bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drosophila Nemo Promotes Eye Specification Directed by the Retinal Determination Gene Network
Authors: Braid Lorena R , Verheyen Esther M 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Drosophila nemo (nmo) is the founding member of the Nemo-like kinase (Nlk) family of serine–threonine kinases. Previous work has characterized nmo's role in planar cell polarity during ommatidial patterning. Here we examine an earlier role for nmo in eye formation through interactions with the retinal determination gene network (RDGN). nmo is dynamically expressed in second and third instar eye imaginal discs, suggesting additional roles in patterning of the eyes, ocelli, and antennae. We utilized genetic approaches to investigate Nmo's role in determining eye fate. nmo genetically interacts with the retinal determination factors Eyeless (Ey), Eyes Absent (Eya), and Dachshund (Dac). Loss of nmo rescues ey and eya mutant phenotypes, and heterozygosity for eya modifies the nmo eye phenotype. Reducing nmo also rescues small-eye defects induced by misexpression of ey and eya in early eye development. nmo can potentiate RDGN-mediated eye formation in ectopic eye induction assays. Moreover, elevated Nmo alone can respecify presumptive head cells to an eye fate by inducing ectopic expression of dac and eya. Together, our genetic analyses reveal that nmo promotes normal and ectopic eye development directed by the RDGN.
Efficient Mapping of Plant Height Quantitative Trait Loci in a Sorghum Association Population With Introgressed Dwarfing Genes
Authors: Brown Patrick J , Rooney William L , Franks Cleve , Kresovich Stephen 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Of the four major dwarfing genes described in sorghum, only Dw3 has been cloned. We used association mapping to characterize the phenotypic effects of the dw3 mutation and to fine map a second, epistatic dwarfing QTL on sorghum chromosome 9 (Sb-HT9.1). Our panel of 378 sorghum inbreds includes 230 sorghum conversion (SC) lines, which are exotic lines that have been introgressed with dwarfing quantitative trait loci (QTL) from a common parent. The causal mutation in dw3 associates with reduced lower internode length and an elongation of the apex, consistent with its role as an auxin efflux carrier. Lines carrying the dw3 mutation display high haplotype homozygosity over several megabases in the Dw3 region, but most markers linked to Dw3 do not associate significantly with plant height due to allele sharing between Dw3 and dw3 individuals. Using markers with a high mutation rate and the dw3 mutation as an interaction term, significant trait associations were detected across a 7-Mb region around Sb-HT9.1, largely due to higher detection power in the SC lines. Conversely, the likely QTL interval for Sb-HT9.1 was reduced to ∼100 kb, demonstrating that the unique structure of this association panel provides both power and resolution for a genomewide scan.
Inducing Segmental Aneuploid Mosaicism in the Mouse Through Targeted Asymmetric Sister Chromatid Event of Recombination
Authors: Duchon Arnaud , Besson Vanessa , Pereira Patricia Lopes , Magnol Laetitia , Hérault Yann 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Loss or gain of whole chromosomes, or parts of chromosomes, is found in various pathological conditions, such as cancer and aneuploidy, and results from the missegregation of chromosomes during cellular division or abnormal mitotic recombination. We introduce a novel strategy for determining the consequences of segmental aneuploid mosaicism, called targeted asymmetric sister chromatin event of recombination (TASCER). We took advantage of the Cre/loxP system, used extensively in embryonic stem cells for generating deletions and duplications of regions of interest, to induce recombination during the G2 phase. Using two loxP sites in a Cis configuration, we generated in vivo cells harboring microdeletions and microduplications for regions of interest covering up to 2.2 Mb. Using this approach in the mouse provides insight into the consequences of segmental aneuploidy for homologous regions of the human chromosome 21 on cell survival. Furthermore, TASCER shows that Cre-induced recombination is more efficient after DNA replication in vivo and provides an opportunity to evaluate, through genetic mosaics, the outcome of copy number variation and segmental aneuploidy in the mouse.
