bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A critical re‐appraisal of different ways of selecting ambulatory patients with suspected heart failure for echocardiography
Authors: Jeyaseelan Sanjay , Goudie Barclay M. , Pringle Stuart D. , Donnan Peter T. , Sullivan Frank M. , Struthers Allan D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:ECG and BNP have been assessed as screening tests for LVSD and heart failure. However, echocardiography also provides information about valvular disease and LVH. We assessed how good these screening tests are in identifying whether the subsequent echocardiogram will have any significant abnormality.Aims:To re‐appraise the ECG and BNP as screening tests for echocardiography since there are important practical deficiencies in our current knowledge in this area.Methods:General practitioners referred suspected heart failure patients for clinical assessment, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and BNP measurement. The accuracy of each screening test and combinations of screening tests were calculated for LVSD, heart failure, valvular disease, and LVH.Results:The sensitivities of the ECG for LVSD, heart failure, LVH and valvular disease were 97%, 95%, 76%, and 69%, respectively. The corresponding figures for BNP were 86%, 82%, 59%, and 48%, respectively. When patients with atrial fibrillation and murmurs were excluded, the values for ECG were 94%, 87%, 53%, and 55%, while for BNP they were 83%, 73%, 50%, and 32%.Conclusions:ECG interpretation and BNP are adequate screening tests to detect LVSD or heart failure but fail to screen for other echocardiographic abnormalities, like valvular disease and LVH. This remains the case even if patients with atrial fibrillation or heart murmurs are excluded on the basis that they require echocardiography anyway.
Viewpoint: The prothrombotic state in heart failure: A maladaptive inflammatory response?
Authors: Chong Aun‐Yeong , Lip Gregory Y.H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPatients with heart failure (HF) are at an increased risk of stroke, sudden death and venous thromboembolism, which are all linked to thrombus formation (thrombogenesis). The present ‘viewpoint’ article will discuss how the prothrombotic state in HF may be perpetuated by a chronic inflammatory state that is maladaptive. Indeed, there is considerable evidence that thrombogenesis and endothelial (dys)function can be intimately linked to inflammation in HF.
Levosimendan and prostaglandin E1 for uptitration of beta‐blockade in patients with refractory, advanced chronic heart failure
Authors: Berger Rudolf , Moertl Deddo , Huelsmann Martin , Bojic Anja , Ahmadi Roozbeh , Heissenberger Isabella , Pacher Richard 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) 20% of patients do not tolerate beta‐blockers and 50% do not reach target doses.AimTo test whether levosimendan or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) can facilitate uptitration of beta‐blockers in advanced CHF.Methods and resultsSeventy‐five advanced CHF patients (LVEF<35%, NYHA class IIIb or IV) intolerant to beta‐blocker uptitration to target doses (10 mg bisoprolol/day) were randomised to a monthly 24 h infusion with levosimendan (n=39) or a chronic infusion with PGE1 (n=36) for 3 months. Bisoprolol was uptitrated following predefined criteria. At 12 weeks, bisoprolol dose increased from 4 mg to 10 mg in both groups. Heart failure worsening occurred in 29 levosimendan patients (74%) versus 16 PGE1 patients (44%,p=0.008). Uptitration was impossible in 9 levosimendan patients (23%) versus 2 PGE1 patients (6%,p=0.03). The combined endpoint of death or urgent heart transplantation or implantation of a ventricular assist device was reached by 12 levosimendan patients (31%) versus 4 PGE1 patients (11%,p=0.04). After 1 year, LVEF increased from 23±7% to 28±11% (p=0.0004), and BNP decreased from 994±806 to 659±564 pg/ml (p=0.03).ConclusionLevosimendan and PGE1 facilitate uptitration of beta‐blockers in previously intolerant CHF patients. PGE1 treatment allowed uptitration in more patients and resulted in a better clinical outcome compared to levosimendan. This approach increased LVEF and decreased BNP after 1 year.
