bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Xylem phenology and wood production: resolving the chicken‐or‐egg dilemma
Authors: LUPI CARLO , MORIN HUBERT , DESLAURIERS ANNIE , ROSSI SERGIO 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTDelays in the start of the growing season reduce the period available for growth and the amount of xylem production. However, a higher number of developing tracheids could prolong cell differentiation and, consequently, lengthen the growing season. The relationship between the amount and duration of cell production in the xylem remains an unresolved issue. The aim of this study was to resolve the chicken‐or‐egg causality dilemma about duration of growth and cell production through simple‐ and double‐cause models. This was achieved by (1) analysing the intra‐annual growth dynamics of the xylem in Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP during 2006–2009 in two contrasting sites of the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada, and (2) extracting the dates of onset and ending of xylem formation and the number of radial cells along the tree ring.A higher number of cells was linked to an earlier onset (r = 0.74) and later ending (r = 0.61) of cell differentiation. The absence of a relationship between the residuals of the onset and ending of xylogenesis (rp = −0.06) indicated that cell production influenced the correlation between the two phenophases of the xylem.These results demonstrated that a higher number of cells produced delay the ending of xylem maturation, so extending the duration of wood formation.
Intraspecific variation in the Populus balsamifera drought transcriptome
Authors: HAMANISHI ERIN T. , RAJ SHEROSHA , WILKINS OLIVIA , THOMAS BARB R. , MANSFIELD SHAWN D. , PLANT AINE L. , CAMPBELL MALCOLM M. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTDrought is a major limitation to the growth and productivity of trees in the ecologically and economically important genus Populus. The ability of Populus trees to contend with drought is a function of genome responsiveness to this environmental insult, involving reconfiguration of the transcriptome to appropriately remodel growth, development and metabolism. Here we test hypotheses aimed at examining the extent of intraspecific variation in the drought transcriptome using six different Populus balsamifera L. genotypes and Affymetrix GeneChip technology. Within a given genotype there was a positive correlation between the magnitude of water‐deficit induced changes in transcript abundance across the transcriptome, and the capacity of that genotype to maintain growth following water deficit. Genotypes that had more similar drought‐responsive transcriptomes also had fewer genotypic differences, as determined by microarray‐derived single feature polymorphism (SFP) analysis, suggesting that responses may be conserved across individuals that share a greater degree of genotypic similarity. This work highlights the fact that a core species‐level response can be defined; however, the underpinning genotype‐derived complexities of the drought response in Populus must be taken into consideration when defining both species‐ and genus‐level responses.
Origin and evolution of polygonal cracks in hydrous sulphate sands, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Authors: CHAVDARIAN GREGORY V. , SUMNER DAWN Y. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe nucleation and propagation of polygonal cracks in hydrous sulphate dunes at White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, are affected by water availability, transport through the sand and exchange with the atmosphere. These gypsum sands are cohesive enough to crack due to capillary forces and gypsum cements formed during evaporation. Surface cracks form five‐sided polygons with a variety of triple‐junction angles. Cracks extend down to variable depths and polygons increase in size with depth, showing a maturation similar to experimentally produced polygonal columns in drying corn starch. Results from two years of monitoring crack geometries, temperature and humidity demonstrate that cracks form when water is lost to the atmosphere through the transport of water vapour. Subsurface relative humidity below 5 to 10 cm is almost always maintained at 100% by the evaporation and condensation of water in thin films on grains. The amplitude of daily temperature and thus absolute humidity changes decreases with depth, consistent with lower evaporation and condensation rates with increasing depth. Changes in absolute humidity and the contrast between humidity in pore spaces versus the overlying atmosphere result in significant water loss from the dunes except during times of precipitation and frost/dew condensation. This water loss allows cracks to nucleate and propagate into the dunes. This study hypothesizes that crack tips propagate into sand to the depth at which thin films of water on grains are drying, and that this depth varies from the surface of the dune during precipitation events to depths greater than 45 cm when dunes are drier.