A Novel Chimeric Low-Molecular-Weight Glutenin Subunit Gene From the Wild Relatives of Wheat Aegilops kotschyi and Ae. juvenalis: Evolution at the Glu-3 Loci
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Ma Wujun , Gao Liyan , Zhang Yanzhen , Wang Aili , Ji Kangmin , Wang Ke , Appels Rudi , Yan Yueming 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Four LMW-m and one novel chimeric (between LMW-i and LMW-m types) low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS) genes from Aegilops neglecta (UUMM), Ae. kotschyi (UUSS), and Ae. juvenalis (DDMMUU) were isolated and characterized. Sequence structures showed that the 4 LMW-m-type genes, assigned to the M genome of Ae. neglecta, displayed a high homology with those from hexaploid common wheat. The novel chimeric gene, designed as AjkLMW-i, was isolated from both Ae. kotschyi and Ae. juvenalis and shown to be located on the U genome. Phylogentic analysis demonstrated that it had higher identity to the LMW-m-type than the LMW-i-type genes. A total of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected among the 4 LMW-m genes, with 13 of these being nonsynonymous SNPs that resulted in amino acid substitutions in the deduced mature proteins. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that it had higher identity to the LMW-m-type than the LMW-i-type genes. The divergence time estimation showed that the M and D genomes were closely related and diverged at 5.42 million years ago (MYA) while the differentiation between the U and A genomes was 6.82 MYA. We propose that, in addition to homologous recombination, an illegitimate recombination event on the U genome may have occurred 6.38 MYA and resulted in the generation of the chimeric gene AjkLMW-i, which may be an important genetic mechanism for the origin and evolution of LMW-GS Glu-3 alleles as well as other prolamin genes.
Trends in Pediatric and Adult Bicycling Deaths Before and After Passage of a Bicycle Helmet Law
Authors: Wesson David E. , Stephens Derek , Lam Kelvin , Parsons Daria , Spence Laura , Parkin Patricia C. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to examine bicycle-related mortality rates in Ontario, Canada, from 1991 to 2002 among bicyclists 1 to 15 years of age and 16 years of age through adulthood and to determine the effect of legislation (introduced in October 1995 for bicyclists &lt;18 years of age) on mortality rates.METHODS. The average numbers of deaths per year and mortality rates per 100000 person-years for the prelegislation and postlegislation periods, and the percentage changes, were calculated for each of the 2 age groups (1–15 years and ≥16 years). Differences before and after legislation in the 2 age groups were modeled in a time series analysis.RESULTS. There were 362 bicycle-related deaths in the 12-year period (1–15 years: 107 deaths; ≥16 years: 255 deaths). For bicyclists 1 to 15 years of age, the average number of deaths per year decreased 52%, the mortality rate per 100000 person-years decreased 55%, and the time series analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in deaths after legislation. The estimated change in the number of deaths per month was −0.59 deaths per month. For bicyclists ≥16 years of age, there were only slight changes in the average number of deaths per year and the mortality rate per 100000 person-years, and the time series analysis demonstrated no significant change in deaths after legislation.CONCLUSIONS. The bicycle-related mortality rate in children 1 to 15 years of age has decreased significantly, which may be attributable in part to helmet legislation. A similar reduction for bicyclists 16 years of age through adulthood was not identified. These findings support promotion of helmet use, enforcement of the existing law, and extension of the law to adult bicyclists.
