bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon sources for the Palaeozoic giant fungusPrototaxitesinferred from modern analogues
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Boyce C. Kevin
Published: March 2010

A wide range of carbon isotope values in the Devonian fossilPrototaxiteshas been interpreted to support heterotrophy and the classification ofPrototaxitesas a giant fungus. This inference remains controversial because of the huge size ofPrototaxitesrelative to co-occurring terrestrial vegetation and the lack of existing fungal analogues that display equally broad isotopic ranges. Here, we show wide isotopic variability in the modern saprotrophic fungusArrhenia obscuratacollected adjacent to shallow meltwater pools of a sparsely vegetated glacial succession in the Washington Cascades, USA. Soils collected specifically around the edges of these pools were up to 5‰ higher inδ13C than adjacent soils consistent with C3origin. Microbial sources of primary production appear to cause these highδ13C values, and the environment may be analogous to that of the Early Devonian landscapes, wherePrototaxitesindividuals with extreme isotopic variance were found. Carbon isotopes are also compared inPrototaxites, Devonian terrestrial vascular plants, and Devonian algal-derived lake sediments.Prototaxitesisotopic values show little correspondence with those of contemporaneous tracheophytes, providing further evidence that non-vascular land plants or aquatic microbes were important contributors to its carbon sources. Thus, a saprotrophic fungal identity is supported forPrototaxites, which may have relied on deposits of algal-derived organic matter in floodplain environments that were less dominated by vascular plants than a straight reading of the macrofossil record might suggest.
Endosome-Associated CRT1 Functions Early inResistanceGene–Mediated Defense Signaling inArabidopsisand Tobacco
Authors: Kang Hong-Gu , Oh Chang-Sik , Sato Masanao , Katagiri Fumiaki , Glazebrook Jane , Takahashi Hideki , Kachroo Pradeep , Martin Gregory B. , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: March 2010

Resistance gene–mediated immunity confers protection against pathogen infection in a wide range of plants. A genetic screen for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants compromised for recognition of turnip crinkle virus previously identified CRT1, a member of the GHKL ATPase/kinase superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that CRT1 interacts with various resistance proteins from different structural classes, and this interaction is disrupted when these resistance proteins are activated. The Arabidopsis mutant crt1-2 crh1-1, which lacks CRT1 and its closest homolog, displayed compromised resistance to avirulent Pseudomonas syringae and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Additionally, resistance-associated hypersensitive cell death was suppressed in Nicotiana benthamiana silenced for expression of CRT1 homolog(s). Thus, CRT1 appears to be a general factor for resistance gene–mediated immunity. Since elevation of cytosolic calcium triggered by avirulent P. syringae was compromised in crt1-2 crh1-1 plants, but cell death triggered by Nt MEK2DD was unaffected in CRT1-silenced N. benthamiana, CRT1 likely functions at an early step in this pathway. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis led to identification of CRT1-Associated genes, many of which are associated with transport processes, responses to (a)biotic stress, and the endomembrane system. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation revealed that CRT1 localizes to endosome-like vesicles, suggesting a key process in resistance protein activation/signaling occurs in this subcellular compartment.
DNA methyltransferase DNMT3b protein overexpression as a prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Amara Khaled , Ziadi Sonia , Hachana Mohamed , Soltani Nabil , Korbi Sadok , Trimeche Mounir
Published: March 2010

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are the most common type of aggressive lymphomas, with considerable heterogeneity in clinical presentation, molecular characteristics, and outcome. Previous studies have showed significant correlations between DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) overexpression and unfavorable prognosis in human cancers. Therefore, we investigated in this study the biological and prognostic significance of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b protein expression in DLBCL. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 81 DLBCL cases and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate survival rates, and the Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the prognostic impact of DNMT expression. Our results showed that overexpression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b were detected in 48%, 13%, and 45% of investigated cases, respectively. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3b overexpression was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stages (P = 0.028 and P = 0.016, respectively). Moreover, concomitant expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3b was significantly correlated with resistance to treatment (P = 0.015). With regard to survival rates, although data was available only for 40 patients, DNMT3b overexpression was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.006) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.016). Interestingly, multivariate analysis demonstrated that DNMT3b overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting shortened overall survival (P = 0.004) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.024). In conclusion, DNMT3b overexpression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for predicting shortened survival of patients with DLBCL and could be, therefore, useful in identifying patients who would benefit from aggressive therapy. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Overexpression of leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G protein‐coupled receptor 5 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Uchida Hiroshi , Yamazaki Ken , Fukuma Mariko , Yamada Taketo , Hayashida Tetsu , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Kitajima Masaki , Kitagawa Yuko , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: March 2010

Leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G protein‐coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a 7‐transmembrane receptor reportedly expressed in stem cells of the intestinal crypts and hair follicles of mice. Overexpression of LGR5 is observed in some types of cancer; however, there has been no specific assessment in colorectal tumorigenesis. We performed quantitative RT‐PCR for LGR5 expression in 37 representative cancer cell lines, and showed that LGR5 mRNA was frequently overexpressed in colon cancer cell lines. Moreover, LGR5 expression was higher in colon cancer cell lines derived from metastatic tumors compared with those from primary tumors. In clinical specimens, there was significant overexpression of LGR5 in 35 of 50 colorectal cancers (CRCs), and in seven of seven sporadic colonic adenomas, compared with matched normal mucosa. This suggests up‐regulation of LGR5 from the early stage of colorectal tumorigenesis. LGR5 expression showed marked variation among CRC cases and correlated significantly with lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage (IIIC vs. IIIB). In addition to cancer cells, crypt base columnar cells of the small intestine and colon were shown by in situ hybridization to express LGR5. This is the first report suggesting the involvement of LGR5, not only in early events but also in late events in colorectal tumorigenesis. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Cepharanthine exerts antitumor activity on cholangiocarcinoma by inhibiting NF‐κB
Authors: Seubwai Wunchana , Vaeteewoottacharn Kulthida , Hiyoshi Masateru , Suzu Shinya , Puapairoj Anucha , Wongkham Chairisi , Okada Seiji , Wongkham Sopit
Published: March 2010

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a major cause of cancer deaths in northeast Thailand. It is aggressive, highly metastatic, and responds poorly to traditional chemotherapy. We demonstrated the potential for Cepharanthine (CEP), a biscoclaurine alkaloid extracted from Stephania cepharantha, to treat CCA. CEP significantly inhibited growth of human CCA cell lines in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, regardless of the histologic type of tumor origin. Increasing cell apoptosis via caspase‐3 and capase‐9 activation was demonstrated in CEP‐treated cells. We found that CEP controlled the growth of CCA cells through nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) inactivation by inhibiting nuclear translocation. CEP treatment effectively reduced tumor size in CCA‐inoculated mice without serious side effects. CEP also increased cell apoptosis in primary histocultures of CCA patients’ tissues; this was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry using TUNEL staining. Our results suggest that CEP possesses therapeutic potential against human CCA. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity – a summary of the second edition
Authors:   Alcohol and Public Policy Group
Published: March 2010

This article summarizes the contents of Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity (2nd edn). The first part of the book describes why alcohol is not an ordinary commodity, and reviews epidemiological data that establish alcohol as a major contributor to the global burden of disease, disability and death in high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries. This section also documents how international beer and spirits production has been consolidated recently by a small number of global corporations that are expanding their operations in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. In the second part of the book, the scientific evidence for strategies and interventions that can prevent or minimize alcohol‐related harm is reviewed critically in seven key areas: pricing and taxation, regulating the physical availability of alcohol, modifying the drinking context, drink‐driving countermeasures, restrictions on marketing, education and persuasion strategies, and treatment and early intervention services. Finally, the book addresses the policy‐making process at the local, national and international levels and provides ratings of the effectiveness of strategies and interventions from a public health perspective. Overall, the strongest, most cost‐effective strategies include taxation that increases prices, restrictions on the physical availability of alcohol, drink‐driving countermeasures, brief interventions with at risk drinkers and treatment of drinkers with alcohol dependence.
Severe hypotension related to cell salvaged blood transfusion in obstetrics
Authors: Kessack L. K. , Hawkins N.
Published: March 2010

Intra‐operative blood cell salvage has recently been adopted for use in women at risk of significant haemorrhage during caesarean section. It has also been advocated for use in those patients who refuse allogenic blood transfusion. A 37‐year‐old pregnant woman (gravida 3, para 2) underwent an elective lower segment caesarean section at 36 weeks for an anterior, major placenta accreta (grade 4). The volume of cell salvaged blood collected during the procedure was 1870 ml. On starting the cell‐salvaged blood transfusion, the blood pressure was noted to fall and this was temporally related to the transfusion of the cell‐salvaged blood. We review the recent literature and case reports on hypotension related to cell‐salvaged blood transfusion.
Differential effects of propofol and isoflurane on the activation of T‐helper cells in lung cancer patients
Authors: Ren X. F. , Li W. Z. , Meng F. Y. , Lin C. F.
Published: March 2010

It is suggested that activation and differentiation of T‐helper cells are required for peri‐operative anti‐tumor and anti‐infection immunity. The present study aimed to evaluate whether propofol stimulates the activation and differentiation of these cells in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy for non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to receive propofol or isoflurane throughout surgery. The CD4+CD28+ percentage (p < 0.0001) and the ratio of interferon‐γ:interleukin‐4 (p = 0.001) all increased with propofol but showed no change with isoflurane. In contrast, cortisol increased with isoflurane (p < 0.0001) but not with propofol over time (p = 0.06). We conclude that propofol promotes activation and differentiation of peripheral T‐helper cells.
Comparison of the C‐MAC® videolaryngoscope with the Macintosh, Glidescope®, and Airtraq® laryngoscopes in easy and difficult laryngoscopy scenarios in manikins
Authors: McElwain J. , Malik M.A. , Harte B.H. , Flynn N.M. , Laffey J.G.
Published: March 2010

