bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of DCL4 and DCL3b in rice phased small RNA biogenesis
Authors: Song Xianwei , Li Pingchuan , Zhai Jixian , Zhou Ming , Ma Lijia , Liu Bin , Jeong Dong‐Hoon , Nakano Mayumi , Cao Shouyun , Liu Chunyan , Chu Chengcai , Wang Xiu‐Jie , Green Pamela J. , Meyers Blake C. , Cao Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2011

SummaryHigher plants have evolved multiple proteins in the RNase III family to produce and regulate different classes of small RNAs with specialized molecular functions. In rice (Oryza sativa), numerous genomic clusters are targeted by one of two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR2118 and miR2275, to produce secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of either 21 or 24 nucleotides in a phased manner. The biogenesis requirements or the functions of the phased small RNAs are completely unknown. Here we examine the rice Dicer‐Like (DCL) family, including OsDCL1, ‐3a, ‐3b and ‐4. By deep sequencing of small RNAs from different tissues of the wild type and osdcl4‐1, we revealed that the processing of 21‐nucleotide siRNAs, including trans‐acting siRNAs (tasiRNA) and over 1000 phased small RNA loci, was largely dependent on OsDCL4. Surprisingly, the processing of 24‐nucleotide phased small RNA requires the DCL3 homolog OsDCL3b rather than OsDCL3a, suggesting functional divergence within DCL3 family. RNA ligase‐mediated 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends and parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE)/degradome analysis confirmed that most of the 21‐ and 24‐nucleotide phased small RNA clusters were initiated from the target sites of miR2118 and miR2275, respectively. Furthermore, the accumulation of the two triggering miRNAs requires OsDCL1 activity. Finally, we show that phased small RNAs are preferentially produced in the male reproductive organs and are likely to be conserved in monocots. Our results revealed significant roles of OsDCL4, OsDCL3b and OsDCL1 in the 21‐ and 24‐nucleotide phased small RNA biogenesis pathway in rice.
Simultaneous HAART improves survival in children coinfected with HIV and TB
Authors: Pensi Tripti , Hemal Alok , Banerjee Tanushree 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectives  This study assesses the outcome of current treatment guidelines and the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on survival of HIV/TB‐coinfected patients in a resource‐limited setting.Methods  Observational cohort study at the pediatric HIV Clinic, RML Hospital, Delhi. All HIV‐infected patients who visited the clinic for the diagnosis of TB between 2002 and 2006 were observed until 31 March 2010. TB was diagnosed either at the time of enrolment or during follow‐up visits. Clinical and epidemiological data were registered. We compared children who were given HAART with TB treatment at time of diagnosis [simultaneous therapy (ST)] and children who received delayed HAART. Survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model.Results  Among the 298 children, 126 (42.2%) had TB, including 96 who received ST (76% of 126) and 30 who did not. There were no differences between the two groups except for a lower CD4 count in patients undergoing ST. ST was associated with improved survival [hazard ratio (HR), 0.35; 95% CI, 0.20–0.74; P = 0.002] and so were year of TB diagnosis and other AIDS‐defining conditions. Multivariate analysis revealed that ST was a powerful predictor of survival (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.14–0.68; P = 0.003). After adjusting for other prognostic variables such as age, gender, CD4 count at time of TB diagnosis, by Cox multivariate analysis, ST remained robustly associated with improved survival (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17–0.71; P = 0.001).Conclusions  Starting HAART during tuberculosis therapy significantly improves survival and provides further impetus for the integration of TB and HIV services.
