bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tara up-regulates E-cadherin transcription by binding to the Trio RhoGEF and inhibiting Rac signaling
Authors: Yano Tomoki , Yamazaki Yuji , Adachi Makoto , Okawa Katsuya , Fort Philippe , Uji Masami , Tsukita Shoichiro , Tsukita Sachiko
Published: April 2011

The spatiotemporal regulation of E-cadherin expression is important during body plan development and carcinogenesis. We found that Tara (Trio-associated repeat on actin) is enriched in cadherin-based adherens junctions (AJs), and its knockdown in MDCK cells (Tara-KD cells) significantly decreases the expression of E-cadherin. Tara-KD activates Rac1 through the Trio RhoGEF, which binds to E-cadherin and subsequently increases the phosphorylation of p38 and Tbx3, a transcriptional E-cadherin repressor. Accordingly, the decrease in E-cadherin expression is abrogated by ITX3 and SB203580 (specific inhibitors of Trio RhoGEF and p38MAPK, respectively), and by dephosphomimetic Tbx3. Despite the decreased E-cadherin expression, the Tara-KD cells do not undergo an epithelial–mesenchymal transition and remain as an epithelial cell sheet, presumably due to the concomitant up-regulation of cadherin-6. Tara-KD reduces the actin-belt density in the circumferential ring, and the cells form flattened cysts, suggesting that Tara functions to modulate epithelial cell sheet formation and integrity by up-regulating E-cadherin transcription.
Influence of planktonic foodweb structure on a system's capacity to support pelagic production: an inverse analysis approach
Authors: Marquis Elise , Niquil Nathalie , Vézina Alain F. , Petitgas Pierre , Dupuy Christine
Published: April 2011

Marquis, E., Niquil, N., Vézina, A. F., Petitgas, P., and Dupuy, C. 2011. Influence of planktonic foodweb structure on a system's capacity to support pelagic production: an inverse analysis approach. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 803–812. Coupled plankton/small pelagic (SP) fish systems were analysed to assess how foodweb structure influences the export of carbon to pelagic fish during the spring bloom in the Bay of Biscay. The investigation of carbon export flows through inverse analysis was supplemented by estimating the carrying capacity for pelagic fish production by applying linear programming. A planktonic foodweb dominated by microbial pathways had the highest trophic efficiency owing to the tight coupling between planktonic trophic levels and predation pressure on mesozooplankton by fish. Moreover, the magnitude of the gap between carrying capacity and estimated carbon export was related to the size structure of primary producers, with the picophytoplankton-based foodweb having the smallest gap and the microphytoplankton-based one the largest gap. Planktonic foodwebs dominated by small autotrophic cells channelled most of their available carbon to pelagic fish production, whereas foodwebs dominated by large phytoplankton were better suited to benthic communities with a large loss of carbon through sedimentation. Although the total carbon available to higher trophic levels does not vary with the size of the main primary producers, the potential export to SP fish depends on the structure of the planktonic foodweb.
Interesting times: winners, losers, and system shifts under climate change around Australia
Authors: Fulton E. A.
Published: April 2011

Fulton, E. A. 2011. Interesting times: winners, losers, and system shifts under climate change around Australia. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1329–1342. Feedback and change are basic features of ecosystems, something global change has highlighted. Changes in the physical environment will see shifts in species ranges, community compositions, and ultimately the form and function of ecosystem and the human societies that exploit them. What these shifts will be depends on which of the competing (and potentially counteracting) mechanisms dominate through space and time. Moreover, changes are unlikely to be simple or linear; there will be winners, losers, and surprises. It also means that management will be complex and non-stationary, presenting management, scientific, and statistical challenges.
Balancing indigenous and non-indigenous commercial objectives in a coral reef finfish fishery
Authors: Williams Ashley J. , Little L. Richard , Begg Gavin A.
Published: April 2011

Williams, A. J., Little, L. R., and Begg, G. A. 2011. Balancing indigenous and non-indigenous commercial objectives in a coral reef finfish fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 834–847. Indigenous participation in commercial fisheries is poorly established in Australia, except in Torres Strait where indigenous and non-indigenous commercial fishers participate in the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery (TSFF). TSFF stakeholders helped identify specific objectives and alternative management strategies for the fishery at a time when new management strategies were under consideration. A metapopulation and fishing simulation model was used to evaluate alternative management strategies related to harvest and conservation of coral trout (Plectropomus spp.), the main target species. Stakeholders identified objectives relating to conservation of unfished populations, maintenance of harvestable stock, and economic performance. In terms of management options, spatial closures decreased the prospects of meeting nearly all stakeholder objectives. A seasonal closure and larger minimum capture size increased the probability of meeting conservation and harvest objectives, but decreased the probability of meeting most economic objectives for both sectors. Increasing fishing effort increased harvest but decreased the catch rates for both sectors, so had varied effects on the probability of achieving harvest objectives. The research provides a case study of productive engagement with indigenous and non-indigenous stakeholders to address fisheries management needs and provides a framework for impartial evaluation of performance of alternative management strategies against stakeholder objectives.
Extreme spawning-site fidelity in Atlantic cod
Authors: Skjæraasen Jon Egil , Meager Justin J. , Karlsen Ørjan , Hutchings Jeffrey A. , Fernö Anders
Published: April 2011

