bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell division and endoreduplication play important roles in stem swelling of tuber mustard (Brassica juncea Coss. var. tumida Tsen et Lee)
Authors: Shi H. , Wang L. L. , Sun L.T. , Dong L. L. , Liu B. , Chen L. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe investigated spatio‐temporal variations in cell division and the occurrence of endoreduplication in cells of tuber mustard stems during development. Cells in the stem had 8C nuclei (C represents DNA content of a two haploid genome), since it is an allotetraploid species derived from diploid Brassica rapa (AA) and B. nigra (BB), thus indicating the occurrence of endoreduplication. Additionally, we observed a dynamic change of cell ploidy in different regions of the swollen stems, with a decrease in 4C proportion in P4‐1 and a sharp increase in 8C cells that became the dominant cell type (86.33% at most) in the inner pith cells. Furthermore, cDNAs of 14 cell cycle genes and four cell expansion genes were cloned and their spatial transcripts analysed in order to understand their roles in stem development. The expression of most cell cycle genes peaked in regions of the outer pith (P2 or P3), some genes regulating S/G2 and G2/M (BjCDKB1;2, BjCYCB1;1 and BjCYCB1;2) significantly decrease in P5 and P6, while G1/S regulators (BjE2Fa, BjE2Fb and BjE2Fc) showed a relative high expression level in the inner pith (P5) where cells were undergoing endoreduplication. Coincidentally, BjXTH1and BjXTH2 were exclusively expressed in the endoreduplicated cells. Our results suggest that cells of outer pith regions (P2 and P3) mainly divide for cell proliferation, while cells of the inner pith expand through endoreduplication. Endoreduplication could trigger expression of BjXTH1 and BjXTH2 and thus function in cell expansion of the pith tissue.
Functional expression and characterisation of membrane transport proteins
Authors: Haferkamp I. , Linka N. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMembrane transporters set the framework organising the complexity of plant metabolism in cells, tissues and organisms. Their substrate specificity and controlled activity in different cells is a crucial part for plant metabolism to run pathways in concert. Transport proteins catalyse the uptake and exchange of ions, substrates, intermediates, products and cofactors across membranes. Given the large number of metabolites, a wide spectrum of transporters is required. The vast majority of in silico annotated membrane transporters in plant genomes, however, has not yet been functionally characterised. Hence, to understand the metabolic network as a whole, it is important to understand how transporters connect and control the metabolic pathways of plant cells. Heterologous expression and in vitro activity studies of recombinant transport proteins have highly improved their functional analysis in the last two decades. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in membrane protein expression and functional characterisation using various host systems and transport assays.
Host responses in Norway spruce roots induced to the pathogen Ceratocystis polonica are evaded or suppressed by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor
Authors: Nagy N. E. , Fossdal C. G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe outcome of a compatible mycorrhizal interaction is different from that in a compatible plant–pathogen interaction; however, it is not clear what mechanisms are used to evade or suppress the host defence. The aim of this work is to reveal differences between the interaction of Norway spruce roots to the pathogen Ceratocystis polonica and the ectomycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor, examine if L. bicolor is able to evade inducing host defence responses typically induced by pathogens, and test if prior inoculation with the ectomycorrhizal fungus affects the outcome of a later challenge with the pathogen. The pathogen was able to invade the roots and caused extensive necrosis, leading to seedling death, with or without prior inoculation with L. bicolor. The ectomycorrhizal L. bicolor colonised primary roots of the Norway spruce seedlings by partly covering, displacing and convoluting the cells of the outer root cortex, leaving the seedlings healthy. We detected increased total peroxidase activity, and staining indicating increased lignification in roots as a response to C. polonica. In L. bicolor inoculated roots there was no increase in total peroxidase activity, but an additional highly acidic peroxidase isoform appeared that was not present in healthy roots, or in roots invaded by the pathogen. Increased protease activity was detected in roots colonised by C. polonica, but little protease activity was detected in L. bicolor inoculated roots. These results suggest that the pathogen efficiently invades the roots despite the induced host defence responses, while L. bicolor suppresses or evades inducing such host responses in this experimental system.