Hypertension after heart and heart/lung transplantation in childhood – Study on the evolution of short‐term blood pressure regulation
Authors: Kohler Sarah M. , Reisner Judith , Kozlik‐Feldmann Rainer , Januszewska Katarzyna , Netz Heinrich , Pozza Robert Dalla 
Published: October 2011

Kohler SM, Reisner J, Kozlik‐Feldmann R, Januszewska K, Netz H, Pozza RD. Hypertension after heart and heart/lung transplantation in childhood – Study on the evolution of short‐term blood pressure regulation.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 804–808. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Arterial hypertension complicates the follow‐up of heart‐ and heart/lung‐transplanted children. We investigated the evolution of BRS as short‐time BP regulation mechanism and BP after heart and heart/lung transplantation. Twenty patients (15 males; mean age 15.1 ± 4.3 yr) were studied twice at intervals of 2.96 ± 0.87 yr. BRS was calculated using non‐invasive beat‐to‐beat BP measurement system. HRV was calculated (LF, sympathetic influence; HF, parasympathetic influence). BRS increased in 10 patients (3.67 ± 1.43 ms/mmHg vs. 7.59 ± 3.40 mmHg, p = 0.005) (group 1). Six of 10 patients received antihypertensive medication. BRS decreased or remained unchanged in 10 patients (8.93 ± 7.9 ms/mmHg vs. 5.32 ± 6.6 ms/mmHg, p = 0.008) (group 2) with 9/10 patients necessitating antihypertensive medication. Group 1 showed LF/HF increase (LF/HF 1.03 ± 0.9 vs. 4.36 ± 2.32, p = 0.03); group 2 showed LF/HF decrease (LF/HF 3.7 ± 2.1 vs. 1.84 ± 1.1, p = 0.023). Evolution of BRS after heart and heart/lung transplantation in childhood seems to influence the necessity of antihypertensive medication. With time, increasing short‐time BP regulation involving sympathetic reinnervation may improve BP.
Effect of cross‐fostering on renal anti‐oxidant/oxidant status and development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Lee SK , Sirajudeen KNS , Sundaram A , Zakaria R , Singh HJ 
Published: October 2011

Summary1. The hypotensive effect of cross‐fostering in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is thought to involve adjustments in renal function. However, its association with renal anti‐oxidant/oxidant balance during cross‐fostering is not known.2. The present study examined the effect of cross‐fostering and in‐fostering of 1‐day‐old offspring between SHR and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) dams on renal anti‐oxidant/oxidant status and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Renal anti‐oxidant/oxidant status and SBP were determined in the offspring from 4–16 weeks of age.3. Cross‐fostered SHR had significantly lower SBP than in‐fostered SHR at 6, 8 and 12 weeks, but not at 16 weeks (127 ± 1 vs 144 ± 2, 138 ± 1 vs 160 ± 1, 174 ± 2 vs 184 ± 2 and 199 ± 2 vs 194 ± 3 mmHg at 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively). No differences in SBP were evident between cross‐fostered and in‐fostered WKY rats. There were no significant differences in levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl and total anti‐oxidant status (TAS) or superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S‐transferase and glutathione reductase activity between cross‐fostered and in‐fostered SHR or WKY offspring. However, compared with WKY rats, catalase activity was higher at 6 and 16 weeks, TAS was higher at 16 weeks and GPx activity and TBARS were lower at 16 weeks in SHR.4. It appears that cross‐fostering of SHR offspring to WKY dams during the early postnatal period causes a transient delay in the rise in blood pressure in SHR and that this does not involve the renal anti‐oxidant/oxidant system.
Faith in the Future: Nostalgic Nationalism and 1950s Baghdad
Authors: Bernhardsson Magnus T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWere the 1950s a golden age in Iraq? This article explores the relationship between history, memory and nationalism in the Iraqi context. It was a time of considerable economic growth and exciting artistic output and experiments. At the same time, it was also a time of political corruption and revolutionary zeal. The 1950s ended with a revolution that overthrew the British imposed Hashemite Monarchy that marked a distinct end of an era.
Development and Spread of Firearms in Medieval and Early Modern Eurasia
Authors: Lorge Peter 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent research has overturned the pre‐existing understanding of the history of guns and gunpowder. This has invalidated the Military Revolution theory that argued that firearms revolutionized Europe warfare between 1500 and 1800, leading to the modern nation state. More research will be necessary to detail how and why gunpowder and guns spread throughout the world the way they did, and why Europeans were able to advance gun technology so quickly beginning in the 17th century.
