bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CULTURE STUDY OF REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES AND SYSTEMATICA IN MOUGEOTIA TRANSEAUI (CHLOROPHYTA)1,2
Authors: Kennedy Frances G. R. , Hoshaw Robert W 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Asexual and sexual reproductive cyries are described and illustrated for a cultured homothallic strain of Mougeotia transeaui Collins. Reproduction is by aplanospores and zygospores. Aplanospore formation precedes zygospore formation and continues longer with regreening of older cultures occurring regularly from precocious germination of aplanospores. Aplanospores typically form when most of the protoplast moves into the central swollen region of a cell and two new cross walls form to delimit an aplanosporangium. Conjugation is scalariform without the movement and fusion of well‐organized gametes. During zygospore maturation, three new cross walls form in the receptive gametangium and conjugation tube to produce a zygosporangium.
DIATOM COMMUNITY STRUCTURE: TAXONOMIC AND STATISTICAL ANALYSES OF A MISSISSIPPI SALT MARSH1
Authors: Sullivan Michael J. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTEdaphic diatoms were collected on a seasonal basis from beneath five monospecific stands of spermatophytes on Graveline Bay Marsh (Mississippi) from 14 October 1976 through 21 June 1977. Of the 119 diatom taxa encountered. only seven were restricted to a single edaphic habitat, and five of these accounted for 17.2%of the individuals comprising the community associated withDistichlis spicata (L.) Greene. The single most abundant diatom wasNavicula tripunctata (Müll.) Bory, which accounted for 21.5%of all individuals counted during the study. Based on a 2‐way ANOVA of species diversity (H’) and the number of taxa in a sample, edaphic diatom community diversity was highest beneathD. spicataandSpartina patens (Ait.) Muhl., lowest beneathSp. alterniflora Loisel. and Juncus roemerianusScheele, and somewhat intermediate for theScirpus olneyiGray habitat. Structural differences between selected community pairs were quantified using a similarity index (SIMI) and the values generated were exceedingly variable. A multiple regression analysis revealed that structural differences amongst edaphic diatom communities were related to differences in elevation, far red light energy, ammonia nitrogen, soil moisture, and tentatively, height of the spermatophyte canopy.
VALVE AND BAND MORPHOLOGY OF SOME FRESHWATER DIATOMS I. FRAGILARIA CAPUCINA VAR. MESOLEPTA1,2
Authors: Hoagland Kyle D. , Rosowski James R. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Acid cleaned cells from clonal cultures of Fragilaria capucina var. mesolepta Rabh. were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy. Recently isolated cells are linear‐lanceolate in shape with a median constriction. After several transfers over 25 mo, cells exhibit size diminution resulting in small elliptically shaped valves. Adjacent valves are united to one another by interlocking marginal spines. Every valve has an apical pore field at each apex. A single labiate process is present infrequtently, appearing underdeveloped most often in size‐reduced cells. The girdle region consists of two cingula, each composed of a series of underlapping bands. Each pleura in the series is a discontinuous ring with a central ligula. A survey of past ultrastructure studies on the freshwater Fragilariaceae reveals that the occurrence of the apical pore field and labiate process are likely key characteristics for the family. The apical pore field of Diatoma, Asterionella and Tabellaria is positioned on the valve face, whereas the apical pore field of F. capucina var. mesolepta is located on the valve mantle, the girdle region of F. capucina var. mesolepta is basically similar to that of Gomphonema parvulum (Kütz.) Grun.
