bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant Perception of Surface Texture and Relative Height as Distance Information: A Preferential‐Reaching Study
Authors: Hemker Laura , Granrud Carl E. , Yonas Albert , Kavšek Michael
Published: February 2010

Two preferential‐reaching experiments explored 5‐ and 7‐month‐olds’ sensitivity to pictorial depth cues. In the first experiment, infants viewed a display in which texture gradients, linear perspective of the surface contours, and relative height in the visual field provided information that two objects were at different distances. Five‐ and 7‐month‐old infants reached preferentially for the apparently nearer object under monocular but not binocular viewing conditions, indicating that infants in both age groups respond to pictorial depth cues. In the second experiment, texture gradients and linear perspective of the surface contours were eliminated from the experimental display, making relative height the sole pictorial depth cue. Seven‐month‐olds again reached more often for the apparently nearer object under monocular, but not binocular viewing conditions. By contrast, the 5‐month‐olds’ reaching behavior did not differ between viewing conditions. These results indicate that 7‐month‐olds respond to the depth cue of relative height but provide no evidence of responsiveness to relative height in 5‐month‐olds. Both age groups responded more consistently to pictorial depth in Experiment 1 than in Experiment 2.
Six‐ and 9‐Month‐Old Infants Discriminate Between Goals Despite Similar Action Patterns
Authors: Marsh Heidi L. , Stavropoulos Jennifer , Nienhuis Tom , Legerstee Maria
Published: February 2010

Behne, Carpenter, Call, and Tomasello (2005) showed that 9‐ to 18‐month‐olds, but not 6‐month‐olds, differentiated between people who were unwilling and unable to share toys. As the outcome of the two tasks is the same (i.e., the toy is not shared), the infants must respond to the different goals of the actor. However, visual habituation paradigms have shown an earlier onset of goal awareness. The present study reconciles this disparity by replicating the findings of Behne et al. with both 6‐ and 9‐month‐olds, using similar tasks and additional response measures.
Young Infants Detect the Direction of Biological Motion in Point‐Light Displays
Authors: Kuhlmeier Valerie A. , Troje Nikolaus F. , Lee Vivian
Published: February 2010

In the present study, we examined if young infants can extract information regarding the directionality of biological motion. We report that 6‐month‐old infants can differentiate leftward and rightward motions from a movie depicting the sagittal view of an upright human point‐light walker, walking as if on a treadmill. Inversion of the stimuli resulted in no detection of directionality. These findings suggest that biological motion displays convey information for young infants beyond that which distinguishes them from nonbiological motion; aspects of the action itself are also detected. The potential visual mechanisms underlying biological motion detection, as well as the behavioral interpretations of point‐light figures, are discussed.
The Relationship Between Processing Facial Identity and Emotional Expression in 8‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Schwarzer Gudrun , Jovanovic Bianca
Published: February 2010

In Experiment 1, it was investigated whether infants process facial identity and emotional expression independently or in conjunction with one another. Eight‐month‐old infants were habituated to two upright or two inverted faces varying in facial identity and emotional expression. Infants were tested with a habituation face, a switch face, and a novel face. In the switch faces, a new combination of identity and emotional expression was presented. The results show that infants differentiated between switch and habituation faces only in the upright condition but not in the inverted condition. Experiment 2 provides evidence that infants’ nonresponse in the inverted condition can be attributed to their independent processing of facial identity and emotional expression. This suggests that infants in the upright condition processed facial identity and emotional expression in conjunction with one another.
Intersensory Perception at Birth: Newborns Match Nonhuman Primate Faces and Voices
Authors: Lewkowicz David J. , Leo Irene , Simion Francesca
Published: February 2010

Previous studies have shown that infants, including newborns, can match previously unseen and unheard human faces and vocalizations. More recently, it has been reported that infants as young as 4 months of age also can match the faces and vocalizations of other species raising the possibility that such broad multisensory perceptual tuning is present at birth. To test this possiblity, we investigated whether newborns can match monkey facial and vocal gestures. Using a paired preference procedure, inExperiment 1we presented pairs of different visible monkey calls in silence and then in the presence of one or the other corresponding audible call and compared preferences across the silent and in‐sound conditions. InExperiment 2, we presented the same monkey visible calls but this time together with a tone analog of the natural calls in the in‐sound trials. We found that newborns looked longer at the matching visible call in the in‐sound condition than in the silent condition in both experiments. These findings indicate that multisensory perceptual tuning is so broad at birth that it enables newborns to integrate the facial and vocal gestures of other primates and that integration is based on newborns’ detection of audio‐visual temporal synchrony relations.
The Critical Role of Temporal Synchrony in the Salience of Intersensory Redundancy During Prenatal Development
Authors: Jaime Mark , Bahrick Lorraine , Lickliter Robert
Published: February 2010

