bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Metabolic Brain Networks in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Parkinsonism
Authors: Ma Yilong , Peng Shichun , Spetsieris Phoebe G , Sossi Vesna , Eidelberg David , Doudet Doris J
Published: November 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a characteristic regional metabolic covariance pattern that is modulated by treatment. To determine whether a homologous metabolic pattern is also present in nonhuman primate models of parkinsonism, 11 adult macaque monkeys with parkinsonism secondary to chronic systemic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 12 age-matched healthy animals were scanned with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). A subgroup comprising five parkinsonian and six control animals was used to identify a parkinsonism-related pattern (PRP). For validation, analogous topographies were derived from other subsets of parkinsonian and control animals. The PRP topography was characterized by metabolic increases in putamen/pallidum, thalamus, pons, and sensorimotor cortex, as well as reductions in the posterior parietal-occipital region. Pattern expression was significantly elevated in parkinsonian relative to healthy animals ( P < 0.00001). Parkinsonism-related topographies identified in the other derivation sets were very similar, with significant pairwise correlations of region weights ( r > 0.88; P < 0.0001) and subject scores ( r > 0.74; P < 0.01). Moreover, pattern expression in parkinsonian animals correlated with motor ratings ( r > 0.71; P < 0.05). Thus, homologous parkinsonism-related metabolic networks are demonstrable in PD patients and in monkeys with experimental parkinsonism. Network quantification may provide a useful biomarker for the evaluation of new therapeutic agents in preclinical models of PD.
PIGF Knockout Delays Brain Vessel Growth and Maturation upon Systemic Hypoxic Challenge
Authors: Freitas-Andrade Moises , Carmeliet Peter , Charlebois Claudie , Stanimirovic Danica B , Moreno Maria J
Published: November 2011

In this study, we have investigated the potential role of placental growth factor (PlGF) in hypoxia-induced brain angiogenesis. To this end, PlGF wild-type (PlGF+/+) and PlGF knockout (PlGF−/−) mice were exposed to whole body hypoxia (10% oxygen) for 7, 14, and 21 days. PlGF+/+ animals exhibited a significant ~40% increase in angiogenesis after 7 days of hypoxia compared with controls, while in PlGF−/− this effect only occurred after 14 days of hypoxia. No differences in pericyte/smooth muscle cell (SMC) coverage between the two genotypes were observed. After 14 days of hypoxia, PlGF−/− microvessels had a significant increase in fibrinogen accumulation and extravasation compared with those of PlGF+/+, which correlated with endothelial cell disruption of the tight junction protein claudin-5. These vessels displayed large lumens, were surrounded by reactive astrocytes, lacked both pericyte/SMC coverage and endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and regressed after 21 days of hypoxia. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression levels were found to be significantly lower in the frontal cortex of PlGF−/− compared with those in PlGF+/+ animals during the first 5 days of hypoxia, which in combination with the lack of PlGF may have contributed to the delayed angiogenic response and the prothrombotic phenotype observed in the PlGF−/−animals.
X-ray structure of the arenavirus glycoprotein GP2 in its postfusion hairpin conformation
Authors: Igonet Sébastien , Vaney Marie-Christine , Vonrhein Clemens , Bricogne Gérard , Stura Enrico A. , Hengartner Hans , Eschli Bruno , Rey Félix A.
Published: November 2011

Arenaviruses are important agents of zoonotic disease worldwide. The virions expose a tripartite envelope glycoprotein complex at their surface, formed by the glycoprotein subunits GP1, GP2 and the stable signal peptide. This complex is responsible for binding to target cells and for the subsequent fusion of viral and host-cell membranes for entry. During this process, the acidic environment of the endosome triggers a fusogenic conformational change in the transmembrane GP2 subunit of the complex. We report here the crystal structure of the recombinant GP2 ectodomain of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, the arenavirus type species, at 1.8-Å resolution. The structure shows the characteristic trimeric coiled coil present in class I viral fusion proteins, with a central stutter that allows a close structural alignment with most of the available structures of class I and III viral fusion proteins. The structure further shows a number of intrachain salt bridges stabilizing the postfusion hairpin conformation, one of which involves an aspartic acid that appears released from a critical interaction with the stable signal peptide upon low pH activation.
Deficits in reach target selection during inactivation of the midbrain superior colliculus
Authors: Song Joo-Hyun , Rafal Robert D. , McPeek Robert M.
Published: November 2011

Purposive action requires the selection of a single movement goal from multiple possibilities. Neural structures involved in movement planning and execution often exhibit activity related to target selection. A key question is whether this activity is specific to the type of movement produced by the structure, perhaps consisting of a competition among effector-specific movement plans, or whether it constitutes a more abstract, effector-independent selection signal. Here, we show that temporary focal inactivation of the primate superior colliculus (SC), an area involved in eye-movement target selection and execution, causes striking target selection deficits for reaching movements, which cannot be readily explained as a simple impairment in visual perception or motor execution. This indicates that target selection activity in the SC does not simply represent a competition among eye-movement goals and, instead, suggests that the SC contributes to a more general purpose priority map that influences target selection for other actions, such as reaches.
How infants and toddlers react to antisocial others
Authors: Hamlin J. Kiley , Wynn Karen , Bloom Paul , Mahajan Neha
Published: November 2011