An assessment of how a combination of shears, field-aligned currents and collisions affect F-region ionospheric instabilities
Authors: ST.-MAURICE J.-P. , NOËL J.-M. , PERRON P. J. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract.We present an in depth study of the fluid limit of a kinetically derived collisional, current-driven instability that includes shears in the field-aligned currents as well as collisions. We show how the theory presented here generalizes other theories, including the collisionless current-driven electrostatic ion acoustic instability and its sheared collisionless version. We offer a low-frequency generalization of the zero frequency ion shear driven instability by minimizing the relative drift magnitude as well as the shears themselves. We discuss the implication of our theoretical framework both for strongly field-aligned modes and modes where the wavevectors have arbitrary angles with respect to the ambient magnetic field. We discuss the results in terms of F-region irregularity observations of coherent echoes by ionospheric radars.
Alkane Utilization by Rhodococcus Strain NTU‐1 Alone and in Its Natural Association with Bacillus fusiformis L‐1 and Ochrobactrum sp.
Authors: Sayavedra‐Soto Luis A. , Chang Wei‐Nung , Lin Tze‐Khai , Ho Chung‐Lin , Liu Hwai‐Shen 
Published: July 2006

AbstractLinear (n‐hexadecane) and branched (pristane) alkanes were degraded by a mixed culture isolated from an oil‐contaminated field. The degradation was accompanied by formation of biofloccules. The culture was composed of Rhodococcus strain NTU‐1, Bacillus fusiformis L‐1, and Ochrobactrum sp. Rhodococcus strain NTU‐1 carried out the degradation of the alkane via a hydroxylase. Bacillus fusiformis L‐1 and Ochrobactrum sp. did not degrade the alkanes but aided the flocculation by forming more rigid bacterial aggregates that enhanced the trapping of alkanes. In batch cultures, transformation and removal of the linear and branched alkanes was achieved within 66 h with more than 95% efficiency.
Micropatterning of Porous Silicon Films by Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Khung Yit‐Lung , Graney Sean D. , Voelcker Nicolas H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate that porous silicon films can be ablated by the pulsed nitrogen laser of a commercial MALDI mass spectrometer. The extent of laser‐induced ablation was found to depend on the doping level and surface chemistry of the porous silicon film. Using direct laser writing with or without a mask, micropatterns were generated on the porous silicon surface. These micropatterns were subsequently used to guide the growth of mammalian cells including neuroblastoma. Excellent selectivity of cell growth toward the laser‐ablated regions was established.
A Shift of Phloem Unloading from Symplasmic to Apoplasmic Pathway Is Involved in Developmental Onset of Ripening in Grape Berry
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yan , Wang Xiu-Ling , Wang Xiao-Fang , Xia Guo-Hai , Pan Qiu-Hong , Fan Ren-Chun , Wu Fu-Qing , Yu Xiang-Chun , Zhang Da-Peng 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt remains unclear whether the phloem unloading pathway alters to adapt to developmental transition in fleshy fruits that accumulate high level of soluble sugars. Using a combination of electron microscopy, transport of the phloem-mobile symplasmic tracer carboxyfluorescein, movement of the companion cell-expressed and the green fluorescent protein-tagged viral movement protein, and assays of the sucrose cleavage enzymes, the pathway of phloem unloading was studied in the berries of a hybrid grape (Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca). Structural investigations showed that the sieve element-companion cell complex is apparently symplasmically connected through plasmodesmata with surrounding parenchyma cells throughout fruit development, though a small portion of plasmodesmata are apparently blocked in the ripening stage. Both carboxyfluorescein and the green fluorescent protein-tagged viral movement protein were released from the functional phloem strands during the early and middle stages of fruit development, whereas the two symplasmic tracers were confined to the phloem strands during the late stage. This reveals a shift of phloem unloading from symplasmic to apoplasmic pathway during fruit development. The turning point of the phloem unloading pathways was further shown to be at or just before onset of ripening, an important developmental checkpoint of grape berry. In addition, the levels of both the expression and activities of cell wall acid invertase increased around the onset of ripening and reached a high level in the late stage, providing further evidence for an operation of the apoplasmic unloading pathway after onset of ripening. These data demonstrate clearly the occurrence of an adaptive shift of phloem unloading pathway to developmental transition from growing phase to ripening in grape berry.