We explored the amount and timing of temporal synchrony necessary to facilitate prenatal perceptual learning using an animal model, the bobwhite quail. Quail embryos were exposed to various audiovisual combinations of a bobwhite maternal call paired with patterned light during the late stages of prenatal development and were tested postnatally for evidence of prenatal auditory learning of the familiarized call. Results revealed that a maternal call paired with a single pulse of light synchronized with one note of the five note call was sufficient to facilitate embryos’ prenatal perceptual learning of the entire call. A synchronous note occurring at the onset of the call burst was most effective at facilitating learning. These findings highlight quail embryos’ remarkable sensitivity to temporal synchrony and indicate its role in promoting learning of redundantly specified stimulus properties during prenatal development.
Similarity and Rules United: Similarity‐ and Rule‐Based Processing in a Single Neural Network
Authors: Verguts Tom , Fias Wim
Published: February 2010

A central controversy in cognitive science concerns the roles of rules versus similarity. To gain some leverage on this problem, we propose that rule‐ versus similarity‐based processes can be characterized as extremes in a multidimensional space that is composed of at least two dimensions: the number of features (Pothos, 2005) and the physical presence of features. The transition of similarity‐ to rule‐based processing is conceptualized as a transition in this space. To illustrate this, we show how a neural network model uses input features (and in this sense produces similarity‐based responses) when it has a low learning rate or in the early phases of training, but it switches to using self‐generated, more abstract features (and in this sense produces rule‐based responses) when it has a higher learning rate or is in the later phases of training. Relations with categorization and the psychology of learning are pointed out.
Fishing for the Right Words: Decision Rules for Human Foraging Behavior in Internal Search Tasks
Authors: Wilke Andreas , Hutchinson John M. C. , Todd Peter M. , Czienskowski Uwe
Published: February 2010

Animals depleting one patch of resources must decide when to leave and switch to a fresh patch. Foraging theory has predicted various decision mechanisms; which is best depends on environmental variation in patch quality. Previously we tested whether these mechanisms underlie human decision making when foraging for external resources; here we test whether humans behave similarly in a cognitive task seeking internally generated solutions. Subjects searched for meaningful words made from random letter sequences, and as their success rate declined, they could opt to switch to a fresh sequence. As in the external foraging context, time since the previous success and the interval preceding it had a major influence on when subjects switched. Subjects also used the commonness of sequence letters as a proximal cue to patch quality that influenced when to switch. Contrary to optimality predictions, switching decisions were independent of whether sequences differed little or widely in quality.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program and Emergency Medicine
Authors: Landman Adam , Meisel Zachary F.
Published: February 2010

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1–6 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Specialized research training for emergency physicians (EPs) may strengthen overall patient care through the development and improvement of clinical evidence in emergency care. One way an increasing number of emergency physicians have acquired these skills is through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program (CSP), a 2‐year fellowship that trains physicians to be leaders in improving health care. In addition to providing training in health policy and health services research, the CSP emphasizes the translation of research into action through leadership training, program development, and community‐based participatory research. This article provides an in‐depth look at the CSP and its impact on emergency medicine (EM). To date, 41 EPs have trained through the program, with increasing numbers in recent years. Graduates have gone on to become leaders in academia, public health, private industry, and foundations. Past and present EM‐trained Clinical Scholars are working to find creative solutions for the challenges posed by the U.S. health care system and improve the delivery of emergency care. Emergency physicians who wish to conduct research or work with communities, organizations, practitioners, and policy‐makers to address issues essential to the health and well‐being of all Americans should consider the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation CSP.
Self‐Regulation in Goal Striving: Individual Differences and Situational Moderators of the Goal‐Framing/Performance Link1
Authors: Roney Christopher J. R. , Lehman Darrin R.
Published: February 2010

We propose that negative goal framing (i.e., defining a goal as a negative state to be avoided) can adversely affect performance. Study 1 (N = 133) revealed that negative goal framing predicted poorer future performance independent of goal level, expectancy, and earlier performance. Study 2 (N = 188) examined the relation between goal framing and performance at 2 times in the academic year, and with respect to individual differences in defensive pessimism. As predicted, the negative goal‐framing/poorer‐performance link was greater on a later exam (after receiving feedback) than an earlier one, and was greater for nondefensive pessimists than for defensive pessimists. The findings implicate self‐regulatory processes in understanding how goal framing affects performance.
Whites' and Asian Americans' Perceptions of Asian Americans as Targets of Affirmative Action1
Authors: Weathers Vaunne M. , Truxillo Donald M.
Published: February 2010

Although Asian Americans are technically a protected group, perceptions of Asian Americans as targets of affirmative action are largely unexplored, as are the attitudes of Asian Americans toward affirmative action. This study compared Whites' (N = 142) and Asian Americans' (N = 85) perceptions of workplace‐related discrimination and affirmative action beneficiary status for Asian Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Whites and Asian Americans agreed that Asian Americans experience less adverse impact on tests and benefit less from affirmative action than do Blacks or Hispanics. However, Asian Americans were more likely than Whites to perceive that Asian Americans suffer from discrimination and underrepresentation and should benefit from affirmative action.
Temperature‐dependant development of Nasonia vitripennis on five forensically important carrion fly species
Authors: Voss Sasha C. , Spafford Helen , Dadour Ian R.
Published: February 2010

