bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Descriptors from Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows in coastal waters of Valencia, Spain, in the context of the EU Water Framework Directive
Authors: Fernández-Torquemada Yolanda , Díaz-Valdés Marta , Colilla Francisco , Luna Beatriz , Sánchez-Lizaso José Luis , Ramos-Esplá Alfonso A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Fernández-Torquemada, Y., Díaz-Valdés, M., Colilla, F., Luna, B., Sánchez-Lizaso, J. L., and Ramos-Esplá, A. A. 2008. Descriptors from Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows in coastal waters of Valencia, Spain, in the context of the EU Water Framework Directive. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1492–1497. Evaluations are provided of 21 descriptors of Posidonia oceanica meadows along the coast of Valencia, Spain, with a view to using these in implementing the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). The descriptors selected are known to respond to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Data were collected at 17 locations during three consecutive years. A principal components analysis was used to classify the ecological status of each locality according to five classes as prescribed by the WFD. To identify the descriptors that contributed most to similarity among localities within each class and to dissimilarity between adjacent classes, a similarity percentage analysis was performed. We also correlated the descriptors with an independent set of indicators for various types of anthropogenic pressures on the water bodies associated with the different localities. The descriptors providing the most consistent information on status as well as demonstrating a significant relationship with estimated pressures were: shoot density, shoot foliar surface, dead-matte cover, meadow cover, herbivore pressure, rhizome baring/burial, foliar necrosis, percentage of plagiotropic rhizomes, and leaf-epiphyte biomass.
The porcine fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is associated with fat deposition in Italian Duroc pigs
Authors: Fontanesi L. , Scotti E. , Buttazzoni L. , Davoli R. , Russo V. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIn humans, common variants in the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene are associated with body mass index and obesity. Here we sequenced exon 4, parts of introns 3 and 4 and two portions of the 3′‐untranslated region of the porcine FTO gene in a panel of nine pigs of different breeds and identified three SNPs. Allele frequencies of the g.276T>G (AM931150) mutation were studied in seven pig breeds. This mutation was used to linkage‐map FTO to SSC6. Association analyses between the g.276T>G polymorphism and several traits [pH of semimembranosus muscle and estimated breeding values (EBV) for average daily gain, back fat thickness, lean cuts, ham weight and feed:gain ratio] were carried out in 257 sib‐tested Italian Large White pigs. Only feed:gain ratio showed P < 0.05. A selective genotyping approach was applied, analysing two extreme and divergent groups of Italian Large White pigs selected on the basis of back fat thickness EBV (50 with most positive and 50 with most negative values). Fisher’s exact test (two‐tailed) was not significant when comparing the allele frequencies of these two groups. The same approach was used in the Italian Duroc breed for which two extreme and divergent groups of animals were selected according to visible intermuscular fat EBV. Differences of allele frequencies between these two groups were highly significant (P < 0.00001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, considering all animals or only two‐ or three‐generation unrelated animals respectively), indicating association between the analysed FTO marker and intermuscular fat deposition.
Street‐level bureaucracy and family group decision making in the USA
Authors: Vesneski William 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTSince its official recognition in New Zealand law in 1989, family group decision making (FGDM) has been utilized by a growing number of child welfare workers throughout the world. In the USA, social workers in 35 states utilize FGDM. The seeming popularity of the practice, however, belies its complex position in American child welfare policy. This brief analytic essay examines this position by focusing on the relationship between street‐level bureaucracy and FGDM. Specifically, it describes the role of street‐level bureaucracy in FGDM's diffusion throughout the USA during a time of considerable policy skepticism towards family support, and it explains the dilution of the FGDM model through use of street‐level bureaucracy theory. The essay concludes by raising important policy questions concerning the use and replication of FGDM in the USA.
