bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA‐directed RNA polymerase 1 (RdR1) mediates the resistance of Nicotiana attenuata to herbivore attack in nature
Authors: Pandey Shree P. , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: March 2007

SummarySmall RNAs are important regulators of plant development and resistance to viruses. To determine whether small RNAs mediate defense responses to herbivore attack, we silenced the expression of three RNA‐directed RNA polymerases (RdRs) in the native tobacco Nicotiana attenuata by virus‐induced gene silencing. Larvae of the leaf‐chewing solanaceous specialist Manduca sexta grew faster on the RdR1‐silenced plants than on empty vector (EV) controls; silencing RdR3 and 2 had little to no effect on larval performance. NaRdR1 transcripts were strongly elicited when puncture wounds were treated with M. sexta oral secretions (OS) to simulate herbivore attack, and with SA and JA, phytohormones that are elicited by herbivore attack. Stably silencing RdR1 by transforming N. attenuata with an inverted‐repeat RdR1 construct produced plants (irRdR1) that grew normally but were highly susceptible to both M. sexta larvae and the cell‐content‐feeder Tupiocoris notatus. When irRdR1 lines were planted into N. attenuata’s native habitat in the Great Basin Desert (Utah, USA), they were highly susceptible to herbivore attack, due to deficiencies in direct rather than indirect defenses. Microarray analysis revealed the downregulation of ADC and ODC genes, which supply substrates for synthesizing the chemical defense compound nicotine; irRdR1 lines failed to accumulate nicotine after attack. We conclude that RdR1 mediates herbivore resistance, and infer that the small RNAs produced by RdR1 are probably involved in orchestrating some of the rapid metabolic adjustments required for plants to survive herbivore attack in their natural habitats. The experiment highlights the value of carrying out ‘real‐world’ tests of gene function early in the discovery process.
Glycinebetaine Accumulation, Physiological Characterizations and Growth Efficiency in Salt‐tolerant and Salt‐sensitive Lines of Indica Rice (Oryza sativaL. ssp.indica) in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Cha‐um S. , Supaibulwatana K. , Kirdmanee C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) and glycinebetaine (Glybet) biosynthesis in photoautotrophic rice seedlings. The role of Glybet on physiological and growth responses to salt stress in both salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive lines is to be investigated. The BADH activity in salt‐tolerant seedlings cultured under extreme salt stress (342 mmNaCl) progressively increased during the first few hours until it peaked after 72 h. This was about 2.5 times greater than in salt‐sensitive plants. Similarly, the amount of Glybet detected in salt‐tolerant lines was 1.3 times more than in salt‐sensitive lines at 96 h salt exposure. The BADH activities were positively related to Glybet accumulation in both salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive lines. The accumulation of Glybet in salt‐tolerant lines was directly correlated with pigment stabilization. Relative water content in the salt‐tolerant lines was closely related to water oxidation in photosystem II (PSII), defined by maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm). In addition, a high concentration of total chlorophyll is more efficient in capturing light energy, defined by photochemical quenching. The concentrations of chlorophyllaand total carotenoid were positively related to the quantum efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) and non‐photochemical quenching, respectively, resulting in a high net‐photosynthetic rate (NPR) and the promotion of growth. The high level of Glybet in salt‐tolerant lines plays a role as a salt defensive response mechanism in terms of pigment stabilization and water oxidation in PSII, resulting in high NPR and growth efficiency.
Adrenoleukodystrophy: subcellular localization and degradation of adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP/ABCD1) with naturally occurring missense mutations
Authors: Takahashi Norimasa , Morita Masashi , Maeda Takanori , Harayama Yuta , Shimozawa Nobuyuki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Furuya Hirokazu , Sato Ryuichiro , Kashiwayama Yoshinori , Imanaka Tsuneo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMutation in the X‐chromosomal adrenoleukodystrophy gene (ALD; ABCD1) leads to X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD), a severe neurodegenerative disorder. The encoded adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP/ABCD1) is a half‐size peroxisomal ATP‐binding cassette protein of 745 amino acids in humans. In this study, we chose nine arbitrary mutant human ALDP forms (R104C, G116R, Y174C, S342P, Q544R, S606P, S606L, R617H, and H667D) with naturally occurring missense mutations and examined the intracellular behavior. When expressed in X‐ALD fibroblasts lacking ALDP, the expression level of mutant His‐ALDPs (S606L, R617H, and H667D) was lower than that of wild type and other mutant ALDPs. Furthermore, mutant ALDP‐green fluorescence proteins (S606L and H667D) stably expressed in CHO cells were not detected due to rapid degradation. Interestingly, the wild type ALDP co‐expressed in these cells also disappeared. In the case of X‐ALD fibroblasts from an ALD patient (R617H), the mutant ALDP was not detected in the cells, but appeared upon incubation with a proteasome inhibitor. When CHO cells expressing mutant ALDP‐green fluorescence protein (H667D) were cultured in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor, both the mutant and wild type ALDP reappeared. In addition, mutant His‐ALDP (Y174C), which has a mutation between transmembrane domain 2 and 3, did not exhibit peroxisomal localization by immunofluorescense study. These results suggest that mutant ALDPs, which have a mutation in the COOH‐terminal half of ALDP, including S606L, R617H, and H667D, were degraded by proteasomes after dimerization. Further, the region between transmembrane domain 2 and 3 is important for the targeting of ALDP to the peroxisome.
Elderly skin and its rejuvenation: products and procedures for the aging skin
Authors: Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Da Silva Carneiro Sueli Coelho 
Published: March 2007

