bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Studies of Modified Vocalization: Effects of Speech Rate and Instatement Style During Metronome Stimulation
Authors: Davidow Jason H. , Bothe Anne K. , Richardson Jessica D. , Andreatta Richard D. 
Published: August 2010

Purpose
This study introduces a series of systematic investigations intended to clarify the parameters of the fluency-inducing conditions (FICs) in stuttering.

Method
Participants included 11 adults, aged 20–63 years, with typical speech-production skills. A repeated measures design was used to examine the relationships between several speech production variables (vowel duration, voice onset time, fundamental frequency, intraoral pressure, pressure rise time, transglottal airflow, and phonated intervals) and speech rate and instatement style during metronome-entrained rhythmic speech.

Results
Measures of duration (vowel duration, voice onset time, and pressure rise time) differed across different metronome conditions. When speech rates were matched between the control condition and metronome condition, voice onset time was the only variable that changed.

Conclusion
Results confirm that speech rate and instatement style can influence speech production variables during the production of fluency-inducing conditions. Future studies of normally fluent speech and of stuttered speech must control both features and should further explore the importance of voice onset time, which may be influenced by rate during metronome stimulation in a way that the other variables are not.
The Plant-Specific SR45 Protein Negatively Regulates Glucose and ABA Signaling during Early Seedling Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Carvalho Raquel Fonseca , Carvalho Sofia Domingues , Duque Paula 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The plant-specific SR45 belongs to the highly conserved family of serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins, which play key roles in precursor-mRNA splicing and other aspects of RNA metabolism. An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) loss-of-function mutant, sr45-1, displays pleiotropic phenotypes, such as defects in flower and leaf morphology, root growth, and flowering time. Here, we show that the sr45-1 mutation confers hypersensitivity to glucose (Glc) during early seedling growth in Arabidopsis. Unlike wild-type plants, the sr45-1 mutant displays impaired cotyledon greening and expansion as well as reduced hypocotyl elongation of dark-grown seedlings when grown in the presence of low (3%) Glc concentrations. In addition, SR45 is involved in the control of Glc-responsive gene expression, as the mutant displays enhanced repression of photosynthetic and nitrogen metabolism genes and overinduction of starch and anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Like many other sugar response mutants, sr45-1 also shows hypersensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) but appears to be unaffected in ethylene signaling. Importantly, the sr45-1 mutant shows enhanced ability to accumulate ABA in response to Glc, and the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor fluridone partially rescues the sugar-mediated growth arrest. Moreover, three ABA biosynthesis genes and two key ABA signaling genes, ABI3 and ABI5, are markedly overinduced by Glc in sr45-1. These results provide evidence that the SR45 protein defines a novel player in plant sugar response that negatively regulates Glc signaling during early seedling development by down-regulating both Glc-specific ABA accumulation and ABA biosynthesis and signaling gene expression.
Evidence That High Activity of Vacuolar Invertase Is Required for Cotton Fiber and Arabidopsis Root Elongation through Osmotic Dependent and Independent Pathways, Respectively
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Xiao-Rong , Lian Heng , Ni Di-An , He Yu-ke , Chen Xiao-Ya , Ruan Yong-Ling 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Vacuolar invertase (VIN) has long been considered as a major player in cell expansion. However, direct evidence for this view is lacking due, in part, to the complexity of multicellular plant tissues. Here, we used cotton (Gossypium spp.) fibers, fast-growing single-celled seed trichomes, to address this issue. VIN activity in elongating fibers was approximately 4-6-fold higher than that in leaves, stems, and roots. It was undetectable in fiberless cotton seed epidermis but became evident in initiating fibers and remained high during their fast elongation and dropped when elongation slowed. Furthermore, a genotype with faster fiber elongation had significantly higher fiber VIN activity and hexose levels than a slow-elongating genotype. By contrast, cell wall or cytoplasmic invertase activities did not show correlation with fiber elongation. To unravel the molecular basis of VIN-mediated fiber elongation, we cloned GhVIN1, which displayed VIN sequence features and localized to the vacuole. Once introduced to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), GhVIN1 complemented the short-root phenotype of a VIN T-DNA mutant and enhanced the elongation of root cells in the wild type. This demonstrates that GhVIN1 functions as VIN in vivo. In cotton fiber, GhVIN1 expression level matched closely with VIN activity and fiber elongation rate. Indeed, transformation of cotton fiber with GhVIN1 RNA interference or overexpression constructs reduced or enhanced fiber elongation, respectively. Together, these analyses provide evidence on the role of VIN in cotton fiber elongation mediated by GhVIN1. Based on the relative contributions of sugars to sap osmolality in cotton fiber and Arabidopsis root, we conclude that VIN regulates their elongation in an osmotic dependent and independent manner, respectively.
