bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The identification of QTLs associated with the in vitro response of rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Bolibok Hanna , Gruszczyńska Anna , Hromada-Judycka Aneta , Rakoczy-Trojanowska Monika 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study was conducted in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the in vitro culture response of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) immature embryos and immature inflorescences. A genetic linkage map comprising 67 SSRs, 9 ISSRs, 13 SAMPLs, 7 RAPDs, 2 SCARs and one EST marker was created based on the analyses of 102 recombinant inbred lines from the cross between lines L318 (which has a good response in tissue cultures) and L9 (which is unable to regenerate plants from somatic tissues and anthers). The map spans 979.2 cM, and the average distance between markers is 9.9 cM. Two characteristics were evaluated: callus induction (CI) and somatic embryogenesis ability (SE). They were expressed as the percentage of immature embryos/inflorescences producing callus (designated ECI/ICI) and the percentage of explants producing somatic embryos (ESE/ISE). All the analysed traits showed continuous variation in the mapping population but a non-normal frequency distribution. We identified nine putative QTLs controlling the tissue culture response of rye, explaining up to 41.6% of the total phenotypic variation: two QTLs for ECI — eci-1, eci-2; 4 for ESE — ece-1, ese-2, ese-3, ese-4; 2 for ICI — ici-1, ici2; and 1 for ISE — ise-1. They were detected on chromosomes 1R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R.
Hydrogen Peroxide in the Troposphere
Authors: Pehnec Gordana 
Published: June 2007

Vodikov Peroksid U TroposferiUloga vodikova peroksida (H2O2) u atmosferskoj kemiji i njegov doprinos u nastanku slobodnih radikala počeli su se proučavati tek posljednjih nekoliko desetljeća. Fotokemijskim reakcijama s ozonom i H2O2 nastaju oksidansi (slobodni radikali) koji mogu oksidirati biomolekule unutar stanica te dovesti do smrti stanica i ozljeda tkiva. Zbog toga se slobodni radikali smatraju uzrokom više od sto bolesti. H2O2 smatra se boljim indikatorom za atmosferski oksidacijski kapacitet od ozona. U atmosferi može biti prisutan u plinovitoj i tekućoj fazi te pokazuje tipične dnevne i sezonske varijacije. Međutim, zbog skupe i složene opreme, mjerenja H2O2 su rijetka i ograničena na samo nekoliko mjesta u svijetu. Mjerenja u slojevima leda na Grenlandu pokazala su da koncentracije H2O2 rastu posljednjih 200 godina. Značajan porast primijećen je upravo posljednjih dvaju desetljeća, a procjene pokazuju da će i dalje rasti zbog smanjene emisije sumporova dioksida. Mjerenja H2O2 u Hrvatskoj do sada još nisu bila provedena te će uporedo s već postojećim dugogodišnjim rezultatima mjerenja ozona i dušikovih oksida dati uvid u stanje i utjecaj na oksidativni stres.
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Women Cooks and Cleaners
Authors: Karadžinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Minov Jordan , Risteska-Kuc Snežana , Stoleski Sašo , Mijakoski Dragan 
Published: June 2007

Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Women Cooks and CleanersThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in 43 women cleaners (aged 26 to 57) and 37 women cooks (aged 29 to 55) and compare them with 45 controls (women office workers aged 27 to 58). The evaluation of all subjects included a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common aeroallergens, spirometry, and histamine challenge (PC20≤8 mg mL-1). We found higher BHR prevalence in cleaners and cooks than in office workers (30.2 % and 29.7 %, vs. 17.7 %, respectively), but statistical significance was not reached. The prevalence of mild and moderate to severe BHR was similar in all groups. Borderline BHR prevalence was significantly higher in cleaners than in controls (16.2 %vs. 6.6 %, P=0.032) whereas the difference was on the verge of significance in cooks (13.5 %vs. 6.6 %, P=0.081). Moderate to severe BHR was strongly associated with positive family history of asthma and atopy in all groups. Mild BHR was significantly associated with daily smoking in cleaners (P=0.031) and cooks (P=0.021), as well as with the duration of exposure in cleaners (P=0.038). Borderline BHR was closely related to daily smoking and duration of exposure in both cleaners and cooks. Our findings indicate an important role of workplace exposure in borderline BHR development, as well as the significant effect of smoking on mild BHR development in women cleaners and cooks.
Water dynamics in estuaries along the Polish Baltic coast
Authors: Jasińska Ewa , Massel Stanisław 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Estuaries are areas where river and sea waters meet. Therefore, the hydrodynamical, hydrochemical, and hydrobiological processes in the estuaries are typical for both environments. The most important processes, which play leading roles in estuaries include the dynamics of water flow, water quality, and the mixing of water of different biochemical characteristics. This paper is divided into two parts. In the first, basic hydrodynamical processes are described and analytical and numerical methods of evaluating them are presented. Part two illustrates these processes using experimental data and the results of mathematical modeling for some estuaries along the Polish Baltic coast.
Arg16gly Polymorphism of the beta2-Adrenoceptor Gene (ADRBeta2) as a Susceptibility Factor for Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Bussu Francesco , Tiziano Francesco Danilo , Giorgio Arianna , Pinto Anna Maria , De Corso Eugenio , Angelozzi Carla , Brahe Christina , Paludetti Gaetano 
Published: June 2007

Background Nasal polyposis is probably a multifactorial disease, but so far, no genetic susceptibility factor has been identified. The observed associations between the ADRB2 arg16gly polymorphism and asthma-related phenotypes as well as those between nasal polyposis and asthma have prompted us to evaluate the potential involvement of this polymorphism in sinonasal polyposis. Methods We enrolled in our study, 56 patients and 47 sex- and age-matched controls. Genomic DNA from cases and controls was extracted and genotype was assessed by a polymerase chain reaction amplification/Nco I digestion assay. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP software (version 5.1). Results The “number of arg alleles” is significantly higher in cases than in controls (p = 0.0386 at t-test; substantially confirmed by nonparametric tests, p = 0.0396 by Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis tests). Conclusion Although results of this study are preliminary because of the small size of the sample, the arg16 allele seems to be associated with an increased risk of sinonasal polyposis suggesting ADRB2 as a susceptibility gene. This finding, if confirmed, would have a clinical value in helping to assess the genetic risk for sinonasal polyposis thus opening new perspectives for the study of molecular factors underlying the development of nasal polyps.
Sudden Temperature Changes and Respiratory Symptoms—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Graudenz Gustavo Silveira , Oliveira Celso Henrique , Tribess Arlindo , Landgraf Richardt G. , Jancar Sonia , Kalil Jorge 
Published: June 2007

Background Exposure to air-conditioning systems and allergic phenotypes are consistent risk factors to develop indoor air quality (IAQ) respiratory complaints. The aim of this study was to compare the role of allergic rhinitis on respiratory complaints in individuals exposed to sudden temperature changes. Methods To address this question, a case-control challenge study was performed in a laboratory of thermal comfort evaluation with twin isolated chambers set at 14°C/57.2°F (cold) and 26°C/78.8°F (hot) temperatures. A groups of 32 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (rhinitis group) and 16 control subjects (control group) were exposed for 30 minutes, three times alternately in the chambers. Symptoms were reported using an analog visual scale and nasal and pulmonary peak flow measurements were taken during baseline at hot and cold temperatures and after the challenge. Results The rhinitis group reported increased itching and stinging eyes when compared with the baseline during exposure to hot and cold temperatures and they also reported increased breathlessness during hot air exposure. In addition, there was a significant decrease in expiratory flow rates in this group during exposure to hot and cold temperatures that persisted for 24 hours after challenge. Conclusion This study suggests that individuals with allergic rhinitis have a lower threshold than controls to develop respiratory and ocular symptoms after air-conditioning–induced sudden temperature changes.
Fungal Allergens Induce Cathelicidin LL-37 Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients in a Nasal Explant Model
Authors: Ooi Eng Hooi , Wormald Peter-John , Carney A. Simon , James Craig Lloyd , Tan Lor Wai 
Published: June 2007