Bishops in the Medieval Empire: New Perspectives on the Church, State and Episcopal Office
Authors: Eldevik John 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThrough the mid‐20th century, most historical research on bishops and the episcopate in early medieval Germany and the Holy Roman Empire was carried out within a conceptual framework known as the Imperial Church System (Reichskirchensystem), a merging of the early medieval church and royal government. The Reichskirchensystem grew out of a tradition of 19th century political history which took as its primary concern the evolution of the modern constitutional state and viewed the church and its personnel – namely bishops – as mostly negative influences on those processes over time. In the post‐war period, new approaches to constitutional and social history in the German academy prompted scholars to recast bishops as aristocratic elites and focus on the way they exercised lordship, or Herrschaft. More recently, studies of the episcopacy in Germany have embraced a variety of interdisciplinary methods and new approaches to medieval sources and begun to explore the ways bishops construed their power as a unique sphere of authority within the political and social worlds of the Middle Ages.
What’s in a Name, or What’s at Stake When We Talk about ‘Hussites’?
Authors: Haberken Phillip 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent scholarship on the Waldensian and Cathar heresies has expressed considerable reservations about how scholars use names and labels to describe and categorize their subjects. The extensive debate on the appropriate use of terms for these movements has not, however, significantly or explicitly affected contemporary scholarship on the fifteenth‐century Hussite movement and Utraquist Church, which both developed in Bohemia. After analyzing how scholars have used the traditional historiographic tropes of nationalism, revolution, and reformation to understand Hussite history, this article employs the insights of contemporary heresy scholars in order to determine how scholars can responsibly – or at least knowingly – use a conventional term like ‘Hussite’ to describe the process of religious reform in Bohemia without unduly limiting the scope of scholarly inquiry or tacitly ignoring the importance of the Utraquist period. Ultimately, it seems preferable to frame an analysis of heresy and reform in the Czech lands primarily as an independent Bohemian Reformation that lasted from the mid‐fourteenth until the early seventeenth century, in which both the Hussite Revolution and Utraquist Church played foundational ideological and institutional roles.
IL28B polymorphisms are markers of therapy response and are influenced by genetic ancestry in chronic hepatitis C patients from an admixed population
Authors: Cavalcante Lourianne N. , Abe‐Sandes Kiyoko , Angelo Ana Luiza D. , Machado Taisa M. B. , Lemaire Denise C. , Mendes Carlos M. C. , Pinho João R. , Malta Fernanda , Lyra Luiz G.C. , Lyra André C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundIL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. We do not know whether they are markers of treatment response in admixed populations or not.AimsTo determine whether IL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in patients with HCV from an admixed population and are influenced by genetic ancestry.Methodsrs12979860 and rs8099917 were genotyped in 222 HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Ancestry was determined using genetic markers.ResultsIL28B rs12979860 C/C was associated with sustained virological response (SVR), whereas C/T and T/T were associated with failure to therapy (P = 1.12 × 10−5). IL28B rs8099917 T/T was associated with SVR, and G/G and G/T were associated with nonresponse/relapse (NR/R) (P = 8.00 × 10−3). Among HCV genotype 1 patients with C/C genotype, genomic ancestry did not interfere with therapy response. Among patients with rs12979860 T/T genotype, African genetic contribution was greater in the NR/R group (P = 1.51 × 10−3), whereas Amerindian and European genetic ancestry contribution were higher in the SVR group (P = 3.77 × 10−3 and P = 2.16 × 10−2 respectively). Among HCV type 1 patients with rs8099917 T/T, African genetic contribution was significantly greater in the NR/R group (P = 5.0 × 10−3); Amerindian and European ancestry genetic contribution were greater in the SVR group.ConclusionIL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were predictors of therapy response in HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 subjects from an admixed population. Genomic ancestry did not interfere with response to therapy in patients with rs12979860 C/C, whereas it interfered in patients with C/T and T/T genotypes. Among HCV genotype 1 rs8099917 T/T patients, genomic ancestry interfered with response to therapy.
Reactive‐Sinter‐Processing and Attractive Mechanical Properties of Bulk and Nanostructured Titanium Boride
Authors: Madtha Shawn , Ravi Chandran K. S. 