Evolutionary conservation, diversity and specificity of LTR‐retrotransposons in flowering plants: insights from genome‐wide analysis and multi‐specific comparison
Authors: Du Jianchang , Tian Zhixi , Hans Christian S. , Laten Howard M. , Cannon Steven B. , Jackson Scott A. , Shoemaker Randy C. , Ma Jianxin 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe availability of complete or nearly complete genome sequences from several plant species permits detailed discovery and cross‐species comparison of transposable elements (TEs) at the whole genome level. We initially investigated 510 long terminal repeat‐retrotransposon (LTR‐RT) families comprising 32 370 elements in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Approximately 87% of these elements were located in recombination‐suppressed pericentromeric regions, where the ratio (1.26) of solo LTRs to intact elements (S/I) is significantly lower than that of chromosome arms (1.62). Further analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between S/I and LTR sizes, indicating that larger LTRs facilitate solo LTR formation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed seven Copia and five Gypsy evolutionary lineages that were present before the divergence of eudicot and monocot species, but the scales and timeframes within which they proliferated vary dramatically across families, lineages and species, and notably, a Copia lineage has been lost in soybean. Analysis of the physical association of LTR‐RTs with centromere satellite repeats identified two putative centromere retrotransposon (CR) families of soybean, which were grouped into the CR (e.g. CRR and CRM) lineage found in grasses, indicating that the ‘functional specification’ of CR pre‐dates the bifurcation of eudicots and monocots. However, a number of families of the CR lineage are not concentrated in centromeres, suggesting that their CR roles may now be defunct. Our data also suggest that the envelope‐like genes in the putative Copia retrovirus‐like family are probably derived from the Gypsy retrovirus‐like lineage, and thus we propose the hypothesis of a single ancient origin of envelope‐like genes in flowering plants.
A rice fungal MAMP‐responsive MAPK cascade regulates metabolic flow to antimicrobial metabolite synthesis
Authors: Kishi‐Kaboshi Mitsuko , Okada Kazunori , Kurimoto Leona , Murakami Shinya , Umezawa Toshiaki , Shibuya Naoto , Yamane Hisakazu , Miyao Akio , Takatsuji Hiroshi , Takahashi Akira , Hirochika Hirohiko 
Published: May 2010

SummaryPlants recognize potential microbial pathogens through microbial‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and activate a series of defense responses, including cell death and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diverse anti‐microbial secondary metabolites. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are known to play a pivotal role in mediating MAMP signals; however, the signaling pathway from a MAPK cascade to the activation of defense responses is poorly understood. Here, we found in rice that the chitin elicitor, a fungal MAMP, activates two rice MAPKs (OsMPK3 and OsMPK6) and one MAPK kinase (OsMKK4). OsMPK6 was essential for the chitin elicitor‐induced biosynthesis of diterpenoid phytoalexins. Conditional expression of the active form of OsMKK4 (OsMKK4DD) induced extensive alterations in gene expression, which implied dynamic changes of metabolic flow from glycolysis to secondary metabolite biosynthesis while suppressing basic cellular activities such as translation and cell division. OsMKK4DD also induced various defense responses, such as cell death, biosynthesis of diterpenoid phytoalexins and lignin but not generation of extracellular ROS. OsMKK4DD‐induced cell death and expression of diterpenoid phytoalexin pathway genes, but not that of phenylpropanoid pathway genes, were dependent on OsMPK6. Collectively, the OsMKK4–OsMPK6 cascade plays a crucial role in reprogramming plant metabolism during MAMP‐triggered defense responses.