Skjæraasen, J. E., Meager, J. J., Karlsen, Ø., Hutchings, J. A., and Fernö, A. 2011. Extreme spawning-site fidelity in Atlantic cod. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1472–1477. Based on a 3-year mark-recapture study, evidence is provided of spawning-site fidelity in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) at a scale (<1 km) smaller than documented previously. Coastal regions where barriers to dispersal exist may allow for local population dynamics and adaptation to develop in broadcast-spawning marine fish at extremely fine spatial scales.
Protein Kinase C Is Likely to be Involved in Zoosporogenesis and Maintenance of Flagellar Motility in the Peronosporomycete Zoospores
Authors: Islam Md. Tofazzal , von Tiedemann Andreas , Laatsch Hartmut
Published: April 2011

The motility of zoospores is critical in the disease cycles of Peronosporomycetes that cause devastating diseases in plants, fishes, vertebrates, and microbes. In the course of screening for secondary metabolites, we found that ethyl acetate extracts of a marine Streptomyces sp. strain B5136 rapidly impaired the motility of zoospores of the grapevine downy mildew pathogen Plasmopara viticola at 0.1 μg/ml. The active principle in the extracts was identified as staurosporine, a known broad-spectrum inhibitor of protein kinases, including protein kinase C (PKC). In the presence of staurosporine (2 nM), zoospores moved very slowly in their axis or spun in tight circles, instead of displaying straight swimming in a helical fashion. Compounds such as K-252a, K-252b, and K-252c structurally related to staurosporine also impaired the motility of zoospores in a similar manner but at varying doses. Among the 22 known kinase inhibitors tested, the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine was the most potent to arrest the motility of zoospores at concentrations starting from 5 nM. Inhibitors that targeted kinase pathways other than PKC pathways did not practically show any activity in impairing zoospore motility. Interestingly, both staurosporine (5 nM) and chelerythrine (10 nM) also inhibited the release of zoospores from the P. viticola sporangia in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, staurosporine completely suppressed downy mildew disease in grapevine leaves at 2 μM, suggesting the potential of small-molecule PKC inhibitors for the control of peronosporomycete phytopathogens. Taken together, these results suggest that PKC is likely to be a key signaling mediator associated with zoosporogenesis and the maintenance of flagellar motility in peronosporomycete zoospores.
Distribution and Prevalence of Fusarium Crown Rot and Common Root Rot Pathogens of Wheat in Montana
Authors: Moya-Elizondo Ernesto A. , Rew Lisa J. , Jacobsen Barry J. , Hogg Andrew C. , Dyer Alan T.
Published: April 2011

Distribution of Fusarium crown rot (FCR) and common root rot (CRR) pathogens associated with wheat (Triticum aestivum) in 91 fields in Montana were determined during the 2008 and 2009 crop seasons using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional isolation methods. Correlations (P < 0.001) were found between detection methods for both diseases. FCR was detected in 57% of the fields and CRR was detected in 93% of the fields surveyed. Percent incidence based on isolation from individual tillers was Bipolaris sorokiniana (15%), F. culmorum (13%), and F. pseudograminearum (8%). FCR populations were highly variable across the regions and were not detected in any fields from the Gb5 soil types of Judith Basin and Fergus counties. The spatial distributions of FCR and CRR were affected by elevation, soil type, and temperature. High FCR populations were associated with spring wheat crops rather than winter wheat based on qPCR (P < 0.001). FCR and CRR could produce yield losses in a range of 3 to 35%. This study is the first time that qPCR was used to survey these two pathogen groups, and the merits and weakness of qPCR relative to traditional isolation methods are discussed.
Investigating the Genetic Structure ofPhytophthora capsiciPopulations
Authors: Quesada-Ocampo L. M. , Granke L. L. , Mercier M. R. , Olsen J. , Hausbeck M. K.
Published: April 2011

Phytophthora capsici Leonian is a destructive soilborne pathogen that infects economically important solanaceous, cucurbitaceous, fabaceous, and other crops in the United States and worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic structure of 255 P. capsici isolates assigned to predefined host, geographical, mefenoxam-sensitivity, and mating-type categories. Isolates from six continents, 21 countries, 19 U.S. states, and 26 host species were genotyped for four mitochondrial and six nuclear loci. Bayesian clustering revealed some population structure by host, geographic origin, and mefenoxam sensitivity, with some clusters occurring more or less frequently in particular categories. Bayesian clustering, split networks, and statistical parsimony genealogies also detected the presence of non-P. capsici individuals in our sample corresponding to P. tropicalis (n = 9) and isolates of a distinct cluster closely related to P. capsici and P. tropicalis (n = 10). Our findings of genetic structuring in P. capsici populations highlight the importance of including isolates from all detected clusters that represent the genetic variation in P. capsici for development of diagnostic tools, fungicides, and host resistance. The population structure detected will also impact the design and interpretation of association studies in P. capsici. This study provides an initial map of global population structure of P. capsici but continued genotyping of isolates will be necessary to expand our knowledge of genetic variation in this important plant pathogen.
TheMaGene for Complete-Spectrum Resistance toMeloidogyneSpecies inPrunusIs a TNL with a Huge Repeated C-Terminal Post-LRR Region
Authors: Claverie Michel , Dirlewanger Elisabeth , Bosselut Nathalie , Van Ghelder Cyril , Voisin Roger , Kleinhentz Marc , Lafargue Bernard , Abad Pierre , Rosso Marie-Noëlle , Chalhoub Boulos , Esmenjaud Daniel
Published: April 2011