The C‐MAC® comprises a Macintosh blade connected to a video unit. The familiarity of the Macintosh blade, and the ability to use the C‐MAC as a direct or indirect laryngoscope, may be advantageous. We wished to compare the C‐MAC with Macintosh, Glidescope® and Airtraq® laryngoscopes in easy and simulated difficult laryngoscopy. Thirty‐one experienced anaesthetists performed tracheal intubation in an easy and difficult laryngoscopy scenario. The duration of intubation attempts, success rates, number of intubation attempts and of optimisation manoeuvres, the severity of dental compression, and difficulty of device use were recorded. In easy laryngoscopy, the duration of tracheal intubation attempts were similar with the C‐MAC, Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes; the Glidescope performed less well. The C‐MAC and Airtraq provided the best glottic views, but the C‐MAC was rated as the easiest device to use. In difficult laryngo‐scopy the C‐MAC demonstrated the shortest tracheal intubation times. The Airtraq provided the best glottic view, with the Macintosh providing the worst view. The C‐MAC was the easiest device to use.
The use of capnography and the availability of airway equipment on Intensive Care Units in the UK and the Republic of Ireland*
Authors: Georgiou A. P. , Gouldson S. , Amphlett A. M.
Published: March 2010

At least 20% of reported major adverse airway events occur on the intensive care unit. This study surveyed 315 (96%) of all general, satellite, hepatobiliary, cardiac and neuro‐intensive care units in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, finding that only 100 (32%) units always use capnography for tracheal intubation while only 80 (25%) always use capnography for continuous monitoring of patients requiring controlled ventilation. Three hundred and ten (98%) units utilise a checklist of airway equipment, 311 (99%) check its functionality on a daily basis and 296 (94%) units have access to a bronchoscope. Whilst 297 (94%) ICUs have an airway trolley, sufficient equipment for unanticipated difficult intubation was only seen on 33 (10%) of units. Guidelines addressing minimum standards for monitoring and airway safety on ICU are not being met and remain below the standard expected.
Comparison of the prophylactic anti‐emetic efficacy of ramosetron and ondansetron in patients at high‐risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting after total knee replacement
Authors: Hahm T. S. , Ko J. S. , Choi S. J. , Gwak M. S.
Published: March 2010

We compared the prophylactic anti‐emetic efficacy of ramosetron, a newly developed 5‐HT3 antagonist, and ondansetron in patients at high‐risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting after total knee replacement. Eighty‐four patients with three risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (female, non‐smoking and use of postoperative opioid use (ropivacaine and hydromorphone patient controlled epidural analgesia)) undergoing unilateral total knee replacement were randomly allocated to ramosetron 0.3 mg (n = 42) or ondansetron 4 mg (n = 42) groups. A complete response (no postoperative nausea and vomiting and no rescue anti‐emetic) and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed for 48 h after surgery at 0–2 h, 2–6 h, 6–24 h, and 24–48 h. More patients in the ramosetron group had a complete response between 2 and 48 h. The incidence of nausea between 2 and 24 h and the severity of nausea between 2 and 48 h were also less in the ramosetron group. Ramosetron was more effective than ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients at high risk undergoing unilateral total knee replacement.
Construction of a genetic linkage map for silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Zhang L. , Yang G. , Guo S. , Wei Q. , Zou G.
Published: March 2010

For silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), a combined microsatellite (or simple sequence repeat) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) sex average linkage map was constructed. A total of 483 markers (245 microsatellites and 238 AFLPs) were assigned to 33 linkage groups. The map spanned 1352.2 cM, covering 86.4% of the estimated genome size of silver carp. The maximum and average spaces between 420 loci were 21.5 cM and 3.2 cM, respectively. The length of linkage groups ranged from 3.6 cM to 98.5 cM with an average of 41.0 cM. The number of markers per group varied from 2 to 44 with an average of 14.6. The AFLP markers significantly improved the integrity of microsatellite‐based linkage groups and increased the genome coverage and marker evenness. A genome‐wide recombination suppression was observed in male. In an extreme case, six microsatellites co‐segregated in male, but spanned a 45.1 cM region in female.
Change in winter snow depth and its impacts on vegetation in China
Authors: PENG SHUSHI , PIAO SHILONG , CIAIS PHILIPPE , FANG JINGYUN , WANG XUHUI
Published: March 2010