SummaryIn the last few decades, there has been a substantial increase in the population of people over 60 years of age. Most of them maintain a good general health and physical activity and fitness. For these individuals there is a good number of dermatologic procedures, medications, and cosmetics that can be prescribed to improve the aspect of skin aging, providing an improvement in their self‐esteem and quality of life as a result of their better look. We will discuss the mechanisms of skin aging, and the procedures and substances used to minimize its deleterious effects, such as sunscreens, estrogens, chemical peels, toxin botulinum, fillers and surgical procedures, among others. The use of makeup and the adverse reactions to cosmetics will also be mentioned.
Does SISCOM Contribute to Favorable Seizure Outcome after Epilepsy Surgery?
Authors: Ahnlide Jan‐Anders , Rosén Ingmar , Lindén‐Mickelsson Tech Pernilla , Källén Kristina 
Published: March 2007

Summary: Purpose:To assess the additional value of subtraction ictal single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) for localization of the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy scheduled for invasive video‐EEG (VEEG) before epilepsy surgery by a descriptive study from clinical practice.Methods:Forty‐nine consecutive epilepsy patients between January 2000 and March 2006 were included. Thirty‐six of the 49 patients were offered surgery, and 34 underwent resective surgery during the study period. Localizing and outcome data are presented from 31 patients with a follow‐up period of ≥12 months. Successful ictal SPECT was performed in 26 patients, and SISCOM showed significant hyperperfusions with 3.5 SD above reference. Twenty patients had SISCOM‐guided electrode placement, invasive monitoring, and 1‐year postsurgical follow‐up data. Two independent epileptologists evaluated whether SISCOM results (a) altered the hypothesis and extended the strategy for electrode placement at invasive recording, or (b) were confirmatory of other localizing data and did not alter the strategy. We defined that SISCOM had an impact on seizure outcome if the seizure‐onset zone was seen in electrodes overlying a brain region with a significant hyperperfusion. When SISCOM was concordant with ictal onset in the extended electrodes, SISCOM was considered a prerequisite for the outcome at postoperative follow‐up.Results:SISCOM findings altered and extended the strategy for electrode placement at invasive recording in 15 patients (group A). SISCOM was a prerequisite for seizure outcome in all six patients with favorable outcomes. Nine patients had poor results from surgery in this group; SISCOM was concordant with invasive VEEG in six patients, and discordant with invasive VEEG in three patients. SISCOM findings were confirmatory with other localizing data and did not alter the strategy at invasive recording in five patients (group B). Two patients had favorable surgical outcomes. In this group, three patients had poor results; SISCOM and other localizing findings were concordant with invasive VEEG in one patient and discordant with invasive VEEG in two patients.Conclusions:SISCOM is valuable for the identification of the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy scheduled for invasive VEEG. SISCOM analysis was either a prerequisite for favorable result or concordant with other localizing methods in all patients with favorable seizure outcome at 1 year of follow‐up [40%; confidence interval (CI), 19–64).
‘Savage Blonde’: Willa Cather and the Making of an American Musician
Authors: Ruotolo Cristina 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWilla Cather's fiction devotes extraordinary attention to music and musicians – more, perhaps, than any other American fiction writer. This article explores how Thea Kronborg, the diva‐heroine of Song of the Lark, reflects emerging notions of American music at the turn of the 20th century, particularly those that rest on references to and transcriptions of African or Native American music. I argue that the development of Thea's musicality enacts a form of embodied transcription that both reveals and conceals the ‘folk’ musicality it claims to represent.
Office work exposures and respiratory and sick building syndrome symptoms
Authors: Jaakkola Maritta S , Yang Liyan , Ieromnimon Antonia , Jaakkola Jouni J K 
Published: March 2007