The effects of temperature and host species on the development of Nasonia vitripennis Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a forensically important parasitoid of carrion flies, were studied under laboratory conditions. Development time of N. vitripennis on five species of Calliphoridae (Diptera), Calliphora albifrontalis Malloch, Calliphora dubia Macquart, Lucilia sericata Meigen, Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart, and Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius, were determined under eight constant temperatures (15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36 °C). Thermal requirements for development (developmental thresholds, thermal constant, and optimum temperature) of N. vitripennis in each host species were estimated using linear and nonlinear models. Upper and lower developmental thresholds ranged between 36.6–38.4 and 9.6–11.1 °C, respectively. The optimum temperature for development was estimated at between 30.6 and 31.8 °C. Statistical differences in the development time of N. vitripennis on the various calliphorid host species were evident within all temperature treatments, particularly at the upper and lower temperature range investigated. As such, it is recommended that insect‐based estimates of time since death in forensic investigations relying on parasitoid evidence should use host‐specific development data where available.
The use of autologous venous blood for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in conjunction with sinus membrane elevation: an experimental study
Authors: Kim Ha‐Rang , Choi Byung‐Ho , Xuan Feng , Jeong Seung‐Mi
Published: February 2010

Background: There have been reports of successful bone formation with sinus floor elevation induced by simply elevating the maxillary sinus membrane and filling the sinus cavity with a blood clot.

Purpose: We investigated the feasibility of maxillary sinus floor augmentation using the patient's own venous blood in conjunction with a sinus membrane elevation procedure.

Materials and methods: An implant that protruded 8 mm into the maxillary sinus after sinus membrane elevation was placed in the maxillary sinus of six adult female mongrel dogs. The resulting space between the membrane and the sinus floor was filled with autologous venous blood retrieved from each dog. The implants were left in place for 6 months.

Results: During the experimental period, the created space collapsed and the sinus membrane fell down onto the implant. A small amount of new bone formation occurred in the space created by the collapsed membrane. The average height of newly formed bone around the implants in the sinus was 2.7±0.7 mm on the buccal side and 0.6±0.3 mm on the palatal side.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that blood clots do not have sufficient integrity to enable the sinus membrane to remain in an elevated position for therapeutically effective periods of time. Accordingly, it is recommended that this method be used only when a small aount of new bone formation is necessary around implants in the maxillary sinus cavity.

To cite this article:
 Kim H‐R, Choi B‐H, Xuan F, Jeong S‐M. The use of autologous venous blood for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in conjunction with sinus membrane elevation: an experimental study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 346–349. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01855.x
Comparing dose–response measurements of oral habits on oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis from a community screening program
Authors: Yang Yi‐Hsin , Ho Pei‐Shan , Lu Huey‐Mei , Huang I‐Yueh , Chen Chung‐Ho
Published: February 2010

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 306–312

Background:  Many studies have reported that the interaction and dose–response effects of betel quid chewing, tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking habits are important risk factors for oral cancer and precancerous lesions or conditions. These results are useful for comparing statistics, but may not be informative for personal disease‐related information.

Methods:  This study used data from a community screening program to evaluate the dose–response effects of daily frequency and duration from oral habits in Taiwan. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were further used to compare exposure measurements on indicating the occurrence of lesions/conditions.

Results:  Our results showed that the highest prevalence was found in leukoplakia (11.1%) and followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSF, 4.4%). Betel quid chewing habit was found to have dose–response effects on leukoplakia and OSF, cigarette smoking habit only has the dose–response effect on leukoplakia, and alcohol drinking was not associated with both oral precancers. The daily frequency of chewing habit is a better indicator than other dose–response measurements for the occurrence of precancers. In addition, the cut‐off points of two to five counts per day have about 60–82% of sensitivities and 79–88% of specificities.

Conclusions:  The cut‐off points from ROC curves can provide an informative message to people with oral habits and their chances of developing diseases. High daily frequency of chewing can lead to excessive irritation to oral mucosa. Although the tobacco is never added to chewing quid in Taiwan, intensive irritation may play an important role in developing oral precancers in Taiwan.
Activity profile and physiological response to football training for untrained males and females, elderly and youngsters: influence of the number of players
Authors: Randers M. B. , Nybo L. , Petersen J. , Nielsen J. J. , Christiansen L. , Bendiksen M. , Brito J. , Bangsbo J. , Krustrup P.
Published: February 2010

The present study examined the activity profile, heart rate and metabolic response of small‐sided football games for untrained males (UM, n=26) and females (UF, n=21) and investigated the influence of the number of players (UM: 1v1, 3v3, 7v7; UF: 2v2, 4v4 and 7v7). Moreover, heart rate response to small‐sided games was studied for children aged 9 and 12 years (C9+C12, n=75), as well as homeless (HM, n=15), middle‐aged (MM, n=9) and elderly (EM, n=11) men. During 7v7, muscle glycogen decreased more for UM than UF (28 ± 6 vs 11 ± 5%; P<0.05) and lactate increased more (18.4 ± 3.6 vs 10.8 ± 2.1 mmol kg−1 d.w.; P<0.05). For UM, glycogen decreased in all fiber types and blood lactate, glucose and plasma FFA was elevated (P<0.05). The mean heart rate (HRmean) and time >90% of HRmax ranged from 147 ± 4 (EM) to 162 ± 2 (UM) b.p.m. and 10.8 ± 1.5 (UF) to 47.8 ± 5.8% (EM). Time >90% of HRmax (UM: 16–17%; UF: 8–13%) and time spent with high speed running (4.1–5.1%) was similar for training with 2–14 players, but more high‐intensity runs were performed with few players (UM 1v1: 140 ± 17; UM 7v7: 97 ± 5; P<0.05): Small‐sided games were shown to elucidate high heart rates for all player groups, independently of age, sex, social background and number of players, and a high number of intense actions both for men and women. Thus, small‐sided football games appear to have the potential to create physiological adaptations and improve performance with regular training for a variety of study groups.
ACaenorhabditis elegansmodel of orotic aciduria reveals enlarged lysosome‐related organelles in embryos lackingumps‐1function
Authors: Levitte Steven , Salesky Rebecca , King Brian , Coe Smith Sage , Depper Micah , Cole Madeline , Hermann Greg J.
Published: February 2010