Although adults generally prefer helpful behaviors and those who perform them, there are situations (in particular, when the target of an action is disliked) in which overt antisocial acts are seen as appropriate, and those who perform them are viewed positively. The current studies explore the developmental origins of this capacity for selective social evaluation. We find that although 5-mo-old infants uniformly prefer individuals who act positively toward others regardless of the status of the target, 8-mo-old infants selectively prefer characters who act positively toward prosocial individuals and characters who act negatively toward antisocial individuals. Additionally, young toddlers direct positive behaviors toward prosocial others and negative behaviors toward antisocial others. These findings constitute evidence that the nuanced social judgments and actions readily observable in human adults have their foundations in early developing cognitive mechanisms.
PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) regulates auxin biosynthesis at high temperature
Authors: Franklin Keara A. , Lee Sang Ho , Patel Dhaval , Kumar S. Vinod , Spartz Angela K. , Gu Chen , Ye Songqing , Yu Peng , Breen Gordon , Cohen Jerry D. , Wigge Philip A. , Gray William M.
Published: November 2011

At high ambient temperature, plants display dramatic stem elongation in an adaptive response to heat. This response is mediated by elevated levels of the phytohormone auxin and requires auxin biosynthesis, signaling, and transport pathways. The mechanisms by which higher temperature results in greater auxin accumulation are unknown, however. A basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4), is also required for hypocotyl elongation in response to high temperature. PIF4 also acts redundantly with its homolog, PIF5, to regulate diurnal growth rhythms and elongation responses to the threat of vegetative shade. PIF4 activity is reportedly limited in part by binding to both the basic helix-loop-helix protein LONG HYPOCOTYL IN FAR RED 1 and the DELLA family of growth-repressing proteins. Despite the importance of PIF4 in integrating multiple environmental signals, the mechanisms by which PIF4 controls growth are unknown. Here we demonstrate that PIF4 regulates levels of auxin and the expression of key auxin biosynthesis genes at high temperature. We also identify a family of
SMALL AUXIN UP RNA
(
SAU
R
) genes that are expressed at high temperature in a
PIF4
-dependent manner and promote elongation growth. Taken together, our results demonstrate direct molecular links among PIF4, auxin, and elongation growth at high temperature.
Strigolactone signaling is required for auxin-dependent stimulation of secondary growth in plants
Authors: Agusti Javier , Herold Silvia , Schwarz Martina , Sanchez Pablo , Ljung Karin , Dun Elizabeth A. , Brewer Philip B. , Beveridge Christine A. , Sieberer Tobias , Sehr Eva M. , Greb Thomas
Published: November 2011

Long distance cell-to-cell communication is critical for the development of multicellular organisms. In this respect, plants are especially demanding as they constantly integrate environmental inputs to adjust growth processes to different conditions. One example is thickening of shoots and roots, also designated as secondary growth. Secondary growth is mediated by the vascular cambium, a stem cell-like tissue whose cell-proliferating activity is regulated over a long distance by the plant hormone auxin. How auxin signaling is integrated at the level of cambium cells and how cambium activity is coordinated with other growth processes are largely unknown. Here, we provide physiological, genetic, and pharmacological evidence that strigolactones (SLs), a group of plant hormones recently described to be involved in the repression of shoot branching, positively regulate cambial activity and that this function is conserved among species. We show that SL signaling in the vascular cambium itself is sufficient for cambium stimulation and that it interacts strongly with the auxin signaling pathway. Our results provide a model of how auxin-based long-distance signaling is translated into cambium activity and suggest that SLs act as general modulators of plant growth forms linking the control of shoot branching with the thickening of stems and roots.
WolbachiastrainwMel induces cytoplasmic incompatibility and blocks dengue transmission inAedes albopictus
Authors: Blagrove Marcus S. C. , Arias-Goeta Camilo , Failloux Anna-Bella , Sinkins Steven P.
Published: November 2011

Wolbachia inherited bacteria are able to invade insect populations using cytoplasmic incompatibility and provide new strategies for controlling mosquito-borne tropical diseases, such as dengue. The overreplicatingwMelPop strain was recently shown to strongly inhibit the replication of dengue virus when introduced intoAedes aegyptimosquitoes, as well as to stimulate chronic immune up-regulation. Here we show that stable introduction of thewMel strain ofDrosophila melanogasterintoAedes albopictus, a vector of dengue and other arboviruses, abolished the transmission capacity of dengue virus-challenged mosquitoes. Immune up-regulation was observed in the transinfected line, but at a much lower level than that previously found for transinfectedAe. aegypti. Transient infection experiments suggest that this difference is related toAe. albopictusimmunotolerance ofWolbachia, rather than to theWolbachiastrain used. This study provides an example of strong pathogen inhibition in a naturallyWolbachia-infected mosquito species, demonstrating that this inhibition is not limited to naturally naïve species, and suggests that theWolbachiastrain is more important than host background for viral inhibition. Complete bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility was observed with WT strains infected with the naturally occurringAe. albopictus Wolbachia, and this provides a mechanism for introducingwMel into natural populations of this species.
Effects of pressure and temperature on the binding of RecA protein to single-stranded DNA
Authors: Merrin Jack , Kumar Pradeep , Libchaber Albert
Published: November 2011