Snow on land is an important component of the global climate system, but our knowledge about the effects of its changes on vegetation are limited, particularly in temperate regions. In this study, we use daily snow depth data from 279 meteorological stations across China to investigate the distribution of winter snow depth (December–February) from 1980 to 2005 and its impact on vegetation growth, here approximated by satellite‐derived vegetation greenness index observations [Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)]. The snow depth trends show strong geographical heterogeneities. An increasing trend (>0.01 cm yr−1) in maximum and mean winter snow depth is found north of 40°N (e.g. Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, and Northwest China). A declining trend (<−0.01 cm yr−1) is observed south of 40°N, particularly over Central and East China. The effect of changes in snow depth on vegetation growth was examined for several ecosystem types. In deserts, mean winter snow depth is significantly and positively correlated with NDVI during both early (May and June) and mid‐growing seasons (July and August), suggesting that winter snow plays a critical role in regulating desert vegetation growth, most likely through persistent effects on soil moisture. In grasslands, there is also a significant positive correlation between winter snow depth and NDVI in the period May–June. However, in forests, shrublands, and alpine meadow and tundra, no such correlation is found. These ecosystem‐specific responses of vegetation growth to winter snow depth may be due to differences in growing environmental conditions such as temperature and rainfall.
Juvenile salmonid populations in a temperate river system track synoptic trends in climate
Authors: CLEWS ESTHER , DURANCE ISABELLE , VAUGHAN I. P. , ORMEROD S. J.
Published: March 2010

Widespread declines among Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) over recent decades have been linked to pollution, exploitation and catchment modification, but climate change is increasingly implicated. We used long‐term, geographically extensive data from the Welsh River Wye, formerly a major salmon river, to examine whether climatically mediated effects on juveniles (>0+) might contribute to population change. Populations of Atlantic salmon and brown trout fell across the Wye catchment, respectively, by 50% and 67% between 1985 and 2004, but could not be explained by pollution because water quality improved during this time. Stream temperatures, estimated from calibrations against weekly air temperature at eight sites, increased by 0.5–0.7 °C in summer and 0.7–1.0 °C in winter, with larger tributaries warming more than shaded headwaters. Rates of winter warming were slightly greater after accounting for the effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation (1.1–1.4 °C). However, warming through time was smaller than measured variations among tributaries, and alone was insufficient to explain variations in salmonid density. Instead, population variations were best explained in multilevel mixed models by a synoptic variate representing a trend towards hotter, drier summers, implying interactions between climate warming, varying discharge and fluctuations in both brown trout and salmon. Taken alongside recent data showing effects of warming on survival at sea, these data suggest that Atlantic salmon might be jeopardized by future climatic effects in both their marine and freshwater stages. Effects on nondiadromous brown trout also imply climatically mediated processes in freshwaters or their catchments. Climate projections for the United Kingdom suggest that altered summer flow and increasing summer temperatures could exacerbate losses further in these species, and we advocate management actions that combine reduced abstraction with enhanced riparian shading.
From climate change predictions to actions – conserving vulnerable animal groups in hotspots at a regional scale
Authors: CARVALHO SÍLVIA B. , BRITO JOSÉ C. , CRESPO EDUARDO J. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: March 2010

Current climate change is a major threat to biodiversity. Species unable to adapt or move will face local or global extinction and this is more likely to happen to species with narrow climatic and habitat requirements and limited dispersal abilities, such as amphibians and reptiles. Biodiversity losses are likely to be greatest in global biodiversity hotspots where climate change is fast, such as the Iberian Peninsula. Here we assess the impact of climate change on 37 endemic and nearly endemic herptiles of the Iberian Peninsula by predicting species distributions for three different times into the future (2020, 2050 and 2080) using an ensemble of bioclimatic models and different combinations of species dispersal ability, emission levels and global circulation models. Our results show that species with Atlantic affinities that occur mainly in the North‐western Iberian Peninsula have severely reduced future distributions. Up to 13 species may lose their entire potential distribution by 2080. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the most critical period for the majority of these species will be the next decade. While there is considerable variability between the scenarios, we believe that our results provide a robust relative evaluation of climate change impacts among different species. Future evaluation of the vulnerability of individual species to climate change should account for their adaptive capacity to climate change, including factors such as physiological climate tolerance, geographical range size, local abundance, life cycle, behavioural and phenological adaptability, evolutionary potential and dispersal ability.
The European carbon balance. Part 4: integration of carbon and other trace‐gas fluxes
Authors: SCHULZE E. D. , CIAIS P. , LUYSSAERT S. , SCHRUMPF M. , JANSSENS I. A. , THIRUCHITTAMPALAM B. , THELOKE J. , SAURAT M. , BRINGEZU S. , LELIEVELD J. , LOHILA A. , REBMANN C. , JUNG M. , BASTVIKEN D. , ABRIL G. , GRASSI G. , LEIP A. , FREIBAUER A. , KUTSCH W. , DON A. , NIESCHULZE J. , BÖRNER A. , GASH J. H. , DOLMAN A. J.
Published: March 2010