Finite Element Model of Polar Growth in Pollen Tubes
Authors: Fayant Pierre , Girlanda Orlando , Chebli Youssef , Aubin Carl-Éric , Villemure Isabelle , Geitmann Anja 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Cellular protuberance formation in walled cells requires the local deformation of the wall and its polar expansion. In many cells, protuberance elongation proceeds by tip growth, a growth mechanism shared by pollen tubes, root hairs, and fungal hyphae. We established a biomechanical model of tip growth in walled cells using the finite element technique. We aimed to identify the requirements for spatial distribution of mechanical properties in the cell wall that would allow the generation of cellular shapes that agree with experimental observations. We based our structural model on the parameterized description of a tip-growing cell that allows the manipulation of cell size, shape, cell wall thickness, and local mechanical properties. The mechanical load was applied in the form of hydrostatic pressure. We used two validation methods to compare different simulations based on cellular shape and the displacement of surface markers. We compared the resulting optimal distribution of cell mechanical properties with the spatial distribution of biochemical cell wall components in pollen tubes and found remarkable agreement between the gradient in mechanical properties and the distribution of deesterified pectin. Use of the finite element method for the modeling of nonuniform growth events in walled cells opens future perspectives for its application to complex cellular morphogenesis in plants.
Network Analysis of Enzyme Activities and Metabolite Levels and Their Relationship to Biomass in a Large Panel ofArabidopsisAccessions
Authors: Sulpice Ronan , Trenkamp Sandra , Steinfath Matthias , Usadel Bjorn , Gibon Yves , Witucka-Wall Hanna , Pyl Eva-Theresa , Tschoep Hendrik , Steinhauser Marie Caroline , Guenther Manuela , Hoehne Melanie , Rohwer Johann M. , Altmann Thomas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Stitt Mark 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNatural genetic diversity provides a powerful resource to investigate how networks respond to multiple simultaneous changes. In this work, we profile maximum catalytic activities of 37 enzymes from central metabolism and generate a matrix to investigate species-wide connectivity between metabolites, enzymes, and biomass. Most enzyme activities change in a highly coordinated manner, especially those in the Calvin-Benson cycle. Metabolites show coordinated changes in defined sectors of metabolism. Little connectivity was observed between maximum enzyme activities and metabolites, even after applying multivariate analysis methods. Measurements of posttranscriptional regulation will be required to relate these two functional levels. Individual enzyme activities correlate only weakly with biomass. However, when they are used to estimate protein abundances, and the latter are summed and expressed as a fraction of total protein, a significant positive correlation to biomass is observed. The correlation is additive to that obtained between starch and biomass. Thus, biomass is predicted by two independent integrative metabolic biomarkers: preferential investment in photosynthetic machinery and optimization of carbon use.
