bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating von Bertalanffy growth parameters from growth increment data using a linear mixed-effects model, with an application to the sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus
Authors: Hart Deborah R. , Chute Antonie S. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Hart, D. R., and Chute, A. S. 2009. Estimating von Bertalanffy growth parameters from growth increment data using a linear mixed-effects model, with an application to the sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 2165–2175. We introduce a novel linear mixed-effects method for estimating von Bertalanffy growth parameters from growth increment data that lack explicit age information. The method is simple to implement and can incorporate and estimate variability in both the asymptotic size L∞ and the Brody growth coefficient K. Simulations indicate that estimates from the method are accurate over a range of conditions. The method is applied to growth data from more than 6000 Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) shells from the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank. Sea scallops grow to a larger asymptotic shell height on Georges Bank than on the Mid-Atlantic Bight and in areas closed to fishing on Georges Bank than on the fished portions. Depth and latitude had significant effects on scallop growth in both the Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank, with smaller asymptotic shell heights in deeper water and at higher latitudes.
First Report of Citrus bent leaf viroid and Citrus dwarfing viroid from Citrus in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Cao M. J. , Atta S. , Liu Y. Q. , Wang X. F. , Zhou C. Y. , Mustafa A. , Iftikhar Y. 
Published: July 2009

Pakistan is among the top 10 citrus-producing countries of the world and the leader in Kinnow mandarin production with production concentrated in the province of Punjab, which produces more than 96% of the total citrus crop. To evaluate the presence and distribution of citrus viroids in this area, 34 samples were collected in September 2008 from citrus orchards in the Sargodha, Bhalwal, and Faisalabad areas of Punjab, including 15 ‘Mosambi’ and two ‘Bloodred’ sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis), eight ‘Kinnow’ and four ‘Feutrell Early’ mandarins (C. reticulata), three ‘Jatti Khatti’ rough lemon (C. jambhiri), and two grapefruit (C. paradisi), which showed stunting, bark scaling, and cracking symptoms on the rootstock which was either citrange (Poncirus trifoliata × C. sinensis) or sweet lime (C. limetta). Infected budwood from these trees was grafted onto indicator plants of Arizona 861-S-1 ‘Etrog citron’ (C. medica) budded on rough lemon rootstock, and after 3 months, the citron showed typical viroid symptoms of mild epinasty and leaf roll with 23 of the 34 samples. A one-step multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay (3) was used to detect simultaneously Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), Citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd), and Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd). On the basis of amplification of the appropriately sized DNA, CEVd, CBLVd, HSVd, and CDVd were detected in 12, 8, 31, and 17 samples, respectively, whereas CBCVd was not detected. Twenty-three of 34 infected samples harbored more than one viroid species and one had four viroids. Budwood from 11 trees did not induce viroid symptoms on Etrog citron. Two of these trees were infected with CBLVd only and nine with HSVd only. Four primer pairs were used to amplify the full sequences of CEVd, CBLVd, HSVd, and CDVd by RT-PCR (2), which were cloned by standard methods. Sequences of three cDNA clones each of CEVd (Nos. FJ773253, FJ773254, and FJ773255), CBLVd (Nos. FJ773262, FJ773263, and FJ773267), HSVd (Nos. FJ773268, FJ773269, and FJ773271), and CDVd (Nos. FJ773274, FJ773275, and FJ773276) were deposited in GenBank. BLAST analysis showed that these nucleotide sequences had greater than 97% nucleotide identity to the most similar genome sequences in GenBank. One of the HSVd sequences, FJ773271, presented the cachexia determinants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CBLVd and CDVd in Pakistan (1). These results indicate the need for proper indexing of mother trees and a virus-free propagation scheme to create healthy budwood sources in Pakistan. References: (1) M. Arif et al. Pak. J. Bot. 37:407, 2005. (2) L. Bernard and N. Duran-Vila. Mol. Cell. Probes 20:105, 2006. (3) X. F. Wang et al. Eur. J. Plant. Pathol, 124:175, 2009.