A new overtraining protocol for mice based on downhill running sessions
Authors: Pereira Bruno C , Filho Luís AL , Alves Guilherme F , Pauli José R , Ropelle Eduardo R , Souza Claudio T , Cintra Dennys E , Saad Mario JA , Silva Adelino SR 
Published: May 2012

Summary

The purpose of the present study was to verify whether a downhill running protocol was able to induce non‐functional overreaching in > 75% of mice.
Mice were divided into control (C), trained (TR) and overtrained (OTR) groups. Bodyweight and food intake were recorded weekly. The incremental load test (ILT) and the exhaustive test (ET) were used to measure performance before and after aerobic training and overtraining protocols.
Although the bodyweight of the OTR group was lower than that of the C group at the end of Week 7, the food intake of the OTR group was higher than that of the C and TR groups at the end of Week 8. Evaluation of results from the ILT and ET revealed significant intra‐ and inter‐group differences: whereas the parameters measured by both tests increased significantly in the TR group, they were significantly decreased in the OTR group.
In conclusion, this new overtraining protocol based on downhill running sessions induced non‐functional overreaching in 100% of mice.
High‐resolution lithostratigraphy and organic carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Lower Triassic pelagic sequence in central Japan
Authors: SAKUMA HIRONOBU , TADA RYUJI , IKEDA MASAYUKI , KASHIYAMA YUICHIRO , OHKOUCHI NAOHIKO , OGAWA NANAKO O. , WATANABE SATOKO , TAJIKA EIICHI , YAMAMOTO SHINJI 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAfter the severest mass extinction event in the Phanerozoic, biotic recovery from the extinction at the Permian–Triassic boundary required approximately 5 my, which covers the entire Early Triassic. It is important to obtain information on the superocean Panthalassa, which occupied most of the world ocean, to explore paleoenvironmental changes during the Early Triassic at the global scale. In order to establish the continuous lithostratigraphy of pelagic sediments in Panthalassa during the Early Triassic, high‐resolution reconstruction of the Lower Triassic pelagic sequence in Japan was conducted for the first time based on detailed field mapping and lithostratigraphic correlation in the Inuyama area, central Japan. The reconstructed Early Triassic sequence is approximately 9.5 m thick, consists of five rock types, and is divided into eight lithological units. For the reconstructed continuous sequence, measurement of carbon isotopic composition of sedimentary organic matter (δ13Corg) was carried out. Stratigraphic variation of the δ13Corg value shows large‐amplitude fluctuations between −34.4 and −21.0‰ throughout the sequence. In order to establish a higher resolution age model for the reconstructed Lower Triassic pelagic sequence, we correlated δ13Corg records in the Inuyama area with high‐resolution isotopic profiles of carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb) from shallow‐marine carbonate sequences in southern China based on the similarity in general variation patterns with age constraints by radiolarian and conodont biostratigraphy. The result provides a high‐resolution time scale for the pelagic sequence of Panthalassa during the Smithian and Spathian. The age model suggests a drastic increase in sedimentation rate during the late Smithian, which should have been caused by the increase in terrigenous input to this site.
