bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge density characterization in the RFX-mod experiment using the ultrafast reflectometry technique
Authors: De Masi G. , Cavazzana R. , Fassina A. , Martines E. , Momo B. , Moresco M.
Published: April 2011

The traditional and widely used reflectometric schemes are not able to probe the edge density layers of the reversed field pinches (RFPs) due to the presence of a high level of density fluctuations. In order to overcome this limitation, an ultrafast microwave reflectometer has been developed and the first Ka-band has been successfully operational on the RFX-mod experiment [1] since mid-2009. The actual diagnostics configuration (frequency sweep 26.5–30.5 GHz in 1 µs) allows us to evaluate the radial distance of the relative cut-off density layer with a high time resolution. The first results are presented and discussed in this paper. In particular, a relation between edge density and local magnetic topology is proposed as well as a systematic study of the average behaviour over several global operative conditions of the machine. An outlook on the future diagnostic developments is also given.
Survey of disruption causes at JET
Authors: de Vries P.C. , Johnson M.F. , Alper B. , Buratti P. , Hender T.C. , Koslowski H.R. , Riccardo V.
Published: April 2011

A survey has been carried out into the causes of all 2309 disruptions over the last decade of JET operations. The aim of this survey was to obtain a complete picture of all possible disruption causes, in order to devise better strategies to prevent or mitigate their impact. The analysis allows the effort to avoid or prevent JET disruptions to be more efficient and effective. As expected, a highly complex pattern of chain of events that led to disruptions emerged. It was found that the majority of disruptions had a technical root cause, for example due to control errors, or operator mistakes. These bring a random, non-physics, factor into the occurrence of disruptions and the disruption rate or disruptivity of a scenario may depend more on technical performance than on physics stability issues. The main root cause of JET disruptions was nevertheless due to neo-classical tearing modes that locked, closely followed in second place by disruptions due to human error. The development of more robust operational scenarios has reduced the JET disruption rate over the last decade from about 15% to below 4%. A fraction of all disruptions was caused by very fast, precursorless unpredictable events. The occurrence of these disruptions may set a lower limit of 0.4% to the disruption rate of JET. If one considers on top of that human error and all unforeseen failures of heating or control systems this lower limit may rise to 1.0% or 1.6%, respectively.
Edge turbulence in different density regimes in Alcator C-Mod experiment
Authors: Agostini M. , Terry J.L. , Scarin P. , Zweben S.J.
Published: April 2011

Plasma edge turbulence of Alcator C-Mod tokamak is studied with a fast camera in different density regimes. The statistical properties of the fluctuations, as well as the behaviour of the blobs, are characterized in plasma discharges at different normalized densities, studying the link between the edge turbulence and the Greenwald limit. It is shown that approaching the Greenwald density limit, the edge velocity field measured with the cross-correlation technique changes and the strong fluctuations, which for standard discharges develop mainly outside the separatrix, extend also in the radial region inside the last closed flux surface. At the same time, the blobs cover a larger radial region, suggesting a strong impact of the edge turbulence and transport on the Greenwald limit.
Extraction of intermittent waveforms associated with the zonal flow at the transition leading to the edge shear flow layer
Authors: Carreras B.A. , van Milligen B.Ph. , Perez R.B. , Pedrosa M.A. , Hidalgo C. , Silva C.
Published: April 2011

A new technique for the detection of (very) low-frequency oscillations with significant long-range correlation is presented. The technique is applied to Langmuir probe data obtained at the TJ-II stellarator in discharges with spontaneous confinement transitions with and without electrode biasing. A succession of low-frequency and very low-frequency oscillations is observed, preceding the confinement transition.
Finite subgroups of algebraic groups
Authors: Larsen Michael , Pink Richard
Published: April 2011

Generalizing a classical theorem of Jordan to arbitrary characteristic, we prove that every finite subgroup of

GL
n

\operatorname {GL}_n

over a field of any characteristic

p
p

possesses a subgroup of bounded index which is composed of finite simple groups of Lie type in characteristic 

p
p

, a commutative group of order prime to 

p
p

, and a

p
p

-group. While this statement can be deduced from the classification of finite simple groups, our proof is self-contained and uses methods only from algebraic geometry and the theory of linear algebraic groups. We believe that our results can serve as a viable substitute for classification in a range of applications in various areas of mathematics.
Coupling among growth rate response, metabolic cycle, and cell division cycle in yeast
Authors: Slavov Nikolai , Botstein David
Published: April 2011

