bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A revision of Martin's seed classification system, with particular reference to his dwarf-seed type
Authors: Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMartin's (1946) seed classification system has 10 types based on embryo and endosperm characteristics and two additional types based on seed size: dwarf (0.3–2.0 mm) and micro ( ≤ 0.2 mm). He listed 17 families and 12 genera (in five other families) as having dwarf seeds. Our recent discovery of morphophysiological dormancy in dwarf seeds of several taxa ofCampanulaceaeand one ofGentianaceaeprompted an evaluation of dwarf seeds. Martin's paper contains 37 families with one to several small (0.3–2.0 mm) seeded species that he did not list as being dwarf. Comparison of Martin's dwarf families and the 37 small-seeded non-dwarf families revealed no consistent differences between the two groups in endosperm texture, seed-coat anatomy, embryo morphology, class of seed dormancy or phylogenetic position. Also, Martin's dwarf seeds include a variety of embryo morphologies. Consequently, we have revised Martin's key to seed types. The dwarf category has been removed and the micro category replaced by ‘undifferentiated’ to reflect the state of the embryo in fresh seeds. Further, the key now includes linear fully developed, linear underdeveloped, spatulate fully developed and spatulate underdeveloped seed types, which Martin illustrated but did not include in his key. In the revised key, all seeds are distinguished on the basis of embryo and endosperm characteristics.
A new procedure for making observations of embryo morphology in dust-like seeds with rigid coats
Authors: de Vega Clara , de Oliveira Renata Carmo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObserving the embryo in dust-like seeds with a rigid coat presents a particular challenge, because it is not possible to use conventional techniques applied to normal-sized seeds. A new combination of softening and clearing techniques, which is remarkably effective for direct observations of embryos in minute seeds, is reported here. Moreover, no special seed treatment is required prior to application of this combination of techniques, and good results are obtained from living and preserved material. Dust-like seeds ofCytinus hypocistisandCytinus ruberwith a rigid coat were treated successively with Franklin's and with Jeffrey's softening fluids, and then with Herr's clearing fluid. The combined action of the two softening fluids caused sufficient seed coat rupture to allow Herr's fluid to clear seed tissues, permitting effective observation of the embryo. This technique should be applicable to a wide range of species with dust-like seeds, and its possibilities for biological studies are numerous.
Age-related biochemical changes during storage of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seeds
Authors: Pukacka Stanislawa , Ratajczak Ewelina 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSubstances that could play a role in maintaining seed viability (phenolic compounds, α-tocopherol, sterols, ascorbic acid, glutathione and soluble proteins) were estimated in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) seed lots that had been stored for 2, 5, 7 and 10 years at − 10°C. Germination capacity was strongly and positively correlated with amounts of total phenolic compounds, ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing phenols and soluble proteins. Moderately strong relationships appeared between germination capacity and α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid contents. Total sterol and glutathione contents were not correlated with germination capacity. A strong, negative correlation was found between germination capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide radical (O _{2}^{\cdot - }) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as well as with lipid hydroxyperoxides (LHPOs). The putative role of these compounds in the maintenance of beech seed viability during long-term storage is discussed.
Enhancement of tanshinone production in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (red or Chinese sage) hairy‐root culture by hyperosmotic stress and yeast elicitor
Authors: Shi Ming , Kwok K. W. , Wu Jian Yong 
Published: March 2007

The present study evaluates the use of hyperosmotic stress and a biotic elicitor YE (yeast elicitor; polysaccharide fraction of yeast extract) to stimulate diterpenoid tanshinone production in hairy‐root culture of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae). Sorbitol was applied as an osmoticum at various concentrations (30–100 g/l) to the hairy‐root culture in MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium [Murashige and Skoog (1962) Physiol. Plant. 15, 473–497] containing 30 g/l sucrose, and it increased the TT (total tanshinone) content of roots most dramatically at 50–70 g/l (medium osmolality 410–500 mmol/kg; 1 mol/kg≈1 osmol/kg), to 4.5‐fold of that in the control. The hairy roots showed strong tolerance to hyperosmotic stress, retaining a stable or higher dry weight of roots at osmolality up to 500 mmol/kg. Most remarkably, the combined use of sorbitol (50 g/l) and YE (100 mg/l) increased the TT content 10‐fold (1481.6 versus 146.4 μg/g dry root) and the volumetric tanshinone yield 9‐fold (16.3 versus 1.77 mg/l) compared with the control. The results suggest that the combined use of hyperosmotic stress and a biotic elicitor can effectively enhance secondary metabolite production in hairy‐root cultures.
