bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochromes differentially regulate seed germination responses to light quality and temperature cues during seed maturation
Authors: DECHAINE JENNIFER M. , GARDNER GARY , WEINIG CYNTHIA 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe ratio of red to far‐red light (R : FR) experienced by seeds during maturation affects germination, but the genetic regulation of this effect is poorly understood. In Arabidopsis thaliana, responses to R : FR are governed by five phytochrome photoreceptors, PHYA–PHYE. PHYA, PHYB and PHYE mediate germination, but their roles in germination response to the seed maturation environment are largely unknown. Seeds of A. thaliana phytochrome mutants and natural accessions were matured in a factorial combination of cold (16 °C) and warm (24 °C) temperatures and high (R : FR = 1) and low (R : FR = 0.6) R : FR environments, resembling sunlight and foliar shade, respectively. Germination was observed in resulting seeds. All five phytochromes mediated germination responses to seed maturation temperature and/or R : FR environment. PHYA suppressed germination in seeds matured under cold temperature, and PHYB promoted germination under the same conditions. PHYD and PHYE promoted germination of seeds matured under warm temperature, but this effect diminished when seeds matured under reduced R : FR. The A. thaliana natural accessions exhibited interesting variation in germination responses to the experimental conditions. Our results suggest that the role of individual PHY loci in regulating plant responses to R : FR varies depending on temperature and provide novel insights into the genetic basis of maternal effects.
Does the 13C of foliage‐respired CO2 and biochemical pools reflect the 13C of recently assimilated carbon?
Authors: MORTAZAVI BEHZAD , CONTE MAUREEN H. , CHANTON JEFFREY P. , SMITH MATTHEW C. , WEBER J. C. , CRUMSEY JASMINE , GHASHGHAIE JALEH 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTIsotopic labelling experiments were conducted to assess relationships among 13C of recently assimilated carbon (δCA), foliage respiration (δCF), soluble carbohydrate (δCSC), leaf waxes (δCLW) and bulk organic matter (δCOM). Slash pine, sweetgum and maize were grown under 13C depleted CO2 to label biomass and then placed under ambient conditions to monitor the loss of label. In pine and sweetgum, δCF of labelled plants (∼−44 and −35‰, respectively) rapidly approached control values but remained depleted by ∼4–6‰ after 3–4 months. For these tree species, no or minimal label was lost from δCSC, δCLW and δCOM during the observation periods. δCF and δCSC of labelled maize plants rapidly changed and were indistinguishable from controls after 1 month, while δCLW and δCOM more slowly approached control values and remained depleted by 2–6‰. Changes in δCF in slash pine and sweetgum fit a two‐pool exponential model, with the fast turnover metabolic pool (∼3–4 d half‐life) constituting only 1–2% of the total. In maize, change in δCF fits a single pool model with a half‐life of 6.4 d. The 13C of foliage respiration and biochemical pools reflect temporally integrated values of δCA, with change in isotopic composition dampened by the size of metabolic carbon reserves and turnover rates.
Xylem function of arid‐land shrubs from California, USA: an ecological and evolutionary analysis
Authors: HACKE U. G. , JACOBSEN A. L. , PRATT R. B. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTXylem traits were examined among 22 arid‐land shrub species, including measures of vessel dimensions and pit area. These structural measures were compared with the xylem functional traits of transport efficiency and safety from cavitation. The influence of evolution on trait relationships was examined using phylogenetic independent contrasts (PICs). A trade‐off between xylem safety and efficiency was supported by a negative correlation between vessel dimensions and cavitation resistance. Pit area was correlated with cavitation resistance when cross species data were examined, but PICs suggest that these traits have evolved independently of one another. Differences in cavitation resistance that are not explained by pit area may be related to differences in pit membrane properties or the prevalence of tracheids, the latter of which may alter pit area through the addition of vessel‐to‐tracheid pits or through changes in xylem conduit connectivity. Some trait relationships were robust regardless of species ecology or evolutionary history. These trait relationships are likely to be the most valuable in predictive models that seek to examine anatomical and functional trait relationships among extant and fossil woods and include the relationship among hydraulic conductivity and vessel diameter, between vessel diameter and vessel length, and between hydraulic conductivity and wood density.