Overviewing the European carbon (C), greenhouse gas (GHG), and non‐GHG fluxes, gross primary productivity (GPP) is about 9.3 Pg yr−1, and fossil fuel imports are 1.6 Pg yr−1. GPP is about 1.25% of solar radiation, containing about 360 × 1018 J energy – five times the energy content of annual fossil fuel use. Net primary production (NPP) is 50%, terrestrial net biome productivity, NBP, 3%, and the net GHG balance, NGB, 0.3% of GPP. Human harvest uses 20% of NPP or 10% of GPP, or alternatively 1‰ of solar radiation after accounting for the inherent cost of agriculture and forestry, for production of pesticides and fertilizer, the return of organic fertilizer, and for the C equivalent cost of GHG emissions. C equivalents are defined on a global warming potential with a 100‐year time horizon. The equivalent of about 2.4% of the mineral fertilizer input is emitted as N2O. Agricultural emissions to the atmosphere are about 40% of total methane, 60% of total NO‐N, 70% of total N2O‐N, and 95% of total NH3‐N emissions of Europe. European soils are a net C sink (114 Tg yr−1), but considering the emissions of GHGs, soils are a source of about 26 Tg CO2 C‐equivalent yr−1. Forest, grassland and sediment C sinks are offset by GHG emissions from croplands, peatlands and inland waters. Non‐GHGs (NH3, NOx) interact significantly with the GHG and the C cycle through ammonium nitrate aerosols and dry deposition. Wet deposition of nitrogen (N) supports about 50% of forest timber growth. Land use change is regionally important. The absolute flux values total about 50 Tg C yr−1. Nevertheless, for the European trace‐gas balance, land‐use intensity is more important than land‐use change. This study shows that emissions of GHGs and non‐GHGs significantly distort the C cycle and eliminate apparent C sinks.
Spectrum of F8 gene mutations in haemophilia A patients from a region of Italy: identification of 23 new mutations
Authors: RICCARDI F. , TAGLIAFERRI A. , MARTORANA D. , RIVOLTA G. F. , VALDRÈ L. , RODORIGO G. , BIASOLI C. , D’INCÀ M. , SERINO M. L. , MACCHI S. , VINCENZI D. , ARBASI M. , PEDRAZZI P. , VOLTA M. , DI PERNA C. , IPPOLITO L. , SAVI M. , NERI T. M.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  Haemophilia A (HA) is an X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by a lack or decrease of coagulation factor VIII activity. The molecular diagnosis of HA is challenging and a variety of different mutations have been identified throughout the F8 gene. Our aim was to detect the causative mutation in 266 HA patients from Emilia‐Romagna region (Italy) and in all suspected carriers. Molecular analysis of F8 in 201 HA patients (152 index cases) was performed with a combination of several indirect and direct molecular approaches, such as long distance polymerase chain reaction, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing. The analysis revealed 78 different mutations, 23 of which were novel, not having been reported in national or international databases. The detection rate was 100%, 86% and 89% in patients with severe, moderate and mild HA, respectively. The information provided by this registry will be helpful for monitoring the treatment of HA patients in Emilia‐Romagna and also for reliable genetic counselling of affected families in the future.
Flying vaccinator; a transgenic mosquito delivers a Leishmania vaccine via blood feeding
Authors: Yamamoto D. S. , Nagumo H. , Yoshida S.
Published: March 2010

‘Flying vaccinator’ is the concept of using genetically engineered hematophagous insects to deliver vaccines. Here we show the generation of a transgenic anopheline mosquito that expresses the Leishmania vaccine candidate, SP15, fused to monomeric red fluorescent protein (mDsRed) in its salivary glands. Importantly, mice bitten repeatedly by the transgenic mosquitoes raised anti‐SP15 antibodies, indicating delivery of SP15 via blood feeding with its immunogenicity intact. Thus, this technology makes possible the generation of transgenic mosquitoes that match the original concept of a ‘flying vaccinator’. However, medical safety issues and concerns about informed consent mitigate the use of the ‘flying vaccinator’ as a method to deliver vaccines. We propose that this expression system could be applied to elucidate saliva–malaria sporozoite interactions.
Molecular characterization and enzymatic analysis of juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase genes in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Tsubota T. , Nakakura T. , Shiotsuki T.
Published: March 2010

Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolases (JHEHs) degrade juvenile hormones (JHs) and are important for JH titre regulation. Here, we report the cloning and analysis of five jheh‐related (jheh‐r1–r5) genes in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a model species for the coleopteran insects. T. castaneum JHEH‐r (TcJHEH‐r) proteins show high homology to lepidopteran JHEHs and also to human microsomal epoxide hydrolase. In the phylogenetic tree, Tcjheh‐rs were clustered, and interestingly, they were also clustered in the genome. Examination of enzymatic activities using recombinant TcJHEH‐r proteins showed that TcJHEH‐r3 had strong degradation activity for JH III, whereas TcJHEH‐r4 had weak activity. The study has yielded significant information that will facilitate further analysis of JHEHs and epoxide hydrolases.
From ICT coordination to ICT integration: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Tondeur J. , Cooper M. , Newhouse C.P.
Published: March 2010

This study utilizes a school‐improvement perspective to examine the role of curriculum coordination in the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into primary schools. The nature and impact of this role is examined in seven primary schools in Australia. These seven schools were drawn from a longitudinal intervention that provided additional ICT‐related resources and personnel to the schools. An instrument, referred to as the Learning Outcomes and Pedagogy Attributes (LOPA) measure, was developed and charted for the seven schools over the 4‐year data collection period. The changes in LOPA score over time were then analysed in terms of the conditions at the school with regard to curriculum ICT coordination. The study concludes that the coordinator role and school leadership in general, play critical but varying roles in the complex process of ICT integration into schools. Success appeared to be associated with the support provided for the role, the extent to which the role was connected to school leadership, personal leadership characteristics of those in the role and the strategies employed within the role.
How many SNPs are enough?
Authors: SMOUSE PETER E.
Published: March 2010

