bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of vectors for inducible and constitutive gene expression in Lactobacillus
Authors: Duong Tri , Miller Michael J. , Barrangou Rodolphe , Azcarate‐Peril M. Andrea , Klaenhammer Todd R. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryMicroarray analysis of the genome of Lactobacillus acidophilus identified a number of operons that were differentially expressed in response to carbohydrate source or constitutively expressed regardless of carbohydrate source. These included operons implicated in the transport and catabolism of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), lactose (lac), trehalose (tre) and genes directing glycolysis. Analysis of these operons identified a number of putative promoter and repressor elements, which were used to construct a series of expression vectors for use in lactobacilli, based on the broad host range pWV01 replicon. A β‐glucuronidase (GusA3) reporter gene was cloned into each vector to characterize expression from each promoter. GUS reporter assays showed FOS, lac and tre based vectors to be highly inducible by their specific carbohydrate and repressed by glucose. Additionally, a construct based on the phosphoglycerate mutase (pgm) promoter was constitutively highly expressed. To demonstrate the potential utility of these vectors, we constructed a plasmid for the overexpression of the oxalate degradation pathway (Frc and Oxc) of L. acidophilus NCFM. This construct was able to improve oxalate degradation by L. gasseri ATCC 33323 and compliment a L. acidophilus oxalate‐deficient mutant. Development of these expression vectors could support several novel applications, including the expression of enzymes, proteins, vaccines and biotherapeutics by intestinal lactobacilli.
Long‐term results of bilateral congenital cataract treated with early cataract surgery, aphakic glasses and secondary IOL implantation
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyun , Kim Jeong Hun , Kim Seong‐Joon , Yu Young Suk 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the long‐term visual outcome after early surgery of bilateral dense congenital cataracts, aphakic correction with glasses and secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation around 2 years of age.Methods:  The medical records of paediatric patients who underwent cataract extraction, aphakic correction and secondary IOL implantation from 1993 to 2004 at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Age at secondary IOL implantation, axial length (AL), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, ocular alignment, stereopsis, and postoperative ocular complications were recorded.Results:  Thirty‐seven paediatric bilateral pseudophakic patients were identified with a mean follow‐up period of 81.4 months. Best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better were attained in 44.0% of eyes, and the median BCVA was 20/50. Preoperative factors associated with poor visual prognosis included cataract surgery after 8 weeks of age, interocular AL difference of 0.5 mm or more, and glaucoma. Amblyopic eyes showed more myopic change compared to fellow eyes. Good or moderate binocular function was achieved in 18.9% of all patients. Incidences of strabismus, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacity formation were 46.0%, 32.4% and 4.0%, respectively.Conclusion:  Good postoperative BCVA and binocular function were achieved in most healthy children with bilateral dense congenital cataract and no posterior segment pathology. Early cataract surgery, aphakic correction with glasses and secondary IOL implantation around 2 years of age appears to be appropriate methods.
Selenium incorporation in fish otoliths: effects of selenium and mercury from the water
Authors: Lochet Aude , Limburg Karin E. , Rudstam Lars , Montesdeoca Mario 
Published: September 2010

To study fish migration using otolith microchemistry, it is important to understand the relationship between elements in the otoliths and in the surrounding water, including potential interactions with other elements. Selenium (Se) is a trace element with strong affinity for mercury (Hg). To test if Se is a reliable tracer for fish migration, the effects of dissolved Se and Hg concentrations on Se incorporation in fish otoliths were investigated experimentally. Brown bullheads ( Ameiurus nebulosus ) were reared in waters spiked with various concentrations of inorganic Se and Hg. Otolith Se:Ca increased nonlinearly with dissolved Se concentrations as there was no significant difference between fish reared in low and medium [Se] waters (Se:Ca for low [Se] waters, 7.64 × 10−6; medium, 6.59 × 10−6; high, 1.24 × 10−5). Our study also provided the first evidence of a negative effect of Hg on Se incorporation into otoliths (p = 0.01), a phenomenon most evident in high [Se] waters. Because of the influence of Hg, caution should be taken when inferring fish migration based on Se.
A quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) study of the H + OF reaction stereodynamics
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhang Tian Yu , Chu Tian Shu 
Published: September 2010