ALGAL CALCIFICATION IN SOME CODIACEAE (CHLOROPHYTA): ULTRASTRUCTURE AND LOCATION OF SKELETAL DEPOSITS1,2
Authors: Böhm Lothar , Fütterer Dieter , Kaminski Elfriede 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT The capitular filaments of Penicillus and Rhipocephalus consist of an inner tube containing the cytoplasm and an outer calcified sheath. The sheath originates at the cell wall and differentiates into several layers which form the outer filament wall. CaCO3 is deposited between organic layers within the sheath and is not in direct contact with the seawater. Pores within the sheath, usually uncalcified, may facilitate exchange of gases and solutes. The cytoplasm is characterized by vacuolar inclusions of calcium oxalate needles 50–150 μm long. A closed cortical surface is lacking. Udotea cyathiformis Dec. and U. conglutinata (Ellis & Sol.) Lam. are similar to Penicillus and Rhipocephalus, in addition showing some CaCO3 between filaments (ICS‐calcification). Udotea flabellum (Ellis & Sol.) Lam. is different as the filaments are profusely branched giving rise to a fully developed cortical surface. Pores and vacuolar calcium oxalate inclusions are absent. CaCO3 deposition occurs within cortical filaments in between layers of the filament wall and subcortically in intercellular spares (ICS). Cortex calcification shows primary and secondary deposits bearing some resemblance to sheath calcification and to coralline red algae. In Rhipocephalus phoenix (Ellis & Sol.) Kütz., Penicillus pyriformis A. &E. Gepp, U. cyathiformis and U. conglutinata CaCO3 is precipitated intracellularly within the sheath, in contrast to Halimeda and Cymopolia where it is deposited extracellularly in between filaments. U. flabellum takes an intermediate position showing both intra‐ and intercellular calcification. The sheath compartment volume is between 12.5 and 7500 μm3and 5–3 orders of magnitude smaller than the ICS‐compartment. Compartment size and location of CaCO3may bear on calcification mechanisms. One condition for such a mechanism may be restricted exchange of solutes (CO2, CO32‐, HCO3‐, O2, Co2+). Codiaceae; filament ultrastructure; Penicillus; Rhipocephalus; Udotea
ON SPECTRAL CONTROL OF PIGMENTATION IN ANACYSTIS NIDULANS (CYANOPHYCEAE)1,2
Authors: Myers Jack , Graham Jo‐Ruth , Wang Richard T. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Growth of Anacystis nidulans (Richt.) Drouet & Daily in wavelengths of light predominantly absorbed by chlorophyll a causes a dramatic lowering in chlorophyll content and in the chlorophylllphycocyanin ratio. A limit to the effect is reached in far red (680 nm) light where the ratio chlorophylllphycobilinogen falls to <0.3. A special water bath for culture tubes was illuminated by tungsten‐halogen lamps through far red (>650 nm)filters; it gave the same extreme pigment ratio together with a high specific growth rate of 2.5 day‐1. Compared with normally pigmented cells there are three features which accompany the low‐chlorophyll condition of far red light. At 677 nm relative quantum efficiency increases but action decreases. Synthesis of total pigment and total cell material in far red light also decreases. These observations suggest that the low chlorophyll response to far red light reflects an incompetence rather than an adaptation.
Apolipoprotein E Genotypes: Relationship to Cognitive Functioning, Cognitive Decline, and Survival in Nonagenarians
Authors: Bathum Lise , Christiansen Lene , Jeune Bernard , Vaupel James , McGue Matt , Christensen Kaare 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which relationships between apolipoprotein E, cognitive functioning, and survival in people aged 60 to 80 persist into advanced old age.DESIGN: Examine the effect of apolipoprotein E genotypes on baseline cognitive functioning, cognitive decline over 5 years, and survival in a cohort of 1,551 nonagenarians.SETTING: The Danish 1905 birth cohort.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand five hundred fifty‐one nonagenarians from the Danish 1905 birth cohort.MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and five brief cognitive tests (cognitive composite).RESULTS: The subjects were stratified into four groups by occurrence of a protective (ɛ2) or a risk (ɛ4) apo E allele (ɛ22 and ɛ23, ɛ33, ɛ24 and ɛ34, ɛ44). At intake, the mean scores for the three genotype groups were 22.1, 21.8, 21.4, and 21.0 for MMSE and 0.10, 0.07, −0.02, and 0.30 for the cognitive composite, respectively. Growth‐curve analyses showed that, although individuals carrying at least one ɛ4 allele had slightly lower MMSE scores and declined slightly more rapidly over time, this effect was not statistically significant and was not apparent in scores on the cognitive composite. In subjects whose functioning was relatively well preserved (those still living and able to participate in the assessment, and whose cognitive functioning had declined less than 4 points on the MMSE), ɛ4 frequencies tended to decline at subsequent waves (P=.03, chi‐square test for trend), but ɛ4 had no significant survival disadvantage (hazard ratio=1.11 (95% confidence interval=0.99–1.25; P=.07).CONCLUSION: Apo E genotype has a small effect on the probability of remaining a well‐functioning nonagenarian but no separately detectable effect on cognitive functioning, cognitive decline, or survival.