A novel PEGylation of chitosan nanoparticles for gene delivery
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Chen Jiji , Zhang Yangde , Pan Yifeng , Zhao Jingfeng , Ren Lifeng , Liao Mingmei , Hu Zhiyuan , Kong Lu , Wang Jiwei 
Published: March 2007

CS (chitosan) has emerged as a promising non‐viral vector for gene delivery because of its ability to form complexes with pDNA (plasmid DNA) and enhance its transport across cellular membranes through endocytosis. Complexes of CS and pDNA may improve transfection efficiency; however, they are not capable of sustained DNA release and prolonging gene transfer. In order to achieve prolonged delivery of CS–DNA complexes, we prepared CS NP (nanoparticle) and CS–DNA complexes. α‐Methoxy‐ω‐succinimidylpoly(ethylene glycol) was then conjugated to the surface of CS–DNA complexes using an active ester scheme; finally, the potential of PEGylation [poly(ethylene glycol)ylation] of CS NP as a non‐viral gene‐delivery vector to transfer exogenous genes in vitro and in vivo were examined. Electrophoretic analysis suggested that CS NPs could protect the DNA from nuclease degradation. The pDNA carried by CS NPs could enter and be expressed in HepG2 cells. However, the transfection efficiency was very low and the highest dose of DNA transferred was 1.6 μg. The transfection activities of CS–DNA–PEG were preserved and a higher dose (2.4 μg) of pDNA was transferred. This indicated that the transfection efficiency of the PEGylated complexes had been improved. In vivo experiments also showed that CS–DNA–PEG complexes mediated higher gene expression in tissues than did CS–DNA complexes, and that gene expression in tumours induced by CS–DNA–PEG complexes was the highest of all. These results suggested that PEGylation of CS–DNA complexes improves non‐viral gene delivery in vitro or in vivo and has the potential to deliver therapeutic genes directly into hepatoma tissues.
The revenge of the Patterson methods. II. Substructure applications
Authors: Burla Maria Cristina , Caliandro Rocco , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , De Caro Liberato , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Polidori Giampiero , Siliqi Dritan 
Published: March 2007

The Patterson techniques, recently developed by the same authors for theab initiocrystal structure solution of proteins, have been applied to single and multiple anomalous diffraction (SAD and MAD) data to find the substructure of the anomalous scatterers. An automatic procedure has been applied to a large set of test structures, some of which were originally solved with remarkable difficulty. In all cases, the procedure automatically leads to interpretable electron density maps. Patterson techniques have been compared with direct methods; the former seem to be more efficient than the latter, so confirming the results obtained forab initiophasing, and disproving the common belief that they could only be applied to determine large equal-atom substructures with difficulty.
