bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing transcriptome platforms
Authors: Shi Shuobo
Published: April 2011

During the last decade of years, remarkable technological innovations have emerged that allow the direct or indirect determination of the transcriptome at unprecedented scale and speed. Studies using these methods have already altered our view of the extent and complexity of transcript profiling, which has advanced from one-gene-at-a-time to a holistic view of the genome. Here, we outline the major technical advances in transcriptome characterization, including the most popular used hybridization-based platform, the well accepted tag-based sequencing platform, and the recently developed RNA-Seq (RNA sequencing) based platform. Importantly, these next-generation technologies revolutionize assessing the entire transcriptome via the recent RNA-Seq technology.
Silver-catalyzed synthesis of 4-substituted benzofuransvia a cascade oxidative coupling-annulation protocol
Authors: Ye Yang , Fan Renhua
Published: April 2011

A facile synthesis of 4-indole benzofurans via an oxidative dearomatization, a silver-catalyzed cascade Michael addition-annulation, and an aromatization is reported.
To stay as allene or go further? Synthesis of novel phosphono-heterocycles and polycyclics via propargyl alcohols
Authors: Srinivas Venu , Sajna K. V. , Swamy K. C. Kumara
Published: April 2011

Novel (tetrahydro)dibenzazepines, N-hydroxyindolinones and polycyclic compounds are generated by a simple reaction of a chlorophosphite with functionalized propargyl alcohols.
Fluorescence turn-on detection of a protein through the displaced single-stranded DNA bindingprotein binding to a molecular beacon
Authors: Tang Dan , Liao Dongli , Zhu Qiankun , Wang Fangyuan , Jiao Huping , Zhang Yujing , Yu Cong
Published: April 2011

A new approach for the highly sensitive and selective sensing of a protein (lysozyme) based on a nucleic acid aptamer, a molecular beacon, and the single-stranded DNA binding (SSB) protein has been developed.
Nitrone-mediated radical coupling reactions: a new synthetic tool exemplified on dendrimer synthesis
Authors: Wong Edgar H. H. , Altintas Ozcan , Stenzel Martina H. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Junkers Tanja
Published: April 2011

A synthetic strategy employing nitrones as radical spin traps is presented on the example of the efficient generation of novel dendrimers via a combination of radical and classical ‘click’ chemistry.
Peptide-tailored assembling of Aunanorods
Authors: He Weiwei , Hou Shuai , Mao Xiaobo , Wu Xiaochun , Ji Yinglu , Liu Jianbo , Hu Xiaona , Zhang Ke , Wang Chenxuan , Yang Yanlian , Wang Qi
Published: April 2011

A simple and fast way to study the interaction between the Au NRs and peptides was developed, which makes potential peptide recognition and detection possible.
Proton conduction in discotic mesogens
Authors: Basak Dipankar , Christensen Scott , Surampudi Sravan K. , Versek Craig , Toscano Daniel T. , Tuominen Mark T. , Hayward Ryan C. , Venkataraman D.
Published: April 2011

We show that discotic mesogens can be used to lower the activation energy barrier for proton transport.
Mg–Al–carbonate layered double hydroxides as a novel catalyst of luminol chemiluminescence
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Liu Fang , Lu Chao
Published: April 2011

The chemiluminescence of luminol is enhanced considerably in the presence of Mg–Al–carbonate layered double hydroxides (LDH).
Synthesis of ThCr2Si2-type arsenides from Bi flux
Authors: Thompson Corey M. , Kovnir Kirill , Eveland Stephanie , Herring Mitchell J. , Shatruk Michael
Published: April 2011

Bi-flux synthesis of LaCo2As2leads to incorporation of Bi into the structure and formation of Co vacancies, modifying magnetic behavior of the material.
Isomeric effect in the self-assembly of pyridine-containing L-glutamic lipid: substituent position controlled morphology and supramolecular chirality
Authors: Duan Pengfei , Zhu Xuefeng , Liu Minghua
Published: April 2011

Three isomeric pyridine-containing l-glutamic lipids formed organogels in DMSO and self-assembled into different nanostructures of nanofiber, twist and nanotube depending on the substituent position in the pyridine ring.
Direct electrochemical imidation of aliphatic aminesvia anodic oxidation
Authors: Zhang Li , Su Ji-Hu , Wang Sujing , Wan Changfeng , Zha Zhenggen , Du Jiangfeng , Wang Zhiyong
Published: April 2011

Direct electrochemical synthesis of sulfonyl amidines from aliphatic amines and sulfonyl azides was realized with good to excellent yields.
A supramolecular approach to the preparation of charge-tunable dendritic polycations for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Dong Ruijiao , Zhou Linzhu , Wu Jieli , Tu Chunlai , Su Yue , Zhu Bangshang , Gu Hongchen , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: April 2011

A facile supramolecular approach for the preparation of charge-tunable dendritic polycations, by a combination of the multi-functionality of dendritic polymers with the dynamic-tunable ability of supramolecular polymers, has been developed.
Electrochemical sensing of l-histidine based on structure-switching DNAzymes and gold nanoparticle–graphenenanosheet composites
Authors: Liang Junfei , Chen Zhengbo , Guo Lin , Li Lidong
Published: April 2011