Genomic Organization, Differential Expression, and Interaction of SQUAMOSA Promoter-Binding-Like Transcription Factors and microRNA156 in Rice
Authors: Xie Kabin , Wu Congqing , Xiong Lizhong 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Transcription factors play essential roles in the developmental processes of plants. Many such factors are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). SQUAMOSA (SQUA) promoter-binding-like (SPL) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors, some of which contain complementary sequences of miRNA156. In this study, 19 rice (Oryza sativa) SPL (OsSPL) genes and 12 rice miRNA156 (OsmiR156) precursors were identified in the rice genome. Sequence and experimental analysis suggested that 11 OsSPL genes were putative targets of OsmiR156. Plant SPL proteins were classified into six subgroups based on the phylogenetic analysis of SQUA promoter-binding protein domain. Diverse exon-intron structures and distinct organizations of putative motifs beyond the SQUA promoter-binding protein domains were identified in the OsSPL gene family. Transcript level analysis of OsSPL genes in various rice tissues and organs revealed different tempospatial expression patterns. More than half of the OsSPL genes including most OsmiR156-targeted genes are predominantly expressed in the young panicles, whereas OsmiR156 genes are predominantly expressed in the young shoots and leaves of rice. Overexpression of two OsmiR156 genes (OsmiR156b and OsmiR156h) in rice resulted in severe dwarfism, strongly reduced panicle size, and delayed flowering, suggesting that OsmiR156 and OsSPL target genes are involved in various developmental processes, especially the flower development of rice. Different patterns of transcript changes (decreased or unchanged) of different target genes in same tissue and of same target gene in different tissues detected in the OsmiR156-overexpressing plants suggested diverse interactions between OsmiR156 and OsSPL target genes in a tissue-specific manner.
Posttranscriptional Induction of Two Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Genes in Arabidopsis Is Mediated by Downregulation of miR398 and Important for Oxidative Stress Tolerance
Authors: Sunkar Ramanjulu , Kapoor Avnish , Zhu Jian-Kang 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNAs of ∼21 nucleotides that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression by directing mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. Increasing evidence points to a potential role of miRNAs in diverse physiological processes. miR398 targets two closely related Cu/Zn superoxide dismutases (cytosolic CSD1 and chloroplastic CSD2) that can detoxify superoxide radicals. CSD1 and CSD2 transcripts are induced in response to oxidative stress, but the regulatory mechanism of the induction is unknown. Here, we show that miR398 expression is downregulated transcriptionally by oxidative stresses, and this downregulation is important for posttranscriptional CSD1 and CSD2 mRNA accumulation and oxidative stress tolerance. We also provide evidence for an important role of miR398 in specifying the spatial and temporal expression patterns of CSD1 and CSD2 mRNAs. Our results suggest that CSD1 and CSD2 expression is fine-tuned by miR398-directed mRNA cleavage. Additionally, we show that transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing a miR398-resistant form of CSD2 accumulate more CSD2 mRNA than plants overexpressing a regular CSD2 and are consequently much more tolerant to high light, heavy metals, and other oxidative stresses. Thus, relieving miR398-guided suppression of CSD2 in transgenic plants is an effective new approach to improving plant productivity under oxidative stress conditions.
