bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement in predicting tumorigenic phenotype of androgen‐insensitive human LNCaP prostatic cancer cell subline in recombination with rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme
Authors: Kanai Masahiro , Ishii Kenichiro , Kanda Hideki , Ogura Yuji , Kise Hideaki , Arima Kiminobu , Sugimura Yoshiki
Published: November 2008

Hormone‐refractory prostate cancer, a heterogeneous disease, has varying degrees of androgen sensitivity. To understand the physiological changes in the hormone‐refractory state, the present study used a lineage‐derived androgen receptor (AR)‐positive, androgen‐insensitive prostate cancer cell line and evaluated the tumorigenic phenotype, focusing on tumor–stromal interactions in vivo. First, tumorigenic differences of cancer cells alone were examined in an androgen‐insensitive AR‐positive LNCaP subline, AIDL, compared with those of the androgen‐sensitive AR‐positive parental LNCaP and the androgen‐insensitive AR‐negative PC‐3 cells transplanted into subcutaneous, sub‐renal and prostatic orthotopic graft sites. Next, cancer cells were recombined with rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme (rUGM) to simulate the tumor‐stromal microenvironment. Tumors of AIDL and LNCaP without stromal components both formed well‐defined globular tumors and contained large blood‐filled areas, with no significant difference in tumor growth or histopathology regardless of the cell line's androgen sensitivity or graft site. In contrast, tumors of AIDL and LNCaP recombined with rUGM both showed reduction of blood‐filled areas in the tumors and increased tumor growth compared with cancer cells alone. Tumors of AIDL + rUGM recombinants were approximately three times as large as those of LNCaP + rUGM recombinants, whereas tumors of AIDL and LNCaP without rUGM were not different in size. In addition to the tumor size, cell proliferation (Ki‐67 labeling index) in tumors of AIDL + rUGM recombinants was significantly higher than that in tumors of LNCaP + rUGM recombinants. Immunoreactivities of AR, E‐cadherin and β‐catenin were decreased in AIDL + rUGM recombinants relative to AIDL alone and LNCaP + rUGM recombinants. These results demonstrated that tumorigenic features of androgen‐insensitive AR‐positive prostate cancer cells could be significantly influenced by rUGM. Therefore, this in vivo recombination model with rUGM may be useful in developing new treatment strategies. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2435–2443)
Irradiated fibroblast‐induced bystander effects on invasive growth of squamous cell carcinoma under cancer–stromal cell interaction
Authors: Kamochi Noriyuki , Nakashima Masahiro , Aoki Shigehisa , Uchihashi Kazuyoshi , Sugihara Hajime , Toda Shuji , Kudo Sho
Published: November 2008

The irradiated fibroblast‐induced response of non‐irradiated neighboring cells is called ‘radiation‐induced bystander effect’, but it is unclear in non‐irradiated human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. The present study shows that irradiated fibroblasts promoted the invasive growth of T3M‐1 SCC cells, but not their apoptosis, more greatly than non‐irradiated fibroblasts, using collagen gel invasion assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The number of irradiated fibroblasts decreased to about 30% of that of non‐irradiated fibroblasts, but irradiated fibroblasts increased the growth marker ki‐67 display of SCC cells more greatly than non‐irradiated fibroblasts. Irradiated fibroblasts did not affect the apoptosis marker ss‐DNA expression of SCC cells. Irradiated fibroblasts enhanced the display of the following growth‐, invasion‐ and motility‐related molecules in SCC cells more greatly than non‐irradiated fibroblasts: c‐Met, Ras, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (Raf‐1, MEK‐1 and ERK‐1/2), matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐9, laminin 5 and filamin A. Irradiated fibroblasts, but not non‐irradiated ones, formed irradiation‐induced foci (IRIF) of the genomic instability marker p53‐binding protein 1 (53BP1) and expressed transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐ β1). Irradiated fibroblasts in turn enabled SCC cells to enhance 53BP1 IRIF formation more extensively than non‐irradiated fibroblasts. Finally, effects of irradiated fibroblasts on growth and apoptosis of another HEp‐2 SCC cell type were similar to those of T3M‐1. These results suggest that irradiated fibroblasts promotes invasion and growth of SCC cells by enhancement of invasive growth‐related molecules above through TGF‐ β1‐mediated bystander mechanism, in which irradiated fibroblast‐induced genomic instability of SCC cells may be involved. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2417–2427)
Curcumin attenuates cytochrome P450 induction in response to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin by ROS‐dependently degrading AhR and ARNT
Authors: Choi Hyunsung , Chun Yang‐Sook , Shin Yong Jae , Ye Sang Kyu , Kim Myung‐Suk , Park Jong‐Wan
Published: November 2008