Since the days of allozyme analysis, we have been enamored with the idea that if we just had enough polymorphic mendelian loci, we could gauge the inbreeding level of individuals by measuring heterozygosity and simultaneously measure the degree of genetic relatedness between pairs of individuals. Given Mendel’s Laws, we have always known that we would need numerous independently segregating loci to achieve any reasonable degree of accuracy. Santure et al. (2010, this issue) use a 771 marker SNP panel to assess heterozygosity levels and to assess pairwise relatedness, and compare both with theoretical expectations obtained from a carefully recorded pedigree of a zebra finch breeding colony, as a function of increasing numbers of SNP markers. They also compare the SNP results with those from a 20‐locus microsatellite panel, showing that adding SNPs to a fairly large microsatellite panel improves accuracy, but given an existing panel of 125 SNPs, little is to be gained by adding microsatellites. They show that the accuracy available for estimating individual levels of inbreeding is somewhat limited. They also show that the average pairwise relatedness measures bracket pedigree relationship very nicely, but the variances for individual pairs remain substantial, even with a very large panel.
Getting domestication straight: ramosa1 in maize
Authors: DEMPEWOLF HANNES
Published: March 2010

Knowledge of the identities and characteristics of genes that govern the dramatic phenotypic differences between cultivated plants and their wild ancestors has greatly enhanced our understanding of the domestication process. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sigmon & Vollbrecht report the discovery of a new maize domestication gene, ramosa1, which encodes a putative transcription factor in the ramosa developmental pathway. Ramosa1 appears to be instrumental in determining the straightness of kernel rows on the maize cob. The key domestication alleles at ramosa1 are prevalent in landraces of maize. These results reinforce findings from previous studies of crop evolution by highlighting the importance of standing genetic variation and changes in transcriptional regulators in domestication. The evolutionary genetics of domestication also provides a framework for predicting the evolutionary response of organisms to strong human‐induced selection pressures over limited time intervals.
A new method for the analysis of germination and emergence data of weed species
Authors: ONOFRI A , GRESTA F , TEI F
Published: March 2010

OnofriA, GrestaF & TeiF (2010). A new method for the analysis of germination and emergence data of weed species.Weed Research50, 187–198.

Due to their peculiar characteristics, seed germination and emergence assays may pose problems for data analysis, due to non‐normal error distribution and serial correlation between the numbers of seeds counted on different dates from the same experimental unit (Petri dish, pot, plot). Furthermore, it is necessary to consider viable seeds that have not germinated/emerged at the end of an experiment (censored observations), as well as late germination/emergence flushes, that relate to genotypic differences within natural occurring seed populations. Traditional methods of data analysis may not be optimal for dealing with these problems. Therefore, survival analysis may represent an appropriate alternative. In this analysis, the time course of germination/emergence is described by using a non‐parametric step function (‘germination function’) and the effect of factors and covariates on ‘germination functions’ is assessed by Accelerated Failure Time regression and expressed in terms of ‘time ratios’. These parameters measure how a change in the explanatory variables changes (prolongs/shortens) the time to germination of a seed lot. This paper presents four examples of the application of survival analysis on seed germination/emergence studies. Results are discussed and compared with those obtained with more traditional techniques.
A review of the potential applications and controversies of non‐invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant population
Authors: Davis C.S. , Gagermeier J. , Dilling D. , Alex C. , Lowery E. , Kovacs E.J. , Love R.B. , Fisichella P.M.
Published: March 2010

Davis CS, Gagermeier J, Dilling D, Alex C, Lowery E, Kovacs EJ, Love RB, Fisichella PM. A review of the potential applications and controversies of non‐invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant population. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E54–E61. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Despite improvements in one‐yr survival following lung transplantation, five‐yr survival lags significantly behind the transplantation of other solid organs. The contrast in survival persists despite advancements in anti‐rejection regimens, suggesting a non‐alloimmune mechanism to chronic lung transplant failure. Notably, markers of aspiration have been demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concurrent with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). This recent evidence has underscored gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and its associated aspiration risk as a non‐alloimmune mechanism of chronic lung transplant failure. Given the suggested safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anti‐reflux procedures in the lung transplant population, identifying those at risk for aspiration is of prime importance, especially concerning the potential for long‐term improvements in morbidity and mortality. Conventional diagnostic methods for GER and aspiration, such as pH monitoring and detecting pepsin and bile salts in BAL fluid, have gaps in their effectiveness. Therefore, we review the applications and controversies of a non‐invasive method of defining reflux injury in the lung transplant population: the detection of biomarkers of aspiration in the exhaled breath condensate. Only by means of assay standardization and directed collaboration may such a non‐invasive method be a realization in lung transplantation.
Comparative mapping of QTLs determining glume, pistil and stamen sizes in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Uga Y. , Siangliw M. , Nagamine T. , Ohsawa R. , Fujimura T. , Fukuta Y.
Published: March 2010