Based on the global three-dimensional adiabatic potential surface of the 13A′ excited electronic state (J. Chem. Phys. 2005, 123, 114310) of the OHF system, we investigated the H + OF → OH + F/HF + O reaction stereodynamics by using the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method. The four polarization-dependent differential cross sections (PDDCSs) and the three angular distributions P(θr), P([Formula: see text]), P(θr, [Formula: see text]) were calculated at a low collision energy of 0.48 eV for both product channels. The results indicated that the products are backward-scattering on the triplet state, and the product rotational angular momenta are aligned or oriented. Moreover, there is a remarkable difference between the polarization behaviors of the two product channels. Product orientation exhibited by the OH + F channel is found to be absent in the HF + O channel at this collision energy albeit the latter shows stronger alignment along the direction perpendicular to the reagent relative velocity k than OH + F.
Meta-analysis of fertilization experiments indicates multiple limiting nutrients in northeastern deciduous forests
Authors: Vadeboncoeur Matthew A. 
Published: September 2010

It is widely accepted that N limits primary production in temperate forests, although colimitation by N and P has also been suggested, and on some soils, Ca and base cations are in short supply. I conducted a meta-analysis to assess the strength of existing experimental evidence for limitation of primary production by N, P, and Ca in hardwood forests of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada using data from 35 fertilization experiments in deciduous forests on glaciated soils across the region. There is strong evidence for N limitation (formal meta-analysis weighted mean response ratio = 1.51, p < 0.01; simple mean = 1.42, p < 0.001). Forest productivity also tended to increase with additions of P (simple mean = 1.15, p = 0.05) and Ca (simple mean = 1.36, p < 0.001). Across all treatments, 85% of response ratios were positive. Multiple-element additions had larger effects than single elements, but factorial experiments showed little evidence of synergistic effects between nutrient additions. Production responses correlated positively with the rate of N fertilization, but this effect was reduced at high rates of ambient N deposition.
Effects of thermal model and base temperature on estimates of thermal time to bud break in white spruce seedlings
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Lu Pengxin 
Published: September 2010

To improve the predictability of bud burst and growth of boreal trees under varying climate, the thermal time for bud break in white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings was evaluated under a range of temperature conditions in controlled environment chambers. Thermal time requirements were calculated as the sum of growing degree days or growing degree hours above base temperatures ranging from –1 to 5 °C. The results indicated that the common modeling approach, which uses a high base temperature of 5 °C and growing degree days, may not be appropriate for future climatic conditions. Estimates of thermal time requirements using a base temperature of 5 °C varied considerably among temperature treatments and thus would reduce the predictability of bud burst under changing climate. In contrast, estimates of thermal time requirements with lower temperatures closer to 1 °C were relatively consistent among treatments. Growing degree hour models were less sensitive to base temperature than degree day models. These results should help in the selection of appropriate base temperatures and thermal time models in quantification of thermal time for bud burst modeling in other boreal trees.
Differential Activity for Animals and Manipulable Objects in the Anterior Temporal Lobes
Authors: Anzellotti Stefano , Mahon Bradford Z. , Schwarzbach Jens , Caramazza Alfonso 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Neuropsychological evidence has highlighted the role of the anterior temporal lobes in the processing of conceptual knowledge. That putative role is only beginning to be investigated with fMRI as methodological advances are able to compensate for well-known susceptibility artifacts that affect the quality of the BOLD signal. In this article, we described differential BOLD activation for pictures of animals and manipulable objects in the anterior temporal lobes, consistent with previous neuropsychological findings. Furthermore, we found that the pattern of BOLD signal in the anterior temporal lobes is qualitatively different from that in the fusiform gyri. The latter regions are activated to different extents but always above baseline by images of the preferred and of the nonpreferred categories, whereas the anterior temporal lobes tend to be activated by images of the preferred category and deactivated (BOLD below baseline) by images of the nonpreferred category. In our experimental design, we also manipulated the decision that participants made over stimuli from the different semantic categories. We found that in the right temporal pole, the BOLD signal shows some evidence of being modulated by the task that participants were asked to perform, whereas BOLD activity in more posterior regions (e.g., the fusiform gyri) is not modulated by the task. These results reconcile the fMRI literature with the neuropsychological findings of deficits for animals after damage to the right temporal pole and suggest that anterior and posterior regions within the temporal lobes involved in object processing perform qualitatively different computations.
Pseudocopulation and male-male conflict elicited by subadult females of the subsocial spider Anelosimus cf. studiosus (Theridiidae)
Authors: Costa Fernando , Albo María , Viera Carmen 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn spider species with first male sperm priority, males guard subadult females as a tactic for improving their paternity. Preliminary observations in Anelosimus cf. studiosus, a subsocial species from Uruguay, showed that males court and guard subadult females. To elucidate the sexual tactics of this species, we placed two adult males with one adult female, and two other males with one subadult (penultimate) female under laboratory conditions (20 trials for each female status/group). Males courted both adult and subadult females, and subadult females were as receptive as adults, adopting the acceptance posture and pseudocopulating with males. Males performed conspicuous fights under both situations. Winner males copulated (or pseudocopulated), while the losers remained as satellites. Some females remated with satellite males. Subadult female behaviour simulating the adult receptive display could be a cheating tactic for retaining males and eliciting combats. Male-male fights and the guarding of subadult females suggest the occurrence of first male sperm priority, but the persistence of satellite males also suggests second males have some degree of paternity success. Competition could be caused by an asynchrony in female maturation at the beginning of the reproductive season, turning adult females in to the scarce resource.
Female choice for large body size in the cave molly, Poecilia mexicana (Poeciliidae, Teleostei): influence of species- and sex-specific cues
Authors: Parzefall Jakob , Riesch Rüdiger , Schlupp Ingo , Plath Martin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPrevious studies revealed that females of a cave form of the livebearing fish Poecilia mexicana (cave molly) have maintained the ancestral visual preference for large males, but — as an adaptation to life in darkness — they have evolved the novel capability to assess male size non-visually. Here we examined the mechanisms by which non-visual mate choice for large body size occurs. Are sex- and species-specific chemical cues involved in this preference for large conspecifics? We gave focal females an opportunity to associate with a large and a small stimulus fish in simultaneous choice tests, whereby the females could perceive either multiple cues (visual plus non-visual) from the stimulus fish, solely non-visual cues in darkness, or solely visual cues. Stimulus fish were two conspecific males, conspecific females, or heterospecific females (Xiphophorus hellerii). Cave molly females showed a significant preference for large conspecific males and for large conspecific females in all treatments. When a large and a small swordtail female were presented, cave molly females showed a preference for the larger fish only when exclusively visual cues from the stimulus fish were available. The non-visual preference for large body size appears to be mediated by species- but not by sex-specific cues, suggesting that species-specific chemical cues play an important role during mate choice.
Beyond optimal escape theory: microhabitats as well as predation risk affect escape and refuge use by the phrynosomatid lizard Sceloporus virgatus
Authors: Wilson Dawn , Cooper William 
Published: September 2010

