bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHIMERIC FLORAL ORGANS1, Encoding a Monocot-Specific MADS Box Protein, Regulates Floral Organ Identity in Rice
Authors: Sang Xianchun , Li Yunfeng , Luo Zengke , Ren Deyong , Fang Likui , Wang Nan , Zhao Fangming , Ling Yinghua , Yang Zhenglin , Liu Yongsheng , He Guanghua 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe control of floral organ identity by homeotic MADS box genes is well established in eudicots. However, grasses have highly specialized outer floral organs, and the identities of the genes that regulate the highly specialized outer floral organs of grasses remain unclear. In this study, we characterized a MIKC-type MADS box gene, CHIMERIC FLORAL ORGANS (CFO1), which plays a key role in the regulation of floral organ identity in rice (Oryza sativa). The cfo1 mutant displayed defective marginal regions of the palea, chimeric floral organs, and ectopic floral organs. Map-based cloning demonstrated that CFO1 encoded the OsMADS32 protein. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CFO1/OsMADS32 belonged to a monocot-specific clade in the MIKC-type MADS box gene family. The expression domains of CFO1 were mainly restricted to the marginal region of the palea and inner floral organs. The floral organ identity gene DROOPING LEAF (DL) was expressed ectopically in all defective organs of cfo1 flowers. Double mutant analysis revealed that loss of DL function mitigated some of the defects of floral organs in cfo1 flowers. We propose that the CFO1 gene plays a pivotal role in maintaining floral organ identity through negative regulation of DL expression.
Effects of Turbidity and Visual vs. Chemical Cues on Anti‐Predator Response in the Endangered Fountain Darter (Etheostoma fonticola)
Authors: Swanbrow Becker Lily J. , Gabor Caitlin R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAltered turbidity resulting from anthropogenic stressors is a global problem. Threatened by climate change, pollution, and increased recreational usage, the streams and rivers of central Texas are no exception. The impacts of turbidity include behavioral effects as turbidity degrades visual information, which can impair an animal's ability to accurately detect and respond to a predator. Here, we tested the impact of simulated turbidity on anti‐predator response in the endangered fountain darter, Etheostoma fonticola. We examined the response of E. fonticola to four predator cue treatments (chemical, visual, chemical and visual, and no cues) using a native predator, the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus). All cue treatments were tested across two vision levels: clear and impaired, to simulate the visual effects of low turbidity (~30 NTU). Our results indicate that E. fonticola requires a combination of visual and chemical stimuli to respond to a native fish predator. In the absence of one or the other sensory modality, E. fonticola did not show an anti‐predator response. Also, anti‐predator response to a combination of visual and chemical stimuli was only present at the clear vision level. When vision was impaired owing to simulated turbidity, a combination of visual and chemical stimuli did not produce a significant anti‐predator response. These results indicate that blocked or compromised vision hampers anti‐predator response in E. fonticola, which may be of concern regarding the future management of this endangered species.
Testosterone exerts selective anti‐inflammatory effects on human skin mast cells in a cell subset dependent manner
Authors: Guhl Sven , Artuc Metin , Zuberbier Torsten , Babina Magda 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAndrogens are known to exert anti‐inflammatory effects but their impact on mast cells (MCs) remains to be determined. Here, we show that MCs isolated from human foreskin samples (male) and those from breast skin (female) express the androgen receptor, albeit with a 10‐fold difference between the subsets. While fundamental MC properties (FcεRI, c‐Kit, tryptase; histamine release upon FcεRI cross‐linking) were unaffected or slightly reduced (chymase) by testosterone, the hormone had a more profound impact on the production of cytokines, with IL‐6 being a target (reduction by 53%). Interestingly, this effect was limited to breast skin MCs (15 of 16 donors displayed this phenomenon), but was not reproduced by foreskin MCs. Collectively, effector functions of human skin MCs are modulated by androgens in a gene‐selective and MC subset‐specific fashion. Possibly, MCs from women are more susceptible to testosterone. We also demonstrate that MC IL‐6 production is highly variable among individuals.
