bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting demographic history and population structure in Capsella rubella and Capsella grandiflora, two closely related species with different mating systems
Authors: ST. ONGE KATE R. , KÄLLMAN THOMAS , SLOTTE TANJA , LASCOUX MARTIN , PALMÉ ANNA E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBoth mating system and population history can have large impacts on genetic diversity and population structure. Here, we use multilocus sequence data to investigate how these factors impact two closely related Brassicaceae species: the selfing Capsella rubella and the outcrossing C. grandiflora. To do this, we have sequenced 16 loci in approximately 70 individuals from 7 populations of each species. Patterns of population structure differ strongly between the two species. In C. grandiflora, we observe an isolation‐by‐distance pattern and identify three clearly delineated genetic groups. In C. rubella, where we estimate the selfing rate to be 0.90–0.94, the pattern is less clear with some sampling populations forming separate genetic clusters while others are highly mixed. The two species also have divergent histories. Our analysis gives support for a bottleneck approximately 73 kya (20–139 kya) in C. rubella, which most likely represents speciation from C. grandiflora. In C. grandiflora, there is moderate support for the standard neutral model in 2 of 3 genetic clusters, while the third cluster and the total data set show evidence of expansion. It is clear that mating system has an impact on these two species, for example affecting the level of genetic variation and the genetic structure. However, our results also clearly show that a combination of past and present processes, some of which are not affected by mating system, is needed to explain the differences between C. rubella and C. grandiflora.
Glutamate utilization promotes meningococcal survival in vivo through avoidance of the neutrophil oxidative burst
Authors: Talà Adelfia , Monaco Caterina , Nagorska Krzysztofa , Exley Rachel M. , Corbett Anne , Zychlinsky Arturo , Alifano Pietro , Tang Christoph M. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryPolymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes (PMNs) are a critical part of innate immune defence against bacterial pathogens, and only a limited subset of microbes can escape killing by these phagocytic cells. Here we show that Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of septicaemia and meningitis, can avoid killing by PMNs and this is dependent on the ability of the bacterium to acquire l‐glutamate through its GltT uptake system. We demonstrate that the uptake of available l‐glutamate promotes N. meningitidis evasion of PMN reactive oxygen species produced by the oxidative burst. In the meningococcus, l‐glutamate is converted to glutathione, a key molecule for maintaining intracellular redox potential, which protects the bacterium from reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide. We show that this mechanism contributes to the ability of N. meningitidis to cause bacteraemia, a critical step in the disease process during infections caused by this important human pathogen.
Maternal injuries during the periconceptional period and the risk of birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2005
Authors: Tinker Sarah C. , Reefhuis Jennita , Dellinger Ann M. , Jamieson Denise J. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: July 2011

SummaryTinker SC, Reefhuis J, Dellinger AM, Jamieson DJ, the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Maternal injuries during the periconceptional period and the risk of birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2005. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 487–496.Maternal injuries during pregnancy are common (∼7% prevalence). However, few studies have examined the association between maternal injuries and birth defects. The National Birth Defects Prevention Study is a population‐based case–control study of birth defects in 10 US states. Cases were ascertained through surveillance; controls were randomly selected from infants delivered without major birth defects in the study regions. Mothers completed a telephone interview on exposures before and during pregnancy, including injuries. We assessed associations between periconceptional (month before until the end of the third month of pregnancy) maternal injuries and birth defects. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Periconceptional injuries were associated with interrupted aortic arch type B [AOR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.2, 23.2]; atrioventricular septal defect [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.1, 4.4]; pulmonary atresia [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.6, 6.4]; tricuspid atresia [AOR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2, 6.7]; hypoplastic left heart syndrome [AOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.4]; anorectal atresia/stenosis [AOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0, 2.7]; longitudinal limb deficiency [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9]; and gastroschisis [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2, 2.8]. Associations with longitudinal limb deficiency, gastroschisis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome were stronger for intentional injuries. Our results suggest maternal injury during the periconceptional period, particularly those inflicted intentionally, may be associated with select birth defects. This analysis was hypothesis‐generating, with many associations tested. Further research is warranted.
