bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal analysis of eukaryotic cell motility by improved force cytometry
Authors: del Álamo Juan C. , Meili Ruedi , Alonso-Latorre Baldomero , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Javier , Aliseda Alberto , Firtel Richard A. , Lasheras Juan C.
Published: August 2007

Cell motility plays an essential role in many biological systems, but precise quantitative knowledge of the biophysical processes involved in cell migration is limited. Better measurements are needed to ultimately build models with predictive capabilities. We present an improved force cytometry method and apply it to the analysis of the dynamics of the chemotactic migration of the amoeboid form of
Dictyostelium discoideum
. Our explicit calculation of the force field takes into account the finite thickness of the elastic substrate and improves the accuracy and resolution compared with previous methods. This approach enables us to quantitatively study the differences in the mechanics of the migration of wild-type (WT) and mutant cell lines. The time evolution of the strain energy exerted by the migrating cells on their substrate is quasi-periodic and can be used as a simple indicator of the stages of the cell motility cycle. We have found that the mean velocity of migration
v
and the period of the strain energy
T
cycle are related through a hyperbolic law
v
=
L
/
T
, where
L
is a constant step length that remains unchanged in mutants with adhesion or contraction defects. Furthermore, when cells adhere to the substrate, they exert opposing pole forces that are orders of magnitude higher than required to overcome the resistance from their environment.
Dental evidence on the hominin dispersals during the Pleistocene
Authors: Martinón-Torres M. , Bermúdez de Castro J. M. , Gómez-Robles A. , Arsuaga J. L. , Carbonell E. , Lordkipanidze D. , Manzi G. , Margvelashvili A.
Published: August 2007

A common assumption in the evolutionary scenario of the first Eurasian hominin populations is that they all had an African origin. This assumption also seems to apply for the Early and Middle Pleistocene populations, whose presence in Europe has been largely explained by a discontinuous flow of African emigrant waves. Only recently, some voices have speculated about the possibility of Asia being a center of speciation. However, no hard evidence has been presented to support this hypothesis. We present evidence from the most complete and up-to-date analysis of the hominin permanent dentition from Africa and Eurasia. The results show important morphological differences between the hominins found in both continents during the Pleistocene, suggesting that their evolutionary courses were relatively independent. We propose that the genetic impact of Asia in the colonization of Europe during the Early and Middle Pleistocene was stronger than that of Africa.
Check-In Procedures for Plant Cell Entry by Biotrophic Microbes
Authors: Genre Andrea , Bonfante Paola
Published: August 2007

Significant advances in the cell biology of plant-microbe interactions have been achieved recently, to a large extent based on new technical approaches such as the use of fluorescent protein tags in model plants exploited in conjunction with available genetic resources. They have highlighted the pivotal role played by epidermal cells as the first site at which direct cell-to-cell contact takes place between the plant and microbes it may host. Here, we compare the cellular aspects of early biotrophic interactions with symbiotic and pathogenic microbes and evaluate the hypothesis that their hosting by plant cells share common traits related to the necessity of preserving host-cell integrity. The cellular events that accompany cell entry by the different biotrophs are divided into three categories, depending on whether the cellular changes are triggered by diffusible molecules, direct contact, or cell lumen penetration. Similarities and differences mirror the nutritional and developmental strategies of each plant-interacting organism, underlining the fact that plant cell entry represents a key aspect in the establishment of biotrophy.
Inhibition of Agrobacterium-Induced Cell Death by Antiapoptotic Gene Expression Leads to Very High Transformation Efficiency of Banana
Authors: Khanna Harjeet K. , Paul Jean-Yves , Harding Robert M. , Dickman Martin B. , Dale James L.
Published: August 2007

The death of plant cells in culture following exposure to Agrobacterium tumefaciens remains a major obstacle in developing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation into a highly efficient genotype-independent technology. Here, we present evidence that A. tumefaciens exposure induces cell death in banana cell suspensions. More than 90% of embryogenic banana cells died after exposure to A. tumefaciens and cell death was accompanied by a subset of features associated with apoptosis in mammalian cells, including DNA laddering, fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic-like bodies. Importantly, these cellular responses were inhibited in cells expressing the animal antiapoptosis genes Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 3′ untranslated region, and CED-9. Inhibition of cell death resulted in up to 90% of cell clumps transformed with Bcl-xL, a 100-fold enhancement over vector controls, approaching the transformation and regeneration of every “transformable” cell. Similar results using sugarcane, a crop plant known for recalcitrance to Agrobacterium transformation, suggest that antiapoptosis genes may inhibit these phenomena and increase the transformation frequency of many recalcitrant plant species, including the major monocot cereal crop plants. Evidence of inhibition of plant cell death by cross-kingdom antiapoptotic genes also contributes to the growing evidence that genes for control of programmed cell death are conserved across wide evolutionary distances, even though these mechanisms are not well understood in plants.
Laser Microdissection Reveals That Transcripts for Five Plant and One Fungal Phosphate Transporter Genes Are Contemporaneously Present in Arbusculated Cells
Authors: Balestrini Raffaella , Gómez-Ariza Jorge , Lanfranco Luisa , Bonfante Paola
Published: August 2007

The establishment of a symbiotic interaction between plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi requires both partners to undergo significant morphological and physiological modifications which eventually lead to reciprocal beneficial effects. Extensive changes in gene expression profiles recently have been described in transcriptomic studies that have analyzed the whole mycorrhizal root. However, because root colonization by AM fungi involves different cell types, a cell-specific gene expression pattern is likely to occur. We have applied the laser microdissection (LMD) technology to investigate expression profiles of both plant and fungal genes in Lycopersicon esculentum roots colonized by Glomus mosseae. A protocol to harvest arbuscule-containing cells from paraffin sections of mycorrhizal roots has been developed using a Leica AS LMD system. RNA of satisfactory quantity and quality has been extracted for molecular analysis. Transcripts for plant phosphate transporters (LePTs), selected as molecular markers for a functional symbiosis, have been detected by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays and associated to distinct cell types, leading to novel insights into the distribution of LePT mRNAs. In fact, the transcripts of the five phosphate transporters (PTs) have been detected contemporaneously in the same arbusculated cell population, unlike from the neighboring noncolonized cells. In addition, fungal H+ATPase (GmHA5) and phosphate transporter (GmosPT) mRNAs were found exclusively in arbusculated cells. The discovery that five plant and one fungal PT genes are consistently expressed inside the arbusculated cells provides a new scenario for plant–fungus nutrient exchanges.
Characterization of the Nonconserved hpaB-hrpF Region in the hrp Pathogenicity Island from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria
Authors: Büttner Daniela , Noël Laurent , Stuttmann Johannes , Bonas Ulla
Published: August 2007

The interaction of the gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria with its host plants pepper and tomato is mediated by a type III secretion (T3S) system that translocates bacterial effector proteins into the plant cell. The T3S system is encoded by the chromosomal hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) gene cluster. Here, we report on the analysis of the hpaB-hrpF region, which encodes the novel virulence factor HpaE, the effector protein XopF1, and two proteins with unknown functions, HpaD and HpaI. Promoter and transcript analyses revealed that the corresponding genes are coexpressed with the hrp genes and that hpaD, hpaI, and xopF1 form a novel operon. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that the efficient T3S and translocation of XopF1 depends on the global T3S chaperone HpaB and the putative lytic transglycosylase HpaH, which specifically contributes to the secretion of a certain set of effectors. Taken together, our data suggest that the efficient secretion of effector proteins in X. campestris pv. vesicatoria requires the contribution of several different Hpa proteins.
The Role of Cellulose and O-Antigen Capsule in the Colonization of Plants by Salmonella enterica
Authors: Barak Jeri D. , Jahn Courtney E. , Gibson Deanna L. , Charkowski Amy O.
Published: August 2007

Numerous salmonellosis outbreaks have been associated with vegetables, in particular sprouted seed. Thin aggregative fimbriae (Tafi), a component of the extracellular matrix responsible for multicellular behavior, are important for Salmonella enterica attachment and colonization of plants. Here, we demonstrate that the other surface polymers composing the extracellular matrix, cellulose, and O-antigen capsule also play a role in colonization of plants. Mutations in bacterial cellulose synthesis (bcsA) and O-antigen capsule assembly and translocation (yihO) reduced the ability to attach to and colonize alfalfa sprouts. A colanic acid mutant was unaffected in plant attachment or colonization. Tafi, cellulose synthesis, and O-antigen capsule, all of which contribute to attachment and colonization of plants, are regulated by AgfD, suggesting that AgfD is a key regulator for survival outside of hosts of Salmonella spp. The cellulose biosynthesis regulator adrA mutant was not affected in the ability to attach to or colonize plants; however, promoter probe assays revealed expression by cells attached to alfalfa sprouts. Furthermore, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed differential expression of agfD and adrA between planktonic and plant-attached cells. In addition, there was no correlation among mutants between biofilm formation in culture and attachment to plants. Outside of animal hosts, S. enterica appears to rely on an arsenal of adhesins to persist on plants, which can act as vectors and perpetuate public health concerns.
GcSTUA, an APSES Transcription Factor, Is Required for Generation of Appressorial Turgor Pressure and Full Pathogenicity of Glomerella cingulata
Authors: Tong XingZhang , Zhang Xiuwen , Plummer Kim M. , Stowell Kathryn M. , Sullivan Patrick A. , Farley Peter C.
Published: August 2007

Glomerella cingulata, which infects a number of different hosts, gains entry to the plant tissue by means of an appressorium. Turgor pressure generated within the appressorium forces a penetration peg through the plant cuticle. A visible lesion forms as the fungus continues to grow within the host. A G. cingulata homolog (GcSTUA) of the genes encoding Asm1, Phd1, Sok2, Efg1, and StuA transcription factors in Magnaporthe grisea and other fungi was cloned and shown to be required for infection of intact apple fruit and penetration of onion epidermal cells. Mobilization of glycogen and triacylglycerol during formation of appressoria by the GcSTUA deletion mutant appeared normal and melanization of the maturing appressoria was also indistinguishable from that of the wild type. However, GcSTUA was essential for the generation of normal turgor pressure within the appressorium. As is the case for its homologs in other fungi, GcSTUA also was required for the formation of aerial hyphae, efficient conidiation, and the formation of perithecia (sexual reproductive structures).
Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Monogenic Resistance Responses to Tomato Powdery Mildew
Authors: Li Chengwei , Bonnema Guusje , Che Daidi , Dong Lin , Lindhout Pim , Visser Richard , Bai Yuling
Published: August 2007

The monogenic genes Ol-1, ol-2, and Ol-4 confer resistance to tomato powdery mildew Oidium neolycopersici via different mechanisms. The biochemical mechanisms involved in these monogenic resistances were studied by monitoring through time the association of H2O2 and callose accumulation with hypersensitive response (HR) and papilla formation. Our results showed that H2O2 and callose accumulation are coupled with both Ol-1- and Ol-4–mediated HR-associated resistance as well as with the ol-2–mediated papillae-associated resistance. Further, the transcriptomal changes related to these monogenic resistances were studied by using cDNA-amplification fragment length polymorphism. The expression profiling clarified that 81% of DE-TDF (differentially expressed transcript-derived fragments) were up-regulated upon inoculation with O. neolycopersici in both the compatible and Ol-1–mediated incompatible interactions, though with a difference in expression timing. Of these DE-TDF, more than 70% were not detected in the Ol-4–mediated resistance, while 58% were expressed in the ol-2–mediated resistance, generally at later timepoints. Sequence information suggested that most of these DE-TDF are related to genes involved in either basal defense or establishment of compatibility. In addition, DE-TDF (19%) specifically expressed in different incompatible interactions were identified. Expression patterns of some DE-TDF and marker gene GluB suggested that papillae-associated resistance exploits a different defense pathway from that of HR-associated resistance.
MLJ Reviews
Authors: Liskin‐Gasparro Judith E.
Published: August 2007

Books reviewed:

Boulima, Jamila, Negotiated Interaction in Target Language Classroom Discourse

Brüuer, Gerd. (Ed.), Writing across Languages

Burns, Anne, Collaborative Action Research for English Language Teachers

Gass, Susan M., & Mackey, Alison, Stimulated Recall Methodology in Second Language Research

Gonzalez, Virginia. (Ed.), Language and Cognitive Development in Second Language Learning: Educational Implications for Children and Adults

Hadley, Alice Omaggio, Teaching Language in Context

Nerenz, Anne (Ed.), Standards for a New Century

Sanderson, Paul, Using Newspapers in the Classroom

Shrum, Judith L., & Glisan, Eileen, Teacher’s Handbook: Contextualized Language Instruction

Toohey, Kelleen, Learning English at School: Identity, Social Relations and Classroom Practice

Enjolras, Laurence, Ce qui se conçoit bien...

Dollenmayer, David B., & Hansen, Thomas S., Neue Horizonte

Dollenmayer, David B., Crocker, Ellen W., & Hansen, Thomas S., Workbook/Laboratory Manual

Maiden, Martin, & Robustelli, Cecilia, A Reference Grammar of Modern Italian

Stillman, David M., & Gordon, Ronni L., Quaderno: A Workbook for Italian Grammar and Communication

Makino, Seiichi, Hatasa, Yukiko, & Hatasa, Kazumi, Nakama 1 Japanese Communication, Culture, Context

Hatasa, Yukiko, Hatasa, Kazumi & Makino, Seiichi Nakama 2 Japanese Communication, Culture, Context

Cubillos, Jorge H, Temas: Spanish for the Global Community

Shook, David, & Noverr, Andy, Temas: Spanish for the Global Community: Cuaderno de ejercicios y manual de laboratorio

Guntermann, Gail (Ed.), Teaching Spanish with the Five C’s: A Blueprint for Success

Pountain, Christopher J., & De Carlos, Teresa, Practicing Spanish Grammar

Cameron, Keith. (Ed.), CALL Media, Design and Applications

Warschauer, Mark, & Kern, Richard(Eds.), Network‐Based Language Teaching: Concepts and Practice
MLJ Reviews
Authors: Liskin‐Gasparro Judith E.
Published: August 2007

Books reviewe:

Archibald, John. (Ed.) Second Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory

Griffiths, Griff, & Kathy Keohane Personalizing Language Learning

Johnstone, Barbara Qualitative Methods in Sociolinguistics

Markee, Numa Conversation Analysis

Schmitt, Norbert Vocabulary in Language Teaching

Titscher, Stefan, Michael Meyer, Ruth Wodak, & Eva Vetter Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis

Unsworth, Len. (Ed.) Researching Language in Schools and Communities: Functional Linguistic Perspectives

Webb, John B., & Barbara L. Miller Teaching Heritage Language Learners: Voices from the Classroom

Packard, Jerome L The Morphology of Chinese: A Linguistic and Cognitive Approach.

Yip, Virginia, & Stephen Matthews Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook

Yip, Virginia, & Stephen Matthews Intermediate Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook

Amossy, Ruth L'argumentation dans le discours

Battye, Adrian, Marie‐Anne Hintze, & Paul Rowlett The French Language Today: A Linguistic Introduction

Booth, Trudie Maria French Phonetics: A Guide to Correct Pronunciation of French

Petit, Bernard A French City Speaks

Klein Gunnewiek, Lisanne Sequenzen und Konsequenzen: Zur Entwicklung niederländischer Lerner im Deutschen als Fremdsprache

Hervey, Sándor, Ian Higgins, Stella Cragie, & Patrizia Gambarotta Thinking Italian Translation. A Course in Translation Method: Italian to English

Nazarenko, Alla, & Keith Rawson‐Jones Passport to Russia

Butt, John, & Carmen Benjamin A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish

Gac‐Artigas, Priscilla, & Gustavo Gac‐Artigas Directo al grano: A Complete Reference Manual for Spanish Grammar

Salaberri, Ramiro, & María Sagrario Lingüística aplicada a la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras.

Windeatt, Scott, David Hardisty, & David Eastment The Internet

Brindley, Geoff. (Ed.) Studies in Immigrant English Language AssessmentVolume 1
MLJ Reviews
Authors: Liskin‐Gasparro Judith E.
Published: August 2007

Books reviews:

Bacon, Susan M., Nancy A. Humbach, Aitor Bikandi–Mejias, & Gregg O. Courtad. Leyendas del mundo hispano

Baldauf, Richard B., Jr., & Robert B. Kaplan. (Eds.). Language Planning in Nepal, Taiwan and Sweden

Cho, Young–Mee, Sang–Lee Hyo, Carol Schulz, Ho–Min Sohn, & Sung–Ock Sohn. Integrated Korean: Beginning 1

Crowner, David, & Klaus Lill. Arbeitsbuch: Zum Lesen und Schreiben

Crowner, David, & Klaus Lill. Impulse: Kommunikatives Deutsch für die Mittelstufe 2nd ed.

Crowner, David, & Klaus Lill. Instructor’s Resource Manual (with test cassette)

Crowner, David, & Klaus Lill. Radiomagazin Impulse.

Crowner, David, & Klaus Lill. Video Impulse.

Durrell, Martin. Using German Synonyms

Hachenburger, Petra, & Paul Jackson. Topics, Questions, Keywords: A Handbook for Students of German.

Hall, Joan Kelly, & Lorrie Stoops Verplaetse. (Eds.). Second and Foreign Language Learning through Classroom Interaction.

Heine, Bernd, & Derek Nurse. (Eds.). Review of African Languages: An Introduction.

Huebner, Thom, & Kathryn A. Davis. (Eds.). Sociopolitical Perspectives on Language Policy and Planning in the USA.

Kagan, Olga, & Benjamin Rifkin, with Susan Bauckus. (Eds.). The Learning and Teaching of Slavic Languages and Cultures.

Kaplan, Robert B., & Richard B. Baldauf, Jr. (Eds.). Language Planning in Malawi, Mozambique and the Philippines.

Kim, Nam–Kil. Modern Korean: An Intermediate Reader.

Larsen–Freeman, Diane. Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. 2nd ed.

Lee, Dong Jae, Sookeun Cho, Miseon Lee, Min Sun Song, & William O’Grady. (Eds.). Studies on Korean in Community Schools.

Noble, Judith, & Jaime Lacasa. Introduction to Quechua: Language of the Andes.

Norton, Bonny. Identity and Language Learning: Gender, Ethnicity, and Educational Change.

Pachler, Norbert. (Ed.). Teaching Modern Foreign Languages at Advanced Level.

Pugh, Stefan M., & Ian Press. Ukrainian: A Comprehensive Grammar.

Schulz, Carol. Integrated Korean Workbook: Beginning 1.

Silva, Rosângela. Critical Languages Series/Beginning Brazilian Portuguese.

Skutnabb–Kangas, Tove. Linguistic Genocide in Education—or Worldwide Diversity and Human Rights?

Swierzbin, Bonnie, Frank Morris, Michael A. Anderson, Carol A. Klee, & Elaine Tarone. (Eds.). Social and Cognitive Factors in Second Language Acquisition: Selected Proceedings of the 1999 Second Language Research Forum.

Whitley, M. Stanley, & Luis González. Gramática para la composición.
The impact of length‐variable data and alignment criterion on the phylogeny of Decapodiformes (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)
Authors: Lindgren Annie R. , Daly Marymegan
Published: August 2007

In molecular phylogenetics, mode of analysis is typically the primary reason cited for obtaining different topologies. However, sequence alignment is as important in determining topology as analytical method or optimality criterion, particularly for length‐variable sequences. We investigate the effect of alignment strategy and parameters in an analysis of length‐variable 18S rDNA sequences from 41 oceanic squids (Decapodiformes), focusing particularly on the impact of including variable regions on the resulting topology. Decapodiformes are an enigmatic group of molluscs whose evolutionary relationships remain unclear because standard molecular analyses have continued to produce poorly supported or poorly resolved trees, possibly due to elevated levels of molecular evolution. We find that alignment strategy (Clustal X versus POY) has a greater affect on topology than does parameter choice. Some groups were robust to shifts in methodology, including cuttlefishes (Sepiidae), bobtail squids (Sepiolidae) and pygmy squids (Idiosepiidae). No alignment strategy supported the monophyly of Oegopsida, although Myopsida did consistently form a monophyletic group. The variable regions consistently provided more well‐supported and well‐resolved trees than the conserved regions alone, indicating the phylogenetic importance of including length‐variable data.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Leaf phenology and carbon dynamics in six leguminous trees
Authors: Richer R. A.
Published: August 2007

I documented photosynthetic rates and seasonal stem total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in six leguminous tree species Burkea africana, Baikiaea plurijuga, Erythrophleum africanum, Guibourtia coleosperma, Julbernardia globiflora and Pterocarpus angolensis exhibiting a range of leaf phenological patterns. My goal was to (i) measure photosynthetic characteristics and levels of stored stem carbohydrates in species with varying patterns of leaf phenology and (ii) determine seasonal patterns of stem carbohydrate storage.

Despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover between the six species, there were no significant differences in maximum photosynthetic rate, quantum efficiency or light saturation point between species. Similarly, there was no significant difference in seasonal mean stem TNC levels despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover both between species and within a single species. However, while the average amount of TNC does not seem to be related to leaf phenology, the patterns of carbohydrate use and storage do seem to be related to leaf phenology.
Intraoperative cytology (squash smear) in neurosurgical practice – pitfalls in diagnosis experience based on 3057 samples from a single institution
Authors: Goel D. , Sundaram C. , Paul T. R. , Uppin S. G. , Prayaga A. K. , Panigrahi M. K. , Purohit A. K.
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  The smear technique is challenging for a neuropathologist where rapid and accurate diagnosis is to be given on small biopsies. The present study, a large retrospective analysis of squash smears in neurosurgical practice, was conducted to assess the usefulness, accuracy and the diagnostic pitfalls of smear diagnosis.

Methods:  The authors analysed 3057 central nervous system (CNS) lesions sent for intraoperative cytology (IC) during the years 1988–2005. The stain used was 1% alcoholic toluidine blue. The smear diagnosis was compared with the histological diagnosis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy.

Results:  Diagnostic accuracy irrespective of lesion and site ranged from 83.0% to 86.0% per year (mean=85%). The highest rate of correlation among common brain tumours was noted in schwannoma (96.6%) and pituitary adenoma (92.2%), followed by meningiomas (88.9%), astrocytomas (88.4%), chordomas (86.4%) and neurocytomas (86.9%). Infections as a whole contributed 380 cases. The most common infection was tuberculosis.

Conclusion:  This is the largest series reported from India to the best of our knowledge. Squash smear technique is a very reliable and rapid method of intraoperative diagnosis. Knowledge of clinical and neuroimaging details helps the experienced neuropathologist to improve the diagnostic accuracy.
The Austral floristic realm revisited
Authors: Moreira‐Muñoz A.
Published: August 2007

The classification of the Earth’s flora into floristic regions has been the major goal of plant geography since the 19th century. A detailed revision of 19th and 20th century classifications is presented herein, with particular emphasis on the delimitation of the Austral floristic realm. A comparison between Chile, New Zealand, and the Cape Floristic Region is made at the genus level. Using the vascular flora of these biogeographical regions, the analysis revises previous attempts to define the Austral realm, while also assessing differences made by changes in taxonomic delimitations from recent molecular phylogenetic studies. The results indicate that the Austral floristic realm can nowadays be better described as a circum‐Antarctic generalized track, composed of some 60 genera and 15 families restricted to South America and Australasia, possibly including South Africa.
Prevalence of intellectual disability: a comprehensive study based on national registers
Authors: Westerinen H. , Kaski M. , Virta L. , Almqvist F. , Iivanainen M.
Published: August 2007

Background  Based on standard social benefit registers, the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) in Finland is estimated to be 0.6%, while epidemiological surveys yield 1.1%. Combining several registers, our aim was to find a more reliable estimate of the prevalence of ID, especially among children and adolescents. This is important when special or inclusive general services are planned to meet the various needs of people with ID.

Method  A survey based on eight national health and social benefit registers.

Results  Combining different registers yielded a mean ID prevalence of 0.70% (95% CI 0.69–0.70%), with marked differences according to sex and age group (range 0.38–0.96%). Capture–recapture analysis gave higher prevalence estimates (range 0.57–1.08%).

Conclusions  When several health and social benefit registers are surveyed, the estimated prevalence of ID increases, approaching that obtained in epidemiological surveys.
Atypical antipsychotic medication improves aggression, but not self‐injurious behaviour, in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ruedrich S. L. , Swales T. P. , Rossvanes C. , Diana L. , Arkadiev V. , Lim K.
Published: August 2007

Objective  Atypical antipsychotic medications have largely supplanted their typical counterparts, both for psychosis and for the treatment of aggression and/or self‐injurious behaviour (SIB), in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, with the exception of risperidone, little systematic research supports their use in such persons.

Method  A retrospective review of 31 adult residents of a state developmental centre, who were treated for aggression and/or SIB with atypical antipsychotics. Average monthly counts of aggression and SIB for 1 year of treatment with typical antipsychotics, were compared with monthly averages for the next 12 months of treatment with atypical antipsychotics.

Results  Twenty‐seven of 31 subjects (87%) completed a full year of atypical antipsychotic treatment. Subjects ranged in age from 24 to 54 years (mean = 39); 18/31 (58%) had profound ID. Twelve of 26 (46%) had typical antipsychotics discontinued within the year of atypical treatment; another 7/26 (27%) had their typical antipsychotic dose decreased. Twenty‐three of 31 trials involved risperidone; 7/31 olanzapine; 1/31 quetiapine. Subjects gained an average of 6.6 pounds during the year of atypical treatment, but no significant changes in glucose or cholesterol were found. Subjects with aggression alone (N = 14) had significant decreases in the number of aggressive acts per month during the year of atypical treatment (P = 0.03); those with both aggression and self‐injury (N = 12), or those with self‐injury alone (N = 5) had no significant improvement.