Root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne species are major polyphagous pests of most crops worldwide, and cultivars with durable resistance are urgently needed because of nematicide bans. The Ma gene from the Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera) confers complete-spectrum, heat-stable, and high-level resistance to RKN, which is remarkable in comparison with the Mi-1 gene from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the sole RKN resistance gene cloned. We report here the positional cloning and the functional validation of the Ma locus present at the heterozygous state in the P.2175 accession. High-resolution mapping totaling over 3,000 segregants reduced the Ma locus interval to a 32-kb cluster of three Toll/Interleukin1 Receptor-Nucleotide Binding Site-Leucine-Rich Repeat (LRR) genes (TNL1–TNL3), including a pseudogene (TNL2) and a truncated gene (TNL3). The sole complete gene in this interval (TNL1) was validated as Ma, as it conferred the same complete-spectrum and high-level resistance (as in P.2175) using its genomic sequence and native promoter region in Agrobacterium rhizogenes-transformed hairy roots and composite plants. The full-length cDNA (2,048 amino acids) of Ma is the longest of all Resistance genes cloned to date. Its TNL structure is completed by a huge post-LRR (PL) sequence (1,088 amino acids) comprising five repeated carboxyl-terminal PL exons with two conserved motifs. The amino-terminal region (213 amino acids) of the LRR exon is conserved between alleles and contrasts with the high interallelic polymorphisms of its distal region (111 amino acids) and of PL domains. The Ma gene highlights the importance of these uncharacterized PL domains, which may be involved in pathogen recognition through the decoy hypothesis or in nuclear signaling.
Determination of the local structure of a cage with an oxygen ion in Ca12Al14O33
Authors: Sakakura Terutoshi , Tanaka Kiyoaki , Takenaka Yasuyuki , Matsuishi Satoru , Hosono Hideo , Kishimoto Shunji
Published: April 2011

The crystal structure of mayenite (12CaO·7Al2O3) has been investigated by single-crystal synchrotron diffraction with high resolution and accuracy, using a four-circle diffractometer equipped with an avalanche photodiode detector (APD) detector installed at PF14A in Tsukuba, Japan. Analysis revealed random displacements of ions by the electrostatic force of the O2−ion (O3) clathrated in two out of 12 cages. O3 ions are located at general positions close to the \bar 4 site at the centre of each cage. The difference-density map revealed two large peaks corresponding to displaced Ca ions. The positive ions close to O3 are displaced and one-to-one correspondence was found between one of the four equivalent O3 ions and the displaced ions. When an O3 ion is present in the cage the Al ion at the 16cposition moves 0.946 (3) Å toward the O3 ion. One of the Al—O bonds is broken and a new Al—O3 bond is created. The result is an AlO4tetrahedron that is quite deformed. The three O1 ions and the O2 ion of the destroyed AlO4tetrahedron are forcibly displaced. O1 and O2 have two and one displaced ions, respectively. The local structure of the cage occupied by one of the four O3 ions was determined by calculating the electrostatic potential and electric field in the deformed cage, although the position of one of the displaced O1 ions was not clearly identified.
The effect of pressure on the crystal structure of bianthrone
Authors: Johnstone Russell D. L. , Allan David , Lennie Alistair , Pidcock Elna , Valiente Rafael , Rodríguez Fernando , Gonzalez Jesús , Warren John , Parsons Simon
Published: April 2011

Bianthrone [10(10-oxoanthracen-9-ylidene)anthracen-9-one] consists of two tricyclic anthraceneone units connected by a carbon–carbon double bond. Crystals of the form obtained under ambient conditions are yellow and contain folded centrosymmetric conformers in which the central ring of the anthraceneone unit is non-planar. When hydrostatic pressure is applied the crystals assume a red colouration which gradually deepens as pressures increases. The colour change is limited in extent to the surface of the crystals, the bulk remaining yellow. Comparison of high-pressure, single-crystal UV–vis spectra and powder diffraction data demonstrate that the colour change is associated with the formation of a polymorph containing a conformer in which the tricyclic fragments are planar and the molecule is twisted about the central C—C bond. Single-crystal diffraction data collected as a function of pressure up to 6.5 GPa reveal the effect of compression on the yellow form, which consists of layers of molecules which stack along the [010] direction. The structure remains in a compressed form of the ambient-pressure phase when subjected to hydrostatic pressure up to 6.5 GPa, and the most prominent effect of pressure is to push the layers closer together. PIXEL calculations show that considerable strain builds up in the crystal as pressure is increased with a number of intermolecular contacts being pushed into destabilizing regions of their potentials.
Solid-state and gas-phase structures of two conformers ofN-(4-methylphenyl)-N′,N′′-bis(morpholinyl) phosphoric triamide; insights from X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Mahzouni Hamid Reza
Published: April 2011