TCDD (2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant. When exposed to TCDD, mammalian cells undergo malignant transformation via abnormal intracellular signaling cascades, and the robust inductions of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are considered to mediate carcinogenesis by producing genotoxic metabolites. We here examined whether curcumin has preventive activity against TCDD‐induced CYP production and cell transformation. Initially, the cellular levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and 1B1 were examined, because these are known to generate estrogen metabolites that mediate genotoxic stress. Curcumin inhibited CYP1A1 and 1B1 induction by TCDD at the mRNA and protein levels. Notably, the nuclear levels of arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT) were decreased by curcumin, but those in the cytoplasm were not. It was also found that oxidative stress mediated the curcumin‐induced degradations of AhR and ARNT. Furthermore, in vitro transformation assays showed that in normal human embryonic kidney cells and normal prostate cells curcumin prevents the anchorage‐independent growth induced by TCDD. In conclusion, curcumin attenuates AhR/ARNT‐mediated CYP induction by dioxin and presumably this mode‐of‐action may be responsible for the curcumin prevention of malignant transformation. The findings of this study should be found helpful in the design stage of pharmacodynamic studies for developing curcumin as a chemopreventive or anticancer agent. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2518–2524)
ABCG2 Q141K polymorphism is associated with chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who received frontline rituximab plus cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/ vincristine/prednisone chemotherapy
Authors: Kim In‐Suk , Kim Hoon‐Gu , Kim Dong Chul , Eom Hyeon‐Seok , Kong Sun‐Young , Shin Ho‐Jin , Hwang Sang‐Hyun , Lee Eun‐Yup , Lee Gyeong‐Won
Published: November 2008

ATP‐binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) is the most recently described transporter of the multidrug‐resistance pump and it promotes resistance to anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, topotecan, and SN‐38. Of the ABCG2 polymorphisms, V12M and Q141K alter the functional activity of the ABCG2 transporter and influence the drug response and various toxicities to chemotherapeutic agents. We therefore evaluated the impact of the ABCG2 V12M and Q141K polymorphisms on the therapeutic outcomes and toxicities of primary rituximab plus cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone (R‐CHOP) therapy in 145 Korean patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). ABCG2 V12M and Q141K genotyping was carried out by pyrosequencing of polymerase chain reaction products. The clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, toxicities of the patients, and the predictive value of the polymorphisms on response, survival, and adverse events to R‐CHOP for 145 patients were analyzed according to the ABCG2 V12M and Q141K polymorphisms. No differences were observed according to ABCG2 Q141K and V12M genotype in patient characteristics, disease characteristics, response, survival, or hematology toxicity profiles in patients with DLBCL who received frontline R‐CHOP chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, grade I–IV diarrhea was statistically significant according to ABCG2 Q141K polymorphism (the QQ genotype vs the QK or KK genotypes; hazard ratio 2.835; 95% confidence interval 1.432–5.613; P = 0.003). This study demonstrates that the ABCG2 Q141K polymorphism may correlate with chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea in patients with DLBCL who have received frontline R‐CHOP chemotherapy, and this has implications for optimizing treatment with such agents. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2496–2501)
Oxysterol binding protein‐related protein‐5 is related to invasion and poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Koga Yoshikatsu , Ishikawa Shinji , Nakamura Tadahiko , Masuda Toshiro , Nagai Yohei , Takamori Hiroshi , Hirota Masahiko , Kanemitsu Keiichiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Baba Hideo
Published: November 2008

In previous studies, the gene expression profiles of two hamster pancreatic cancer cells with different potentials for invasion and metastasis were analyzed. In the present study, we identified that one of the genes expressed strongly in the highly metastatic cell line is hamster oxysterol binding protein‐related protein (ORP)‐5. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between ORP5 and invasion and poor prognosis of human pancreatic cancer. Invasion assays were carried out in both hamster and human pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing the ORP5 gene with short interfering RNA or inducing its expression by introducing an expression vector. To evaluate the relationship between ORP5 and the characteristics of human pancreatic cancer, 56 pancreatic cancer tissue specimens were analyzed and the ORP5 expression in each pancreatic cancer tissue specimen was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In both the hamster and human pancreatic cancer cells, suppression of ORP5 significantly reduced the invasion rate of the cells and induction of ORP5 significantly enhanced the invasion rate of the cells. In the clinical sample, the median survival times of the patients with ORP5‐positive (n = 33) and ORP5‐negative (n = 23) cancer were 8.3 and 17.2 months, respectively (P = 0.02). Also, the 1‐year survival rates of patients with ORP5‐positive and ORP5‐negative cancer were 36.4 and 73.9%, respectively (P = 0.005). The ORP5 expression level was related to both invasion and poor prognosis in human pancreatic cancer. These findings suggest that the expression of ORP5 may induce cancer cell invasion, resulting in the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2387–2394)
B‐cell linker protein prevents aneuploidy by inhibiting cytokinesis
Authors: Kamino Hiroki , Futamura Manabu , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Kitamura Noriaki , Kabu Koki , Arakawa Hirofumi
Published: November 2008