The binding and polymerization of RecA protein to DNA is required for recombination, which is an essential function of life. We study the pressure and temperature dependence of RecA binding to single-stranded DNA in the presence of adenosine 5'-[γ-thio]triphosphate (ATP[γ-S]), in a temperature regulated high pressure cell using fluorescence anisotropy. Measurements were possible at temperatures between 5–60 °C and pressures up to 300 MPa. Experiments were performed on
Escherichia coli
RecA and RecA from a thermophilic bacteria,
Thermus thermophilus
. For
E. coli
RecA at a given temperature, binding is a monotonically decreasing and reversible function of pressure. At atmospheric pressure,
E. coli
RecA binding decreases monotonically up to 42 °C, where a sharp transition to the unbound state indicates irreversible heat inactivation.
T. thermophilus
showed no such transition within the temperature range of our apparatus. Furthermore, we find that binding occurs for a wider range of pressure and temperature for
T. thermophilus
compared to
E. coli
RecA, suggesting a correlation between thermophilicity and barophilicity. We use a two-state model of RecA binding/unbinding to extract the associated thermodynamic parameters. For
E. coli
, we find that the binding/unbinding phase boundary is hyperbolic. Our results of the binding of RecA from
E. coli
and
T. thermophilus
show adaptation to pressure and temperature at the single protein level.
Systematic control of protein interaction using a modular ER/K α-helix linker
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Sivaraj , Spudich James A.
Published: November 2011

Cellular functions of proteins are strongly influenced by their interactions with other proteins. The frequency of protein interactions is a function of the local concentration of two proteins and their affinity for one another. When two proteins are tethered together, the link between them influences their effective concentrations and therefore the frequency of their interaction. Currently no methods exist to systematically vary the effective concentration within this intramolecular interaction. Here we outline a modular, genetically encoded linker, namely, an ER/K [genetically encoded polypeptide motif based on alternating sequence of approximately four glutamic acid (E) followed by approximately four arginine (R) or lysine (K) residues] single α-helix that can be used to regulate the frequency of interaction between two proteins, or between a protein and a peptide, one at each end. We exploit the wide range of interaction affinities between calmodulin and its binding peptides, combined with FRET to determine the effect of the ER/K α-helix in regulating protein interactions. We find that increasing the length of the ER/K α-helix reduces the on rate of the intramolecular interaction without significantly affecting the off rate, regardless of the affinity of the bimolecular interaction. We outline a genetically encoded approach to determine the dissociation constant for both moderate (micromolar
K
d
) and strong (nanomolar
K
d
) protein interactions. Our studies demonstrate the use of the ER/K α-helix to systematically engineer FRET biosensors that detect changes in concentration or affinity of interacting proteins, and modulate enzyme autoinhibition. Our findings are consistent with the ER/K α-helix as a worm-like chain with rare, stochastic breaks in the helix backbone that may account for the behavior of myosin VI stepping along actin.
Multigait soft robot
Authors: Shepherd Robert F. , Ilievski Filip , Choi Wonjae , Morin Stephen A. , Stokes Adam A. , Mazzeo Aaron D. , Chen Xin , Wang Michael , Whitesides George M.
Published: November 2011

This manuscript describes a unique class of locomotive robot: A soft robot, composed exclusively of soft materials (elastomeric polymers), which is inspired by animals (e.g., squid, starfish, worms) that do not have hard internal skeletons. Soft lithography was used to fabricate a pneumatically actuated robot capable of sophisticated locomotion (e.g., fluid movement of limbs and multiple gaits). This robot is quadrupedal; it uses no sensors, only five actuators, and a simple pneumatic valving system that operates at low pressures (< 10 psi). A combination of crawling and undulation gaits allowed this robot to navigate a difficult obstacle. This demonstration illustrates an advantage of soft robotics: They are systems in which simple types of actuation produce complex motion.
Molecular classification of prostate cancer using curated expression signatures
Authors: Markert Elke K. , Mizuno Hideaki , Vazquez Alexei , Levine Arnold J.
Published: November 2011