Values Parents Apply to Decision-Making Regarding Delivery Room Resuscitation for High-Risk Newborns
Authors: Boss Renee D. , Hutton Nancy , Sulpar Leslie J. , West Anna M. , Donohue Pamela K. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to characterize parental decision-making regarding delivery room resuscitation for infants born extremely prematurely or with potentially lethal congenital anomalies.METHODS. This was a qualitative multicenter study. We identified English-speaking parents at 3 hospitals whose infants had died as a result of extreme prematurity or lethal congenital anomalies in 1999–2005. Parents were interviewed about their prenatal decision-making. Maternal medical charts were reviewed for documented discussions regarding delivery room resuscitation. Subject enrollment was stopped when saturation of themes was achieved.RESULTS. Twenty-six mothers of infants were interviewed. All parents wanted to participate to some degree in decisions regarding delivery room resuscitation. Few parents recalled discussing options for delivery room resuscitation with physicians, and even fewer recalled being offered the option of comfort care, even when these discussions were documented in the medical chart. Parents did not report physicians' predictions of morbidity and death to be central to their decision-making. Religion, spirituality, and hope guided decision-making for most parents. Some parents felt that they had not made any decisions regarding resuscitation and instead “left things in God's hands.” These parents typically were documented by staff members to “want everything done.”CONCLUSIONS. The values that parents find most important during decision-making regarding delivery room resuscitation may not be addressed routinely in prenatal counseling. Parents and physicians may have different interpretations of what is discussed and what decisions are made. Future work should investigate whether physicians can be trained to address effectively parents' values during the decision-making process and whether addressing these values may improve physician-parent communication and lead to better postdecision outcomes for parents.
Occipital Lobe Injury and Cortical Visual Outcomes After Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Authors: Tam Emily W. Y. , Widjaja Elysa , Blaser Susan I. , MacGregor Daune L. , Satodia Prakash , Moore Aideen M. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. Hypoglycemia is a significant problem in neonates, and a pattern of parietooccipital diffusion restriction on MRI scans has been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hypoglycemic injury, as indicated by diffusion restriction in the occipital lobes, correlated with visual evoked potentials and long-term cortical visual dysfunction.METHODS. A cohort of 45 neonates from 2000–2005 with diffusion-weighted MRI studies after hypoglycemia was studied retrospectively. Perinatal history and follow-up data were analyzed, and results were correlated with diffusion-weighted imaging findings.The presence of occipital diffusion restriction was assessed qualitatively, and the mean apparent diffusion coefficients of mesial occipital lobes were calculated.RESULTS. Among 25 patients who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging within 6 days after the onset of hypoglycemia, restricted diffusion in the occipital lobes was found in 8 (50%) of 16 term infants but not in preterm infants. For the remaining 20 patients, who had diffusion-weighted imaging performed &gt;6 days after the initial onset of hypoglycemia, occipital diffusion restriction was not seen, even if hypoglycemia was ongoing. Restricted diffusion was associated with abnormal visual evoked potentials detected within 1 week after birth. Cortical visual deficits were seen in a significant proportion of patients with recurrent hypoglycemia and were correlated significantly with low mesial occipital apparent diffusion coefficient values.CONCLUSIONS. Diffusion-weighted imaging studies performed within 6 days after initial hypoglycemia were sensitive in term but not preterm neonates. Diffusion restriction, with low apparent diffusion coefficient values, in the mesial occipital poles may indicate the prognosis for visual outcomes in acute settings after neonatal hypoglycemia.
Early Language Outcomes of Early-Identified Infants With Permanent Hearing Loss at 12 to 16 Months of Age
Authors: Vohr Betty , Jodoin-Krauzyk Julie , Tucker Richard , Johnson Mary Jane , Topol Deborah , Ahlgren Marianne 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to determine the early language outcomes of children with mild to profound hearing loss, compared with hearing control children, at 12 to 16 months of age and to examine the effects of “very early” enrollment (≤3 months) in early intervention.METHODS. This was a prospective longitudinal study of the outcomes of a cohort of 30 infants identified in the Rhode Island universal newborn hearing screening program and 96 hearing control subjects. Eligible families with children with all degrees of congenital hearing loss were invited to enroll. Child language skills were assessed by using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory, Words and Gestures, at 12 to 16 months.RESULTS. Children with moderate/profound hearing loss had significantly lower numbers of phrases understood, words understood, and early, later, and total gestures, compared with children with mild/minimal hearing loss and hearing control subjects. Furthermore, children with hearing loss who were enrolled in early intervention at ≤3 months had significantly higher percentile scores for number of words understood, words produced, and early, later, and total gestures, compared with those enrolled at &gt;3 months. Regression analyses to test the independent effects on language skills of children with hearing loss identified enrollment in early intervention at ≤3 months as an independent predictor of percentile scores for word and early gesture production.CONCLUSIONS. Very early enrollment (≤3 months) in early intervention has beneficial effects on early language for children with hearing loss. Nevertheless, 12- to 16-month-old children with moderate/profound hearing loss exhibit delayed receptive and expressive language skills in oral and signed English modes, compared with peers with either mild/minimal hearing loss or typical hearing sensitivity.