Some Observations on the Wound Reactions of Ankyropteris corrugata
Authors: Holden H. S. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe tissues of the fossil fern Ankyropteris corrugata show well-marked reactions to wounding. In the root these, which consist of irregularly disposed wedges of meristematic tissue, are confined to the cortical parenchyma and may extend for some distance beyond the actual wound area. In the stem the wounds generally take the form of irregular cortical fissures. These are bordered on either side by a strip of meristem four to eight cells in depth. Anomalous secondary xylem which occurs in a stem in the neighbourhood of a bifurcation is also considered to be due probably to traumatic stimulus. In the petiole the wound reaction varies. Where the wound is superficial a pad of healing meristem is developed from the cortical cells. The parenchymatous cells are most active, but the sclerenchymatous cells may also undergo division. Exceptionally the superficial cells may be modified in a similar way to those of the normal epidermis, thus providing an example of “restitution.” Other wounds, termed “crush” wounds, are characterised by irregular cortical fissures. These become bordered or surrounded by a strip of meristematic cambiform cells. Where the wounds are deep-seated the vascular tissues may be involved in the reaction. The reaction in such cases takes the form of the development of secondary tracheids, usually short and of small calibre, which vary in position with that of the wound. There is some evidence that the phloem or phloem-parenchyma may also become meristematic under these conditions.I am much indebted to Dr. D. H. Scott, F.R.S., for his kindly interest during this investigation. Acknowledgments are also due to the Keeper of the Department of Geology, British Museum (Natural History), and to Prof. M. Drummond of Glasgow University for facilities for studying the fossil plants in their respective departments.The expenses incurred in this study have been met in part by a grant from the Royal Society.
A survey of bancroftian filariasis among South‐East Asian expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Omar Mohamed S. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryIn a survey of bancroftian filariasis among expatriate workers from five South‐East Asian countries (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines) where human filariasis is endemic, 762 individuals were examined in the Abha area (Asir) of south‐western Saudi Arabia. A prevalence of microfilaraemia of 3.5% and a mean mf density of 6.0/20 mm3of blood was found among 259 Indian males only. In three out of 9 microfilaraemic cases, clinical signs suggestive of filariasis were observed. The only species identified was Wuchereria bancrofti showing strict nocturnal periodicity. Preliminary laboratory studies on the susceptibility of local mosquitoes to infection with W. bancrofti in which laboratory‐bred Culex (C.) pipiens was fed directly on a microfilaraemic volunteer from Madras, South India, revealed that this species was highly susceptible to the Madras strain of the parasite with an average infection rate of 57 (range 41–75)% and a worm burden of 3.5 L3/infective mosquito. This is the first report that local Cx. pipiens mosquitoes may act as a potential vector of introduced bancroftian filariasis in Saudi Arabia. The potential danger of bancroftian filariasis importation and, more importantly, the establishment of new self‐sustained foci of the disease is likely to depend upon the abundance of mf carriers and density of vector mosquitoes feeding on carriers.
Clinical investigation of a population recently infected with Schistosoma mansoni (Richard‐Toll, Senegal)
Authors: Kongs A. , Verlé P. , Dieng A. , Talla I. , Rouquet Ph. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryFollowing the introduction of large‐scale irrigation, an exceptional epidemic of intestinal schistosomiasis occurred in northern Senegal when a non‐immune population was exposed to massive infection. Subjects infected with Schistosoma mansoni were followed up parasitologically and clinically from the onset of the epidemic. After the initial evaluation, patients received a health education session and were treated with praziquantel in a dose of 30 mg/kg.One year after this treatment, S. mansoni eggs were found in the stools of 227/301 subjects (75%). Twenty‐three per cent of subjects excreted >400 eggs per gram (e.p.g.) and 11% excreted >1000 e.p.g. of faeces. Overall, the geometric mean was 191 e.p.g. of faeces in infected individuals. The prevalence of diarrhoea was reduced from 55 to 29%, the prevalence of bloody diarrhoea from 44 to 11% and the prevalence of abdominal discomfort from 66 to 41%. No hepatomegaly was found in these patients either before or one year after treatment. Splenomegaly was reduced from 30% (measured by ultrasound) to 3% (on clinical examination). Morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection was considerably reduced one year after treatment with praziquantel (30 mg/kg).