Impact of hookworm infection and deworming on anaemia in non‐pregnant populations: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Jennifer L. , Brooker Simon 
Published: May 2010

SummaryObjectives To summarise age‐ and intensity‐stratified associations between human hookworm infection and anaemia and to quantify the impact of treatment with the benzimidazoles, albendazole and mebendazole, on haemoglobin and anaemia in non‐pregnant populations.Methods Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed) were searched for relevant studies published between 1980 and 2009, regardless of language, and researchers contacted about potential data. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was compared between uninfected individuals and individuals harbouring hookworm infections of different intensities, expressed as standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta‐analysis of randomised control trials (RCTs) investigated the impact of treatment on Hb and anaemia.Results Twenty‐three cross‐sectional studies, six pre‐ and post‐intervention studies and 14 trials were included. Among cross‐sectional studies, moderate‐ and heavy‐intensity hookworm infections were associated with lower Hb in school‐aged children, while all levels of infection intensity were associated with lower Hb in adults. Among RCTs using albendazole, impact of treatment corresponded to a 1.89 g/l increase (95%CI: 0.13–3.63) in mean Hb while mebendazole had no impact. There was a positive impact of 2.37 g/l (95%CI: 1.33–3.50) on mean Hb when albendazole was co‐administered with praziquantel, but no apparent additional benefit of treatment with benzimidazoles combined with iron supplementation. The mean impact of treatment with benzimidazoles alone on moderate anaemia was small (relative risk (RR) 0.87) with a larger effect when combined with praziquantel (RR 0.61).Conclusions Anaemia is most strongly associated with moderate and heavy hookworm infection. The impact of anthelmintic treatment is greatest when albendazole is co‐administered with praziquantel.
Successful treatment of canine necrolytic migratory erythema (superficial necrolytic dermatitis) due to metastatic glucagonoma with octreotide
Authors: Oberkirchner Ursula , Linder Keith E. , Zadrozny Leah , Olivry Thierry 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNecrolytic migratory erythema (NME; also known as superficial necrolytic dermatitis) is a syndrome most often associated with certain chronic liver diseases or pancreatic glucagonomas. In humans with glucaconoma‐associated NME, skin lesions usually respond to octreotide, a somatostatin analogue that inhibits glucagon release. In this report an 11‐year‐old golden retriever dog with pancreatic glucononoma and metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, spleen and liver was diagnosed with NME. The dog exhibited erosions, ulcers and crusts on the paws, pressure points, muzzle, periocular area and prepuce. The dog was also anorexic and had difficulty walking. Because metastasis precluded surgery, treatment was initiated with subcutaneous octreotide (2 μg/kg twice daily). Skin lesions and systemic clinical signs improved markedly within 5 days. The dosage was increased to nearly 3 μg/kg twice daily and signs almost completely resolved within 10 days. Anorexia was the major adverse effect observed. During the following month, both dosage (1–3.7 μg/kg) and frequency (two to four times daily) of the octreotide injections were adjusted to permit control of clinical signs while maintaining adequate appetite. Temporary cessation of octreotide administration resulted in the rapid recurrence of skin lesions. Resuming injections led to improvement of clinical signs within 48 h. The dog was later euthanized because of progressive metastatic disease. In conclusion, subcutaneous octreotide injections were beneficial in this dog with glucagonoma‐associated NME. This somatostatin analogue could be a valuable option to treat canine patients with non‐resectable or relapsing pancreatic glucagonoma‐associated NME.
The efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara®) in the treatment of aural plaque in horses: a pilot open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Torres Sheila M. F. , Malone Erin D. , White Stephen D. , Koch Sandra N. , Watson Johanna L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAural plaques affect at least 22% of horses and can be asymptomatic or cause ear sensitivity. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopy studies have shown a strong association between aural plaques and papilloma virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier with potent antiviral activity, in the treatment of equine aural plaques. Twenty‐one horses were enrolled and 16 completed the study. Imiquimod 5% cream was applied three times a week, every other week. When both ears were affected only the worst affected ear was treated. Adverse effects in all horses included marked local inflammation, exudation and thick crust formation at the site of treatment and the adjacent skin. Removal of the crust before treatment was painful and required sedation in most horses. Complete resolution of lesions was noted in all horses immediately post‐treatment and the long‐term resolution rate was 87.5%. Duration of therapy ranged from 1.5 to 8 months (median: 2.9 mean: 3.5). All horses were followed‐up for 12–22 months after treatment was discontinued and only two horses had a recurrence of lesions. Clinical signs related to the aural plaques prior to treatment were reported in 11 of 16 (68.8%) horses and included resistance to touching the ears and bridling. Complete resolution of these signs was reported by the owners in all of the horses followed‐up for at least 12 months. In conclusion, the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream is an efficacious treatment for aural plaques in horses.