High Gleason score is currently the best prognostic indicator for poor prognosis in prostate cancer. However, a significant number of patients with low Gleason scores develop aggressive disease as well. In an effort to understand molecular signatures associated with poor outcome in prostate cancer, we analyzed a microarray dataset characterizing 281 prostate cancers from a Swedish watchful-waiting cohort. Patients were classified on the basis of their mRNA microarray signature profiles indicating embryonic stem cell expression patterns (stemness), inactivation of the tumor suppressors p53 and PTEN, activation of several oncogenic pathways, and the TMPRSS2–ERG fusion. Unsupervised clustering identified a subset of tumors manifesting stem-like signatures together with p53 and PTEN inactivation, which had very poor survival outcome, a second group with intermediate survival outcome, characterized by the TMPRSS2–ERG fusion, and three groups with benign outcome. The stratification was validated on a second independent dataset of 150 tumor and metastatic samples from a clinical cohort at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center. This classification is independent of Gleason score and therefore provides useful unique molecular profiles for prostate cancer prognosis, helping to predict poor outcome in patients with low or average Gleason scores.
Rapid development of glycan-specific, broad, and potent anti–HIV-1 gp120 neutralizing antibodies in an R5 SIV/HIV chimeric virus infected macaque
Authors: Walker Laura M. , Sok Devin , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Donau Olivia , Sadjadpour Reza , Gautam Rajeev , Shingai Masashi , Pejchal Robert , Ramos Alejandra , Simek Melissa D. , Geng Yu , Wilson Ian A. , Poignard Pascal , Martin Malcolm A. , Burton Dennis R.
Published: November 2011

It is widely believed that the induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) response will be a critical component of a successful vaccine against HIV. A significant fraction of HIV-infected individuals mount bNAb responses, providing support for the notion that such responses could be elicited through vaccination. Infection of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or SIV/HIV chimeric virus (SHIV) has been widely used to model aspects of HIV infection, but to date, only limited bNAb responses have been described. Here, we screened plasma from 14 R5-tropic SHIV-infected macaques for broadly neutralizing activity and identified a macaque with highly potent cross-clade plasma NAb response. Longitudinal studies showed that the development of broad and autologous NAb responses occurred coincidentally in this animal. Serum-mapping studies, using pseudovirus point mutants and antigen adsorption assays, indicated that the plasma bNAbs are specific for epitopes that include carbohydrates and are critically dependent on the glycan at position 332 of Env gp120. The results described herein provide insight into the development and evolution of a broad response, suggest that certain bNAb specificities may be more rapidly induced by immunization than others, and provide a potential model for the facile study of the development of bNAb responses.
Multiple stromal populations contribute to pulmonary fibrosis without evidence for epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Rock Jason R. , Barkauskas Christina E. , Cronce Michael J. , Xue Yan , Harris Jeffrey R. , Liang Jiurong , Noble Paul W. , Hogan Brigid L. M.
Published: November 2011

There are currently few treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis. Innovations may come from a better understanding of the cellular origin of the characteristic fibrotic lesions. We have analyzed normal and fibrotic mouse and human lungs by confocal microscopy to define stromal cell populations with respect to several commonly used markers. In both species, we observed unexpected heterogeneity of stromal cells. These include numerous cells with molecular and morphological characteristics of pericytes, implicated as a source of myofibroblasts in other fibrotic tissues. We used mouse genetic tools to follow the fates of specific cell types in the bleomcyin-induced model of pulmonary fibrosis. Using inducible transgenic alleles to lineage trace pericyte-like cells in the alveolar interstitium, we show that this population proliferates in fibrotic regions. However, neither these cells nor their descendants express high levels of the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin (Acta2, aSMA). We then used a Surfactant protein C-CreER
T2
knock-in allele to follow the fate of Type II alveolar cells (AEC2) in vivo. We find no evidence at the cellular or molecular level for epithelial to mesenchymal transition of labeled cells into myofibroblasts. Rather, bleomycin accelerates the previously reported conversion of AEC2 into AEC1 cells. Similarly, epithelial cells labeled with our Scgb1a1-CreER allele do not give rise to fibroblasts but generate both AEC2 and AEC1 cells in response to bleomycin-induced lung injury. Taken together, our results show a previously unappreciated heterogeneity of cell types proliferating in fibrotic lesions and exclude pericytes and two epithelial cell populations as the origin of myofibroblasts.
In the eye of the beholder? Universality and cultural specificity in the expression and perception of emotion
Authors: Scherer Klaus R. , Clark‐Polner Elizabeth , Mortillaro Marcello
Published: November 2011

Do members of different cultures express (or “encode”) emotions in the same fashion? How well can members of distinct cultures recognize (or “decode”) each other's emotion expressions? The question of cultural universality versus specificity in emotional expression has been a hot topic of debate for more than half a century, but, despite a sizeable amount of empirical research produced to date, no convincing answers have emerged. We suggest that this unsatisfactory state of affairs is due largely to a lack of concern with the precise mechanisms involved in emotion expression and perception, and propose to use a modified Brunswikian lens model as an appropriate framework for research in this area. On this basis we provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature and point to research paradigms that are likely to provide the evidence required to resolve the debate on universality vs. cultural specificity of emotional expression. Applying this fresh perspective, our analysis reveals that, given the paucity of pertinent data, no firm conclusions can be drawn on actual expression (encoding) patterns across cultures (although there appear to be more similarities than differences), but that there is compelling evidence for intercultural continuity in decoding, or recognition, ability. We also note a growing body of research on the notion of ingroup advantage due to expression “dialects,” above and beyond the general encoding or decoding patterns. We furthermore suggest that these empirical patterns could be explained by both universality in the underlying mechanisms and cultural specificity in the input to, and the regulation of, these expression and perception mechanisms. Overall, more evidence is needed, both to further elucidate these mechanisms and to inventory the patterns of cultural effects. We strongly recommend using more solid conceptual and theoretical perspectives, as well as more ecologically valid approaches, in designing future studies in emotion expression and perception research.
The integrated global temperature change potential (iGTP) and relationships between emission metrics
Authors: Peters Glen P , Aamaas Borgar , Berntsen Terje , Fuglestvedt Jan S
Published: November 2011