Aneuploidy is a hallmark of human cancers. Although the maintenance of genomic integrity by p53 is important in preventing aneuploidy, its mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here we report evidence that B‐cell linker protein (BLNK) mediates the inhibition of cytokinesis, which generates tetraploidy but prevents aneuploidy. We identified BLNK as a transcriptional target of p53. Surprisingly, ectopic expression of exogenous BLNK inhibited cytokinesis, resulting in the formation of tetraploid cells. Indeed, BLNK was involved in the generation of spontaneously arising binucleate tetraploid cells. Interestingly, cytokinesis after DNA damage was inhibited in p21−/– and p53+/+ cells, but not in p53−/– cells. BLNK knockdown in p53+/+ and p21−/– cells enhanced cytokinesis after DNA damage, leading to the generation of aneuploid cells. In addition, a BLNK‐downregulated human pre‐B leukemia cell line showed increased cytokinesis and aneuploidy after DNA damage compared with two other pre‐B leukemia cell lines expressing higher levels of BLNK. These results suggest that BLNK acts as a mediator of p53 in the inhibition of cytokinesis, which prevents aneuploidy. We propose that the inhibition of cytokinesis is crucial for the maintenance of genomic integrity. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2444–2454)
B cells play a crucial role as antigen-presenting cells and collaborate with inflammatory cytokines in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase-induced arthritis
Authors: Tanaka-Watanabe Y , Matsumoto I , Iwanami K , Inoue A , Goto D , Ito S , Tsutsumi A , Sumida T
Published: November 2008

Anti-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) antibodies from K/BxN mice directly induce arthritis; however, the transfer of these antibodies from mice with GPI-induced arthritis does not induce arthritis. CD4+ T cells play an important role in the induction and effector phase in this model; however, the roles of B cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) have not been elucidated. We investigated the roles of B cells and Igs in GPI-induced arthritis by using adoptive transfer system into SCID mice. Transfer of splenocytes of male DBA/1 mice immunized with GPI into SCID mice induced arthritis on day 6 in the latter, in association with the production of anti-GPI antibodies. Co-localization of C3 and IgG on the articular surface was identified in arthritic SCID mice. Inoculation of IgG (or anti-GPI antibodies) and CD19+-depleted splenocytes from arthritic DBA/1 mice induced arthritis in SCID mice, but not CD19+-depleted or CD4+-depleted splenocytes from DBA/1 mice. In vitro analysis of cytokine production by splenocytes from DBA/1 arthritic mice demonstrated production of large amounts of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in an antigen-specific manner (P < 0·01), and production was dominated by CD19+-depleted than CD4+-depleted splenocytes (P < 0·05). Addition of IgG from DBA/1 arthritic mice to the culture enhanced TNF-α but not IL-6 production, and this effect was blocked by anti-Fcγ receptor antibody. In vivo analysis of neutralization with TNF-α protected arthritis completely in SCID mice. Our results highlight the important role of B cells in GPI-induced arthritis as autoantibody producers, and these autoantibodies can trigger joint inflammation in orchestration with inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α.
Changes in the long‐term distribution of zooplankton in the Humboldt Current Ecosystem off Peru, 1961–2005, and its relationship to regime shifts and environmental factors
Authors: AYÓN PATRICIA , SWARTZMAN GORDON
Published: November 2008

We used a dataset assembled by the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE) from 1961 to 2005, to examine the influence of seasonal, environmental (temperature and salinity), temporal (day–night and year) and location (north‐south and on‐off shelf) variables on the distribution and biovolume of zooplankton. Classification and regression trees (CART) showed that the zooplankton distribution can be divided into four time regimes: prior to 1974.5, 1974.5–1989.5, 1989.5–1997.5 and 1997.5–2005. These periods differ in overall biovolume but, more importantly, in having different spatial distributions of variables. Offshore‐onshore, seasonal, diel and north‐south patterns are all apparent in the temporal changes observed in zooplankton distribution. In the early period zooplankton biovolume was high throughout the Peruvian Humboldt Current Ecosystem, with enhanced biovolume in all seasons but winter. After 1974.5, biovolume was considerably lower. There was an increased difference between the shelf (lower biovolume) and offshore (higher biovolume), with a significant day–night effect offshore, due to diel migration and possibly diel catchability changes. After 1989.5, seasonal effects were more marked and biovolume appeared to be higher in the winter in the northern region. In other seasons, during the daytime, biovolume was highest farther offshore (greater than 65 km offshore of the 200‐m isobath) and, during the night, higher after 1997.5 than before. We relate these changes in distribution and biovolume to changes in large‐scale current patterns in different regimes and to the possible effect of the fishery in removing nutrients from the system.
Environmental and spatial effects on the distribution of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) as inferred from data for longline fisheries in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: SU NAN‐JAY , SUN CHI‐LU , PUNT ANDRE E. , YEH SU‐ZAN
Published: November 2008

Blue marlin is distributed throughout tropical and temperate waters in the Pacific Ocean. However, the preference of this species for particular habitats may impact its vulnerability to being caught. The relationship between spatio‐temporal patterns of blue marlin abundance and environmental factors is examined using generalized additive models fitted to catch and effort data from longline fisheries. The presence of blue marlin, and the catch rate given presence, are modeled separately. Latitude, longitude, and sea‐surface temperature explain the greatest proportion of the deviance. Spatial distributions of relative density of blue marlin, based on combining the probability of presence and relative density given presence, indicate that there is seasonal variation in the distribution of blue marlin, and that the highest densities occur in the tropics. Seasonal patterns in the relative density of blue marlin appear to be related to shifts in SST. The distribution and relative abundance of blue marlin are sufficiently heterogeneous in space and time that the results of analyses of catch and effort data to identify ‘hotspots’ could be used as the basis for time‐area management to reduce the amount of blue marlin bycaught in longline fisheries.
From egg to juvenile in the Bay of Biscay: spatial patterns of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) recruitment in a non‐upwelling region
Authors: IRIGOIEN XABIER , COTANO UNAI , BOYRA GUILLERMO , SANTOS MARIA , ALVAREZ PAULA , OTHEGUY PANTXIKA , ETXEBESTE EGOITZ , URIARTE ANDRES , FERRER LUIS , IBAIBARRIAGA LEIRE
Published: November 2008

