bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of Brahma with the Balbiani ring 1 gene of Chironomus tentans studied by immunoelectron microscopy and chromatin immunoprecipitation
Authors: Botelho S. Calado , Tyagi A. , Hessle V. , Östlund Farrants A. K. , Visa N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMany steps of gene expression take place during transcription, and important functional information can thus be obtained by determining the distribution of specific factors along a transcribed gene. The Balbiani ring (BR) genes of the dipteran Chironomus tentans constitute a unique system for mapping the association of specific factors along a eukaryotic gene using immuno‐electron microscopy (immuno‐EM). The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) technique has provided an alternative, more general method for studying the association of proteins with specific genomic sequences. The immuno‐EM and the ChIP methods suffer from different limitations, and thus a combination of both is advantageous. We have established optimal conditions for ChIP on chromatin extracted from the salivary glands of C. tentans, and we have analyzed the association of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling factor Brahma (Brm) with the BR1 gene by combined immuno‐EM and ChIP. We show that Brm is not restricted to the promoter of the BR1 gene but is also associated with sequences in the middle and distal portions of the gene, which suggests that Brm has additional roles apart from regulating transcription initiation.
Psychometric testing of the SF‐36 Taiwan version on older stroke patients
Authors: Lotus Shyu Yea‐Ing , Lu Jui‐fen Rachel , Chen Sien‐Tsong 
Published: August 2008

Aim and objective.  To assess the psychometric properties of the SF‐36 Taiwan version on a sample of older stroke patients in Taiwan.Background.  The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) has proven to be a valid and reliable instrument in evaluating outcomes among stroke patients in western countries; however, less is known regarding its value for Asian stroke patients.Design.  A descriptive correlational study design was used to explore the reliability and validity of the SF‐36 Taiwan version.Method.  Older stroke patients (n = 87) from a medical centre in northern Taiwan were interviewed at the end of the first and sixth months after hospital discharge.Results.  Items on each subscale of the SF‐36 Taiwan version had similar standard deviations, supporting the scaling assumption of equal‐item variance in measuring the same concept. Correlations between items and their subscale were generally ≥0·70 with a few being 0·50 or 0·60. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were >0·70 for almost all subscales, supporting internal consistency. At both the first and sixth months after discharge, participants had lower scores, especially on the physical‐ and social function‐related scales, than the norm for older people. At both times, patients with physical dependence had lower scores across subscales than those without physical dependence, supporting construct validity.Conclusions.  The SF‐36 Taiwan version demonstrated good reliability and validity when applied to stroke patients at either a transitional or stable time point after hospital discharge. However, the SF‐36 Taiwan version has a potential to underestimate changes in certain domains due to floor or ceiling effects.Relevance to clinical practice.  Health care providers who deal with Taiwanese/Chinese stroke patients can use the SF‐36 Taiwan version to assess health outcomes at either a transitional or a stable time point after hospital discharge.
A review of low and reduced carbohydrate diets and weight loss in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dyson P. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground  Recent evidence from randomized controlled trials of hypocaloric low carbohydrate diets in people without diabetes has shown that they promote significant weight loss over the short term. There is very little evidence for any effects of reduced carbohydrate intakes on body weight, glycaemia and cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes.Methods  An electronic search was performed using MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1988 to March 2007) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991 to March 2007) using the keywords low carbohydrate, type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Studies including subjects with type 2 diabetes who adopted a reduced carbohydrate weight loss diet were identified. Data were extracted on study design, weight loss, effects on glycaemia and cardiovascular risk and potential adverse effects.Results  Six studies investigating the effects of hypocaloric reduced carbohydrate diets in people with type 2 diabetes were identified. The studies were heterogenous and most included small numbers, were short‐term and provided varying amounts of carbohydrate. No studies were identified that were both low carbohydrate (<50 g day−1) and also designed as randomized controlled trials. All studies reported reductions in both body weight and glycated haemoglobin, with no deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk, renal function or nutritional intake.Conclusions  Conclusions are limited by study design and small numbers, but it appears that reduced carbohydrate diets are safe and effective over the short term for people with type 2 diabetes.