Lysine requirement studies in modern genotype barrows dependent on age, protein deposition and dietary lysine efficiency
Authors: Wecke C. , Liebert F. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryN balance experiments were conducted to derive age‐dependent model parameters for modelling of lysine (Lys) requirements in growing pigs. Modern genotype barrows from 16 litters were utilized (four piglets/litter) at 15, 30, 50, 70, 90 and 110 kg body weight respectively. Six diets provided graded dietary protein supply (40 to 320 g/kg) by a constant mixture of barley, wheat, potato protein, wheat gluten, soybean protein concentrate and crystalline amino acids. Lys was set as the first limiting dietary amino acid. Each age period provided 24 N balance data (n = 4) to derive N maintenance requirement (NMR) and theoretical maximum for daily N retention (NRmaxT) by non‐linear regression analysis. At high dietary Lys efficiency, 17–18 g daily Lys intake was required for 170 g daily protein deposition. To achieve similar daily protein deposition, pigs need 21–23 g Lys if the Lys efficiency is 20% lower. For higher daily protein deposition (195–200 g) and varying dietary Lys efficiency, between 22 and 29 g Lys was required. The Lys requirement data yielded by modelling were in line with current recommendations. Further developments of the approach are discussed to improve age‐independent applications.
THE ROLE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AS MEANING MAKER IN SCIENCE, CULTURE, AND RELIGION
Authors: Heelan Patrick A. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract.Two hundred years ago, Friedrich Schleiermacher took critical issue with Immanuel Kant's intellectual notion of intuition as applied to human nature (Wellmon 2006). He found it necessary to modify—“hermeneutically,” as he said—Kant's notion of anthropology by enabling it to include as human the new and strange human tribes Captain Cook found in the Pacific South Seas. A similar hermeneutic move is necessary if physics is to include the local contextual empirical syntheses of relativity and quantum physics. In this hermeneutical revision the synthesis is formed around the notion of a Hilbert Vector Space as the universal grammar of physics, adding to it the dynamic of the Schrödinger equation, and representing empirical “observables” by projection operators that map the subspaces of definite measurable values. Among the set of observable projection operators, some pairs share the same subspace, commute with one another, and share a common laboratory setting. Other pairs do not share this property and are described as being mutually complementary. Complementary symmetries introduce into the discursive language of physics the commonsense notion of contextuality. The new synthesis, proposed by Eugene Wigner, John von Neumann, and (in his own way) Paul Dirac, brought physics into the community of common language and established it as a work of general human achievement.1
On the Efficiency of Job Search with Social Networks
Authors: CAHUC PIERRE , FONTAINE FRANÇOIS 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper provides a simple matching model in which unemployed workers and employers can be matched together through social networks and through more efficient, and also more costly, methods. In this framework, decentralized decisions to utilize social networks in the job search process can be inefficient and give rise to multiple equilibria. More precisely, in a decentralized equilibrium, social networks can be overutilized, with respect to an efficient allocation, in some circumstances and underutilized in others. Moreover, the existence of different job search methods can give rise to a higher job search intensity than the efficient one. This is in sharp contrast with the standard result, derived in matching models, according to which search intensity is always too low if not efficient. Finally, in the presence of different job search methods, conditional unemployment benefits hikes, which can be used as a coordination device to improve welfare when individuals.
ALCHIAN AND DEMSETZ'S CRITIQUE OF THE COOPERATIVE FIRM THIRTY‐SEVEN YEARS AFTER
Authors: Jossa Bruno 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe author discusses the critique of cooperatives implied in Alchian and Demsetz's argument that efficiency is maximized when the central agent managing the firm and watching the labour force at work is the residual claimant. Entering upon a number of criticisms that Alchian and Demsetz's approach attracted over the years, he concludes that their critique does not hold, and his basic argument is that cooperative firms vesting the monitoring function in elected managers will not be less efficient than capitalistic firms in the same situation.
Test‐retest reliability of voluntary emotion regulation
Authors: Lee Hyejeen , Shackman Alexander J. , Jackson Daren C. , Davidson Richard J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDespite growing interest in emotion regulation, the degree to which psychophysiological measures of emotion regulation are stable over time remains unknown. We examined four‐week test‐retest reliability of corrugator electromyographic and eyeblink startle measures of negative emotion and its regulation. Both measures demonstrated similar sensitivity to the emotion manipulation, but only individual differences in corrugator modulation and regulation showed adequate reliability. Startle demonstrated diminished sensitivity to the regulation instructions across assessments and poor reliability. This suggests that corrugator represents a trait‐like measure of voluntary emotion regulation, whereas startle should be used with caution for assessing individual differences. The data also suggest that corrugator and startle might index partially dissociable constructs and underscore the need to collect multiple measures of emotion.