The Kyoto Protocol compares greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) using the global warming potential (GWP) with a 100 yr time-horizon. The GWP was developed, however, to illustrate the difficulties in comparing GHGs. In response, there have been many critiques of the GWP and several alternative emission metrics have been proposed. To date, there has been little focus on understanding the linkages between, and interpretations of, different emission metrics. We use an energy balance model to mathematically link the absolute GWP, absolute global temperature change potential (AGTP), absolute ocean heat perturbation (AOHP), and integrated AGTP. For pulse emissions, energy conservation requires that AOHP = AGWP − iAGTP/λ and hence AGWP and iAGTP are closely linked and converge as AOHP decays to zero. When normalizing the metrics with CO2 (GWP, GTP, and iGTP), we find that the iGTP and GWP are similar numerically for a wide range of GHGs and time-horizons, except for very short-lived species. The similarity between the iGTPX and GWPX depends on how well a pulse emission of CO2 can substitute for a pulse emission of X across a range of time-horizons. The ultimate choice of emission metric(s) and time-horizon(s) depends on policy objectives. To the extent that limiting integrated temperature change over a specific time-horizon is consistent with the broader objectives of climate policy, our analysis suggests that the GWP represents a relatively robust, transparent and policy-relevant emission metric.
Seasonal Abundance and Suppression of Fruit-Piercing MothEudocima phalonia(L.) in a Citrus Orchard in Sarawak
Authors: Leong Stephen Chan Teck , Kueh Roland Jui Heng
Published: November 2011

Seasonal population of the fruit-piercing mothsEudocimaspp. was monitored throughout the citrus growing seasons in a citrus orchard and in site adjacent to secondary forest from July 2007 to June 2009. The moth was detected practically throughout the year with activity lowest during the wet months (September-February) when fruits are still available and while highest during the dry months (May-June) which also coincided with the main fruiting season. The effects of annC24 horticultural mineral oil (HMO) on the citrus fruit damage caused by fruit-piecing moths was also determined. The percent fruit damage was significantly lowest (P≤0.05) in HMO-treated plots (8.4), followed by Dimethoate-treated plots (11.6) and untreated plots (22.5). However, there was no significant difference between HMO and Dimethoate treated plots indicating HMO is effective in reducing percent fruit damage.
Phylogeography of isolated freshwater three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatuspopulations in the Adriatic Sea basin
Authors: DeFaveri J. , Zanella L. N. , Zanella D. , Mrakovčić M. , Merilä J.
Published: November 2011

Analyses of mitochondrial (mt) DNA and microsatellite variation were carried out to examine the relationships between 10 freshwater populations of three‐spined sticklebacksGasterosteus aculeatusalong the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Partial sequences of the mtDNA control region and cytochromebgene, in addition to 15 microsatellite loci, were used to analyse populations from four isolated river catchments. Results uncovered an Adriatic lineage that was clearly divergent from the European lineage, and confirmed that the most divergent and ancient populations are located within the Adriatic lineage as compared with other European populations. Two northern Adriatic populations formed independent clades within the European mitochondrial lineage, suggesting different colonization histories of the different Adriatic populations. Nuclear marker analyses also indicated deep divergence between Adriatic and European populations, albeit with some discordance between the mtDNA phylogeny of the northern Adriatic populations, further highlighting the strong differentiation among the Adriatic populations. The southern populations within the Adriatic lineage were further organized into distinct clades corresponding to respective river catchments and sub‐clades corresponding to river tributaries, reflecting a high degree of population structuring within a small geographic region, concurrent with suggestions of existence of several microrefugia within the Balkan Peninsula. The highly divergent clades and haplotypes unique to the southern Adriatic populations further suggest, in accordance with an earlier, more limited survey, that southern Adriatic populations represent an important reservoir for ancient genetic diversity ofG. aculeatus.
Morphological, physiological and behavioural response patterns of carp gudgeon Hypseleotris spp. to food deprivation: implications for assessing health
Authors: Ning N. S. P. , Hladyz S. , Gawne B. , Maffei S. , Price A. , Nielsen D. L.
Published: November 2011

Morphological (growth, Fulton's condition factor), physiological (per cent dry mass, total lipid content) and behavioural (activity levels) response patterns of carp gudgeon Hypseleotris spp. were examined in response to food deprivation during a 56 day experiment. Considerable variability in the nature and magnitude of these response patterns was observed, suggesting that caution should be taken when interpreting changes in the health of small‐bodied fishes based on individual response variables.
Using text‐mining techniques in electronic patient records to identify ADRs from medicine use
Authors: Warrer Pernille , Hansen Ebba Holme , Juhl‐Jensen Lars , Aagaard Lise
Published: November 2011

