bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genecological studies of groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.). IV. Rate of development in plants from different habitat types
Authors: THEAKER A. J. , BRIGGS D. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYIn order to test the hypothesis that precocious variants might be at a selective advantage in well‐weeded sites, ripen pollinated achenes of Senecio vulgaris L. were collected in eastern Britain from three populations representative of each of live habitat types (botanic gardens, field margins, inland and coastal sandy areas and shingle beaches) Some subject to weeding and cithers not. Progenies of a number of seed‐parents (families) were grown in a garden trial, and life‐history and reproductive characteristics were recorded, in particular the rate of development from sowing, with synchronous germination, to first fruiting. Populations from botanic gardens were characterized by families exhibiting precocious reproduction, a finding which supports oru initial hypothesis. However, a degree of variation was detected in samples from all three botanic gardens ‐ Orford, Kew and Cambridge ‐ confirming the results of an earlier study of groundsel in the University Botanic Garden, Cambridge. In contrast, samples from maritime shingle beaches had a slower rate of development. There was no evidence of population variation, suggesting that genetic drift or founder effects might be important or that there may be selection for a narrow range of phenotypes, in such areas. Furthermore, at Shingle Street, Suffolk, there was evidence of sharp local differentation between plants from the single beach and from an arable field margin, 50m away, located behind sea defence. The characteristics of plants from other habitat types are discussed in relation to the apparent selection pressures imposed by different land use. Our results provide evidence of trade‐offs in life‐history evolution, e.g. the precocious variants were comparatively dwarf at first fruiting and shorter‐lived.
Taphonomy of plant remains on floodplains of tundra rivers, present and Pleistocene
Authors: WEST R. G. , ANDREW R. , PETTIT M. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYPlant remains in fine sediments on the floodplains of the Sagavanirklok and Atigun Rivers on the North Slope of Alaska have been analysed and related to sedimentary processes. The pollen spectra are very different from those from pool or surface samples from the wider regional vegetation. The difference is explained by rapidity and time of deposition. The macroscopic remains include elements of the floodplain and moist tundra communities, and include shrubs, heath taxa and herbs. The relation between the macroscopic remains and pollen spectra is examined. The results are compared with pollen spectra from Pleistocene cold‐stage fluviatile sequences in East Anglia, where similar differences have been found between the pollen spectra and macroscopic remains from sediments of floodplains and pools. The importance of a knowledge of taphonomy in interpreting pollen and macroscopic assemblages is stressed.
Metabolic responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees to long‐term forest management practices and acute (NH4)2SO4 fertilization: transport of soluble non‐protein nitrogen compounds in xylem and phloem
Authors: WEBER PAUL , STOERMER HEIKE , GEßLER ARTHUR , SCHNEIDER STEPHAN , VON SENGBUSCH DOMINIK , HANEMANN ULRIKE , RENNENBERG HEINZ 
Published: September 2010

From laboratory experiments with seedlings and young trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), a cycling pool of soluble non‐protein N compounds is thought to be indicative of the N‐nutritional status of trees. In order to test whether this assumption can be transferred to mature trees grown in the field, xylem sap and phloem exudate were collected from spruce trees in two remote forest stands: (1) a N‐limited stand (Villingen site), and (2) a stand where trees are sufficiently supplied with N from the soil (Schluchsee site). Trees at these sites were c. 80–100 (Villingen site) and c. 40–60 (Schluchsee site) yr old. In addition to untreated control areas, one entire watershed area at both sites was subjected to (NH2)2SO4 fertilization to the soil.In the xylem sap of the spruce roots at both sites Gln, Asp and Arg were the dominant total soluble non‐protein nitrogen (TSNN) compounds. In the xylem sap of the trunk and the twigs Arg was virtually absent and Gln plus Asp dominated TSNN. On average, TSNN in the xylem sap of trees at the Schluchsee site was 1·5–2‐fold higher than those at Villengen. Highest TSNN contents in the xylem sap were found during growth and development of current year tissues, while the lowest TSNN contents were found in summer. At the Villingen site (NH4)2SO4 fertilization caused an increase in the Gln content in the xylem sap of all tree sections analysed as well as an increase in the Arg content in the xylem sap of the roots. At the Schluchsee site only a small increase in TSNN contents of the xylem was observed, mostly in the xylem sap of the roots. In phloem exudates TSNN contents were much higher in trees on the Schluchsee than on the Villingen site. The seasonal pattern of TSNN in phloem exudates was similar to the seasonal pattern found in the xylem sap. During spring and early summer Gln was the predominant TSNN compound in phloem exudates, but during late summer and autumn Arg became predominant. At the Villingen site (NH4)2SO4 fertilization caused a significant increase in TSNN contents in phloem exudates of twigs and roots, but at Schluchsee an increase in TSNN was found only in phloem exudates of the roots. At both field sites Arg that was not transported to the shoot by xylem transport, was allocated from the leaves to the roots by phloem transport and was cycled within the root system by both xylem and phloem transport. From these results it is calculated that shoot‐to‐root signalling by long‐distance transport of amino compounds can also contribute to the regulation of N‐nutrition of mature spruce trees. Apparently, the internal cycling of individual N compounds within spruce trees differs considerably.
Seed dormancy and the control of germination
Authors: Finch‐Savage William E. , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard 
Published: September 2010