A sensitive aptasensor for detection of l-histidine based on the switching structure of aptamer and gold nanoparticles–graphene nanosheets (GNPs–GNSs) composite was reported for the first time. The fabricated biosensor shows an expanded linear range, excellent sensitivity and selectivity against other amino acids.
Graphene solutions
Authors: Catheline Amélie , Vallés Cristina , Drummond Carlos , Ortolani Luca , Morandi Vittorio , Marcaccio Massimo , Iurlo Matteo , Paolucci Francesco , Pénicaud Alain
Published: April 2011

Thermodynamics drive the sonication-free spontaneous dissolution of a KC8 graphite intercalation compound in N-methyl-pyrrolidinone and subsequent obtention of graphene solutions at 0.7 mg ml−1. Reduction potential of graphene has been measured at +22 mV vs. SCE.
Diversity-oriented approach to 1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-3(4H)-imines viacopper(i)-catalyzed reaction of (E)-2-ethynylphenylchalcone, sulfonyl azide and amine
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Ye Chao , Gao Liang , Wu Jie
Published: April 2011

A three-component reaction of (E)-2-ethynylphenylchalcone, sulfonyl azide, and amine catalyzed by copper(i) chloride generates 1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-3(4H)-imines in good to excellent yields.
A mirror-image tetramolecular DNA quadruplex
Authors: Tran Phong Lan Thao , Moriyama Rui , Maruyama Atsushi , Rayner Bernard , Mergny Jean-Louis
Published: April 2011

l-DNA, the mirror image of natural DNA forms a quadruplex structure of opposite chirality.
Pentafluoropyridine as a fluorinating reagent for preparing a hydrocarbon soluble β-diketiminatolead(ii) monofluoride
Authors: Jana Anukul , Sarish Sankaranarayana Pillai , Roesky Herbert W. , Leusser Dirk , Objartel Ina , Stalke Dietmar
Published: April 2011

A well-designed method for the preparation of β-diketiminatolead(ii) monofluoride has been developed using LPbNMe2 (L = [CH{C(Me)(2,6-iPr2C6H3N)}2]) and pentafluoropyridine (C5F5N).
Selective and sensitive “turn-on” fluorescent Zn2+ sensors based on di- and tripyrrins with readily modulated emission wavelengths
Authors: Ding Yubin , Xie Yongshu , Li Xin , Hill Jonathan P. , Zhang Weibing , Zhu Weihong
Published: April 2011

Di- and tripyrrin Zn2+ sensors exhibit CHEF-type fluorescence enhancement by factors up to 72, with tunable emission colours.
The feasibility of segmentation of protolanguage
Authors: Zachar István
Published: April 2011

An important question in language evolution is whether segmentation as a linguistic process is able to yield compositionality. Segmentation is hypothesized to be a process to bridge the gap between holistic and compositional lexicons. However, to date no thorough analytical method has been provided to test the feasibility of segmentation. In this paper, an analytical model is presented that can predict the probability of encountering various kinds of overlaps by observing utterance pairs, and the probability of finding confirmation in the language for newly extracted segments. Language users start by using a previously evolved holistic lexicon to communicate about simple environments. They segment these holistic utterances to smaller pieces, which can be used as elements of a compositional lexicon. The model reveals that the feasibility of segmentation depends on the definition of counterexamples, i.e. those associations (pairs), which either cause ambiguous extraction of segments, or do not allow segmentation at all. On one hand if inexact overlaps are considered to be contradictory (i.e. causing confusion) to a perfect exact overlap, then the probability is so minuscule that it renders the role of segmentation marginal during language evolution. On the other hand, if such inexact counterexamples are able to be segmented unambiguously due to extra cognitive capacities, segmentation may have a much higher feasibility. Keywords: segmentation; fractionation; analysis; holistic; protolanguage; compositionality
Could arbitrary imitation and pattern completion have bootstrapped human linguistic communication?
Authors: Tamariz Monica
Published: April 2011

The present study explores the idea that human linguistic communication co-opted a pre-existing population-wide behavioural system that was shared among social group members and whose structure reflected the structure of the environment. This system is hypothesized to have emerged from interactions among individuals who had evolved the capacity to imitate arbitrary, functionless behaviour. A series of agent-based computer simulations test the separate and joint effects of imitation, pattern completion behaviour, environment structure and level of social interaction on such a population-wide behavioural system. The results support the view that a system that could be co-opted for linguistic communication might arise in a population of agents equipped with arbitrary imitation for the purposes of pattern completion interacting in certain kinds of structured environments. Such pre-linguistic behavioural system could have bootstrapped communication and paved the way for biological capacities widely believed to be necessary for communication, such as shared intentionality and symbolicity, to evolve.
Cross-situational and supervised learning in the emergence of communication
Authors: Fontanari Jose Fernando , Cangelosi Angelo
Published: April 2011

Scenarios for the emergence or bootstrap of a lexicon involve the repeated interaction between at least two agents who must reach a consensus on how to name N objects using H words. Here we consider minimal models of two types of learning algorithms: cross-situational learning, in which the individuals determine the meaning of a word by looking for something in common across all observed uses of that word, and supervised operant conditioning learning, in which there is strong feedback between individuals about the intended meaning of the words. Despite the stark differences between these learning schemes, we show that they yield the same communication accuracy in the limits of large N and H, which coincides with the result of the classical occupancy problem of randomly assigning N objects to H words. Key words: lexicon bootstrapping; cross-situational learning; supervised learning; random occupancy problems
To pun or not to pun?
Authors: Stelter Julia
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a contrastive analysis of puns in English and German based on a bilingual corpus of 2,400 jokes from published collections. The main assumption is that punning in the two languages differs in quantity and quality because of contrasts in morphosyntax, lexis and phonology. More precisely, given that the creation of most types of paronomastic jokes is considered to be facilitated in English, the English data set is expected to show a higher number and a greater variation of puns. However, a few manifestations of punning are assumed to occur particularly often in the German data. Seven hypotheses related to these predictions are tested. The most significant finding is that puns in the English set clearly outnumber puns in the German set.
A contrastive study of verbs of remembering and forgetting in English and Spanish
Authors: Carretero Marta , Villamil-Touriño Asunción
Published: April 2011

This article presents a contrastive study of the verbs REMEMBER, FORGET and REMIND and their Spanish equivalents RECORDAR, ACORDARSE and OLVIDAR(SE), from a broad systemic-functional perspective. Through a database built with occurrences obtained from authentic corpora, a quantitative analysis was carried out on these verbs in terms of spoken and written mode and a number of clausal factors: mood, syntax and semantics of the Phenomenon, voice, polarity, person and modality. These factors were considered both individually and in relation to one another. The analysis uncovered similarities in the use of the English and Spanish verbs and, more significantly, a number of differences, due to a diversity of factors such as mode, lexical distribution, grammatical features and type of discourse, as well as politeness and other pragmatic reasons.
Arabic and English abstracts in bilingual language science journals
Authors: Alharbi Lafi M. , Swales John M.
Published: April 2011

Although Arabic is a language with a long scholarly tradition, relatively little is known about the rhetorical and linguistic features of contemporary Arabic prose. In this paper, we examine 28 Arabic and English paired abstracts dealing with the language sciences drawn from three journals. The analysis shows in both sub-corpora little use of first person pronouns or promotional elements, and the move structures tended to be simple, often only background→ findings. Differences between the two languages included greater use of rhetorical and metaphorical flourishes in some Arabic texts and increased attention to background knowledge in some of the English ones. These findings may be related to certain scholastic traditions in the Arab World and to the fact that Arab humanities journals have only recently required articles to be accompanied by abstracts.
Prefixes in contrast
Authors: Lefer Marie-Aude , Cartoni Bruno
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a meaning-based contrastive methodology for the study of prefixation in English, French and Italian which is easily adaptable to other languages and word-formation processes. Our discussion centres on some of the central methodological and theoretical issues involved in contrastive lexical morphology, an area which, to date, has largely remained under-researched. Precise defining criteria for derivative (and prefix) status are presented in order to decide what counts as a derivative (or as a prefix) and what does not. Emphasis is also put on a fined-grained semantic tertium comparationis elaborated for the cross-linguistic investigation of lexical morphology and based on a six-tiered semantic categorisation, viz. location, evaluation, negation, quantity, modality, and inchoativity, most of which are further divided into finer subcategories. This macro-approach makes it possible to draw important generalisations about the use of word-formation devices across languages.
Sobolev estimates for the local extension of ∂̄_{𝑏}-closed (0,1)-forms on real hypersurfaces in ℂⁿ with two positive eigenvalues
Authors: Cho Sanghyun
Published: April 2011

Let

M

\mathcal M

be a smooth real hypersurface in complex space of dimension

n
≥
3

n\ge 3

, and assume that the Levi-form at

z
0

z_0

on

M

\mathcal M

has at least two positive eigenvalues. We estimate solutions of the local

∂
¯

\bar {\partial }

-closed extension problem near

z
0

z_0

for

(
0
,
1
)

(0,1)

-forms in Sobolev spaces. Using this result, we estimate the local solution of tangential Cauchy-Riemann equations near

z
0

z_0

for

(
0
,
1
)

(0,1)

-forms in Sobolev spaces.
Spectral properties of commuting operations for 𝑛-tuples
Authors: Benhida C. , Zerouali E.
Published: April 2011

LetR\textbf {R}andS\mathbf { S}be commutingnn-tuples. We give some spectral and local spectral relations betweenRS\mathbf { RS}andSR\mathbf { SR}. In particular, we show thatRS\mathbf { RS}has the single valued extension property or satisfies Bishop’s property(β)(\beta )if and only ifSR\mathbf { SR}has the corresponding property.
Computing generators of free modules over orders in group algebras II
Authors: Bley Werner , Johnston Henri
Published: April 2011

LetEEbe a number field andGGa finite group. LetA\mathcal {A}be anyOE\mathcal {O}_{E}-order of full rank in the group algebraE[G]E[G]andXXa (left)A\mathcal {A}-lattice. In a previous article, we gave a necessary and sufficient condition forXXto be free of given rankddoverA\mathcal {A}. In the case that (i) the Wedderburn decompositionE[G]≅⨁χMχE[G] \cong \bigoplus _{\chi } M_{\chi }is explicitly computable and (ii) eachMχM_{\chi }is in fact a matrix ring over a field, this led to an algorithm that either gives elementsα1,…,αd∈X\alpha _{1}, \ldots , \alpha _{d} \in Xsuch thatX=Aα1⊕⋯⊕AαdX=\mathcal {A}\alpha _{1} \oplus \cdots \oplus \mathcal {A}\alpha _{d}or determines that no such elements exist. In the present article, we generalise the algorithm by weakening condition (ii) considerably.
Noninvasive Ventilation and Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver Improve Respiratory Function during and after Intubation of Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Futier Emmanuel , Constantin Jean-Michel , Pelosi Paolo , Chanques Gerald , Massone Alexandre , Petit Antoine , Kwiatkowski Fabrice , Bazin Jean-Etienne , Jaber Samir
Published: April 2011