Gut granules are cell type‐specific lysosome‐related organelles found within the intestinal cells ofCaenorhabditis elegans. To investigate the regulation of lysosome‐related organelle size, we screened forC. elegansmutants with substantially enlarged gut granules, identifying alleles of the vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPase and uridine‐5′‐monophosphate synthase (UMPS)‐1. UMPS‐1 catalyzes the conversion of orotic acid to UMP; this comprises the two terminal steps inde novopyrimidine biosynthesis. Mutations in the orthologous human geneUMPSresult in the rare genetic disease orotic aciduria. Theumps‐1(−)mutation promoted the enlargement of gut granules to 250 times their normal size, whereas other endolysosomal organelles were not similarly affected. UMPS‐1::green fluorescent protein was expressed in embryonic and adult intestinal cells, where it was cytoplasmically localized and not obviously associated with gut granules. Whereas theumps‐1(−)mutant is viable, combination ofumps‐1(−)with mutations disrupting gut granule biogenesis resulted in synthetic lethality. The effects of mutations inpyr‐1, which encodes the enzyme catalyzing the first three steps ofde novopyrimidine biosynthesis, did not phenotypically resemble those ofumps‐1(−); instead, the synthetic lethality and enlargement of gut granules exhibited by theumps‐1(−)mutant was suppressed bypyr‐1(−). In a search for factors that mediate the enlargement of gut granules in theumps‐1(−)mutant, we identified WHT‐2, an ABCG transporter previously implicated in gut granule function. Our data suggest thatumps‐1(−)leads to enlargement of gut granules through a build‐up of orotic acid. WHT‐2 possibly facilitates the increase in gut granule size of theumps‐1(−)mutant by transporting orotic acid into the gut granule and promoting osmotically induced swelling of the compartment.
Crystal structure of a glycoside hydrolase family 6 enzyme, CcCel6C, a cellulase constitutively produced by Coprinopsis cinerea
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yoshida Makoto , Kurakata Yuma , Miyazaki Takatsugu , Igarashi Kiyohiko , Samejima Masahiro , Fukuda Kiyoharu , Nishikawa Atsushi , Tonozuka Takashi
Published: February 2010

The basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea produces the glycoside hydrolase family 6 enzyme CcCel6C at low and constitutive levels. CcCel6C exhibits unusual cellobiohydrolase activity; it hydrolyses carboxymethyl cellulose, which is a poor substrate for typical cellobiohydrolases. Here, we determined the crystal structures of CcCel6C unbound and in complex with p‐nitrophenyl β‐d‐cellotrioside and cellobiose. CcCel6C consists of a distorted seven‐stranded β/α barrel and has an enclosed tunnel, which is observed in other cellobiohydrolases from ascomecetes Hypocrea jecorina (HjeCel6A) and Humicola insolens (HinCel6A). In HjeCel6A and HinCel6A, ligand binding produces a conformational change that narrows this tunnel. In contrast, the tunnel remains wide in CcCel6C and the conformational change appears to be less favourable than in HjeCel6A and HinCel6A. The ligand binding cleft for subsite −3 of CcCel6C is also wide and is rather similar to that of endoglucanase. These results suggest that the open tunnel and the wide cleft are suitable for the hydrolysis of carboxymethyl cellulose.
Photoregulation of DNA transcription by using photoresponsive T7 promoters and clarification of its mechanism
Authors: Liang Xingguo , Wakuda Ryuji , Fujioka Kenta , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: February 2010

With the use of photoresponsive T7 promoters tethering two 2′‐methylazobenzenes or 2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzenes, highly efficient photoregulation of DNA transcription was obtained. After UV‐A light irradiation (320–400 nm), the rate of transcription with T7 RNA polymerase and a photoresponsive promoter involving two 2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzenes was 10‐fold faster than that after visible light irradiation (400–600 nm). By attaching a nonmodified azobenzene and 2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzene at the two positions, respectively, and by utilizing the different cis→trans thermal stability between cis‐nonmodified azobenzene and cis‐2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzene, four species of T7 promoter (cis–cis, trans–cis, cis–trans, and trans–trans) were obtained. The four species showed transcriptional activity in the order of cis–cis > cis–trans > trans–cis > trans–trans. Kinetic analysis revealed that the Km for the cis–cis promoter (both of the introduced azobenzene derivatives were in the cis form) and T7 RNA polymerase was 68 times lower than that for the trans–trans form, indicating that high photoregulatory efficiency was mainly due to a remarkable difference in affinity for RNA polymerase. The present approach is promising for the creation of biological tools for artificially controlling gene expression, and as a photocontrolled system for supplying RNA fuel for RNA‐powered molecular nanomachines.
Cellulose crystallinity – a key predictor of the enzymatic hydrolysis rate
Authors: Hall Mélanie , Bansal Prabuddha , Lee Jay H. , Realff Matthew J. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: February 2010