Lateral variations in the lithology and organic chemistry of a black shale sequence on the Mesoarchean seafloor affected by hydrothermal processes: The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia
Authors: KIYOKAWA SHOICHI , ITO TAKASHI , IKEHARA MINORU , YAMAGUCHI KOSEI E. , KOGE SHOICHIRO , SAKAMOTO RYO 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia is a 3.2 Ga volcanic–sedimentary sequence influenced by syndepositional hydrothermal activity formed in an island‐arc setting. We documented lateral variations in stratigraphy, hydrothermal alteration, and biological activity recorded in the sedimentary rocks (over several kilometers), with the aim of identifying areas of biological activity and related small‐scale structures. The Dixon Island Formation comprises volcaniclastics, black chert, and iron‐rich chert within seven tectonic blocks. Based on detailed geological mapping, stratigraphic columns, carbon isotope composition, and organic carbon (Corg) content, we found lateral (>5 km) variations in stratigraphy and carbon isotope compositions in a black chert sequence above the Mesoarchean seafloor with hydrothermal activity. Two felsic tuff layers are used as stratigraphic marker beds within a black chert sequence, which was deposited on altered volcanic rocks. The black chert sequence in each tectonic block is 10–20 m thick. Thickness variations reflect topographical undulations in the paleo‐ocean floor due to faulting. Early‐stage normal faults indicate extensional conditions after hydrothermal activity. Black chert beds in the topographically subsided area contain higher Corg contents (about 0.4 wt%) than in areas around the depression (<0.1 wt%). Carbon isotope compositions for the black chert vary from −40 to −25‰, which are similar to values obtained for a black chert vein within the komatiite–rhyolite tuff sequence (underlying the black chert sequence). Those for other rock types in the Dixon Island Formation are −33 to −15‰. Results indicate that deformation occurred soon after the final stages of hydrothermal activity. After this early‐stage deformation, organic‐rich sediments were deposited over an area several kilometers across. The organic‐rich sediments indicate stagnant anoxic conditions that resulted in the deposition of siliceous and organic matter from hydrothermal vein systems. When hydrothermal activity terminated, normal faulting occurred and organic matter was deposited from the sea surface and silica from the seafloor.
Esterases and glutathione S‐transferases contribute to pyrethroid resistance in western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Thalavaisundaram Swaminathan , Wilkes Meredith A , Mansfield Sarah , Rose Harley A , Herron Grant A 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWestern flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentali s (Pergande), has developed a high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Australia. Biochemical examination of those pyrethroid‐resistant populations shows esterase activity 2.0‐ to 6.5‐fold higher in six of the seven resistant field populations compared with the susceptible population. This increase in esterase activity in the resistant populations was further supported by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and inhibition studies with the organophosphate insecticide profenofos. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed differences in the banding pattern and intensity of the esterase isozymes between the pyrethroid‐resistant and susceptible F. occidentalis populations. Glutathione S‐transferase activity was significantly higher (up to 1.7‐fold) in five of the seven resistant field populations when compared with the susceptible populations. Esterases appear to be an important mechanism that contributes to pyrethroid resistance. Glutathione S‐transferases may also play a role in pyrethroid resistance in Australian F. occidentalis populations.
Rate, associated factors and outcomes of recurrence of Kawasaki disease in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chahal Nita , Somji Zeeshanefatema , Manlhiot Cedric , Clarizia Nadia A. , Ashley Justin , Yeung Rae S. M. , McCrindle Brian W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  Previous studies on recurrence of Kawasaki disease (KD) have mostly been limited to Japan, which has an incidence of KD 8–10‐fold higher than North America. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of KD recurrence for patients in Ontario, to identify factors potentially associated with increased odds of recurrence, and to compare the clinical course and outcomes of index and recurrent KD episodes.Methods:  Review was undertaken of all patients with recurrence of KD identified in Ontario, Canada, from 1995 to 2006. All patients with recurrence of KD (defined as at least three clinical signs of KD in addition to fever ≥5 days), presenting ≥14 days after the return to baseline from the index episode were included.Results:  A total of 1010 patients were followed for 5786 patient‐years. During this period a total of 17 recurrent episodes in 16 patients were identified at a median of 1.5 years after the initial episode (2 weeks–5 years). Rate of recurrence of KD was 2.9 episodes/1000 patient‐years, which is higher than the expected annual incidence of KD in the same age group (26.2/100 000 per year). No factors associated with increased risk of recurrence were identified, perhaps due to the small number of events. Clinical course and outcomes of the index and recurrent KD episodes were similar.Conclusions:  A previous history of KD should increase the index of suspicion for future episodes of KD to allow for rapid recognition, treatment and to achieve optimal outcomes.