Use of Health‐Related, Quality‐of‐Life Metrics to Predict Mortality and Hospitalizations in Community‐Dwelling Seniors
Authors: Dorr David A. , Jones Spencer S. , Burns Laurie , Donnelly Steven M. , Brunker Cherie P. , Wilcox Adam , Clayton Paul D. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) scores in a primary care population can be used as a predictor of future hospital utilization and mortality.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study measuring Short Form 12 (SF‐12) scores obtained using a mailed survey. SF‐12 scores, age, and a comorbidity score were used to predict hospitalization and mortality rate using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards during the ensuing 28‐month period for elderly patients.SETTING: Intermountain Health Care, a large integrated‐delivery network serving a population of more than 150,000 seniors.PARTICIPANTS: Participants were senior patients who had one or more chronic diseases, were community dwelling, and were initially treated in primary care clinics.MEASUREMENTS: SF‐12 survey Version 1.RESULTS: Seven thousand seventy‐six surveys were sent to eligible participants; 3,042 (43%) were returned. Of the returned surveys, 2,166 (71%) were complete and scoreable. For the respondent group, a multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age, male sex, higher comorbidity score, and lower mental and physical summary measures of SF‐12 predicted higher mortality and hospitalization. On average, nonresponders were older and had higher comorbidity scores and mortality rates than responders.CONCLUSION: The SF‐12 survey provided additional predictive ability for future hospitalizations and mortality. Such predictive ability might facilitate preemptive interventions that would change the course of disease in this segment of the population. However, nonresponder bias may limit the utility of mailed SF‐12 surveys in certain populations.
Human platelets target dendritic cell differentiation and production of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Kissel Karin , Berber Seda , Nockher Angelika , Santoso Sentot , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen‐presenting cells that initiate and regulate immune responses. They are unique in their feature to produce bioactive interleukin (IL)‐12, a major proinflammatory cytokine connecting innate and adaptive immunity. Platelets (PLTs) are highly reactive components of the circulatory system with fundamental importance in hemostasis and innate immunity. Recently, immunomodulatory capacities of single specific human PLT‐derived products on DC effector functions were identified. To improve the understanding of PLT‐DC interactions, this study investigates the influence of intact resting and activated PLTs on DC phenotype and key functions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Magnetic beads sorted CD14+ cells were expanded in the presence and absence of resting or activated PLTs. DC differentiation, maturation, allostimulatority capacity, antigen uptake, and cytokine profile were estimated to control group.RESULTS:  Activated PLTs potently impaired DC differentiation according to CD1a expression (mean reduction, 62%; p < 0.05). Production of IL‐12p70 and tumor necrosis factor‐α was reduced in the presence of resting (mean reduction, 46 and 55%, respectively; p < 0.05) as well as activated PLTs (mean reduction, 63 and 49%, respectively; p < 0.05). In contrast to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, activated PLTs increased production of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL‐10 by DCs (mean increase, 52%; p < 0.05). DC allostimulatority capacity, antigen uptake, and phenotypic maturation remained unaffected.CONCLUSION:  It is proposed that intact PLTs connect immunity and hemostasis by interfering with DC differentiation and cytokine production. This interference might be of importance in clinical settings, such as DC therapy and PLT transfusions.
Storage of platelet‐rich plasma–derived platelet concentrate pools in plasma and additive solution
Authors: Sweeney Joseph , Kouttab Nicola , Holme Stein , Kurtis Jonathan , Cheves Tracey , Nelson Edward 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND: Prestorage pooling of platelet (PLT)‐rich plasma (PRP)‐derived PLT concentrates (PCs) and storage in either plasma (PS) or an additive solution (AS) is logistically feasible and would result in a product similar to buffy‐coat or apheresis PLTs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: On Day 0, PS PRP PCs were pooled with a sterile connecting device into a new 1.3‐L storage container (ELX, PALL Medical). AS‐PCs were prepared by addition of a new low‐pH glucose‐containing AS to the PLT sediment. AS‐PCs were pooled into a 1.3‐L ELX bag containing four tablets of NaHCO3. PC pools were sampled on Days 1, 5, and 7.RESULTS: PS pools containing 5 units had a mean PLT yield similar to the AS pools (39 × 1010 ± 3 × 1010vs. 37 × 1010 ± 6 × 1010; p = 0.25). All pools had WBC counts of less than 1 × 106. pH and HCO3decreased in PS pools with storage, but either increased or remained constant in the AS pools. On Day 7, no differences were seen in morphology score or extent of shape change. Hypotonic shock response was better preserved in the plasma pools (71 ± 12% vs. 56 ± 13%, p < 0.01); however, surface P‐selectin was expressed less in the AS pools (6 ± 4% vs. 18 ± 10%, p < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Manufacture and storage of PRP‐PCs in pools either in plasma or in a glucose‐containing AS in this new container are feasible, and there is good preservation of PLT quality to Day 7.