Objectives:To assess the relation between exposure to carbonless copy paper (CCP), paper dust, and fumes from photocopiers and printers (FPP), and the occurrence of sick building syndrome (SBS)-related symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and respiratory infections.Methods:A population-based cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1016 adults, 21–63 years old, living in Pirkanmaa District in South Finland was conducted. This study focused on 342 office workers classified as professionals, clerks or administrative personnel according to their current occupation by the International Standard Classification of Occupations-88. They answered a questionnaire about personal information, health, smoking, occupation, and exposures in the work environment and at home.Results:In logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, sex and a set of other confounders, all three exposures were related to a significantly increased risk of general symptoms (headache and fatigue). Exposure to paper dust and to FPP was associated with upper respiratory and skin symptoms, breathlessness, tonsillitis and middle ear infections. Exposure to CCP increased the risk of eye symptoms, chronic bronchitis and breathlessness. It was also associated with increased occurrence of sinus and middle ear infections and diarrhoea. A dose–response relations was observed between the number of exposures and occurrence of headache. The risk of tonsillitis and sinus infections also increased with increasing number of exposures. All chronic respiratory symptoms, apart from cough, were increased in the highest exposure category (including all three exposures).Conclusions:This study provides new evidence that exposure to paper dust and to FPP is related to the risk of SBS symptoms, breathlessness and upper respiratory infections. It strengthens the evidence that exposure to CCP increases the risk of eye symptoms, general symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and some respiratory infections. Reduction of these exposures could improve the health of office workers.
Climate Variability and Corn Yields in Semiarid Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Sun Liqiang , Li Huilan , Ward M. Neil , Moncunill David F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractUnderstanding of climate influence on crop yields can help in the design of policies to reduce climate-related vulnerability in many parts of the world, including the target of this case study—the state of Ceará, Brazil. The study has examined the relationships between climate variations and corn yields and, in addition, has estimated the potential predictability of corn yields in Ceará drawing on the now well-established seasonal predictability of the region’s climate based on prevailing patterns of sea surface temperature (SST), especially in the tropical Atlantic and tropical Pacific Oceans. The relationships between corn yields and climate variables have been explored using observed data for the period of 1952–2001. A linear regression–based corn-yield model was evaluated by comparing the model-simulated yields with the observations using three goodness-of-fit measures: the coefficient of determination, the index of agreement, and the mean absolute error. A comparative performance analysis was carried out on several climate variables to determine the most appropriate climate index for simulating corn yields in Ceará. A weather index was defined to measure the severity of drought and flooding conditions in the growing season for corn. The analysis indicated that the weather index is the best climate parameter for simulating corn yields in Ceará. The observed weather index can explain 56.8% of the variance of the observed corn yields. High potential predictability of the weather index was revealed by the evaluation of an ensemble of 10 runs with the NCEP Regional Spectral Model nested into the ECHAM4.5 atmospheric general circulation model, driven with observed SSTs in each season for the period of 1971–2000. Whereas these runs are based on the actual observed SST pattern in each season, other studies have shown that persistence of SST over several months is sufficient for a true predictive capability. The aim here was to show that the SST-forced component of climate variation does translate into the weather features that are important for crop yields. Indeed, the results demonstrate the striking extent to which the year-to-year changes in SST force local climate characteristics that can specify the year-to-year variations in corn yields. The variance of corn yield explained by the SST-driven model was 49.5%.
Strategies for Action in Meeting Correctional Manpower and Program Needs
Authors: Nelson E.K. 
Published: March 2007