AbstractEscape studies often focus on one variable, but tactics and refuge use vary with microhabitats, exposure, distance to refuge, and temperature. We studied these effects and effects of microhabitats and risk factors (distance from refuge, temperature) on flight initiation distance (FID, distance between predator and prey when escape begins) and distance fled (DF) in the lizard Sceloporus virgatus. FID increased as distance to refuge increased and temperature decreased. DF increased as FID increased, supporting the hypothesis that individual differences in boldness are consistent among encounter phases. Refuges were rock crevices, trees, logs, and grass clumps. Interhabitat differences in FID and DF matched those in distance to refuge. FID was longer for lizards on rocks and ground than trees due to proximity to and use of refuge. Lizards on trees rarely changed microhabitats, moving to the far side and unpredictably up or down. Lizards on slopes fled long distances up slopes. Most lizards on rocks entered crevices or switched microhabitats. Lizards on ground usually changed microhabitats. Optimal escape theory accurately predicted effects of risk on FID, but initial microhabitats and final microhabitats and refuges affected tactics, FID and DF. DF was affected by risk, being longer when lizards remained visible.
Effects of nestboxes and males on female song activity in the European starling: an experimental study
Authors: Pinxten Rianne , Pavlova Denitza , Eens Marcel , Darras Veerle 
Published: September 2010