Null Mutation of the MdACS3 Gene, Coding for a Ripening-Specific 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Synthase, Leads to Long Shelf Life in Apple Fruit
Authors: Wang Aide , Yamakake Junko , Kudo Hisayuki , Wakasa Yuhya , Hatsuyama Yoshimichi , Igarashi Megumi , Kasai Atsushi , Li Tianzhong , Harada Takeo 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Expression of MdACS1, coding for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS), parallels the level of ethylene production in ripening apple (Malus domestica) fruit. Here we show that expression of another ripening-specific ACS gene (MdACS3) precedes the initiation of MdACS1 expression by approximately 3 weeks; MdACS3 expression then gradually decreases as MdACS1 expression increases. Because MdACS3 expression continues in ripening fruit treated with 1-methylcyclopropene, its transcription appears to be regulated by a negative feedback mechanism. Three genes in the MdACS3 family (a, b, and c) were isolated from a genomic library, but two of them (MdACS3b and MdACS3c) possess a 333-bp transposon-like insertion in their 5′ flanking region that may prevent transcription of these genes during ripening. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the coding region of MdACS3a results in an amino acid substitution (glycine-289 → valine) in the active site that inactivates the enzyme. Furthermore, another null allele of MdACS3a, Mdacs3a, showing no ability to be transcribed, was found by DNA sequencing. Apple cultivars homozygous or heterozygous for both null allelotypes showed no or very low expression of ripening-related genes and maintained fruit firmness. These results suggest that MdACS3a plays a crucial role in regulation of fruit ripening in apple, and is a possible determinant of ethylene production and shelf life in apple fruit.
Litigation related to inadequate anaesthesia: an analysis of claims against the NHS in England 1995–2007
Authors: Mihai R. , Scott S. , Cook T. M. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryInadequate anaesthesia may cause distress to the patient and lead to medical litigation. All claims made to the NHS Litigation Authority 1995–2007 were obtained and the data was examined independently by all authors and classified. In a dataset of 1067 claims there were 161 cases of inadequate anaesthesia and data were suitable for analysis in 159: intra‐operative awareness (79), brief awake paralysis (20) and inadequate regional anaesthesia (60). The total cost of closed claims was £3.2m. Cost was incurred in 100% of claims of brief awake paralysis, 87% of claims of awareness and 80% of claims of inadequate regional blockade. Mean cost of closed claims was £32 680 for anaesthetic awareness, £29 345 for inadequate regional blockade and £24 364 for brief awake paralysis. Inadequate anaesthesia accounts for 19% of anaesthesia‐related claims in the NHS in England. Strategies that reduce anaesthetic awareness, drug errors and inadequate regional blockade are known and their improved implementation is likely to reduce such claims.
Monitor position and the accuracy and speed of ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks
Authors: Langford R. A. , Hockey B. , Leslie K. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryUltrasound is rapidly becoming an essential skill for all anaesthetists with an interest in regional anaesthesia. Using a single‐blinded cross‐over trial design, we assessed the accuracy and speed of simulated ultrasound‐guided nerve blockade with the monitor either in direct line‐of‐sight or perpendicular to the line‐of‐sight. Thirty‐one anaesthetists participated in the study. Times taken to reach the targets were similar 18.4 (14.6) s with the monitor ‘in‐line’ and 22.4 (26.7) s with the monitor perpendicular to the target. Needle placement was significantly more accurate when anaesthetists had the monitor in front of them (29 acceptable) than to the side (22 acceptable). For anaesthetists with limited ultrasound experience, the accuracy, but not speed, of ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia can be improved by aligning the monitor in the line of sight of the operator.
The impact of manual in‐line stabilisation on ventilation and visualisation of the glottis with the LMA CTrach™: a randomised crossover trial*
Authors: Ng B. S. W. , Goy R. W. L. , Bain J. A. , Chen F. G. , Liu E. H. C. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe LMA CTrach™ (CTrach) enables ventilation, glottis visualisation and tracheal intubation via a laryngeal mask conduit. The CTrach has been successfully used in patients with cervical spine pathology, but it is unclear if cervical spine immobilisation affects its ease of use. In this randomised crossover trial, the CTrach was used once with and once without manual in‐line stabilisation of the cervical spine in every patient. With manual in‐line stabilisation, the median [IQR] time to achieve ventilation was 22 [16–32] s, compared with 19 [13–30] s without stabilisation (p = 0.065). With manual in‐line stabilisation, the time to achieving a glottic views was 42 [30–63] s compared with 39 [25–53] s without stabilisation (p = 0.019). There was no difference in the success rates of achieving ventilation and glottic views. These results suggest that manual in‐line stabilisation does not affect use of the CTrach.