In this study the spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was followed in 2004 and 2005 during three consecutive cruises each year in spring–summer to test what the limits of retention are in a non‐upwelling area. Eggs, small larvae and large juveniles were mainly distributed over the shelf, whereas large larvae and small juveniles were found mainly off the shelf. Although overall distributions were similar, the 2 yr differed in that there was more of a coastal distribution of individuals in 2004, whereas in 2005 more individuals were found off the shelf. There were no significant differences in the length–weight relationships for individuals found on and off the shelf or between years. The correspondence in circulation patterns and the lack of difference in the length–weight relationships suggest that a single population is present, larvae drifting off the shelf due to currents and returning as mobile juveniles. Quantile regression analysis of the long‐term recruitment index suggests that transport off the shelf may favour good recruitments. This would suggest that in non‐upwelling regions the retention area resulting in good recruitment may not be restricted to the shelf.
Spatial distribution of ocean habitat of yearling Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon off Washington and Oregon, USA
Authors: BI HONGSHENG , RUPPEL RACHEL E. , PETERSON WILLIAM T. , CASILLAS EDMUNDO
Published: November 2008

We determined the habitat usage and habitat connectivity of juvenile Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon in continental shelf waters off Washington and Oregon, based on samples collected every June for 9 yr (1998–2006). Habitat usage and connectivity were evaluated using SeaWiFS satellite‐derived chlorophyll a data and water depth. Logistic regression models were developed for both species, and habitats were first classified using a threshold value estimated from a receiver operating characteristic curve. A Bernoulli random process using catch probabilities from observed data, i.e. the frequency of occurrence of a fish divided by the number of times a station was surveyed, was applied to reclassify stations. Zero‐catch probabilities of yearling Chinook and yearling coho salmon decreased with increases in chlorophyll a concentration, and with decreases in water depth. From 1998 to 2006, ∼ 47% of stations surveyed were classified as unfavorable habitat for yearling Chinook salmon and ∼ 53% for yearling coho salmon. Potentially favorable habitat varied among years and ranged from 9 856 to 15 120 km2 (Chinook) and from 14 800 to 16 736 km2 (coho). For both species, the smallest habitat area occurred in 1998, an El Niño year. Favorable habitats for yearling Chinook salmon were more isolated in 1998 and 2005 than in other years. Both species had larger and more continuous favorable habitat areas along the Washington coast than along the Oregon coast. The favorable habitats were also larger and more continuous nearshore than offshore for both species. Further investigations on large‐scale transport, mesoscale physical features, and prey and predator availability in the study area are necessary to explain the spatial arrangement of juvenile salmon habitats in continental shelf waters.
Inconsistency between hepatic expression and serum concentration of transthyretin in mice humanized at the transthyretin locus
Authors: Zhao Gang , Li Zhenghua , Araki Kimi , Haruna Kyoko , Yamaguchi Kazuhito , Araki Masatake , Takeya Motohiro , Ando Yukio , Yamamura Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2008

Human transthyretin (TTR) has about 110 variants, more than 90 of which are associated with human amyloidosis. Several groups have generated transgenic mice that carry various mutant TTR genes. However, formation of mouse/human TTR heterotetramers has been shown to be inhibitory to dissociation and subsequent amyloid formation. To avoid the effect of mouse Ttr and produce humanized mice carrying different TTR variants at high efficiency, we first produced a null allele in the mouse transthyretin locus using targeting vector that contained a neomycin resistance gene flanked by lox71 and loxP. Then, through Cre‐mediated recombination, we created a replacement allele that carried either a human normal (Val30) or mutant (Met30) TTR cDNA. This replacement resulted in a humanized TTR mouse with similar tissue‐specific profile of human TTR as that of the endogenous mouse Ttr gene. The expression levels of human TTR mRNA and protein in the liver of homozygous human TTR (Val30/Val30) mice were about twice those of heterozygous mouse/human TTR (+/Val30) mice. However, the serum human TTR levels in the Val30/Val30 mice were much less than those in the +/Val30 mice. This contradictory expression was due to unstable Val30 tetramers caused by low binding affinity to mouse retinol binding protein.
Effects of substrate availability on the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition
Authors: GERSHENSON ALEXANDER , BADER NICHOLAS E. , CHENG WEIXIN
Published: November 2008