Measurement of solid phase permittivity for volcanic soils by time domain reflectometry
Authors: Kameyama K. , Miyamoto T. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryDielectric properties of soils are widely used to estimate their water content. Andisols are unique soils in terms of aggregate structure and show dielectric properties different from other mineral soils. To understand the relationship between the dielectric properties and soil physical properties, multi‐phase dielectric mixing models are often used. However, solid phase permittivity (ɛs) for Andisols, which is required for calculating the model output, has not been directly measured yet. Therefore, the objectives for this study were to measure ɛs for Andisols in Japan. In addition, the measured ɛs values were compared with those calculated from the traditional method, which applies two‐phase mixing models to estimate ɛs values based on effective permittivities of repacked soil samples. The applicability of the traditional method to estimate such values for Andisols is also discussed. The effects of bound water and aggregate structure on measured ɛs values were evaluated prior to their measurements. We found that the aggregate structural effects were negligible. However, the amount of bound water caused overestimates of ɛs. Four Andisols from the A and B horizons of soils in Memuro Hokkaido (northern part of Japan), from the A horizon of a soil in Tsukuba Ibaraki (central part of Japan), and from the A horizon of a soil in Koshi Kumamoto (southern part of Japan) were used in this study. The ɛs values obtained fall between 5.6 and 6.1, and deviated from the estimated ɛs values derived from the traditional method. Therefore, the traditional method is probably unsuitable to estimate ɛs values for Andisols.
σ54‐RNA polymerase controls σ70‐dependent transcription from a non‐overlapping divergent promoter
Authors: Johansson Linda U. M. , Solera Dafne , Bernardo Lisandro M. D. , Moscoso Joana A. , Shingler Victoria 
Published: September 2008

SummaryDivergent transcription of a regulatory gene and a cognate promoter under its control is a common theme in bacterial regulatory circuits. This genetic organization is found for the dmpR gene that encodes the substrate‐responsive specific regulator of the σ54‐dependent Po promoter, which controls (methyl)phenol catabolism. Here we identify the Pr promoter of dmpR as a σ70‐dependent promoter that is regulated by a novel mechanism in which σ54‐RNA polymerase occupancy of the non‐overlapping σ54‐Po promoter stimulates σ70‐Pr output. In addition, we show that DmpR stimulates its own production through Po activity both in vivo and in vitro. Hence, the demonstrated regulatory circuit reveals a novel role for σ54‐RNA polymerase, namely regulation of a σ70‐dependent promoter, and a new mechanism that places a single promoter under dual control of two alternative forms of RNA polymerase. We present a model in which guanosine tetra‐phosphate plays a major role in the interplay between σ54‐ and σ70‐dependent transcription to ensure metabolic integration to couple σ70‐Pr output to both low‐energy conditions and the presence of substrate.
Compensatory thio–redox interactions between DsbA, CcdA and CcmG unveil the apocytochrome c holdase role of CcmG during cytochrome c maturation
Authors: Turkarslan Serdar , Sanders Carsten , Ekici Seda , Daldal Fevzi 
Published: September 2008

SummaryDuring cytochrome c maturation (Ccm), the DsbA‐dependent thio‐oxidative protein‐folding pathway is thought to introduce a disulphide bond into the haem‐binding motif of apocytochromes c. This disulphide bond is believed to be reduced through a thio‐reductive pathway involving the Ccm components CcdA (DsbD), CcmG and CcmH. Here, we show in Rhodobacter capsulatus that in the absence of DsbA cytochrome c levels were decreased and CcdA or CcmG or the putative glutathione transporter CydDC was not needed for Ccm. This decrease was not due to overproduction of the periplasmic protease DegP as a secondary effect of DsbA absence. In contrast, CcmH was absolutely necessary regardless of DsbA, indicating that compensatory thio–redox interactions excluded it. Remarkably, the double (DsbA–CcmG) and triple (DsbA–CcmG–CcdA) mutants produced cytochromes c at lower levels than the DsbA‐null mutants, unless they contained a CcmG derivative (CcmG*) lacking its thio‐reductive activity. Purified CcmG* can bind apocytochrome c in vitro, revealing for the first time a thiol‐independent, direct interaction between apocytochrome c and CcmG. Furthermore, elimination of the thio–redox components does not abolish cytochrome c production, restricting the number of Ccm components essential for haem–apocyt c ligation per se during Ccm.