Alcohol drinking pattern and non‐fatal myocardial infarction in women
Authors: Dorn Joan M. , Hovey Kathleen , Williams Brent A. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Russell Marcia , Nochajski Thomas H. , Trevisan Maurizio 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTAims  Evidence continues to emerge indicating the pattern of alcohol consumption has important implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, although the majority of studies have focused on men. The aim of the study is to examine the association between alcohol volume and various drinking patterns and non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in women aged 35–69 years.Design and setting  Population‐based case–control study, 1996–2001.Participants  Incident MI cases (n = 320) recruited from Western NY hospitals, controls (n = 1565) identified from motor vehicle rolls and Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) files.Measurements  Incident MI, volume and drinking patterns for the 12–24 months prior to interview (controls) or MI (cases) were assessed in detail.Findings  Of cases and controls, 13% were life‐time abstainers; current drinkers averaged 2.3 ± 2.2 drinks/drinking day. Compared to life‐time abstainers, current drinkers tended to have a reduced likelihood of MI [odds ratio (OR), 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.43–1.03]. Volume, drinks/drinking day and frequency were associated inversely with MI risk (P trends < 0.001). Wine drinkers (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33–0.96) and consumers of mixed beverage types (OR, 0.56, 0.31–1.01) had lower odds of MI compared to abstainers. Among current drinkers, for volume and most patterns, similar but somewhat weaker associations were noted than when abstainers were the reference. In contrast, frequency of intoxication at least once/month or more was associated with a strong increased risk compared to abstention (OR, 2.90; 95% CI 1.01–8.29) or in current drinkers, never drinking to this extent (OR, 6.22; 95% CI 2.07–18.69).Conclusion  In this population of light to moderate drinkers, alcohol consumption in general was associated with decreased MI risk in women; however, episodic intoxication was related to a substantial increase in risk.
Comparison of the analgesic efficacy and respiratory effects of morphine, tramadol and codeine after craniotomy*
Authors: Sudheer P. S. , Logan S. W. , Terblanche C. , Ateleanu B. , Hall J. E. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryPain after craniotomy remains a significant problem. The effect of morphine and tramadol patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) on arterial carbon dioxide tension is unknown in patients having such surgery. Sixty craniotomy patients were randomly allocated to receive morphine PCA, tramadol PCA or codeine phosphate 60 mg intramuscularly. Baseline values of pain score (0–10), sedation and arterial carbon dioxide tension were recorded at the time of first analgesic administration and at 30 min, 1, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 h. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 24 h. There were no differences in arterial carbon dioxide tension or sedation between groups at any time, but in all three groups some patients had rises greater than 1 kPa. Morphine produced significantly better analgesia than tramadol at all time points (p < 0.005) and better analgesia than codeine at 4, 12 and 18 h. Patients were more satisfied with morphine than with codeine or tramadol (p < 0.001). Vomiting and retching occurred in 50% of patients with tramadol, compared with 20% with morphine and 29% with codeine.
Supporting special needs in the mainstream classroom: children's perceptions of the adult role
Authors: Bowers T 
Published: March 2007

SummaryInclusion of children with significant special educational needs within the ordinary classroom frequently involves additional human resources. In the UK, specialist teachers and classroom assistants (teachers’aides) are now a regular feature of many classrooms. Their purpose is to provide advice and support to the teacher and/or specifically to assist the child with special educational needs in accessing the mainstream curriculum. There has been little research into the Impact of these additional adults on children not designated as having special educational needs, although their attitudes and responses are likely to prove critical to the success of any policy of inclusive education. This study examines the responses of 713 children (ages 7–14+) attending 27 schools in London to questions relating to the role of adults supporting special educational needs (SEN) children in their classrooms and to the social desirability of being singled out for support. The findings suggest that the majority of those responding saw the support being directed towards the teacher's needs. The recognition of pupils’needs was less frequently expressed. The desirability of support became challenged by some children in the upper age range of the sample. Reasons for this and the implications for Inclusive education are considered.
Detection of behavioural and emotional problems in deaf children and adolescents: comparison of two rating scales
Authors: Vostanis P , Hayes M , Du Feu M , Warren J 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to establish rates of behavioural and emotional problems, and of social maladjustment, In a population of deaf children, particularly in relation to different methods of communication. The parents of 84 children who attended two schools for the deaf took part. They completed the parents’checklist (PCL), a behaviour rating scale for deaf children, and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), a measure widely used in the general population. The two instruments were significantly correlated on the severity of behavioural and emotional problems, but their previously established cut‐off scores detected different rates of possible clinical cases, i.e. children with mental health disorders. According to the CBCL, 40|X% of children were within the clinical range, and 82|X% were socially dysfunctional compared with the general population. The PCL identified a much higher percentage (77|X%of caseness. Behavioural and emotional problems were significantly higher in Asian children. Although all subjects used sign language, the additional use of speech, which may indicate increased hearing ability, had a protective effect for adolescents. The findings are discussed in relation to the validation of the instruments and the development of intervention programmes for deaf children.