Fiber-Tracking Techniques Can Predict the Degree of Neurologic Impairment for Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Murakami Aki , Morimoto Masafumi , Yamada Kei , Kizu Osamu , Nishimura Akira , Nishimura Tsunehiko , Sugimoto Tohru 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. Preterm or low birth weight infants display a greater propensity for white matter injury caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the perinatal period. Such episodes can result in periventricular leukomalacia, which may substantially influence later brain development. Noninvasive methods of assessing the severity of injury at the earliest stage of life have not yet been established.
METHODS. We used diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate sensorimotor fibers in periventricular leukomalacia. Region-of-interest measurements and tractography-based measurements were performed for 10 patients with periventricular leukomalacia. The mean age of the patients was 19 ± 9.5 months (range: 9–41 months). Motor functions were assessed at a mean age of 28 ± 14.5 months.
RESULTS. Measured fractional anisotropy values of the motor tract were significantly higher in all mild periventricular leukomalacia cases than in severe cases. A fractional anisotropy cutoff value of &lt;0.5 was useful for predicting severe periventricular leukomalacia. Region-of-interest measurements were less sensitive, compared with tractography-based measurements.
CONCLUSIONS. Fiber-tracking techniques can provide information on the pathophysiologic features of motor disability in patients with periventricular leukomalacia. Early screening of patients with a history of asphyxia may facilitate early intervention (eg, rehabilitation), to achieve better motor function.
Computer-Based Documentation: Effects on Parent-Provider Communication During Pediatric Health Maintenance Encounters
Authors: Johnson Kevin B. , Serwint Janet R. , Fagan Lawrence A. , Thompson Richard E. , Wilson Modena E. H. , Roter Debra 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to investigate the impact of a computer-based documentation tool on parent-health care provider communication during a pediatric health maintenance encounter.
METHODS. We used a quasiexperimental study design to compare communication dynamics between clinicians and parents/children in health maintenance visits before and after implementation of the ClicTate system. Before ClicTate use, paper forms were used to create visit notes. The children examined were ≤18 months of age. All encounters were audiotaped or videotaped. A team of research assistants blinded to group assignment reviewed the audio portion of each encounter. Data from all recordings were analyzed, by using the Roter Interaction Analysis System, for differences in the open/closed question ratio, the extent of information provided by parents and providers, and other aspects of spoken and nonverbal communication (videotaped encounters).
RESULTS. Computer-based documentation visits were slightly longer than control visits (32 vs 27 minutes). With controlling for visit length, the amounts of conversation were similar during control and computer-based documentation visits. Computer-based documentation visits were associated with a greater proportion of open-ended questions (28% vs 21%), more use of partnership strategies, greater proportions of social and positive talk, and a more patient-centered interaction style but fewer orienting and transition phrases.
CONCLUSIONS. The introduction of ClicTate into the health maintenance encounter positively affected several aspects of parent-clinician communication in a pediatric clinic setting. These results support the integration of computer-based documentation into primary care pediatric visits.
Infant Growth and Child Cognition at 3 Years of Age
Authors: Belfort Mandy B. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Rich-Edwards Janet W. , Kleinman Ken P. , Oken Emily , Gillman Matthew W. 
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND. Infancy is a critical period for brain development. Few studies have examined the extent to which infant weight gain is associated with later neurodevelopmental outcomes in healthy populations.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to examine associations of infant weight gain from birth to 6 months with child cognitive and visual-motor skills at 3 years of age.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. We studied 872 participants in Project Viva, an ongoing prospective, longitudinal, prebirth cohort. We abstracted birth weight from the medical chart and weighed infants at 6 months of age. We used the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts to derive weight-for-age z scores. Our primary predictor was infant weight gain, defined as the weight-for-age z score at 6 months adjusted for the weight-for-age z score at birth. At 3 years of age, we measured child cognition with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test III and visual-motor skills with the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities.