Expression and localization of Artemis serine 516 phosphorylation in human scalp skin
Authors: Wu Xian‐Jie , Jing Jing , Zhu Jian‐Wei , Xue Dan , Liu Hai , Böhm Markus , Lu Zhong‐Fa , Zheng Min 
Published: August 2012

AbstractArtemis phosphorylation at serine 516 (Ser516) has important regulatory functions in the repair of radiation‐induced DNA damage, V(D)J recombination, p53‐dependent apoptosis and cell cycle control. Accordingly, Artemis mutations can lead to Omenn syndrome, which is associated with human radiosensitive severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome and alopecia. In this study, we investigated the expression of Ser516 phosphorylation of Artemis in the epidermis and epidermal appendages in normal human scalp skin. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed Ser516 phosphorylation of Artemis in the upper and middle portion of anagen hair follicle [including outer root sheath (ORS), inner root sheath but not stratum basale], hair matrix, sebaceous glands (secretory and ductal portions), eccrine sweat glands (secretory and ductal portions) and epidermis (stratum basale and stratum granulosum), respectively. Artemis phosphorylation at Ser516 was most prominent in ORS keratinocytes. Therefore, we suggest that phosphorylation of Artemis at Ser516 could be involved in regulation of human epidermal appendages.
Ribavirin modulates the conversion of human CD4+ CD25−T cell to CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+T cell via suppressing interleukin‐10‐producing regulatory T cell
Authors: Kobayashi Tamaki , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Shimizu Masumi , Tamura Hideto , Shinya Eiji , Atsukawa Masanori , Harimoto Hirotomo , Takahashi Hidemi , Sakamoto Choitsu 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBecause regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in modulating the immune system response against both endogenous and exogenous antigens, their control is critical to establish immunotherapy against autoimmune disorders, chronic viral infections and tumours. Ribavirin (RBV), an antiviral reagent used with interferon, is known to polarize the T helper (Th) 1/2 cell balance toward Th1 cells. Although the immunoregulatory mechanisms of RBV are not fully understood, it has been expected that RBV would affect T reg cells to modulate the Th1/2 cell balance. To confirm this hypothesis, we investigated whether RBV modulates the inhibitory activity of human peripheral CD4+ CD25+ CD127− T cells in vitro. CD4+ CD25+ CD127− T cells pre‐incubated with RBV lose their ability to inhibit the proliferation of CD4+ CD25− T cells. Expression of Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) in CD4+ CD25− T cells was down‐modulated when they were incubated with CD4+ CD25+ CD127− T cells pre‐incubated with RBV without down‐modulating CD45RO on their surface. In addition, transwell assays and cytokine‐neutralizing assays revealed that this effect depended mainly on the inhibition of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) produced from CD4+ CD25+ CD127− T cells. These results indicated that RBV might inhibit the conversion of CD4+ CD25− FOXP3− naive T cells into CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ adaptive Treg cells by down‐modulating the IL‐10‐producing Treg 1 cells to prevent these effector T cells from entering anergy and to maintain Th1 cell activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that RBV would be useful for both elimination of long‐term viral infections such as hepatitis C virus infection and for up‐regulation of tumour‐specific cellular immune responses to prevent carcinogenesis, especially hepatocellular carcinoma.
A programme evaluation of theFamilyCrisisInterventionProgram (FCIP): relating programme characteristics to change
Authors: Al Channa M. W. , Stams Geert Jan J. M. , Asscher Jessica J. , van der Laan Peter H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated theFamilyCrisisInterventionProgram (FCIP), focusing on crisis, child safety, family functioning and child behaviour problems. Questionnaires were completed by 183 families in crisis and theirFCIPworker. AfterFCIP, the crisis had decreased and child safety had increased. Although problematic family functioning persisted after intervention, improvements were found in parent–child interaction, parenting stress, parental competence and child behaviour problems. Crisis change, safety change and improved family functioning were associated with programme characteristics, especially the therapeutic relationship, analysis of the crisis situation, duration of the intervention and the solution‐focused approach. The discussion addressed implications of this study with regard to outcome measures in the evaluation of family crisis intervention and the importance of particular programme characteristics.