With 2 figures and 2 tables

To clarify the genetic factors generating intraspecific variations of floral traits in cultivated rice, QTL analyses were performed using five mapping populations: Milyang23/Akihikari recombinant inbred lines (RILs); Asominori/IR24 RILs; Nipponbare/Kasalath backcross inbred lines; IR64/Azucena doubled haploid lines; and IR64/Kinandang Patong F2 lines. Totally 160 QTLs for 10 floral traits were detected in these populations. Comparison of all QTL locations in each trait revealed that totally 99 for glume, 43 for pistil and 18 QTLs for stamen traits detected were widely distributed in 80, 36 and 14 chromosome regions, respectively. This indicates that many regions were associated with variations of floral traits in cultivar. Most of the QTLs for pistil and stamen traits showed small phenotypic effects in the five populations. Although many QTLs for the glume traits also had small effects, some QTLs for glume length and width showed large effects. These suggest that few QTLs with large effects may play a key role in variation of glume size while many QTLs with small effects may control variations of pistil and stamen sizes.
Expanding view of aldosterone action, with an emphasis on rapid action
Authors: Vinson Gavin P. , Coghlan John P.
Published: March 2010

1. The actions of aldosterone beyond the ‘mineralocorticoid’ designation continue to attract intense interest. In recent years, two aspects have received particular attention. These are, first, the potentially damaging direct actions of aldosterone on the heart and vascular system, and the clear benefit, as illustrated by the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study and Eplerenone Post‐Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival trials, of including antialdosterone therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

2. Second, the importance of non‐genomic actions of aldosterone has become clear, some of which might possibly be mediated by distinct membrane receptors. Over the past 5 years, evidence has arisen to bring these two aspects together, and now emphasizes the role of rapid, nongenomic actions of aldosterone on cardiovascular events.

3. However, despite many years of study, there is still no clear view of the nature of the receptors mediating non‐genomic responses. We examine the evidence, and suggest that in many cases non‐genomic actions are attributable to classical mineralocorticoid receptors.
Review: Understanding sorbent dialysis systems
Authors: AGAR JOHN WM
Published: March 2010

Although maintenance haemodialysis once had the benefit of two distinctly different dialysate preparation and delivery systems – (1) a pre‐filtration and reverse osmosis water preparation plant linked to a single pass proportioning system and (2) a sorbent column dependent dialysate regeneration and recirculation system known as the REDY system – the first came to dominate the market and the second waned. By the early 1990s, the REDY had disappeared from clinical use. The REDY system had strengths. It was a small, mobile, portable and water‐efficient, only 6 L of untreated water being required for each dialysis. In comparison, single pass systems are bulky, immobile and water (and power) voracious, typically needing 400–600 L/treatment of expensively pretreated water. A resurgence of interest in home haemodialysis – short and long, intermittent and daily – has provided impetus to redirect technological research into cost‐competitive systems. Miniaturization, portability, flexibility, water‐use efficiency and ‘wearability’ are ultimate goals. Sorbent systems are proving an integral component of this effort. In sorbent dialysate regeneration, rather than draining solute‐rich dialyser effluent to waste – as do current systems – the effluent repetitively recirculates across a sorbent column capable of adsorption, ion exchange or catalytic conversion of all solute such that, at exit from the column, an ultra‐pure water solution emerges. This then remixes with a known electrolyte concentrate for representation to the dialyser. As the same small water volume can recirculate, at least until column exhaustion, water source independence is assured. Many current technological developments in dialysis equipment are now focusing on sorbent‐based dialysate circuitry. Although possibly déjà vu for some, it is timely for a brief review of sorbent chemistry and its application to dialysis systems.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) of mediastinal lesions
Authors: Nguyen Tin Q. , Kalade Andrius , Prasad Shyam , Desmond Paul , Wright Gavin , Hart David , Conron Matthew , Chen Robert Y.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Mediastinal endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a recognized diagnostic and staging procedure for non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to report the experience of mediastinal EUS in an Australian tertiary hospital.

Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted on all patients undergoing mediastinal EUS from February 2002 until August 2007 at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne. Data were obtained from the EUS databases at St Vincent's Hospital and patient endoscopy reports. The results of EUS‐FNA were compared with final diagnosis to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Surgical pathology or long‐term follow‐up was used to identify false positive or negative results.

Results:  One hundred forty‐eight mediastinal EUS procedure were performed. Males comprised 63.5% and the mean age was 64.3 (range 27–85). Referrals (47%) were from respiratory physicians and 27% were from cardiothoracic surgeons. Indications for EUS‐FNA included unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy and/or lung lesion for investigation and staging of known NSCLC. Full data were available on 124 (83.8%) cases. Data were analysed from a subset of 112 where FNA was performed. For each indication, EUS‐FNA had a high sensitivity and specificity: staging of known NSCLC (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 88.9%), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%) and lung lesion (sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 85.7%). There were no major complications.