Background Fungus is thought to play an important role in some subgroups of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with eosinophilic mucus (EMCRS). The cathelicidin LL-37 is an important innate defense peptide with antimicrobial activity but its responses in CRS and EMCRS patients have not been established. We investigated the innate immune responses of LL-37 in nasal tissue from CRS and EMCRS patients to fungal allergen challenge. Methods The levels of LL-37 produced by nasal tissue and secreted in response to fungal allergen challenge were determined by a nasal tissue explant in vitro model. LL-37 mRNA and protein levels were quantified by real-time reverse-transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and immunoassay methods. Results LL-37 mRNA expression in CRS, but not EMCRS patients, is significantly upregulated by Aspergillus (mean fourfold increase) and Alternaria (mean sixfold increase) extracts in a dose-response manner (p < 0.001). LL-37 peptide levels in the nasal tissue from CRS patients are increased in response to Alternaria (p < 0.05). In contrast, with EMCRS patients, the expression of LL-37 peptide in nasal tissue is increased with Aspergillus (p < 0.001) but is reduced with Alternaria. We also observed a trend where levels of secreted LL-37 were decreased with higher doses of Alternaria and Aspergillus extracts. Conclusion LL-37 is significantly up-regulated at the mRNA and protein level in CRS patients in response to fungal allergens. However, EMCRS patients do not show increased LL-37 at either the mRNA or the protein level in response to Alternaria.
Radiographic Signs of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Idiopathic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: A Possible Presentation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Silver Ross I. , Moonis Gul , Schlosser Rodney J. , Bolger William E. , Loevner Laurie A. 
Published: June 2007

Background Traditionally, idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks have been associated with normal intracranial pressure (ICP). We speculate that at least one subset of these leaks may be associated with elevated ICP, more specifically, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We sought to identify radiographic manifestations suggestive of elevated ICP in 14 patients with idiopathic CSF leaks who clinically and epidemiologically resembled patients with IIH. Methods We retrospectively reviewed high-resolution CT, MRI, and/or CT cisternography in 14 patients with elevated ICP and idiopathic CSF leaks for radiographic manifestations suggesting increased ICP. Results Arachnoid pits were seen in 79% of patients, empty sella was seen in 50% of patients, meningo(encephalo)celes were seen in 50% of patients, and dural ectasia was seen in 35% of patients, respectively. Optic nerve findings were not shown as commonly seen as described in the literature. Conclusion We show a subset of patients with idiopathic CSF leaks who display radiographic signs consistent with increased ICP who may represent an alternative presentation of IIH.
Comparison of the Hypoalgesic Efficacy of Low-Frequency and Burst-Modulated Kilohertz Frequency Currents
Authors: Ward Alex R , Oliver Warwick G 
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose
A within-subject randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare monophasic pulsed current (PC) with a frequency of 50 Hz and a phase duration of 500 microseconds with burst-modulated alternating current (BMAC) (1-kHz alternating current, burst modulated at a frequency of 50 Hz with a 20% duty cycle) to establish whether there were differences in hypoalgesic efficacy as assessed by cold pain threshold measurements.

Subjects
Twenty-two young adults who were healthy and drawn from a population of students of La Trobe University volunteered to participate in the study. Nineteen subjects (7 male, 12 female) met the inclusion criteria.

Method
Each participant experienced monophasic PC and BMAC. Time to cold pain threshold was measured before, during, and after the electrical stimulation intervention.

Results
Both PC and BMAC currents were effective at elevating the cold pain threshold, although there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 currents during stimulation.