This literature review included studies that use text‐mining techniques in narrative documents stored in electronic patient records (EPRs) to investigate ADRs. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts without restrictions from origin until July 2011. We included empirically based studies on text mining of electronic patient records (EPRs) that focused on detecting ADRs, excluding those that investigated adverse events not related to medicine use. We extracted information on study populations, EPR data sources, frequencies and types of the identified ADRs, medicines associated with ADRs, text‐mining algorithms used and their performance. Seven studies, all from the United States, were eligible for inclusion in the review. Studies were published from 2001, the majority between 2009 and 2010. Text‐mining techniques varied over time from simple free text searching of outpatient visit notes and inpatient discharge summaries to more advanced techniques involving natural language processing (NLP) of inpatient discharge summaries. Performance appeared to increase with the use of NLP, although many ADRs were still missed. Due to differences in study design and populations, various types of ADRs were identified and thus we could not make comparisons across studies. The review underscores the feasibility and potential of text mining to investigate narrative documents in EPRs for ADRs. However, more empirical studies are needed to evaluate whether text mining of EPRs can be used systematically to collect new information about ADRs.
Cerebral amyloid β(42) deposits and microvascular pathology in ageing baboons
Authors: Ndung'u M. , Härtig W. , Wegner F. , Mwenda J. M. , Low R. W. C. , Akinyemi R. O. , Kalaria R. N.
Published: November 2011

M. Ndung'u, W. Härtig, F. Wegner, J. M. Mwenda, R. W. C. Low, R. O. Akinyemi and R. N. Kalaria (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 487–499

Cerebral amyloid β(42) deposits and microvascular pathology in ageing baboons

Background: Previous studies have extensively reported the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide with carboxyl‐ and amino‐terminal heterogeneity in cortical and cerebrovascular deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in non‐human primates except baboons. Methods: We examined the immunocytochemical distribution of Aβ peptides and Aβ oligomers in brain tissue from three subspecies of 18‐ to 28‐year‐old baboons (Papio) and in other monkeys including the squirrel (Saimiri sciureus) and rhesus (Macaca mulatta) for comparison. Results: A general preponderance of Aβ(42) in parenchymal deposits and many vascular deposits in all cortical lobes was evident in the baboons. Aβ oligomeric immunoreactivity was also apparent like to amyloid plaques. We found that the amino acid sequence of the Aβ domain of the baboon amyloid precursor protein is similar to that of man. In contrast to Aβ, immunoreactivity to hyperphosphorylated tau protein was largely intracellular and rare in these baboons. Brain tissues from squirrel and rhesus monkeys examined in parallel exhibited mostly vascular and parenchymal deposits containing Aβ(42) peptides. Our results were comparable to AD, but showed that even in younger monkeys exhibiting few deposits, Aβ(42) was evident in both parenchymal deposits and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Perivascular amyloid deposits were frequent and often accompanied by microvascular abnormalities in the form of collapsed degenerated capillaries. Conclusions: Similar to other primates above and below in the phylogenetic order, our observations and evaluation of the literature implicate pathogenicity of Aβ(42) peptide associated with microvascular degeneration in baboons. We suggest baboons are useful animals to investigate the dynamics of AD‐related pathology.
Final height in a prospective trial of late steroid withdrawal after pediatric renal transplantation treated with cyclosporine and mizoribine
Authors: Motoyama Osamu , Hasegawa Akira , Aikawa Atsushi , Shishido Seiichirou , Honda Masataka , Tsuzuki Kazuo , Kinukawa Tsuneo , Hattori Motoshi , Ogawa Osamu , Yanagihara Toshio , Saito Kazuhide , Takahashi Kota , Ohshima Shinichi
Published: November 2011

Motoyama O, Hasegawa A, Aikawa A, Shishido S, Honda M, Tsuzuki K, Kinukawa T, Hattori M, Ogawa O, Yanagihara T, Saito K, Takahashi K, Ohshima S. Final height in a prospective trial of late steroid withdrawal after pediatric renal transplantation treated with cyclosporine and mizoribine.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 78–82. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  A prospective trial of corticosteroid (steroid) withdrawal after pediatric renal transplantation was started in 1990. Fifty‐eight recipients with functioning grafts reached their final height. They were transplanted at a mean age of 10.7 yr. Immunosuppressive therapy with CyA, MP, and MZ was started after transplantation. MP was reduced to an alternate‐day dose in 49 patients and was withdrawn in 23. Their mean height SDS was −2.4 at the time of transplantation and −2.1 at their final height. Mean final height was 157.9 cm in men and 147.6 cm in women. In 18 patients who had been withdrawn from MP for more than two yr before reaching final height, mean age at transplantation was 8.9 yr. Their mean height SDS of −2.2 at the time of transplantation increased to −1.6 at their final height (p = 0.02), and mean final height was 163.8 cm in men and 147.8 cm in women. The height SDS in all 58 patients was maintained during the immunosuppressive therapy with steroid minimization, and final height SDS increased in recipients older than five yr at transplantation with steroid withdrawal.
Can donor liver left lateral sector weight be predicted from anthropometric variables?
Authors: Gelas Thomas , Mirza Darius F. , Boillot Olivier , Muiesan Paolo , Sharif Khalid
Published: November 2011

Gelas T, Mirza DF, Boillot O, Muiesan P, Sharif K. Can donor liver left lateral sector weight be predicted from anthropometric variables?