SummarySeed dormancy is an innate seed property that defines the environmental conditions in which the seed is able to germinate. It is determined by genetics with a substantial environmental influence which is mediated, at least in part, by the plant hormones abscisic acid and gibberellins. Not only is the dormancy status influenced by the seed maturation environment, it is also continuously changing with time following shedding in a manner determined by the ambient environment. As dormancy is present throughout the higher plants in all major climatic regions, adaptation has resulted in divergent responses to the environment. Through this adaptation, germination is timed to avoid unfavourable weather for subsequent plant establishment and reproductive growth. In this review, we present an integrated view of the evolution, molecular genetics, physiology, biochemistry, ecology and modelling of seed dormancy mechanisms and their control of germination. We argue that adaptation has taken place on a theme rather than via fundamentally different paths and identify similarities underlying the extensive diversity in the dormancy response to the environment that controls germination.

Contents

Summary
501

I.
Introduction
502

II.
What is dormancy and how is it related to germination?
502

III.
How is nondeep physiological dormancy regulated within the seed at the molecular level?
509

IV.
How is nondeep physiological seed dormancy regulated by the  environment? Ecophysiology and modelling
514

V.
Conclusions and perspectives
518

Acknowledgements
519

References
519

Supplementary material
523
The small RNA world of plants
Authors: Bonnet Eric , Van de Peer Yves , Rouzé Pierre 
Published: September 2010

SummaryRNA has many functions in addition to being a simple messenger between the genome and the proteome. Over two decades, several classes of small noncoding RNAs c. 21 nucleotides (nt) long have been uncovered in eukaryotic genomes, which appear to play a central role in diverse and fundamental processes. In plants, small RNA‐based mechanisms are involved in genome stability, gene expression and defense. Many of the discoveries in this new ‘small RNA world’ were made by plant biologists. Here, we discuss the three major classes of small RNAs that are found in the plant kingdom, namely small interfering RNAs, microRNAs, and the recently discovered trans‐acting small interfering RNAs. Recent results shed light on the identification, integration and specialization of the different components (Dicer‐like, Argonaute, and others) involved in the biogenesis of the different classes of small RNAs in plants. Owing to the development of better experimental and computational methods, an ever increasing number of small noncoding RNAs are uncovered in different plant genomes. In particular the well‐studied microRNAs seem to act as key regulators in several different developmental pathways, with a marked preference for transcription factors as targets. In addition, an increasing amount of data suggest that they also play an important role in other mechanisms, such as response to stress or environmental changes.

Contents

Summary
451

I.
Introduction
452

II.
Small interfering RNAs
453

III.
MicroRNAs
455

IV.
Trans‐acting siRNAs
462

V.
Conclusion and perspectives
462

Acknowledgements
463

References
463
Jasmonate signalling network in Arabidopsis thaliana: crucial regulatory nodes and new physiological scenarios
Authors: Balbi Virginia , Devoto Alessandra 
Published: September 2010

SummaryPlant development and stress responses are regulated by complex signalling networks that mediate specific and dynamic plant responses upon activation by various types of exogenous and endogenous signal. In this review, we focus on the latest published work on jasmonate (JA) signalling components and new regulatory nodes in the transcriptional network that regulates a number of diverse plant responses to developmental and environmental cues. Not surprisingly, the majority of the key revelations in the field have been made in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, for comparative reasons, we integrate information on Arabidopsis with recent reports for other plant species (when available). Recent findings on the regulation of plant responses to pathogens by JAs, as well as new evidence implicating JAs in the regulation of senescence, suggest a common mechanism of JA action in these responses via distinct groups of transcription factors. Moreover, a significant increase in the amount of evidence has allowed placing of specific mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as crucial regulatory nodes in the defence signalling network. In addition, we report on new physiological scenarios for JA signalling, such as organogenesis of nitrogen‐fixing nodules and anticancer therapy.