Antibodies elicited by the secretions from schistosome cercariae and eggs are predominantly against glycan epitopes
Authors: KARIUKI T. M. , FARAH I. O. , WILSON R. A. , COULSON P. S. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARY The glycoproteins secreted by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and eggs play a key role in parasite transmission to and from the mammalian host. We used secreted preparations from these two life cycle stages to characterize the reactivity of sera from baboons exposed to normal and/or attenuated cercariae, in comparison with somatic antigen preparations and defined glycan epitopes. Periodate treatment of native antigens revealed that responses to the two secreted preparations were overwhelmingly directed against glycans rather than peptides. Considerable immunological cross‐reactivity between glycans in the two preparations was inferred from a comparison of sera from infected‐only and vaccinated‐only animals, predominantly exposed to egg and cercarial secretions, respectively. In contrast, when somatic antigen preparations derived from adult worms or eggs were used to probe sera, a stronger antipeptide response was seen that accounted for up to 66% of maximum reactivity. Probing of sera with defined glycan structures confirmed the time course of responses and the presence of cross‐reactive epitopes. In spite of the intense antiglycan response elicited in mice by administration of live eggs, no protection against a cercarial challenge was observed. Our data further support the hypothesis that antiglycan responses are a smokescreen with negligible protective potential.
S‐RNase triggers mitochondrial alteration and DNA degradation in the incompatible pollen tube of Pyrus pyrifolia in vitro
Authors: Wang Chun‐Lei , Xu Guo‐Hua , Jiang Xue‐Tin , Chen Gong , Wu Jun , Wu Hua‐Qing , Zhang Shao‐Ling 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPear (Pyrus pyrifolia L.) has a S‐RNase‐based gametophytic self‐incompatibility (SI) mechanism, and S‐RNase has also been implicated in the rejection of self‐pollen and genetically identical pollen. No studies, however, have examined the extent of organelle alterations during the SI response in Pyrus pyrifolia. Consequently, this study focused on the alterations to mitochondria and nuclear DNA in incompatible pollen tubes of the pear. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide was used to evaluate the viability of pollen tubes under S‐RNase challenge. The results showed that the viability of the control and compatible pollen tubes decreased slightly, but that of the incompatible pollen and pollen tubes began to decline at 30 min. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψmit) was also tested with rhodamine 123 30 min after SI challenge, and was shown to have collapsed in the incompatible pollen tubes after exposure to S‐RNase. Western blotting 2 h after SI challenge confirmed that the Δψmit collapse induced leakage of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Swollen mitochondria were detected by transmission electron microscopy as early as 1 h after SI challenge and the degradation of nuclear DNA was observed by both 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole and transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling. These diagnostic features of programmed cell death (PCD) suggested that PCD may specifically occur in incompatible pollen tubes.
Square‐edge polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens design for reducing posterior capsule opacification following paediatric cataract surgery: initial experience
Authors: Brar Gagandeep S , Grewal Dilraj S , Ram Jagat , Singla Mohit , Grewal Satinder Pal S 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To compare the incidence and severity of development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following implantation of square‐edged polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) following paediatric cataract surgery.Design:  Prospective, consecutive, interventional, comparative, randomized and cross‐sectional study of 40 eyes of 32 children aged between 4 and 12 years who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation.Methods:  The patients were randomized into two groups of 20 eyes each. Group 1 eyes received a square‐edge hydrophobic acrylic IOL (Acrysof SA 60 AT, Alcon Surgical, Fort Worth, Texas), and Group 2 eyes received a square‐edge single‐piece PMMA lens (Aurolab SQ 3600 Aurolab IOL Division, Madurai, India) in the capsular bag. No eye underwent a primary posterior capsulotomy. The PCO density was evaluated on slitlamp retroillumination photographs by using POCOman software at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post surgery.Results:  The average percentage PCO on POCOman analysis was 51.23 for Group 1 and 49.49 for Group 2 (P = 0.09), and the average PCO severity grade was 1.34 in Group 1 and 1.12 in Group 2 (P = 0.08). Visual axis remained clear in 14 of 20 eyes with the acrylic lens as compared with 13 of 20 eyes with the PMMA lens. (P = 0.32).Conclusions:  Square‐edge PMMA IOLs offer a significant cost advantage over acrylic lenses at similar rates of PCO formation following paediatric cataract surgery, which is of significant value in developing countries.