Soil carbon is a major component in the global carbon cycle. Understanding the relationship between environmental changes and rates of soil respiration is critical for projecting changes in soil carbon fluxes in a changing climate. Although significant attention has been focused on the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition, the factors that affect this temperature sensitivity are still debated. In this study, we examined the effects of substrate availability on the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration in several different kinds of soils. We found that increased substrate availability had a significant positive effect on temperature sensitivity, as measured by soil Q10 values, and that this effect was inversely proportional to original substrate availability. This observation can be explained if decomposition follows Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The simple Q10 model was most appropriate in soils with high substrate availability.
Leaf carbon management in slow‐growing plants exposed to elevated CO2
Authors: ARANJUELO IKER , PARDO ANTONI , BIEL CARMEN , SAVÉ ROBERT , AZCÓN‐BIETO JOAQUIM , NOGUÉS SALVADOR
Published: November 2008

Two slow‐growing plant species (Chamaerops humilis, L. and Cycas revoluta Thunb.) were exposed to elevated CO2 conditions over a 20‐month period in order to study the CO2 effect on growth, photosynthetic capacity and leaf carbon (C) management. The ambient isotopic 13C/12C composition (δ13C) of the greenhouse module corresponding to elevated CO2 (800 μmol mol−1 CO2) conditions was changed from δ13C ca. −12.8±0.3‰ to ca. −19.2±0.2‰. Exposure of these plants to elevated CO2 enhanced dry mass (DM) by 82% and 152% in Chamerops and Cycas, respectively, mainly as a consequence of increases in plant level photosynthetic rates. However, analyses of A–Ci curve parameters revealed that elevated CO2 diminished leaf photosynthetic rates of Chamaerops whereas in Cycas, no photosynthetic acclimation was detected. The fact that Chamaerops plants had a lower DM increase, together with a longer leaf C residence time and a diminished capacity to respire recently fixed C, suggests that this species was unable to increase C sink strength. Furthermore, the consequent C source/sink imbalance in Chamaerops might have induced the downregulation of Rubisco. Cycas plants were capable of avoiding photosynthetic downregulation due to a greater ability to increase C sink strength, as was confirmed by DM values, and 12C‐enriched CO2 labeling data. Cycas developed the ability to respire a larger proportion of recently fixed C and to reallocate the recently fixed C away from leaves to other plant tissues. These findings suggest that leaf C management is a key factor in the responsiveness of slow‐growing plants to future CO2 scenarios.
A hierarchical model for estimating density in camera‐trap studies
Authors: Royle J. Andrew , Nichols James D. , Karanth K. Ullas , Gopalaswamy Arjun M.
Published: November 2008

Estimating animal density using capture–recapture data from arrays of detection devices such as camera traps has been problematic due to the movement of individuals and heterogeneity in capture probability among them induced by differential exposure to trapping.

We develop a spatial capture–recapture model for estimating density from camera‐trapping data which contains explicit models for the spatial point process governing the distribution of individuals and their exposure to and detection by traps.

We adopt a Bayesian approach to analysis of the hierarchical model using the technique of data augmentation.

The model is applied to photographic capture–recapture data on tigers Panthera tigris in Nagarahole reserve, India. Using this model, we estimate the density of tigers to be 14·3 animals per 100 km2 during 2004.

Synthesis and applications. Our modelling framework largely overcomes several weaknesses in conventional approaches to the estimation of animal density from trap arrays. It effectively deals with key problems such as individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities, movement of traps, presence of potential ‘holes’ in the array and ad hoc estimation of sample area. The formulation, thus, greatly enhances flexibility in the conduct of field surveys as well as in the analysis of data, from studies that may involve physical, photographic or DNA‐based ‘captures’ of individual animals.
Succession of floodplain grasslands following reduction in land use intensity: the importance of environmental conditions, management and dispersal
Authors: Bischoff Armin , Warthemann Guido , Klotz Stefan
Published: November 2008

Classical ecological theory predicts a succession towards plant communities that are determined by environmental conditions. However, in ecological restoration, species composition often remains different from the predicted target community, compromising the success of restoration measures.

We analysed the relative importance of environmental conditions, management and distance to source populations for floodplain grassland succession following re‐conversion from intensive to traditional use. The study was established at 33 grassland sites in central German river valleys. Species composition, environmental variables, past and current management, and the distance to source populations of characteristic species of traditional management (indicator species) were recorded and compared using multivariate statistics. We further tested the speed of colonization by two indicator species, Silaum silaus and Serratula tinctoria, along transects from source populations into unoccupied fields.

The species composition of the successional grassland was mainly determined by elevation, total soil nitrogen, distance to remnant species‐rich grasslands and frequency of mowing or grazing. Elevation and distance were negatively, and frequency was positively related to the occurrence of late successional species.

Colonization by indicator species was only dependent on the distance to source populations; other explanatory variables were not significant. Migration from adjacent source sites of S. silaus and S. tinctoria into re‐converted grasslands was slow, reaching only 40 m and 15 m after 15 years.

Synthesis and applications. The results demonstrated the limitations of the deterministic view on plant succession and the high relative importance of propagule availability in grassland restoration. Natural colonization will only be successful if source populations of the target species are adjacent to the restoration sites. Artificial introduction techniques are recommended to overcome dispersal barriers.
Prevalence of hypertension in adults with intellectual disability in the Netherlands
Authors: Van De Louw J. , Vorstenbosch R. , Vinck L. , Penning C. , Evenhuis H.
Published: November 2008

Background  Literature on the prevalence of hypertension in people with intellectual disability (ID) is mostly based on file studies or on measurements limited to the age group below 50 years. We measured and calculated the prevalence of hypertension in adults with ID and studied the distribution of hypertension in relation to age, gender, diagnosis of Down's syndrome and level of ID.