Abstract:  Most of the pediatric LT grafts consist in a LLS. Liver graft size matching is one of the major factors determining a successful outcome. The aim of our study was to assess whether anthropometric parameters can be used to estimate the LLS weight. A total of 122 donors (48F/74M) from two transplantation centers were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen were living related donors (LRLT) and 104 DDs. The donor age was 28.2 yr (range 15–63). The BW and height were, respectively, 70.1 kg (range 45–111) and 172.7 cm (range 152–197). The WLW (n = 66) was 1462 g (range 921–2340), and the liver‐to‐BW ratio was 2% (range 1.45–2.8%). The LLS graft weight was 313 g (range: 183–537 g). The ratio between LLS and BW was 0.452% (range 0.27–0.74). The LLS represented 22.3% of the WLW with a large variability (range 15.4–31.3%). None of the developed models (linear, nonlinear, or multiple) was clinically usable. The LLS weight is highly variable and is not predictable using simple anthropometric variables. When available, we propose that ultrasonographic estimation of the liver volume should be performed when a liver splitting is considered.
Relationship Between Different Concentrations of the Plasma Progesterone at the Time of FSH‐P Treatment and the Superovulatory Response in Holstein Dairy Heifers
Authors: Kafi M , McGowan MR
Published: November 2011

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two different concentrations of plasma progesterone at the time of FSH‐P treatment on the superovulatory response in dairy heifers. Sixteen reproductively sound Holstein heifers (13–15 months of age) were used in this study. Superovulatory treatment was commenced at mid‐dioestrus (Day 10 ± 2 of the oestrous cycle) of the synchronized (using two injections of PGF2α, 11 days apart) oestrous cycles. Blood samples were collected on the day and the day after commencing FSH‐P treatment and at oestrus for plasma progesterone determination. Heifers were grouped based on two levels of plasma progesterone; Group low progesterone (LP; ranging from 2 to 4.5 ng /ml; n = 7) and Group high progesterone (HP; ≥4.6 ng /ml; n = 8) at the beginning of FSH‐P treatment (one heifer was excluded from the statistical analysis because of the abnormal progesterone level at oestrus). The superovulatory response in terms of mean numbers of palpable corpora lutea (ovulation rate) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group LP than group HP. Ovulation rate was negatively correlated (r = −0.51) with the progesterone concentration at the time of commencing FSH‐P treatment (p < 0.05). Data suggest that varying concentrations of plasma progesterone at the time of FSH‐P treatment may have a different effect on the outcome of superovulatory response in dairy heifers.
Late Carboniferous – Middle Permian arc/forearc‐related basin in Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights from the petrology and geochemistry of the Shuangjing Schist in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: LI YILONG , ZHOU HANWEN , BROUWER FRAUKJE M. , XIAO WENJIAO , ZHONG ZENGQIU , WIJBRANS JAN R.
Published: November 2011

The Solonker Suture Zone is thought to record the terminal evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) in Inner Mongolia. However, two contrasting interpretations of the timing of suturing of the Solonker Suture Zone exist: (i) Permian to Early Triassic; and (ii) Middle Devonian or Late Devonian to Carboniferous. The Shuangjing Schist is exposed in the Linxi area along the Xar Moron Fault Zone, which marks the southern boundary of the Solonker Suture Zone in the eastern section of the CAOB, and thus provides insight into the timing of suturing of the Solonker Suture Zone. Detailed and systematic analysis of the petrology and geochemistry of the Shuangjing Schist shows that the Shuangjing Schist developed by greenschist facies prograde metamorphism of a volcanisedimentary rock series protolith. The volcanic parts of the Shuangjing Schist are a calc‐alkaline series with large volumes of intermediate members and subordinate acidic members. Volcanism occurred in a magmatic arc on the continental margin and was induced by subduction‐related magmatism resulting from mantle metasomatism. The sedimentary parts of the Shuangjing Schist reflect a transition from continental shelf to abyssal plain sedimentation. The formation of the Shuangjing Schist is suggested to be related to closure of an arc/forearc‐related ocean basin. The timing is constrained by a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP–MS) U–Pb magmatic zircon age of 298 ± 2 Ma from a carbonaceous biotite–plagioclase schist that was intruded by granite at 272 ± 2 Ma. In the Linxi area, southward subduction of the arc/forearc basin led to uplift, thickening, collapse, and erosion of the overriding continental crust. Collapse induced extension and widespread magmatism along the volcanic arc at the northern margin of the North China Craton. The closure of the arc/forearc‐related oceanic basin led to the formation of Late Permian to Middle Triassic collisional granites and the subsequent end of the collision of the Solonker Suture Zone.
Primary food reward and reward‐predictive stimuli evoke different patterns of phasic dopamine signaling throughout the striatum
Authors: Brown Holden D. , McCutcheon James E. , Cone Jackson J. , Ragozzino Michael E. , Roitman Mitchell F.
Published: November 2011