Validity and reliability of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in Japanese elderly people
Authors: Hagiwara Akiko , Ito Naomi , Sawai Kazuhiko , Kazuma Keiko 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  In Japan, there are no valid and reliable physical activity questionnaires for elderly people. In this study, we translated the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) into Japanese and assessed its validity and reliability.Methods:  Three hundred and twenty‐five healthy and elderly subjects over 65 years were enrolled. Concurrent validity was evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between PASE scores and an accelerometer (waking steps and energy expenditure), a physical activity questionnaire for adults in general (the Japan Arteriosclerosis Longitudinal Study Physical Activity Questionnaire, JALSPAQ), grip strength, mid‐thigh muscle area per bodyweight, static valance and bodyfat percentage. Reliability was evaluated by the test–retest method over a period of 3–4 weeks.Results:  The mean PASE score in this study was 114.9. The PASE score was significantly correlated with walking steps (ρ = 0.17, P = 0.014), energy expenditure (ρ = 0.16, P = 0.024), activity measured with the JALSPAQ (ρ = 0.48, P < 0.001), mid‐thigh muscle area per bodyweight (ρ = 0.15, P = 0.006) and static balance (ρ = 0.19, P = 0.001). The proportion of consistency in the response between the first and second surveys was adequately high. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the PASE score was 0.65.Conclusions:  The Japanese version of PASE was shown to have acceptable validity and reliability. The PASE is useful to measure the physical activity of elderly people in Japan.
Mortality rates of community‐residing adults with and without dentures
Authors: Fukai Kakuhiro , Takiguchi Toru , Ando Yuichi , Aoyama Hitoshi , Miyakawa Youko , Ito Gakuji , Inoue Masakazu , Sasaki Hidetada 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To prospectively study how dental status with and without dentures could become a predictor of overall mortality risk.Methods:  Five thousand six hundred eighty‐eight community residents over 40 years old in the Miyako Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, were followed up for 15 years from 1987–2002.Results:  We found that female subjects with less than 10 functional teeth and without dentures showed a significantly higher mortality rate than those with dentures. There was no significant difference of mortality rates in male subjects. There were no significant differences of mortality rates between subjects with 10 or more functional teeth with and without dentures.Conclusion:  The present study suggests that dentures are one of the factors associated with mortality rates especially in female subjects with less than 10 functional teeth.
Age and sex differences in various stepping movements of the elderly
Authors: Demura Shin‐ichi , Yamada Takayoshi , Shin Sohee 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  This study aimed to examine sex and age differences of various stepping movements in the elderly and to clarify useful stepping movements for evaluation of their dynamic balance.Methods:  Two hundred and eighty‐six healthy elderly subjects who could walk independently (male mean age = 71.2 ± 7.1 years; female mean age = 71.5 ± 6.0) performed the following stepping tests: back and forth; up and down with a 5 cm tall step; and in‐place stepping matching three tempos (44, 66 and 132 b.p.m.). Step number, single and double support times in the former two stepping tests, and time difference between metronome sound and grounding time in the latter tempo stepping tests were selected as evaluation parameters.Results:  An insignificant sex difference was found in all parameters. Hence, the data of men and women was pooled to examine age differences. Significant age differences were found in the step number and double support time of back and forth and up and down stepping tests and in the time difference of three tempo stepping tests. The step number in younger age groups and the support times in older age groups tended to be larger.Conclusion:  No sex difference was found in evaluation parameters of all stepping tests, and all parameters tended to be superior in the younger elderly. The elderly experienced more difficulty matching slow tempos than fast tempos in the in‐place stepping test. The back and forth, up and down and in‐place matching tempo stepping tests may be useful for evaluating dynamic balance ability of the elderly.
