bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships between carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield in winter wheat under well-watered and drought conditions
Authors: KUMAR B. N. ARAVINDA , AZAM-ALI S. N. , SNAPE J. W. , WEIGHTMAN R. M. , FOULKES M. J. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYThe association of carbon isotope discrimination of grain (Δ13C) with yield performance under rain-fed and well-watered conditions was analysed using a doubled-haploid (DH) winter wheat population, derived from the cross between cvars Beaver×Soissons, within field experiments at two site-seasons. The aim of this work was to quantify associations between Δ13C and yield responses to drought and to test effects of major genes (the semi-dwarf genes, Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, an awn suppressor gene, B1 and the 1BL.1RS wheat–rye chromosome translocation) segregating in the population for associations with Δ13C and drought performance. Carbon isotope discrimination, through its negative relationship with transpiration efficiency, may be used as a surrogate for this trait. Grain Δ13C was positively associated with grain yield under both irrigated and unirrigated conditions in each site-season and, overall, explained 0·34 of the phenotypic variation in grain yield amongst DH lines under drought and 0·14 under well-watered conditions. There was a positive association between specific leaf lamina N content (SLN) at anthesis and Δ13C under drought amongst DH lines in one site-season, suggesting higher SLN may confer increased stomatal conductance via higher photosynthetic capacity, hence increased grain Δ13C. Overall the Rht-D1b (semi-dwarf) lines had slightly higher Δ13C of grain (20·0‰) than the Rht-B1a/Rht-D1a (tall) group of lines (19·8‰). There were no significant differences between the Rht-B1b (semi-dwarf) or the Rht-B1b/Rht-D1b (dwarf) lines and the tall lines. Comparing their performance under irrigated and unirrigated conditions, the Rht groups of lines (Rht-B1b semi-dwarf, Rht-D1b semidwarf and dwarf and tall groups) responded no differently to drought for Δ13C. The Rht-D1b semi-dwarf lines had higher grain yield (9·50 t/ha) than the tall lines (8·76 t/ha), while the yield of the Rht-B1b semi-dwarf and dwarf lines did not differ significantly from the tall lines. In each site-season, the presence of the 1BL.1RS chromosome increased grain Δ13C (P<0·001), with an overall increase from 19·7‰ in the 1B lines to 20·0‰ in the 1BL.1RS lines (P<0·001). However, the 1BL.1RS and 1B lines responded similarly to drought. The effect of the presence/absence of awns on grain Δ13C was not statistically significant in either site-season. Overall, the present results show that Rht-D1b confers higher Δ13C and grain yield, and the 1BL.1RS translocation confers higher Δ13C. This implies that modern UK wheat cultivars may have lower water-use efficiency during the grain filling period than their predecessors, and therefore may require more water to fulfil their yield potential.
Factors determining the abundance, distribution and population size–structure of the penshellPinna carnea
Authors: Aucoin S. , Himmelman J.H. 
Published: November 2010

Surveys conducted in the south-western Dominican Republic showed that the penshellPinna carneais a consistent component of seagrass beds and is absent in adjacent sandflats. Population densities were low (0.012–0.076·m−2) and the size–structure skewed towards large individuals. Trials with different types of substrata in caged spat collectors, involving a combination of sand, seagrass blades and roots, and an artificial treatment by itself, indicated no settlement preference for any of the substrata tested. Comparison of additional spat collectors (caged and uncaged) indicated high predation losses (84%) for recently settled penshells. Experiments with penshells measuring 10–30, 50–70 and 90–110 mm (anterior to posterior dorsal tip) transplanted to plots in a seagrass bed and sandflat showed that predation losses decreased with increasing size and were much less in seagrass than in the sandflat. In 10-day trials, survival in the three size-groups was 27-fold greater in the seagrass bed than on the sandflat. During 3-day trials in the sandflat, survival increased from 6% for 50–100 mm penshells to 93% for 150–170 mm penshells. At the end of 100-day trials, during which the study area was subjected to Hurricane Dennis, the only surviving penshells were large individuals (90–110 mm) that had been transplanted to the seagrass bed. All individuals transplanted to the sandflat went missing. Growth measurements showed that small penshells grow rapidly (up to 2.2 mm·d−1), but the growth rate drops markedly at ~150 mm. Rapid juvenile growth may be a strategy for reducing the period of high vulnerability to predators. The high proportion of large individuals in the population likely represents the accumulation of successive recruitments as growth slows in older penshells.Pinna carneais mainly restricted to seagrass beds because they provide more protection from predators than adjacent habitats. Moreover, the consolidation of sediments in seagrass beds by roots and algal rhizoids provides a degree of protection from physical disturbances such as hurricanes. The advantages provided by the seagrass habitat come at a cost because we detected a mortality factor in the seagrass bed (possibly related to the ~3-fold higher silt load) that was absent on the sandflat.