A phosphoric triamide with the formula (4-CH3—C6H4NH)P(O)(NC4H8O)2has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystallography at 120 K reveals that the title compound is composed of two symmetrically independent molecules in the solid state. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that two conformersAandBare very close to each other from an energy point of view. Thus there is equal chance that the presence of two conformers in the lattice may lead to hydrogen-bonded chains with anABABABarrangement. Hydrogen bonds of the type OP...H—N (OPbeing the phosphoryl O atom) are established between the two conformers with binding energies of −18.8 and −20.3 kJ mol−1(at B3LYP/6–31+G*). The electronic delocalization LP(OP) → σ*(N—H), LP(OP) being the lone pair of OP, leads to a decrease in the strength of the N—H bond during hydrogen bonding between the conformers. The charge density (ρ) at the bond critical point (b.c.p.) of N—H decreases by ∼ 0.012–0.014 e Å–3when the molecule participates in hydrogen bonding. This may explain the red shift of the ν(N—H) stretching frequency from a single molecule in the gas phase to a hydrogen-bonded one in the solid state.
Feeding ecology of King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus (Perciformes) recruits in seagrass and unvegetated habitats. Does diet reflect habitat utilization?
Authors: Jenkins G. P. , Syme A. , Macreadie P. I.
Published: April 2011

This study investigated the feeding ecology of King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus recruits to determine how diet composition varies between habitat types (seagrass and unvegetated habitats), and between sites separated by distance. Broad‐scale sampling of seagrass and unvegetated habitats at nine sites in Port Phillip Bay (Australia) indicated the diet composition varied more by distance into the bay than by habitat. Near the entrance to the bay the diet was dominated by harpacticoids and gammarid amphipods, in the middle reaches of the bay the diet was completely dominated by harpacticoids, while at sites furthest into the bay, mysids and crab zoea were also important. Abundances of prey in guts was significantly higher between 1000 and 2200 hours compared with other times, indicating diurnal feeding. Laboratory determined gut evacuation rate (based on an exponential model) was estimated to be −0·54. Daily rations were highly variable among sites and habitat types. Sillaginodes punctatus recruits consumed much higher quantities of prey on unvegetated habitat than seagrass habitat at some middle reach sites; with prey consumption of harpacticoid copepods on unvegetated habitat approaching 3000 individuals per day at one site. The results of this study provide insight into why habitat associations of S. punctatus recruits within mosaics of seagrass and unvegetated habitat show high spatial variation.
Isolating and defining cells to engineer human blood vessels
Authors: Critser P. J. , Voytik‐Harbin S. L. , Yoder M. C.
Published: April 2011

A great deal of attention has been recently focused on understanding the role that bone marrow‐derived putative endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may play in the process of neoangiogenesis. However, recent data indicate that many of the putative EPC populations are comprised of various haematopoietic cell subsets with proangiogenic activity, but these marrow‐derived putative EPC fail to display vasculogenic activity. Rather, this property is reserved for a rare population of circulating viable endothelial cells with colony‐forming cell (ECFC) ability. Indeed, human ECFC possess clonal proliferative potential, display endothelial and not haematopoietic cell surface antigens, and display in vivo vasculogenic activity when suspended in an extracellular matrix and implanted into immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, human vessels derived became integrated into the murine circulatory system and eventually were remodelled into arterial and venous vessels. Identification of this population now permits determination of optimal type I collagen matrix microenvironment into which the cells should be embedded and delivered to accelerate and even pattern number and size of blood vessels formed, in vivo. Indeed, altering physical properties of ECFC‐collagen matrix implants changed numerous parameters of human blood vessel formation, in host mice. These recent discoveries may permit a strategy for patterning vascular beds for eventual tissue and organ regeneration.
The umbilical cord: a rich and ethical stem cell source to advance regenerative medicine
Authors: Forraz N. , McGuckin C. P.
Published: April 2011

Science and medicine place a lot of hope in the development of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. This review will define the concept of regenerative medicine and focus on an abundant stem cell source – neonatal tissues such as the umbilical cord. Umbilical cord blood has been used clinically for over 20 years as a cell source for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Beyond this, cord blood and umbilical cord‐derived stem cells have demonstrated potential for pluripotent lineage differentiation (liver, pancreatic, neural tissues and more)in vitroandin vivo. This promising research has opened up a new era for utilization of neonatal stem cells, now used beyond haematology in clinical trials for autoimmune disorders, cerebral palsy or type I diabetes.
From hepatocytes to stem and progenitor cells for liver regenerative medicine: advances and clinical perspectives
Authors: Sokal E. M.
Published: April 2011

The parenchymal liver cell is a unique fully functional metabolic unit that can be used for liver regenerative medicine to restore function of the diseased organ; the aim of the procedure is to prevent progression of end‐stage disease. The alternative, orthotopic liver transplantation, is highly intrusive, irreversible and limited by general organ shortage. Mature liver cell – hepatocyte – transplantation has been shown to have short‐ to medium‐term efficacy for correction of miscellaneous inborn errors of metabolism. However, although proof of concept has been established, the procedure has not yet achieved full success, due to limited durability of functional benefit. Hepatocyte procurement is also restricted by organ shortage, and their storage is difficult due to poor tolerance of cryopreservation. Alternative cell sources are therefore needed for development and wider accessibility of cell‐based liver regenerative medicine. Besides safety, the main challenge for these alternative cells is to acquire similar levels of functionality once implanted into the target organ. In this respect, liver derived progenitor cells may have some advantages over stem cells derived from other tissues.
Sampling for validation of digital soil maps
Authors: Brus D.J. , Kempen B. , Heuvelink G.B.M.
Published: April 2011