A Caucasian male with very low blood cholesterol and low apoA‐II without evidence of atherosclerosis
Authors: Park S. H. , Kim J.‐R. , Park J. E. , Cho K. H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  It is well known that a high level of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐II can be associated with familial combined hyperlipidaemia, and that high apolipoprotein profiles can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The serum lipoprotein/apolipoprotein profile of a Caucasian patient who had unusually low serum total cholesterol (83 mg dL−1) and triglyceride (28 mg dL−1) levels despite a high body mass index (33·5 kg m−2), is the subject of this report.Materials and methods  Each lipoprotein was isolated from serum by sequential ultracentrifugation, and serum and lipoprotein lipids and proteins were determined. The cholesteryl ester (CE) conversion ability of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and CE transfer activity of CE transfer protein were assayed, and the composition of apolipoprotein and lipoprotein−1 was analyzed by electrophoresis and Western blot analysis.Results  Electrophoresis and immunodetection analyses revealed a 60% decrease in the apoA‐II band intensity compared to normal reference serum. The decreased apoA‐II was associated with reduced very low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and protein content, as well as a greater high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)2 size with high cholesterol content. The CE conversion activity and CE transfer activity of HDL3 were almost totally lacking in the hypolipidaemic serum, although the expression level of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase was normal. Electron microscopy revealed that the obese patient had larger HDL2 and HDL3 particle sizes than those of reference serum.Conclusion  These results suggest that a decreased apoA‐II protein in serum and increased HDL‐cholesterol and particle size might protect against hyperlipidaemia and the atherosclerotic process, even in a patient with severe obesity.
Mitochondrial function and endocrine diseases
Authors: Stark R. , Roden M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMitochondria are fundamental for oxidative energy production and impairment of their functionality can lead to reduced ATP synthesis and contribute to initiation of apoptosis. Endocrine tissues critically rely on oxidative phosphorylation so that mitochondrial abnormalities may either be causes or consequences of diminished hormone production or action. Abnormalities typical for diseases caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations such as Kearns–Sayre syndrome or mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke–like episodes syndrome are also seen in certain endocrine diseases. Lack or excess of thyroid hormones, major ubiquitous regulators of mitochondrial content and activity, cause muscular abnormalities and multisystem disorders. Mitochondria are a further prerequisite for steroidogenesis as well as insulin secretion and action. Recent studies showed that reduced mitochondrial ATP synthesis in skeletal muscle is a feature of certain hereditary and acquired forms of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Finally, ageing is not only accompanied by various degrees of hormonal deficiency and insulin resistance but is also associated with a progressive decline of mitochondrial number and function. Future research is needed to examine whether mitochondrial abnormalities are the cause or consequence of ageing and frequent metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to address mitochondria as a target for novel therapeutic regimes.
Right ventricular performance in severe obesity. Effect of weight loss
Authors: Maniscalco M. , Arciello A. , Zedda A. , Faraone S. , Verde R. , Giardiello C. , Cacciapuoti F. , Cacciapuoti F. , Sofia M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  The effects of severe obesity on right ventricular function in the absence of associated cardiopulmonary disease are not well known. Right myocardial performance index (R‐MPI) is an echocardiographic index to non‐invasively assess the right ventricular function.The aim of our study was to assess R‐MPI in individuals with severe but uncomplicated obesity before and after a significant weight loss induced by bariatric surgery.Patients and methods  Fifteen obese females (OB) without cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases were examined. In all subjects, R‐MPI was calculated by Doppler echocardiography as the sum of isovolumetric contraction time and isovolumetric relaxation time divided by ejection time. Furthermore, pulmonary function test (PFT) and 6‐min walking test (6mWT) were performed. Ten healthy subjects with normal weight (HS) were also evaluated as controls. R‐MPI, PFT and 6mWT were also re‐evaluated one year later in 12 obese subjects treated with gastric banding after a consistent weight loss (> 20%).Results  A prolongation of R‐MPI was found in OB before bariatric surgery in comparison to the HS (0·47 ± 0·04 and 0·29 ± 0·05, respectively; P < 0·001). R‐MPI significantly improved in OB 12 months after surgery (0·32 ± 0·03) and was no longer different from HS. R‐MPI positively correlated to body mass index (BMI). A significant association was found between the reduction of BMI after bariatric surgery and the distance walked during the 6mWT.Conclusions  These results show a right ventricular dysfunction in severe uncomplicated obesity, associated with an impaired functional capacity which recovers after consistent weight loss.