The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose encounters various limitations that are both substrate‐ and enzyme‐related. Although the crystallinity of pure cellulosic Avicel plays a major role in determining the rate of hydrolysis by cellulases from Trichoderma reesei, we show that it stays constant during enzymatic conversion. The mode of action of cellulases was investigated by studying their kinetics on cellulose samples. A convenient method for reaching intermediate degrees of crystallinity with Avicel was therefore developed and the initial rate of the cellulase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose was demonstrated to be linearly proportional to the crystallinity index of Avicel. Despite correlation with the adsorption capacity of cellulases onto cellulose, at a given enzyme loading, the initial enzymatic rate continued to increase with a decreasing crystallinity index, even though the bound enzyme concentration stayed constant. This finding supports the determinant role of crystallinity rather than adsorption on the enzymatic rate. Thus, the cellulase activity and initial rate data obtained from various samples may provide valuable information about the details of the mechanistic action of cellulase and the hydrolysable/reactive fractions of cellulose chains. X‐ray diffraction provides insight into the mode of action of Cel7A from T. reesei. In the conversion of cellulose, the (021) face of the cellulose crystal was shown to be preferentially attacked by Cel7A from T. reesei.
The secretome of Campylobacter concisus
Authors: Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Man Si Ming , Lamb Sarah , Raftery Mark J. , Wilkins Marc R. , Kovach Zsuzsanna , Mitchell Hazel
Published: February 2010

A higher prevalence of Campylobacter concisus and higher levels of IgG antibodies specific to C. concisus in Crohn’s disease patients than in controls were recently detected. In this study, 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis coupled with LTQ FT‐MS and QStar tandem MS, respectively, were performed to characterize the secretome of a C. concisus strain isolated from a Crohn’s disease patient. Two hundred and one secreted proteins were identified, of which 86 were bioinformatically predicted to be secreted. Searches were performed on the genome of C. concisus strain 13826, and 25 genes that have been associated with virulence or colonization in other organisms were identified. The zonula occludens toxin was found only in C. concisus among the Campylobacterales, although expanded searches revealed that this protein was present in two ε‐proteobacterial species from extreme marine environments. Alignments and structural threading indicated that this toxin shared features with that of other virulent pathogens, including Neisseria meningitidis and Vibrio cholerae. Further comparative analyses identified several associations between the secretome of C. consisus and putative virulence factors of this bacterium. This study has identified several factors putatively associated with disease outcome, suggesting that C. concisus is a pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract.
The pharmacological chaperone isofagomine increases the activity of the Gaucher disease L444P mutant form of β‐glucosidase
Authors: Khanna Richie , Benjamin Elfrida R. , Pellegrino Lee , Schilling Adriane , Rigat Brigitte A. , Soska Rebecca , Nafar Hadis , Ranes Brian E. , Feng Jessie , Lun Yi , Powe Allan C. , Palling David J. , Wustman Brandon A. , Schiffmann Raphael , Mahuran Don J. , Lockhart David J. , Valenzano Kenneth J.
Published: February 2010

Gaucher disease is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the lysosomal enzyme acid β‐glucosidase (GCase). We have shown previously that the small molecule pharmacological chaperone isofagomine (IFG) binds and stabilizes N370S GCase, resulting in increased lysosomal trafficking and cellular activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of IFG on L444P GCase. Incubation of Gaucher patient‐derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) or fibroblasts with IFG led to approximately 3.5‐ and 1.3‐fold increases in L444P GCase activity, respectively, as measured in cell lysates. The effect in fibroblasts was increased approximately 2‐fold using glycoprotein‐enrichment, GCase‐immunocapture, or by incubating cells overnight in IFG‐free media prior to assay, methods designed to maximize GCase activity by reducing IFG carryover and inhibition in the enzymatic assay. IFG incubation also increased the lysosomal trafficking and in situ activity of L444P GCase in intact cells, as measured by reduction in endogenous glucosylceramide levels. Importantly, this reduction was seen only following three‐day incubation in IFG‐free media, underscoring the importance of IFG removal to restore lysosomal GCase activity. In mice expressing murine L444P GCase, oral administration of IFG resulted in significant increases (2‐ to 5‐fold) in GCase activity in disease‐relevant tissues, including brain. Additionally, eight‐week IFG administration significantly lowered plasma chitin III and IgG levels, and 24‐week administration significantly reduced spleen and liver weights. Taken together, these data suggest that IFG can increase the lysosomal activity of L444P GCase in cells and tissues. Moreover, IFG is orally available and distributes into multiple tissues, including brain, and may thus merit therapeutic evaluation for patients with neuronopathic and non‐neuronopathic Gaucher disease.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7555323, MINT‐7555338, MINT‐7555398: LAMP1 (uniprotkb: P11279) and GCase (uniprotkb:P04062) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)
Sleep Loss Induces Differential Response Related To Genotoxicity in Multiple Organs of Three Different Mice Strains
Authors: Kahan Vanessa , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , Andersen Monica Levy , Alvarenga Tathiana Aparecida , Tufik Sergio
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  The purpose of the present study was to determine the genetic damage induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in three different male mice strains in peripheral blood, heart, kidney and liver tissues by the single cell gel (comet) assay. Swiss, C57BL/6j and hairless (HRS/j) mice were submitted to PSD by the multiple platform technique for 72 hr, and DNA damage was evaluated. Statistically significant differences in DNA damage were found in blood cells of the Swiss mice strain when compared to negative controls. By contrast, no statistically significant differences were found in the C57BL/6j or hairless mice strains. With regard to the liver, extensive genotoxic effects were found in the Swiss strain. The hairless and C57BL/6j mice strains did not show any signs of genotoxocity in this organ. The same lack of effect was noted in kidney and heart cells of all strains evaluated. In conclusion, our results reveal that sleep deprivation exerted genetic damage in the form of DNA breakage in blood and liver cells of the Swiss mice strain only. This type of approach should be considered when studying noxious activities on genetic apparatus induced by sleep deprivation in mice since the Swiss strain is more suitable for this purpose.
Functional Characterization of CYP2C8.13 and CYP2C8.14: Catalytic Activities toward Paclitaxel
Authors: Hanioka Nobumitsu , Matsumoto Kimiaki , Saito Yoshiro , Narimatsu Shizuo
Published: February 2010