Blanked Atrial Flutter in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Clinical Significance and Implications for Device Programming
Authors: STROHMER BERNHARD , SCHERNTHANER CHRISTIANA , PICHLER MAXIMILIAN 
Published: April 2006

Background: Atrial arrhythmias are frequently observed in patients with heart failure and may be a primary cause for decompensation during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The accurate detection of organized atrial tachyarrhythmias poses a challenge to the function of mode‐switching biventricular pacemakers/defibrillators.
Methods: The purpose of the study was to determine retrospectively the incidence of blanked atrial flutter and mode switch failure (2:1 lock‐in), and to look for factors predisposing to this problem. A total number of 65 patients with CRT devices has been followed regularly over 18 ± 12 months. Five patients were excluded because of chronic atrial fibrillation and reprogramming to VVIR mode.
Results: Seven out of 60 patients (12%) were diagnosed with blanked atrial flutter at unscheduled device interrogation. Sustained biventricular pacing at a median rate of 125/min—mimicking sinus tachycardia—resulted in rapid deterioration of heart failure and hospitalization. Mode switch failure occurred due to coincidence of every second flutter wave with atrial blanking. The group with 2:1 lock‐in was programmed to longer atrial blanking times (143 ± 34 ms vs 105 ± 32 ms; P = 0.026) and AV intervals (126 ± 8 ms vs 107 ± 29; P = 0.001) than the group without lock‐in. Other clinical characteristics examined did not differ between the two groups apart from a previous history of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.032).
Conclusion: Blanked atrial flutter with rapid ventricular pacing is a clinically important problem in heart failure patients treated with CRT devices. Efforts should be made to avoid this complication by atrial lead implantation without ventricular farfield oversensing, by programming short PVAB and AV intervals, and by implementation of dedicated device algorithms.
Medium‐Term Efficacy of Segmental Ostial Pulmonary Vein Isolation for the Treatment of Permanent and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LIM TOON WEI , JASSAL INDERJIT S. , ROSS DAVID L. , THOMAS STUART P. 
Published: April 2006

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that segmental ostial isolation of the pulmonary veins for the treatment of patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation is associated with a high rate of recurrence. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation is usually associated with electrical reconnection of the pulmonary veins to the left atrium.
Methods: We examined the efficacy of isolating all four pulmonary veins using an open irrigated tip ablation catheter and multiple procedures, to overcome the problem of electrical reconnection in the veins. Fifty‐one patients (59 ± 10 years, 48 male) with drug resistant and highly symptomatic persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation had their pulmonary veins electrically isolated using mapping guided segmental radiofrequency ablation. Atrial fibrillation had been present for 7.6 ± 7.3 years, and patients had failed treatment with 2.2 ± 1.6 antiarrhythmic medications. Thirty‐nine percent had structural heart disease.
Results: After a mean of 1.7 ± 0.9 procedures per patient, 23 patients (45%) were in sinus rhythm (without cardioversion) after 16.9 ± 9.1 months. Antiarrhythmic medications were required in four of those in sinus rhythm (17%). Recurrences were usually early (median 7 days). Neither age, duration of atrial fibrillation, type of atrial fibrillation, underlying heart disease, left atrial size, left ventricular wall thickness nor the number of failed antiarrhythmic drugs predicted outcomes.
Conclusion: Persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation can be successfully treated using segmental isolation. However, recurrence is common even when all four veins are isolated using an open irrigated tip catheter, and multiple procedures are performed. Alternative techniques are required in this population.