Quantitative trait loci associated with AutoFOM grading characteristics, carcass cuts and chemical body composition during growth of Sus scrofa
Authors: Mohrmann M. , Roehe R. , Knap P. W. , Looft H. , Plastow G. S. , Kalm E. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryA three‐generation full‐sib resource family was constructed by crossing two commercial pig lines. Genotypes for 37 molecular markers covering chromosomes SSC1, SSC6, SSC7 and SSC13 were obtained for 315 F2 animals of 49 families and their parents and grandparents. Phenotypic records of traits including carcass characteristics measured by the AutoFOM grading system, dissected carcass cuts and meat quality characteristics were recorded at 140 kg slaughter weight. Furthermore, phenotypic records on live animals were obtained for chemical composition of the empty body, protein and lipid accretion (determined by the deuterium dilution technique), daily gain and feed intake during the course of growth from 30 to 140 kg body weight. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection was conducted using least‐squares regression interval mapping. Highest significance at the 0.1% chromosome‐wise level was obtained for five QTL: AutoFOM belly weight on SSC1; ham lean‐meat weight, percentage of fat of primal cuts and daily feed intake between 60 and 90 kg live weight on SSC6; and loin lean‐meat weight on SSC13. QTL affecting daily gain and protein accretion were found on SSC1 in the same region. QTL for protein and lipid content of empty body at 60 kg liveweight were located close to the ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) locus on SSC6. On SSC13, significant QTL for protein accretion and feed conversion ratio were detected during growth from 60 to 90 kg. In general, additive genetic effects of alleles originating from the Piétrain line were associated with lower fatness and larger muscularity as well as lower daily gain and lower protein accretion rates. Most of the QTL for carcass characteristics were found on SSC6 and were estimated after adjustment for the RYR1 gene. QTL for carcass traits, fatness and growth on SSC7 reported in the literature, mainly detected in crosses of commercial lines × obese breeds, were not obtained in the present study using crosses of only commercial lines, suggesting that these QTL are not segregating in the analysed commercial lines.
Mutations in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene are associated with coat colours in the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Fontanesi L. , Tazzoli M. , Beretti F. , Russo V. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe sequenced almost the complete coding region of the MC1R gene in several domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and identified four alleles: two wild‐type alleles differing by two synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (c.333A>G;c.555T>C), one allele with a 30‐nucleotide in‐frame deletion (c.304_333del30) and one allele with a 6‐nucleotide in‐frame deletion (c.280_285del6). A polymerase chain reaction‐based protocol was used to distinguish the wild‐type alleles from the other two alleles in 263 rabbits belonging to 37 breeds or strains. All red/fawn/yellow rabbits were homozygous for the c.304_333del30 allele. This allele represents the recessive e allele at the extension locus identified through pioneering genetic studies in this species. All Californian, Checkered, Giant White and New Zealand White rabbits were homozygous for allele c.280_285del6, which was also observed in the heterozygous condition in a few other breeds. Black coat colour is part of the standard colour in Californian and Checkered breeds, in contrast to the two albino breeds, Giant White and New Zealand White. Following the nomenclature established for the rabbit extension locus, the c.280_285del6 allele, which is dominant over c.304_333del30, may be allele ED or allele ES.
Stressors in five client populations: Neuman systems model‐based literature review
Authors: Skalski Carole Ann , DiGerolamo Louisa , Gigliotti Eileen 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a literature review identifying and categorizing client system stressors in Neuman systems model‐based studies.Background.  To date, literature reviews related to the Neuman systems model have focused broadly on all concepts of the model. The concept of stressors has been selected by the Neuman Systems Model Research Institute as the focus for an initial collaborative research project.Method.  Cooper's five‐stage integrative review method was used: problem formulation, data collection, data evaluation, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination. The Neuman systems model research literature from 1983 to February 2005 was searched using Fawcett's Neuman systems model bibliography and a follow‐up review of the CINAHL database using the keywords ‘Neuman systems model’ and ‘stressors’. A total of 87 studies published as journal articles or book chapters between 1983 and 2005 were reviewed; 13 of the 87 studies met the definition of ‘stressor studies’.Findings.  Stressors were identified in five client populations: caregivers, cancer survivors, ICU patients in intensive care units, care receivers, and parents whose children were undergoing day surgery. The most common data collection method was the interview, and investigator‐developed interview guides were most often used. Evidence of categorization of intra‐, inter‐ and extra‐personal stressors was present. The following overall stressors were identified: burden of responsibility (caregivers); awareness of vulnerability (cancer survivors); being overwhelmed (patients in intensive care units); loss of control (parents); and frustration with role changes (care receivers).Conclusions.  These data could form the basis for nursing practice as well as future research within a collaborative environment. Given the existing body of knowledge concerning Neuman system model‐derived middle range theory concepts in the caregiver population, the middle‐range theory of caregiver role strain could be tested empirically.
