bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel hybrid seed system for plants
Authors: Gils Mario , Marillonnet Sylvestre , Werner Stefan , Grützner Ramona , Giritch Anatoli , Engler Carola , Schachschneider Ralf , Klimyuk Victor , Gleba Yuri 
Published: January 2008

SummaryA two‐component hybrid seed system has been developed that is broadly applicable and provides for effective generation and maintenance of the male‐sterile parent, hybrid seed production and full restoration of fertility in the hybrid seed. The technology is based on the functional interaction of two loci that are inserted in the same position on two homologous chromosomes, and thus are ‘linked in repulsion’, and that jointly code for male sterility and herbicide resistance, both traits being expressed in heterozygous plants only. The localization to the same locus on a chromosome is achieved by the genetic transformation of plants with a construct containing both genetic elements (loci), and subsequent derivatization from the primary pro‐locus of the two precursor lines using site‐specific deletions. The functional interaction of the two loci is achieved through intein‐based trans‐splicing of two pairs of complementary protein fragments that provide for male sterility and herbicide resistance. Unlike the hybrid seed systems that are currently in use, the technology relies on the genetic modification of just one parent, and is therefore much simpler to develop and use. Arabidopsis has been used for the proof of principle presented here, but the essential elements of the technology are generic and have been shown to work in many crop species.
Local stimulation of the adenosine A2Breceptors induces an increased release of IL‐6 in mouse striatum: anin vivomicrodialysis study
Authors: Vazquez Juan Francisco , Clement Hans‐Willi , Sommer Olaf , Schulz Eberhard , Van Calker Dietrich 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBoth adenosine and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of, e.g., epileptic seizures, traumatic brain injury, and affective disorders. Stimulation of adenosine A2Breceptors on astrocytesin vitroleads to the increased synthesis and secretion of IL‐6. We investigated whether or not activation of adenosine receptors evokes an increase of IL‐6 release alsoin vivo. 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, a non‐specific adenosine‐agonist or vehicle was administered into the striatum of freely moving mice by reverse microdialysis. A statistical significant increase of the IL‐6 concentration in the perfusate was detected already 60 min after 5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine administration. IL‐6 increased progressively and reached a maximum after 240 min. This effect appears to be mediated through adenosine A2Breceptors since it was counteracted by the specific A2Breceptor antagonist MRS1706 but not by the specific A1receptor antagonist DPCPX. We conclude that adenosine via activation of A2Breceptors evokes IL‐6 release alsoin vivo.
An update on the mechanisms of the psychostimulant effects of caffeine
Authors: Ferré Sergi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThere has been a long debate about the predominant involvement of the different adenosine receptor subtypes and the preferential role of pre‐ versus post‐synaptic mechanisms in the psychostimulant effects of the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine. Both striatal A1and A2Areceptors are involved in the motor‐activating and probably reinforcing effects of caffeine, although they play a different role under conditions of acute or chronic caffeine administration. The present review emphasizes the key integrative role of adenosine and adenosine receptor heteromers in the computation of information at the level of the striatal spine module (SSM). This local module is mostly represented by the dendritic spine of the medium spiny neuron with its glutamatergic and dopaminergic synapses and astroglial processes that wrap the glutamatergic synapse. In the SSM, adenosine acts both pre‐ and post‐synaptically through multiple mechanisms, which depend on heteromerization of A1and A2Areceptors among themselves and with D1and D2receptors, respectively. A critical aspect of the mechanisms of the psychostimulant effects of caffeine is its ability to release the pre‐ and post‐synaptic brakes that adenosine imposes on dopaminergic neurotransmission by acting on different adenosine receptor heteromers localized in different elements of the SSM.