Published: October 2011

An approach to synthesize bulk nanostructured titanium boride (TiB) ceramic material having a whisker‐like microstructure with a very attractive combination of mechanical properties is presented. The material is made of a three‐dimensional network of high aspect ratio TiB whiskers that are created in situ during reaction sintering of micron‐sized component powders at pressures of 15–20 MPa and at relatively low temperatures (<1400°C). It is shown that the properties are sensitive to the amount of titanium used in the reaction‐sintering process. The mechanism of formation of nanostructured TiB whiskers and the process of densification, both facilitated by tri‐modal powder particle packing and liquid/β‐phase regions, are illustrated. Mechanical property evaluations indicate that, unlike conventional nanoceramics, a good combination of hardness, strength, and toughness can be achieved by the control of microstructure. For example, the best TiB composition synthesized here resulted in a Vickers hardness of 16 GPa, an elastic modulus of 425 GPa, a mean flexural strength of 800 MPa, and a SEPB fracture toughness of 5.2 MPa√m. This combination of properties, from the perspective of room temperature applications, places the material on par with certain grades of silicon nitride (Si3N4) indicating that the material offers significant potential for further development.
Sex differences in developmental response to yeast hydrolysate supplements in adult Queensland fruit fly
Authors: Pérez‐Staples Diana , Weldon Christopher W. , Taylor Phillip W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPost‐teneral dietary supplements have been found to improve mating performance of male Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (Q‐fly) and show considerable promise for enhancement of sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes even when applied within the current 48 h pre‐release holding period. However, Q‐flies are released as a bisexual strain, and the positive effects of a diet including yeast hydrolysate for males may also boost reproductive development and sexual performance of females. Increased prevalence of mature sterile females can substantially dilute SIT efficacy as mating capacity of sterile males is largely depleted by sterile females rather than the relatively rare wild females. Here, we demonstrate that providing yeast hydrolysate for 48 h after adult emergence, emulating the current pre‐release holding period of Q‐fly SIT, leads to a significant increase in reproductive development and sexual performance in male Q‐flies. In contrast, female Q‐flies with access to yeast hydrolysate for 48 h had ovaries that were poorly developed and, particularly at younger ages, were less likely to mate and remate than females with continuous, ad libitum access to yeast hydrolysate. Our findings suggest that addition of yeast hydrolysate into the pre‐release diet of Q‐flies could be a cost‐effective means of releasing a bisexual strain with competitive males but with sexually immature females, thereby rendering it operationally more similar to a unisexual strain.
Evidence for Convergent Evolution in Gape Morphology of the Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus) with Swifts, Swallows, and Goatsuckers
Authors: Jones Landon R. , Black Hal L. , White Clayton M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTGape morphology has been linked to feeding and breeding ecology in raptors, according to the ingestion rate hypothesis. Mammal feeding raptors have larger gapes, allowing them to ingest prey more rapidly than bird feeders, which have evolved smaller average body sizes and gapes to capture more agile prey. One highly derived raptor, however, the Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus), specializes on colonial bats and swiftlets concentrated daily in a limited temporal window by capturing and swallowing them whole in flight. We hypothesized that the gape of the Bat Hawk evolved to feed rapidly on agile vertebrates limited temporally. We predicted that the gape of the Bat Hawk would be significantly larger than the gape of other raptors, more closely resembling the gapes of swifts (Apodidae), swallows (Hirundinidae), and goatsuckers (Caprimulgiformes). We measured gape area of the lower mandible in museum specimens representing 138 bird species in six orders. We also compared gape area by prey type in over 100 raptor species in three orders. We predicted that insectivorous raptors would exhibit gapes similar to mammal feeders but would differ from bird feeders because insects are not agile prey. The Bat Hawk had the largest gape of any raptor and more closely resembled the gape of insectivorous birds, which also swallow prey whole in flight. The evolution of an enlarged gape may have permitted the Bat Hawk to exploit a previously unrealized ecological niche. Gapes of bird feeding raptors were smaller than in mammal and insect feeders, supporting the ingestion rate hypothesis.