RESULTS. Mean Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test III score was 104.2, and mean Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities test score was 102.8. Mean birth weight z score was 0.21, and mean 6-month weight z score was 0.39. In multiple linear regression adjusted for child age, gender, gestational age, breastfeeding duration, primary language, and race/ethnicity; maternal age, parity, smoking status, and cognition; and parental education and income level, we found no association of infant weight gain with child Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test III score (−0.4 points per z score weight gain increment, 95% confidence interval −1.3, 0.6) or total Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities standard score (−0.4 points, 95% confidence interval −1.2, 0.5).
CONCLUSIONS. Slower infant weight gain was not associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in healthy, term-born 3-year-old children. These results should aid in determining optimal growth patterns in infants to balance risks and benefits of health outcomes through the life course.
Varicella Prevention in the United States: A Review of Successes and Challenges
Authors: Marin Mona , Meissner H. Cody , Seward Jane F. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE. In 1995, the United States was the first country to introduce a universal 1-dose childhood varicella vaccination program. In 2006, the US varicella vaccine policy was changed to a routine 2-dose childhood program, with catchup vaccination for older children. The objective of this review was to summarize the US experience with the 1-dose varicella vaccination program, present the evidence considered for the policy change, and outline future challenges of the program.METHODS. We conducted a review of publications identified by searching PubMed for the terms “varicella,” “varicella vaccine,” and “herpes zoster.” The search was limited to US publications except for herpes zoster; we reviewed all published literature on herpes zoster incidence.RESULTS. A single dose of varicella vaccine was 80% to 85% effective in preventing disease of any severity and &gt;95% effective in preventing severe varicella and had an excellent safety profile. The vaccination program reduced disease incidence by 57% to 90%, hospitalizations by 75% to 88%, deaths by &gt;74%, and direct inpatient and outpatient medical expenditures by 74%. The decline of cases plateaued between 2003 and 2006, and outbreaks continued to occur, even among highly vaccinated school populations. Compared with children who received 1 dose, in 1 clinical trial, 2-dose vaccine recipients developed in a larger proportion antibody titers that were more likely to protect against breakthrough disease and had a 3.3-fold lower risk for breakthrough disease and higher vaccine efficacy. Two studies showed no increase in overall herpes zoster incidence, whereas 2 others showed an increase.CONCLUSIONS. A decade of varicella prevention in the United States has resulted in a dramatic decline in disease; however, even with high vaccination coverage, the effectiveness of 1 dose of vaccine did not generate sufficient population immunity to prevent community transmission. A 2-dose varicella vaccine schedule, therefore, was recommended for children in 2006. Data are inconclusive regarding an effect of the varicella vaccination program on herpes zoster epidemiology.
Joint application of event-based calibration and dynamic identifiability analysis in rainfall–runoff modelling: implications for model parametrisation
Authors: Cullmann Johannes , Wriedt Gunter 
Published: September 2008

The goal of this work is to comparatively evaluate the potential of both event-based automatic calibration and Dynamic Identifiability Analysis (DYNIA) as proposed by Wagener et al. This is combined with an investigation on a potential relation of a priori knowledge on event characteristics with optimal model parameters.
A joint application of DYNIA and automatic parameter estimation leads to implications considering the informational content of both methods. Optimal model parameters, identified on an event basis, are tested for statistical relations with physical characteristics of the rainstorm events (e.g. intensity). In this paper, we present results of a modelling study in the Rietholzbach catchment (Switzerland). We employed the hydrological model WaSiM-ETH, using a combined DYNIA (Dynamic Identifiability Analysis) and automatic parameter estimation (PEST) approach to investigate best parameter sets as well as parameter variability along the time series of the hydrograph. The results of the study indicate that the “drainage” parameter identifiability for the long-term simulation is linked to the event-based calibrated parameter for the flood events. However, the parameter sets obtained with single-event calibration could not be fully linked to the chosen characteristic features derived from the precipitation forecast.