The increase in digital soil mapping around the world means that appropriate and efficient sampling strategies are needed for validation. Data used for calibrating a digital soil mapping model typically are non‐random samples. In such a case we recommend collection of additional independent data and validation of the soil map by a design‐based sampling strategy involving probability sampling and design‐based estimation of quality measures. An important advantage over validation by data‐splitting or cross‐validation is that model‐free estimates of the quality measures and their standard errors can be obtained, and thus no assumptions on the spatial auto‐correlation of prediction errors need to be made. The quality of quantitative soil maps can be quantified by the spatial cumulative distribution function (SCDF) of the prediction errors, whereas for categorical soil maps the overall purity and the map unit purities (user's accuracies) and soil class representation (producer's accuracies) are suitable quality measures. The suitability of five basic types of random sampling design for soil map validation was evaluated: simple, stratified simple, systematic, cluster and two‐stage random sampling. Stratified simple random sampling is generally a good choice: it is simple to implement, estimation of the quality measures and their precision is straightforward, it gives relatively precise estimates, and no assumptions are needed in quantifying the standard error of the estimated quality measures. Validation by probability sampling is illustrated with two case studies. A categorical soil map on point support depicting soil classes in the province of Drenthe of the Netherlands (268 000 ha) was validated by stratified simple random sampling. Sub‐areas with different expected purities were used as strata. The estimated overall purity was 58% with a standard error of 4%. This was 9% smaller than the theoretical purity computed with the model. Map unit purities and class representations were estimated by the ratio estimator. A quantitative soil map, depicting the average soil organic carbon (SOC) contents of pixels in an area of 81 600 ha in Senegal, was validated by random transect sampling. SOC predictions were seriously biased, and the random error was considerable. Both case studies underpin the importance of independent validation of soil maps by probability sampling, to avoid unfounded trust in visually attractive maps produced by advanced pedometric techniques.
Digital pathology: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Al‐Janabi Shaimaa , Huisman André , Van Diest Paul J
Published: April 2011

Al‐Janabi S, Huisman A & Van Diest P J  (2012) Histopathology 61, 1–9

Digital pathology: current status and future perspectives

During the last decade pathology has benefited from the rapid progress of image digitizing technology. The improvement in this technology had led to the creation of slide scanners which are able to produce whole slide images (WSI) which can be explored by image viewers in a way comparable to the conventional microscope. The file size of the WSI ranges from a few megabytes to several gigabytes, leading to challenges in the area of image storage and management when they will be used routinely in daily clinical practice. Digital slides are used in pathology for education, diagnostic purposes (clinicopathological meetings, consultations, revisions, slide panels and, increasingly, for upfront clinical diagnostics) and archiving. As an alternative to conventional slides, WSI are generally well accepted, especially in education, where they are available to a large number of students with the full possibilities of annotations without the problem of variation between serial sections. Image processing techniques can also be applied to WSI, providing pathologists with tools assisting in the diagnosis‐making process. This paper will highlight the current status of digital pathology applications and its impact on the field of pathology.
Plasma concentrations of testosterone and nandrolone in racing and nonracing intact male horses
Authors: SOMA L. R. , UBOH C. E. , YOU Y. , GUAN F. , McDONNELL S.
Published: April 2011

Soma, L. R., Uboh, C. E., You, Y., Guan, F., McDonnell, S. Plasma concentrations of testosterone and nandrolone in racing and nonracing intact male horses. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 132–138.

Pennsylvania (PA) State Racing Commissions regulate the endogenous androgenic steroid, testosterone (TES), in racing intact males (RIM) by quantification of TES in post‐race samples. Post‐race plasma samples (2209) collected between March 2008 and November 2010 were analyzed for TES, nandrolone (NAN), and other anabolic steroids (ABS). Of the 2209 plasma samples, 2098 had quantifiable TES ≥25 pg/mL. Plasma (mean ± SD) concentrations of TES and NAN in RIM were 329.2 ± 266.4 and 96.0 ± 67.8 pg/mL, respectively. Only 64.6% of RIM had quantifiable concentration of NAN, and there was no relationship between TES and NAN. Plasma TES concentrations were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher during the months of April, May, June, July, and August. A significantly higher (P < 0.006) plasma TES was observed in Thoroughbred (TB) (347.6 ± 288.5 pg/mL) vs. that in Standardbred (STB) (315.4 ± 247.7 pg/mL). Plasma concentrations of TES from breeding stallions (BS) were 601.6 ± 356.5 pg/mL. Statistically significant (P < 0.0001) lower plasma concentrations of the two steroids were observed in RIM horses. Based on quantile distribution of TES in the RIM and BS populations, 99.5% were at or below 1546.1 and 1778.0 pg/mL, respectively. Based on this population of RIM, the suggested upper threshold plasma concentration of endogenous TES in horses competing in PA should remain at 2000 pg/mL.
Robenacoxib vs. carprofen for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis; a randomized, noninferiority clinical trial
Authors: REYMOND N. , SPERANZA C. , GRUET P. , SEEWALD W. , KING J. N.
Published: April 2011

Reymond, N., Speranza, C., Gruet, P., Seewald, W., King, J. N. Robenacoxib vs. carprofen for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis; a randomized, noninferiority clinical trial.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 175–183.