Contents

Summary
1

I.
Introduction
2

II.
Key players in the jasmonate biosynthetic and signalling pathways
2

III.
High‐throughput studies add new elements to stress‐activated signalling networks
6

IV.
Novel contribution of kinase cascades to cross‐talk between jasmonate and other defence‐signalling pathways
8

V.
Jasmonates and senescence
10

VI.
New physiological scenarios for jasmonates
11

VII.
Conclusions and perspectives
13

Acknowledgements
13

References
13
Documentation of diabetes care in home nursing service in a Swedish municipality: a cross‐sectional study on nurses’ documentation
Authors: Annersten Gershater Magdalena , Pilhammar Ewa , Alm Roijer Carin 
Published: September 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 220–226

Documentation of diabetes care in home nursing service in a Swedish municipality: a cross‐sectional study on nurses’ documentation Objectives:  To assess what was documented by Registered Nurses regarding diabetes care in a Swedish municipality’s home nursing service; to what extent diabetes‐related nursing actions were planned for, performed and evaluated according to the goals of metabolic control, treatment and prevention of complications.Design:  Cross‐sectional study.Subjects:  Registered Nurses’ documentation of patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 172).Main outcome measurers:  Number of recorded different nursing actions planned, performed and evaluated.Result:  The overall standard of records was insufficient. Evaluation of blood glucose levels and metabolic control was documented in 61% of the records; weight was documented in 4% of the records. Blood pressure was recorded in 10%. Ongoing foot ulcers were documented in 21%. Patient education or actions to prevent foot ulcers was not recorded. Tablet and insulin administration were well recorded. The nursing process was not followed.Study limitation:  Updated medicine lists were missing in many files, this might have resulted in an underestimation of the number of included records.Conclusion:  The Registered Nurses are responsible for a vulnerable patient group suffering from multi‐organ disease unable to maintain their own diabetes self‐care. Insufficient documentation may lead to impaired quality of care. We suggest that improved documentation routines include a structure of planning, performing and evaluation of metabolic control (blood glucose measurements, Hba1c, weight and nutrition status), complications (regular blood pressure measurements, protective foot care) and education of health care assistants in assisted diabetes self‐care.
Increased effect of the ApoE gene on survival at advanced age in healthy and long‐lived Danes: two nationwide cohort studies
Authors: Jacobsen Rune , Martinussen Torben , Christiansen Lene , Jeune Bernard , Andersen‐Ranberg Karen , Vaupel James W. , Christensen Kaare 
Published: September 2010

SummaryStudies of Nordic twins suggest an increased genetic influence on mortality with age. Contrary to this, the heterogeneity hypothesis predicts that the mortality of individuals carrying a ‘frail’ or ‘risky’ genotype in a population will approach that of noncarriers with age because of selection pressure. The ApoE ε4 allele is associated with an increased mortality risk, and its effect has been suggested to decrease with age. Here, we investigated the effect of ApoE ε4 allele on survival in a sample of the healthiest and long‐lived Danes. The study population comprised Danes born in 1905 and a replicate sample of the 1895 cohort. For the 1905 cohort, a total of 350 carriers and 1256 noncarriers of the ApoE ε4 allele were followed from 1998 until death or end of follow‐up. Cox regression models were used for the analysis. Of the 1606 persons with known ApoE ε4 status in 1998, 1546 had died at the end of the 10‐year follow‐up. Carriers of the ApoE ε4 allele had an increased mortality compared to noncarriers, and the influence of ApoE status on mortality increased in the age interval 92–103. For the covariates sex and independency status, the difference in relative risk of death between groups decreased with advancing age. Our findings of increasing influence of ApoE ε4 allele on mortality with age do not support previous findings of decreased influence ApoE ε4 allele on mortality with age, and alternative models such as the multifactorial threshold models should be considered for understanding the genetic effects on mortality at advanced age.
Employee Choice of a High‐Deductible Health Plan across Multiple Employers
Authors: Lave Judith R. , Men Aiju , Day Brian T. , Wang Wei , Zhang Yuting 
Published: September 2010

Objective. To determine factors associated with selecting a high‐deductible health plan (HDHP) rather than a preferred provider plan (PPO) and to examine switching and market segmentation after initial selection.Data Sources/Study Setting. Claims and benefit information for 2005–2007 from nine employers in western Pennsylvania first offering HDHP in 2006.Study Design. We examined plan growth over time, used logistic regression to determine factors associated with choosing an HDHP, and examined the distribution of healthy and sick members across plan types.Data Extraction. We linked employees with their dependents to determine family‐level variables. We extracted risk scores, covered charges, employee age, and employee gender from claims data. We determined census‐level race, education, and income information.Principal Findings. Health status, gender, race, and education influenced the type of individual and family policies chosen. In the second year the HDHP was offered, few employees changed plans. Risk segmentation between HDHPs and PPOs existed, but it did not increase.Conclusions. When given a choice, those who are healthier are more likely to select an HDHP leading to risk segmentation. Risk segmentation did not increase in the second year that HDHPs were offered.
Provider‐Hospital “Fit” and Patient Outcomes: Evidence from Massachusetts Cardiac Surgeons, 2002–2004
Authors: Huesch Marco D. 
Published: September 2010