Storage stability and pasting properties of hydrothermally treated pearl millet flour
Authors: Yadav Deep N. , Kaur Jaspreet , Anand Tanupriya , Singh Ashish K. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryHydrothermal treatment (30 ± 2% moisture and steaming at 1.05 kg m−2 for 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min) was given to whole and pearled pearl millet grains. Flour obtained after each treatment was evaluated for physical, functional and pasting properties. Flour obtained from steamed before pearling (SBP, 20 min) and steamed after pearling (SAP, 15 min) grains exhibited no lipase activity and acceptable physical, functional and pasting properties. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction (28.65%) was observed in total phenol content after pearling. Tannins content of control flour was 120.3 ± 2.15 mg, and a reduction of 25.2% and 16.5% was observed after 20 and 15 min of steaming in SBP and SAP samples, respectively. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in bulk density, functional properties and decrease in pasting properties of treated flour samples was observed with increase in duration of steaming. Selected flour samples (SBP, 20 min and SAP, 15 min) were found acceptable for 50 days when stored in polyethylene pouches (75 μ) at ambient conditions (15–35 °C).
Physicochemical properties of sugar beet pulp pectin by pulsed electric field treatment
Authors: Ma Sen , Yu Shu‐juan , Zhang Bin , Wang Zhong‐he 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThis research focused on pulsed electric field (PEF) modification of pectin from sugar beet pulp. Experimental parameters including electric field intensity (18–30 kV cm−1) and pulse time (806–2418 μs) were used, and the physicochemical properties of PEF‐treated pectin were evaluated by various instrumental techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the degree of esterification, viscosity average molecular weight and particle size of pectin decreased with the increase in electric field intensity and pulse time. Meanwhile, some sharp interstices were shown on the surface of pectin, and its crystalline regions were destroyed after being treated with PEF. Results revealed that PEF technology is an effective method to obtain low‐molecular‐weight pectin with different degrees of esterification and obtain a desired production in food application.
An improvised process of isolation, purification of steviosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves and its biological activity
Authors: Rao Adari B. , Reddy Goka R. , Ernala Prasad , Sridhar Sundergopal , Ravikumar Yerrapragada V. L. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe food industry has traditionally used sugar (sucrose) as a sweetening agent; however the dietary and health demands are continuing to expand the market for sweeteners as an alternative to sucrose. The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana are rich source of glycosides that have sweet taste with low calorific value. The study highlights extraction of steviosides from leaves using pressurised hot water extractor, followed by purification and concentration of the sweet glycosides through ultra (UF) and nano (NF) filtration membrane in obtaining high purity steviosides. After the final purification process the stevioside content was 9.05 g per 100 g and rebaudioside A 0.2 g per 100 g stevia leaf, with total purity of stevioside 97.66% by HPLC at total operation time of 7 h. This process also improved the potency of sweetness and palatability profile when compare with other commercially available steviosides. Thus, the methodology developed establishes simple, in‐expensive and eco‐friendly process in obtaining pure steviosides.
A comparison of methods for assessing dough and gluten strength of durum wheat and their relationship to pasta cooking quality
Authors: AbuHammad Wesam A. , Elias Elias M. , Manthey Frank A. , Alamri Mohammed S. , Mergoum Mohamed 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe best rheological test to differentiate dough and gluten strength and predict cooking quality of different durum wheat cultivars is not recognised yet. Sixteen durum wheat cultivars were grown at three locations in North Dakota using a randomised complete block design to compare different methods for measuring dough/gluten strength and to relate their results to pasta cooking quality. Different rheological tests were used to distinguish the weak, medium strong, strong and very strong gluten cultivars. Alveograph, gluten index and glutograph were the only tests that could differentiate between medium strong and strong gluten samples. Alveograph was the best method to predict gluten strength where few samples are available for assessment. In comparison with alveograph, the gluten index was faster and required less semolina and gave similar results as the alveograph. All tests had significant correlation with cooked spaghetti firmness and negative correlation with cooked weight.