Prevalence and risk factors of excess weight in school children in West Greece
Authors: Jelastopulu Eleni , Kallianezos Panagiotis , Merekoulias Georgios , Alexopoulos Evangelos C. , Sapountzi‐Krepia Despina 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe present study estimated the prevalence of childhood obesity and identified risk factors in 10–13 year old children. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, including 200 children and their parents, in seven randomly‐selected primary schools across Patras, Greece. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured, and self‐reported information was collected via face‐to‐face interviews. Body mass index was calculated for the children and their parents. The effect of risk factors on overweight and obesity was analyzed using regression analysis. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32% and 10.5%, respectively. The odds of being overweight/obese increased in children whose parents had a lower educational level and/or higher body mass index. Fewer daily meals and more time spent in front of the television and/or on the computer were significantly associated with obesity in 10–13 year old children. The prevalence of excess weight in primary school children in Patras is of concern, especially for boys. Children's nutritional habits, leisure activities, and parental characteristics influence their somatometric characteristics. These findings highlight the need for future weight loss interventions targeted at this population.
Culture and listeners’ gaze responses to stuttering
Authors: Zhang Jianliang , Kalinowski Joseph 
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Background: It is frequently observed that listeners demonstrate gaze aversion to stuttering. This response may have profound social/communicative implications for both fluent and stuttering individuals. However, there is a lack of empirical examination of listeners’ eye gaze responses to stuttering, and it is unclear whether cultural background plays a role in regulating listeners’ eye gaze response to stuttering.Aim: To examine listeners’ eye gaze responses to stuttering speech relative to fluent speech in three cultural groups.Methods & Procedures: Eighteen African‐American, 18 European‐American and 18 Chinese adults were audiovisually presented with three stuttering and three fluent speech samples, when an eye‐tracking device simultaneously recorded their gaze behaviours. The targets of listeners’ eye gaze included four regions of interest (ROIs) on the speaker's face: eyes, nose, mouth and outside (i.e., everything else). Listeners’ per cent of gaze time, gaze fixation count and average duration of gaze fixation were analysed with repeated‐measures ANOVAs regarding each ROI as functions of the speaker's fluency status and listeners’ cultural background.Outcomes & Results: When observing stuttering speech, listeners tended to reduce gaze fixation duration on the speaker's eyes and increase their gaze time on the mouth. However, different from the two American groups, the Chinese group reduced their gaze time on the speaker's mouth. In addition, the Chinese participants’ gaze behaviours were more focused on the ROI of outside, whereas the two American groups showed a similar focus on the ROIs of eyes and mouth.Conclusions & Implications: All groups of listeners responded to stuttering with gaze aversions mainly contributed to by a reduction in gaze fixation duration rather than gaze fixation number. This pattern of gaze aversion suggests that stuttering oppresses listeners with an emotional and/or cognitive overload. Attention shift and compensation strategies for speech signal degradation may also account for listeners’ gaze responses to stuttering. Cultural differences in eye gaze responses to stuttering were observed mainly between Chinese and American listeners.