Conclusion:  This large series of mediastinal EUS shows that it is an important and useful tool for the assessment of mediastinal pathology. It is safe and highly accurate, and should be incorporated into the staging algorithm for NSCLC.
Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging correlates of motor network dysfunction in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ceccarelli Antonia , Rocca Maria A. , Valsasina Paola , Rodegher Mariaemma , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: March 2010

We combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor tractography to investigate the functional and structural substrates of motor network dysfunction in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). In 15 right‐handed PPMS patients and 15 age‐matched healthy controls, we acquired diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging and fMRI during the performance of a simple motor task. Tractography was used to calculate diffusion tensor‐derived measures of the corpus callosum, the corticospinal tract, the optic radiation, the fronto‐occipital fasciculus, and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Analyses of fMRI activations and functional connectivity were performed using statistical parametric mapping (cluster threshold of P = 0.001, and extent cluster threshold of 10 voxels for comparison of activations; P < 0.05, family‐wise error corrected for functional connectivity). As compared with controls, PPMS patients had more significant activations of the left postcentral gyrus, left secondary sensorimotor area, left parahippocampal gyrus, left cerebellum, right primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC), right basal ganglia, right insula, right cingulum, and cuneus bilaterally. As compared with PPMS patients, controls had increased functional connectivity between the left primary SMC and the ipsilateral inferior frontal gyrus. Conversely, PPMS patients showed increased functional connectivity between the left primary SMC and the right cuneus. Moderate correlations were found between functional activations and damage to the tracts studied (r‐values between 0.82 and 0.84; P < 0.001). These results suggest that, as compared with healthy controls, PPMS patients show increased activations and abnormal functional connectivity measures in several areas of the sensorimotor network. Such changes are correlated with the structural damage to the white matter fiber bundles connecting these regions.
Classification of extracellularly recorded neurons by their discharge patterns and their correlates with intracellularly identified neuronal types in the frontal cortex of behaving monkeys
Authors: Katai Satoshi , Kato Keichiro , Unno Shunpei , Kang Youngnam , Saruwatari Masanori , Ishikawa Naoki , Inoue Masato , Mikami Akichika
Published: March 2010

Neurons in the cerebral cortex are not homogeneous. However, neuronal types have been ignored in most previous work studying neuronal processes in behaving monkeys. We propose a new method to identify neuronal types in extracellular recording studies of behaving monkeys. We classified neurons as either bursting or non‐bursting, and then classified the bursting neurons into three types: (i) neurons displaying a burst of many spikes (maximum number of spikes within a burst; NSB max ≥ 8) at a high discharge rate (maximum interspike interval; ISI max < 5 ms); (ii) neurons displaying a burst of fewer spikes (NSB max ≤ 5) at a high discharge rate (ISI max < 5 ms); and (iii) neurons displaying a burst of a few spikes (NSB max ≤ 7) at relatively long ISIs (ISI max > 5 ms). We found that the discharge patterns of the four groups corresponded to those of regular spiking (RS), fast spiking (FS), fast rhythmic bursting (FRB) and intrinsic bursting (IB) neurons demonstrated in intracellular recording studies using in vitro slice preparations, respectively. In addition, we examined correlations with the task events for neurons recorded in the frontal eye field and neuronal interactions for pairs of neurons recorded simultaneously from a single electrode. We found that they were substantially different between RS and FS types. These results suggest that neurons in the frontal cortex of behaving monkeys can be classified into four types based on their discharge patterns, and that these four types contribute differentially to cortical operations.
In vitro differentiation of lineage‐negative bone marrow cells into microglia‐like cells
Authors: Noto Daisuke , Takahashi Kazuya , Miyake Sachiko , Yamada Masahito
Published: March 2010

Microglia are believed to be the only resident immune cells in the CNS, originating from hematopoietic‐derived myeloid cells and invading the CNS during development. However, the detailed mechanisms of differentiation and transformation of microglial cells are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that murine microglial cells show two morphological forms in vitro, namely, small round cells expressing CD11b, Iba1, triggering receptor expressing on myeloid cells‐2 (TREM2), and weakly expressing major histocompatibility complex class II and large flat cells expressing only CD11b and Iba1. Moreover, lineage‐negative bone marrow (LN) cells cultured with primary mixed glial culture cells could differentiate into only the small round microglia‐like cells, despite the absence of CCR2 and Gr‐1 expression. Addition of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) to LN cell culture allowed the proliferation and expression of TREM2 in LN cells, and the addition of neutralizing anti‐M‐CSF antibodies suppressed the proliferation of LN cells despite the expression of TREM2. When LN cells were cultured with M‐CSF, the number of small round cells in the culture was considerably low, indicating that the small round morphology of the immature cells is not maintained in the presence of only M‐CSF. On the other hand, when LN cells were grown in the presence of astrocytes, the small round cells were maintained at a concentration of approximately 30% of the total population. Therefore, cell–cell contact with glial cells, especially astrocytes, may be necessary to maintain the small round shape of the immature cells expressing TREM2.