Myoclonus after cardiac arrest: pitfalls in diagnosis and prognosis*
Authors: English W. A. , Giffin N. J. , Nolan J. P. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAccurate prediction of neurological outcome in survivors of cardiac arrest may be difficult. We report the case of a 44‐year‐old survivor of a hypoxic cardiac arrest who repeatedly developed relentless myoclonic jerks on attempted discontinuation of his propofol infusion. These were initially thought to represent myoclonic status epilepticus before the correct diagnosis of Lance–Adams syndrome was made. Lance–Adams syndrome is a rare disorder seen in survivors of profound hypoxic episodes. It is characterised by intention myoclonus but preserved intellect. Accurate distinction between myoclonic status epilepticus and Lance–Adams syndrome is vital as they have very different prognoses. The different pathophysiology and distinguishing clinical features of these two conditions are highlighted.
Peri‐operative oral triiodothyronine replacement therapy to prevent postoperative low triiodothyronine state following valvular heart surgery
Authors: Choi Y. S. , Kwak Y. L. , Kim J. C. , Chun D. H. , Hong S. W. , Shim J. K. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThis study evaluated the effect of oral triiodothyronine (T3) replacement therapy, starting on the day of the surgery, on thyroid hormone concentrations and clinical outcome in high‐risk patients undergoing valvular heart surgery. Fifty patients were randomly allocated to either T3 or placebo. In the treatment (T3) group patients received 20 μg of oral or nasogastric T3 every 12 h starting just before induction of anaesthesia and until the first day after surgery. T3 concentrations were significantly higher in the T3 group than the placebo group from 1 to 36 h after removal of the aortic cross clamp. The number of patients requiring vasopressin after discontinuing cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly greater in the placebo group than the T3 group. Significantly fewer patients required vasopressors in the T3 group on the first day after surgery.
Void detection in root fillings using intraoral analogue, intraoral digital and cone beam CT images
Authors: Huybrechts B. , Bud M. , Bergmans L. , Lambrechts P. , Jacobs R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim  To compare void detection in root fillings using different radiographic imaging techniques: intraoral analogue, intraoral digital and cone beam CT (CBCT) images and to assess factors influencing small void detection.Methodology  Two straight root canals in canine teeth were prepared. Calibrated steel wires of five different diameters (200, 300, 350, 500, 800 μm) were inserted respectively in the canal after the injection of a sealer. To simulate filling voids of known dimensions, the wires were removed after the sealer had set. Each sample was imaged, using a Minray X‐ray tube (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) at optimal clinical settings combined with Vistascan PSP (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim‐Bissingen, Germany), Digora Optime PSP (Soredex), Sigma CCD (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) and E‐speed films (Agfa‐Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium). The teeth were also imaged using CBCT (3D Accuitomo, Morita, Japan). A generalized mixed model and anova analysis were used on the acquired data (Tukey–Kramer correction).Results  There was no evidence that the factor ‘root level’ affected void detection in root fillings. ‘Void size’ was a main determining factor as all voids larger than 300 μm were determined with all techniques. For the smaller voids, there were significant differences between the 5 imaging techniques at different void sizes and different root levels.Conclusions  Void size and imaging technique were main determining factors. Voids larger than 300 μm were determined with all imaging techniques. For small void detection, all digital intraoral techniques performed better than intraoral analogue and CBCT images.
Mycobacterial PE, PPE and ESX clusters: novel insights into the secretion of these most unusual protein families
Authors: Bottai Daria , Brosch Roland 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis harbours a large number of genes that encode proteins whose N‐termini contain the characteristic motifs Pro–Glu (PE) or Pro–Pro–Glu (PPE). A subgroup of the PE proteins contains polymorphic GC‐rich sequences (PGRS), while a subgroup of the PPE proteins contains major polymorphic tandem repeats (MPTR). The function of most of these proteins remains unknown. However, in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Abdallah and colleagues show that PE_PGRS proteins from the model organism Mycobacterium marinum are secreted by components of the ESX‐5 system that belongs to the recently defined type VII secretion systems. These observations, which now need to be addressed and confirmed in M. tuberculosis, open new perspectives on the function of these highly abundant proteins.