‘If I look old, I will be treated old’: hair and later-life image dilemmas
Authors: WARD RICHARD , HOLLAND CAROLINE 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper considers the social symbolism of hair, how it is managed and styled in later life, and what attitudes to appearance in general and hairstyling in particular reveal about ageism in contemporary culture. The paper draws on findings from a two-year, nationwide, participative study of age discrimination in the United Kingdom, the Research on Age Discrimination (RoAD) project. Using data collected by qualitative methods, including participant diaries and interviews undertaken by older field-workers, the paper explores narratives of image and appearance related to hair and associated social responses. The paper focuses on older people's accounts of the dual processes of the production of an image and consumption of a service with reference to hairdressing – and the dilemmas these pose in later life. The findings are considered in the context of the emerging debate on the ageing body. The discussion underlines how the bodies of older people are central to their experience of discrimination and social marginalisation, and examines the relevance of the body and embodiment to the debate on discrimination. A case is made for further scrutiny of the significance of hairdressing to the lives of older people and for the need to challenge the assumption that everyday aspects of daily life are irrelevant to the policies and interventions that counter age discrimination and promote equality.
Organic food: What we know (and do not know) about consumers
Authors: Pearson David , Henryks Joanna , Jones Hannah 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper reports on the latest contributions to over 20 years of research on organic food consumers. There is a general consensus in the literature on the reasons why people buy organic food. However, there is also a gap between consumers’ generally positive attitude toward organic food and their relatively low level of actual purchases. Product differentiation based on intangible features, such as credence attributes such as organic, in fast-moving consumer goods categories is enjoying rapid growth. However, there are many difficulties with research in this area, including the errors inherent in research that relies on consumer self-reporting methodologies. Further, in relation to organic food, there is a divergence between consumers’ perception of its superior health features and scientific evidence. Fresh fruits and vegetables are of vital importance to the organic sector as they are the entry point for many customers and account for one-third of sales. Further, although there is a small proportion of dedicated organic food buyers, most sales come from the majority of buyers who switch between conventional and organic food purchases. This paper identifies the practical implications for generic organic food marketing campaigns, as well as for increasing sales of specific products. It concludes with suggested priorities for further research.
PriSM: a primer selection and matching tool for amplification and sequencing of viral genomes
Authors: Yu Qing , Ryan Elizabeth M. , Allen Todd M. , Birren Bruce W. , Henn Matthew R. , Lennon Niall J. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Summary: PriSM is a set of algorithms designed to select and match degenerate primer pairs for the amplification of viral genomes. The design of panels of hundreds of primer pairs takes just hours using this program, compared with days using a manual approach. PriSM allows for rapid in silico optimization of primers for downstream applications such as sequencing. As a validation, PriSM was used to create an amplification primer panel for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Clade B.