Proteomic analysis of nuclear factors binding to an intronic enhancer in the myelin proteolipid protein gene
Authors: Dobretsova Anna , Johnson Jennifer W. , Jones Richard C. , Edmondson Ricky D. , Wight Patricia A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe myelin proteolipid protein gene (Plp1) encodes the most abundant protein found in CNS myelin, accounting for nearly one‐half of the total protein. Its expression in oligodendrocytes is developmentally regulated – peaking during the active myelination period of CNS development. Previously, we have identified a novel enhancer (designated ASE) in intron 1 DNA that appears to be important in mediating the surge of Plp1 gene activity during the active myelination period. Evidence suggests that the ASE participates in the formation of a specialized multi‐protein/DNA complex called an enhanceosome. The current study describes an optimized, five‐step, DNA affinity chromatography purification procedure to purify nuclear proteins from mouse brain that bind to the 85‐bp ASE sequence, specifically. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis demonstrated that specific DNA‐binding activity was retained throughout the purification procedure, resulting in concomitant enrichment of nucleoprotein complexes. Identification of the purported regulatory factors was achieved through mass spectrometry analysis and included over 20 sequence‐specific DNA‐binding proteins. Supplementary western blot analyses to determine which of these sequence‐specific factors are present in oligodendrocytes, and their developmental and regional expression in whole brain, suggest that Purα and Purβ rank highest among the candidate factors as constituents of the multi‐protein complex formed on the ASE.
Sildenafil inhibits duodenal contractility via activation of the NO–K+ channel pathway
Authors: Clemente Cristiano M. , Araújo Paula V. , Palheta Raimundo C. , Ratts Zoélia M. L. , Fernandes Geórgea H. , Rola Francisco H. , De Oliveira Ricardo B. , Dos Santos Armênio A. , Magalhães Pedro J. C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPhosphodiesterase type‐5 (PDE5) specifically cleaves cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a key intracellular secondary messenger. The PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil is a well‐known vasodilator that also has gastrointestinal myorelaxant properties. In the present study, we further investigated sildenafil‐induced myorelaxation in rat isolated duodenum, assessing its interaction with nitric oxide (NO) synthase and K+ channel opening. The spontaneous contractions of duodenal strips were reversibly inhibited by sildenafil (0.1–300 μm) in a concentration‐dependent manner [mean (95% confidence interval); EC50 = 6.8 (2.7–17.3) μm]. The sildenafil‐induced myorelaxation was significantly decreased by the NO synthase inhibitor N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester [increasing the EC50 value to 41.9 (26.1–67.3) μm]. Sodium nitroprusside or forskolin pretreatments enhanced the sildenafil‐induced myorelaxation. In isolated strips pretreated with BaCl2 (0.2 mm), 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, 3 mm), or glybenclamide (1 μm), the sildenafil‐induced EC50 value was significantly increased to 32.8 (19.1–56.4), 27.1 (15.2–48.3) and 20.1 (16.4–24.7) μm, respectively. Minoxidil (50 μm) or diazoxide (100 μm) also significantly attenuated the sildenafil‐induced potency. In conclusion, the NO synthase/cyclic nucleotide pathway activation is involved in sildenafil‐induced inhibition of spontaneous duodenal contractions. Its pharmacological action seems to be influenced by K+ channel opening, especially the voltage‐sensitive ones, being inhibited by 4‐AP and KATP channels, sensitive to glybenclamide.
Comparative effectiveness of selected adsorbant materials as potential amendments for the remediation of lead‐, copper‐ and zinc‐contaminated soil
Authors: Nwachukwu Olayinka I. , Pulford Ian D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBonemeal, coir, compost, green waste compost, peat and wood bark all potentially could be used as amendments to remediate heavy metal contamination in soils. Their ability to sorb Pb, Cu and Zn was evaluated in the laboratory, using metal solutions ranging from 0 to 5 mmol/L as contaminants. The effects on sorption of metal concentration, background salt concentration and metal competition were evaluated. Single metal sorption by the six amendments was significantly different at metal concentrations of 1.5–5 mmol/L, with green waste compost, coir, compost and wood bark having the highest capacities to adsorb Pb, Cu and Zn. Langmuir sorption maxima were approximately 87 mg Pb/g (coir and green waste compost), 30 mg Cu/g (compost and green waste compost) and 13 mg Zn/g (compost and green waste compost) (equivalent to approx. 0.5 mmol/g of Pb and Cu, and 0.2 mmol/g Zn), all in a background solution of 0.001 M Ca(NO3)2. A higher background salt concentration and a combination of all three metals led to significant reduction in the amounts of Pb, Cu and Zn sorbed by all the amendments tested. Competing heavy metal cations in solution decreased Pb sorption to about 50–60% of that from a solution containing Pb alone; Cu sorption was reduced to about 30–40%; the effect of competition on Zn sorption was variable. Overall, in both single metal and competitive sorption, the order of strength of binding was Pb>Cu>>Zn.
