bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Partial Characterization of Pelargonium leaf curl virus, Moroccan pepper virus and Eggplant mottled crinkle virus from Plant and Soil in Iran
Authors: Rasoulpour Rasoul , Izadpanah Keramat 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe experimental host range and the coat protein gene sequences of Pelargonium leaf curl virus (PLCV) from geranium and Moroccan pepper virus (MPV) isolated from soil were determined. PLCV was trapped from infested soil by Jimson weed (Datura stramonium), maize (Zea mays) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Results of virus trapping and detection revealed the presence of PLCV, MPV and Eggplant mottled crinkle virus in soil and plants. Sequence data showed variation in the populations of these viruses. Analysis of the coat protein amino acid sequence showed 97–99% homology between these virus isolates and corresponding sequences in the GenBank. The study also showed the association of Olpidium sp. with plants infected by these viruses.
A Pilot Comparison of Laser‐Assisted vs Piezo Drill ICSI for theIn VitroProduction of Horse Embryos
Authors: Smits K , Govaere J , Hoogewijs M , Piepers S , Van Soom A 
Published: September 2011

ContentsIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the method of choice for thein vitroproduction (IVP) of equine embryos. However, conventional ICSI has been associated with mechanical damage to the oocyte caused by the deformation of the zona pellucida (ZP) and exposure of the oolemma to negative pressure during injection. Introduction of the less traumatic and more efficient piezo drill‐assisted ICSI (PDAI) yielded higher cleavage rates and more consistent results. Nevertheless, PDAI is also associated with disadvantages such as the use of mercury and possible DNA damage. This led us to explore an alternative method avoiding oocyte trauma, namely laser‐assisted ICSI (LAI), which involves creating a hole in the ZP prior to ICSI. In this pilot study, PDAI and LAI were compared for ICSI in the horse. No significant influences on subsequent embryonic development were observed.
Effect of Vitrification of Feline Ovarian Cortex on Follicular and Oocyte Quality and Competence
Authors: Luvoni GC , Tessaro I , Apparício M , Ruggeri E , Luciano AM , Modina SC 
Published: September 2011

ContentsCryopreservation of ovarian cortex has important implications in the preservation of fertility and biodiversity in animal species. Slow freezing of cat ovarian tissue resulted in the preservation of follicular morphology and in the follicular development after xenografting. Vitrification has been recently applied to ovarian tissues of different species, but no information is available on the effect of this method on feline ovarian cortex. Moreover, meiotic competence of fully grown oocytes isolated from cryopreserved tissue has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification of feline ovarian cortex on follicular morphology and oocyte integrity, as well as meiotic competence. A total of 352 fragments (1.5–2 mm3) were obtained from ovarian cortical tissues: 176 were vitrified and 176 were used fresh as control. Histological evaluation of fresh and vitrified fragments showed intact follicles after cryopreservation procedures with no statistically significant destructive effect from primordial to antral follicles. After IVM, oocytes collected from vitrified ovarian fragment showed a higher proportion of gametes arrested at germinal vesicle (GV) stage compared to those isolated from fresh control tissue (33.8% vs 2.9%; p < 0.001). However, oocytes isolated from vitrified tissues were able to resume meiosis, albeit at lower rate than those collected from fresh tissues (39.8% vs 85.9%; p < 0.00001). Vitrification induced changes in the organization of cytoskeletal elements (actin microfilaments and microtubules) of oocytes, but significantly only for actin network (p < 0.001). Finally, chromatin configuration within the GV was not affected by the cryopreservation procedure. Our study demonstrated that vitrification preserves the integrity of ovarian follicles and that oocytes retrieved from cryopreserved tissue maintain the capability of resuming meiosis. To our knowledge, this has not previously been reported in the cat.
