorescence of mossy sorrel (Rumex confertus Willd., Polygonaceae), by herbivory of the weevil (Hypera rumicis L., Coleoptera: Curculionidae). VOCs blend induced by the weevil herbivory included 1 green leaf volatiles (GLVs) ((Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate), five terpenes ((Z)‐β‐ocimene, linalool, geranyl acetate, β‐caryophyllene and (E)‐β‐farnesene), three esters (benzyl acetate, methyl salicylate and methyl anthranilate) and one aromatic heterocyclic organic compound (indole). Uninjured plants produced only detectable amounts of VOCs. A Y‐tube experiment revealed that both females and males of H. rumicis were not attracted to any of tested concentrations (1, 5, 25, 125 ng/min). Also both females and males were significantly repelled by the highest concentrations (25 and 125 ng/min). Additionally, concentration of 5 ng/min proved to be repellent for females of H. rumicis.
Examination criteria and calibration procedures for prevention trials of the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers
Authors: Warren John J. , Weber‐Gasparoni Karin , Tinanoff Norman , Batliner Terence S. , Jue Bonnie , Santo William , Garcia Raul I. , Gansky Stuart A. ,   Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo summarize diagnostic criteria and examiner training and calibration of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research‐funded Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers (EC4) and report examiner calibration results from 2010 to 2014. The EC4 at Boston University, University of Colorado, and University of California San Francisco are performing randomized controlled early childhood caries (ECC) prevention trials with caries as the main outcome measure.MethodsThe EC4 with University of Iowa consultants developed standardized tooth and tooth surface status examination criteria for use in field conditions, examiner training materials, and examiner calibration and re‐calibration methodologies. Calibration and re‐calibration were performed with 1‐ to 5‐year‐old children in the San Francisco Mission District in which assessments from each examiner to be calibrated were compared with those from a single gold standard examiner from 2010 to 2014. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to determine inter‐examiner agreement.ResultsA total of seven examiners were successfully (re)calibrated during that period, examining a total of 231 children. Overall unweighted Cohen's kappas for 10 surface conditions exceeded the criterion of 0.70. However, separate agreement for assessment of noncavitated lesions, as in other studies, was lower.ConclusionsAn experienced multidisciplinary and multi‐institutional team was able to develop criteria and training materials to anticipate situations and field conditions the main trials would encounter. Examiners were successfully trained and (re)calibrated.
Pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular effects following a single oral administration of a nonaqueous pimobendan solution in healthy dogs
Authors: Yata M. , McLachlan A. J. , Foster D. J. R. , Page S. W. , Beijerink N. J. 
Published: May 2015

Pimobendan is an inodilator used in the treatment of canine congestive heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular effects of a nonaqueous oral solution of pimobendan using a single‐dose, operator‐blinded, parallel‐dose study design. Eight healthy dogs were divided into two treatment groups consisting of water (negative control) and pimobendan solution. Plasma samples and noninvasive measures of cardiovascular function were obtained over a 24‐h period following dosing. Pimobendan and its active metabolite were quantified using an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (UHPLC‐MS) assay. The oral pimobendan solution was rapidly absorbed [time taken to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) 1.1 h] and readily converted to the active metabolite (metabolite Tmax 1.3 h). The elimination half‐life was short for both pimobendan and its active metabolite (0.9 and 1.6 h, respectively). Maximal cardiovascular effects occurred at 2–4 h after a single oral dose, with measurable effects occurring primarily in echocardiographic indices of systolic function. Significant effects persisted for <8 h. The pimobendan nonaqueous oral solution was well tolerated by study dogs.
Neuropeptide Y restores non‐receptor‐mediated vasoconstrictive action in superior mesenteric arteries in portal hypertension
Authors: Hartl Johannes , Dietrich Peter , Moleda Lukas , Müller‐Schilling Martina , Wiest Reiner 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsVascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors contributes to splanchnic arterial vasodilatation and hemodynamic dysregulation in portal hypertension. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a sympathetic cotransmitter, has been shown to improve adrenergic vascular contractility in portal hypertensive rats and markedly attenuate hyperdynamic circulation. To further characterize the NPY‐effects in portal hypertension, we investigated its role for non‐receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) of portal vein ligated (PVL) and sham‐operated rats.MethodsEx vivo SMA perfusion of PVL and sham rats was used to analyse the effects of NPY on pressure response to non‐receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction. Dose–response curves to KCl (30–300 mM) were used to bypass G protein‐coupled receptor mechanisms. Potential involvement of the cyclooxygenase‐pathway was tested by non‐selective cyclooxygenase‐inhibition using indomethacin.ResultsKCl‐induced vascular contractility but not vascular sensitivity was significantly attenuated in PVL rats as compared with sham rats. Administration of NPY resulted in an augmentation of KCl‐evoked vascular sensitivity being not different between study groups. However, KCl‐induced vascular contractility was markedly more enhanced in PVL rats, thus, vascular response was no more significantly different between PVL and sham rats after addition of NPY. Administration of indomethacin abolished the NPY‐induced enhancement of vasoconstriction.ConclusionsReceptor‐independent vascular contractility is impaired in mesenteric arteries in portal hypertension. NPY improves non‐receptor mediated mesenteric vasoconstriction more effective in portal hypertension than in healthy conditions correcting splanchnic vascular hyporesponsiveness. This beneficial vasoactive action of NPY adds to its well known more pronounced effects on adrenergic vasoconstriction in portal hypertension making it a promising therapeutic agent in portal hypertension.
Factors affecting redox potential and differential sensitivity ofSoxRto redox‐active compounds
Authors: Lee Kang‐Lok , Singh Atul K. , Heo Lim , Seok Chaok , Roe Jung‐Hye 
Published: May 2015