Salivary peptide profile and its association with early childhood caries
Authors: Ribeiro Thyciana Rodrigues , Dria Karl J. , de Carvalho Cibele Barreto Mano , Monteiro André Jalles , Fonteles Manassés Claudino , de Moraes Carvalho Krishnamurti , Fonteles Cristiane Sá Roriz 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundAs dietary management during early childhood is a great barrier in caries control, there is a need for the identification of intrinsic risk factors, capable of allowing the use of a more cost‐effective approach to early childhood caries (ECC).ObjectiveTo evaluate the salivary peptide profile of children with and without ECC and its association with caries experience.MethodsOne hundred and six 10‐ to 71‐month‐old children participated in the study. Caries experience was determined through the visual/tactile method, based on the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, and surface scores (dmft/dmfs). Whole saliva was collected for mutans streptococci (MS) detection and peptide analysis.ResultsChromatograms from CF (children without caries experience, n = 58) and CE (children with caries experience, n = 48) saliva pools expressed different patterns. Identification of molecular masses suggested the presence of nine peptides. Three of them were significantly related with caries experience. HNP‐3 (α‐defensin 3) (P = 0.019) and HBD‐3 (β‐defensin 3) (P = 0.034) reduced the chances of experiencing ECC. Proline‐rich peptides IB‐4 significantly increased caries experience (P = 0.035). Age (P = 0.020) and MS counts (P = 0.036) increased caries experience; however, gender was not associated with dental caries (P = 0.877).ConclusionSpecific salivary peptides of CF or CE children in early childhood predispose to a higher or lower risk of caries experience.
The effect of GIC‐brand on the survival rate of proximal‐art restorations
Authors: Bonifácio Clarissa Calil , Hesse Daniela , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Bönecker Marcelo , van Loveren Cor , van Amerongen W. Evert 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundLaboratory studies show diverse behaviour of different brands of glass–ionomer cements (GIC).AimThis study investigated the clinical performance [survival rate (SR)] of three GIC brands applied to proximal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations. Additionally, the SR of the tooth was evaluated.DesignProximal cavities of 262 primary molars were restored. The patients had been randomly allocated to two operators and three GIC brands: Fuji IX, Hi‐Dense, and Maxxion R. Restorations were evaluated after 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. Failed restorations were, if possible, repaired or replaced. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of GIC brand, operator, and surface of restoration. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log‐rank test were performed for both restoration survival and tooth survival (α = 5%).ResultsAfter 3 years, 82.4% of the restorations were evaluated. The SR of the restorations was 24.4%, and there was no difference among GIC brands (log‐rank test, P = 0.6). In the first 18 months, a significant operator effect and significantly higher failures in distal surfaces were found. The SR of the tooth was 81.7%.ConclusionsThe SR of proximal ART restorations was relatively low when compared with the SR of the tooth. There are no differences in the performance among the GIC brands used in the study.
