bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early striatal hypertrophy in first-episode psychosis within 3 weeks of initiating antipsychotic drug treatment
Authors: Chua S. E. , Deng Y. , Chen E. Y. H. , Law C. W. , Chiu C. P. Y. , Cheung C. , Wong J. C. H. , Lienenkaëmper N. , Cheung V. , Suckling J. , McAlonan G. M.
Published: August 2008

Background

We and others have reported that patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis already have significant structural brain abnormalities. Antipsychotics seem to reverse subcortical volume deficits after months of treatment. However, the early impact of medication on brain morphology is not known.

Method

Forty-eight individuals in their first episode of psychosis underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scanning. Twenty-six were antipsychotic naive and 22 were newly treated with antipsychotic medication for a median period of 3 weeks. In each group, 80% of subjects received a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The two groups were balanced for age, sex, handedness, ethnicity, height, years of education, paternal socio-economic status (SES) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score. Group differences in whole-brain grey matter were compared voxel by voxel, using Brain Activation and Morphological Mapping (BAMM) software. We also conducted testing of group differences with region-of-interest (ROI) measurements of the caudate nucleus.

Results

Relative to the untreated group, those receiving antipsychotic medication for 3–4 weeks had significantly greater grey-matter volumes in the bilateral caudate and cingulate gyri, extending to the left medial frontal gyrus. ROI analysis confirmed that, in treated patients, the right and left caudate nuclei were significantly larger by 10% (p<0.039, two-tailed) and 9% (p<0.048, two-tailed) respectively.

Conclusions

Early striatal grey-matter enlargement may occur within the first 3–4 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. Possible reasons for putative striatal hypertrophy and its implications are discussed.
FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN SOUTH TYROL (ITALY): DISTRIBUTION AND PROTECTION MEASURES OF ENDANGERED AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPE
Authors: FÜREDER L. , OBERKOFLER B. , HANEL R. , MACHINO Y.
Published: August 2008

Freshwater crayfish are among the most endangered animals in Europe. Information on freshwater crayfish in the Italian province of South Tyrol was insufficient until the recent studies on their historical and present distribution, which showed the alarming facts that only 15 standing and running waters remained as freshwater crayfish habitats, carrying the native Austropotamobius pallipes and the allochthonous Astacus astacus, Orconectes limosus, and Pacifastacus leniusculus. Still ongoing alterations or degradation of water bodies have contributed to the high degree of population decline and loss. While the exotic crayfish O. limosus and P. leniusculus could develop higher densities, most of the autochthonous A. pallipes populations were weak and consisted only of a few individuals. Three populations of A. pallipes, however, remained in a good condition, representing potential sources for recovery programs. Protection measures currently carried out in South Tyrol involve breeding, restocking and reintroduction of autochthonous A. pallipes individuals in ecological intact water bodies.
COMPILATION OF MOLECULAR DATA FOR THE PHYLOGENY OF THE GENUS AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS: ONE SPECIES OR SEVERAL?
Authors: GRANDJEAN F. , FRELON-RAIMOND M. , SOUTY-GROSSET C.
Published: August 2008

The phylogenetic relationships of the genus Austropotamobius were reviewed by the compilation of two recent genetic studies based on the partial nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial RNA 16S gene. The results showed a well-resolved phylogeny revealing four distinct clades: A1, A2, A3 and B, supported by high bootstrap values. The clades A (including A1, A2, A3) and B are separated by a high genetic divergence (5%). In accordance with morphological and nuclear data, two species could be defined: A. italicus and A. pallipes, respectively. The average of genetic divergence within the major group A and B was 2.1% ± 1.2 and 0.9% ± 0.6 respectively. Three clades A1, A2 and A3 correspond mainly to crayfish sampled from Austria-Switzerland, South of Balkans and Italy-Spain respectively. On the basis of morphological, genetic and distribution data, a new systematic - based on two species A. pallipes and A. italicus with 3 subspecies A. i. carinthiacus, A. i. carsicus and A. i. italicus - could be proposed for the white-clawed crayfish species complex. We rejected the specific status of A. berndhauseri and A. i. lusitanicus given to the Swiss and Spanish crayfish respectively.
HIGH DISPERSAL ABILITY OF AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPES REVEALED BY MICROSATELLITE MARKERS IN A FRENCH BROOK
Authors: GOUIN N. , SOUTY-GROSSET C. , ROPIQUET A. , GRANDJEAN F.
Published: August 2008

The genetic structure of a large population of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes was assessed with five microsatellite markers by sampling six sites along its extent. The level of genetic polymorphism was relatively high with a mean heterozygosity value of 0.394 for the whole population. No genetic differentiation was observed between the different sampled sites, indicating that this population was panmictic. The possibility of extensive gene flow along this brook, downstream as well as upstream, is discussed.
INTERACTION BETWEEN NATIVE AND ALIEN SPECIES OF CRAYFISH IN AUSTRIA: CASE STUDIES
Authors: PÖCKL M. , PEKNY R.
Published: August 2008

In Austria, three indigenous crayfish species occur: the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium), and the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). It is not known if Astacus leptodactylus is autochthonous in the very eastern part of Austria, near the border with Hungary and Slovakia. In other parts of Austria the Turkish crayfish has been transplanted into several gravel pits and ponds. Up to now, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is not known to occur in the wild, but can be bought alive in fish markets, restaurants, and the aquarium trade. The Nearctic spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) and the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) have been introduced since the 1970s by crayfish farmers because these species are resistant to the crayfish plague fungus (Aphanomyces astaci). There are just a few populations of O. limosus, and the species is not spreading actively. However, P. leniusculus is widespread all over Austria, and was illegally introduced from one water body to another. It can be characterized as an aggressive, invasive North American species, spreading actively and acting as a vector of the crayfish plague. Unfortunately the habitat requirements of the native noble crayfish and the alien signal crayfish are nearly the same. Case studies are given in the following chapters: the first group of examples refers to water bodies where the alien signal crayfish is most probably the cause of displacement of the indigenous noble crayfish: 1) Hintersee, 2) Irrsee (« Zeller See »), 3) north-western Lower Austria (« Waldviertel »), 4) Merzenstein (aquacultural enterprise), 5) Neufelder See. The second group of examples refers to water bodies where alien and indigenous species are able to coexist: a) the confluence of the main course of the Danube River, the Ölhafen and the Neue Donau in the southeast part of Vienna, b) the Schönauer Wasser, a backwater of the Danube River downstream Vienna, c) backwaters and ox bows of the Morava River. The differences between these two groups are analysed, and it is speculated on possible causes allowing coexistence. Some conclusions are drawn. Important actions related to the protection of native crayfish are briefly discussed.
HAZARD ANALYSIS OF EXOTIC PATHOGENS OF POTENTIAL THREAT TO EUROPEAN FRESHWATER CRAYFISH.
Authors: EDGERTON B. F.
Published: August 2008

Managers, scientists, fishermen and farmers who work with freshwater crayfish understand clearly the severe affects that the introduction of an exotic pathogen can have on freshwater crayfish populations. This acute awareness is due to the severe impact on native European freshwater crayfish of the introduction of crayfish plague fungus Aphanomyces astaci. This issue has been thoroughly covered in previous reviews. The potential impact of other pathogens on European freshwater crayfish has not been addressed. This paper presents a hazard analysis of pathogens of freshwater crayfish exotic to Europe, which is the first step of import risk analysis.
MANAGING AN ABUNDANT CRAYFISH RESOURCE FOR CONSERVATION -A. PALLIPES IN IRELAND
Authors: REYNOLDS J. D. , DEMERS A. , MARNELL F.
Published: August 2008

Irish white-clawed crayfish stocks show high genetic uniformity between systems, although individual populations usually show good heterozygosity. The inference is that they were derived from a single immigrating stock, related to those in Western France. Irish crayfish stocks occur widely and often in good numbers in lakes and streams; they are protected and rarely fished, and there are no alien species. Their use for reintroduction into depleted areas within Ireland, including Special Areas of Conservation, is examined. Irish crayfish also have potential value for restocking depleted continental locations, under stringent conditions of environmental suitability and genetic conformity.
MONITORING THE DISTRIBUTION OF CRAYFISH IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Authors: SIBLEY P. J. , BRICKLAND J. H. , BYWATER J. A.
Published: August 2008

The distribution of crayfish in England and Wales is described for the period 1997 to 2001 inclusive and is illustrated using a catchment based classification scheme and 10-km square maps. Comparison with previous data from the period 1990 to 1996 shows a decrease in the number of catchments where the native crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, is present. Conversely there has been an increase in the distribution of non-native species, notably Pacifastacus leniusculus, which is now more widely distributed than A. pallipes (according to presence within 10-km squares of the Ordnance Survey National Grid of England and Wales). The Environment Agency is the main environmental regulator in England and Wales, and plays a key role in gathering crayfish survey data. A co-ordinated programme of monitoring and reporting, ideally involving partner organisations, should be utilised to accurately reflect the changing status of crayfish in these countries. Crayfish survey data is currently recorded on a series of local databases within the Agency, and records are also stored on a national freshwater invertebrate archive used primarily for water quality monitoring purposes. Records generated by other groups and individuals are collated by the Biological Records Centre, with whom the Environment Agency has established links, and the need for a dedicated national database has been expressed by many workers. One area currently under development involves the National Biodiversity Network, a medium for sharing wildlife information via the internet, founded by a consortium of statutory and conservation organisations.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, YIELD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT OF THE NOBLE CRAYFISH ASTACUS ASTACUS IN LAKE STEINSFJORDEN
Authors: SKURDAL J. , GARNÅS E. , TAUGBØL T.
Published: August 2008

Lake Steinsfjorden is the most important noble crayfish locality in Norway. The crayfish population has been monitored annually since 1979 including data on total trapping effort, yield and population composition before and after the catching season.

The harvest has ranged from 0.7-4.7 kg.ha-1. The catch per trap night decreased prior to 1991 and the yield was reduced by some 50% over the years 1987-1992 as compared to 1979-1986. This was due to removal of small crayfish, high exploitation and the establishment of dense stands of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis).

Baited traps catch a large fraction of crayfish < 95 mm total length minimum size. These should according to the regulations immediately be released into the lake. However, it is apparent from the size composition that release of these small crayfish was rather incomplete. In 1983, trap mesh size was increased from 17.5 mm to 21 mm to reduce the fraction of undersized crayfish in the trap catches, yet no effects of this increased mesh size on crayfish size distribution were observed. The legal season has been reduced three times during the study period. In 1983, the closing date was changed from 31 December to 15 September. In 1989 the legal season was further reduced to two weeks and finally in 1995 to 10 days. This reduced total trap effort by 45%. The shorter season allow many crayfish to moult twice instead of once between seasons and the fraction of large crayfish has thus increased and so has the catch per trap night. Canadian pondweed has established dense annual stands and thus has made large parts of the shallow areas unsuitable for crayfish, causing an overall decrease in crayfish population size and production.
ROUNDTABLE SESSION 4A: MANAGEMENT: REINTRODUCTIONS AND RESTOCKING.
Authors: SCHULZ R. , STUCKI T. , SOUTY-GROSSET C.
Published: August 2008

The present paper summarizes the outcome of a roundtable discussion on reintroductions or restocking as a management strategy for native European crayfish, which took place during the European Crayfish conference in Poitiers, France in September 2001.

Aspects related to the suitability of the target habitat, the stocking material and the stocking procedure itself are important to consider during any reintroduction measure: Apart from general water quality and structural parameters, a suitable habitat is ideally geographically isolated from other surface waters and human activities such as intensive fishing pressure. However, it is of striking importance to make sure that the target habitat is free of crayfish plague, e.g. by experimental in situ exposure of native specimens. Overexploitation should be avoided if the stocking material originates from other surface waters and genetic aspects should be considered in stocking material originating from both natural surface waters and crayfish farms. Information for the stocking procedure itself are summarized from experiences gathered in various European countries.

As an overall result of the discussion, the following three key questions related to reintroductions of native crayfish arised: 1. Why are the native crayfish not present (anymore) in the target habitat? 2. Do native crayfish survive in situ exposure as a test for crayfish plague? 3. Is the reintroduction or restocking measure successful in establishing a self-sustaining stock of native crayfish?
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION OF OCCASIONAL MORTALITY IN THE POPULATION OF FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN THE PICOS DE EUROPA (ASTURIAS, SPAIN)
Authors: ROYO F. , GONZALEZ-CIENFUEGOS G. , MUZQUIZ J. L.
Published: August 2008

Factors associated with mortality in a population of Austropotamobius italicus, formerly A. pallipes lusitanicus, were monitored during two years in the Natural Park of Picos de Europa. Dead crayfish were submitted to the laboratory for analysis. No mass mortalities occurred during these two years. The number of mortalities was not constant throughout the year, with highest levels observed in May-June and November-December. Over the rest of the year mortality remained low. A high proportion of dead crayfish displayed signs of predation, mainly observed during the months of November and December. Other causes associated with mortality were storms and the process of moulting, especially in June. The presence of Saprolegnia in females during the reproduction season was also observed. Symptoms of Porcelain disease, or the presence of Psorospermium, were not observed during this study.
YEAR CYCLE OF AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS TORRENTIUM (SCHRANK) IN STREAMS ON MEDVEDNICA MOUNTAIN (CROATIA).
Authors: MAGUIRE I. , ERBEN R. , KLOBUČAR G. I.V. , LAJTNER J.
Published: August 2008

We studied life cycle of stone crayfish for 18 months in three streams on Medvednica Mountain, located above city of Zagreb. Sampling of animals was carried out with baited traps twice a month and various physiological functions were recorded. Sex ratio of trapped crayfish was 1:1, but it fluctuated during the year. Animals were active from early spring until the beginning of November when their activities significantly decreased. In this period we noticed three peaks of higher activity. The first one after winter starvation in March, the second one after egg hatching (June/July) and the third one during mating period (end of September - beginning of November). The maximal recorded weight for female was 38 g while the heaviest male was 55 g. The longest female was 9.28 cm and male 10.30 cm. Development of glair glands started from the end of July, mating occurred at the end of October and the juveniles hatched until mid-June. Freshly moulted animals were found from mid-May until mid-October. Main injuries were claw and limb loss. We noticed the presence of burn spot disease and Branchiobdella parasita Henle within studied populations. Correlation with five different physico-chemical parameters of water showed that animals’ activity is positively correlated to water temperature, conductivity, pH and hardness and negatively to oxygen concentration.
Modelling copper uptake by Saccostrea glomerata with diffusive gradients in a thin film measurements
Authors: Jordan Mark A. , Teasdale Peter R. , Dunn Ryan J. K. , Lee Shing Y.
Published: August 2008

Environmental context. Organisms, like commercially available rock oysters, can be used to measure the uptake of contaminants (e.g. trace metals) and thereby provide a relative measure of water quality between sites or of water quality changes over time. However, these measurements cannot be directly compared with water quality guidelines, which require water concentrations and not tissue concentrations, to provide an absolute indication of water quality. The present study found that the amount of copper accumulated in oyster tissue was proportional to water copper concentrations measured by passive sampler devices, thereby allowing oyster copper accumulation to be interpreted in terms of biologically-available copper water concentrations and to be compared with the water quality guidelines.
Abstract. Copper bioaccumulation in transplanted oysters, Saccostrea glomerata, was compared with measurements of water concentrations. Tissue copper measurements were positively correlated with acid-soluble copper concentrations (n = 6, r = 0.874, P = 0.023) and with DGT (diffusive gradients in a thin film)-accumulated copper mass at two sites (n = 9, r = 0.967, P < 0.001; n = 9, r = 0.888, P = 0.001) where continual bioaccumulation occurred. The more significant correlations are likely due to the time-integrated nature of DGT measurements, despite the biomonitor measuring different copper species. This empirical relationship allowed S. glomerata-available copper concentrations (0.70–1.6 μg L–1) to be modelled across 14 sites and produced a highly significant correlation (r = 0.787, P = 0.001) with DGT-labile copper measurements (0.10–0.49 μg L–1). This approach allowed biomonitor measurements to be compared with water quality guidelines and would further expand the use of biomonitors for aquatic monitoring if widely replicated.
Binding of vapour-phase mercury (Hg0) on chemically treated bauxite residues (red mud)
Authors: Hutson Nick D. , Attwood Brian C.
Published: August 2008

Environmental context. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic, persistent pollutant that accumulates in the food chain. Atmospheric Hg is a global problem with many sources of emissions, of which anthropogenic sources are estimated to account for approximately one-third. Stationary combustion (coal combustion, municipal waste incinerators, etc.) are the largest worldwide sources of anthropogenic Hg emissions, and great effort has been taken to develop control technologies for capture of mercury from these sources. In the present study, Hg capture using bauxite residue (red mud) – a waste product from the aluminium industry – is evaluated and compared with other, more conventional sorbent materials.
Abstract. The development and testing of novel control technologies and advanced adsorbent materials continue to be active areas of research. In the present study, Hg capture using adsorbent material derived from the bauxite residue (red mud) from two North American refineries was studied. The red mud, seawater-neutralised red mud, and acid-treated red mud were evaluated for their mercury adsorption capacity and compared with other, more conventional sorbent materials. Two different seawater-neutralised red mud (Bauxsol) samples were treated with HCl and HBr in an effort to increase the mercury sorption capacity. In all cases, the acid treatment resulted in a significant increase in the total surface area and an increase in the total pore volume. The fixed-bed mercury capture experimental results showed that the HBr activation treatment was very effective at increasing the mercury capture performance of both Bauxsol samples whereas the HCl treatment had no effect on the mercury capture performance. Entrained-flow experiments revealed that the Br-Bauxsol was not effective for in-flight mercury capture. This indicates that the mechanism of mercury capture is likely mass-transfer-limited in the entrained-flow experiments.
Coupling between dimethylsulfide emissions and the ocean - atmosphere exchange of ammonia
Authors: Johnson M. T. , Bell T. G.
Published: August 2008

Environmental context. Dimethylsulfide (DMS) is recognised as a potentially significant climate-forcing gas, owing to its role in particle and cloud formation in the marine atmosphere, where it is the dominant source of acidity. Ammonia, the dominant naturally occurring base in the atmosphere, plays an important role in neutralising particles formed from DMS oxidation products and may even enhance the formation rate of new particles. A biogeochemical coupling has previously been proposed between DMS and ammonia fluxes from the ocean to the atmosphere, in the form of coproduction of the two gases in seawater. We revise this suggestion by introducing the concept of ‘co-emission’ of the gases, where DMS emission controls the rate of emission of ammonia from the ocean by acidifying the atmosphere.

Abstract. A strong correlation between aerosol ammonium and non-sea salt sulfate is commonly observed in the remote marine boundary layer. It has been suggested that this relationship implies a biogeochemical linkage between the nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) cycles at the cellular biochemical level in phytoplankton in the ocean, or a linkage in the atmosphere (see P. S. Liss and J. N. Galloway, Interactions of C, N, P and S biogeochemical cycles and global change (Springer, 1993), and P. K. Quinn et al. in J. Geophys. Res. – Atmos.
1990, 95). We argue that an oceanic linkage is unlikely and draw on mechanistic and observational evidence to make the argument that the atmospheric connection is based on simple physical chemistry. Drawing on an established analogous concept in terrestrial trace gas biogeochemistry, we propose that any emission of dimethylsulfide (DMS) from the ocean will indirectly influence the flux of NH3 from the ocean, through the neutralisation of acidic DMS oxidation products and consequent lowering of the partial pressure of NH3 in the atmosphere. We present a simple numerical model to investigate this hypothesised phenomenon, using a parameterisation of the rate and thermodynamics of gas-to-particle conversion of NHx and explicitly modelled ocean–atmosphere NH3 exchange. The model indicates that emission of acidic sulfur to the atmosphere (e.g. as a product of DMS oxidation) may enhance the marine emission of NH3. It also suggests that the ratio of ammonium to non-sea salt sulfate in the aerosol phase is strongly dependent on seawater pH, temperature and wind speed – factors that control the ocean–atmosphere ammonia flux. Therefore, it is not necessary to invoke a stoichiometric link between production rates of DMS and ammonia in the ocean to explain a given ammonium to non-sea salt sulfate ratio in the aerosol. We speculate that this mechanism, which can provide a continuous resupply of ammonia to the atmosphere, may be involved in a series of biogeochemical-climate feedbacks.
Monoecious Nitella species (Characeae, Charophyta) from south-eastern mainland Australia, including Nitella paludigena sp. nov.
Authors: Casanova Michelle T. , Karol Kenneth G.
Published: August 2008

Identification of Australian species of Nitella is problematic. Several species of monoecious Nitella have been described from south-eastern mainland Australia, but identification of these based on current treatments has been difficult. In response to the discovery of a new monoecious Nitella from the swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, the monoecious species of Nitella from south-eastern mainland Australia were examined and compared. N. paludigena M.T.Casanova & K.G.Karol is distinguished from other monoecious species on the basis of its overall vegetative morphology and oospore morphology. N. paludigena is found in peaty tea-tree (Leptospermum sp) swamps on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, and in the south-west of Victoria. A description of the morphology and ecology of the five monoecious Nitella species from south-eastern mainland Australia is given, along with a key.
Elaeocarpus sedentarius sp. nov. (Elaeocarpaceae)—morphometric analysis of a new, rare species from eastern Australia
Authors: Maynard David , Crayn Darren , Rossetto Maurizio , Kooyman Robert , Coode Mark
Published: August 2008

To assess the status of a putative new species of Elaeocarpus L. (Elaeocarpaceae) from north-eastern New South Wales (NSW), with respect to the morphologically similar E. blepharoceras Schltr. from New Guinea, we undertook morphometric analysis of 11 vegetative attributes measured on 11 specimens of the putative new species and eight of E. blepharoceras. Cluster analysis (flexible UPGMA) and ordination (PCC) separates highland specimens of E. blepharoceras from the NSW material plus lowland E. blepharoceras. Furthermore, the ordination shows some separation of the NSW material into Koonyum Range and Nightcap Range groups. Although it is not clearly differentiated from lowland E. blepharoceras on morphometric analysis, description of the NSW material as E. sedentarius D.J.Maynard & Crayn is justified by (1) additional features such as the anther awns (short and sparsely hairy in E. sedentarius and much longer and densely bristly in E. blepharoceras), variation in the number of locules (3(–4) in E. sedentarius and (2–)3 in E. blepharoceras), leaf margin features (short setae terminating veins on leaf margins of E. blepharoceras, lacking in E. sedentarius) and (2) geographic isolation (>2000 km) is likely to prevent gene flow. The distribution, relationships and conservation status of E. sedentarius are discussed.
Agathis (Araucariaceae) macrofossils from Cainozoic sediments in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Hill Robert S. , Lewis Tom , Carpenter Raymond J. , Whang Sung Soo
Published: August 2008

Organically preserved Cainozoic leaf fossils previously referred to Agathis are re-examined, and in all cases their affinity with that genus is confirmed. Previously undescribed organically preserved leaf fossils from several Cainozoic sites in south-eastern Australia are compared with Agathis and Wollemia and two new species of Agathis are described. Intraspecific variation in leaf cuticle morphology is examined in extant A. macrophylla in particular, and is found to be much higher than previously recorded. This makes assignment of fossil Agathis leaves to species difficult, especially when only leaf fragments are available. The new fossils extend the record of organically preserved Agathis macro-remains back to the Late Paleocene, but do not significantly extend the known spatial distribution.
Pseudanthium development in Calycopeplus paucifolius, with particular reference to the evolution of the cyathium in Euphorbieae (Euphorbiaceae - Malpighiales)
Authors: Prenner Gerhard , Hopper Stephen D. , Rudall Paula J.
Published: August 2008

The morphology and development of flowers and pseudanthia of Calycopeplus paucifolius are described in detail in the context of recent molecular phylogenies of the tribe Euphorbieae and a recent comparative developmental analysis of other taxa within this tribe. Calycopeplus resembles subtribes Neoguillauminiinae and Anthosteminae in some respects (dichasial formation of male flowers within male partial inflorescences, late formation of a constriction in male and female flowers and early formation of a female perianth), but resembles Dichostemma (subtribe Anthosteminae) in possessing only four male partial inflorescences. Calycopeplus and all other Euphorbieae possess only three carpels, except Dichostemma, which has four carpels per female flower. The studied species differs from the closely related Neoguillauminia cleopatra (subtribe Neoguillauminiinae) in that only four nectaries are formed, situated on the rim of the cuplike involucre (in Neoguillauminia 8–10 nectaries arise directly from the base of the pseudanthium). In contrast to all other studied Euphorbieae with trimerous gynoecia, the unpaired carpel of C. paucifolius is oriented in an upper/adaxial position (it lies in the lower/abaxial position in all other studied taxa). On the basis of these results we discuss possible pathways of cyathium evolution and the role of the cyathium as a possible key innovation within Euphorbieae. ‘Calycopeplus is as perfect an example of a connecting link as a morphologist may wish for.’ (Croizat 1937, p. 404)
MS3D structural elucidation of the HIV-1 packaging signal
Authors: Yu Eizadora T. , Hawkins Arie , Eaton Julian , Fabris Daniele
Published: August 2008

The structure of HIV-1 Ψ-RNA has been elucidated by a concerted approach combining structural probes with mass spectrometric detection (MS3D), which is not affected by the size and crystallization properties of target biomolecules. Distance constraints from bifunctional cross-linkers provided the information required for assembling an all-atom model from the high-resolution coordinates of separate domains by triangulating their reciprocal placement in 3D space. The resulting structure revealed a compact cloverleaf morphology stabilized by a long-range tertiary interaction between the GNRA tetraloop of stemloop 4 (SL4) and the upper stem of stemloop 1 (SL1). The preservation of discrete stemloop structures ruled out the possibility that major rearrangements might produce a putative supersite with enhanced affinity for the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of the viral Gag polyprotein, which would drive genome recognition and packaging. The steric situation of single-stranded regions exposed on the cloverleaf structure offered a valid explanation for the stoichiometry exhibited by full-length Ψ-RNA in the presence of NC. The participation of SL4 in a putative GNRA loop-receptor interaction provided further indications of the plasticity of this region of genomic RNA, which can also anneal with upstream sequences to stabilize alternative conformations of the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR). Considering the ability to sustain specific NC binding, the multifaceted activities supported by the SL4 sequence suggest a mechanism by which Gag could actively participate in regulating the vital functions mediated by 5′-UTR. Substantiated by the 3D structure of Ψ-RNA, the central role played by SL4 in specific RNA-RNA and protein-RNA interactions advances this domain as a primary target for possible therapeutic intervention.
The
Drosophila
cohesin subunit
Rad21
is a
trithorax
group (trxG) protein
Authors: Hallson Graham , Syrzycka Monika , Beck Samantha A. , Kennison James A. , Dorsett Dale , Page Scott L. , Hunter Sally M. , Keall Rebecca , Warren William D. , Brock Hugh W. , Sinclair Donald A. R. , Honda Barry M.
Published: August 2008

The cohesin complex is a key player in regulating cell division. Cohesin proteins SMC1, SMC3, Rad21, and stromalin (SA), along with associated proteins Nipped-B, Pds5, and EcoI, maintain sister chromatid cohesion before segregation to daughter cells during anaphase. Recent chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) data reveal extensive overlap of
Nipped-B
and cohesin components with RNA polymerase II binding at active genes in
Drosophila
. These and other data strongly suggest a role for cohesion in transcription; however, there is no clear evidence for any specific mechanisms by which cohesin and associated proteins regulate transcription. We report here a link between cohesin components and trithorax group (
trxG
) function, thus implicating these proteins in transcription activation and/or elongation. We show that the
Drosophila
Rad21 protein is encoded by
verthandi (vtd
), a member of the
trxG
gene family that is also involved in regulating the
hedgehog
(
hh
) gene. In addition, mutations in the associated protein Nipped-B show similar
trxG
activity i.e., like
vtd
, they act as dominant suppressors of
Pc
and

hh
Mrt

without impairing cell division. Our results provide a framework to further investigate how cohesin and associated components might regulate transcription.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
orchestrates a multifaceted host cell infection by induction of autophagy, cell rounding, and then cell lysis
Authors: Burdette Dara L. , Yarbrough Melanie L. , Orvedahl Anthony , Gilpin Christopher J. , Orth Kim
Published: August 2008

The bacterial pathogen
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
utilizes a type III secretion system to cause death of host cells within hours of infection. We report that cell death is completely independent of apoptosis and occurs by a mechanism in which injection of multiple type III effectors causes induction of autophagy, cell rounding, and the subsequent release of cellular contents. Autophagy is detected by the appearance of lipidated light chain 3 (LC3) and by increases in punctae and vacuole formation. Electron microscopy reveals the production of early autophagic vesicles during infection. Consistent with phosphoinositide 3 (PI3) kinase playing a role in autophagy, treatment of infected cells with a PI3 kinase inhibitor attenuates autophagy in infected cells. Because many effectors are injected during a
V. parahaemolyticus
infection, it is not surprising that the presence of a sole PI3 kinase inhibitor does not prevent inevitable host-cell death. Our studies reveal an infection paradigm whereby an extracellular pathogen uses its type III secretion system to cause at least three parallel events that eventually result in the proinflammatory death of an infected host cell.
BAFF activates Akt and Erk through BAFF-R in an IKK1-dependent manner in primary mouse B cells
Authors: Otipoby Kevin L. , Sasaki Yoshiteru , Schmidt-Supprian Marc , Patke Alina , Gareus Ralph , Pasparakis Manolis , Tarakhovsky Alexander , Rajewsky Klaus
Published: August 2008

B cell activating factor (BAFF) signals through BAFF-R to promote mature B cell survival. Recent analyses of BAFF-induced signaling revealed direct association between augmented B cell metabolic fitness and activation of Akt, one of the key regulators of cell survival. The strongest and most reproducible induction of Akt occurs with significant delay (24 h) after BAFF treatment, where it precedes activation of anabolism. It was also recently shown that BAFF induces sustained Erk activation and increased turnover of the proapoptotic molecule Bim. Here we show that these BAFF-induced signaling pathways are mediated by BAFF-R and represent previously unknown arms of I kappa B kinase (IKK)1-dependent signaling. In combination with the known role of IKK1 in regulating transcription of prosurvival genes, our data underscore the central role of IKK1 in coordinating multiple BAFF-R-mediated signaling pathways controlling mature B cell homeostasis.
TRIM28 mediates primer binding site-targeted silencing of Lys1,2 tRNA-utilizing retroviruses in embryonic cells
Authors: Wolf Daniel , Hug Kevin , Goff Stephen P.
Published: August 2008

Murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) and related retroelements are potently restricted in embryonic cells by postintegration transcriptional silencing, likely to protect the germ line from insertional mutagenesis. This silencing is in large part attributable to the presence of a nuclear repression complex, which targets a sequence element of the proviral DNA, the repressor-binding site. The repressor-binding site closely overlaps the tRNA primer binding site, a highly conserved sequence essential for virus replication and defining the site of initiation of DNA synthesis during reverse transcription. We have recently demonstrated that the cellular corepressor TRIM28 is recruited to the proline tRNA primer-binding site used by many MLVs and is required to mediate this silencing. Here, we show that TRIM28 is also required for the restriction of retroviruses using a completely distinct tRNA for the priming of their DNA synthesis, namely Lys-1,2 tRNA. These results generalize the role of TRIM28 in retroviral restriction and suggest that this system has evolved to restrict multiple retroviruses.
High-resolution magnetic resonance histology of the embryonic and neonatal mouse: A 4D atlas and morphologic database
Authors: Petiet Alexandra E. , Kaufman Matthew H. , Goddeeris Matthew M. , Brandenburg Jeffrey , Elmore Susan A. , Johnson G. Allan
Published: August 2008

Engineered mice play an ever-increasing role in defining connections between genotype and phenotypic expression. The potential of magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) for morphologic phenotyping in the mouse has previously been demonstrated; however, applications have been limited by long scan times, availability of the technology, and a foundation of normative data. This article describes an integrated environment for high-resolution study of normal, transgenic, and mutant mouse models at embryonic and neonatal stages. Three-dimensional images are shown at an isotropic resolution of 19.5 μm (voxel volumes of 8 pL), acquired in 3 h at embryonic days 10.5–19.5 (10 stages) and postnatal days 0–32 (6 stages). A web-accessible atlas encompassing this data was developed, and for critical stages of embryonic development (prenatal days 14.5–18.5), >200 anatomical structures have been identified and labeled. Also, matching optical histology and analysis tools are provided to compare multiple specimens at multiple developmental stages. The utility of the approach is demonstrated in characterizing cardiac septal defects in conditional mutant embryos lacking theSmoothenedreceptor gene. Finally, a collaborative paradigm is presented that allows sharing of data across the scientific community. This work makes magnetic resonance microscopy of the mouse embryo and neonate broadly available with carefully annotated normative data and an extensive environment for collaborations.
Differential involvement of striosome and matrix dopamine systems in a transgenic model of dopa-responsive dystonia
Authors: Sato Kenta , Sumi-Ichinose Chiho , Kaji Ryuji , Ikemoto Kazuhisa , Nomura Takahide , Nagatsu Ikuko , Ichinose Hiroshi , Ito Masayuki , Sako Wataru , Nagahiro Shinji , Graybiel Ann M. , Goto Satoshi
Published: August 2008

Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a hereditary dystonia characterized by a childhood onset of fixed dystonic posture with a dramatic and sustained response to relatively low doses of levodopa. DRD is thought to result from striatal dopamine deficiency due to a reduced synthesis and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the synthetic enzyme for dopamine. The mechanisms underlying the genesis of dystonia in DRD present a challenge to models of basal ganglia movement control, given that striatal dopamine deficiency is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease. We report here behavioral and anatomical observations on a transgenic mouse model for DRD in which the gene for 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase is targeted to render selective dysfunction of TH synthesis in the striatum. Mutant mice exhibited motor deficits phenotypically resembling symptoms of human DRD and manifested a major depletion of TH labeling in the striatum, with a marked posterior-to-anterior gradient resulting in near total loss caudally. Strikingly, within the regions of remaining TH staining in the striatum, there was a greater loss of TH labeling in striosomes than in the surrounding matrix. The predominant loss of TH expression in striosomes occurred during the early postnatal period, when motor symptoms first appeared. We suggest that the differential striosome-matrix pattern of dopamine loss could be a key to identifying the mechanisms underlying the genesis of dystonia in DRD.
Differences in the length of the carboxyl terminus mediate functional properties of neurokinin-1 receptor
Authors: Lai Jian-Ping , Lai Saien , Tuluc Florin , Tansky Morris F. , Kilpatrick Laurie E. , Leeman Susan E. , Douglas Steven D.
Published: August 2008

The neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) has two naturally occurring forms that differ in the length of the carboxyl terminus: a full-length receptor consisting of 407 aa and a truncated receptor consisting of 311 aa. We examined whether there are differential signaling properties attributable to the carboxyl terminus of this receptor by using stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell lines that express either full-length or truncated NK1R. Substance P (SP) specifically triggered intracellular calcium increase in HEK293 cells expressing full-length NK1R but had no effect in the cells expressing the truncated NK1R. In addition, in cells expressing full-length NK1R, SP activated NF-κB and IL-8 mRNA expression, but in cells expressing the truncated NK1R, SP did not activate NF-κB, and it decreased IL-8 mRNA expression. In cells expressing full-length NK1R, SP stimulated phosphorylation of PKCδ but inhibited phosphorylation of PKCδ in cells expressing truncated NK1R. There are also differences in the timing of SP-induced ERK activation in cells expressing the two different forms of the receptor. Full-length NK1R activation of ERK was rapid (peak within 1–2 min), whereas truncated NK1R-mediated activation was slower (peak at 20–30 min). Thus, the carboxyl terminus of NK1R is the structural basis for differences in the functional properties of the full-length and truncated NK1R. These differences may provide important information toward the design of new NK1R receptor antagonists.
Sickle Red Cell–Endothelium Interactions
Authors: KAUL DHANANJAY K. , FINNEGAN EILEEN , BARABINO GILDA A.
Published: August 2008

Periodic recurrence of painful vaso‐occlusive crisis is the defining feature of sickle cell disease. Among multiple pathologies associated with this disease, sickle red cell–endothelium interaction has been implicated as a potential initiating mechanism in vaso‐occlusive events. This review focuses on various interrelated mechanisms involved in human sickle red cell adhesion. We discuss in vitro and microcirculatory findings on sickle red cell adhesion, its potential role in vaso‐occlusion, and the current understanding of receptor‐ligand interactions involved in this pathological phenomenon. In addition, we discuss the contribution of other cellular interactions (leukocytes recruitment and leukocyte–red cell interaction) to vaso‐occlusion, as observed in transgenic sickle mouse models. Emphasis is given to recently discovered adhesion molecules that play a predominant role in mediating human sickle red cell adhesion. Finally, we analyze various therapeutic approaches for inhibiting sickle red cell adhesion by targeting adhesion molecules and also consider therapeutic strategies that target stimuli involved in endothelial activation and initiation of adhesion.
Model-based analysis of interferon-β induced signaling pathway
Authors: Smieja Jaroslaw , Jamaluddin Mohammad , Brasier Allan R. , Kimmel Marek
Published: August 2008

Motivation: Interferon-β induced JAK-STAT signaling pathways contribute to mucosal immune recognition and an anti-viral state. Though the main molecular mechanisms constituting these pathways are known, neither the detailed structure of the regulatory network, nor its dynamics has yet been investigated. The objective of this work is to build a mathematical model for the pathway that would serve two purposes: (1) to reproduce experimental results in simulation of both early and late response to Interferon-β stimulation and (2) to explain experimental phenomena generating new hypotheses about regulatory mechanisms that cannot yet be tested experimentally.

Results: Experimentally determined time dependent changes in the major components of this pathway were used to build a mathematical model describing pathway dynamics in the form of ordinary differential equations. The experimental results suggested existence of unknown negative control mechanisms that were tested numerically using the model. Together, experimental and numerical data show that the epithelial JAK-STAT pathway might be subjected to previously unknown dynamic negative control mechanisms: (1) activation of dormant phosphatases and (2) inhibition of nuclear import of IRF1.

Availability: The model, written in Matlab, is available online at www.stat.rice.edu/~jsmieja/IFN

Contact:  jaroslaw.smieja@polsl.pl

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Temporal fluctuations of Y-chromosomal variation in
Bos taurus
Authors: Svensson Emma , Götherström Anders
Published: August 2008

Phylogeography has recently become more abundant in studies of demographic history of both wild and domestic species. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the intron of the Y-chromosomal gene
UTY19
displays a north–south gradient in modern cattle. Support for this geographical distribution of haplogroups has previously also been seen in ancient cattle from Germany. However, when analysing 38 historic remains of domestic bulls and three aurochs from northern Europe for this SNP we found no such association. Instead, we noted extensive amounts of temporal variation that can be attributed to transportation of cattle and late breed formation.
The effect of opinion clustering on disease outbreaks
Authors: Salathé Marcel , Bonhoeffer Sebastian
Published: August 2008

Many high-income countries currently experience large outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles despite the availability of highly effective vaccines. This phenomenon lacks an explanation in countries where vaccination rates are rising on an already high level. Here, we build on the growing evidence that belief systems, rather than access to vaccines, are the primary barrier to vaccination in high-income countries, and show how a simple opinion formation process can lead to clusters of unvaccinated individuals, leading to a dramatic increase in disease outbreak probability. In particular, the effect of clustering on outbreak probabilities is strongest when the vaccination coverage is close to the level required to provide herd immunity under the assumption of random mixing. Our results based on computer simulations suggest that the current estimates of vaccination coverage necessary to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases might be too low.