Robenacoxib is a member of the coxib class of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID), with high selectivity for the cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 isoform of COX. In this study, the efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib were compared with those of carprofen in canine osteoarthritis in a multi‐centre, prospective, randomized, blinded, positive‐controlled noninferiority clinical trial. Both drugs were administered orally once daily at recommended dosages: robenacoxib at 1–2 mg/kg (n = 125 dogs) and racemic carprofen at 2–4 mg/kg (n = 63 dogs) for a total of 12 weeks. The efficacy of the test compounds was assessed by veterinary investigators and owners using numerical rating scales at baseline and days 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84. In both groups, all scores were significantly (P < 0.0001) improved compared with baseline at all time points (days 7–84). Robenacoxib had noninferior efficacy to carprofen for the primary endpoint, the global functional disability, both for all dogs and for the subgroup of dogs in which robenacoxib was not administered during meals. Noninferiority was also demonstrated for three of six veterinary investigator secondary endpoints and four of six owner efficacy endpoints. For haematology and clinical chemistry variables, there were some significant differences from baseline levels but no differences between groups. There were no differences between groups in the frequencies of adverse events, which were reported in 46% dogs with robenacoxib and 52% with carprofen (P = 0.44), which were most frequently mild events affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, noninferior efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib compared with carprofen was demonstrated in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Dating the fungus‐growing termites’ mutualism shows a mixture between ancient codiversification and recent symbiont dispersal across divergent hosts
Authors: NOBRE T. , KONÉ N. A. , KONATÉ S. , LINSENMAIR K. E. , AANEN D. K.
Published: April 2011

The mutualistic symbiosis between fungus‐growing termites and Termitomyces fungi originated in Africa and shows a moderate degree of interaction specificity. Here we estimate the age of the mutualism and test the hypothesis that the major splits have occurred simultaneously in the host and in the symbiont. We present a scenario where fungus‐growing termites originated in the African rainforest just before the expansion of the savanna, about 31 Ma (19–49 Ma). Whereas rough age correspondence is observed for the four main clades of host and symbiont, the analysis reveals several recent events of host switching followed by dispersal of the symbiont throughout large areas and throughout different host genera. The most spectacular of these is a group of closely related fungi (the maximum age of which is estimated to be 2.4 Ma), shared between the divergent genera Microtermes, Ancistrotermes, Acanthotermes and Synacanthotermes (which diverged at least 16.7 Ma), and found throughout the African continent and on Madagascar. The lack of geographical differentiation of fungal symbionts shows that continuous exchange has occurred between regions and across host species.
A lectin‐mediated resistance of higher fungi against predators and parasites
Authors: BLEULER‐MARTÍNEZ S. , BUTSCHI A. , GARBANI M. , WÄLTI M. A. , WOHLSCHLAGER T. , POTTHOFF E. , SABOTIĈ J. , POHLEVEN J. , LÜTHY P. , HENGARTNER M. O. , AEBI M. , KÜNZLER M.
Published: April 2011

Fruiting body lectins are ubiquitous in higher fungi and characterized by being synthesized in the cytoplasm and up‐regulated during sexual development. The function of these lectins is unclear. A lack of phenotype in sexual development upon inactivation of the respective genes argues against a function in this process. We tested a series of characterized fruiting body lectins from different fungi for toxicity towards the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the mosquito Aedes aegypti and the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. Most of the fungal lectins were found to be toxic towards at least one of the three target organisms. By altering either the fungal lectin or the glycans of the target organisms, or by including soluble carbohydrate ligands as competitors, we demonstrate that the observed toxicity is dependent on the interaction between the fungal lectins and specific glycans in the target organisms. The toxicity was found to be dose‐dependent such that low levels of lectin were no longer toxic but still led to food avoidance by C. elegans. Finally, we show, in an ecologically more relevant scenario, that challenging the vegetative mycelium of Coprinopsis cinerea with the fungal‐feeding nematode Aphelenchus avenae induces the expression of the nematotoxic fruiting body lectins CGL1 and CGL2. Based on these findings, we propose that filamentous fungi possess an inducible resistance against predators and parasites mediated by lectins that are specific for glycans of these antagonists.
Gut feelings about the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Di Marzo V. , Piscitelli F.
Published: April 2011