The ethics of paediatric research
Authors: Spriggs Merle , Caldwell Patrina HY 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPaediatric research is essential for improving health outcomes of children. Waiting for adult studies before conducting paediatric studies will prolong the denial of effective treatment for children. If we rely on information from adult studies rather than conducting studies with children, we risk causing harm to children. In this paper, we identify and examine ethical issues unique to conducting research with children. These include the function and the value of a child's assent and the criteria that should guide a proxy in making decisions about a child's involvement in research, offering payment to children for research participation and acceptable levels of risk for paediatric research. Justice demands that children not be denied the benefits of research, and it is the role of the paediatric medical community to advocate not only for more research for children but also to ensure that the research conducted is of the highest quality.
Monitoring air pollution: Use of early warning systems for public health
Authors: KELLY FRANK J. , FULLER GARY W. , WALTON HEATHER A. , FUSSELL JULIA C. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTResearch confirming the detrimental impact poor ambient air quality and episodes of abnormally high pollutants has on public health, plus differential susceptibility, calls for improved understanding of this complex topic among all walks of society. The public and particularly, vulnerable groups, should be aware of their quality of air, enabling action to be taken in the event of increased pollution. Policy makers must have a sound awareness of current air quality and future trends, to identify issues, guide policies and monitor their effectiveness. These attitudes are dependent upon air pollution monitoring, forecasting and reporting, serving all interested parties. Apart from the underlying national regulatory obligation a country has in reporting air quality information, data output serves several purposes. This review focuses on provision of real‐time data and advanced warnings of potentially health‐damaging events, in the form of national air quality indices and proactive alert services. Some of the challenges associated with designing these systems include technical issues associated with the complexity of air pollution and its science. These include inability to provide precise exposure concentrations or guidance on long‐term/cumulative exposures or effects from pollutant combinations. Other issues relate to the degree to which people are aware and positively respond to these services. Looking to the future, mobile devices such as cellular phones, equipped with sensing applications have potential to provide dynamic, temporally and spatially precise exposure measures for the mass population. The ultimate aim should be to empower people to modify behaviour—for example, when to increase medication, the route/mode of transport taken to school or work or the appropriate time to pursue outdoor activities—in a way that protects their health as well as the quality of the air they breathe.
A NOD2 gene polymorphism is associated with the prevalence and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Japanese population
Authors: KINOSE DAISUKE , OGAWA EMIKO , HIROTA TOMOMITSU , ITO ISAO , KUDO MEGUMI , HARUNA AKANE , MARUMO SATOSHI , HOSHINO YUMA , MURO SHIGEO , HIRAI TOYOHIRO , SAKAI HIROAKI , DATE HIROSHI , TAMARI MAYUMI , MISHIMA MICHIAKI 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Genetic background is thought to be one of the risk factors for development of COPD. Recently, it has been proposed that the innate immune system is involved in the pathophysiology of COPD. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in the nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)1 and NOD2 genes would be associated with the pathogenesis of COPD. In addition, the associations between these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypes of COPD were analysed.Methods:  Japanese COPD patients (n = 228) and non‐COPD smokers (n = 101) were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan. At entry into the study, a blood sample was taken and a pulmonary function test was performed. Genotyping was performed for 6 selected tag SNPs of NOD1 and 5 tag SNPs of NOD2. Further investigations were performed for SNP that were associated with COPD, including baseline gene expression, the relative proportions of splicing variants in whole blood, responses to ligand and enhancement of gene expression in peripheral blood neutrophils stimulated with pro‐inflammatory cytokines.Results:  The distribution of NOD2 rs1077861 genotypes differed between Japanese COPD patients and non‐COPD smokers (P = 0.036). This SNP was also associated with a lower FEV1 % predicted (57.2 ± 1.8 for TT vs 50.8 ± 2.3 for TA/AA, P = 0.03) and DLCO/VA (2.89 ± 0.1 in TT vs 2.53 ± 0.14 in TA/AA, P = 0.036) in COPD patients. NOD2 gene expression after stimulation with 10 ng/mL of tumour necrosis factor‐α for 4 h, was increased to a greater extent in TA/AA genotype than in TT genotype peripheral blood neutrophils (P = 0.015).Conclusions:  The NOD2 rs1077861 SNP may influence the development and progression of COPD in Japanese subjects.