Evaluation of Electromagnetic Interference of GSM Mobile Phones with Pacemakers Featuring Remote Monitoring Functions
Authors: CALCAGNINI G. , CENSI F. , FLORIS M. , PIGNALBERI C. , RICCI R. , BIANCALANA G. , BARTOLINI P. , SANTINI M. 
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether global system for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones can affect the home monitoring (HM) function implemented in last generation pacemakers (PM).
Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo tests on the BA03 PM (Biotronik GmbH, Berlin, Germany). In vitro we evaluated whether an improper HM procedure or an altered patient‐activated HM function occurred. We used two cellular phone models, with a fixed external or internal antenna, positioned close to both the PM and the mobile phone‐like device, during handover, ringing, and talking. All the tests were done with the PM in air, at 900 and 1,800 MHz GSM bands, under worst case conditions. A subset of these tests was repeated in 17 patients: the mobile phones were moved both around the PM implant site and the mobile cell phone‐like device, during talking.
Results:
In vitro, neither the HM procedure nor PM functioning were corrupted by the GSM communications: all the transmissions were correctly received, with a maximum transmission delay of about 110 seconds. In vivo, the rate of successful trasmissions was 93%.
Conclusion: Our data show that HM function does not call for specific restrictions on the use of GSM cellular phones.
Differences in nutritional quality of parts of Vitis vinifera berries affect fitness of the European grapevine moth
Authors: Moreau Jérôme , Arruego Xavier , Benrey Betty , Thiéry Denis 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major grapevine pest in Europe. The larva is polyphagous and able to develop on more than 25 plant species, several of them being more suitable than Vitaceae for the fitness of L. botrana. Larvae normally eat the pulp of the berry, but may also consume the seeds according to the development stage of the berry and the larval density per bunch. Understanding the effect on individual fitness of such feeding behaviour is important to assess how suitable the different berry tissues are for this insect. We offered to the larvae either entire berries, seeds, or pulp with skin of the variety Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ as larval food in order to assess several life history traits from egg hatching to adult death. Two control groups were raised on semisynthetic diets, offering a low (no plant material) or a higher (with corn flour) nutritive value medium. The larvae performed differently when fed on diets containing different parts of berries. The larvae fed on a diet containing grape berry seeds had a prolonged development time and showed higher mortality. The females emerging from these larvae had a lower fecundity and mating success than the females emerging from larvae fed on diets containing other parts of the berries. However, their longevity was greater in comparison to the other groups. We conclude that seeds of Cabernet Sauvignon are not toxic to larvae but affect the reproductive life history traits in L. botrana.
Euschistus conspersus female morphology and attraction to methyl (2E,4Z)‐decadienoate pheromone–baited traps in processing tomatoes
Authors: Cullen Eileen M. , Zalom Frank G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPrevious work documented seasonal field response dynamics of Euschistus conspersus Uhler (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to Euschistus spp. pheromone [methyl (2E,4Z)‐decadienoate]‐baited traps in California processing tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum (Miller) (Solanaceae). A laboratory phenology model has been reported for E. conspersus egg incubation to adult emergence. In the present work, reproductive and thoracic dissections were performed on female E. conspersus collected year‐round from seasonal habitats in California's Central Valley. We used these dissection data to establish relationships between the morphology of E. conspersus and time of year, habitat, sample recovery method, and female attraction to pheromone traps in commercial tomato fields. All ovariole categories, sexually immature through postreproductive, were recorded for females collected from tomatoes by plant‐beating sample throughout the growing season. Conversely, pheromone trap captures in tomatoes over the same period revealed that females entering the traps were exclusively reproductively active with matured eggs. We conclude that early season female‐biased E. conspersus pheromone trap catch can be used to establish a ‘biofix’ from which to accumulate degree days and forecast nymphal development in the field. Focusing control efforts on the more susceptible nymph stages may improve efficacy of reduced‐risk insecticides such as the neonicotinoids. Thoracic dissection results, with no significant difference in flight muscle size or color by ovariole condition, failed to support our hypothesis of a life history trade‐off between female reproductive activity and flight capability to explain a decline in female pheromone trap response during the mid‐summer tomato‐fruiting stages. The adaptive value of the observed retention of E. conspersus flight capability over the calendar year, and across reproductive stages, is discussed.