Increasing antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables: practical strategies for the Scottish population
Authors: Haleem M. A. , Barton K. L. , Borges G. , Crozier A. , Anderson A. S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground  Increasing intakes of dietary antioxidants may help to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals and provide protection against the progression of a number of chronic diseases. The present study aimed to estimate the antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables in the UK and Scottish population and to examine consumption models to identify potential strategies to optimize antioxidant intake from these foods.Methods  This was a retrospective study of cross‐sectional data on fruit and vegetable intake in relation to antioxidant intake. Antioxidant capacity of individual fruits and vegetables was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and data on quantity and frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables determined from National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2000–2001.Results  Mean antioxidant intake in UK population from fruits and vegetables varied by region. In the Scottish sample (n = 123), mean antioxidant intake was estimated at 680 ± 689 μmol day−1 with 92% subjects consuming <400 g of fruits and vegetables per day. Consumption data showed that strawberries, apples, orange citrus fruits, purple broccoli and cauliflower were the top five sources of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables in the Scottish population.Conclusions  Appropriate selection of fruits and vegetables would help to achieve a higher antioxidant intake with the potential to produce significant health benefits.
Factors associated with knowledge of genetics and nutritional genomics among dietitians
Authors: McCarthy S. , Pufulete M. , Whelan K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Knowledge of genetics and nutritional genomics is important for dietitians in the prevention and management of disease. The present study aimed to analyse data from a nationwide postal questionnaire survey in order to investigate the factors associated with knowledge of genetics and nutritional genomics among dietitians in the UK.Methods  A nationwide postal questionnaire survey was conducted in a random sample of 600 dietitians in the UK. The questionnaire measured dietitians’ knowledge using 12 multiple choice questions relating to genetics and nutritional genomics. Factors that may impact upon such knowledge were also recorded. Knowledge scores were calculated and compared between dietitians using comparative statistics and univariate analysis of variance.Results  A total of 389 (64.8%) usable questionnaires were returned. Overall, the mean ± SD total knowledge score was low at 41 ± 19%. Highest qualification (F2,372 = 9.1, P < 0.001), the genetics content of university education (F2,372 = 7.1, P = 0.001) and reading literature or attending a conference relating to genetics or nutritional genomics within the last year (F1,372 = 11.9, P = 0.001) were all associated with higher total knowledge scores.Conclusion  Knowledge of genetics and nutritional genomics among dietitians is currently low, and better knowledge is associated with exposure to these in university education and continuing professional development.
Back to the future: the new ICE age
Authors: Churchward Gordon 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe analysis of bacterial genomes has revealed an extraordinary array of conjugal elements (integrative and conjugative element or ICE) that reside in bacterial chromosomes. These elements contribute to the pan‐genomes of individual species and confer a wide variety of properties on their bacterial hosts. ICEBs1 is a conjugal element found in Bacillus subtilis that has a remarkable regulatory mechanism that apparently favours conjugation when there are suitable recipient bacteria at high density or when the bacterial host is facing DNA‐damaging stresses. In the current issue, Bose et al. dissect the mechanism of induction of transfer of this element, and reveal a new, apparently widespread repressor anti‐repressor system and a new mechanism of repressor destruction by proteolysis.
Adequate phenylalanine synthesis mediated by G protein is critical for protection from UV radiation damage in young etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings
Authors: WARPEHA KATHERINE M. , GIBBONS JACK , CAROL ANDREW , SLUSSER JAMES , TREE ROGER , DURHAM WILLIAM , KAUFMAN LON S. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTEtiolated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, lacking a functional prephenate dehydratase1 gene (PD1), also lack the ability to synthesize phenylalanine (Phe) and, as a consequence, phenylpropanoid pigments. We find that low doses of ultraviolet (UV)‐C (254 nm) are lethal and low doses of UV‐B cause severe damage to etiolated pd1 mutants, but not to wild‐type (wt) seedlings. Furthermore, exposure to UV‐C is lethal to etiolated gcr1 (encoding a putative G protein‐coupled receptor in Arabidopsis) mutants and gpa1 (encoding the sole G protein α subunit in Arabidopsis) mutants. Addition of Phe to growth media restores wt levels of UV resistance to pd1 mutants. The data indicate that the Arabidopsis G protein‐signalling pathway is critical to providing protection from UV, and does so via the activation of PD1, resulting in the synthesis of Phe. Cotyledons of etiolated pd1 mutants have proplastids (compared with etioplasts in wt), less cuticular wax and fewer long‐chain fatty acids. Phe‐derived pigments do not collect in the epidermal cells of pd1 mutants when seedlings are treated with UV, particularly at the cotyledon tip. Addition of Phe to the growth media restores a wt phenotype to pd1 mutants.