Many of the problems involved in meeting correctional man power and program development needs arise from the great diversity of interests involved. Both correctional programs and the academic disciplines which prepare people to work in them are fragmented and isolated from one another. While it is not possible to develop a single approach to the problem, developments at the national level (particularly the advent of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice and the Joint Com mission on Correctional Manpower and Training) hold much promise for cooperative solutions. To communicate effectively with those who hold the purse strings, we must develop a master plan which would project man power needs and facilitate the sharing of information about resources and priorities. The correctional field is now working to substitute specific program goals for general statements of purpose. It is, for ex ample, developing different styles of treatment most appropriate for particular types of offenders. As this movement progresses, it will be possible to communicate more effectively with decision- makers and to work out more satisfactory educational programs related to the tasks and skills actually required of correctional workers. A major action strategy lies in the development of more effec tive research programs and in the utilization of research informa tion. Both practitioners and researchers need to practice the art of helping each other and to work out a division of labor through which they can serve each other's needs more effectively.
Major Federal and State Narcotics Programs and Legislation
Authors: Wood Roland W. 
Published: March 2007

New approaches to and programs for the treatment of drug addiction are being developed; changes in state and federal drug laws are rapid and are accompanied by bursts of confusion that signal both public acceptance and fear. Basic punitive attitudes toward drug addiction and the drug addict are being reviewed. The question of crime vs. disease is obsolete; addiction must be evaluated as a process rather than as a singular problem. A series of alternative solutions must be generated to deal with the process effectively. New legal struc tures and programs must be designed to deal with the addict in his environment rather than in traditional correctional and hos pital settings. The significant issue is public vs. private care and its effec tiveness. A certain amount of control in treating the addict is necessary, whether this be legal or social; however, only that amount of control necessary to provide stability should be sought. Public programs are a necessity and, for the present, will most likely meet the major need. Private resources must be encouraged and developed and not stifled by the state agency. A full spectrum of services must be supported. The major public programs that have been developed throughout the United States are in keeping with the trends mentioned, in both a legal and a program framework. Of major interest are the federal program of 1966 and the state programs in New York, Califor nia, New Jersey, and Illinois.
Slang Usage in the Addict Subculture
Authors: Cromwell Paul F. 
Published: March 2007

The drug addict lives in a unique world, differing even in its language, a new jargon. Possibly nothing more clearly illustrates the fact that drug addiction has cultural components than the special communication among its members. This special argot plays an important role in the society of the drug user by pro viding in-group cohesion and communication. Until the advent of large numbers of juveniles into the outer fringes of the addict subculture, little was known of this unique language except by police and persons specializing in the rehabil itation of the addict. The juveniles picked up much of the slang and put it into popular usage. Through the facilities of the police departments of large cities throughout the United States, a glossary of current slang usage was compiled and is included in this article.
Some Application Developments of Rigid Plastic Foams in Japan
Authors: Nagai Satoshi 
Published: March 2007