Calibration of a probabilistic cohesive zone model for generating a fracture nomograph
Authors: SHANMUGAM V , PENMETSA R , TUEGEL E 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIn the recent years, Cohesive Zone Models (CZMs) have gained increasing popularity for modelling the fracture process [1] and also in other applications like composite de‐lamination [2] solder failures [3] in circuits, etc. This can be attributed to the ability of the CZM to adapt to the nonlinearities in the process it represents by adjusting the model parameters. These parameters that are selected to represent the material behaviour in the vicinity of the crack or a damage zone are non‐deterministic in nature resulting in random fracture strength estimates. Currently, there are no standardized tests for measuring the CZM parameters and their random scatter. Numerous researchers in the literature suggest values for the CZM parameters based on their experience from limited test data. Traditionally, fracture toughness is determined through coupon tests for any material system that is being analysed using Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics to determine the fracture strength of a specimen. Since data for fracture toughness are available, this research is aimed at determining the probability density functions (PDFs) for the cohesive zone parameters that would give the same scatter in fracture strength as that obtained from the test statistics. Correlations between the model parameters were introduced to improve the accuracy of the fracture strength PDF. A finite width cracked plate was selected as a test case to demonstrate the process. This paper also presents evidence that material scatter can be isolated from the geometric effects to determine a normalized PDF of fracture strength for a given material. This normalized PDF can then be scaled, using mean fracture strength, to any crack configuration to develop a nomograph that can be used to rapidly assess risk without the need for a probabilistic fracture analysis.
Computation of Plane Crack Stress Intensity Factors Using Trigonometric Wavelet Finite Element Method
Authors: HE W.‐Y. , REN W.‐X. , YANG Z.‐J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe trigonometric wavelet has both good approximation characteristics of trigonometric function and multi‐resolution, local characteristics of wavelet. It is used in this study as interpolation functions in the finite element (FE) method. FE formulations for elastic plane problems are derived based on the principle of minimum potential energy. Stress intensity factors of plane stress problems with cracks are computed based on the displacement extrapolation technique. The wavelet hierarchical and multi‐resolution approaches are also used to improve accuracy of calculations. Numerical examples have shown that the proposed trigonometric wavelet finite element formulations are effective for computing the stress intensity factors with a small number of elements. Both wavelet hierarchical and wavelet multi‐resolution methods lead to improved computational accuracy. They can be selected according to the problems to be solved.
Fracture toughness and growth of short and long fatigue cracks in ductile cast iron EN‐GJS‐400‐18‐LT
Authors: ZAMBRANO H. R. , HÄRKEGÅRD G. , STÄRK K. F. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTHeavy components of ductile cast iron frequently exhibit metallurgical defects that behave like cracks under cyclic loading. Thus, in order to decide whether a given defect is permissible, it is important to establish the fatigue crack growth properties of the material. In this paper, results from a comprehensive study of ductile cast iron EN‐GJS‐400‐18‐LT have been reported. Growth rates of fatigue cracks ranging from a few tenths of a millimetre (‘short’ cracks) to several millimetres (‘long’ cracks) have been measured for load ratios R=−1, R= 0 and R= 0.5 using a highly sensitive potential‐drop technique. Short cracks were observed to grow faster than long cracks. The threshold stress intensity range, ΔKth, as a function of the load ratio was fitted to a simple crack closure model. Fatigue crack growth data were compared with data from other laboratories. Single plain fatigue tests at R=−1 and R= 0 were also carried out. Fracture toughness was measured at temperatures ranging from −40 °C to room temperature.
Pulmonary function over 2 years in diabetic patients treated with prandial inhaled Technosphere Insulin or usual antidiabetes treatment: a randomized trial
Authors: Raskin P. , Heller S. , Honka M. , Chang P.‐C. , Boss A. H. , Richardson P. C. , Amin N. 