The Second Stroke Audit of Catalonia Shows Improvements in Many, but Not all Quality Indicators
Authors: Abilleira Sònia , Ribera Aida , Sánchez Emília , Tresserras Ricard , Gallofré Miquel 
Published: October 2011

Background Periodic audits allow monitoring of healthcare quality by comparing performances at different time points. Aims To assess quality of in-hospital stroke care in Catalonia in 2007 and compare it with 2005 (post-/preguidelines delivery, respectively). Methods Data on 13 evidence-based performance measures were collected by a retrospective review of medical records of consecutive stroke admissions (January–December 2007) to 47 acute hospitals in Catalonia. Adherence was calculated according to the ratio (patients with documented performance measures' compliance) (valid cases for that measure). Sampling weights were applied to produce estimates of compliance. The proportions of compliance with performance measures in both audits were compared using random-effects logistic regressions, with each performance measure as the dependent variable and audit edition as the explanatory variable to determine whether changes in stroke care quality occurred along time. Results We analyzed 1767 events distributed among 47 hospitals. In 2007, there was an increase in tissue plasminogen activator administrations (2·8% vs. 5·9%) and stroke unit admissions (16·6% vs. 22·6%) and a reduction in seven-day mortality (9·5% vs. 6·8%). Logistic regression models provided evidence of improved adherences to seven performance measures (screening of dysphagia, management of hyperthermia, baseline computed tomography scan, baseline glycemia, rehabilitation needs, early mobilization, and anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation), but worsening of management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and antithrombotics at discharge. The remaining three performance measures showed no changes. Conclusions The Second Stroke Audit showed improvements in most dimensions of care, although unexpectedly a few but relevant performance measures became worse. Therefore, periodic stroke audits are needed to check changes in quality of care over time.
Postcolonialism and the Study of Religion: Dissecting Orientalism, Nationalism, and Gender Using Postcolonial Theory
Authors: Goulet Nicole 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPostcolonialism in relation to the study of religion is most greatly informed by the development of postcolonial theory. While postcolonial theory is diverse in its methodological approach and content, the overarching concern is identifying colonialist constructions of knowledge (what Edward Said refers to as, ‘orientalism’) as they were used to justify and maintain the subordination of colonized groups. In particular, colonialist assumptions about religion as rooted in Judeo‐Christian morality are challenged by postcolonial theory, giving rise to new understandings of religious responses to the Empire. Postcolonial theorists have, in different ways, called to question these constructions of knowledge by critically evaluating the impact of these formulations as they pertain to religious ideologies and institutions. Further, by questioning key categories such as ‘religion’ and ‘the sacred’, as well as identifying responses to colonial rule in the form of nationalism, theorists have noted the ways in which women and the lower classes in particular have been impacted.
Derivatives of Plant Phenolic Compound Affect the Type III Secretion System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via a GacS-GacA Two-Component Signal Transduction System
Authors: Yamazaki Akihiro , Li Jin , Zeng Quan , Khokhani Devanshi , Hutchins William C. , Yost Angela C. , Biddle Eulandria , Toone Eric J. , Chen Xin , Yang Ching-Hong 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTAntibiotic therapy is the most commonly used strategy to control pathogenic infections; however, it has contributed to the generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To circumvent this emerging problem, we are searching for compounds that target bacterial virulence factors rather than their viability.Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen, possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS) as one of the major virulence factors by which it secretes and translocates T3 effector proteins into human host cells. The fact that this human pathogen also is able to infect several plant species led us to screen a library of phenolic compounds involved in plant defense signaling and their derivatives for novel T3 inhibitors. Promoter activity screening ofexoS, which encodes a T3-secreted toxin, identified two T3 inhibitors and two T3 inducers ofP. aeruginosaPAO1. These compounds alterexoStranscription by affecting the expression levels of the regulatory small RNAs RsmY and RsmZ. These two small RNAs are known to control the activity of carbon storage regulator RsmA, which is responsible for the regulation of the key T3SS regulator ExsA. As RsmY and RsmZ are the only targets directly regulated by GacA, our results suggest that these phenolic compounds affect the expression ofexoSthrough the GacSA-RsmYZ-RsmA-ExsA regulatory pathway.