Objective. To examine whether the “fit” of a surgeon with hospital resources impacts cardiac surgery outcomes, separately from hospital or surgeon effects.Data Sources. Retrospective secondary data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Data Analysis Center, on all 12,983 adult isolated coronary artery bypass surgical admissions in state‐regulated hospitals from 2002 through 2004. Clinically audited chart data was collected using Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database tools and cross‐referenced with administrative discharge data in the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy. Mortality was followed up through 2007 via the state vital statistics registry.Study Design. Analysis was at the patient level for those receiving isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Sixteen outcomes included 30‐day mortality, major morbidity, indicators of perioperative, and predischarge processes of care. Hierarchical crossed mixed models were used to estimate fixed covariate and random effects at hospital, surgeon, and hospital × surgeon level.Principal Findings. Hospital volume was associated with significantly reduced intraoperative durations and significantly increased probability of aspirin, β‐blocker, and lipid‐lowering discharge medication use. The proportion of outcome variability due to unobserved hospital × surgeon interaction effects was small but meaningful for intraoperative practices, discharge destination, and medication use. For readmissions and mortality within 30 days or 1 year, unobserved patient and hospital factors drove almost all variability in outcomes.Conclusions. Among Massachusetts patients receiving isolated CABG, consistent evidence was found that the hospital × surgeon combination independently impacted patient outcomes, beyond hospital or surgeon effects. Such distinct local interactions between a surgeon and hospital resources may play an important part in moderating quality improvement efforts, although residual patient‐level factors generally contributed the most to outcome variability.
Twenty Years of Coverage: An Enhanced Current Population Survey—1989–2008
Authors: Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Davern Michael E. 
Published: September 2010

Objective. To create a consistent time series to understand coverage trends by harmonizing 20 years of insurance coverage estimates from the Current Population Survey (CPS) that are an available public resource.Data Source. 1990–2009 CPS Annual Social and Economic Supplement data.Study Design. CPS data are enhanced to account for methodological and conceptual changes in health insurance measurement and population control totals.Principal Findings. The enhancements to the CPS result in an approximately 1 percent reduction in uninsurance rates. Reductions vary over time and by age group. Changes over the last two decades differ slightly using the two data sources. For example, the enhanced data show a greater erosion of private coverage.Conclusion. The enhanced data provide the most consistent measure of health insurance coverage over the past two decades.
Immunohistochemical detection of HER‐2/neu expression in spontaneous feline mammary tumours
Authors: Winston J. , Craft D. M. , Scase T. J. , Bergman P. J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMammary gland tumours (MGT) are the third most common tumours in the cat. At least 85% are malignant and metastasis is common. The HER‐2/neu protooncogene encodes a 185‐kDa transmembrane tyrosine receptor kinase protein. Approximately 25–30% of human MGT demonstrate HER‐2/neu protein overexpression in the malignant cells, and overexpression has been associated with an increased metastatic propensity and a decreased prognosis. No reports have been published, to date, investigating the expression of Her‐2/neu in cats or cats with spontaneous mammary tumours. Based on the increased percentage of malignant mammary cancers in cats, compared to that in dogs, and the correlation of an increased malignancy and a decreased prognosis with Her‐2 overexpression in human mammary cancer, we hypothesized that cats with spontaneous malignant mammary adenocarcinoma overexpress Her‐2/neu in the neoplastic mammary epithelial cells. Thirty cats with MGT were assayed for Her‐2/neu immunohistochemical expression. The median percentage of cells from feline MGT expressing Her‐2/neu by utilizing the Dako polyclonal and CB11 monoclonal antibodies was 85 and 92.5, respectively. Her‐2/neu expression intensity grades 2 and 3 consistent with the overexpression by utilizing the Dako polyclonal and CB11 monoclonal antibodies were observed in 90 and 76.7% of cats with MGT, respectively. The level of overexpression concordance across the two antibodies was 70%. The results from this study suggest that Her‐2/neu overexpression is common in cats with spontaneous MGT, and therefore appears to represent an excellent model for Her‐2/neu‐overexpressing human breast cancer.
Canine PHA‐stimulated adherent cell enhance interferon‐gamma production and proliferation of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Ide Kaori , Momoi Yasuyuki , Iwasaki Toshiroh 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDendritic cells are specialized antigen‐presenting cells with immuno‐modulating functions that are attractive for clinical applications for cancer immunotherapy. This study examined immunostimulatory functions of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐stimulated adherent cells (PHA‐Ad cells) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in dogs. PHA‐Ad cells enhanced interferon‐γ from autologous PBMC in vitro. PHA‐Ad cells also stimulated antigen‐independent proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes. These results suggest that PHA‐Ad cells from PBMC possess a stimulatory function to evoke anti‐tumour immunity and that they demonstrate potential for therapeutic applications in dogs.