Key components of a service model providing early childhood support for women attending opioid treatment clinics: an Australian state health service review
Authors: Harvey Susan R , Schmied Virginia , Nicholls Daniel , Dahlen Hannah 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To report the findings of a service review – specifically the strategy to provide early childhood services ‘on site’ at opioid treatment clinics to address access difficulties.Background.  Child and family health nurses are skilled in the assessment and support of families during early childhood. However, women with a history of substance abuse are often cautious when engaging with universal and other health services, with the result that the infant may miss recommended developmental screening and early referral to improve health outcomes.Design.  In 2006, an internal review was undertaken of the integration of early childhood and parenting services at opioid treatment clinics in a large Area Health Service of New South Wales, Australia.Methods.  A qualitative study design, using semi‐structured interview questions was used. Data were collected via six focus groups (4–15 participants in each group) and individual interview of child and family health nurses, nurse unit managers and clinical staff (n = 58).Results.  Three key components of a model for providing early childhood support in collaboration with opioid treatment services were identified. First, the importance of building a trusting relationship between the woman and the child and family health nurses, second, maintaining continuity of care and a multidisciplinary/multiagency approach, and finally the importance of staff education, support and professional development.Conclusion.  The provision of early childhood and parenting services on site, as part of a multidisciplinary ‘one stop shop’ approach to service delivery was a clear recommendation of the review.Relevance to clinical practice.  Reduction of access difficulties to specialised early childhood support is of benefit to clients, community health services attempting to provide a service to this difficult to reach population and to drug and alcohol services seeking to provide a high level of holistic care for clients.
Finding straight answers: identifying the needs of parents and service providers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes to aid in the creation of an online support intervention
Authors: Holtslander Lorraine , Kornder Nola , Letourneau Nicole , Turner Hollie , Paterson Barbara 
Published: August 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the needs and preferences of parents and service providers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in an online support intervention.Background.  Parents experience stress during this time of transition as adolescent conflict is common and the consequences of risk‐taking behaviour in combination with type 1 diabetes can be severe. Parents are in need of social support and desired an online intervention. Online support interventions have not been previously designed from the perspective of the users of these interventions.Methods.  Participatory, qualitative design. Fourteen group interviews across Canada (n = 60).Results.  Participants identified four main themes (Finding straight answers, Making transitions, Struggling with parenting and Connecting with others) within the context of accessibility. Parents described their needs for credible Canadian information, support from other parents, fostering positive family dynamics while shifting parenting roles during adolescence. Connecting with others included finding a social support system and venue to share stories and resources.Discussion.  These findings are innovative as these experienced participants desired a blend of professional information and peer informal knowledge and support in an accessible, online format.Conclusion.  The results of this study will form the foundation of an online support intervention while providing unique insight into the experiences of parents of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Relevance to clinical practice.  Parents and service providers indicate the need for information that is trusted, accurate and on a wide range of topics, within a preferred online environment. Supporting parents during this difficult time includes directing them to appropriate and accessible resources, facilitating a positive, healthy process of transition to interdependence, in their parenting of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone maintenance around tissue level implant and bone level implant: a randomised controlled trial. A 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Fernández‐Formoso N. , Rilo B. , Mora M. J. , Martínez‐Silva I. , Díaz‐Afonso A. M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe etiologic factors associated with crestal bone loss have not been comprehensively clarified. Several theories exist as to the reason for the observed changes in crestal bone height following implant restoration. In the 1990s, the wide‐diameter implants were commercially introduced. Initially, the implants were restored with standard‐diameter abutments because of lack of matching prosthetic components. Long‐term radiographic follow‐up of these ‘platform‐switched’ restored wide‐diameter dental implants has demonstrated a smaller‐than‐expected vertical change in the crestal bone height around these implants that is typically observed around implants restored conventionally with prosthetic components of matching diameters. The aim of this randomised controlled study was to assess radiographically marginal bone level alterations in implants restored according to the platform‐switching concept compared with traditionally restored implants. Fifty‐four subjects to participate in this randomised controlled study were selected. Two groups were assigned at random: control group (56 implants were restored with standard matching‐diameter abutments) and test group (58 implants were restored with medialised abutments). X‐ray explorations were taken for peri‐implant bone level at the minute the last cementing of the prosthesis and at 1‐year follow‐up. NHI Image was used to digitally process and manipulate the radiographic images and perform the measurements. Mean of bone loss with platform‐switching implants was −0·01 mm, and the mean of bone loss with standard platform implant was 0·42 mm. Outcomes of this study indicated that the platform‐switching design could preserve the crestal bone levels to 1‐year follow‐up. There was a statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss.