bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deregulation of keratinocyte differentiation and activation: a hallmark of venous ulcers
Authors: Stojadinovic Olivera , Pastar Irena , Vukelic Sasa , Mahoney Mỹ G. , Brennan Donna , Krzyzanowska Agata , Golinko Michael , Brem Harold , Tomic‐Canic Marjana
Published: March 2008

Epidermal morphology of chronic wounds differs from that of normal epidermis. Biopsies of non‐healing edges obtained from patients with venous ulcers show thick and hyperproliferative epidermis with mitosis present in suprabasal layers. This epidermis is also hyper‐keratotic and parakeratotic. This suggests incomplete activation and differentiation of keratinocytes. To identify molecular changes that lead to pathogenic alterations in keratinocyte activation and differentiation pathways we isolated mRNA from non‐healing edges deriving from venous ulcers patients and determined transcriptional profiles using Affymetrix chips. Obtained transcriptional profiles were compared to those from healthy, unwounded skin. As previously indicated by histology, we found deregulation of differentiation and activation markers. We also found differential regulation of signalling molecules that regulate these two processes. Early differentiation markers, keratins K1/K10 and a subset of small proline‐rich proteins, along with the late differentiation marker filaggrin were suppressed, whereas late differentiation markers involucrin, transgultaminase 1 and another subset of small proline‐rich proteins were induced in ulcers when compared to healthy skin. Surprisingly, desomosomal and tight junction components were also deregulated. Keratinocyte activation markers keratins K6/K16/K17 were induced. We conclude that keratinocytes at the non‐healing edges of venous ulcers do not execute either activation or differentiation pathway, resulting in thick callus‐like formation at the edge of a venous ulcers.
Cyclo(His‐Pro) promotes cytoprotection by activating Nrf2‐mediated up‐regulation of antioxidant defence
Authors: Minelli Alba , Conte Carmela , Grottelli Silvia , Bellezza Maria , Cacciatore Ivana , Bolaños Juan P.
Published: March 2008

Hystidyl‐proline [cyclo(His‐Pro)] is an endogenous cyclic dipeptide produced by the cleavage of thyrotropin releasing hormone. Previous studies have shown that cyclo(His‐Pro) protects against oxidative stress, although the underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we addressed this issue and found that cyclo(His‐Pro) triggered nuclear accumulation of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that up‐regulates antioxidant‐/electrophile‐responsive element (ARE‐EpRE)‐related genes, in PC12 cells. Cyclo(His‐Pro) attenuated reactive oxygen species production, and prevented glutathione depletion caused by glutamate, rotenone, paraquat and β‐amyloid treatment. Moreover, real‐time PCR analyses revealed that cyclo(His‐Pro) induced the expression of a number of ARE‐related genes and protected cells against hydrogen peroxide‐mediated apoptotic death. Furthermore, these effects were abolished by RNA interference‐mediated Nrf2 knockdown. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of p‐38 MAPK partially prevented both cyclo(His‐Pro)‐mediated Nrf2 activation and cellular protection. These results suggest that the signalling mechanism responsible for the cytoprotective actions of cyclo(His‐Pro) would involve p‐38 MAPK activation leading to Nrf2‐mediated up‐regulation of antioxidant cellular defence.
In vivo prion protein intestinal uptake in fish
Authors: DALLA VALLE ANDREA ZENONE , IRITI MARCELLO , FAORO FRANCO , BERTI CRISTIANA , CIAPPELLANO SALVATORE
Published: March 2008

Intestinal uptake of abnormal prion protein (PrPSc), the pathological
agent involved in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), has been
investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Experimental
procedures were conducted in vivo by immunohistological PrPSc
localization in intestine and pyloric caeca after forced feeding of
infected material. Results indicate that PrPSc was absorbed by the
intestinal mucosa and that it persisted in the fish gastrointestinal tract for
up to 3 days in pyloric caeca and for up to 7 days in the distal intestine. It did not remain longer than 15 days in the fish intestine; furthermore, it did not cross the intestinal barrier.
β‐catenin gene alterations in a variety of so‐called calcifying odontogenic cysts
Authors: AHN SANG‐GUN , KIM SOO‐A , KIM SU‐GWAN , LEE SANG‐HO , KIM JIN , YOON JUNG‐HOON
Published: March 2008

Calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs) evidence a variety of histopathological features, in addition to biological behaviors. Several systems have been proposed for the classification of COCs. However, the molecular changes underlying their development remain largely unknown. In an effort to elucidate the participation of β‐catenin gene mutation in COC development, we evaluated the genetic alterations and expression of β‐catenin in different COC subtypes with archival paraffin blocks. β‐catenin gene mutations were detected in all subtypes. Immunohistochemically, all cases of COCs evidenced cytoplasmic and nuclear β‐catenin expression. β‐catenin gene mutations and β‐catenin overexpression have been identified as characteristics of COCs. Therefore, the constitutive activation of Tcf/Lef‐dependent transcription appears to be intimately involved in their development. These findings indicate that aberrations of the Wnt signaling pathway may perform a crucial role in the development and differentiation status of the odontogenic epithelium in COCs via the deregulation of cell proliferation.
The Neisseria gonorrhoeae population in Sweden during 2005—phenotypes, genotypes and antibiotic resistance
Authors: OLSEN BIRGITTA , HADAD RONZA , FREDLUND HANS , UNEMO MAGNUS
Published: March 2008