Rigid plastic foams in Japan date from the early 1950's. Polystyrene and rigid ure thane foams are the most promising mate rials, their principal applications being in sulation of cold storage space, buildings and ships. The following insulation applications in Japan are described and illustrated (in most cases the insulating material was extruded foamed polystyrene board): fish storage houses, controlled-temperature rooms on ships, "sake" breweries, "miso" plants, pipe coverings (urethane foam), acrylonitrile ab sorption towers and ammonia tanks, apart ment houses, cooling tower grids and bath tubs. Additional applications pictured in clude "tatami" and "fusuma," protective packaging and polystyrene paper (from sheet or film).
The Production Chemist and Flexible Urethane Foam Technology
Authors: Walmsley G.D. 
Published: March 2007

The production chemist contributes to ure thane foam technology through development of control tests plant and formulation changes. Urethane foams are made by three types of machines but common principles appear to ap ply. Dissolved air is essential to foam forma tion, and cell size is regulated by "cavitation" (extraction of dissolved gases). Greater cavi tation gives faster nucleation and finer cells. Cavitation, controlled by outlet orifice diame ter in the high pressure/low shear mixing head and by rotor speed in the low pressure/ high shear head, does not occur in the low pressure/intermediate shear head so air must be added. Additional factors influencing cell size are the presence of fluorocarbons or finely di vided solids. Constant surfactant concentra tion is important for foam stability.
Some Effects of Molecular Structure on the Production of Flexible Urethane Foams
Authors: Lowe A.J. , Chandley E.F. , Leigh H.W. , Molinario L. 
Published: March 2007

Modifications to the chemical nature of polyols, catalysts, and surfactants which give easier foaming conditions are presented. Two new series of activated polyols are described. Their surface-active properties, efficiency as co-solvents for urethane inter mediates, and gelation rates are discussed and means of separating the control of these phenomena outlined. Results are given on the use of a number of new catalyst and surfac tant systems, some of which have shown out standing promise, particularly in the areas where catalyst balance has previously been difficult. Formulations and physical properties of the foams produced are presented and discussed.
Some Effects Of Gas Transfer On Rigid Foam Performance
Authors: Harding R.H. 
Published: March 2007

Foam properties subject to the action of transfer phenomena include thermal conduc tivity (variable gas-phase composition) and dimensional stability (variable total gas pres sure). The commercial importance of such qualities suggests that a detailed analysis of basic mechanisms should contribute to a more rapid advance of rigid foam application tech nologies. Simultaneous consideration of transfer rate theory and material balances produced a model which characterizes the partial pres sures of gases contained within unicellular foams. A supplemental method for systemati cally evaluating resultant unsteady-state nu merical matrices was also developed. A few selected effects of polymers, blowing agents, specimen thickness and surface condition, specimen age, and environmental factors were then discussed and related generally to boards cut from air-filled ( polystyrene) and fluorocarbon-blown ( urethane) foams.
Birth Order as a Variable of Probation Performance
Authors: Mullin James B. 
Published: March 2007

Research studies have indicated that first-born (including only children) and later-born individuals present different personality and behavior characteristics. First-borns tend to be more depend ent, seeking out others when under stress, while later-born indi viduals appear to be more independent and attempt to resolve conflict through their own means. An application of this theory to the broad field of correction and specifically to probation has been largely overlooked. Proba tion, in its simplest terms, involves the guidance of an individual who has encountered conflict with the law and who has been placed by the court under the supervision of another person. Applying birth order theory to this process, we would expect that first-born and later-born probationers would exhibit differ ential responses to this treatment. This paper sought to determine whether this result would be realized by studying 246 cases in eight county probation depart ments in New York State in which probation was terminated either by discharge or by violation. The study reports a signifi cant difference, finding that first-borns demonstrated a higher tendency to complete their probation, while later-borns were overrepresented among those who violated their probation.