Quality and Safety Models and Optimization as Part of Computer‐Integrated Manufacturing
Authors: Banga Julio R. , Balsa‐Canto Eva , Alonso Antonio A. 
Published: January 2008

This article is part of a collection entitled “Models for Safety, Quality and Competitiveness of the Food Processing Sector,” published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. It has been peer‐reviewed and was written as a follow‐up of a pre‐IFT workshop, partially funded by the USDA NRI grant 2005‐35503‐16208.ABSTRACT:  Mathematical models are the basis of modern process engineering methods. Mathematical optimization is at the kernel of systematic and efficient tools for (1) experimental design, model development, and identification, (2) development of optimal operating procedures, and (3) implementation of those procedures by means of model‐predictive controllers. Here, we review and discuss how these model‐based optimization techniques can be used at the core of computer‐integrated manufacturing systems for the food industry. These systems will be able to bring the operation of food processing plants closer to the best possible product quality and safety, at a reduced cost and with minimal environmental impact.
Prospective Multicenter Study of the Viral Etiology of Bronchiolitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Mansbach Jonathan M. , McAdam Alexander J. , Clark Sunday , Hain Paul D. , Flood Robert G. , Acholonu Uchechi , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the viral etiology of bronchiolitis and clinical characteristics of children age < 2 years presenting to the emergency department (ED) with bronchiolitis.Methods:  The authors conducted a 14‐center prospective cohort study during 2005–2006 of ED patients age < 2 years with bronchiolitis. The study was conducted in 10 states as part of the Emergency Medicine Network. Researchers collected nasopharyngeal aspirates and conducted structured interviews, medical record reviews, and 2‐week follow‐up telephone calls. Samples were tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza viruses (Flu).Results:  Testing of 277 samples revealed 176 (64%) positive for RSV, 44 (16%) for RV, 26 (9%) for hMPV, 17 (6%) for Flu A, and none for Flu B. When children were categorized as RSV only, RV only, RV and RSV, and all others (hMPV, Flu, no identified virus), children with RV only were more likely to be African American (19, 62, 14, and 40%, respectively; p < 0.001) and have a history of wheezing (23, 52, 21, and 15%, respectively; p = 0.01). In multivariate models, children with RV were more likely to receive corticosteroids (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5 to 8.15). The duration of illness may be shorter for children with RV (Days 8, 3, 6, and 8; p = 0.07).Conclusions:  In this multicenter study, RSV was the most frequent cause of bronchiolitis (64%). RV was present in 16%, and these children have a distinct profile in terms of demographics, medical history, and ED treatment.
Fragaria virginiana resists tarnished plant bug
Authors: Dale Adam , Galic Dragan , Hallett Rebecca H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAn experiment that involved 79 named cultivars and advanced selections of Fragaria × ananassa L., 46 Fragaria virginiana Duch. clones, and 12 F. virginiana backcross selections, and eight Fragaria virginiana × Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duch. (all Rosaceae) selections, was conducted to detect variation in strawberry genotypes for resistance to tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Heteroptera: Miridae). The F. virginiana genotypes were shown to be more resistant than the cultivars and advanced selections in both 2001 and 2002. Within the group of cultivars and advanced selections, several June‐bearing and dayneutral genotypes were more resistant than others. There were fewer plant bugs on F. virginiana than on the cultivars and hybrids. Insect numbers were consistently correlated with percentage of damaged fruits and damage severity, but total numbers of flowers and fruits were only correlated with insect numbers, percentage fruit damage, and damage severity in 1 of the 2 years. Our results suggest that strawberry cultivars, highly resistant to tarnished plant bug, can be bred, if the trait is introgressed from F. virginiana selections.