In Sweden, the gonorrhoea incidence has significantly increased since an all‐time low in 1996. We aimed to phenotypically and genotypically characterise N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n=180) transmitted in Sweden during 2005. All isolates were susceptible to cefixime, ceftriaxone, and spectinomycin. However, 2%, 50% and 75% displayed intermediate susceptibility or resistance to azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin, respectively. The isolates were assigned to 28 different serovars using Genetic Systems monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) (discriminatory index, 91.0%) and 46 different serovars using Pharmacia Mabs (index, 94.4%). Furthermore, they displayed 95 porB sequences (index, 97.8%) and 95 N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG‐MAST) sequence types (STs) (index, 98.0%). 51 (54%) of these STs have not been previously described. 14 ST clusters, comprising between 3 and 15 isolates, were identified that indicate the existence of several transmission chains. The high number of unique STs (n=63) may be associated with import of strains from abroad, local emergence of new STs, incomplete epidemiological surveillance, and/or suboptimal diagnostics, including contact tracing. Overall, the Swedish N. gonorrhoeae population was remarkably diversified. Comprehensive knowledge regarding transmission, phenotypes (including antibiotic resistance), but also in many cases highly discriminative and precise genotypic characteristics of the N. gonorrhoeae strains circulating in our societies, is crucial.
Imported tungiasis in a Finnish journalist: the first case reported from the Nordic countries
Authors: JALAVA‐KARVINEN PÄIVI , MARTTILA HARRI , TALVE LAURI , RANTAKOKKO‐JALAVA KAISU , JOKIRANTA SAKARI , KOTILAINEN PIRKKO
Published: March 2008

Tungiasis is a parasitic infection widely spread in tropical Africa and in South and Central America. Only a few cases involving travellers have been reported from Europe, and none from the Nordic countries. We report a case of tungiasis in a Finnish journalist returning from Uganda. In this era of increasing intercontinental travel it is important that all physicians are aware of tungiasis.
Tuning Microtubule‐Based Transport Through Filamentous MAPs: The Problem of Dynein
Authors: Vershinin Michael , Xu Jing , Razafsky David S. , King Stephen J. , Gross Steven P.
Published: March 2008

We recently proposed that regulating the single‐to‐multiple motor transition was a likely strategy for regulating kinesin‐based transport in vivo. In this study, we use an in vitro bead assay coupled with an optical trap to investigate how this proposed regulatory mechanism affects dynein‐based transport. We show that tau’s regulation of kinesin function can proceed without interfering with dynein‐based transport. Surprisingly, at extremely high tau levels – where kinesin cannot bind microtubules (MTs) – dynein can still contact MTs. The difference between tau’s effects on kinesin‐ and dynein‐based motility suggests that tau can be used to tune relative amounts of plus‐end and minus‐end‐directed transport. As in the case of kinesin, we find that the 3RS isoform of tau is a more potent inhibitor of dynein binding to MTs. We show that this isoform‐specific effect is not because of steric interference of tau’s projection domains but rather because of tau’s interactions with the motor at the MT surface. Nonetheless, we do observe a modest steric interference effect of tau away from the MT and discuss the potential implications of this for molecular motor structure.
Injection lipolysis for reduction of saddlebag trochanteric bulges ‐ half‐side controlled pilot study
Authors: Kopera Daisy , Horejsi Renate , Werner Stefan , Moeller Reinhard
Published: March 2008

Background: Phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin extracted from soybeans can reduce serum cholesterol to some extent. Intravenous use may prevent fat embolism in polytrauma patients. When injected intralesionally in a formulation containing also deoxycholate and ethanol it is supposed to act as “fat burner” to reduce undesired fat deposits; there is little evidence‐based scientific support for this indictaion.

Objective: To evaluate the capability of phosphatidylcholin + deoxycholate + ethanol (PPC/DC/E) to reduce body fat with a half‐side pilot study for the reduction of saddlebag trochanteric bulges.

Methods: PPC/DC/E was injected into the right posterior trochanteric areas three times at weeks 0, 3 and 6. Treatment areas and the same regions of the contralateral side as a control were evaluated by sonography. Tape measurements were taken and the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was measured with an optical device (Lipometer®) at baseline and at week 8 and week 20 (2 and 14 weeks after completign therapy).

Results: In this half‐side trial, no significant reduction of subcutaneous fat was achieved after three treatments with PPC/DC/E when compared to the untreated side.Transient inflammatory reactions occurred in all patients.

Limitations: Only the commercially available formulation containing the three components was tested.

Conclusion: The off‐label use of PPC/DC/E as a “fat burner” did not produce measurable reduction of undesired trochanteric fat deposits.
Strategies to optimize the use of targeted agents for tumor therapy
Authors: Becker Jürgen C. , Ugurel Selma , Schrama David
Published: March 2008

In recent years the traditional treatment spectrum of tumors – chemotherapy or radiotherapy – has been extended with immune‐modulating strategies.For some tumors, clinical responses have been observed but for numerous others no satisfactory approach has been established. Many new agents have been developed;the targeted or smart drugs modulate a constantly growing list of tumor‐specific signal pathways and represent an enormous hope for cancer patients.The clinical evaluation of these targeted drugs alone or in combination also presents an enormous challenge.Since the number of possible combinations of targeted drugs seems almost limitless, an accurate strategy for determination of success‐promising combination patterns for the individual cancer patient is of special importance.
Breastfeeding in northern Italy
Authors: Santini P , Calevo MG , Caviglia MR , Asprea T , Bonacci W , Serra G ,   The Breastfeeding Group
Published: March 2008

Aim: To describe the duration and type, as classified by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, of breastfeeding in Ligurian newborns up to 1 year of age, and to identify possible related factors.

Methods: A prospective, observational study on a cohort of 757 women recruited in 10 hospitals in Northern Italy. Women were followed up by means of a questionnaire at discharge and by telephone interviews in the 4th, 12th, 24th and 48th weeks postpartum using the ‘recall period’ method.

Results: At discharge, 97.3% of mothers had started breastfeeding; regional breastfeeding rates at the 4th, 12th, 24th and 48th weeks were respectively 84.4%, 71.2%, 54.4% and 26.3%. Socio‐demographic factors did not significantly influence these percentages. Median duration of breastfeeding was 6.5 months.

No statistically significant differences were observed in duration of breastfeeding between women who started exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and those who did predominant breastfeeding (PBF), while the difference was statistically significant when comparing complementary breastfeeding (CBF) with EBF and with PBF.

Conclusions: Our study is the first regional experience in the Liguria region and represents a starting point for the diffusion of the culture of breastfeeding. Our results are satisfactory with regards to the overall duration of breastfeeding until the first year of life (26.3%), while duration of EBF (9.5% at the 24th week) is still unsatisfactory according to WHO objectives that include EBF for all children up to the sixth month of life.
Adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression in subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in children
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Lindquist Susanne , Angsten Gertrud , Yi Jun , Olsson Tommy , Hernell Olle
Published: March 2008

Aim: To compare the expression levels of the adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator ‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC) and omental adipose tissue (OM) in children with relation to age and anthropometric variables.

Methods: Paired biopsies (SC and OM) were obtained from 53 children (age 0.2–14 years, BMI 12.5–25.8 kg/m2). Adiponectin and PPARγ mRNA levels in adipose tissue were measured by real‐time PCR.

Results: In overweight, but not in normal weight children, the median adiponectin mRNA level was significantly lower in OM [0.51 (0.1–2.17)] compared to SC [1.29 (0.16–5.08)], (p = 0.03). Adiponectin mRNA levels were strongly associated with PPARγ mRNA levels in both SC (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and OM (r = 0.78, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The lower adiponectin expression in OM relative to SC in overweight children indicates that metabolic‐endocrine alterations begin already in childhood. The close association between adiponectin and PPARγ expression supports the hypothesis this transcription factor is involved in adiponectin gene regulation.
Prone sleeping position increases the risk of SIDS in the day more than at night
Authors: Mitchell EA , Bajanowski T , Brinkmann B , Jorch G , Stewart AW , Vennemann MMT
Published: March 2008

Background: SIDS mortality is higher during the night than in the day.

Aim: (1) To examine risk factors for SIDS by time of day and (2) to see if the proportion of deaths at night has changed from prior to the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign, which recommended infants sleep supine.

Methods: A large population‐based SIDS matched case‐control (GeSID) study conducted from 1998 to 2001 (when the prevalence of infants placed prone to sleep was 4.1%). The reference sleep of the controls was matched for the estimated time of death for the case. Risk factors for SIDS were examined for night‐time and day‐time deaths. The estimated time of death was compared with that from an earlier study in Germany (1990–1994 when prevalence of prone sleeping was 32.2%).

Results: There were 333 SIDS cases and 998 matched controls. The increased risk with placed prone to sleep was significantly different during the day [adjusted OR = 18.15 (95% CI = 5.91–55.69)] compared with during the night [adjusted OR = 3.49 (95% CI = 1.46–8.39; p‐value for interaction = 0.011)]. There was no significant difference in the other risk factors examined by time of day in the multivariate analysis. The mean time found dead was 09:07. In the earlier study the mean time found dead was 08:54 and the difference was not significant (p = 0.57).

Conclusions: This study confirms previous observations that prone sleeping position carries a greater risk during the day than at night. However, the reduction in infants sleeping prone has not been associated with a reduced number of deaths in the day in Germany.
Ionizing radiation utilizes c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase for amplification of mitochondrial apoptotic cell death in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Kim Min‐Jung , Lee Kee‐Ho , Lee Su‐Jae
Published: March 2008

Exposure of cells to ionizing radiation induces activation of multiple signaling pathways that play a critical role in controlling cell death. However, the basis for linkage between signaling pathways and the cell‐death machinery in response to ionizing radiation remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is critical for amplification of mitochondrial cell death in human cervical cancer cells. Exposure of HeLa cells to radiation induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria, and apoptotic cell death. Radiation also induced transcriptional upregulation of Fas, caspase‐8 activation, Bax and Bak activation, and phosphorylation and downregulation of Bcl‐2. Inhibition of caspase‐8 attenuated Bax and Bak activation, but did not affect phosphorylation and downregulation of Bcl‐2. Expression of a mutant form of Bcl‐2 (S70A‐Bcl‐2) completely attenuated radiation‐induced Bcl‐2 downregulation. Interestingly, inhibition of JNK clearly attenuated radiation‐induced Bax and Bak activation, and Bcl‐2 phosphorylation as well as Fas expression. In addition, dominant‐negative form of c‐Jun inhibited radiation‐induced Fas expression and Bax and Bak activation. These results indicate that the JNK–c‐Jun pathway is required for the transcriptional upregulation of Fas and subsequent activation of Bax and Bak, and that JNK, but not c‐Jun, is directly associated with phosphorylation and downregulation of Bcl‐2 in response to ionizing radiation. These results suggest that ionizing radiation can utilize JNK for amplification of mitochondrial apoptotic cell death in human cervical cancer cells.
Australasian emergency physicians: A learning and educational needs analysis. Part Three: Participation by FACEM in available CPD: What do they do and do they like it?
Authors: Weiland Tracey J , Dent Andrew W , Paltridge Debbie
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To determine the participation of Emergency Physicians (EP) in currently available continuing professional development opportunities (CPD), their perception of the usefulness of available CPD and their preferred format or method of CPD desired in the future.

Method:  A mailed survey of Fellows of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine with 17 Likert type options on educational methods and qualitative analysis grouping volunteered free text responses.

Results:  The most frequent learning methods reported by EP are on the job contact with other clinicians, formal ED based teaching and reading journals, which were also perceived as useful or very useful learning methods by more than 90% of EP. Less than 15% often or always participate on hospital grand rounds, high fidelity simulation, computer programmes or commercially sponsored events. Increased exposure was desired to high‐fidelity simulation center skills training by 58% of respondents with nearly 49% of fellows also wanting more participation in international conferences with around 44% of fellows also wanting more participation in international conferences with around 44% desiring more formal teaching in the ED, more formal feedback on performance, and more meetings with other hospital departments. Over 50% of EP want less or no exposure to commercially sponsored dinners or events.

Conclusion:  Whilst emergency physicians currently participate in a wide variety of learning methods, the results of this survey suggest EP most appreciate ED based teaching, would like more contact with other departments, along with increased opportunities for simulation based learning and attendance at international conferences.
Self‐rated preparedness of Australian prevocational hospital doctors for emergencies
Authors: Duns Glenn , Weiland Tracey , Crotty Brendan , Jolly Brian , Cuddihy Helen , Dent Andrew
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To determine perceived preparedness of Australian hospital‐based prevocational doctors for resuscitation skills and management of emergencies, and to identify differences between doctors who perceive themselves well prepared and those who perceive themselves poorly prepared for emergencies, in demographics and exposure to desired learning methods.

Methods:  Questionnaire consisting of a mix of graded Likert scales and free‐text answers distributed to 36 Australian hospitals for secondary distribution to hospital medical officers.

Results:  From 2607 questionnaires posted, 470 (18.1%) were returned. Thirty‐one per cent (95% confidence interval [CI] 26–35%) felt well prepared for resuscitation and management of emergencies, 41% (CI 37–45%) felt adequately prepared and 28% (CI 24–32%) felt they were not well prepared. Those who felt well prepared reported that they had experienced more exposure to a range of educational methods, including consultant contact, supervisor feedback, clinical skills, high fidelity simulator sessions and unit meetings. Well‐prepared and poorly prepared doctors had similar opinions of the usefulness of various learning methods, but the poorly prepared group more frequently expressed a desire for increased exposure to contact with registrars and consultants, clinical skills sessions and hospital and unit meetings. There were no differences in gender, age or country of origin (Australia vs international medical graduates) between those who felt well or poorly prepared.

Conclusions:  Many prevocational hospital doctors feel inadequately prepared for the management of emergencies. Perceived preparedness is associated with more exposure to particular educational activities. Increasing exposure to learning of emergencies in undergraduate and prevocational years could reduce the number of junior doctors who feel poorly prepared for emergencies.
Acute complications following extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy for renal and ureteric calculi
Authors: Doran Owen , Foley Bernard
Published: March 2008

Extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy remains a widely utilized treatment modality for renal and some ureteric calculi. The treatment is generally considered very safe. However, minor complications occur in a significant number of patients. Serious complications, causing ongoing morbidity or mortality, are rare, affecting less than 1% of patients. A review of the literature on the adverse effects of the treatment, with an emphasis on those which might present to ED is presented.
How do the consumption and development rates of the conifer specialist Aphidecta obliterata respond to temperature, and is it better adapted to limited prey than a generalist?
Authors: Timms J.E.L. , Leather S.R.
Published: March 2008

This study aimed to address the effect of temperature on the consumption and development rates of Aphidecta obliterata and to compare the responses of Ap. obliterata (specialist) with that of Adalia bipunctata (generalist) to prey limitation. Temperature had a significant and positive effect on the time to egg hatch of Ap. obliterata. The duration of the larval instars was not affected by prey species at 15°C but was significantly shorter, 12.1 days at 20°C compared with 21.1 days at 15°C. The proportion of time spent in each instar, however, was not affected by temperature or prey species, but the duration of the pupal stage was significantly affected by temperature. The average daily consumption of prey aphids increased with instar and was significantly influenced by temperature. There was a significant difference in the length of the pupal stage between coccinellid species but not that of the larval stage. The duration of the larval period increased under conditions of prey shortage. The pupal period of Ap. obliterata was significantly affected by the food regime but not that of Ad. bipunctata. There was a significant interaction between species and food supply on the length of the pupal stage and the larval stage and the final fresh weight achieved by the newly emerged adults. Male adults weighed significantly less than the females in all regimes. Larvae of Ap. obliterata and Ad. bipunctata did not consume any of the alternative prey (Collembola or Psocoptera) provided. There was no significant difference in the consumption of prey between the two coccinellid species. The results suggest that both of these coccinellids are well adapted to low‐density‐specific prey. There were no obvious differences between the two, which would tend to favour either species in an environment of limited prey.
DETERMINATION OF THE PROTEIN CONTENT IN RICE BY THE DIGITAL CHROMATIC METHOD
Authors: SUN JIAN‐PING , HOU CAI‐YUN , FENG JING , WANG XU
Published: March 2008

The feasibility of using digital chroma measurements to determine the protein content in rice was investigated using red, green and blue (RGB) chroma values to reflect color change. The protein content of rice samples ranged from 5 g/100 g to 13 g/100 g. There was a significant negative linear correlation (r < −0.98) between the protein content in rice and the chroma values of relevant protein solutions treated with biuret reagent. Of all the tricolor values, the G value was the optimal parameter to reflect the chroma difference of the protein solutions. It had a higher correlation coefficient (r < −0.99) and was more sensitive to subtle differences in protein content than R or B values. With a similar structure and the same reaction conditions, rice samples with known protein content were found to be more accurate calibrating substances. The results determined by the digital chromatic method are not significantly different from that of the Kjeldahl method. With the advantages of high precision, easy operation and high efficiency, the method is suitable for applications in quality evaluation and supervising practice in the field of rice circulation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A new method to determine the protein content of rice was studied by combining digital image analysis technology and a traditional chemical approach. The study forms a part of the technology foundation to develop quality evaluation systems for rice.
RAPID MESOCARP CELL ELONGATION ENHANCES GUMMING SYNDROME IN JAPANESE APRICOT (PRUNUS MUME SIEB. ET ZUCC.) FRUIT
Authors: MATSUMOTO KAZUHIRO , CHUN JONG‐PIL , NAKATA NOBORU , TAMURA FUMIO
Published: March 2008

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) ‘Benisashi’ fruit tends to show the physiological disorder of a gumming syndrome, while the fruit known as ‘Nanko’ rarely show this. The accumulated gum becomes a solid gel during the processing period and the commercial value of the mume pickle is consequently decreased. In the present experiment, gum accumulation in the mesocarp tissue and the cell size of the tissue during fruit growth were observed in the two cultivars. In mid‐May, the initiation of the gum duct was observed in vascular bundles in the mesocarp tissue of the two cultivars and plant gum was then observed to accumulate in the duct. No difference in these phenomena was observed between the cultivars until late May. Thereafter, ‘Benisashi’ developed a gum lump visible to the naked eye during Stage III, while the gum lump of ‘Nanko’ did not develop to the visible size as shown in ‘Benisashi’; the lumps could not be confirmed with the naked eye until the mature stage. ‘Benisashi’ showed more rapid fruit growth compared with ‘Nanko’ during Stage III due to explosive mesocarp cell elongation close to the endocarp. Moreover, the rate of gumming fruit of ‘Benisashi’ was higher in bigger fruits than smaller ones. These results indicate that the peculiar cell growth of ‘Benisashi’ fruit may accelerate gum lump formation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Gumming syndrome affects the quality of mume pickle. In this experiment, we investigated the mechanisms of gum accumulation in fruit flesh. ‘Benisashi’, which frequently shows the gumming syndrome, presented rapid inner mesocarp cell growth on fruits developing Stage III. This peculiar cell growth may accelerate gum lump formation. Therefore, we have to prevent the cultivational misconduct that induces rapid fruit growth in this period to suppress the gumming syndrome and to increase the commercial value of mume pickle. Moreover, this knowledge is also important in order to breed the new cultivars which do not contain the gumming syndrome.
STUDY ON GENETIC ALGORITHMS‐BASED NIR WAVELENGTH SELECTION FOR DETERMINATION OF SOLUBLE SOLIDS CONTENT IN FUJI APPLES
Authors: SHI BOLIN , JI BAOPING , ZHU DAZHOU , TU ZHENHUA , QING ZHAOSHEN
Published: March 2008

The determination of soluble solids content (SSC) in intact apples was analyzed by means of near‐infrared spectroscopy using an acousto‐optic tunable filter technology. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were performed to select wavelengths within the range from 1,065 to 1,625 nm. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) model based on GAs was compared with the nonvariable selection. Furthermore, the majority of selected wavelengths that brought on that result have been analyzed with regard to the typical absorption bands of sugars and the low‐noise spectral signals. With the GAs approach, the spectral points were reduced from 88 to 17, and the low relative standard deviation of prediction (RSDp) (6.02%) and high coefficient of calibration (0.914) were achieved. The results showed that PLSR combined with GAs not only simplified and optimized the calibration model, but also improved the prediction effect of the calibration model. It was concluded that the GAs‐based method extracted relevant SSC information from special spectral regions and left out the useless spectral points simultaneously.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The determination of soluble solids content (SSC) in intact apples is quite important for assessing the internal quality of fruit. However, the portable spectrophotometer did not provide a reliable spectral signal. The multivariate modeling of the entire spectra not only computes complexly, but also increases spectral interferences. In the present study, an acousto‐optic tunable filter spectrometer was used for analysis. Genetic algorithms (GAs) were presented for the wavelength selection in order to predict the SSC in intact apples, based on partial least squares regression of near‐infrared spectral data. The results demonstrated that the wavelength selection based on GAs can build a simple model and can improve the performance of the model. It was also shown that the GAs‐based method extracted relevant information from special spectral regions and left out the useless spectral points simultaneously. It is valuable to establish a nondestructive measurement for developing online sensing systems.
The Recent Revival of Cosmological Arguments
Authors: Alexander David
Published: March 2008

Cosmological arguments have received more attention in the past ten years. One reason for this is that versions with restricted or even no reliance on the principle of sufficient reason (PSR) have been formulated. By not relying on PSR – what many consider to be a necessary falsehood – philosophers have been able to escape many of the old criticisms of cosmological arguments. In this essay I survey two recent attempts at presenting a sound version of a cosmological argument. I spend more time on Robert Koons’ since his has not yet received the kind of quality attention that the other has.
Knowing‐How and Knowing‐That
Authors: Fantl Jeremy
Published: March 2008

You knowthatGeorge W. Bush is the U.S. president, but you knowhowto ride a bicycle. What's the difference? According tointellectualists, not much: either knowing how to do something is a matter of knowing that something is the case or, at the very least, know‐how requires a prior bit of theoretical knowledge.Anti‐intellectualistsdeny this order of priority: either knowing‐how and knowing‐that are independent or, at the very least, knowing that something is the case requires a prior bit of know‐how. Much of the dispute centers on the relationship between knowing how to do something and having an ability to do it. If having an ability is necessary and sufficient for knowing‐how, this is thought to provide comfort for anti‐intellectualists. This paper traces the place of ability in the know‐how/know‐that debate from Ryle's seminal statement of anti‐intellectualism through Stanley and Williamson's more recent defense of intellectualism.
Solving the “Rural School Problem”: New State Aid, Standards, and Supervision of Local Schools, 1900–1933
Authors: Steffes Tracy L.
Published: March 2008

“The greatest educational problem now facing the American people is the Rural School Problem,” argued Minnesota county superintendent Julius Arp in 1918. “There is no defect more glaring today than the inequality that exists between the educational facilities of the urban and rural communities. Rural education in the United States has been so far outstripped by the education of our urban centers, that from an educational standpoint, the country child is left far behind in the struggles of life.” This conceptualization of the Rural School Problem, framed within a larger national discussion about the growing disparity between urban and rural life wrought by industrialization, galvanized a broad based coalition of educators, ministers, farmers, agro-businessmen, sociologists, and social reformers into a robust campaign for rural school reform in the early twentieth century. Often lost in recent education histories which have paid much greater attention to urban school reform, this rural school movement had far-reaching consequences, not only for local school governance in the countryside, but for emerging state administration of education. The Rural School Problem, this article argues, helped to stimulate and legitimate significant new state interventions into local schools and define the forms of state aid, regulation, and bureaucracy in a formative period of state development.
Second Language Processing of Filler‐Gap Dependencies by Late Learners
Authors: Dallas Andrea , Kaan Edith
Published: March 2008

Recent evidence suggests that late learners of second and foreign languages (L2), those who begin learning after puberty, differ as to how they comprehend complex sentences in real time compared to native speakers and early L2 learners. One area in which these differences occur is in the processing of non‐local dependencies where constituents are not canonically ordered, such as in sentences containing wh‐dependencies: The teacher saw which girl the boy pushed ___ yesterday. This paper presents a brief overview of current research investigating this issue. To this end, differences and similarities between how L1 and L2 speakers use lexical and syntactic information to resolve these types of dependencies are discussed. In addition, a current model of L2 sentence processing is discussed with suggestions for future research.
Non‐random reassortment in human influenza A viruses
Authors: Rabadan Raul , Levine Arnold J. , Krasnitz Michael
Published: March 2008

Background  The influenza A virus has two basic modes of evolution. Because of a high error rate in the process of replication by RNA polymerase, the viral genome drifts via accumulated mutations. The second mode of evolution is termed a shift, which results from the reassortment of the eight segments of this virus. When two different influenza viruses co‐infect the same host cell, new virions can be released that contain segments from both parental strains. This type of shift has been the source of at least two of the influenza pandemics in the 20th century (H2N2 in 1957 and H3N2 in 1968).

Objectives  The methods to measure these genetic shifts have not yet provided a quantitative answer to questions such as: what is the rate of genetic reassortment during a local epidemic? Are all possible reassortments equally likely or are there preferred patterns?

Methods  To answer these questions and provide a quantitative way to measure genetic shifts, a new method for detecting reassortments from nucleotide sequence data was created that does not rely upon phylogenetic analysis. Two different sequence databases were used: human H3N2 viruses isolated in New York State between 1995 and 2006, and human H3N2 viruses isolated in New Zealand between 2000 and 2005.

Results  Using this new method, we were able to reproduce all the reassortments found in earlier works, as well as detect, with very high confidence, many reassortments that were not detected by previous authors. We obtain a lower bound on the reassortment rate of 2–3 events per year, and find a clear preference for reassortments involving only one segment, most often hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. At a lower frequency several segments appear to reassort in vivo in defined groups as has been suggested previously in vitro.

Conclusions  Our results strongly suggest that the patterns of reassortment in the viral population are not random. Deciphering these patterns can be a useful tool in attempting to understand and predict possible influenza pandemics.
A plant‐produced influenza subunit vaccine protects ferrets against virus challenge
Authors: Mett Vadim , Musiychuk Konstantin , Bi Hong , Farrance Christine E. , Horsey April , Ugulava Natalia , Shoji Yoko , De La Rosa Patricia , Palmer Gene A. , Rabindran Shailaja , Streatfield Stephen J. , Boyers Alison , Russell Michael , Mann Alex , Lambkin Robert , Oxford John S. , Schild Geoffrey C. , Yusibov Vidadi
Published: March 2008

Background  Influenza A viruses are of major concern for public health, causing worldwide epidemics associated with high morbidity and mortality. Vaccines are critical for protection against influenza, but given the recent emergence of new strains with pandemic potential, and some limitations of the current production systems, there is a need for new approaches for vaccine development.

Objective  To demonstrate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of plant‐produced influenza antigens.

Method  We engineered, using influenza A/Wyoming/3/03 (H3N2) as a model virus, the stem and globular domains of hemagglutinin (HA) produced in plants as fusions to a carrier protein and used purified antigens with and without adjuvant for ferret immunization.

Results  These plant‐produced antigens were highly immunogenic and conferred complete protection against infection in the ferret challenge model. The addition of plant‐produced neuraminidase was shown to enhance the immune response in ferrets.

Conclusions  Plants can be used as a production vehicle for vaccine development against influenza. Domains of HA can generate protective immune responses in ferrets.
Whole inactivated virus influenza vaccine is superior to subunit vaccine in inducing immune responses and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by DCs
Authors: Geeraedts Felix , Bungener Laura , Pool Judith , Ter Veer Wouter , Wilschut Jan , Huckriede Anke
Published: March 2008

Background  For protection against (re‐)infection by influenza virus not only the magnitude of the immune response but also its quality in terms of antibody subclass and T helper profile is important. Information about the type of immune response elicited by vaccination is therefore urgently needed.

Objectives  The aim of the study was to evaluate in detail the immune response elicited by three current influenza vaccine formulations and to shed light on vaccine characteristics which determine this response.

Methods  Mice were immunized with whole inactivated virus (WIV), virosomes (VS) or subunit vaccine (SU). Following subsequent infection with live virus, serum antibody titers and Th cell responses were measured. The effects of the vaccines on cytokine production by conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were investigated in vitro.

Results and conclusions  In Balb/c mice (Th2 prone) as well as in C57Bl/6 mice (Th1 prone), WIV induced consistently higher hemagglutination‐inhibition titers and virus‐neutralizing antibody titers than VS or SU. In contrast to VS and SU, WIV stimulated the production of the antibody subclasses IgG2a (Balb/c) and IgG2c (C57BL/6), considered to be particularly important for viral clearance, and activation of IFN‐γ‐producing T cells. Similar to live virus, WIV stimulated the production of proinflammatory cytokines by conventional dendritic cells and IFN‐α by plasmacytoid cells, while VS and SU had little effect on cytokine synthesis by either cell type. We conclude that vaccination with WIV in contrast to VS or SU results in the desired Th1 response presumably by induction of type I interferon and other proinflammatory cytokines.
Effect of PSP Toxins in White Leg Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931
Authors: Pérez‐Linares J. , Ochoa J.L. , Gago‐Martínez A.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT:  Cultured shrimp are often exposed to different toxic products during rearing practices that may affect survival and quality of the product. An evaluation of the effects of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP) from species of Gymnodinium catenatum in white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) has been carried out in this study. Death was observed at doses > 5.0 MU (equivalent to 1.1 μg/g of STX), while lower doses provoked paralysis of pereiopods, disequilibrium, and abdominal spasms in the animals. Target organs such as the heart and brain were severely damaged, with cohesion loss and cell density reduction evidenced by histological analysis. Hence, pond productivity and quality of the harvested organisms may be affected by PSP toxins. This is the 1st report on the effect of PSP toxins from G. catenatum in white eg shrimp.
The Asexual Yeast
Candida glabrata
Maintains Distinct
a
and α Haploid Mating Types
Authors: Muller Héloïse , Hennequin Christophe , Gallaud Julien , Dujon Bernard , Fairhead Cécile
Published: March 2008

The genome of the type strain of
Candida glabrata
(CBS138, ATCC 2001) contains homologs of most of the genes involved in mating in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, starting with the mating pheromone and receptor genes. Only haploid cells are ever isolated, but
C. glabrata
strains of both mating types are commonly found, the type strain being
MAT
α and most other strains, such as BG2, being
MAT
a
. No sexual cycle has been documented for this species. In order to understand which steps of the mating pathway are defective, we have analyzed the expression of homologs of some of the key genes involved as well as the production of mating pheromones and the organism's sensitivity to artificial pheromones. We show that cells of opposite mating types express both pheromone receptor genes and are insensitive to pheromones. Nonetheless, cells maintain specificity through regulation of the α
1
and α
2
genes and, more surprisingly, through differential splicing of the
a
1
transcript.
Overlapping Functions of the Two Talin Homologues inDictyostelium
Authors: Tsujioka Masatsune , Yoshida Kunito , Nagasaki Akira , Yonemura Shigenobu , Müller-Taubenberger Annette , Uyeda Taro Q. P.
Published: March 2008

Talin is a cytoskeletal protein involved in constructing and regulating focal adhesions in animal cells. The cellular slime moldDictyostelium discoideumhas two talin homologues,talAandtalB, and earlier studies have characterized the single knockout mutants.talA−cells show reduced adhesion to the substrates and slightly impaired cytokinesis leading to a high proportion of multinucleated cells in the vegetative stage, while the development is normal. In contrast,talB−cells are characterized by reduced motility in the developmental stage, and they are arrested at the tight-mound stage. Here, we created and analyzed a double mutant with a disruption of bothtalAandtalB. Defects in adhesion to the substrates, cytokinesis, and development were more severe in cells with a disruption of bothtalAandtalB. ThetalA−talB−cells failed to attach to the substrates in the vegetative stage, exhibited a higher proportion of multinucleated cells thantalA−cells, and showed more-reduced motility during the development and an earlier developmental arrest thantalB−cells at the loose-mound stage. Moreover, overexpression of eithertalAortalBcompensated for the loss of the other talin, respectively. The analysis oftalA−talB−cells also revealed that talin was required for the formation of paxillin-rich adhesion sites and that there was another adhesion mechanism which is independent of talin in the developmental stage. This is the first study demonstrating overlapping functions of two talin homologues, and our data further indicate the importance of talin.
Transcription Factors Pcr1 and Atf1 Have Distinct Roles in Stress- and Sty1-Dependent Gene Regulation
Authors: Sansó Miriam , Gogol Madelaine , Ayté José , Seidel Chris , Hidalgo Elena
Published: March 2008

The mitogen-activated protein kinase Sty1 is essential for the regulation of transcriptional responses that promote cell survival in response to different types of environmental stimuli in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
. Upon stress activation, Sty1 reversibly accumulates in the nucleus, where it stimulates gene expression via the Atf1 transcription factor. The Atf1 protein forms a heterodimer with Pcr1, but the specific role of this association is controversial. We have carried out a comparative analysis of strains lacking these proteins individually. We demonstrate that Atf1 and Pcr1 have similar but not identical roles in
S. pombe
, since cells lacking Pcr1 do not share all the phenotypes reported for Δ
atf1
cells. Northern blot and microarray analyses demonstrate that the responses to specific stresses of cells lacking either Pcr1 or Atf1 do not fully overlap, and even though most Atf1-dependent genes induced by osmotic stress are also Pcr1 dependent, a subset of genes require only the presence of Atf1 for their induction. Whereas binding of Atf1 to most stress-dependent genes requires the presence of Pcr1, we demonstrate here that Atf1 can bind to the Pcr1-independent promoters in a Δ
pcr1
strain in vivo. Furthermore, these analyses show that both proteins have a global repressive effect on stress-dependent and stress-independent genes.
Involvement of a Protein Kinase Activity Inducer in DNA Double Strand Break Repair and Radioresistance of
Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Rajpurohit Yogendra S. , Gopalakrishnan Roja , Misra Hari S.
Published: March 2008

Transgenic bacteria producing pyrroloquinoline quinone, a known cofactor for dehydrogenases and an inducer of a periplasmic protein kinase activity, show resistance to both oxidative stress and protection from nonoxidative effects of radiation and DNA-damaging agents.
Deinococcus radiodurans
R1 encodes an active pyrroloquinoline quinone synthase, and constitutive synthesis of pyrroloquinoline quinone occurred in wild-type bacteria. Disruption of a genomic copy of
pqqE
resulted in cells that lacked this cofactor. The mutant showed a nearly 3-log decrease in γ radiation resistance and a 2-log decrease in mitomycin C tolerance compared to wild-type cells. The mutant cells did not show sensitivity to UVC radiation. Expression of pyrroloquinoline quinone synthase in
trans
showed that there was functional complementation of γ resistance and mitomycin C tolerance in the
pqqE
mutant. The sensitivity to γ radiation was due to impairment or slow kinetics of DNA double strand break repair. Low levels of
32
P incorporation were observed in total soluble proteins of mutant cells compared to the wild type. The results suggest that pyrroloquinoline quinone has a regulatory role as a cofactor for dehydrogenases and an inducer of selected protein kinase activity in radiation resistance and DNA strand break repair in a radioresistant bacterium.