Background

Morbid obesity predisposes patients to lung collapse and hypoxemia during induction of anesthesia. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) improves arterial oxygenation and end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) compared with conventional preoxygenation, and whether NPPV followed by early recruitment maneuver (RM) after endotracheal intubation (ETI) further improves oxygenation and respiratory function compared with NPPV alone.

Methods

Sixty-six consecutive patients (body mass index, 46 ± 6 kg/m²) were randomized to receive 5 min of either conventional preoxygenation with spontaneous breathing of 100% O₂ (CON), NPPV (pressure support and positive end-expiratory pressure), or NPPV followed by RM (NPPV+RM). Gas exchange was measured in awake patients, at the end of preoxygenation, immediately after ETI, and 5 min after the onset of mechanical ventilation. EELV was measured immediately after ETI and 5 min after mechanical ventilation. The primary endpoint was arterial oxygenation 5 min after the onset of mechanical ventilation. Results are presented as mean ± SD.

Results

At the end of preoxygenation, Pao₂ was higher in the NPPV and NPPV+RM groups (382 ± 87 mmHg and 375 ± 82 mmHg, respectively; both P < 0.001) compared with the CON group (306 ± 51 mmHg) and remained higher after ETI (225 ± 104 mmHg and 221 ± 110 mmHg, in the NPPV and NPPV+RM groups, respectively; both P < 0.01 compared with the CON group [150 ± 50 mmHg]). After the onset of mechanical ventilation, Pao₂ was 93 ± 25 mmHg in the CON group, 128 ± 54 mmHg in the NPPV group (P = 0.035 vs. CON group), and 234 ± 73 mmHg in the NPPV+RM group (P < 0.0001 vs. NPPV group). After ETI, EELV was higher in the NPPV group compared with the CON group (P < 0.001). Compared with NPPV alone, RM further improved gas exchange and EELV (all P < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between Pao2 obtained 5 min after mechanical ventilation and EELV (R = 0.41, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

NPPV improves oxygenation and EELV in morbidly obese patients compared with conventional preoxygenation. NPPV combined with early RM is more effective than NPPV alone at improving respiratory function after ETI.
New concept of cytotoxic immunoconjugate therapy targeting cancer‐induced fibrin clots
Authors: Yasunaga Masahiro , Manabe Shino , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: April 2011

Fibrin clots in non‐malignant conditions form only at the onset or during the active stage of disease and disappear within a few weeks as a result of plasmin digestion or replacement with collagen. In contrast, fibrin clot formation and subsequent replacement with collagen in cancer persist for as long as the cancer cells survive in the body. We developed an anti‐fibrin chimeric antibody that reacts with fibrin only, and not fibrinogen (the precursor of fibrin), and then attached an anticancer agent (ACA) to the antibody. Thus, the immunoconjugate did not create an immune complex in the blood stream and was selectively accumulated to fibrin clots in the tumor stroma to create a scaffold, from which effective sustained release of the ACA occurred. In a mouse model, the ACA diffused throughout the tumor tissue to damage both tumor cells and vessels, resulting in potent antitumor activity in stroma‐rich spontaneous tumors. This new cancer stroma‐targeting therapy may result in an increased duration of drug exposure and be a highly effective new therapy, particularly for refractory, stroma‐rich cancers. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1396–1402)
Oral desensitization as a useful treatment in 2‐year‐old children with cow's milk allergy
Authors: Martorell A. , De la Hoz B. , Ibáñez M. D. , Bone J. , Terrados M. S. , Michavila A. , Plaza A. M. , Alonso E. , Garde J. , Nevot S. , Echeverria L. , Santana C. , Cerdá J. C. , Escudero C. , Guallar I. , Piquer M. , Zapatero L. , Ferré L. , Bracamonte T. , Muriel A. , Martínez M. I. , Félix R.
Published: April 2011

Background
Limited published evidence shows oral desensitization to be a potential intervention option for cow's milk protein (CMPs) allergy.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral desensitization in 2‐year‐old children with cow's milk allergy, as a treatment alternative to elimination diet.

Methods
A total of 60 children aged 24–36 months with IgE‐mediated allergy to CMPs were included in this multi‐center study and were randomized into two groups. Thirty children (group A: treatment group) began oral desensitization immediately, whereas the remaining 30 (group B: control group) were kept on a milk‐free diet and followed‐up for 1 year.