The botanist effect: counties with maximal species richness tend to be home to universities and botanists
Authors: Moerman Daniel E. , Estabrook George F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  To investigate the distribution of local flowering plant species richness in areas surrounding American universities.Methods  Species richness in university counties was compared with neighbouring counties. Data were derived from Synthesis of the North American Flora (http://www.phylosystems.com/prepublication). Probabilities of the resultant distribution were calculated, and the results were also simulated.Results  In almost every case there were more species reported in the university county than in its neighbours. Several possible explanations were considered. We conclude that the key element is the presence of botanists in these counties who have, apparently, paid more attention to plants near at hand, and found more species of them there.Main conclusions  Ecologists must be aware that numerical data that appear very solid, collected over many decades, may represent not only the qualities of ‘nature’ but also something of the collectors of the data.
Elevational species richness patterns for vascular plants on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo
Authors: Grytnes John Arvid , Beaman John H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim  We quantify the elevational patterns of species richness for all vascular plants and some functional and taxonomic groups on a regional scale on a tropical mountain and discuss some possible causes for the observed patterns.Location  Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo.Methods  A data base containing elevational information on more than 28,000 specimens was analysed for vascular plant distribution, taking into account sampling effort. The total species richness pattern was estimated per 300‐m elevational interval by rarefaction analyses. The same methods were also applied to quantify species richness patterns of trees, epiphytes, and ferns.Results  Total species richness has a humped relationship with elevation, and a maximum species richness in the interval between 900 and 1200 m. For ferns and epiphytes the maximum species richness is found at slightly higher elevations, whereas tree species did not have a statistically significant peak in richness above the lowest interval analysed.Main conclusions  For the first time a rigorous estimate of an elevational pattern in species richness of the whole vascular plant flora of a tropical mountain has been quantified. The pattern observed depends on the group studied. We discuss the differences between the groups and compare the results with previous studies of elevational patterns of species richness from other tropical areas. We also discuss the methods used to quantify the richness pattern and conclude that rarefaction gives an appropriate estimate of the species richness pattern.
Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of Lissotriton boscai (Caudata, Salamandridae): evidence for old, multiple refugia in an Iberian endemic
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐SOLANO I. , TEIXEIRA J. , BUCKLEY D. , GARCÍA‐PARÍS M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn Europe, southern peninsulas served as refugia during cold periods in the Pleistocene, acting both as centres of origin of endemisms and as sources from which formerly glaciated areas were recolonized during interglacial periods. Previous studies have revealed that within the main refugial areas, intraspecific lineages often survived in allopatric refugia. We analysed two mitochondrial markers (nad4, control region, ∼1.4 kb) in 103 individuals representing the entire distribution of Lissotriton boscai, a newt endemic to the western Iberian Peninsula. We inferred the evolutionary history of the species through phylogenetic, phylogeographic and historical demographic analyses. The results revealed unexpected, deep levels of geographically structured genetic variability. We identified two main evolutionary lineages, each containing three well‐supported clades. The first historical split involved populations from central‐southwestern coastal Portugal and the ancestor of all the remaining populations around 5.8 million years ago. Both lineages were subsequently fragmented into different population groups between 2.5 and 1.2 million years ago. According to nested clade analysis, at lower hierarchical levels the patterns suggest restricted gene flow with isolation by distance, whereas at higher levels the clades exhibit signatures of contiguous range expansion. Bayesian Skyline Plots show recent bottlenecks, followed by demographic expansions in all lineages. The significant genetic structure found is consistent with long‐term survival of populations in allopatric refugia, supporting the ‘refugia‐within‐refugia’ scenario for southern European peninsulas. The comparison of our results with other co‐distributed species highlights the generality of this hypothesis for the Iberian herpetofauna and suggests that Mediterranean refuges had more relevance for the composition and distribution of present biodiversity patterns than currently acknowledged. We briefly discuss the taxonomic and conservation implications of our results.