The conserved global regulator VeA is necessary for symptom production and mycotoxin synthesis in maize seedlings by Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Myung K. , Zitomer N. C. , Duvall M. , Glenn A. E. , Riley R. T. , Calvo A. M. 
Published: July 2011

The veA or velvet gene is necessary for biosynthesis of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites in Aspergillus species. In addition, veA has also been demonstrated to be necessary for normal seed colonization in Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The present study shows that veA homologues are broadly distributed in fungi, particularly in ascomycetes. The Fusarium verticillioides veA orthologue, FvVE1, is also required for the synthesis of several secondary metabolites, including fumonisin and fusarins. This study also shows that maize plants grown from seeds inoculated with FvVE1 deletion mutants did not show disease symptoms, while plants grown from seeds inoculated with the F. verticillioides wildtype and complementation strains clearly showed disease symptoms under the same experimental conditions. In this latter case, the presence of lesions coincided with accumulation of fumonisins in the plant tissues, and only these plant tissues had elevated levels of sphingoid bases and their 1‐phosphate derivatives, indicating inhibition of ceramide synthase and disruption of sphingolipid metabolism. The results strongly suggest that FvVE1 is necessary for pathogenicity by F. verticillioides against maize seedlings. The conservation of veA homologues among ascomycetes suggests that veA could play a pivotal role in regulating secondary metabolism and associated pathogenicity in other fungi.
Origin and terminal architecture of a submarine slide: a case study from the Permian Vischkuil Formation, Karoo Basin, South Africa
Authors: Van Der MERWE WILLEM C. , HODGSON DAVID M. , FLINT STEPHEN S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSubmarine mass movement deposits exposed in the Vischkuil Formation, Laingsburg Karoo Basin, South Africa, provide a rare opportunity to analyse and interpret their emplacement history and deformation processes at a scale comparable to seismic examples. An up to 80 m thick slide deposit, continuously exposed in two 2 km long sub‐parallel sections, passes from extensionally deformed material (clastic dykes and down‐dip facing low‐angle shear surfaces) down‐dip into a compressional toe zone with large (tens of metres amplitude) folds dissected by steep, up‐dip facing thrust planes. The compressional shear planes sole out onto a highly sheared décollement and cross‐cutting relationships indicate an up‐depositional dip younging in the timing of fold dissection. Lithofacies characteristics and detailed correlation of volcanic ash and other marker beds over more than 500 km2 in the bounding undeformed stratigraphy indicate a low‐gradient (<0·1°) basin floor setting. The slide is abruptly overlain by an up to 50 m thick debrite with sandy clasts supported by an argillaceous matrix. Shear loading of the debris flow is interpreted to have driven large‐scale deformation of the substrate through the generation of high shear stresses at a rheological interface due to: (i) the abrupt contact between the slide and the debrite; (ii) the coincident thickness distributions of the debrite and slide; (iii) the distribution of the most intense folding and thrusting under the thickest parts of the debrite; (iv) the preservation of fold crests with only minor erosion along fold limbs; (v) the presence of the debrite under overturned folds; (vi) the presence of laterally extensive marker beds directly above deformation units indicating minimal depositional topography; and (vii) the demonstrably local derivation of the slide as individual folded beds are mapped into undeformed strata outside the areas of deformation. The debrite is directly overlain by fine‐grained turbidite sandstone beds that show widespread vertical foundering into the debrite. This case study demonstrates that intensely deformed strata can be generated by negligible amounts of down‐dip movement in a low‐gradient, fine‐grained basin floor setting with the driver for movement and deformation being the mass imbalance resulting from emplacement of episodic debris flows. Simple interpretation of an unstable slope setting based on the presence of such deformed strata should be treated with caution.