SummarySoxRis a [2Fe‐2S]‐containing sensor‐regulator, which is activated through oxidation by redox‐active compounds (RACs).SoxRs show differential sensitivity toRACs, partly due to different redox potentials, such thatEscherichia coli(Ec)SoxRwith lower potential respond to broader range ofRACsthanStreptomyces coelicolor(Sc)SoxR.InS. coelicolor, theRACsthat do not activate ScSoxRdid not inhibit growth, suggesting that ScSoxRis tuned to respond to growth‐inhibitoryRACs. Based on sequence comparison and mutation studies, two critical amino acids around the [2Fe‐2S] binding site were proposed as key determinants of sensitivity. ScSoxR‐like mutation (R127L/P131V) in EcSoxRchanged its sensitivity profile as ScSoxR, whereas EcSoxR‐like mutation (L126R/V130P) in ScSoxRcaused relaxed response. In accordance, the redox potentials of EcSoxRR127L/P131Vand ScSoxRL126R/V130Pwere estimated to be −192 ± 8 mV and −273 ± 10 mV, respectively, approaching that of ScSoxR(−185 mV) and EcSoxR(−290 mV). Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that theR127LandP131Vsubstitutions in EcSoxRcaused more electropositive environment around [2Fe‐2S], making it harder to get oxidized. This reveals a mechanism to modulate redox‐potential in [Fe‐S]‐containing sensors by point mutations and to evolve a sensor with differential sensitivity to achieve optimal cellular physiology.
Does elevation of serum creatinine in patients with chronic hepatitis C under therapy of telaprevir mean renal impairment?
Authors: Matsui Katsuomi , Kamijo‐Ikemori Atsuko , Sugaya Takeshi , Ikeda Hiroki , Okuse Chiaki , Shibagaki Yugo , Yasuda Takashi , Kimura Kenjiro 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTreatment with telaprevir (TVR) entails adverse side‐effects including anaemia and elevation of serum creatinine (SCr) level. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of treatment with TVR on renal function in adults with chronic hepatitis C.MethodsThirteen adult patients with HCV genotype 1b who were scheduled to be treated with TVR, pegylated interferon (PEG IFN), and ribavirin (RBV) were prospectively followed. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) patients with an increase in SCr during the treatment (n = 8), and (ii) patients without an increase in SCr (n = 5). Urine and serum parameters were evaluated.ResultsAlthough there was no difference in SCr level between the two groups before HCV therapy, the SCr level was persistently high in the patients in the increase‐in‐SCr group during the triple therapy. The SCr level returned to the pre‐treatment level after cessation of TVR. There were no differences in urinary L‐FABP, NAG, serum cystatin C level and eGFRcys throughout the study between the two groups. The serum cystatin C level at pre‐treatment tended to be higher in the increase‐in‐SCr group. Urinary L‐FABP and NAG levels in these groups remained within normal limits during treatment. We found that the increase in SCr was not associated with the degree of renal impairment. The increase in SCr may have been induced as a result of a decrease in creatinine secretion from proximal tubules via inhibition of transporters of creatinine induced by TVR.ConclusionElevation of SCr levels with TVR therapy may not suggest renal impairment.
A member of the Phosphate transporter 1 (Pht1) family from the arsenic‐hyperaccumulating fern Pteris vittata is a high‐affinity arsenate transporter
Authors: DiTusa Sandra Feuer , Fontenot Elena B. , Wallace Robert W. , Silvers Molly A. , Steele Thomas N. , Elnagar Alia H. , Dearman Kelsey M. , Smith Aaron P. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Pteris vittata exhibits enhanced arsenic uptake, but the corresponding mechanisms are not well known. The prevalent form of arsenic in most soils is arsenate, which is a phosphate analog and a substrate for Phosphate transporter 1 (Pht1) transporters. Herein we identify and characterize three P. vittata Pht1 transporters.

Pteris vittata Pht1 cDNAs were isolated and characterized via heterologous expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Expression of the PvPht1 loci in P. vittata gametophytes was also examined in response to phosphate deficiency and arsenate exposure.