Abstract: Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) plays important roles in the metabolism of various drugs, including the anti‐cancer drug, paclitaxel. We recently identified two novelCYP2C8alleles (CYP2C8*13andCYP2C8*14; wild‐type,CYP2C8*1A) with non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in a Japanese population. To precisely investigate the effect of amino acid substitutions (CYP2C8*13, Ile223Met;CYP2C8*14, Ala238Pro) on CYP2C8 function, CYP2C8 proteins of the wild‐type (CYP2C8.1) and variants (CYP2C8.13 and CYP2C8.14) were heterologously expressed in yeast cells, and their paclitaxel 6α‐hydroxylation activities were determined. TheKm,VmaxandCLintvalues for paclitaxel 6α‐hydroxylation of CYP2C8.1 were 2.3 μM, 4.1 pmol/min./pmol CYP and 1.7 μl/min./pmol CYP, respectively. TheKmvalue of CYP2C8.14 was significantly higher (2.9‐fold) than that of CYP2C8.1. TheVmaxvalue of CYP2C8.14 was comparable to that of CYP2C8.1 and theCLintvalue was reduced to 46% of CYP2C8.1. In contrast, theKm,VmaxandCLintvalues of CYP2C8.13 were similar to those of CYP2C8.1. These results suggest that Ala238Pro substitution in CYP2C8.14 decreases the affinity toward paclitaxel of the CYP2C8 enzyme, and that the genetic polymorphism of theCYP2C8*14allele may influence the clinical response to drugs metabolized mainly by CYP2C8.
Asperfuranone from Aspergillus nidulans Inhibits Proliferation of Human Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Blocking Cell Cycle Progression and Inducing Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Clay C. C. , Chiang Yi‐Ming , Praseuth Mike B. , Kuo Po‐Lin , Liang Hsin‐Lin , Hsu Ya‐Ling
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Asperfuranone, a novel compound of genomic mining in Aspergillus nidulans, was investigated for its anti‐proliferative activity in human non‐small cell lung cancer A549 cells. To identity the anti‐cancer mechanism of asperfuranone, we assayed its effect on apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and levels of p53, p21 Waf1/Cip1, Fas/APO‐1 receptor and Fas ligand. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that the G0/G1 phase arrest might be due to p53‐dependent induction of p21 Waf1/Cip1. An enhancement in Fas/APO‐1 and its two form ligands, membrane‐bound Fas ligand (mFasL) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), might be responsible for the apoptotic effect induced by asperfuranone. Our study reports here for the first time that the induction of p53 and the activity of Fas/Fas ligand apoptotic system may participate in the anti‐proliferative activity of asperfuranone in A549 cells.
The influence of ultraviolet radiation on growth, photosynthesis and phenolic levels of green and red lettuce: potential for exploiting effects of ultraviolet radiation in a production system
Authors: Tsormpatsidis E. , Henbest R.G.C. , Battey N.H. , Hadley P.
Published: February 2010

Studies have shown that natural ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases secondary products such as phenolics but can significantly inhibit biomass accumulation in lettuce plants. In the work presented here, the effect of UV radiation on phenolic concentration and biomass accumulation was assessed in relation to photosynthetic performance in red and green lettuce types. Lettuce plants in polythene clad tunnels were exposed to either ambient (UV transparent film) or UV‐free conditions (UV blocking film). The study tested whether growth reduction in lettuce plants exposed to natural UV radiation is because of inhibition of photosynthesis by direct damage to the photosynthetic apparatus or by internal shading by anthocyanins. Ambient levels of UV radiation did not limit the efficiency of photosynthesis suggesting that phenolic compounds may effectively protect the photosynthetic apparatus. Growth inhibition does, however, occur in red lettuce and could be explained by the high metabolic cost of phenolic compounds for UV protection. From a commercial perspective, UV transparent and UV blocking films offer opportunities because, in combination, they could increase plant quality as well as productivity. Growing plants continuously under a UV blocking film, and then 6 days before the final harvest transferring them to a UV transparent film, showed that high yields and high phytochemical content can be achieved complementarily.
Downregulation of the Basic Peroxidase Isoenzyme from Zinnia elegans by Gibberellic Acid
Authors: López Núñez‐Flores María Josefa , Gutiérrez Jorge , Gómez‐Ros Laura V. , Novo Uzal Esther , Sottomayor Mariana , Ros Barceló Alfonso
Published: February 2010