Direct stimulus perception and transcription activation by a membrane‐bound DNA binding protein
Authors: Gebhard Susanne , Gaballa Ahmed , Helmann John D. , Cook Gregory M. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryFew membrane proteins with a role in transcriptional regulation have been studied, and none are able to perceive their respective stimuli and activate transcription of their regulons without the aid of auxiliary proteins. The bacitracin resistance regulator, BcrR, of Enterococcus faecalis is a membrane‐bound DNA binding protein and is required for bacitracin‐dependent expression of the bacitracin resistance genes, bcrABD. Here, we show that BcrR interacts directly with Zn2+ bacitracin (Kd = 2–5 μM), but not metal‐free bacitracin. A solution‐based DNA binding assay demonstrated that the affinity of BcrR for its target DNA is much higher (Kd = 40 nM) than previously found for transmembrane regulators and is comparable to that of soluble DNA binding proteins. A construct of BcrR that lacked the transmembrane domain was unable to bind to DNA, indicating that membrane localization was important for DNA binding. Bacitracin did not cause a change in the DNaseI footprint of BcrR on the bcrA promoter, but in vitro transcription assays with BcrR proteoliposomes showed bacitracin‐dependent activation of transcription. These findings demonstrate that BcrR is a bona fide one‐component transmembrane signal transduction system, which perceives an extracellular stimulus (presence of bacitracin) and relays it to an intracellular transcriptional response independent of any auxiliary proteins.
Characterization of starvation‐induced dispersion in Pseudomonas putida biofilms: genetic elements and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Gjermansen Morten , Nilsson Martin , Yang Liang , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: July 2009

Summary Pseudomonas putida OUS82 biofilm dispersal was previously shown to be dependent on the gene PP0164 (here designated lapG). Sequence and structural analysis has suggested that the LapG geneproduct belongs to a family of cysteine proteinases that function in the modification of bacterial surface proteins. We provide evidence that LapG is involved in P. putida OUS82 biofilm dispersal through modification of the outer membrane‐associated protein LapA. While the P. putida lapG mutant formed more biofilm than the wild‐type, P. putida lapA and P. putida lapAG mutants displayed decreased surface adhesion and were deficient in subsequent biofilm formation, suggesting that LapG affects LapA, and that the LapA protein functions both as a surface adhesin and as a biofilm matrix component. Lowering of the intracellular c‐di‐GMP level via induction of an EAL domain protein led to dispersal of P. putida wild‐type biofilm but did not disperse P. putida lapG biofilm, indicating that LapG exerts its activity on LapA in response to a decrease in the intracellular c‐di‐GMP level. In addition, evidence is provided that associated to LapA a cellulase‐degradable exopolysaccharide is part of the P. putida biofilm matrix.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of canine oocytes related to in vitro denudation
Authors: Chebrout M , De Lesegno C Viaris , Reynaud K , Chat S , Chastant‐Maillard S 
Published: July 2009

Contents In vitro maturation (IVM) of bitch oocytes is, to date, a very inefficient process, with common metaphase rates approximately 0–20% and mean degeneration rates approximately 20–30%. In other mammals, meiotic resumption is controlled in the cumulus–oocyte complex by the disappearance of the coupling between granulosa cells and the oocyte. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on meiotic resumption of a mechanical denudation of the oocytes before maturation. The nuclear stage was determined by DNA staining with ethidium‐homodimer‐2 under confocal microscopy. Denuded (n = 318) and control (n = 378; no mechanical denudation) oocytes had similar degeneration rates (respectively 32.1 vs 28.6%). However, meiosis resumption rates were significantly higher for denuded oocytes (DO; 26.9 vs 17.8%). Secondly, we aimed to evaluate oocytes experiencing spontaneous denudation during the 72 h IVM period. Denuded oocytes, having lost cumulus cells on at least 75% of their perimeter (n = 440), were compared with surrounded oocytes (SO), with 100% of their perimeter surrounded by granulosa cells (n = 860). As above, the nuclear stage was determined by confocal microscopy, but cytoplasmic maturation was also evaluated through transmission electron microscopy. Degeneration rates but also meiosis resumption and metaphase rates were significantly higher for denuded than for SO (9.6 vs 2.8% for metaphase rate). Nevertheless, ultrastructurally, metaphase DO have scarcer organelles unevenly distributed, with smooth endoplasmic reticulum concentrated in aggregates in the cortical zone. Denudation, whether mechanical or spontaneous, is thus an inefficient mean to obtain metaphase II oocytes suitable for in vitro fertilization.