Availability: The program is freely available for use at: www.broadinstitute.org/perl/seq/specialprojects/primerDesign.cgi
Contact: nlennon@broadinstitute.org
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interannual variability in size structure, age, and growth of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) assessed by modal progression analysis
Authors: Keyl Friedemann , Argüelles Juan , Tafur Ricardo 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Keyl, F., Argüelles, J., and Tafur, R. 2011. Interannual variability in size structure, age, and growth of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) assessed by modal progression analysis. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . A range of growth rates, longevity, maximum size, and number of annual cohorts have been documented for jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). Genetic and phenotypic plasticity have been mentioned as possible sources of the differences in maximum sizes. Here, a large dataset on length frequencies derived from the industrial jig fishery for the species off Peru from 1991 to 2007 was corrected for observation bias introduced by the fishing gear and used to analyse growth-related parameters by modal progression analysis (MPA). Mean growth rates of 33 cohorts varied interannually (11–44 mm month−1), as did longevity (11.1–32.1 months) and mean maximum size (273–1024 mm). Intra-annual difference in growth parameters was not significant. The number of cohorts per year fluctuated between 0 and 6. Fast-growing cohorts with medium longevity and large terminal size were found during moderately cool periods, and long-lived, slow-growing cohorts with small terminal size during extreme ecosystem conditions (El Niño and La Niña). The application of MPA to cephalopod populations has been rejected before, but the results presented suggest that a modified approach is appropriate if it allows for varying growth parameters and includes a correction for observation bias.
Association of thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) gene polymorphism in patients with aspirin‐intolerant acute urticaria
Authors: Palikhe N. S. , Kim S.‐H. , Lee H.‐Y. , Kim J.‐H. , Ye Y.‐M. , Park H.‐S. 
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: N. S. Palikhe, S.‐H. Kim,H.‐Y. Lee, J.‐H. Kim, Y.‐M. Ye and H.‐S. Park, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 179–185.SummaryBackground
The thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) is a potent broncho‐ and vaso‐constrictor and is associated with leukotriene synthesis. Polymorphisms in the TBXA2R gene have been linked to atopy, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. This study evaluated the association between genetic TBXA2R variants and the development of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)‐intolerant acute urticaria (AIAU).Methods
AIAU patients (n=167), ASA‐intolerant chronic urticaria (AICU) patients (n=149), and healthy controls (NC) (n=265) were included. All patients were enrolled at Ajou University Hospital in Suwon, Korea. Two TBXA2R polymorphisms (−4684T>C and 795T>C) were genotyped by primer extension using a SNAPshot ddNTP primer extension kit. Luciferase activity was measured using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay kit. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed using a nuclear extract from a human mast cell line (HMC‐1).Results
Genetic association data demonstrated that compared with NC subjects, AIAU patients had a significantly higher frequency of the homozygous TT genotype of TBXA2R−4684T>C (P=0.005, Pcorr=0.03). No differences were identified between the AICU and the NC groups. Luciferase activity, reflecting promoter activity, was significantly lower with the TBXA2R−4684T‐containing construct than with the −4684C‐containing construct (P<0.001); the activity decreased further upon co‐transfection with ETS‐like gene transcription factor‐1 (ELK‐1) (P=0.012). EMSA revealed that the −4684T allele produced a specific shifted band, with a greater affinity than that produced by the −4684C allele.Conclusion and clinical relevance
These results suggest that the TBXA2R−4684T allele may be associated with lower TBXA2R expression, which may contribute to the development of the AIAU phenotype.
India calling: harnessing the promise of mobile phones for HIV healthcare
Authors: Shet Anita , de Costa Ayesha 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe technology that has been able to straddle the digital divide most effectively in resource‐constrained settings has been the mobile phone. The tremendous growth seen in Africa and Asia in mobile phone use over the last half decade has spurred plans to integrate mobile phones with healthcare delivery globally. A major challenge in HIV healthcare is sustaining good adherence to antiretroviral treatment. This report focuses on specific applications of mobile phones in the area of HIV healthcare delivery. It highlights the widespread use of mobile phones in developing areas of the world, those which have a heavy burden of HIV and infectious diseases. There is scope for exploiting existing mobile phone technology and infrastructure for healthcare enhancement in resource‐constrained settings.