Topical imiquimod in the treatment of two cutaneous melanocytomas in a dog
Authors: Coyner Kimberly , Loeffler Diana 
Published: July 2011

AbstractImiquimod is a topical biological response modifier that has been shown to be useful in the treatment of several viral and nonviral skin tumours in humans and animals. Lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) is common in older humans, and can be successfully treated with imiquimod. Melanocytomas are common skin tumours in dogs, and although surgical removal is the treatment of choice, tumour location and patient morbidity can make excision difficult in some cases. This case report describes the use of imiquimod to successfully treat two melanocytomas in one dog, including clinical results, histopathology and immunohistochemical staining, as well as a comparison with lentigo maligna treatment in humans. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of imiquimod to treat canine melanocytomas, and the first description of post‐treatment histopathology and immunohistochemistry after imiquimod use in companion animals.
Influence of aldosterone synthase gene C‐344T polymorphism on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: BANTIS CHRISTOS , HEERING PETER J. , STANGOU MARIA , KOURI NICOLETTA‐MARIA , SCHWANDT CHRISTINA , MEMMOS DIMITRIOS , RUMP LARS‐CHRISTIAN , IVENS KATRIN 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  We evaluated the influence of C‐344T polymorphism of the aldosterone synthase gene, associated with aldosterone levels and the development of arterial hypertension, on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).Methods:  We studied 81 patients with primary FSGS followed up for 8.0 ± 12 years. Patients were classified according to their slope of reciprocal serum creatinine into group A (slow progressors, n = 57) and B (fast progressors, n = 24). One hundred healthy volunteers were analysed as controls. The biopsies of n = 50 patients were reviewed and analysed by the same pathologist. C‐344T polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction.Results:  The allele frequencies differed significantly between patients (C‐allele: 0.55, T‐allele: 0.45) and controls (C‐allele: 0.45, T‐allele: 0.55; P < 0.05). Patients carrying the C‐allele tended to have a higher percentage of sclerosed glomeruli (41.8 ± 30% vs 31. 2 ± 19% in TT genotype, ns) and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (22.8 ± 18% vs 16.0 ± 5%, ns). The rate of deterioration of renal function was higher in the CC/CT genotypes (−0.216 ± 0.449 dL/mg per year) compared to the TT genotype (−0.030 ± 0.041 dL/mg per year, P = 0.002). Furthermore, 36.4% of the C‐allele carriers and none of the patients with the TT genotype belonged to group B (P = 0.005). C‐allele carriers also had a worse kidney survival in the Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.027).Conclusion:  Our results indicate that aldosterone synthase gene C‐344T polymorphism not only acts as a risk factor for the development of FSGS, but also may influence its pathologic appearance and could serve as a marker of disease progression.
Nephrosclerosis and carotid atherosclerosis: Lessons from kidney donor histology
Authors: ERTEN SINAN , GUNGOR OZKAN , SEN SAIT , OZBEK SUREYYA S. , KIRCELLI FATIH , HOSCOSKUN CUNEYT , TOZ HUSEYIN , ASCI GULAY , BASCI ALI , OK ERCAN 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Carotid artery intima media thickness (CA‐IMT) measurement has been shown to be a safe and reproducible method to assess severity of atherosclerosis. The association between nephrosclerosis and systemic atherosclerosis is not clear. In this study, we investigated the association between CA‐IMT and nephrosclerosis in a group of kidney transplant donors.Methods:  Forty seven potential kidney transplant donors were included. CA‐IMT was measured by B‐Mode ultrasonography. Kidney allograft biopsy samples were obtained during the transplantation operation and chronic glomerular, vascular and tubulointertitial changes were semiquantitatively scored according to the Banff classification.Results:  Mean age was 52 ± 12 years and 55% of the cases were younger than 55 years. Mean CA‐IMT was 0.74 ± 0.19 mm and 48% had IMT values > 0.75 mm. Chronicty index was ≥5 in 55% of the cases. Chronicity index was higher in cases older than 55 years. Age and CA‐IMT were significantly correlated with chronic vascular changes and chronicity index. CA‐IMT > 0.75 mm had a 46% sensitivity and 90% specificity to predict nephrosclerosis. Positive and negative predictive values were 85% and 57%, respectively.Conclusion:  Aging leads to detrimental changes in every part of the vasculature of the human body. CA‐IMT is correlated with the level of nephrosclerosis. Measurement of CA‐IMT reflects nephrosclerosis especially in older patients.