Hypocotyl formation during the epigeal germination of seedlings is under strict hormonal regulation. In a 3 d old Zinnia elegans seedling system, gibberellic acid (GA3) exerts an opposite effect to that exerted by light on hypocotyl photomorphogenesis because GA3 promotes an etiolated‐like growth with an inhibition of radial (secondary) growth. For this reason, the effect of GA3 on the basic peroxidase isoenzyme from Z. elegans (ZePrx), an enzyme involved in hypocotyl lignin biosynthesis, was studied. The results showed that GA3 reduces ZePrx activity, similarly to the way in which it reduces seedling secondary growth. This hormonal response is supported by the analysis of the ZePrx promoter, which contains four types of GA3‐responsive cis‐elements: the W Box/O2S; the Pyr Box; the GARE; and the Amy Box. Taken together, these results suggest that ZePrx is directly regulated by GA3, with this effect matching the inhibitory effect of GA on the hypocotyl secondary growth.
Expression of Acyl‐lipid Δ12‐desaturase Gene in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells and Its Effect on Cold Stress Tolerance of Potato
Authors: Amiri Reza Maali , Yur’eva Natalia O. , Shimshilashvili Khristina R. , Goldenkova‐Pavlova Irina V. , Pchelkin Vasiliy P. , Kuznitsova Elmira I. , Tsydendambaev Vladimir D. , Trunova Tamara I. , Los Dmitry A. , Jouzani Gholamreza Salehi , Nosov Alexander M.
Published: February 2010

We report the expression profile of acyl‐lipid Δ12‐desaturase (desA) gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and its effect on cell membrane lipid composition and cold tolerance in prokaryotic (Escherichia coli) and eukaryotic (Solanum tuberosum) cells. For this purpose, a hybrid of desA and reporter gene encoding thermostable lichenase (licBM3) was constructed and used to transform these cells. The expression of this hybrid gene was measured using qualitative (Petri dish test, electrophoregram and zymogram) and quantitative methods (spectrometry and gas liquid chromatography assays). The maximum level of linoleic acid in the bacterial cells containing hybrid gene was 1.9% of total fatty acids. Cold stress tolerance assays using plant damage index and growth parameters showed that cold tolerance was enhanced in primary transgenic lines because of increased unsaturated fatty acid concentration in their lipids. The greatest content of 18:2 and 18:3 fatty acids in primary transgenic plants was observed for lines 2 (73%) and 3 (41%). Finally, our results showed that desaturase could enhance tolerance to cold stress in potato, and desaturase and lichenase retain their functionality in the structure of the hybrid protein where the enzymatic activity of target gene product was higher than in the case of reporter lichenase gene absence in the construction.
Lignin Biosynthesis Studies in Plant Tissue Cultures
Authors: Kärkönen Anna , Koutaniemi Sanna
Published: February 2010

Lignin, a phenolic polymer abundant in cell walls of certain cell types, has given challenges to scientists studying its structure or biosynthesis. In plants lignified tissues are distributed between other, non‐lignified tissues. Characterization of native lignin in the cell wall has been difficult due to the highly cross‐linked nature of the wall components. Model systems, like plant tissue cultures with tracheary element differentiation or extracellular lignin formation, have provided useful information related to lignin structure and several aspects of lignin formation. For example, many enzyme activities in the phenylpropanoid pathway have been first identified in tissue cultures. This review focuses on studies where the use of plant tissue cultures has been advantageous in structural and biosynthesis studies of lignin, and discusses the validity of tissue cultures as models for lignin biosynthesis.
The Actin Cytoskeleton and Signaling Network during Pollen Tube Tip Growth
Authors: Fu Ying
Published: February 2010

The organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton play key roles in many aspects of plant cell development. The actin cytoskeleton responds to internal developmental cues and environmental signals and is involved in cell division, subcellular organelle movement, cell polarity and polar cell growth. The tip‐growing pollen tubes provide an ideal model system to investigate fundamental mechanisms of underlying polarized cell growth. In this system, most signaling cascades required for tip growth, such as Ca2+‐, small GTPases‐ and lipid‐mediated signaling have been found to be involved in transmitting signals to a large group of actin‐binding proteins. These actin‐binding proteins subsequently regulate the structure of the actin network, as well as the rapid turnover of actin filaments (F‐actin), thereby eventually controlling tip growth. The actin cytoskeleton acts as an integrator in which multiple signaling pathways converge, providing a general growth and regulatory mechanism that applies not only for tip growth but also for polarized diffuse growth in plants.
Calcium at the Cell Wall‐Cytoplast Interface
Authors: Hepler Peter K. , Winship Lawrence J.
Published: February 2010