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF ACTIVE WATER INSOLUBLE DERIVATIVES OF ADENOSINE DEAMINASE
Authors: Lucacchini A. , Ronca G. , Montali U. , Rossi C. A. 
Published: May 2010

Adenosine deaminase (adenosine aminohydrolase E.C.3.5.4.4.) purified from calf intestinal mucosa, has been bound to polyacrylamide derivatives by reaction with their diazo or acyl azide groups.0.2–1.6 mg of protein were bound to 100 mg of insoluble product and retained 2–11% of free enzyme activity. The most active preparations were obtained in presence of purine riboside, a competitive inhibitor of adenosine deaminase.Km, pH‐activity curve, activation energy for the breakdown of the enzyme substrate complex are the same for insoluble derivatives and native enzyme.Insoluble adenosine deaminase is more resistent to heat denaturation, pH extremes and lyophilization than the native enzyme.
SPECIFIC FLUORESCENT DERIVATIVES OF MACROMOLECULES.
Authors: Schoellmann Guenther 
Published: May 2010

1‐Dimethylamino‐5‐naphthalene sulfonyl (dansyl)‐derivatives of phenylalanine and lysine were synthesized and employed to introduce highly fluorescent groups into the active centers of chymotrypsin and trypsin utilizing the active‐site directed labeling technique. N‐alpha‐dansyl‐L‐phenylalanyl chloromethane reacted irreversibly with chymotrypsin. A second order rate constant of 8.8 M‐1 sec‐1 was found. Trypsin was specifically inactivated by N‐alpha‐dansyl‐L‐lysyl bromomethane with a second order rate constant of 3.5 M‐1 sec‐1.Both enzymes were completely and stoichiometrically inactivated by reaction of the inhibitors with a single histidine residue as determined by amino acid analysis. From previous work with structurally similar inhibitors, histidine residue‐57 of chymotrypsin and histidine residue‐46 of trypsin are inferred to have been modified in the reaction. After performic acid rearrangement and acid hydrolysis, 3‐carboxymethyl‐histidine could be identified showing that the alkylation had occurred at nitrogen‐3 of the histidine residue involved.Because of their fluorescent properties the new inhibitors can be considered as probes into the microenvironment of the active site of these enzymes.
HAEMOLYTIC FACTOR FROM BULL SEMINAL VESICLE FLUID: CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, AMINO ACID COMPOSITION
Authors: Kysilka Čenék 
Published: May 2010

Some chemical and biochemical properties of bull seminal vesicle haemolytic factor, the protein responsible for the haemolysis of red blood cells, are described. The molecule has only one N‐terminal amino acid, aspartic acid, although subunit arrangement was described previously. The haemolytic activities of the native and chemically modified protein were compared. The activities of the reduced, reduced and carboxamido‐methylated, and oxidized protein were all substantially decreased. N‐terminal analysis shows that the whole particle of haemolytic factor is probably composed of ten identical subunits. It is supposed that decrease of haemolytic activity results from a splitting of disulphide bonds.No proteolytic activity was demonstrated; however, some evidence for phospholipolytic activity was observed. The isoelctric point was determined to be pH 4.5.The amino acid composition of haemolytic factor is given.
Periumbilical parasitic thumbprint purpura: Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome acquired from a cadaveric renal transplant
Authors: Weiser J.A. , Scully B.E. , Bulman W.A. , Husain S. , Grossman M.E. 
Published: May 2010

J.A. Weiser, B.E. Scully, W.A. Bulman, S. Husain, M.E. Grossman. Periumbilical parasitic thumbprint purpura: Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome acquired from a cadaveric renal transplant. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 58–62. All rights reservedAbstract: Periumbilical parasitic thumbprint purpura may be a presenting sign of hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in the immunocompromised host. We report a case of fatal hyperinfection strongyloidiasis acquired from a cadaveric renal allograft, diagnosed by the pathognomonic periumbilical thumbprint purpuric eruption, confirmed by skin biopsy and laboratory testing.