Methods  In an observational cross‐sectional study, standardized blood pressure measurements were obtained from 258 randomly selected adult clients of three Dutch care providers for people with ID. Hypertension was defined as a mean systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg on repeated measurements.

Results  The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 17.4% (95% CI 12.28–22.46). This was comparable to the prevalence in the general Dutch population. No accurate blood pressure measurement could be performed in 28.4% of people with severe and profound ID owing to repetitive physical activity or resistance. Hypertension was significantly related to older age and absence of Down's syndrome; no correlation with gender or level of ID could be shown.

Recommendation  The risk factor hypertension should be detected and treated in the same manner as in the general population following national guidelines.
Polyploid evolution and plastid DNA variation in the Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata complex (Orchidaceae) in Scandinavia
Authors: HEDRÉN MIKAEL , NORDSTRÖM SOFIE , STÅHLBERG DAVID
Published: November 2008

The Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata complex (Orchidaceae) was used as a model system to understand genetic differentiation processes in a naturally occurring polyploid complex with much of ongoing diversification and wide distribution in recently glaciated areas in northern Europe. Data were obtained for 12 hypervariable regions in the plastid DNA genome. A total of 166 haplotypes were found in a sample of 1099 plants. Allopolyploid taxa have inherited their plastid genomes from D. maculata s.l. Overall haplotype diversity of the combined group of allopolyploid taxa was comparable to that of maternal D. maculata s.l., but populations of allopolyploids were also more strongly differentiated from each other and contained lower numbers of haplotypes than populations of D. maculata s.l. In addition to haplotypes found in extant D. maculata s.l., the allopolyploids also contained several distinct and widespread haplotypes that were not found in any of the parental lineages. Some of these haplotypes were shared between widespread allopolyploids. Divergent allopolyploids with small distributions did not seem to originate from local polyploidization events, but rather as segregates of already existing allopolyploids. Genetic diversification of allopolyploid Dactylorhiza is the result of repeated polyploid formation, secondary hybridization and introgression between already existing polyploids and extant representatives of parental lineages, hybridization between independently derived polyploid lineages, and phyletic diversification in the group of allopolyploids. Although some polyploid taxa must have evolved after the last glaciation, genetic material from the parental lineages has been transferred continuously for longer periods of time. This combination of processes may explain the taxonomic complexity encountered in Dactylorhiza and other polyploid complexes distributed in previously glaciated parts of Europe.
Airborne‐pollen pool and mating pattern in a hybrid zone betweenPinus pumilaandP. parvifloravar.pentaphylla
Authors: ITO MEGUMI , SUYAMA YOSHIHISA , OHSAWA TAKESHI A. , WATANO YASUYUKI
Published: November 2008

The reproductive isolation barriers and the mating patterns amongPinus pumila,P. parvifloravar.pentaphyllaand their hybrids were examined by flowering phenology and genetic assays of three life stages: airborne‐pollen grains, adults and seeds, in a hybrid zone on Mount Apoi, Hokkaido, Japan. Chloroplast DNA composition of the airborne‐pollen was determined by single‐pollen polymerase chain reaction. Mating patterns were analysed by estimating the molecular hybrid index of the seed parent, their seed embryos and pollen parents. The observation of flowering phenology showed that the flowering ofP. pumilaprecedes that ofP. parvifloravar.pentaphyllaby about 6 to 10 days within the same altitudinal ranges. Although this prezygotic isolation barrier is effective, the genetic assay of airborne‐pollen showed that the two pine species, particularlyP. pumila, still have chances to form F1hybrid seeds. Both parental species showed a strong assortative mating pattern; F1seeds were found in only 1.4% of seeds fromP. pumilamother trees and not at all inP. parvifloravar.pentaphylla. The assortative mating was concluded as the combined result of flowering time differentiation and cross‐incompatibility. In contrast to the parental species, hybrids were fertilized evenly by the two parental species and themselves. The breakdown of prezygotic barriers (intermediate flowering phenology) and cross‐incompatibility may account for the unselective mating. It is suggested that introgression is ongoing on Mount Apoi through backcrossing between hybrids and parental species, despite strong isolation barriers between the parental species.
Comparative phylogeography of two sibling species of forest‐dwelling rodent (Praomys rostratus and P. tullbergi) in West Africa: different reactions to past forest fragmentation
Authors: NICOLAS V. , BRYJA J. , AKPATOU B. , KONECNY A. , LECOMPTE E. , COLYN M. , LALIS A. , COULOUX A. , DENYS C. , GRANJON L.
Published: November 2008