Radial pressure waveform dP/dt max is a poor indicator of left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Sharman J. E. , Qasem A. M. , Hanekom L. , Gill D. S. , Lim R. , Marwick T. H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  The first derivative of left ventricular (LV) pressure over time (dP/dt max) is a marker of LV systolic function that can be assessed during cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. Radial artery dP/dt max has been proposed as a possible marker of LV systolic function and we sought to test this hypothesis.Materials and methods  We compared simultaneously recorded radial dP/dt max (by high‐fidelity tonometry) with LV dP/dt max (by high‐fidelity catheter and echocardiography parameters analogous to LV dP/dt max). In study 1, beat‐to‐beat radial dP/dt max and LV dP/dt max were recorded at rest and during supine exercise in 12 males (aged 61 ± 12 years) undergoing cardiac catheterization. In study 2, 2D‐echocardiography and radial dP/dt max were recorded in 54 patients (separate to study 1; 39 men; aged 64 ± 10 years) at baseline and peak dobutamine‐induced stress. Three basal septum measures were taken as being analogous to LV dP/dt max: 1. Peak systolic strain rate; 2. Strain rate (SR‐dP/dt max) during isovolumic contraction (IVCT) and; 3. Tissue velocity during IVCT.Results  In study 1 there was a significant difference between resting LV dP/dt max (1461 ± 383 mmHg s−1) and radial dP/dt max (1182 ± 319 mmHg s−1; P < 0·001), and a poor, but statistically significant, correlation between the variables (R2 = 0·006; P < 0·05). Similar results were observed during exercise. In study 2 there were weak (R2 = −0·12; P = 0·01) to non‐significant associations between radial dP/dt max and all echocardiographic measures analogous to LV dP/dt max at rest or peak stress.Conclusion  Radial pressure waveform dP/dt max is not a reliable marker of LV systolic function.
Glucose transporter expression on the plasma membrane of resting and activated white blood cells
Authors: Maratou E. , Dimitriadis G. , Kollias A. , Boutati E. , Lambadiari V. , Mitrou P. , Raptis S. A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  In white blood cells (WBC), the increase in glucose utilization is a prominent feature during immune response and this depends on the function of specific glucose transporter (GLUT) isoforms. The objective was to examine the effects of activation by Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and insulin on the expression of GLUT isoforms in all subpopulations of WBC.Materials and methods  Blood was withdrawn from 27 healthy subjects. The expression of GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 on the plasma membrane of resting and activated monocytes, T‐ and B‐lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was determined in the absence and presence of physiological concentrations of insulin, by flow cytometry.Results  GLUT1 did not respond to insulin in either resting or PMA/LPS activated state. In the resting state, monocytes and B‐lymphocytes increased the abundance of GLUT3 and GLUT4 on their plasma membrane in response to insulin; in contrast, T‐lymphocytes and PMNs were unresponsive to insulin. In the activated state, monocytes, B‐ and T‐ lymphocytes increased the expression of all three GLUT isoforms on their plasma membrane, whilst PMNs increased only GLUT1 and GLUT3; in all WBC, insulin augmented the expression of GLUT4 and GLUT3 isoforms in addition to the stimulation provided by the PMA or LPS treatment alone.Conclusion  Activation of WBC leads to increased expression of GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT4 isoforms on their plasma membrane; this process was further augmented by insulin. During infection, these mechanisms may help to redistribute glucose as a potential source of energy away from peripheral tissues and direct it towards cells that mediate the immune response and are therefore crucial to survival.