AbstractEnvironmental, contextual or social factors influencing song in female songbirds have been little studied. Female European starlings Sturnus vulgaris sing robustly throughout most of the year, except during the breeding season when their song production dramatically decreases. Here we experimentally investigated the effect of the presence of males and/or nestboxes on song production in captive female starlings during the breeding season. Spontaneous song activity of two experimental groups and one control group (housed with nestboxes, but no males) was observed for one month from the end of March onwards. Additionally, we tested whether female song rate is related to oestradiol plasma levels. The experimental results showed that song rate significantly decreased with the progressing of the breeding season and this process seemed not to be regulated by oestradiol. Nestboxes clearly promoted song production, as previously found in male starlings, while the presence of males negatively affected female song rate. Taken together these results indicate that, in the course of the breeding period, the suppressive influence of the day length and the presence of males on female song production override the stimulating effect of nestboxes, and that engagement in breeding activities is largely incompatible with singing in female starlings.
Assessment of Impacts of Hurricane Katrina on Net Primary Productivity in Mississippi
Authors: Ambinakudige Shrinidhi , Khanal Sami 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Southern forests contribute significantly to the carbon sink for the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with the anthropogenic activities in the United States. Natural disasters like hurricanes are constantly threatening these forests. Hurricane winds can have a destructive impact on natural vegetation and can adversely impact net primary productivity (NPP). Hurricane Katrina (23–30 August 2005), one of the most destructive natural disasters in history, has affected the ecological balance of the Gulf Coast. This study analyzed the impacts of different categories of sustained winds of Hurricane Katrina on NPP in Mississippi. The study used the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model to estimate NPP by using remote sensing data. The results indicated that NPP decreased by 14% in the areas hard hit by category 3 winds and by 1% in the areas hit by category 2 winds. However, there was an overall increase in NPP, from 2005 to 2006 by 0.60 Tg of carbon, in Mississippi. The authors found that Pearl River, Stone, Hancock, Jackson, and Harrison counties in Mississippi faced significant depletion of NPP because of Hurricane Katrina.
Association of a Notch 3 gene polymorphism with migraine susceptibility
Authors: Menon S , Cox HC , Kuwahata M , Quinlan S , MacMillan JC , Haupt LM , Lea RA , Griffiths LR 
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy (CADASIL) shares common symptoms with migraine. Most CADASIL causative mutations occur in exons 3 and 4 of the Notch 3 gene. This study investigated the role of C381T (rs 3815188) and G684A (rs 1043994) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in exons 3 and 4, respectively, of the Notch 3 gene in migraine. Results: The first part of the study, in a population of 275 migraineurs and 275 control individuals, found a significant association between the C381T variant and migraine, specifically in migraine without aura (MO) sufferers. The G684A variant was also found to be significantly associated with migraine, specifically in migraine with aura (MA) sufferers. A follow-up study in 300 migraineurs and 300 control individuals did not show replicated association of the C381T variant with migraineurs. However, the G684A variant was again shown to be significantly associated with migraine, specifically with MA. Conclusion: Further investigation of the G684A variant and the Notch 3 gene is warranted to understand their role in migraine.
MS prevalence in New Zealand, an ethnically and latitudinally diverse country
Authors: Taylor Bruce V , Pearson John F , Clarke Glynnis , Mason Deborah F , Abernethy David A , Willoughby Ernie , Sabel Clive 
Published: September 2010

Background: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not uniform, with a latitudinal gradient of prevalence present in most studies. Understanding the drivers of this gradient may allow a better understanding of the environmental factors involved in MS pathogenesis. Method: The New Zealand national MS prevalence study (NZMSPS) is a cross-sectional study of people with definite MS (DMS) (McDonald criteria 2005) resident in New Zealand on census night, 7 March 2006, utilizing multiple sources of notification. Capture—recapture analysis (CRA) was used to estimate missing cases. Results: Of 2917 people with DMS identified, the crude prevalence was 72.4 per 100,000 population, and 73.1 per 100,000 when age-standardized to the European population. CRA estimated that 96.7% of cases were identified. A latitudinal gradient was seen with MS prevalence increasing three-fold from the North (35°S) to the South (48°S). The gradient was non-uniform; females with relapsing—remitting/secondary-progressive (RRMS/SPMS) disease have a gradient 11 times greater than males with primary-progressive MS ( p < 1 × 10-7). DMS was significantly less common among those of Māori ethnicity. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of a robust latitudinal gradient of MS prevalence in New Zealand. This gradient is largely driven by European females with the RRMS/SPMS phenotype. These results indicate that the environmental factors that underlie the latitudinal gradient act differentially by gender, ethnicity and MS phenotype. A better understanding of these factors may allow more targeted MS therapies aimed at modifiable environmental triggers at the population level.
Antibody targeting KIT as pretransplantation conditioning in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Xue Xingkui , Pech Nancy K. , Shelley W. Christopher , Srour Edward F. , Yoder Mervin C. , Dinauer Mary C. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Inherited hematologic defects that lack an in vivo selective advantage following gene correction may benefit from effective yet minimally toxic cytoreduction of endogenous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) prior to transplantation of gene-modified HSCs. We studied the efficacy of administering a novel sequential treatment of parenteral ACK2, an antibody that blocks KIT, followed by low-dose irradiation (LD-IR) for conditioning of wild-type and X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) mice. In wild-type mice, combining ACK2 and LD-IR profoundly decreased endogenous competitive long-term HSC repopulating activity, and permitted efficient and durable donor-derived HSC engraftment after congenic transplantation. ACK2 alone was ineffective. The combination of ACK2 and LD-IR was also effective conditioning in X-CGD mice for engraftment of X-CGD donor HSCs transduced ex vivo with a lentiviral vector. We conclude that combining ACK2 with LD-IR is a promising approach to effectively deplete endogenous HSCs and facilitate engraftment of transplanted donor HSCs.