Over‐expression of OsPIN2 leads to increased tiller numbers, angle and shorter plant height through suppression of OsLAZY1
Authors: Chen Yingnan , Fan Xiaorong , Song Wenjing , Zhang Yali , Xu Guohua 
Published: July 2011

SummaryCrop architecture parameters such as tiller number, angle and plant height are important agronomic traits that have been considered for breeding programmes. Auxin distribution within the plant has long been recognized to alter architecture. The rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome contains 12 putative PIN genes encoding auxin efflux transporters, including four PIN1 and one PIN2 genes. Here, we report that over‐expression of OsPIN2 through a transgenic approach in rice (Japonica cv. Nipponbare) led to a shorter plant height, more tillers and a larger tiller angle when compared with wild type (WT). The expression patterns of the auxin reporter DR5::GUS and quantification of auxin distribution showed that OsPIN2 over‐expression increased auxin transport from the shoot to the root–shoot junction, resulting in a non‐tissue‐specific accumulation of more free auxin at the root–shoot junction relative to WT. Over‐expression of OsPIN2 enhanced auxin transport from shoots to roots, but did not alter the polar auxin pattern in the roots. Transgenic plants were less sensitive to N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid, an auxin transport inhibitor, than WT in their root growth. OsPIN2‐over‐expressing plants had suppressed the expression of a gravitropism‐related gene OsLazy1 in the shoots, but unaltered expression of OsPIN1b and OsTAC1, which were reported as tiller angle controllers in rice. The data suggest that OsPIN2 has a distinct auxin‐dependent regulation pathway together with OsPIN1b and OsTAC1 controlling rice shoot architecture. Altering OsPIN2 expression by genetic transformation can be directly used for modifying rice architecture.
Analyzing the System of Preferential Tariffs for Least Developed Countries
Authors: Green Alan , de Gorter Harry 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper analyzes the rents available from non‐reciprocal preferential tariffs for least developed countries (LDCs) on all exports to the quad countries at the tariff line level. Most of the rents come from the European Union (EU) in clothing and textiles, while the USA and Canada offer few rents and charge significant tariffs to LDCs. We develop a dual economy labor market model that generates an income distribution and simulates the distributional effects of preferences. We find that the benefits of the preferences outweigh any adverse distributional effects. Relative inequality may increase with preferences in some cases, but absolute incomes increase in every case. We conclude that in the absence of multilateral liberalization, preferences are beneficial to some LDCs and expansion of preferences is desirable. In the event of multilateral liberalization, an import subsidy scheme that maintains the rents is the most desirable outcome.
On Gravity, Specialization and Intra‐industry Trade
Authors: Song E. Young 
Published: July 2011

AbstractContrary to the popular belief, specialization is not necessary for gravity equations. This paper shows that the simple gravity equation holds if and only if the market share of an exporting country is constant across all importing countries. Specialization is just one special case satisfying this condition. The constant‐share condition can hold in a variety of situations where multiple producers compete with a homogeneous good. Further, this paper shows that the ratio of bilateral trade to the product of partner incomes is increasing in the extent of specialization and in the intensity of intra‐industry trade. Since the relationship is not model‐specific, the correlations among these variables do not support any specific model.