Discussion and Conclusion
Pulsed current and BMAC appear to be equally effective at elevating the cold pain threshold. Analysis indicated that if any real difference exists, it would only be apparent with large (100) subject numbers. Any differences in hypoalgesic efficacy thus are not likely to be clinically important.
Financial Results of Selection Forest Enterprises with High Proportions of Valuable Timber – Results of an Empirical Study and their Application
Authors: Hanewinkel Marc 
Published: June 2007

In order to analyse the financial consequences of a high proportion of selection forest and valuable timber, we compare private and communal forests with those run by the state. Enterprises run on a selection forest system clearly show more favourable economic indices which are a consequence of the high proportion of valuable timber harvested each year.
The results are interpreted in a manner that creates an instrument to help managers of forest companies to make decisions. Preference is given to a «benchmarking» approach over a comparative economic approach between even-aged forests and selection forests.
Strategie Wald und Wild für den Kanton Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Grundlagen zu einem kantonalen Konzept zur Verhütung von Wildschäden und zur Verbesserung der Lebensbedingungen der Wildtiere | Strategic plan for forest and game in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Basis of a cantonal concept for the prevention of browsing damage and for the improvement of the habitat of game.
Authors: Meile Peter , Boschi Cristina , Sommerhalder Robert 
Published: June 2007