Factors affecting detectability of prey DNA in the gut contents of invertebrate predators: a polymerase chain reaction‐based method
Authors: Hosseini Reza , Schmidt Otto , Keller Michael A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis study aimed to determine factors that influence the detection of DNA of Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in the gut contents of arthropod predators when the polymerase chain reaction is used to amplify a diagnostic fragment of the gene coding for cytochrome oxidase subunit I. The effects of temperature, time since feeding, subsequent food intake, sex, weight, and species of predator on prey detectability were studied in the laboratory. Three types of predator were studied: the spider Venator spenceri Hogg. (Araneae: Lycosidae), a bug with sucking mouthparts, Nabis kinbergii (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Nabidae), and a coccinellid with chewing mouthparts, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). In all experiments, the detectability of prey DNA was negatively correlated with time post‐feeding. The duration of detectability differed among the predator species. The time calculated for median detection success at 20 °C ranged from 49.6 h in V. spenceri to 36.1 h in N. kinbergii and 17.1 h in H. variegata. In H. variegata, but not in V. spenceri, the rate of detection decreased with increasing temperature. Subsequent food intake did not affect the detectability of DNA of P. xylostella in V. spenceri. In H. variegata, sex and weight of the predator did not influence detection of prey DNA. In addition, this study uncovered potential sources of error caused by detection of prey DNA following secondary cannibalistic and intraguild predation. The results provide essential information for the interpretation of prey detection data from field‐collected predators’ gut contents.
The relationship between dung quality and oocyte resorption in laboratory and field populations of Lucilia cuprina
Authors: Wardhaugh K. G. , Mahon R. J. , Whitby W. , Van Gerwen A. C. M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOocyte resorption in Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is indicative of protein shortages during ovarian development. It is commonplace in field populations and is thought to reflect the species’ dependence on sheep dung as its primary source of protein. To test this proposition, resorption was monitored in flies fed with sheep dung collected when pastures varied from lush to drought affected. Laboratory assays showed that the proportion of females that became gravid, their rate of ovarian development, and the size and number of oocytes matured all decreased significantly as the protein content of the food source decreased. Conversely, the number of oocytes resorbed increased as dung protein decreased. However, estimates of dung quality (DQ), as derived from a pasture growth–DQ model, were not informative in explaining the seasonal or regional prevalence of resorption in flies collected over several years in three widely disparate sheep‐grazing areas. Recalibration of the DQ model to provide daily estimates of dung protein, which were then used to predict the incidence of oocyte resorption at different times of the year, also failed to show any systematic effects. There was, however, a clear tendency for this model to underestimate the extent of resorption in field populations. Because wild flies would have ready access to a wide variety of food sources, many of which would have been more nutritious than sheep dung, this finding is contrary to expectation and hence the nutritional role of sheep dung merits further study.
Self‐report of family functioning and risk for psychotic disorders in male adolescents with behavioural disturbances
Authors: Weiser M. , Reichenberg A. , Werbeloff N. , Kravitz E. , Halperin D. , Lubin G. , Shmushkevitch M. , Yoffe R. , Addington J. , Davidson M. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: Previous studies indicate that a poor family environment might affect vulnerability for the later manifestation of psychotic illness. The current study aims to examine family functioning prior to the onset of psychosis.Method: Subjects were 42 948, 17‐year old males with behavioural disturbances who were asked about the functioning of their family by the Israeli Draft Board. Data on later psychiatric hospitalizations were obtained from a National Psychiatric Hospitalization Registry.Results: Poorer self‐reported family functioning was associated with greater risk for later hospitalization for psychosis [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.05–1.27], with a trend in the same direction for schizophrenia (adjusted HR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.98–1.24).Conclusion: In male adolescents with behavioural disturbances, perceived poorer family functioning is associated with increased risk for non‐affective psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. These data do not enable us to determine if perceived familial dysfunction increases vulnerability for psychosis, if premorbid behavioural abnormalities disrupt family life, or neither.