Published: September 2011

Aims: Development of inhaled insulin has increased the need to understand its pulmonary safety. This study evaluated pulmonary function changes in diabetes patients receiving inhaled Technosphere Insulin (TI) or usual antidiabetes treatment (usual care).Methods: This randomized, open‐label study was conducted at 220 sites (25 July 2005 to 29 August 2008). Pulmonary function tests [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC) and lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)] were prospectively followed over 2 years in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes receiving TI (n = 730) or usual care (n = 824), along with a cohort without diabetes not receiving any specific therapy (n = 145).Results: Baseline demographics and pulmonary function were similar between diabetes treatment groups. Lung function declined from baseline in all groups. TI was non‐inferior to usual care for mean change in FEV1 from baseline to month 24 [mean (s.e.m.) 0.037 (0.0119) l; 95% CI 0.014 to 0.060] using mixed‐model repeated‐measure with a pre‐specified non‐inferiority margin of 50 ml/year. After a greater initial decline at month 3 with TI, rate of change (slope) in FEV1, FVC and DLCO (months 3–24) was not statistically different between treatment groups. TI was well tolerated; no serious safety concerns emerged. The most common respiratory event associated with TI was mild, transient cough, occurring within minutes of inhalation.Conclusions: Observed changes in lung function with TI were small, occurred early after therapy initiation, remained non‐progressive over 2 years and were unlikely to be clinically meaningful.
Phylogeny and systematic revision of the family Pseudokeronopsidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotricha), with description of a new estuarine species of Pseudokeronopsis
Authors: Chen Xumiao , Clamp John C. , Song Weibo 
Published: September 2011

Chen, X., Clamp, J. C. & Song, W. (2011). Phylogeny and systematic revision of the family Pseudokeronopsidae (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotricha), with description of a new estuarine species of Pseudokeronopsis. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 659–671.The family Pseudokeronopsidae is a taxon of hypotrich ciliates with a history of uncertainty regarding its systematic and phylogenetic relationships to other members of the order Urostylida. Phylogenetic analyses of pseudokeronopsids were made using all available molecular and morphological information, and the patterns of morphogenesis of the group were reinvestigated. Results clearly demonstrated that the genera Thigmokeronopsis and Apokeronopsis are not confamilial with Pseudokeronopsis and Nothoholosticha but, instead, must be transferred to the family Urostylidae. A new estuarine species, Pseudokeronopsis erythrina sp. n. was discovered and described using a combination of morphological and molecular characters. Species of Pseudokeronopsis are difficult to characterize but can be distinguished from one another by a combination of morphological and morphogenetic characters. Pseudokeronopsis similis is a freshwater species that has significant morphogenetic differences with other members of the genus and may not be congeneric with them.
Molecular phylogeny endorses the relationship between carnivorous and filter‐feeding tunicates (Tunicata, Ascidiacea)
Authors: Tatián Marcos , Lagger Cristian , Demarchi Milagros , Mattoni Camilo 
Published: September 2011

Tatián, M., Lagger, C., Demarchi, M. & Mattoni, C. (2011). Molecular phylogeny endorses the relationship between carnivorous and filter‐feeding tunicates (Tunicata, Ascidiacea).—Zoologica Scripta, 40, 603–612.The phylogeny of the tunicates (animals considered the closest relatives to the vertebrates) is not yet completely defined, especially the evolutionary relationships within the class. Molecular studies do not include particular benthic deep‐sea species that show morphological changes in the evolution from filter feeding into a carnivorous‐feeding habit. According only to morphological features, these animals are considered as a part of the Class Ascidiacea (Family Hexacrobylidae), but also as a different class, Sorberacea, belonging to the Phylum Tunicata. In this study, we present a phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA sequences, which clearly included these animals in Ascidiacea but in the Family Molgulidae, faster‐evolving ascidians with a high evolution rate. This finding supports the idea that carnivory in Molgulidae represents a more recent adaptation to life in the ocean deep bottoms, where organisms have to adapt themselves to a less plentiful particulate organic carbon supply. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we propose the following new synonymy: Hexacrobylidae Seeliger 1906 = Molgulidae Lacaze‐Duthiers, 1877.
Phylogeny of a trans‐Wallacean radiation (Squamata, Gekkonidae,Gehyra) supports a single early colonization of Australia
Authors: Heinicke Matthew P. , Greenbaum Eli , Jackman Todd R. , Bauer Aaron M. 