Stemming from the centuries‐old and well known effects of Cannabis on intestinal motility and secretion, research on the role of the endocannabinoid system in gut function and dysfunction has received ever increasing attention since the discovery of the cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids. In this article, some of the most recent developments in this field are discussed, with particular emphasis on new data, most of which are published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility, on the potential tonic endocannabinoid control of intestinal motility, the function of cannabinoid type‐1 (CB1) receptors in gastric function, visceral pain, inflammation and sepsis, the emerging role of cannabinoid type‐2 (CB2) receptors in the gut, and the pharmacology of endocannabinoid‐related molecules and plant cannabinoids not necessarily acting via cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. These novel data highlight the multi‐faceted aspects of endocannabinoid function in the GI tract, support the feasibility of the future therapeutic exploitation of this signaling system for the treatment of GI disorders, and leave space for some intriguing new hypotheses on the role of endocannabinoids in the gut.
Leaf functional response to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations over the last century in two northern Amazonian tree species: a historical δ13C and δ18O approach using herbarium samples
Authors: BONAL DAMIEN , PONTON STÉPHANE , LE THIEC DIDIER , RICHARD BÉATRICE , NINGRE NATHALIE , HÉRAULT BRUNO , OGÉE JÉRÔME , GONZALEZ SOPHIE , PIGNAL MARC , SABATIER DANIEL , GUEHL JEAN‐MARC
Published: April 2011

We assessed the extent of recent environmental changes on leaf morphological (stomatal density, stomatal surface, leaf mass per unit area) and physiological traits (carbon isotope composition, δ13Cleaf, and discrimination, Δ13Cleaf, oxygen isotope composition, δ18Oleaf) of two tropical rainforest species (Dicorynia guianensis; Humiria balsamifera) that are abundant in the Guiana shield (Northern Amazonia). Leaf samples were collected in different international herbariums to cover a 200 year time‐period (1790–2004) and the whole Guiana shield. Using models describing carbon and oxygen isotope fractionations during photosynthesis, different scenarios of change in intercellular CO2 concentrations inside the leaf (Ci), stomatal conductance (g), and photosynthesis (A) were tested in order to understand leaf physiological response to increasing air CO2 concentrations (Ca). Our results confirmed that both species displayed physiological response to changing Ca. For both species, we observed a decrease of about 1.7‰ in δ13Cleaf since 1950, without significant change in Δ13Cleaf and leaf morphological traits. Furthermore, there was no clear change in δ18Oleaf for Humiria over this period. Our simulation approach revealed that an increase in A, rather than a decrease in g, explained the observed trends for these tropical rainforest species, allowing them to maintain a constant ratio of Ci/Ca.
Rice OsNAR2.1 interacts with OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2 and OsNRT2.3a nitrate transporters to provide uptake over high and low concentration ranges
Authors: YAN MING , FAN XIAORONG , FENG HUIMING , MILLER ANTHONY J. , SHEN QIRONG , XU GUOHUA
Published: April 2011

Plants take up both nitrate and ammonium as main nitrogen (N) sources. Although ammonium is the predominant form in anaerobic‐flooded paddy soil, it has been proposed that rice and other wetland plants may take up significant amounts of nitrate formed by nitrification of ammonium in the rhizosphere. A two‐component system for nitrate transport including NRT2s with a partner protein (NAR2 or NRT3.1) has been identified in Arabidopsis. We report the physiological function of another member of the NAR2 family, OsNAR2.1 in rice (Oryza sativa, ssp. Japonica, cv. Nipponbare). OsNAR2.1 was mainly expressed in roots and induced by nitrate and suppressed by ammonium and some amino acids. Knockdown of OsNAR2.1 by RNA interference synchronously suppressed expression of OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2 and OsNRT2.3a in the osnar2.1mutants. Both high‐ and low‐affinity nitrate transports were greatly impaired by OsNAR2.1 knockdown. Yeast two hybridization showed that OsNAR2.1 not only interacted with OsNRT2.1/OsNRT2.2, but also with OsNRT2.3a. Taken together, the data demonstrate that OsNAR2.1 plays a key role in enabling the plant to cope with variable nitrate supply.
ROS and redox signalling in the response of plants to abiotic stress
Authors: SUZUKI NOBUHIRO , KOUSSEVITZKY SHAI , MITTLER RON , MILLER GAD
Published: April 2011

The redox state of the chloroplast and mitochondria, the two main powerhouses of photosynthesizing eukaryotes, is maintained by a delicate balance between energy production and consumption, and affected by the need to avoid increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These demands are especially critical during exposure to extreme environmental conditions, such as high light (HL) intensity, heat, drought or a combination of different environmental stresses. Under these conditions, ROS and redox cues, generated in the chloroplast and mitochondria, are essential for maintaining normal energy and metabolic fluxes, optimizing different cell functions, activating acclimation responses through retrograde signalling, and controlling whole‐plant systemic signalling pathways. Regulation of the multiple redox and ROS signals in plants requires a high degree of coordination and balance between signalling and metabolic pathways in different cellular compartments. In this review, we provide an update on ROS and redox signalling in the context of abiotic stress responses, while addressing their role in retrograde regulation, systemic acquired acclimation and cellular coordination in plants.
Biological and genetic characterization of Phytophthora capsici mutants resistant to flumorph
Authors: Meng Q. X. , Cui X. L. , Bi Y. , Wang Q. , Hao J. J. , Liu X. L.
Published: April 2011