Quality of life of children with spina bifida in Kenya is not related to the degree of the spinal defects
Authors: Cornegé‐Blokland Esther , Jansen H. E. , de Jong‐de Vos van Steenwijk C. C. E. , Poenaru Dan 
Published: November 2010

SummaryObjectives  To assess the relationship between the degree of symptoms and defects caused by spina bifida and the quality of life (QoL) of children with spina bifida in Kenya.Methods  Children with spina bifida at BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, at mobile clinics throughout Kenya and a control group of healthy children were interviewed regarding their QoL. The SEIQoL‐DW was used as an instrument to measure the QoL. This instrument can transfer well across cultures by using open questions clustered in six domains chosen based on the study group responses. Symptoms and impairment caused by spina bifida were obtained from the medical files.Results  Sixty‐nine per cent of 102 patients with spina bifida had a myelomeningocele, 59% had hydrocephalus, and of 49 incontinent children older than 2.5 years, 67% used clean intermittent catheterization. Quality of life of children was 65.1 on a scale from 0 to 100, compared to 78.0 in the healthy control group. Not one single determinant made a significant difference in the overall QoL. The most important domains were ‘development’ and ‘self‐actualization’. The lowest scores were found in the domain ‘health and disease’.Conclusion  This study showed no significant influence of the degree of defects of spina bifida on the QoL, but identified domains that can be targeted for improvement in children with spina bifida.
Effects of Experience on Short‐ and Long‐term Foraging Performance in Bumblebees
Authors: Durisko Zachary , Shipp Les , Dukas Reuven 
Published: November 2010

AbstractHoneybees in natural settings show a gradual increase in foraging performance similar to the general pattern of lifetime performance seen in a wide variety of animals including humans. To quantify the factors contributing to such gradual increase in foraging success, we studied bumblebees foraging on pepper plants inside a greenhouse. This allowed us to combine the global measure of the net rate of food delivery to the hive with a detailed examination of bees’ performance at flowers over time. Although bees exhibited short‐term improvements in foraging ability during their first few foraging trips, we did not observe the predicted long‐term increase in performance over days. Our results suggest that a variety of flower‐handling tasks, flower choice and movements between plants can be learned quickly under the simple greenhouse settings. The long‐term increase in performance under natural settings may be caused by factors including spatial orientation and locating the best plant species, flower patches and individual plants over a large area.
Robotic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer with increased nodal yield
Authors: Lavery Hugh J. , Martinez‐Suarez Humberto J. , Abaza Ronney 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The standard of care for invasive bladder cancer is open radical cystectomy with the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection impacting oncological outcomes. Scepticism remains regarding whether an adequate node dissection can be performed in minimally‐invasive fashion as previously reported nodal yields of laparoscopic or robotic lymphadenectomy are well below those reported with open surgery. This study demonstrates that extended pelvic lymphadenectomy can be performed robotically with equivalent nodal yields to open series from centres of excellence.OBJECTIVE• To report our initial experience with robot‐assisted extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) using a standardized open template.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In total, 15 consecutive patients underwent robotic radical cystectomy at a single center by a single surgeon using a standard dissection template.• Operating time, time to perform ePLND, pathological stage, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, number of nodes obtained and nodal positivity were assessed. Postoperative complications and re‐admissions were reviewed.RESULTS• The mean (range) age and body mass index was 66 (46–87) years and 29 (22–43) kg/m2, respectively. The mean (range) operating time and ePLND time was 423 (300–506) min and 107 (66–160) min. Mean (range) estimated blood loss was 160 (50–500) mL.• The mean (range) and median length of hospital stay were 3.4 (3–7) days and 3 days, respectively. The mean (range) nodal yield was 41.8 (18–67) nodes, with greater than 25 nodes in 13 patients.• Three patients were found to have nodal positivity. Of the fifteen patients, four received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients were re‐admitted for postoperative complications within 30 days.• There were no complications directly resulting from the ePLND.CONCLUSIONS• Robot‐assisted ePLND at the time of cystectomy can be safely and effectively performed on the robotic platform with comparable nodal yields to open series at centers of excellence for cystectomy.• Nodal yields are likely to comprise a factor related to the effort of the surgeon, and not the method by which the lymphadenectomy is performed.