Sudden Flight and True Sudden Stops
Authors: Rothenberg Alexander D. , Warnock Francis E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe extend the sudden stops literature by recognizing that crisis episodes can be caused by the retreat of global investors, as is commonly assumed but not shown in the extant literature, or by the sudden flight of local investors. We find that almost half of the previously defined sudden stops are actually episodes of sudden flight in which gross inflows resume quickly and strongly. In contrast, in true sudden stops inflows cease for an extended period and, compared to sudden flight, these episodes are bunched and are associated with greater slowdowns in economic activity and sharper currency depreciations. We also show that the empirical regularities of sudden flight and true sudden stops are consistent with theoretical models that incorporate gross capital flows and information asymmetries.
Intra‐industry Trade Liberalization: Why Skilled Workers are More Likely to Support Free Trade
Authors: Beaulieu Eugene , Benarroch Michael , Gaisford James D. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a theoretical model and empirical analysis that connects the prevalence of intra‐industry trade with increased wage inequality from trade liberalization in both skilled and unskilled labor abundant countries. The Stolper–Samuelson effect is incorporated into an intra‐industry trade liberalization (intra‐ITL) hypothesis where skilled labor opposes protectionism in all countries engaged in intra‐industry trade because skilled workers gain at the expense of unskilled workers from multilateral trade liberalization within the skill‐intensive sector. We examine empirical evidence on whether skilled individuals are more supportive of trade liberalization than unskilled individuals across 31 countries with different levels of intra‐industry trade and skill endowments. We find that the extent to which countries engage in intra‐industry trade in high‐tech commodities is strongly linked with the intensity of opposition to protection by skilled labor. Regression results strongly support our hypothesis that skilled workers, almost everywhere, are more likely to support free trade.
Survival on the ark: life‐history trends in captive parrots
Authors: Young A. M. , Hobson E. A. , Lackey L. Bingaman , Wright T. F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMembers of the order Psittaciformes (parrots and cockatoos) are among the most long‐lived and endangered avian species. Comprehensive data on lifespan and breeding are critical to setting conservation priorities, parameterizing population viability models, and managing captive and wild populations. To meet these needs, we analyzed 83 212 life‐history records of captive birds from the International Species Information System (ISIS) and calculated lifespan and breeding parameters for 260 species of parrots (71% of extant species). Species varied widely in lifespan, with larger species generally living longer than smaller ones. The highest maximum lifespan recorded was 92 years in Cacatua moluccensis, but only 11 other species had a maximum lifespan over 50 years. Our data indicate that while some captive individuals are capable of reaching extraordinary ages, median lifespans are generally shorter than widely assumed, albeit with some increase seen in birds presently held in zoos. Species that lived longer and bred later in life tended to be more threatened according to IUCN classifications. We documented several individuals of multiple species that were able to breed for more than two decades, but the majority of clades examined had much shorter active reproduction periods. Post‐breeding periods were surprisingly long and in many cases surpassed the duration of active breeding. Our results demonstrate the value of the ISIS database to estimate life‐history data for an at‐risk taxon that is difficult to study in the wild, and provide life‐history data that is crucial for predictive modeling of future species endangerment and proactively management of captive populations of parrots.
The experience of being an ‘extracorporeal membrane oxygenation’ relative within the CESAR trial
Authors: Harris‐Fox Samantha 
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives: This article reports a study exploring experiences of the relatives of adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within the CESAR trial.Background: Relatives of ECMO patients have undergone unique experiences which have not previously been addressed in the literature and thus may have different needs which may not be met by present practice.Design and methods: A grounded theory approach was adopted. In‐depth unstructured interviews were conducted with family members of 10 surviving adult patients who had been randomized and received ECMO within the CESAR trial.Results: Relatives have a range of needs specific to the ECMO experience, these include the depth and positivity of information. Particular areas for support were concerning a perceived self‐inflicted nature of illness, personal guilt, distance from home, receiving ‘the call’, weaning from sedation and transfer/discharge from the ECMO unit.Conclusions: Relatives would benefit from the opportunity to talk about their ‘ECMO experiences' following the patient's recovery to enable them and their families to ‘move on’.Relevance to clinical practice: Interventions need to be in place to follow‐up relatives and patients to provide ongoing support to the family unit.