Diagnostic criteria in patients with complex regional pain syndrome assessed in an out‐patient clinic
Authors: VAN BODEGRAVEN HOF E. A. M. , GROENEWEG G. J. , WESSELDIJK F. , HUYGEN F. J. P. M. , ZIJLSTRA F. J. 
Published: May 2010

Background: Specific criteria have been described and accepted worldwide for diagnosing patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Nevertheless, a clear‐cut diagnosis cannot be confirmed in a number of cases.Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the described diagnostic criteria used by several clinical disciplines.Methods: We included 195 patients who were referred to our pain clinic within a period of 1 year. Data were collected on patient characteristics, signs, symptoms, disease‐related medication, and the background of the referring clinicians.Results: The Harden and Bruehl criteria were confirmed in 95 patients (49%). These patients used a higher than average number of analgesics, opiates, and anti‐oxidants, and frequently received prescriptions for benzodiazepines instead of anti‐depressants. The mean disease duration was 29 ± 4.6 months and the mean visual analogue score for pain was 8.1 ± 0.19. A subgroup of patients had a colder temperature in the affected extremity compared with the unaffected extremity. This subgroup showed a longer disease duration and higher visual analogue scale pain.Conclusion: The diagnostic criteria used to determine CRPS should be further improved. A large number of referred patients experienced substantial pain, without receiving adequate medication. Disease‐related medication is unrelated to CRPS‐specific disease activity. Knowledge of underlying mechanisms is warranted before an adequate pharmaceutical intervention can be considered.
Acute kidney injury with renal replacement therapy in trauma patients
Authors: BEITLAND S. , MOEN H. , OS I. 
Published: May 2010

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) with renal replacement therapy (RRT) is rare in trauma patients. The primary aim of the study was to assess incidence, mortality and chronic RRT dependency in this patient group.Methods: Adult trauma patients with AKI receiving RRT at a regional trauma referral center over a 12‐year period were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Population‐based incidence of post‐traumatic AKI with RRT was 1.8 persons per million inhabitants per year (p.p.m./year) [95% confidence the interval (CI) 1.5–2.1 p.p.m./year]. In trauma patients admitted to hospital, incidence was 0.5‰ (95% CI 0.3–0.7‰) of those treated in intensive care unit (ICU), it was 8.3% (95% CI 5.9–10.8%). The median age was 46 years. Odds ratio (OR) for post‐traumatic AKI requiring RRT was higher in males than in females in general population (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.2–14.0), and in trauma patients admitted to hospital (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9–10.3) and ICU (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.9–10.7). The in‐hospital mortality rate was 24% (95% CI 11–37%), 3‐month mortality 36% (95% CI 21–51%) and 1‐year mortality 40% (95% CI 25–55%). Age was a risk factor for death after 1 year, with 57% (95% CI 7–109%) increased risk for each 10 years added. None of the survivors was dialysis‐dependent 3 months or 1 year after trauma.Conclusion: AKI in trauma patients requiring RRT was rare in this single‐center study. More males than females were affected. Mortality was modest, and renal recovery was excellent as none of the survivors became dependent on chronic RRT.
Molecular evolutionary analysis of seminal receptacle sperm storage organ genes of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: PROKUPEK A. M. , EYUN S.‐I. , KO L. , MORIYAMA E. N. , HARSHMAN L. G. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSperm storage organs are common and broadly distributed among animal taxa. However, little is known about how these organs function at the molecular level. Additionally, there is a paucity of knowledge about the evolution of genes expressed in these organs. This investigation is an evolutionary expressed sequence tag (EST) study of genes expressed in the seminal receptacle, one of the sperm storage organs in Drosophila. The incidence of positive selection is higher for the seminal receptacle genes than Drosophila reproductive genes as a whole, but lower than genes associated with the spermatheca, a second type of Drosophila sperm storage organ. By identifying overrepresented classes of proteins and classes for which sperm storage function is suggested by the nature of the proteins, candidate genes were discovered. These candidates belong to protein classes such as muscle contraction, odorant binding and odorant receptor, protease inhibitor and immunity.