Two sibling species of the rodent genus Praomys occur in West African forests: P. tullbergi and P. rostratus. By sampling across their geographical ranges (459 individuals from 77 localities), we test the hypothesis that climatic oscillations during the Quaternary made an impact on the observed pattern of cytochrome b sequence variation. We show that, although these two species have parapatric geographical distributions, their phylogeographical histories are dissimilar, which could be related to their distinct ecological requirements. Since the arid phases of the Pleistocene were characterized by isolated forest patches, and intervening wetter periods by forest expansion, these changes in forest cover may be the common mechanism responsible for the observed phylogeographical patterns in both of these species. For example, in both species, most clades had either allopatric or parapatric geographical distributions; however, genetic diversity was much lower in P. tullbergi than in P. rostratus. The genetic pattern of P. tullbergi fits the refuge hypothesis, indicating that a very small number of populations survived in distinct forest blocks during the arid phases, then expanded again with forest recovery. In contrast, a number of populations of P. rostratus appear to have survived during the dry periods in more fragmented forest habitats, with varying levels of gene flow between these patches depending on climatic conditions and forest extent. In addition, historical variations of the West African hydrographic network could also have contributed to the pattern of genetic differentiation observed in both species.
Genetic patterns across multiple introductions of the globally invasive crab genus Carcinus
Authors: DARLING JOHN A. , BAGLEY MARK J. , ROMAN JOE , TEPOLT CAROLYN K. , GELLER JONATHAN B.
Published: November 2008

The European green crab Carcinus maenas is one of the world's most successful aquatic invaders, having established populations on every continent with temperate shores. Here we describe patterns of genetic diversity across both the native and introduced ranges of C. maenas and its sister species, C. aestuarii, including all known non‐native populations. The global data set includes sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, as well as multilocus genotype data from nine polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci. Combined phylogeographic and population genetic analyses clarify the global colonization history of C. maenas, providing evidence of multiple invasions to Atlantic North America and South Africa, secondary invasions to the northeastern Pacific, Tasmania, and Argentina, and a strong likelihood of C. maenas × C. aestuarii hybrids in South Africa and Japan. Successful C. maenas invasions vary broadly in the degree to which they retain genetic diversity, although populations with the least variation typically derive from secondary invasions or from introductions that occurred more than 100 years ago.
Dispersal in the spiny damselfish,Acanthochromis polyacanthus, a coral reef fish species without a larval pelagic stage
Authors: MILLER‐SIMS V. C. , GERLACH G. , KINGSFORD M. J. , ATEMA J.
Published: November 2008

The spiny damselfish,Acanthochromis polyacanthus, is widely distributed throughout the Indo‐Australian archipelago. However, this species lacks a larval dispersal stage and shows genetic differentiation between populations from closely spaced reefs. To investigate the dispersal strategy of this unique species, we used microsatellite markers to determine genetic relatedness at five dispersal scales: within broods of juveniles, between adults within a collection site (~30 m2), between sites on single reefs, between nearby reefs in a reef cluster, and between reef clusters. We sampled broods of juveniles and adults from seven reefs in the Capricorn‐Bunker and Swain groups of the Great Barrier Reef. We found that extra‐pair mating is rare and juveniles remain with their parents until fledged. Adults from single sites are less related than broods but more related than expected by chance. However, there is no evidence of inbreeding suggesting the existence of assortative mating and/or adult migration. Genetic differences were found between all of the reefs tested except between Heron and Sykes reefs, which are separated only by a 2‐km area of shallow water (less than 10 m). There was a strong correlation between genetic distance, geographical distance and water depth. Apparently, under present‐day conditions spiny damselfish populations are connected only between sites of shallow water, through dispersal of adults over short distances. Assuming that dispersal behaviour has not changed, the broad distribution ofA. polyacanthusas a species is likely based on historical colonization patterns when reefs were connected by shallow water at times of lower sea levels.
A unique family of proteins associated with internalized membranes in protein storage vacuoles of the Brassicaceae
Authors: Gillespie Jane , Rogers Sally W. , Deery Mike , Dupree Paul , Rogers John C.
Published: November 2008

The protein storage vacuole (PSV) is a specialized organelle in plant seeds that accumulates storage proteins and phytate during seed development. In many plant species, such as tomato and tobacco, the PSV contains two types of microscopically visible intra‐organellar inclusions: a large crystalline lattice of membranes and proteins, the crystalloid, and one or a few large phytate crystals, the globoids. In seeds of the family Brassicaceae, the PSVs lack visible crystalloids and have many small globoids dispersed throughout. We biochemically fractionated PSVs from Brassica napus and defined a crystalloid‐like fraction that contained integral membrane protein markers found in crystalloids of other plants. Protein analyses identified a previously undescribed family of proteins, the Brassicaceae PSV‐embedded proteins (BPEPs), associated with ‘crystalloid’ and globoid fractions. The defining characteristics of the BPEPs are an N‐terminal signal peptide and tandem MATH domains, which may mediate protein–protein interactions. Database analyses indicated that the BPEPs are unique to Brassicaceae. Immunofluorescence studies using anti‐BPEP antibodies and antibodies to other biochemical markers to label B. napus and Arabidopsis thaliana seed sections localized the BPEPs to structures within the PSVs, whose appearance was consistent with a diffuse network of internalized membranes and globoids. These results demonstrate that Brassicaceae PSVs contain internalized membranes, and raise the possibility that BPEPs modify these internal membrane structures to yield a PSV morphology different from that of tomato or tobacco.
X‐ray diffraction structure of a plant glycosyl hydrolase family 32 protein: fructan 1‐exohydrolase IIa ofCichorium intybus
Authors: Verhaest Maureen , Ende Wim Van den , Roy Katrien Le , De Ranter Camiel J. , Laere André Van , Rabijns Anja
Published: November 2008