Measuring word complexity in speech screening: single‐word sampling to identify phonological delay/disorder in preschool children
Authors: Anderson Carolyn , Cohen Wendy 
Published: May 2012

Abstract Background: Children's speech sound development is assessed by comparing speech production with the typical development of speech sounds based on a child's age and developmental profile. One widely used method of sampling is to elicit a single‐word sample along with connected speech. Words produced spontaneously rather than imitated may give a more accurate indication of a child's speech development. A published word complexity measure can be used to score later‐developing speech sounds and more complex word patterns. There is a need for a screening word list that is quick to administer and reliably differentiates children with typically developing speech from children with patterns of delayed/disordered speech.Aims: To identify a short word list based on word complexity that could be spontaneously named by most typically developing children aged 3;00–5;05 years.Methods & Procedures: One hundred and five children aged between 3;00 and 5;05 years from three local authority nursery schools took part in the study. Items from a published speech assessment were modified and extended to include a range of phonemic targets in different word positions in 78 monosyllabic and polysyllabic words. The 78 words were ranked both by phonemic/phonetic complexity as measured by word complexity and by ease of spontaneous production.Outcome & Results: The ten most complex words (hereafter Triage 10) were named spontaneously by more than 90% of the children. There was no significant difference between the complexity measures for five identified age groups when the data were examined in 6‐month groups. A qualitative analysis revealed eight children with profiles of phonological delay or disorder. When these children were considered separately, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005) between the mean word complexity measure of the group compared with the mean for the remaining children in all other age groups. The Triage 10 words reliably differentiated children with typically developing speech from those with delayed or disordered speech patterns.Conclusions & Implications: The Triage 10 words can be used as a screening tool for triage and general assessment and have the potential to monitor progress during intervention. Further testing is being undertaken to establish reliability with children referred to speech and language therapy services.
Serotonin of mast cell origin contributes to hippocampal function
Authors: Nautiyal Katherine M. , Dailey Christopher A. , Jahn Jaquelyn L. , Rodriquez Elizabeth , Son Nguyen Hong , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Silver Rae 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn the central nervous system, serotonin, an important neurotransmitter and trophic factor, is synthesized by both mast cells and neurons. Mast cells, like other immune cells, are born in the bone marrow and migrate to many tissues. We show that they are resident in the mouse brain throughout development and adulthood. Measurements based on capillary electrophoresis with native fluorescence detection indicate that a significant contribution of serotonin to the hippocampal milieu is associated with mast cell activation. Compared with their littermates, mast cell‐deficient C57BL/6 KitW‐sh/W‐sh mice have profound deficits in hippocampus‐dependent spatial learning and memory and in hippocampal neurogenesis. These deficits are associated with a reduction in cell proliferation and in immature neurons in the dentate gyrus, but not in the subventricular zone – a neurogenic niche lacking mast cells. Chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, reverses the deficit in hippocampal neurogenesis in mast cell‐deficient mice. In summary, the present study demonstrates that mast cells are a source of serotonin, that mast cell‐deficient C57BL/6 KitW‐sh/W‐sh mice have disrupted hippocampus‐dependent behavior and neurogenesis, and that elevating serotonin in these mice, by treatment with fluoxetine, reverses these deficits. We conclude that mast cells contribute to behavioral and physiological functions of the hippocampus and note that they play a physiological role in neuroimmune interactions, even in the absence of inflammatory responses.
Identification, localization and function of glutamate‐gated chloride channel receptors in the honeybee brain
Authors: El Hassani Abdessalam Kacimi , Schuster Steffen , Dyck Yan , Demares Fabien , Leboulle Gérard , Armengaud Catherine 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGlutamate‐gated chloride channels (GluCls) are members of the cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channel superfamily whose presence has been reported in a variety of invertebrate tissues. In the honeybee, a single gene, amel_glucl, encoding a GluClα subunit, was found in the genome but both the pattern of expression of this gene in the bee brain and its functional role remained unknown. Here we localised the expression sites of the honeybee GluClα subunit at the mRNA and protein levels. To characterise the functional role of GluCls in the honeybee brain, we studied their implication in olfactory learning and memory by means of RNA interference (RNAi) against the GluClα subunit. We found that the GluClα subunit is expressed in the muscles, the antennae and the brain of honeybees. Expression of the GluClα protein was necessary for the retrieval of olfactory memories; more specifically, injection of dsRNA or siRNA resulted in a decrease in retention performances ∼24 h after injection. Knockdown of GluClα subunits impaired neither olfaction nor sucrose sensitivity, and did not affect the capacity to associate odor and sucrose. Our data provide the first evidence for the involvement of glutamate‐gated chloride channels in olfactory memory in an invertebrate.