A critical review of primary health care reform in Bulgaria: impact on consumers
Authors: Popova Stoyanka Tz. , Kerekovska Albena G. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe Health Care System in Bulgaria is in a period of transition and is undergoing profound changes in financing, organization and ownership. A priority of this reform is to shift the focus of healthcare to the primary sector and to emphasize general practice. New legislation in support of this health care reform has been passed over the last few years. However, this legislation, although consistent with the global aims to be achieved, has proven to be contradictory in terms of its practical implementation. This has had a negative impact on health care consumers’ interests and rights. This paper evaluates the effects of primary health care reform in Bulgaria from the perspective of patient satisfaction. For this purpose, a major task to be fulfilled is to identify the contradictions emerging between the legislation outlining the reforms and the realities of practical implementation with respect to its impact on consumers. The methods applied include: a review of the legislation, a review of the practical progression of the reform process, and an assessment of the new developments in health care consumers’ interests and rights. Considerable contradictions have been found between the legal framework of health care reform in primary care and existing experiences, traditions and expectations. The legislation is inconsistent with the existing realities of healthcare provision. This is leading to turmoil in the health care system during its present transformation and is infringing upon consumers’ rights. Problems emerging in the process of reform need to be identified, and solutions need to be found and worked out as the reforms progress. An assessment system has to be developed to monitor the overall reform process and to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the changes introduced. The impact on consumer and patient satisfaction should be an area of prime concern during these assessments.
Aβ43 is more frequent than Aβ40 in amyloid plaque cores from Alzheimer disease brains
Authors: Welander Hedvig , Frånberg Jenny , Graff Caroline , Sundström Erik , Winblad Bengt , Tjernberg Lars O. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractOne hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) is the extracellular deposition of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) in senile plaques. Two major forms of Aβ are produced, 40 (Aβ40) and 42 (Aβ42) residues long. The most abundant form of Aβ is Aβ40, while Aβ42 is more hydrophobic and more prone to form toxic oligomers and the species of particular importance in early plaque formation. Thus, the length of the hydrophobic C‐terminal seems to be very important for the oligomerization and neurotoxicity of the Aβ peptide. Here we investigated which Aβ species are deposited in AD brain. We analyzed plaque cores, prepared from occipital and frontal cortex, from sporadic and familial AD cases and performed a quantitative study using Aβ standard peptides. Cyanogen bromide was used to generate C‐terminal Aβ fragments, which were analyzed by HPLC coupled to an electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometer. We found a longer peptide, Aβ43, to be more frequent than Aβ40. No variants longer than Aβ43 could be observed in any of the brains. Immunohistochemistry was performed and was found to be in line with our findings. Aβ1‐43 polymerizes rapidly and we suggest that this variant may be of importance for AD.
A technique for central venous pressure measurement in normal horses
Authors: Wilsterman Sonya , Hackett Eileen S. , Rao Sangeeta , Hackett Timothy B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective
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To investigate a technique of central venous pressure (CVP) measurement using a newly developed catheter in healthy adult horses.Design
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Prospective experimental study.Setting
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University research facility.Animals
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Twenty healthy adult horses.Interventions
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An equine central venous catheter was inserted into the jugular vein to a length of approximately 80 cm from the mid‐cervical region in an attempt to catheterize the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary arterial catheterization was confirmed by echocardiography. Insertion distance and pressure were measured at this location with a disposable manometer. The catheter was then withdrawn until presence in the right atrium was confirmed by echocardiography. Insertion distance and pressure were also measured at this location. The catheter was then withdrawn in 5 cm increments until exiting the jugular insertion site with pressure measured at each location. All pressure measurements were taken with the manometer zero position at the point of the shoulder.Measurements and Main Results
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Pulmonary artery catheterization was successful in 16 of 20 horses. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 23.8 cm H2O (17.5 mm Hg) (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.9–26.7 cm H2O [15.4–19.6 mm Hg]). Mean right atrial pressure was 8.3 cm H2O (6.1 mm Hg) (95% CI 7.1–9.4 cm H2O [5.2–6.9 mm Hg]). Right atrial pressure was compared with pressures recorded at sequential insertion distances and resulted in a recommendation for catheter insertion of at least 40 cm for CVP measurement in adult horses. Jugular venous pressure measurement was statistically different from CVP measurement.Conclusions
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This catheter measurement technique is well tolerated in normal horses. Routine clinical use of this equine central venous catheter may improve our ability to monitor patients and improve patient care and outcomes of ill horses in hospital.
Heterogeneous Expression of Potassium Currents and Pacemaker Currents Potentially Regulates Arrhythmogenesis of Pulmonary Vein Cardiomyocytes
Authors: CHEN YAO‐CHANG , PAN NAN‐HUNG , CHENG CHEN‐CHUAN , HIGA SATOSHI , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: May 2009

Introduction:
The relationship between the determining factors and beating rates of pulmonary vein (PV) pacemaker cardiomyocytes has not been fully elucidated. The purposes of this study were to compare the electrophysiological characteristics between PV fast and slow pacemaker cardiomyocytes.
Methods:
Whole‐cell patch clamp was used to investigate the action potentials, transient outward currents (Ito), sustained outward potassium currents (IKsus), rapid delayed rectifier potassium currents (IKr), inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), pacemaker currents (If), and transient inward currents in isolated rabbit PV single fast (≥2.5 Hz) and slow (<2.5 Hz) pacemaker cardiomyocytes.