The intensively used cultural landscape of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden leaves only very limited resources for roe,chamois and deer. Copious feed in open green spaces is only available to ungulates for a very short space of time. A high rate of tourist activity on the slopes above the forest drives the game into the forest. Browsing damage is extremely high in forests at the foot of the Säntis massif. Rules governing the sustenance of the roe and chamois population are not always diligently kept. Our strategic plan calls for more extensively used green spaces including forest borders, hedges and brooksides, as well as the development of new hunting strategies.
A spatial reduction of tourist activities is called for, especially of ramblers and hikers, by path regulation. The organisation of the ecological surveillance of game and the decision-making process for the hunt need to be adjusted to meet the dual goals of enhancing the well-being of game and ensuring the natural regeneration of an indigenous composition of the forest.
Robust predictive control of switched systems: Satisfying uncertain schedules subject to state and control constraints
Authors: Mhaskar Prashant , El‐Farra Nael H. , Christofides Panagiotis D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this work, we consider robust predictive control of switched uncertain nonlinear systems required to satisfy a prescribed switching sequence with uncertainty in the switching times subject to state and input constraints. To illustrate our approach, we consider first the problem of satisfying a prescribed schedule subject to uncertainty only in the switching times. Predictive controllers that guarantee the satisfication of state and input constraints from an explicitly characterized set of initial conditions are first designed. The performance and constraint‐handling capabilities of the predictive controllers are subsequently utilized in ensuring the satisfaction of the switching schedule while preserving stability. The results are then generalized to address the problem in the presence of parametric uncertainty and exogenous time‐varying disturbances in the dynamics of the constituent modes. The proposed control method is demonstrated through application to a scheduled chemical process example. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonlinear adaptive speed tracking control for sensorless permanent magnet step motors with unknown load torque
Authors: Tomei P. , Verrelli C. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAssuming that only stator currents and voltages are available for feedback, a nonlinear adaptive speed tracking control algorithm is proposed for a permanent magnet step motor with unknown constant load torque. It relies on three new theoretical results: the ‘s‐alignment’ and ‘c‐alignment’ procedures, in which the motor is forced to reach certain known equilibrium points, and an output feedback controller which guarantees asymptotic speed tracking for every initial condition belonging to an explicitly computed domain of attraction (global exponential convergence is achieved in the case of known constant load torque). Numerical simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ambipolar Transport in Organic Conjugated Materials
Authors: Cornil J. , Brédas J.‐L. , Zaumseil J. , Sirringhaus H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe relative mobility of holes versus electrons in π‐conjugated materials is a long‐standing issue in the field of organic electronics. In this Progress Report, we first argue on the basis of theoretical considerations that in general organic semiconductors are intrinsically as good electron transporters as they are hole transporters. Then, in the light of selected experimental works, we discuss the origin of the features that prevent the observation of intrinsic electron transport, and the strategies that have been developed to promote ambipolar transport in field‐effect transistors.
Life history traits and parental care in Lepilemur ruficaudatus
Authors: Hilgartner Roland , Zinner Dietmar , Kappeler Peter M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this study we investigated the importance of biparental care for the evolution and/or maintenance of pair‐living in red‐tailed sportive lemurs (Lepilemur ruficaudatus), a nocturnal folivorous lemur. Between 2000 and 2005, we collected data on life history traits from a total of 14 radio‐collared pairs of adults and their offspring in Kirindy forest, western Madagascar. Predation rate varied between years with a minimum of 0% and a maximum of 40% per year. Patterns of parental care were quantified during simultaneous focal observations of both pair‐partners in 2003 and 2004. Mating activity was limited to the months of May and June, as indicated by conspicuous changes of vulval morphology and male mate guarding behavior. After a gestation length of about 5 months, which is much longer than expected for a lemur of this body mass, single infants were born in November. Lactation lasted for about 50 days. Apart from lactation, females provided infant care by warming, grooming and transporting infants orally. Infants were parked in dense vegetation while females foraged. Males were seen only rarely in proximity to infants and we found no evidence for direct infant care provided by social fathers. We conclude that the necessity of direct infant care cannot explain the evolution and/or maintenance of pair‐living in Lepilemur ruficaudatus. Am. J. Primatol. 70:2–11, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex, age, and family differences in the chemical composition of owl monkey (Aotus nancymaae) subcaudal scent secretions
Authors: MacDonald Edith A. , Fernandez‐duque Eduardo , Evans Sian , Hagey Lee R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNumerous behavioral studies have shown that animals use olfactory cues as inbreeding avoidance or kin avoidance mechanisms, implying that scent is unique to families. However, few studies have analyzed the chemical profile of a scent and ascertained the messages that are conveyed in scent secretions. Owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) are socially monogamous primates that utilize scent when interacting with foreign conspecifics. This suggests there is a difference in the chemical composition of scent marks. We chemically analyzed sub‐caudal gland samples from three families of captive owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae). Samples were analyzed by capillary GC‐MS and relative retention time and fragment pattern was compared with known standards. Gland samples were high in large plant‐based shikikate metabolites and fatty ketones; alcohols, acids, and acetates were virtually absent. Gender, age, and family could be reliably classified using discriminant analysis (92.9, 100, and 100%, respectively). Female scent profiles were greater in concentration of aromatic plant metabolites, possibly the result of a different diet or physiological differences in female metabolism as compared to male. Offspring of adult age still living in their natal group showed a less complex chemical profile than their parents. Finally, each family had its own unique and complex chemical profile. The presence of family scent may play a role in mediating social interactions. Am. J. Primatol. 70:12–18, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Female ovarian cycle phase affects the timing of male sexual activity in free‐ranging Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) of Gibraltar
Authors: Heistermann Michael , Brauch Katrin , Möhle Ulrike , Pfefferle Dana , Dittami John , Hodges Keith 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough all macaques have a multimale multifemale mating system, the degree of promiscuity shown by the Barbary macaque is considered to be extreme in terms of both mating frequency and number of mating partners. How mating activity is distributed throughout the female menstrual cycle and whether or not copulations are concentrated around the fertile phase as in other members of the genus is, however, not known. To examine this, we collected data on rates of copulation throughout 29 ovarian cycles from 13 free‐ranging females of the Gibraltar Barbary macaque population and related them to the time of ovulation and the female fertile phase as determined from fecal hormone analysis. In addition, patterns of male inspection of females and time spent in consortship, both indicators of female attractivity, were also analyzed. The results indicate that both mating behavior and female attractivity vary predictably with ovarian cycle stage. Rates of copulation were found to increase toward the time of ovulation, with a distinct peak of ejaculatory (but not non‐ejaculatory) copulations occurring in the fertile phase. Additionally, we show that frequency of inspection of females by males and time spent in consortship were also highest during the fertile phase and that ejaculatory copulations and male pericopulatory behaviors were significantly correlated with levels of female sex hormones. Our findings indicate that the Barbary macaque shows a mating pattern during the cycle similar to that described for other members of the genus. More importantly, however, our study provides clear evidence that despite an extreme degree of promiscuity Barbary macaque males concentrate their reproductive effort to the fertile phase, implying that they are able to discern this period and that thus timing of ovulation is not concealed from them. Estrogen‐related cues appear to be involved in the process of recognition of female reproductive status by males, but the exact nature of these cues and how male Barbary macaques use them remains to be clarified. Am. J. Primatol. 70:44–53, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.