Non Cat‐Like Ovarian Cycle in the Eurasian and the Iberian Lynx – Ultrasonographical and Endocrinological Analysis
Authors: Göritz F , Dehnhard M , Hildebrandt TB , Naidenko SV , Vargas A , Martinez F , López‐Bao JV , Palomares F , Jewgenow K 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe Iberian lynx is considered the most endangered felid species. Therefore, anex situconservation program was initiated to protect this species from extinction. Additional knowledge on lynx reproduction biology and reliable methods for reproductive monitoring are important for developing a captive breeding program. The aim of this study in lynx was to implement transrectal ultrasonography to visualize ovarian structures (follicles, corpora lutea) and to assess ovarian activity in addition to analysis of serum progesterone and oestradiol. Because of limited access to Iberian lynxes, the less‐endangered Eurasian lynx and bobcat were also studied in this comparative study. Recent endocrinological studies based on faecal and urinary progesterone and oestrogen metabolites revealed that steroid profiles in both these species were alike and did not follow the typical pattern of other felids. Pregnancy diagnosis was not possible, since progesterone concentrations did not differ between pregnant and pseudopregnant animals. Progesterone was also detected after parturition as well as after weaning until the onset of a new oestrous cycle. In the present study, the presence of corpora lutea during the non‐breeding season was confirmed by ultrasonography and by elevated serum levels of progesterone averaging 3.56 ± 1.3 ng/ml in Eurasian and 6.1 ± 0.26 ng/ml in Iberian lynx, respectively. The ultrasonographical findings on the ovarian structures suggest strongly that corpora lutea developed after ovulation stay active until November and regress before the onset of the next oestrus.
Seasonal Profiles of Ovarian Activity in Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Based on Urinary Hormone Metabolite Analyses
Authors: Jewgenow K , Göritz F , Vargas A , Dehnhard M 
Published: July 2009

ContentsThe Iberian Lynx Ex‐Situ Conservation Programme is an essential part of a co‐ordinated action plan to conserve the most endangered felid species of the world. Successful captive breeding demands reliable methods for reproduction monitoring including reliable non‐invasive pregnancy diagnosis. During a 3‐year study, urine samples from six captive Iberian lynx females were obtained (one non‐pregnant, one pseudo‐pregnant and 11 pregnant cycles). Progesterone, pregnanediol and oestradiol were determined in urinary extracts and relevant urinary oestrogen metabolites were characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Urinary progestins did not follow the typical pregnancy‐related course of felids. In the lynx, we failed to demonstrate an urinary progestin elevation during pregnancy. In contrast, urinary oestrogens increased from 3.8 ± 0.6 to 8.6 ± 0.5 ng/mg creatinine (p < 0.001) during the pregnancy. A comparison of pseudo‐pregnant with pregnant cycles revealed a further increase of oestrogens caused by implantation (p < 0.05). In one female, which refused to mate, no difference was estimated between oestrogens levels during the breeding and non‐breeding seasons. Almost 10‐fold higher oestrogen concentrations were measured in urines of females that shared enclosures with males. HPLC analysis of oestrogens in urine samples collected from Iberian lynx during the pregnancy revealed that lynx urine is composed of two polar oestrogen metabolites in addition to oestrone and minor amounts of oestradiol. Oestrone was detectable in all urinary extracts (8–12% of metabolites), whereas oestradiol was elevated only during late pregnancy (18%). Thus, seasonal luteal activity in Iberian lynx can be monitored by urinary oestrogens. The increase of urinary oestradiol during late pregnancy might indicate an oestradiol secretion by the lynx placenta.