Expression of each of the PvPht1 cDNAs complemented the phosphate uptake defect of a yeast mutant. Compared with yeast cells expressing Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;5, cells expressing PvPht1;3 were more sensitive to arsenate, and accumulated more arsenic. Uptake assays with yeast cells and radiolabeled 32P revealed that PvPht1;3 and AtPht1;5 have similar affinities for phosphate, but the affinity of PvPht1;3 for arsenate is much greater. In P. vittata gametophytes, PvPht1;3 transcript levels increased in response to phosphate (Pi) deficiency and arsenate exposure.

PvPht1;3 is induced by Pi deficiency and arsenate, and encodes a phosphate transporter that has a high affinity for arsenate. PvPht1;3 probably contributes to the enhanced arsenate uptake capacity and affinity exhibited by P. vittata.
The AC5 protein encoded by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus is a pathogenicity determinant that suppresses RNA silencing‐based antiviral defenses
Authors: Li Fangfang , Xu Xiongbiao , Huang Changjun , Gu Zhouhang , Cao Linge , Hu Tao , Ding Ming , Li Zhenghe , Zhou Xueping 
Published: May 2015

Summary

It is generally accepted that begomoviruses in the family Geminiviridae encode four proteins (from AC1/C1 to AC4/C4) using the complementary‐sense DNA as template. Although AC5/C5 coding sequences are increasingly annotated in databases for many begomoviruses, the evolutionary relationships and functions of this putative protein in viral infection are obscure.

Here, we demonstrate several important functions of the AC5 protein of a bipartite begomovirus, Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). Mutational analyses and transgenic expression showed that AC5 plays a critical role in MYMIV infection. Ectopic expression of AC5 from a Potato virus X (PVX) vector resulted in severe mosaic symptoms followed by a hypersensitive‐like response in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Furthermore, MYMIV AC5 effectively suppressed post‐transcriptional gene silencing induced by single‐stranded but not double‐stranded RNA. AC5 was also able to reverse transcriptional gene silencing of a green fluorescent protein transgene by reducing methylation of promoter sequences, probably through repressing expression of a CHH cytosine methyltransferase (DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE2) in N. benthamiana.

Our results demonstrate that MYMIV AC5 is a pathogenicity determinant and a potent RNA silencing suppressor that employs novel mechanisms to suppress antiviral defenses, and suggest that the AC5 function may be conserved among many begomoviruses.
Does allergy begin in utero?
Authors: Lockett Gabrielle A. , Huoman Johanna , Holloway John W. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIt has been recognized for centuries that allergic disease runs in families, implying a role for genetic factors in determining individual susceptibility. More recently, a range of evidence shows that many of these genetic factors, together with in utero environmental exposures, lead to the development of allergic disease through altered immune and organ development. Environmental exposures during pregnancy including diet, nutrient intake and toxin exposures can alter the epigenome and interact with inherited genetic and epigenetic risk factors to directly and indirectly influence organ development and immune programming. Understanding of these factors will be essential in identifying at‐risk individuals and possible development of therapeutic interventions for the primary prevention of allergic disease. In this review, we summarize the evidence that suggests allergic disease begins in utero, together with possible mechanisms for the effect of environmental exposures during pregnancy on allergic disease risk, including epigenetics.
Vitamin D levels and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in asthmatic children: a case–control study
Authors: Einisman Helly , Reyes María Loreto , Angulo Jenniffer , Cerda Jaime , López‐Lastra Marcelo , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D deficiency and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the gene encoding vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been associated with asthma.ObjectiveTo compare 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and the frequency of 3 SNPs in the VDR gene between asthmatic and healthy children.MethodsIn persistent asthmatic and healthy control children, the 25OHD levels were measured using radioimmunoassay and SNPs (FokI, ApaI, and TaqI) were analyzed by a PCR‐RFLP assay. Relevant medical history was collected.ResultsAbout 75 asthmatic (median age: 9.1 years) and 227 healthy children (10.3 years) were studied. In the whole population, the proportion of sufficient, insufficient, and deficient levels of 25OHD were 14.9%, 44%, and 41.1%, respectively. 25OHD sufficiency status was similar in asthmatic and healthy children (p = 0.57). However, the proportion of 25OHD sufficient levels among asthmatics according to the Global Initiative for Asthma treatment steps 2, 3, and 4 was significantly different (8.6%, 16.6%, and 43.7%, respectively, p = 0.046). All patients on step 4 of the treatment (16/16) were heterozygous for the C allele (FokI VDR SNP). There was a lower presence of the C allele among asthmatics in step 2 (30/33), step 3 (16/24), and controls (45/50), p = 0.007, but this significance did not persist after logistic regression. No significant differences in ApaI and TaqI were found.ConclusionsWe found a possible association of vitamin D sufficiency status and FokI C allele with higher requirement of therapy to reach asthma control, suggesting that it may be involved in treatment response. Variations in VDR might also play a role in the 25OHD levels.