Attention is given to the role of Ca2+ at the interface between the cell wall and the cytoplast, especially as seen in pollen tubes. While the cytoplasm directs the synthesis and deposition of the wall, it is less well appreciated that the wall exerts considerable self control and influences activities of the cytoplasm. Ca2+ participates as a crucial factor in this two way communication. In the cytoplasm, a [Ca2+] above 0.1 μM, regulates myriad processes, including secretion of cell wall components. In the cell wall Ca2+, at 10 μM to 10 mM, binds negative charges on pectins and imparts structural rigidity to the wall. The plasma membrane occupies a pivotal position between these two compartments, where selective channels regulate influx of Ca2+, and specific carriers pump the ion back into the wall. In addition we draw attention to different factors, which either respond to the wall or are present in the wall, and usually generate elevated [Ca2+] in the cytoplasm. These factors include: (i) stretch activated channels; (ii) calmodulin; (iii) annexins; (iv) wall associated kinases; (v) oligogalacturonides; and (vi) extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate. Together they provide evidence for a rich and multifaceted system of communication between the cytoplast and cell wall, with Ca2+ as a carrier of information.
Secondary Cell Wall Deposition in Developing Secondary Xylem of Poplar
Authors: Kaneda Minako , Rensing Kim , Samuels Lacey
Published: February 2010

Although poplar is widely used for genomic and biotechnological manipulations of wood, the cellular basis of wood development in poplar has not been accurately documented at an ultrastructural level. Developing secondary xylem cells from hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides x P. trichocarpa), which were actively making secondary cell walls, were preserved with high pressure freezing/freeze substitution for light and electron microscopy. The distribution of xylans and mannans in the different cell types of developing secondary xylem were detected with immunofluorescence and immuno‐gold labeling. While xylans, detected with the monoclonal antibody LM10, had a general distribution across the secondary xylem, mannans were enriched in the S2 secondary cell wall layer of fibers. To observe the cellular structures associated with secondary wall production, cryofixed fibers were examined with transmission electron microscopy during differentiation. There were abundant cortical microtubules and endomembrane activity in cells during the intense phase of secondary cell wall synthesis. Microtubule‐associated small membrane compartments were commonly observed, as well as Golgi and secretory vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane.
Cell Wall Lignin is Polymerised by Class III Secretable Plant Peroxidases in Norway Spruce
Authors: Fagerstedt Kurt V. , Kukkola Eija M. , Koistinen Ville V.T. , Takahashi Junko , Marjamaa Kaisa
Published: February 2010

Class III secretable plant peroxidases occur as a large family of genes in plants with many functions and probable redundancy. In this review we are concentrating on the evidence we have on the catalysis of lignin polymerization by class III plant peroxidases present in the apoplastic space in the xylem of trees. Some evidence exists on the specificity of peroxidase isozymes in lignin polymerization through substrate specificity studies, from antisense mutants in tobacco and poplar and from tissue and cell culture lines of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Zinnia elegans. In addition, real time (RT‐)PCR results have pointed out that many peroxidases have tissue specific expression patterns in Norway spruce. Through combining information on catalytic properties of the enzymes, on the expression patterns of the corresponding genes, and on the presence of monolignols and hydrogen peroxide in the apoplastic space, we can show that specific peroxidases catalyze lignin polymerization in the apoplastic space of Norway spruce xylem.
The Plant Exocyst
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Chun‐Ming , Emons Anne‐Mie C. , Ketelaar Tijs
Published: February 2010

The exocyst is an octameric vesicle tethering complex that functions upstream of SNARE mediated exocytotic vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane. All proteins in the complex have been conserved during evolution, and genes that encode the exocyst subunits are present in the genomes of all plants investigated to date. Although the plant exocyst has not been studied in great detail, it is likely that the basic function of the exocyst in vesicle tethering is conserved. Nevertheless, genomic and genetic studies suggest that the exocyst complex in plants may have more diversified roles than that in budding yeast. In this review, we compare the knowledge about the exocyst in plant cells to the well‐studied exocyst in budding yeast, in order to explore similarities and differences in expression and function between these organisms, both of which have walled cells.
Reactive Oxygen Species during Plant‐microorganism Early Interactions
Authors: Nanda Amrit K. , Andrio Emilie , Marino Daniel , Pauly Nicolas , Dunand Christophe
Published: February 2010

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are continuously produced as a result of aerobic metabolism or in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. ROS are not only toxic by‐products of aerobic metabolism, but are also signalling molecules involved in several developmental processes in all organisms. Previous studies have clearly shown that an oxidative burst often takes place at the site of attempted invasion during the early stages of most plant‐pathogen interactions. Moreover, a second ROS production can be observed during certain types of plant‐pathogen interactions, which triggers hypersensitive cell death (HR). This second ROS wave seems absent during symbiotic interactions. This difference between these two responses is thought to play an important signalling role leading to the establishment of plant defense. In order to cope with the deleterious effects of ROS, plants are fitted with a large panel of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms. Thus, increasing numbers of publications report the characterisation of ROS producing and scavenging systems from plants and from microorganisms during interactions. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the ROS signals and their role during plant‐microorganism interactions.