Conclusion  The findings suggest that atypical antipsychotics can be successfully substituted for typical agents in individuals with ID and decrease the frequency of aggression over one year of treatment. The weight gain seen in our sample reinforces the necessity of regular monitoring of weight and metabolic changes in persons with ID treated with atypical antipsychotics.
Mitochondrial and chloroplast phylogeography of Picea crassifolia Kom. (Pinaceae) in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and adjacent highlands
Authors: MENG LIHUA , YANG RUI , ABBOTT RICHARD J. , MIEHE GEORG , HU TIANHUA , LIU JIANQUAN
Published: August 2007

The disjunct distribution of forests in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and adjacent Helan Shan and Daqing Shan highlands provides an excellent model to examine vegetation shifts, glacial refugia and gene flow of key species in this complex landscape region in response to past climatic oscillations and human disturbance. In this study, we examined maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (nad1 intron b/c and nad5 intron 1) and paternally inherited chloroplast DNA (trnC‐trnD) sequence variation within a dominant forest species, Picea crassifolia Kom. We recovered nine mitotypes and two chlorotypes in a survey of 442 individuals from 32 populations sampled throughout the species’ range. Significant mitochondrial DNA population subdivision was detected (GST = 0.512; NST = 0.679), suggesting low levels of recurrent gene flow through seeds among populations and significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST, P < 0.05). Plateau haplotypes differed in sequence from those in the adjacent highlands, suggesting a long period of allopatric fragmentation between the species in the two regions and the presence of independent refugia in each region during Quaternary glaciations. On the QTP platform, all but one of the disjunct populations surveyed were fixed for the same mitotype, while most populations at the plateau edge contained more than one haplotype with the mitotype that was fixed in plateau platform populations always present at high frequency. This distribution pattern suggests that present‐day disjunct populations on the QTP platform experienced a common recolonization history. The same phylogeographical pattern, however, was not detected for paternally inherited chloroplast DNA haplotypes. Two chlorotypes were distributed throughout the range of the species with little geographical population differentiation (GST = NST = 0.093). This provides evidence for highly efficient pollen‐mediated gene flow among isolated forest patches, both within and between the QTP and adjacent highland populations. A lack of isolation to pollen‐mediated gene flow between forests on the QTP and adjacent highlands is surprising given that the Tengger Desert has been a geographical barrier between these two regions for approximately the last 1.8 million years.
MukB colocalizes with the oriC region and is required for organization of the two Escherichia coli chromosome arms into separate cell halves
Authors: Danilova Olessia , Reyes‐Lamothe Rodrigo , Pinskaya Marina , Sherratt David , Possoz Christophe
Published: August 2007

The circular Escherichia coli chromosome is organized by bidirectional replication into two equal left and right arms (replichores). Each arm occupies a separate cell half, with the origin of replication (oriC) at mid‐cell. E. coli MukBEF belongs to the ubiquitous family of SMC protein complexes that play key roles in chromosome organization and processing. In mukBEF mutants, viability is restricted to low temperature with production of anucleate cells, reflecting chromosome segregation defects. We show that in mukB mutant cells, the two chromosome arms do not separate into distinct cell halves, but extend from pole to pole with the oriC region located at the old pole. Mutations in topA, encoding topoisomerase I, do not suppress the aberrant positioning of chromosomal loci in mukB cells, despite suppressing the temperature‐sensitivity and production of anucleate cells. Furthermore, we show that MukB and the oriC region generally colocalize throughout the cell cycle, even when oriC localization is aberrant. We propose that MukBEF initiates the normal bidirectional organization of the chromosome from the oriC region.
Leaf hydraulic conductivity and stomatal responses to humidity in amphistomatous leaves
Authors: MOTT KEITH A.
Published: August 2007

The response of stomata to changes in humidity for a single surface of an amphistomatous leaf was investigated in Xanthium strumarium and Vicia faba using gas exchange and direct observation of stomatal apertures. The stomatal response to humidity for a given surface was found to be the same whether or not the humidity for the opposite surface was changed concurrently. Stomata on the surface for which humidity was constant showed no response to changes in humidity for the opposite surface. Despite large changes in epidermal turgor on the surface for which humidity was changed, there was no change in epidermal turgor for the surface with constant humidity. Measurements of transpiration and epidermal turgor as functions of the mole fraction gradient of water between leaf and air were used to calculate a value for leaf hydraulic resistance. The results suggest that in these species, the mechanism for the stomatal response to humidity resides in the epidermis or the mesophyll very close to the epidermis, and that most of the hydraulic resistance of the leaf occurs between the xylem and the evaporating sites.
CARDIOVASCULAR AND SURVIVAL PARADOXES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Homocysteine‐Lowering Is Not a Primary Target for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Suliman Mohamed E. , Lindholm Bengt , Bárány Peter , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: August 2007