Baseline sensitivity to flumorph, a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicide used to control some oomycetes, was examined using 83 Phytophthora capsici isolates, resulting in a unimodal distribution of effective concentration for 50% inhibition of mycelial growth ranging from 0·716 to 1·363, with a mean of 1·033 ± 0·129 μg mL−1. To assess the potential risk of developing flumorph resistance, 13 flumorph‐resistant mutants of P. capsici were obtained using ultraviolet irradiation. Most of these mutants and their progeny had high levels of fitness, including mycelial growth, sporulation and virulence. The resistance to flumorph changed slightly, either increasing or decreasing, after 10 transfers on agar media. Cross‐resistance was found between flumorph and other CAA fungicides (dimethomorph and iprovalicarb), but not between flumorph and non‐CAA fungicides (cymoxanil, metalaxyl, azoxystrobin and cyazofamid). To investigate the genetics of the flumorph resistance, 619 progeny were obtained by self‐crossing and sexual hybridization. Segregation of sensitivity to fungicide was measured as a ratio of sensitive (S) to resistant (R) isolates. Segregation of the progeny, from self‐crossed isolate PCAS1 (flumorph resistant), was 1:15 in the first generation; and 0:1 or 1:15 in the second generation. In sexual hybridization, segregation of progeny was 0:1 and 1:7 for R × R hybridization; and 1:3 for R × S hybridization. Therefore, the resistance of P. capsici against flumorph was controlled by two dominant genes.
Characterization of the rust resistance gene present in the common bean cultivar Ouro Negro, the main rust resistance source used in Brazil
Authors: de Souza T. L. P. O. , Dessaune S. N. , Sanglard D. A. , Moreira M. A. , de Barros E. G.
Published: April 2011

The main goal of the present work was to characterize the rust resistance (RR) gene present in the Mesoamerican common bean cultivar Ouro Negro, temporarily named Ur‐OuroNegro or Ur‐ON, which is the main RR source used in Brazil. The RR spectrum presented by cv. Ouro Negro was compared with those of other bean lines harbouring known RR genes when inoculated with nine selected races of Uromyces appendiculatus, the causal agent of bean rust. In addition, all bean lines were screened with molecular markers linked to Ur‐ON in order to identify additional evidence for the presence of alleles for this locus in the screened RR sources. The allelic relationships of Ur‐ON were tested with previously characterized RR genes from lines resistant to at least one race of the pathogen. Allelism tests were also carried out between cv. Ouro Negro and cvs CNC and CSW 643, important RR sources in Brazil harbouring unnamed RR genes. The results showed that the major dominant gene conditioning RR in cv. Ouro Negro is positioned at a locus distinct from those with which it was compared. It is proposed that this gene – or complex gene locus – is unique and be designated Ur‐14.
Effects of temperature, water regime and irrigation system on the release of ascospores of Mycosphaerella nawae, causal agent of circular leaf spot of persimmon
Authors: Vicent A. , Bassimba D. D. M. , Intrigliolo D. S.
Published: April 2011

Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to quantify the effects of temperature, water regime and irrigation system on the release of Mycosphaerella nawae ascospores from leaf litter in Spanish persimmon orchards. The effect of temperature on ascospore release was best described by a Gompertz model. The end of the lag phase of ascospore release occurred at 9·75°C, and the end of the exponential phase at 15·75°C. Few ascospores were discharged from dry leaves wetted with 0·1 or 0·5 mm water, but significant amounts were recovered with 1–50 mm water. About half of the total ascospores were released after three wetting and drying cycles, but 32 cycles were necessary for a complete discharge. No significant difference in ascospore release was detected when the leaf litter was wetted by flood and drip irrigation. However, considering the proportion of soil area wetted in both systems, inoculum release was significantly reduced by drip irrigation. The potential of drip irrigation as a cultural control measure should be investigated.
The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control: impact on onchocercal skin disease
Authors: Ozoh G. A. , Murdoch M. E. , Bissek A‐C. , Hagan M. , Ogbuagu K. , Shamad M. , Braide E. I. , Boussinesq M. , Noma M. M. , Murdoch I. E. , Sékétéli A. , Amazigo U. V.
Published: April 2011

Objectives  To assess the long‐term impact of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control on itching and onchocercal skin disease (OSD).

Methods  Seven study sites in Cameroon, Sudan, Nigeria and Uganda participated. Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted of communities meso‐ and hyper‐endemic for onchocerciasis before and after 5 or 6 years of community‐directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). Individuals were asked about any general health symptoms including itching and underwent full cutaneous examinations. Onchocercal skin lesions were documented according to a standard classification.

Results  Five thousand one hundred and ninety three people were examined in phase I and 5,180 people in phase II. The presence of onchocercal nodules was a strongly significant (P < 0·001) risk factor for all forms of onchocercal skin disease: APOD (OR 1·66); CPOD (OR 2·84); LOD (OR 2·68); reactive skin lesions (OR 2·38) and depigmentation (OR 3·36). The effect of community‐directed treatment with ivermectin was profound. At phase II, there were significant (P < 0·001) reductions in the odds of itching (OR 0·32), APOD (OR 0·28); CPOD (OR 0·34); reactive skin lesions (OR 0·33); depigmentation (OR 0·31) and nodules (OR 0·37). Reduction in the odds of LOD was also significant (OR 0.54, P < 0.03).

Conclusions  This first multi‐country report of the long‐term impact of CDTI reveals a substantial reduction in itching and OSD. APOC operations are having a major effect in improving skin health in poor rural populations in Africa.