Early events in signalling high‐temperature stress in tobacco BY2 cells involve alterations in membrane fluidity and enhanced hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: KÖNIGSHOFER HELGA , TROMBALLA HANS‐WALTER , LÖPPERT HANS‐GEORG 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTAlterations in membrane fluidity are among the early events in plants that detect changes in ambient temperature. However, signal transduction downstream of the membrane‐associated processes is still not well understood. We have focused here on the role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in high‐temperature signalling in relation to changes in membrane fluidity in cells of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cv. Bright Yellow 2 (BY2). As final indicators of the heat‐signalling cascade, we have monitored the synthesis of small heat‐shock proteins (sHSPs). Elevation of temperature between 32 and 38 °C resulted in a fast, transient stimulation of H2O2 production in the tobacco cells. A similar H2O2 burst could be induced at lower temperatures (28–32 °C) by membrane fluidization using benzyl alcohol (BA). Diphenylene iodonium (DPI), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, prevented both the heat‐ and BA‐triggered H2O2 rise. The synthesis of sHSPs (14.5 and 16 kDa) was shifted to lower temperatures by BA application and was suppressed by DPI treatment in the same way. The results indicate that H2O2 is an early component of the heat‐signalling pathway, which responds rapidly to changes in membrane fluidity and is required for the activation of sHSP synthesis.
Mesophyll freezing and effects of freeze dehydration visualized by simultaneous measurement of IDTA and differential imaging chlorophyll fluorescence
Authors: HACKER JÜRGEN , SPINDELBÖCK JOACHIM PAUL , NEUNER GILBERT 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTInfrared differential thermal analysis (IDTA) and differential imaging chlorophyll fluorescence (DIF) were employed simultaneously to study the two‐dimensional pattern of ice propagation in leaves and mesophyll freeze dehydration as detected by a significant increase of basic chlorophyll fluorescence (F0). IDTA and DIF technique gave different insights into the freezing process of leaves that was highly species‐specific. IDTA clearly visualized the freezing process consisting of an initial fast spread of ice throughout the vascular system followed by mesophyll freezing. While mesophyll freezing was homogeneously in Poa alpina, Rhododendron ferrugineum and Senecio incanus as determined by IDTA, DIF showed a distinct pattern only in S. incanus, with the leaf tips being affected earlier. In Cinnamomum camphora, a mottled freezing pattern of small mesophyll compartments was observed by both methods. In IDTA images, a random pattern predominated, while in DIF images, compartments closer to lower order veins were affected earlier. The increase of F0 following mesophyll freezing started after a species‐specific time lag of up to 26 min. The start of the F0 increase and its slope were significantly enhanced at lower temperatures, which suggest a higher strain on mesophyll protoplasts when freezing occurs at lower temperatures.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 22 gene variants at position 1858 are associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Estonian population
Authors: Douroudis K. , Prans E. , Haller K. , Nemvalts V. , Rajasalu T. , Tillmann V. , Kisand K. , Uibo R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractProtein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 22 (PTPN22) is considered an important regulator of T‐cell activation. Polymorphisms within the PTPN22 gene have been suggested to confer susceptibility to autoimmune endocrine disorders. To evaluate the impact of a functional variation in the PTPN22 gene in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), the PTPN22 C1858T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was studied in the population of Estonian origin, including 170 T1D patients, 244 T2D patients and 230 controls. Using two methods for PTPN22 C1858T detection in parallel, we found that not only T1D but also T2D is associated with the PTPN22 1858T allele. The role of PTPN22 gene in the pathogenesis of T2D is yet unclear and needs further investigation.
Laboratory rearing and biological parameters of the eulophid Pnigalio agraules, a parasitoid of Cameraria ohridella
Authors: Grabenweger G. , Hopp H. , Schmolling S. , Koch T. , Balder H. , Jäckel B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPredators as well as parasitoids native to Europe accept the exotic horse chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridellaDeschka and Dimić 1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), either as prey or as host. However, the influence of these antagonists on the populations of the pest insect is so far very low. Therefore, efforts to develop an integrated pest management system against C. ohridella should include methods which foster the natural enemy complex. In the present study we developed a laboratory rearing method and investigated several biological parameters of Pnigalio agraules (Walker 1839) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a dominant species in the horse chestnut leafminer’s parasitoid complex in many European regions. This native parasitoid satisfies three basic requirements for successful use as a biocontrol agent with regard to C. ohridella. The parasitoid’s fecundity, longevity and the speed of juvenile development by far exceeds that of the leafminer, enabling the parasitoid population to increase faster than that of the host. Furthermore, our results show that the impact of this species on C. ohridella populations has been previously underestimated, because non‐reproductive killing (i.e. host‐feeding and host‐stinging) of the hosts, resulting in considerable larval mortality of the leafminer, has not been quantitatively assessed. However, naturally occurring parasitoid populations have negligible impact on C. ohridella populations. Further studies, including experimental releases of P. agraules, are necessary to understand the constraints limiting the parasitoid’s performance in the field and to assess the potential benefits of releases for the control of C. ohridella.