The homocysteine (Hcy) theory states that total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most frequent causes of hyperhomocysteinemia in the presence of high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is not yet any conclusive answer to the question whether Hcy may contribute to, or predict, cardiovascular events or mortality in CKD patients or whether it is just an innocent bystander biologically related to other potential risk factors for CVD. Moreover, tHcy levels in CKD are influenced by several commonly occurring confounding factors, such as inflammation and protein‐energy wasting (PEW). These factors are also associated with morbidity and mortality and altogether this may explain why Hcy does not show up as a cardiovascular risk but in fact is reversely associated with clinical outcome. Thorough evaluation of such reverse association may not necessarily imply that the principles of Hcy being a contributor to vascular pathophysiology are different in CKD patients but rather indicate that other superimposed factors, such as PEW and inflammation, are more important. These confounders contribute significantly to the unacceptably high mortality rate in this patient population and may require nutritional and anti‐inflammatory interventions to improve clinical outcome. So far, the results of recent folic acid intervention trials do not support the use of folic acid supplementation for lowering tHcy and improving survival in CKD patients. Although we are still waiting for the results from several ongoing controlled randomized trials in this area, future studies are needed to evaluate if thiol‐exchange agents, besides folic acid, as part of a future multifactorial intervention regime targeting inflammation, PEW, oxidative stress as well as hyperhomocysteinemia may decrease CVD risk in this high‐risk patient population.
An extensive polymerase chain reaction–allele‐specific polymorphism strategy for clinical ABO blood group genotyping that avoids potential errors caused by null, subgroup, and hybrid alleles
Authors: Hosseini‐Maaf Bahram , Hellberg Åsa , Chester M. Alan , Olsson Martin L.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: ABO genotyping is complicated by the remarkable diversity at the ABO locus. Recombination or gene conversion between common alleles may lead to hybrids resulting in unexpected ABO phenotypes. Furthermore, numerous mutations associated with weak subgroups and nondeletional null alleles should be considered. All known ABO genotyping methods, however, risk incorrect phenotype predictions if any such alleles are present.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An extensive set of allele‐specific primers was designed to accomplish hybrid‐proof multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA fragments for detection of ABO alleles. Results were compared with serologic findings and ABO genotypes defined by previously published PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism/PCR–allele‐specific polymorphism (ASP) methods or DNA sequencing.

RESULTS: Phenotypically well‐characterized samples from blood donors with common blood groups and rare‐subgroup families were analyzed. In addition to the commonly encountered alleles (A1, A1(467C>T), A2, B, O1, O1v, and O2), the new method can detect hybrid alleles thanks to long‐range amplification across intron 6. Four of 12 PCR‐ASP procedures are used to screen for multiple infrequent subgroup and null alleles. This concept allows for a low‐resolution typing format in which the presence of, for example, a weak subgroup or cis‐AB/B(A) is indicated but not further defined. In an optional high‐resolution step, more detailed genotype information is obtained.

CONCLUSION: A new genotyping approach has been developed and evaluated that can correctly identify ABO alleles including nondeletional null alleles, subgroups, and hybrids resulting from recombinational crossing‐over events between exons 6 and 7. This approach is clinically applicable and decreases the risk for erroneous ABO phenotype prediction compared to previously published methods.
Peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization with intermediate‐dose cyclophosphamide, sequential granulocyte‐macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor and granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor, and scheduled commencement of leukapheresis in 225 patients undergoing autologous transplantation
Authors: Bashey Asad , Donohue Michael , Liu Lin , Medina Bridget , Corringham Sue , Ihasz Anita , Carrier Ewa , Castro Januario E. , Holman Peter R. , Xu Ronghui , Law Ping , Ball Edward D. , Lane Thomas A.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Interpatient variability in the kinetics of peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization is commonly seen with conventional chemotherapy‐based mobilization regimens. This necessitates the availability of leukapheresis (LP) facilities 7 days a week.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The efficacy of an approach where LP was invariably commenced on Day 11 after intermediate‐dose cyclophosphamide followed by sequential administration of granulocyte‐macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) and granulocyte–CSF (Cy/GM/G) was retrospectively analyzed in 225 consecutive, unselected patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for all diagnoses other than acute leukemia at our center. Cy/GM/G was scheduled to avoid weekend LP.

RESULTS: After Cy/GM/G, a CD34+ cell yield of at least 2.0 × 106 per kg was achieved in 90.7 percent of patients. Optimal yield (OY; ≥5 × 106 or 10 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg depending on diagnosis) was achieved in 67.6 percent of patients. Only three patients (1.3%) required LP on Saturday or Sunday. Febrile neutropenia (FN) was encountered in 5.3 percent. PBPC yield was highest on Day 1 of LP (p  < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, platelet (PLT) count on Day 1 of LP (PLT‐D1LP) was positively associated with achievement of OY (p  < 0.001). PLT‐D1LP and diagnosis of myeloma were associated with a shorter time to achieve a CD34+ cell yield of at least 5 × 106 per kg (p  < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Cy/GM/G with scheduled LP commencement on Day 11 enables optimal CD34+ cell yields in most patients undergoing autologous transplantation, despite a low risk of FN and avoidance of weekend LP.
Platelet and red blood cell phagocytosis kinetics are differentially controlled by phosphatase activity within mononuclear cells
Authors: Aslam Rukhsana , Kim Michael , Speck Edwin R. , Seetanah Arjuna Contram , Molinski Steven , Freedman John , Semple John W.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Anti‐D treatment is effective in increasing platelet (PLT) counts in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP); however, the exact mechanism of action is unknown. Previous results have suggested that anti‐D–coated red blood cells (RBCs) affect reticuloendothelial system phagocytosis by stimulating agents (e.g., reactive oxygen species) that alter signaling pathways within the phagocyte. To address this, a flow cytometric assay was used to compare the kinetics and signaling pathways responsible for opsonized PLT and RBC phagocytosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human RBCs or PLTs were labeled with the fluorescent dye CM‐Green, opsonized with Rh immune globulin or anti‐MHC, respectively, and incubated with THP‐1 monocytes with or without signal transduction inhibitors and intracellular fluorescence was analyzed.