Published: September 2011

Heinicke, M. P., Greenbaum, E., Jackman, T. R. & Bauer, A. M. Phylogeny of a trans‐Wallacean radiation (Squamata, Gekkonidae,Gehyra) supports a single early colonization of Australia. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 584–602.The genusGehyra(34 species) is rare among squamate reptile radiations in spanning continents, extending from southeast Asia to Australia and Polynesia. Among the family Gekkonidae sensu stricto,Gehyrais the only genus that is species rich in Australia. We performed molecular phylogenetic, divergence timing, and ancestral area analyses to investigate the evolutionary and biogeographic history ofGehyra. Phylogenetic analyses resolveHemiphyllodactylusas the closest relative ofGehyra. Some data also linkPerochirusto this group, but previously suggested relationships with other morphologically similar genera of geckos are not supported. WithinGehyra, three geographically discrete clades are recovered, respectively, concentrated in Asia, the Pacific islands and Australia. Ancestral area analyses suggest thatGehyraoriginated in Asia, with a single colonization of Australia occurring in the mid‐Cenozoic. This date places the time ofGehyracolonization prior to those of other Australian gekkonid geckos, but after the near‐endemic pygopodoid geckos, a Gondwanan relictual group. Based on these dates, times of origin may best explain relative differences in species diversity among Australian gekkotans. In contrast, although originating earlier,Gehyrais less diverse in Asia than in Australia. This pattern may be explained by the long‐term presence of many competing, ecologically similar genera in Asia (e.g.Gekko,Hemidactylus,Lepidodactylus), whereas nearly all pygopodoids in Australia (the only gekkotans present at the time of colonization of Australia byGehyra) are ecologically distinct.
Glycoproteins are species‐specific markers and major IgE reactants in grass pollens
Authors: Manduzio Hélène , Fitchette Anne‐Catherine , Hrabina Maud , Chabre Henri , Batard Thierry , Nony Emmanuel , Faye Loïc , Moingeon Philippe , Gomord Véronique 
Published: September 2011

SummaryGrass pollen allergic patients are concomitantly exposed and sensitized to pollens from multiple Pooideae (i.e. common grass) species. As such, they are currently desensitized by allergen‐specific immunotherapy using extracts made from mixes of pollens from Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis. Herein, we demonstrate that species‐specific glycoprotein patterns are documented by 1D and 2D electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis, which can be used as an identity test for such pollens. Most allergens are glycoproteins bearing complex N‐glycans encompassing β1,2 xylose and α1,3 fucose glycoepitopes. Glycoepitope destruction using periodate oxidation has no impact on seric IgE reactivity in 75% atopic patients (n = 24). The latter have thus no significant IgE responses to carbohydrate‐containing epitopes. In contrast, periodate treatment strongly impairs IgE recognition of glycoallergens in 25% of patients tested, demonstrating the presence of carbohydrate‐specific IgE in those patients. While the clinical impact of carbohydrate‐specific IgE is still a matter of controversy, the presence of these IgE in the serum of many allergic patients illustrates the need for cross‐reacting carbohydrate epitope‐free recombinant allergens to develop relevant diagnostic tests. These data also support the pertinence of mixing multiple grass pollens to desensitize atopic patients, with the aim to broaden the repertoire of glycoepitopes in the vaccine, thus mimicking natural exposure conditions.
Factors regulating fat oxidation in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Kiens B. , Alsted T. J. , Jeppesen J. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIn modern societies, oversupply of calories leads to obesity and chronic metabolic stress, which may lead to development of disease. Oversupply of calories is often associated with elevated plasma lipid concentrations and accumulation of lipids in skeletal muscle leading to decreased insulin sensitivity. Consequently, enhanced fat oxidation might be beneficial in counteracting lipid accumulation. Exercise is the most effective way to increase fat oxidation, because it increases metabolic rate. Lipid metabolism can also be altered by dietary manipulations. Thus, a fat rich diet leads to increased potential for fat oxidation by increasing the content of several of the proteins in the fat oxidative pathway. The regulation of both exercise and diet induced lipid oxidation will be discussed in this review.