Results:
The fast PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes (n = 66) had lesser negative maximum diastolic potential (−53 ± 1 mV vs −59 ± 1 mV, P < 0.001) and larger slope of diastolic depolarization (0.31 ± 0.02 V/sec vs 0.09 ± 0.01 V/sec, P < 0.001) than slow PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes (n = 65). Moreover, the PV beating rates correlated well with the slope of diastolic depolarization and maximum diastolic potential with a linear regression. As compared to those in slow PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes, the fast PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes had smaller Ito and IK1, and larger If but with similar IKsus,IKr, and transient inward currents. However, only few fast (2/34) and slow (1/23) PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes contained barium‐sensitive hyperpolarization‐activated time‐dependent current (IKH).
Conclusions and Implications:
The fast and slow PV pacemaker had different electrophysiological characteristics. Ito, IK1, and If may regulate the beating rates of PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes.
Presenting Rhythm in Sudden Deaths Temporally Proximate to Discharge of TASER Conducted Electrical Weapons
Authors: Swerdlow Charles D. , Fishbein Michael C. , Chaman Linda , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya R. , Tchou Patrick 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Sudden deaths proximate to use of conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have been attributed to cardiac electrical stimulation. The rhythm in death caused by rapid, cardiac electrical stimulation usually is ventricular fibrillation (VF); electrical stimulation has not been reported to cause asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA). The authors studied the presenting rhythms in sudden deaths temporally proximate to use of TASER CEWs to estimate the likelihood that these deaths could be caused by cardiac electrical stimulation.Methods:  This was a retrospective review of CEW‐associated, nontraumatic sudden deaths from 2001 to 2008. Emergency medical services (EMS), autopsy, and law enforcement reports were requested and analyzed. Subjects were included if they collapsed within 15 minutes of CEW discharge and the first cardiac arrest rhythm was reported.Results:  Records for 200 cases were received. The presenting rhythm was reported for 56 of 118 subjects who collapsed within 15 minutes (47%). The rhythm was VF in four subjects (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3% to 17%) and bradycardia‐asystole or PEA in 52 subjects (93%; 95% CI = 83% to 97%). None of the eight subjects who collapsed during electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring had VF. Only one subject (2%) collapsed immediately after CEW discharge. This was the only death typical of electrically induced VF (2%, 95% CI = 0% to 9%). An additional 4 subjects (7%) collapsed within 1 minute, and the remaining 51 subjects (91%) collapsed more than 1 minute later. The time from collapse to first recorded rhythm was 3 minutes or less in 35 subjects (62%) and 5 minutes or less in 43 subjects (77%).Conclusions:  In sudden deaths proximate to CEW discharge, immediate collapse is unusual, and VF is an uncommon VF presenting rhythm. Within study limitations, including selection bias and the possibility that VF terminated before the presenting rhythm was recorded, these data do not support electrically induced VF as a common mechanism of these sudden deaths.
Cartilage repair: past and future – lessons for regenerative medicine
Authors: Van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. , Brittberg Mats , Dennis James E. , Bastiaansen‐Jenniskens Yvonne M. , Erben Reinhold G. , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Luyten Frank P. 
Published: May 2009

Introduction: the impaired repair capacity of cartilage and the beginning of cell therapy
Choice of cell types
Regulating cellular activities
Interference of inflammation with cartilage repair
Tracking of transplanted cells in vivo
Conclusion and future directions

AbstractSince the first cell therapeutic study to repair articular cartilage defects in the knee in 1994, several clinical studies have been reported. An overview of the results of clinical studies did not conclusively show improvement over conventional methods, mainly because few studies reach level I of evidence for effects on middle or long term. However, these explorative trials have provided valuable information about study design, mechanisms of repair and clinical outcome and have revealed that much is still unknown and further improvements are required. Furthermore, cellular and molecular studies using new technologies such as cell tracking, gene arrays and proteomics have provided more insight in the cell biology and mechanisms of joint surface regeneration. Besides articular cartilage, cartilage of other anatomical locations as well as progenitor cells are now considered as alternative cell sources. Growth Factor research has revealed some information on optimal conditions to support cartilage repair. Thus, there is hope for improvement. In order to obtain more robust and reproducible results, more detailed information is needed on many aspects including the fate of the cells, choice of cell type and culture parameters. As for the clinical aspects, it becomes clear that careful selection of patient groups is an important input parameter that should be optimized for each application. In addition, the study outcome parameters should be improved. Although reduced pain and improved function are, from the patient's perspective, the most important outcomes, there is a need for more structure/tissue‐related outcome measures. Ideally, criteria and/or markers to identify patients at risk and responders to treatment are the ultimate goal for these more sophisticated regenerative approaches in joint surface repair in particular, and regenerative medicine in general.