Parasite‐specific lactate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infection in an endemic area in West Uganda
Authors: Jelinek T. , Kilian A. H. D. , Henk M. , Mughusu E. B. , Nothdurft H. D. , Löscher T. , Knobloch J. , Sonnenburg F. v. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe measurement of parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) has been presented as an easy and rapid method for the diagnosis of malaria in humans. In order to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of such a test we examined blood samples from 429 Ugandan patients. While pLDH activity was significantly linked to parasitaemia, sensitivity and specificity were found to be rather low at 58.8 and 62.2% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values failed to meet necessary standards. We conclude that the methods of measurement of pLDH activity in malaria infection, although potentially useful for the fast diagnosis of malaria, need to be improved to be of true value in endemic areas.
Necrotizing and suppurative lymphadenitis in Leishmania major infections
Authors: Gaafar A. , Ismail A. , Kadaro A. Y. El , Hashim Elsir , Khalil E. A. G. , Hassan A. M. El 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe pathology of lymph nodes and subcutaneous nodules in 6 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (Oriental sore) due to Leishmania major is described in this paper. In 3 patients enlarged epitrochlear lymph nodes were found to be associated with primary skin lesions in the forearm. The lymph node in one patient showed a necrotizing granulomatous reaction that simulated tuberculous lymphadenitis. Leishmania parasites were, however, found in sections of the node, and staining for mycobacteria was negative. The second patient presented with an abscess and a discharging sinus in the epitrochlear region. Parasites were found in smears of the pus and cultures for bacteria were negative. The lesion healed with antimonial therapy. In the third patient the lesion resembled cat‐scratch disease and showed stellate abscesses and granulomas. Leishmania parasites were also identified in the sections. Sections of a subcutaneous nodule from the fourth patient showed a necrotizing granuloma. The lesion healed spontaneously and the patient became leishmanin‐positive. In two other patients fine needle aspiration of the subcutaneous nodules showed parasites, granuloma and necrosis.We concluded that L. major disseminates from the primary cutaneous lesion via the lymphatics to the subcutaneous tissues and the regional lymph nodes. The subcutaneous nodules and lymphadenopathy may persist long after the primary lesion had healed. The primary lesion is sometimes inconspicuous. Necrotizing and suppurative lymphadenitis due to L. major have to be distinguished from other causes of necrosis and suppuration such as tuberculosis and cat‐scratch disease.
Promoting operational research on insecticide‐treated netting: a joint TDR/IDRC initiative and call for research proposals
Authors: Lengeler C. , Lines J. D. , Cattani J. , Feilden R. , Zimicki S. , de Savigny D. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe evidence in favour of insecticide‐treated nets for reducing mortality from malaria among Africa children is becoming compelling. In order to support the next step in the development of this promising intervention the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) decided to launch a joint initiative on operational research. In the first step, 3 reviews on the essential aspects of net technology, programme implementation and programme promotion were commissioned and will be published soon as a book. Secondly, expert opinion was sought regarding priority topics for research. Finally, a first round of research projects was funded and a call for more proposals is being widely advertised.
Immunohistological studies on an Onchocerca volvulus ankyrin (EI)
Authors: Erttmann K. D. , Gallin M. Y. , Eggert P. , Büttner D. W. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe distribution of an Onchocerca volvulus ankyrin, designated EI, was studied in different O. volvulus stages and other helminths by immunohistochemistry using rabbit antibodies raised against the recombinant EI protein.In adult O. volvulus the protein designated EI was localized to the extracellular clefts as well as to the cytoplasm adjacent to the cell membrane in the area of the basal labyrinth in hypodermis, intestine and uterus and to a lesser extent in oviduct and vas deferens. Neuronal cell bodies were also labelled. No labelling of the basal laminae, muscles or epithelia of ovary or testis was observed. Detection of the Ei protein was associated with embryonic development. Germ cells and early morulae showed no reaction; labelling was first seen in late morulae, corresponding to the stage of gastrulation, and increased in the following embryonic stages. In microfilariae the nerve ring and the cephalic space, which represents the anterior nerve‐enriched portion of the body, were labelled. In third‐stage larvae of O. volvulus labelling was associated with the hypodermis, and in those of Anisakis sp. the cytoplasm adjacent to the membrane of the excretory gland cell and the basal labyrinth of the hypodermis were labelled. Following anthelminthic treatment a disruption of the labelling pattern of the EI protein was observed in adult O. volvulus with leakage of the protein into neighbouring areas. Damage to the worm was associated with reduction and finally loss of EI protein labelling. No EI protein was detected in dead adult worms, embryos or microfilariae. Labelling of the same organs was observed in 8 other Onchocerca species and in several other nematodes, but no reaction was seen in trematodes. The results indicate that the EI protein is associated with neuronal structures of O. volvulus, that its presence is developmentally regulated and that it has cross‐reactive homologues in other nematodes. The results suggest that EI is a functional protein. It may be useful for the assessment of parasite damage and death as well as in the characterization of the filarial nervous system.