Prevalence of pathological gambling in Switzerland after the opening of casinos and the introduction of new preventive legislation
Authors: Bondolfi G. , Jermann F. , Ferrero F. , Zullino D. , Osiek CH. 
Published: January 2008

Objective: This survey aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pathological gambling (PG) in the Swiss population in 2005 and the link between PG and alcohol abuse. This replication study made it possible to compare the prevalence rates of PG measured before and after the introduction of casinos and new preventive legislation.Method: A total of 2803 telephone interviews were completed using standardized assessment instruments for identifying gamblers (South Oaks Gambling Screen) and alcohol abuse (CAGE).Results: The past‐year prevalence rates were 0.8% for problem and 0.5% for PG. No relationship was found between alcohol abuse and gambling behaviour. The past‐year prevalence of disordered gambling did not change between 1998 and 2005.Conclusion: Despite widespread openings of casinos in Switzerland since 2002, the prevalence estimates of past‐year disordered gambling have remained stable. The discussion focuses on different factors (social measures, legal obligations and social adaptational capacities) that may account for the stabilization of prevalence estimates.
Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Sarkadi Anna , Kristiansson Robert , Oberklaid Frank , Bremberg Sven 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjective: This systematic review aims to describe longitudinal evidence on the effects of father involvement on children's developmental outcomes.Methods: Father involvement was conceptualized as accessibility (cohabitation), engagement, responsibility or other complex measures of involvement. Both biological fathers and father figures were included. We searched all major databases from the first dates. Data on father involvement had to be generated at least 1 year before measuring offspring outcomes.Results: N = 24 publications were included in the overview: 22 of these described positive effects of father involvement, whereof 16 studies had controlled for SES and 11 concerned the study population as a whole [five socio‐economic status (SES)‐controlled]. There is certain evidence that cohabitation with the mother and her male partner is associated with less externalising behavioural problems. Active and regular engagement with the child predicts a range of positive outcomes, although no specific form of engagement has been shown to yield better outcomes than another. Father engagement seems to have differential effects on desirable outcomes by reducing the frequency of behavioural problems in boys and psychological problems in young women, and enhancing cognitive development, while decreasing delinquency and economic disadvantage in low SES families.Conclusions: There is evidence to support the positive influence of father engagement on offspring social, behavioural and psychological outcomes. Although the literature only provides sufficient basis for engagement (direct interaction with the child) as the specific form of ‘effective’ father involvement, there is enough support to urge both professionals and policy makers to improve circumstances for involved fathering.
Maternal psychosocial well‐being in pregnancy and breastfeeding duration
Authors: Li J , Kendall GE , Henderson S , Downie J , Landsborough L , Oddy WH 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAim: An increased duration of breastfeeding has many advantages for the child and mother. However, little research to date has investigated the influence of maternal psychosocial well‐being during pregnancy on the duration of breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine whether experience of life stress events, social contact/support in pregnancy and postpartum emotional disturbance had an effect on breastfeeding duration.Methods: Using data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study for 2420 women followed from 18 weeks gestation, we analyzed prevalent breastfeeding for 4 months or longer and its association with maternal psychosocial and socio‐demographic factors in pregnancy, using multivariable logistic regressions.Results: Experience of stressful life events during pregnancy increased the odds for the early cessation of prevalent breastfeeding (OR 1.34, p < 0.05, 95% CI 1.04–1.71) independent of maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and biomedical factors. Stress events associated with separation or divorce, financial problems and residential moves in pregnancy were important predictors for a shorter duration of prevalent breastfeeding.Conclusion: Experience of stressful life events during pregnancy increased the odds for the early cessation of prevalent breastfeeding. Interventions that move beyond hospital‐based antenatal care to address the causes of maternal stress in pregnancy and socioeconomic disparities between women are required to increase breastfeeding duration.