Phasic changes in dopamine activity play a critical role in learning and goal‐directed behavior. Unpredicted reward and reward‐predictive cues evoke phasic increases in the firing rate of the majority of midbrain dopamine neurons – results that predict uniformly broadcast increases in dopamine concentration throughout the striatum. However, measurement of dopamine concentration changes during reward has cast doubt on this prediction. We systematically measured phasic changes in dopamine in four striatal subregions [nucleus accumbens shell and core (Core), dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral striatum] in response to stimuli known to activate a majority of dopamine neurons. We used fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry in awake and behaving rats, which measures changes in dopamine on a similar timescale to the electrophysiological recordings that established a relationship between phasic dopamine activity and reward. Unlike the responses of midbrain dopamine neurons, unpredicted food reward and reward‐predictive cues evoked a phasic increase in dopamine that was subregion specific. In rats with limited experience, unpredicted food reward evoked an increase exclusively in the Core. In rats trained on a discriminative stimulus paradigm, both unpredicted reward and reward‐predictive cues evoked robust phasic dopamine in the Core and DMS. Thus, phasic dopamine release in select target structures is dynamic and dependent on context and experience. Because the four subregions assayed receive different inputs and have differential projection targets, the regional selectivity of phasic changes in dopamine has important implications for information flow through the striatum and plasticity that underlies learning and goal‐directed behavior.
Evolutionary systematics and biogeography of endemic gerbils (Rodentia, Muridae) from Morocco: an integrative approach
Authors: Ndiaye Arame , Bâ Khalilou , Aniskin Vladimir , Benazzou Touria , Chevret Pascale , Konečný Adam , Sembène Mbacké , Tatard Caroline , Kergoat Gael J. , Granjon Laurent
Published: November 2011

Ndiaye, A., Bâ, K., Aniskin, V., Benazzou, T., Chevret, P., Konečný, A., Sembène, M., Tatard, C., Kergoat, G.J. & Granjon, L. (2011). Evolutionary systematics and biogeography of endemic gerbils (Rodentia, Muridae) from Morocco: an integrative approach. —Zoologica Scripta,41, 11–28.

Gerbils of the genusGerbillusrepresent an important part of small mammal diversity in arid regions of North Africa, but their taxonomy and evolutionary systematics and biogeography are still poorly known. Based on the recent collection of a series of gerbils in southern Morocco, including at the type localities of three endemic species, we gathered morphological, chromosomal and molecular data on a number of specimens that we compared with other available results. These data provide new insights into the geographical distribution of the endemic species known to date and suggest that an additional and previously undetected species may exist within this area. Multivariate analyses of morphometrical skull data validated the criteria used in the description of some of these species, while confirming the morphological similarity of a set of medium to large‐sized species with hairy feet that can be considered sibling species. Karyotypes were useful for the specific assignation of a number of specimens. Molecular phylogenetics and divergence time estimates allow us to draw the first picture of the evolutionary relationships between endemicGerbillusspecies from Morocco and related species of North Africa, and to estimate their respective timing of diversification. Most of the lineage emergence events took place during the Pleistocene, a period characterised by a global aridification of North Africa, but more importantly by important climatic and eustatic variations that may have played a role in species differentiation and subsequent expansion. This integrative approach proved to be essential in such species group including morphologically similar species. It also enables to propose testable hypotheses as to possible scenarios of emergence and evolution of these species along the western margin of the Sahara desert.
Shared dialect group identity, leader–member exchange and self‐disclosure in vertical dyads: Do members react similarly?
Authors: Gong Yaping , Farh Jiing‐Lih , Chattopadhyay Prithviraj
Published: November 2011

Drawing upon social identity and status characteristic theories, we examine the reactions of vertical dyad members to shared dialect group identity in Taiwan. Supervisors and subordinates in 179 vertical dyads independently reported their dialect group identity and their perceptions of leader–member exchange (LMX) and self‐disclosure. Results indicate that subordinates reported a more positive LMX with, and greater self‐disclosure to, supervisors who shared their dialect group identity. Supervisors reported greater self‐disclosure to subordinates with the same dialect group identity, but not a more positive LMX. We also discuss implications for organizational demography theory and research.
A comprehensive evaluation of lexical reading in Italian developmental dyslexics
Authors: Paizi Despina , De Luca Maria , Zoccolotti Pierluigi , Burani Cristina
Published: November 2011

Italian developmental dyslexic readers show a striking length effect and have been hypothesised to rely mostly on nonlexical reading. Our experiments tested this hypothesis by assessing whether or not the deficit underlying dyslexia is specific to lexical reading. The effects of lexicality, word frequency and length were investigated in the same group of children in four separate experiments. Although dyslexics were slower and less accurate than skilled readers and had large length effects, they showed lexicality and word frequency effects in both reading aloud and lexical decision. In a cross‐experiment comparison, we show that a single global factor explains a large proportion of the difference in reading performance between dyslexic and skilled readers. This factor may indicate a deficit at a prelexical level of analysis. Lexical activation seemed spared in the dyslexic children based on the effects of lexicality and frequency. These findings contrast the hypothesis that Italian dyslexics primarily engage in nonlexical reading.