A coverage plan for health centres in Murewa District in Zimbabwe: an example of action research
Authors: Criel B. , Macq J. , Bossyns P. , Hongoro Ch. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryGood access to health facilities providing good first‐level health care remains problematic in many developing countries. It is a hindrance to effective and efficient functioning of the hospital, as outpatient departments become overcrowded with patients from areas without health centres. In many cases the quality of care delivered to these patients is poor because within the district health system the hospital is not the best place for the supply of comprehensive, integrated and continuous care. Eventually, high hospital involvement in first‐level care can jeopardize the delivery of adequate referral care for those patients who desperately need the hospital's technology and expertise.This paper provides an account of the way this problem was investigated and managed by the district health management team in the Murewa district in north‐east Zimbabwe. The design of a comprehensive ‘master plan’ or ‘coverage plan’ is presented as well as the problems and difficulties encountered. The Murewa experience highlights the relevance of a coverage plan for rational and coherent health infrastructure planning at district level. The approach followed by the Murewa team illustrates the use of action research as an integral part of the management of district health systems.
Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders and goitre in Chad
Authors: Wyss K. , Guiral C. , Ndikuyeze A. , Malonga G. , Tanner M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA nationwide sample survey was conducted in Chad to establish the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). The country was stratified into the Sahel zone and the Sudan zone, the latter including the city of N'Djamena. The analysis followed a stratification whereby the city of N'Djamena was also separately analysed. A total of 1171 people between 10 and 20 years of age were included in the survey. The overall weighted prevalence of goitre, evaluated by a clinical examination, was 63%. In the Sudan zone the prevalence was 70%, in the Sahel zone 64% and for the capital, N'Djamena, 25%. There were significant differences in the frequency of goitre between the three zones. Females ‐ as established in surveys from other areas and countries—had goitre significantly more often. The prevalence of cretinism varied between o and 1.2%, and was highest in the Sahel zone.Amongst the sampled population of the Sudan zone, 33% had less than 20 μg/l of urinary iodine, indicating severe iodine deficiency. In the Sahel zone and in N'Djamena the figures reached 8 and 1%. There were high levels of thiocyanate anions in urine reaching medians between 21 and 27 mg/l in the geographical stratas. This probably decreases the bio‐availability of iodine. These data show that there is a high endemicity of goitre in Chad and provide a basis for interventions as part of a national action plan against IDD, which will be adapted to the social, cultural and economic situation of the country and to available health services.
Detection of circulating antigens in Gabonese patients with Loa loa filariasis
Authors: Walker‐Deemin A. , Kombila M. , Mouray H. , Rondi M. L. , Nguiri C. , Richard‐Lenoble D. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCirculating antigens were detected in sera of Gabonese patients with Loa loa filarial infection by co‐electrosyneresis (Co‐ES). The serum samples selected for this study were exposed to rabbit hyperimmune antifilarial antisera and human immune antisera: specific arcs were observed in 35/60 filarial patients, of whom 24/47 were microfilaraemic and 11/13 amicofilaraemic. The identity of rabbit hyperimmune antisera and loiasial immune sera was confirmed by the continuity of precipitation arcs. These preliminary studies were carried out to develop diagnostic tools for loiasis and to study the physiopathology of immune complexes