Insecticidal activity of Citrus aurantium peel extract against Bactrocera oleae and Ceratitis capitata adults (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Siskos E. P. , Konstantopoulou M. A. , Mazomenos B. E. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Citrus aurantium (L.) peel extracts in petroleum ether were evaluated for toxicity against olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) and medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) adults. Bactrocera oleae flies were more susceptible to the extract than C. capitata in contact and residual bioassays. Fumigation bioassay had no effect. Both sexes of B. oleae were equally susceptible in both types of bioassays. However, males of C. capitata were more susceptible than the conspecific females. LD50 values (concentration causing 50% mortality) after 96 h for the males and females of B. oleae were 44.8 and 40.1 μg/insect in contact bioassay through topical application. Whereas, LD50 values for the males and females of C. capitata were 38.8 and 67.8 μg/insect respectively. LC50 values after 96 h for the males and females of B. oleae were 18.8 and 17.8 μg/cm2 in Petri dish residual bioassay. Whereas, LC50 values for the males and females of C. capitata were 70.6 and 147.1 μg/cm2 respectively. Fractionation of the extract on a silica gel column with three different polarity solvents resulted in three fractions with only the intermediate polarity solvent fraction having substantial insecticidal activity. Toxicity of the mixtures of active and inactive fractions was equal to the original extract. Our results indicate that C. aurantium has potential for controlling insect pests.
Assessing larval rootworm behaviour after contacting maize roots: impact of germplasm, rootworm species and diapause status
Authors: Prischmann D. A. , Dashiell K. E. , Hibbard B. E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCurrent methods of screening maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm for susceptibility or resistance to corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) rely primarily on information from large‐scale field experiments. Due to labour and cost constraints associated with field trials, alternative evaluation methods are desirable. We used a previously developed behavioural bioassay to: (1) investigate the host search behaviour of rootworm larvae after contact with 14 maize genotypes, (2) compare the behaviour of non‐diapausing Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, diapausing D. v. virgifera, and diapausing D. barberi Smith & Lawrence and (3) determine if this technique can be used to separate susceptible vs. resistant maize genotypes. The majority of rootworm larvae engaged in intensive (local search) behaviour after exposure to maize roots, whereas larvae continued to exhibit extensive (ranging) behaviour after contact with negative controls. Even though a transgenic hybrid with resistance to D. v. virgifera was included in analyses, quantitative path measurements were similar among genotypes and only differed between specific maize lines and controls. Notably, there were differences in host search behaviour among rootworm groups, with non‐diapausing D. v. virgifera having more convoluted paths and engaging in intensive search more frequently than diapausing rootworms. Correlations between larval path measurements and historic root damage ratings were not significant, although there were weak positive correlations between historic adult emergence densities and measures of path linearity. However, due to the lack of significant behavioural differences among maize lines with a range of susceptibility levels, we concluded that this bioassay is not useful in screening maize germplasm for rootworm resistance.
Australian equity mutual fund size effects
Authors: Heaney Richard 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBerk and Green propose a model of a superannuation fund industry, with a limited population of superior fund managers and a competitive investor market. In this market, superior fund managers capture the value they generate, leaving investors with a normal return on their investment. Furthermore, it is argued that previous period returns, age of the fund and management costs explain variation in net cash flow paid into a fund over time. The Berk and Green predictions find some support in empirical tests, reported in the present paper, based on Australian Morningstar retail and wholesale equity fund data over the period 1995–2005.
Implementing a case‐based e‐learning environment in a lecture‐oriented anaesthesiology class: Do learning styles matter in complex problem solving over time?*
Authors: Choi Ikseon , Lee Sang Joon , Kang Jeongwan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study explores how students' learning styles influence their learning while solving complex problems when a case‐based e‐learning environment is implemented in a conventional lecture‐oriented classroom. Seventy students from an anaesthesiology class at a dental school participated in this study over a 3‐week period. Five learning‐outcome tests and two course‐satisfaction surveys were implemented during the case‐based instruction using a blended approach (online and face‐to‐face). The results of one‐way ANOVAs with repeated measures revealed that the four learning styles (active–reflective, sensing–intuitive, visual–verbal, sequential–global) did not influence students' learning experience and learning outcomes during the implementation of case‐based e‐learning. However, the pattern of the students' performance graph and further analysis with a liberal approach implied that the active–reflective learning style may influence learning outcomes slightly at an earlier time during the case‐based learning implementation; however, as time passed, this learning style no longer influenced their learning at all. Thus, learning styles may not be considered important or may be considered only during the early stages of instructional implementation in order to facilitate the students' transition to the new case‐based learning environment. It is more efficient to encourage students to adapt to different learning environments than to design adaptive systems in order to embrace diverse learning styles.