Resolving Incompatibilities of Bilateral Investment Treaties of the EU Member States with the EC Treaty: Individual and Collective Options
Authors: Ghouri Ahmad Ali 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) concluded by the EU Member States contain substantially similar clauses, including free movement of capital and investor‐to‐state dispute resolution. Article 307 EC provides for the primacy of pre‐accession treaties over the EC Treaty and simultaneously requires the Member States to eliminate their mutual incompatibilities. The European Court of Justice has declared that free movement of capital clauses of Austrian and Swedish pre‐accession extra‐EU BITs are incompatible with the EC Treaty as they will impede any restrictions on the movement of capital imposed as future Community legislation. A similar ‘free movement of capital’ clause is present in all extra‐EU BITs of the Member States, whether pre‐ or post‐accession. Article 307, however, does not apply to the post‐accession treaties which are equally capable of contriving the same consequences of impeding the application of the EC Treaty. In addition, the application of intra‐EU BITs provides investors from BIT party states access to the investor‐to‐state dispute resolution which is not available to investors from the Member States who do not have BITs with those Member States. This is discrimination and may distort the principle of equal treatment within the EU. Furthermore, the newly acceding EU States are facing extensive arbitral claims for carrying out the BIT‐EU conflicting obligations within their respective territories.
‘We took a bath with the chickens’: memories of childhood visits to the homeland by second‐generation Greek and Greek Cypriot ‘returnees’
Authors: KING RUSSELL , CHRISTOU ANASTASIA , TEERLING JANINE 
Published: November 2010

AbstractDrawing on a wider study of 90 second‐generation Greeks and Greek Cypriots who have relocated to their ancestral homeland, in this article we focus on the significance of childhood visits to the homeland. Freedom – how children were allowed to roam free and stay up late – is the key trope of such memories, in contrast with the strict spatio‐temporal parenting they received in the host country. Different, sometimes less pleasant memories, however, emerge when the visits took place during later, teenage years. We explore the connections between childhood visits and adult relocation. Adult returnees find that settlement in the homeland produces a new set of challenges and reactions that differ markedly from childhood experiences and memories. They engage a second narrative trope, nostalgia, reflecting on the loss of the ‘authentic’ nature of the homeland and its customs and values. Instead, they highlight the materialism and xenophobia of Greek and Cypriot society nowadays. However, they see the ‘homeland’ as a safer place in which to raise their own children.
Antioxidative mechanisms protect resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus against ciprofloxacin oxidative damage
Authors: Páez Paulina Laura , Becerra María Cecilia , Albesa Inés 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe aim of this investigation was to determine whether the antioxidant defences protect resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus against ciprofloxacin oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by chemiluminescence and nitric oxide (NO) was assayed by Griess reaction. The accumulation of ciprofloxacin was examined by fluorometry and oxidation of protein, catalase, ferrous reduction antioxidant potency (FRAP), carbonyls and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), studied by spectrophotometry. Ciprofloxacin stimulated higher production of ROS and NO in the susceptible strains than in the resistant ones. There was higher accumulation of antibiotic in sensitive strains than in resistant ones, except for the most resistant strain, which accumulated an elevated amount of antibiotic. The FRAP/ciprofloxacin accumulation ratio of the antibiotic was lower in sensitive than in resistant strains. The most resistant strain exhibited the highest FRAP and presented a high catalase activity. There was oxidation of proteins in the presence of ciprofloxacin, with the carbonyl residues increasing in sensitive and resistant S. aureus. The degradation of carbonyls to AOPP in oxidized proteins was higher in the resistant than in sensitive strains. In conclusion, an increase in antioxidant capacity and a rapid oxidation of carbonyls to AOPP contributed to resistance to ciprofloxacin.