Results
After 1‐year follow‐up period, 90% of the children in group A had become completely tolerant vs. 23% of the children in group B. In group A, cow's milk skin reactivity and serum‐specific IgE to milk and casein decreased significantly from the initial assessment, whereas group B showed no significant change after 1 year of follow‐up. Twenty‐four patients (80%) developed some reaction during the treatment period: 14 children developed moderate reaction (47%) and 10 mild reaction (33%). The most common manifestations were urticaria‐angioedema, followed by cough.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
In this study, oral desensitization was found to be effective in a significant percentage of 2‐year‐old children with cow's milk allergy. Oral desensitization appears to be efficacious as an alternative to elimination diet in the treatment of 2‐year‐old children with cow's milk allergy. The side‐effect profile appears acceptable but requires further study.

Cite this as: A. Martorell, B. De la Hoz, M. D. Ibáñez, J. Bone, M. S. Terrados, A. Michavila, A. M. Plaza, E. Alonso, J. Garde, S. Nevot, L. Echeverria, C. Santana, J. C. Cerdá, C. Escudero, I. Guallar, M. Piquer, L. Zapatero, L. Ferré, T. Bracamonte, A. Muriel, M. I. Martínez and R. Félix, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1297–1304.
Shifting dynamic forces in fish stock fluctuations triggered by age truncation?
Authors: ROUYER TRISTAN , OTTERSEN GEIR , DURANT JOËL M. , HIDALGO MANUEL , HJERMANN DAG Ø. , PERSSON JONAS , STIGE LEIF CHR. , STENSETH NILS CHR.
Published: April 2011

Accumulating evidence shows that environmental fluctuations and exploitation jointly affect marine fish populations, and understanding their interaction is a key issue for fisheries ecology. In particular, it has been proposed that age truncation induced by fisheries exploitation may increase the population's sensitivity to climate. In this study, we use unique long‐term abundance data for the Northeast Arctic stock of cod (Gadus morhua) and the Norwegian Spring‐Spawning stock of herring (Clupea harengus), which we analyze using techniques based on age‐structured population matrices. After identifying time periods with different age distributions in the spawning stock, we use linear models to quantify the relative effect of exploitation and temperature on the population growth rates. For the two populations, age truncation was found to be associated with an increasing importance of temperature and a relatively decreasing importance of exploitation, while the population growth rate became increasingly sensitive to recruitment variations. The results suggested that the removal of older age classes reduced the buffering capacity of the population, thereby making the population growth rate more dependent on recruitment than adult survival and increasing the effect of environmental fluctuations. Age structure appeared as a key characteristic that can affect the response of fish stocks to climate variations and its consequences may be of key importance for conservation and management.
Quantitative assessment of serum‐specific IgE in the diagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis
Authors: MARINOVA I. , NIKOLOV G. , MICHOVA A. , KURDOVA R. , PETRUNOV B.
Published: April 2011

Anti‐Echinococcus serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E was assessed by the ImmunoCAP system and compared with anti‐Echinococcus serum IgG assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The ImmunoCAP system revealed very high specificity (one false positive of 110 healthy individuals), low cross‐reactivity (one false positive of 58 patients with other diseases) and decreased sensitivity (73·55%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis displayed a beneficial diagnostic value with high accuracy. Comparison of the ImmunoCAP system with ELISA and Western blot showed significantly higher specificity and significantly lower cross‐reactivity compared with the ELISA. Examination of sera from 155 patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) showed varying levels of anti‐Echinococcus IgE (range, 0·01–118·33 kUA/L). However, most samples had moderately elevated IgE levels. Analysis of serum‐specific IgE revealed significantly higher sensitivity of the ImmunoCAP system and significantly higher antibody levels in hepatic CE compared with pulmonary CE.
The yam nematode (Scutellonema bradys), a potential threat to potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in West Africa
Authors: Coyne D. L. , Akpheokhai L. I. , Adeniran A. F.
Published: April 2011

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in Africa is rapidly expanding and becoming increasingly important. As its geographical production range broadens, so does its potential to host new pests and diseases. Following the discovery that potato can be affected by Scutellonema bradys, further studies were undertaken to assess its potential pathogenicity on potato under screenhouse and field conditions, and on marketed tubers. Potato plants inoculated with S. bradys produced tubers with substantial cracking and evident tuber rot, compared with tubers from uninoculated plants. Symptoms of nematode infection on tubers included a scaly appearance, surface cracking as well as deeper tissue cracks, distortions, and darkened surface patches. In most cases these patches were related to sub‐surface rot. Nematodes were recovered from the soil, roots and tubers of inoculated plants. Eight weeks after inoculation, the reproduction factor of the nematode was greatest (2·0) at the lowest inoculation rate assessed (1000 nematodes per 2·5‐L pot) and least (0·4) at the highest inoculation rate (5000 nematodes per pot). In the screenhouse, potato tuber weights were low and mostly unaffected by nematode inoculation rate, except at 5000 nematodes per pot. In the field, non‐inoculated plants yielded over nine times more tubers than plants inoculated with 2000 S. bradys. Low densities of S. bradys were also recovered from 10 of 15 (67%) samples collected from market stalls, indicating field infection. This study confirms that potato can host and be damaged by S. bradys, raising its prospect as a likely significant biotic constraint to the crop.
GMI1, a structural‐maintenance‐of‐chromosomes‐hinge domain‐containing protein, is involved in somatic homologous recombination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Böhmdorfer Gudrun , Schleiffer Alexander , Brunmeir Reinhard , Ferscha Stefan , Nizhynska Viktoria , Kozák Jaroslav , Angelis Karel J. , Kreil David P. , Schweizer Dieter
Published: April 2011

DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) pose one of the most severe threats to genome integrity, potentially leading to cell death. After detection of a DSB, the DNA damage and repair response is initiated and the DSB is repaired by non‐homologous end joining and/or homologous recombination. Many components of these processes are still unknown in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this work, we characterized γ‐irradiation and mitomycin C induced 1 (GMI1), a member of the SMC‐hinge domain‐containing protein family. RT‐PCR analysis and promoter‐GUS fusion studies showed that γ‐irradiation, the radio‐mimetic drug bleocin, and the DNA cross‐linking agent mitomycin C strongly enhance GMI1 expression particularly in meristematic tissues. The induction of GMI1 by γ‐irradiation depends on the signalling kinase Ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) but not on ATM and Rad3‐related (ATR). Epistasis analysis of single and double mutants demonstrated that ATM acts upstream of GMI1 while the atr gmi1‐2 double mutant was more sensitive than the respective single mutants. Comet assay revealed a reduced rate of DNA double‐strand break repair in gmi1 mutants during the early recovery phase after exposure to bleocin. Moreover, the rate of homologous recombination of a reporter construct was strongly reduced in gmi1 mutant plants upon exposure to bleocin or mitomycin C. GMI1 is the first member of its protein family known to be involved in DNA repair.
Expression of rice SUB1A and SUB1C transcription factors in Arabidopsis uncovers flowering inhibition as a submergence tolerance mechanism
Authors: Peña‐Castro Julián M. , van Zanten Martijn , Lee Seung C. , Patel Mohini R. , Voesenek Laurentius A. J. C. , Fukao Takeshi , Bailey‐Serres Julia
Published: April 2011

Submergence of plant organs perturbs homeostasis by limiting diffusion of oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), the haplotype at the multigenic SUBMERGENCE1 (SUB1) locus determines whether plants survive prolonged submergence. SUB1 encodes two or three transcription factors of the group VII ethylene response factor family: SUB1A, SUB1B and SUB1C. The presence of SUB1A‐1 and its strong submergence‐triggered ethylene‐mediated induction confers submergence tolerance through a quiescence survival strategy that inhibits gibberellin (GA)‐induced carbohydrate consumption and elongation growth. SUB1C is invariably present and acts downstream of the enhancement of GA responsiveness during submergence. In this study, heterologous ectopic expression of rice SUB1A and SUB1C in Arabidopsis thaliana was used to explore conserved mechanisms of action associated with these genes using developmental, physiological and molecular metrics. As in rice transgenic plants that ectopically express SUB1A‐1, Arabidopsis transgenic plants that constitutively express SUB1A displayed GA insensitivity and abscisic acid hypersensitivity. Ectopic SUB1C expression had more limited effects on development, stress responses and the transcriptome. Observation of a delayed flowering phenotype in lines over‐expressing SUB1A led to the finding that inhibition of floral initiation is a component of the quiescence survival strategy in rice. Together, these analyses demonstrate conserved as well as specific roles for group VII ethylene response factors in integration of abiotic responses with development.
The auxin responsive AP2/ERF transcription factor CROWN ROOTLESS5 is involved in crown root initiation in rice through the induction of OsRR1, a type‐A response regulator of cytokinin signaling
Authors: Kitomi Yuka , Ito Hiroko , Hobo Tokunori , Aya Koichiro , Kitano Hidemi , Inukai Yoshiaki
Published: April 2011

Cytokinin is known to have negative effects on de novo auxin‐induced root formation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of root initiation by both cytokinin and auxin are poorly understood. In this study, we characterized a rice mutant, termed crown rootless5 (crl5), which produced fewer crown roots and displayed impaired initiation of crown root primordia. The expression of CRL5, which encodes a member of the large AP2/ERF transcription factor family protein, was observed in the stem region where crown root initiation occurs. Exogenous auxin treatment induced CRL5 expression without de novo protein biosynthesis, which also required the degradation of AUX/IAA proteins. A putative auxin response element in the CRL5 promoter region specifically interacted with a rice ARF, demonstrating that CRL5 may be a direct target of an ARF, similar to CRL1/ADVENTITIOUS ROOTLESS1 (ARL1) that also regulates crown root initiation. A crl1 crl5 double mutant displayed an additive phenotype, indicating that these two genes function in different genetic pathways for crown root initiation. In addition, ProACT:CRL5/WT showed a cytokinin‐resistant phenotype for crown root initiation, and also up‐regulated the expression of two negative regulators of cytokinin signaling, OsRR1 and OsRR2, which were downregulated in crl5. Transgenic plants that over‐expressed OsRR1 under the control of the CRL5 promoter in a crl5 mutant background produced a higher number of crown roots than the crl5 plant. Taken together, these results indicate that auxin‐induced CRL5 promotes crown root initiation through repression of cytokinin signaling by positively regulating type‐A RR, OsRR1.
Pharmacokinetic modeling of subcutaneous heroin and its metabolites in blood and brain of mice
Authors: Boix Fernando , Andersen Jannike M. , Mørland Jørg
Published: April 2011

High blood–brain permeability and effective delivery of morphine to the brain have been considered as explanations for the high potency of heroin. Results from Andersen et al. indicate that 6‐monoacetylmorphine (6‐MAM), and not morphine, is the active metabolite responsible for the acute effects observed for heroin. Here, we use pharmacokinetic modeling on data from the aforementioned study to calculate parameters of the distribution of heroin, 6‐MAM and morphine in blood and brain tissue after subcutaneous heroin administration in mice. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters imply that the very low heroin and the high 6‐MAM levels observed both in blood and brain in the original experiment are likely to be caused by a very high metabolic rate of heroin in blood. The estimated metabolic rate of heroin in brain was much lower and cannot account for the low heroin and high 6‐MAM levels in the brain, which would primarily reflect the concentrations of these compounds in blood. The very different metabolic rates for heroin in blood and brain calculated by the model were confirmed by in vitro experiments. These results show that heroin's fast metabolism in blood renders high concentrations of 6‐MAM which, due to its relatively good blood–brain permeability, results in high levels of this metabolite in the brain. Thus, it is the high blood metabolism rate of heroin and the blood–brain permeability to 6‐MAM, and not to heroin, which could account for the highly efficient delivery of active metabolites to the brain after heroin administration.
Mucopolysaccharidosis I mutations in Chinese patients: identification of 27 novel mutations and 6 cases involving prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Wang X , Zhang W , Shi H , Qiu Z , Meng Y , Yao F , Wei M
Published: April 2011

Wang X, Zhang W, Shi H, Qiu Z, Meng Y, Yao F, Wei M. Mucopolysaccharidosis I mutations in Chinese patients: identification of 27 novel mutations and 6 cases involving prenatal diagnosis.

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease that results from the deficiency of α‐l‐iduronidase and is transmitted in an autosomally recessive manner. This report describes the first systematic screening for mutations in Chinese MPS I patients from mainland China, wherein we have summarized the phenotype/genotype correlation of the individuals in Chinese MPS I patients. Mutational analyses were performed in 57 unrelated Chinese MPS I patients. Overall, 105 mutant alleles were identified from a set of 41 different mutations. Notably, of these 41 mutations, 27 were novel mutations that consisted of 8 splicing mutations (c.1‐2C>G, c.296+4G>A, c.300‐1G>C, c.792+1G>C, c.973‐4G>A, c.1189+5G>T, c.1402+1G>T and c.1402+2T>G), 1 nonsense mutation (p.W41X), 1 insertion (c.668‐670ins GCG), 5 duplications (c.531dupT, c.657dupG, c.883dupC, c.1147dupG and c.1225dupG), 3 deletions (c.349delT, c.1593delG and c.1244‐1271del27),1 nucleotide substitution c.2T>C and 8 missense mutations (p.H33P,p.F52L, p.G168V,p.T179R,p. E182D, p.L237R, p.L238R and p.L421P). The missense mutations p.A79V and p.L346R, which accounted for 16.7% (19/114) and 12.3% (14/114) respectively, were the common mutations in Chinese patients but were rare in the mutational profiles reported for other populations. These results indicate that Chinese MPS I patients may have a different mutational spectrum compared to those of other populations. Moreover, for the first time in China, molecular genetic methods were used for prenatal diagnosis of six cases in five families.
Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 4 in a patient with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2E confirmed by SNP array technology
Authors: Cottrell CE , Mendell J , Hart‐Kothari M , Ell D , Thrush DL , Astbury C , Pastore M , Gastier‐Foster JM , Pyatt RE
Published: April 2011

Cottrell CE, Mendell J, Hart‐Kothari M, Ell D, Thrush DL, Astbury C, Pastore M, Gastier‐Foster JM, Pyatt RE. Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 4 in a patient with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2E confirmed by SNP array technology.

The limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a heterogenous group of diseases characterized by shoulder‐girdle and pelvic muscle weakness and wasting. LGMD 2E is an autosomal recessively inherited form of the disease caused by mutations in the β‐sarcoglycan (SGCB) gene located at 4q12. In this report, we describe a patient who demonstrates non‐Mendelian inheritance of a homozygous missense mutation in SGCB resulting in disease expression. A combination of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array technology and microsatellite analysis revealed the occurrence of maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 4 in the patient. As a consequence of segmental isodisomy at 4q12, the patient inherited two identical SGCB alleles carrying a missense mutation predicted to result in abnormal protein function. SNP array technology proved to be an elegant means to determine the most probable mechanism of UPD formation in this case, and enabled us to determine the location of recombination events along chromosome 4. In our patient, UPD likely arose from a trisomy rescue event due to maternal meiotic non‐disjunction that we speculate may have been caused by abnormal recombination at the pericentromeric region. Maternal UPD 4 is a rare finding, and to our knowledge this is the first reported case of UPD in association with LGMD.
Role of Na+/H+ exchanger 3 in the acidification of the male reproductive tract and male fertility
Authors: Pholpramool Chumpol , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Dinudom Anuwat
Published: April 2011

1. Male fertility is a complex process that is dependent on sex hormones and the normal function of the reproductive organs. Defects of these organs result in abnormal sperm production and function, which, in turn, lead to infertility.

2. Spermatozoa released from the testis are unable to move and fertilize with eggs. These features, known as sperm maturation, are acquired during their transit through the epididymis.

3. Among several processes that take place in the epididymis, absorption and acidification of the luminal fluid are essential for sperm maturation, sperm storage and fertility. Currently, the mechanism by which acidification occurs in the epididymis is still not fully understood.