Undiagnosed cirrhosis occurs frequently in the elderly and requires periodic follow ups and medical treatments
Authors: Fujimoto Koichi , Sawabe Motoji , Sasaki Mina , Kino Kenji , Arai Tomio 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Autopsy examinations frequently reveal undiagnosed cirrhosis, but its characteristics have rarely been addressed in the elderly.Methods:  From 1597 consecutive autopsies, those of patients with liver cirrhosis were selected and their clinicopathological findings were examined.Results:  Seventy‐six patients had liver cirrhosis; 18 of these patients (23.7%) were classified as an “undiagnosed” group and in that they had not been diagnosed as having cirrhosis before death. The remaining 58 patients were classified as a “clinical” group. Compared to the clinical group, the undiagnosed group demonstrated a significantly lower Child–Pugh score (7.1 ± 1.9 vs 8.6 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) and infrequent hepatocellular carcinoma (72.4% vs 5.6%; P < 0.0001). The undiagnosed group also demonstrated significantly lower complication rates of hepatic encephalopathy and esophageal varix, and a volume of ascites. The patients in the undiagnosed group were significantly older (79.9 ± 8.1 vs 74.2 ± 8.5 years; P < 0.01), and fewer patients died of liver‐related causes (17% vs 67.2%; P < 0.0001). The etiology of cirrhosis was unknown in five patients in the undiagnosed group, and seven patients did not show any suggestive symptoms or imaging signs.Conclusion:  Liver cirrhosis is often undiagnosed (23.7%) in the elderly. In the undiagnosed group, liver function was preserved and serious complications were infrequent. Because the diagnosis of cirrhosis leads to early identification of hepatocellular carcinoma and good prognosis, detailed examination and periodic follow ups should be performed when liver dysfunction is indicated, even in the elderly.
Prenatal activation of 5‐HT2Areceptor induces expression of 5‐HT1Breceptor in phrenic motoneurons and alters the organization of their premotor network in newborn mice
Authors: Bras Hélène , Gaytán Susana P. , Portalier Paule , Zanella Sébastien , Pásaro Rosario , Coulon Patrice , Hilaire Gérard 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn newborn mice of the control [C3H/HeJ (C3H)] and monoamine oxidase A‐deficient (Tg8) strains, in which levels of endogenous serotonin (5‐HT) were drastically increased, we investigated how 5‐HT system dysregulation affected the maturation of phrenic motoneurons (PhMns), which innervate the diaphragm. First, using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, we observed a 5‐HT2Areceptor (5‐HT2A‐R) expression in PhMns of both C3H and Tg8 neonates at the somatic and dendritic levels, whereas 5‐HT1Breceptor (5‐HT1B‐R) expression was observed only in Tg8 PhMns at the somatic level. We investigated the interactions between 5‐HT2A‐R and 5‐HT1B‐R during maturation by treating pregnant C3H mice with a 5‐HT2A‐R agonist (2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride). This pharmacological overactivation of 5‐HT2A‐R induced a somatic expression of 5‐HT1B‐R in PhMns of their progeny. Conversely, treatment of pregnant Tg8 mice with a 5‐HT2A‐R antagonist (ketanserin) decreased the 5‐HT1B‐R density in PhMns of their progeny. Second, using retrograde transneuronal tracing with rabies virus injected into the diaphragm of Tg8 and C3H neonates, we studied the organization of the premotor network driving PhMns. The interneuronal network monosynaptically connected to PhMns was much more extensive in Tg8 than in C3H neonates. However, treatment of pregnant C3H mice with 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine hydrochloride switched the premotoneuronal network of their progeny from a C3H‐ to a Tg8‐like pattern. These results show that a prenatal 5‐HT excess affects, via the overactivation of 5‐HT2A‐R, the expression of 5‐HT1B‐R in PhMns and the organization of their premotor network.