RESULTS: Compared with opsonized PLTs, phagocytosis of opsonized RBCs was significantly slower (p  < 0.0001) and, within 2 hours, induced a state of phagocytic refractoriness; resting the mononuclear cells (MNCs) for up to 24 hours did not rescue their ability to further mediate PLT phagocytosis. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (wortmannin, LY294002, myricetin, and quercetin), protein kinase C (staurosporine), and Syk kinase (piceatannol) inhibited both opsonized RBC and opsonized PLT phagocytosis. In contrast, opsonized RBC phagocytosis was significantly (p  < 0.0001) enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenyl arsine oxide, whereas PLT phagocytosis was significantly reduced (p  < 0.0001). Of interest, phosphatase inhibition during opsonized RBC phagocytosis induced a longer (48 hr) phagocytic refractoriness period in the MNCs.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the early kinetics and signaling events related to phosphatase activity regulate how mononuclear phagocytes engulf opsonized RBCs and induce phagocytic refractoriness for further PLT phagocytosis.
Pike predation on hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon smolts in a northern Baltic river
Authors: Kekäläinen J. , Niva T. , Huuskonen H.
Published: August 2007

Abstract –  The effect of pike Esox lucius predation on the mortality of newly stocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts was investigated in the Pyhäjoki River, Finland. The number of smolts eaten by pike was assessed by estimating the size of the pike population (mark–recapture experiment) and studying the stomach contents of pike. Before recapturing the pike, approximately 39,700 smolts were stocked upstream of the 2.5‐km‐long (89‐ha) research area. The estimated size of the >40‐cm pike population was 1507 (95% CL 1012–4731) individuals (17 pike and 29.8 kg·ha−1). Pike were estimated to eat 29% of the released smolts during 1 week. The diet of the pike in the research area consisted almost entirely of smolts, whereas in the reference area with no stocked smolts, the meal sizes were significantly smaller and the importance of smolts as prey was substantially lower. Pike <40 cm had not eaten any smolts, probably indicating a size refuge for the smolts, or alternatively fear of intraspecific interactions or cannibalism of pike.
Oral health‐related quality of life: a critical appraisalof assessment tools used in elderly people
Authors: Hebling Eduardo , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: August 2007

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to undertake a critical appraisal of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) measurements used for research in the elderly.

Background:  A variety of OHRQoL measurements have been developed in the past 20 years as a result of increased concern about the impact of oral conditions on a person’s quality of life. There is need for an assessment aimed at prioritising the recommended measurements to be used for different purposes in the elderly.

Materials and methods:  Original English language papers using measurements to assess OHRQoL in the elderly were identified from Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline and Lilacs databases. The search included all papers published from 1985 to February 2007. The criteria of assessment were: (i) measurement criteria (number of items and domains, and classification of the results found for each measurement); (ii) quantitative–qualitative criteria (frequency, acceptability, reproducibility, reliability, sensitivity and capability of being reproduced in other language versions).

Results:  In a total of 152 papers selected, 20 measurements were identified. However, only seven fulfilled all the measurement and quantitative–qualitative criteria.

Conclusion:  Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, Subjective Oral Health Status Indicators, Oral Health Impact Profile‐49, Dental Impact on Daily Living, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14, Oral Impact on Daily Performances and German Version of the Oral Heath Impact Profile were considered as instruments of choice to assess OHRQoL in the elderly. The other 13 instruments identified require further research aimed at a validation process and the use of a language other than English.
ZAP‐70 is highly expressed in most cases of childhood pre‐B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: WANDROO F. , BELL A. , DARBYSHIRE P. , PRATT G. , STANKOVIC T. , GORDON J. , LAWSON S. , MOSS P.
Published: August 2007

The tyrosine kinase ZAP‐70 plays a critical role in signal transduction in T cells and NK cells but has limited expression in primary human B cells. ZAP‐70 is, however, expressed in adult B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia where it correlates with a poor prognosis. We wished to determine if ZAP‐70 is also expressed in pediatric B cell malignancy. A quantitative PCR assay for ZAP‐70 expression was established and ZAP‐70 expression in a range of human B cell lines was compared with expression in the Jurkat T cell line. ZAP‐70 expression was then determined in bone marrow lymphoblasts obtained from 12 patients with pre‐B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ZAP‐70 expression was not detected in mature B cell lines but was detected in pre‐B cell lines at a level comparable to that seen in T cells. ZAP‐70 expression was strongly expressed in nine of the 12 cases of primary pre‐B cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The T cell‐associated protein kinase ZAP‐70 is highly expressed in pre‐B lineage cells and most cases of pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ZAP‐70 expression may hold prognostic value for pre‐B ALL and raises the prospect of a novel therapeutic target.