4. The epididymis is fully equipped with the proteins required for acid/base transport, such as Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3, SLC9A3), vacuolar‐type adenosine triphosphatase (V‐ATPase) and various isoforms of enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA).

5. Most studies, so far, have focused on the role of V‐ATPase on H+ secretion and acidification of the epididymis. The involvement of NHE3 in creating the acidic environment of the epididymal spermatozoa receives little attention.

6. This review presents evidence for and discusses the role of NHE3 in the acidification of the male reproductive tract and its requirement for male fertility.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate kinetics as a marker of treatment response and predictor of prognosis in Chinese metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Liang , Zhu Yao , Wang Chao‐Fu , Yao Xu‐Dong , Zhang Shi‐Lin , Dai Bo , Shen Yi‐Jun , Zhu Yi‐Ping , Shi Guo‐Hai , Ye Ding‐Wei
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  Previous prognostic factor models for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have not included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We designed the present study to evaluate the prognostic value of ESR for mRCC patients treated with sorafenib.

Methods:  Sorafenib was given to 83 patients with clear cell mRCC. Serum ESR was tested before treatment and every 4 weeks after first administration of sorafenib. Oncological evaluation was carried out every 8 weeks. Analyzed factors included age, sex, performance status, method of nephrectomy, number of metastatic organs, anemia, lactate dehydrogenase, corrected calcium, albumin, baseline ESR level and ESR kinetics status. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses on progression‐free survival (PFS) were carried out.

Results:  Baseline ESR levels ranged from 3 to 154 mm/h, and 43 (41.0%) patients had an ESR level higher than 40 mm/h. Median PFS was 10.0 months (95% CI 7.6–12.4 months). Dividing the cohort into three groups according to ESR kinetics status, median PFS was 27 months in the decreased ESR group, 12 months in the stable ESR group and 6 months in the increased ESR group. Performance status, time from diagnoses to sorafenib treatment, number of metastatic organs and ESR kinetics were independent predictors for PFS in multivariable Cox regression model analysis, with an area under the curve of 0.865 in a binary logistic regression model of 12‐month PFS probability.

Conclusions:  ESR kinetics can be useful to monitor the treatment response and to predict PFS for mRCC patients treated with sorafenib as second‐line therapy.
Postoperative renal function after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease: A comparison with radical nephrectomy
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Iizuka Jyunpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Ito Fumio , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: April 2011

We assessed whether adequately functioning parenchyma is preserved in patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) after partial nephrectomy (PN) compared with those who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN). A total of 95 patients with pre‐existing CKD who underwent curative surgery for pathological T1a‐T2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma with a follow‐up period of 12 months or more were the subject of the present study. Of these, 51 patients underwent RN, and 44 PN. Renal function was assessed by using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (e‐GFR). We classified the subjects into two groups according to the preoperative e‐GFR: preoperative e‐GFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2 (68 patients); and 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 (27 patients). In the former group, the probability of freedom from new onset of e‐GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 stemmed from the significant difference between the PN and RN groups (P = 0.006; PN: 2 years 64%; RN: 2 years 22%). In contrast, in the latter group, the probability of freedom from new onset of e‐GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 was not associated with a significant difference between PN and RN group (P = 0.80). Overall survival and the number of the patients who went on to develop end‐stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy between PN and RN were not significantly different in each group. Death from renal cell carcinoma was not noted in either group. PN could significantly prevent development to late‐stage CKD in patients with preoperative e‐GFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared with RN. Patients with preoperative e‐GFR 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be reviewed in a more strict study.
Clinical significance of immediate urine cytology after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Shin Yu Seob , Kim Sang Deuk , Cha Jai Seong , Kim Myung Ki , Jeong Young Beom , Kim Hyung Jin
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  To assess the clinical significance of immediate urine cytology (IUC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods:  We reviewed the records of 174 patients who underwent IUC after TURBT for NMIBC. IUC was obtained just before Foley catheter removal after TURBT. The relationship between IUC and tumor stage, grade, size and multiplicity, as well as preoperative urine cytology and immediate intravesical epirubicin therapy, were assessed. The relationship between a positive IUC and cancer recurrence was also assessed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was carried out, including IUC, tumor stage, tumor grade, tumor size, tumor multiplicity, preoperative urine cytology and immediate intravesical epirubicin therapy.

Results:  IUC was positive in 76 patients (43.7%) and negative in 98 patients (56.3%). In the positive IUC group, tumor stage and grade were higher (P = 0.001, <0.001), tumor size was larger (P = 0.001), tumor multiplicity was higher (P = 0.002) and positive preoperative cytology was more likely (P = 0.006) than in the negative IUC group. In the positive IUC group, the cancer recurrence rate was 72.3% and that of the negative IUC group was 30.6% (P < 0.001). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, positive IUC (HR 1.83, P = 0.019), tumor size (HR 1.72, P = 0.045), tumor multiplicity (HR 3.63, P = 0.015), preoperative urine cytology (HR 1.23, P = 0.043) and immediate intravesical epirubicin therapy (HR 0.171, P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for cancer recurrence.

Conclusion:  These data suggest that IUC after TURBT for NMIBC can be an independent prognostic factor to predict cancer recurrence.