Fructan 1‐exohydrolase, an enzyme involved in fructan degradation, belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase family 32. The structure of isoenzyme 1‐FEH IIa fromCichorium intybusis described at a resolution of 2.35 Å. The structure consists of an N‐terminal fivefoldβ‐propeller domain connected to two C‐terminalβ‐sheets. The putative active site is located entirely in theβ‐propeller domain and is formed by amino acids which are highly conserved within glycosyl hydrolase family 32. The fructan‐binding site is thought to be in the cleft formed between the two domains. The 1‐FEH IIa structure is compared with the structures of two homologous but functionally different enzymes: a levansucrase fromBacillus subtilis(glycosyl hydrolase family 68) and an invertase fromThermotoga maritima(glycosyl hydrolase family 32).
Cell‐specific regulation of a Brassica napus CMS‐associated gene by a nuclear restorer with related effects on a floral homeotic gene promoter
Authors: Geddy Rachel , Mahé Laetitia , Brown Gregory G.
Published: November 2008

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited defect in pollen production specified by novel mitochondrial genes. It can be suppressed by nuclear restorer (Rf) genes which normally downregulate expression of a CMS‐associated novel mitochondrial gene. Two forms of Brassica napus CMS, nap and pol, are associated with related chimeric genes, orf222 and orf224, respectively. We show that in pol and nap CMS, anther locule development is asynchronous and asymmetric, that one or more locules within each anther may fail to develop entirely and that CMS anthers display polarity in locule development. We show, by in situ hybridization, that orf222 transcripts accumulate in sterile anthers prior to development of morphological differences between CMS and restored stamens, and remain preferentially localized to microsporangia. In fertility‐restored anthers, however, orf222 transcript levels remain low throughout development. Some sporogenous and meiotic cells differentiate within CMS anthers and form functional pollen despite retaining high orf222 transcript levels, suggesting that the effect of orf222 expression in blocking pollen development is limited to an early and specific stage. Transcripts of other mitochondrial genes, exemplified by atp6 and cob, and of the nuclear‐encoded ATP synthase gamma subunit, accumulate preferentially in the microsporangia of both sterile and fertile anthers. Thus nuclear fertility restoration reduces orf222 transcript levels in a gene and tissue‐specific manner. We observe differences between CMS and fertile plants in the timing and patterning of APETALA3 promoter activity that suggest a possible basis for the developmental abnormalities of CMS flowers.
A two‐component high‐affinity nitrate uptake system in barley
Authors: Tong Yiping , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Li Zhensheng , Miller Anthony J.
Published: November 2008

The analysis of genome databases for many different plants has identified a group of genes that are related to one part of a two‐component nitrate transport system found in algae. Earlier work using mutants and heterologous expression has shown that a high‐affinity nitrate transport system from the unicellular green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii required two gene products for function. One gene encoded a typical carrier‐type structure with 12 putative trans‐membrane (TM) domains and the other gene, nar2 encoded a much smaller protein that had only one TM domain. As both gene families occur in plants we investigated whether this transport model has more general relevance among plants. The screening for nitrate transporter activity was greatly helped by a novel assay using 15N‐enriched nitrate uptake into Xenopus oocytes expressing the proteins. This assay enables many oocytes to be rapidly screened for nitrate transport activity. The functional activity of a barley nitrate transporter, HvNRT2.1, in oocytes required co‐injection of a second mRNA. Although three very closely related nar2‐like genes were cloned from barley, only one of these was able to give functional nitrate transport when co‐injected into oocytes. The nitrate transport performed by this two‐gene system was inhibited at more acidic external pH and by acidification of the cytoplasm. This specific requirement for two‐gene products to give nitrate transport function has important implications for attempts to genetically manipulate this fundamental process in plants.
Two‐step transplantation for primary hyperoxaluria: Cadaveric liver followed by living donor related kidney transplantation
Authors: Malla Ivone , Lysy Philippe A. , Godefroid Nathalie , Smets Françoise , Malaise Jaques , Reding Raymond , Sokal Etienne M.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  In PH, PLTX, although ideal in theory, is rarely achieved. Patients usually have reached end‐stage kidney disease while requiring combined liver and kidney transplantation. In this combined procedure, the sudden high oxalates mobilization from blood and tissue stores jeopardizes the success of the kidney graft, with a high risk of post‐transplant early kidney necrosis or chronic graft damage. Here, we report the case of a three‐yr‐old girl with PH and ESRF in whom we performed sequentially deceased donor liver transplantation followed four months later by living donor kidney transplant, after normalization of blood oxalate levels and improvement of urinary oxalate output. After this two‐step transplantation, our patient showed normalization of renal function with good urinary output and maintained normal blood oxalate levels. This strategy seems to be a reasonable approach in order to avoid acute renal tubular injury because of oxalate excretion in these patients.