We studied the steady-state responses to changes in growth rate of yeast when ethanol is the sole source of carbon and energy. Analysis of these data, together with data from studies where glucose was the carbon source, allowed us to distinguish a “universal” growth rate response (GRR) common to all media studied from a GRR specific to the carbon source. Genes with positive universal GRR include ribosomal, translation, and mitochondrial genes, and those with negative GRR include autophagy, vacuolar, and stress response genes. The carbon source–specific GRR genes control mitochondrial function, peroxisomes, and synthesis of vitamins and cofactors, suggesting this response may reflect the intensity of oxidative metabolism. All genes with universal GRR, which comprise 25% of the genome, are expressed periodically in the yeast metabolic cycle (YMC). We propose that the universal GRR may be accounted for by changes in the relative durations of the YMC phases. This idea is supported by oxygen consumption data from metabolically synchronized cultures with doubling times ranging from 5 to 14 h. We found that the high oxygen consumption phase of the YMC can coincide exactly with the S phase of the cell division cycle, suggesting that oxidative metabolism and DNA replication are not incompatible.
cTAGE5 mediates collagen secretion through interaction with TANGO1 at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites
Authors: Saito Kota , Yamashiro Koh , Ichikawa Yuki , Erlmann Patrik , Kontani Kenji , Malhotra Vivek , Katada Toshiaki
Published: April 2011

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-–associated antigen 5 (cTAGE5), an originally identified tumor antigen, is overexpressed in various cancer cell lines. The cDNA encodes an integral membrane protein containing two coiled-coil motifs and a proline-rich domain. We show that cTAGE5 specifically localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites. In addition, cTAGE5 forms a complex with TANGO1 (MIA3), a previously characterized cargo receptor for collagen VII, by the interaction of their coiled-coil motifs. Of interest, cTAGE5, as well as TANGO1, is capable of interacting with the inner-layer coatomer of COPII Sec23/24 complex through their C-terminal proline-rich domains and required for collagen VII secretion. We propose that cTAGE5 acts as a coreceptor of TANGO1 for collagen VII export from the ER.
Role of AP1 and Gadkin in the traffic of secretory endo-lysosomes
Authors: Laulagnier Karine , Schieber Nicole L. , Maritzen Tanja , Haucke Volker , Parton Robert G. , Gruenberg Jean
Published: April 2011

Whereas lysosome-related organelles (LRO) of specialized cells display both exocytic and endocytic features, lysosomes in nonspecialized cells can also acquire the property to fuse with the plasma membrane upon an acute rise in cytosolic calcium. Here, we characterize this unconventional secretory pathway in fibroblast-like cells, by monitoring the appearance of Lamp1 on the plasma membrane and the release of lysosomal enzymes into the medium. After sequential ablation of endocytic compartments in living cells, we find that donor membranes primarily derive from a late compartment, but that an early compartment is also involved. Strikingly, this endo-secretory process is not affected by treatments that inhibit endosome dynamics (microtubule depolymerization, cholesterol accumulation, overexpression of Rab7 or its effector Rab-interacting lysosomal protein [RILP], overexpression of Rab5 mutants), but depends on Rab27a, a GTPase involved in LRO secretion, and is controlled by F-actin. Moreover, we find that this unconventional endo-secretory pathway requires the adaptor protein complexes AP1, Gadkin (which recruits AP1 by binding to the γ1 subunit), and AP2, but not AP3. We conclude that a specific fraction of the AP2-derived endocytic pathway is dedicated to secretory purposes under the control of AP1 and Gadkin.
Stopping Smoking during Pregnancy and after Childbirth
Authors: Mackenzie Laura
Published: April 2011

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can have significant health implications for mothers, babies and children. This article aims to provide information about the morbidity associated with cigarette smoking and how to assess and advise pregnant women. A framework of the available services will be discussed to empower GPs to motivate and inspire pregnant women to stop smoking.
Brains and the city: big-brained passerine birds succeed in urban environments
Authors: Maklakov Alexei A. , Immler Simone , Gonzalez-Voyer Alejandro , Rönn Johanna , Kolm Niclas
Published: April 2011

Urban regions are among the most human-altered environments on Earth and they are poised for rapid expansion following population growth and migration. Identifying the biological traits that determine which species are likely to succeed in urbanized habitats is important for predicting global trends in biodiversity. We provide the first evidence for the intuitive yet untested hypothesis that relative brain size is a key factor predisposing animals to successful establishment in cities. We apply phylogenetic mixed modelling in a Bayesian framework to show that passerine species that succeed in colonizing at least one of 12 European cities are more likely to belong to big-brained lineages than species avoiding these urban areas. These data support findings linking relative brain size with the ability to persist in novel and changing environments in vertebrate populations, and have important implications for our understanding of recent trends in biodiversity.
PBMCs are additional sites of productive infection of bovine papillomavirus type 2
Authors: Roperto Sante , Comazzi Stefano , Ciusani Emilio , Paolini Francesca , Borzacchiello Giuseppe , Esposito Iolanda , Lucà Roberta , Russo Valeria , Urraro Chiara , Venuti Aldo , Roperto Franco
Published: April 2011

Bovine papillomavirus type 2 (BPV-2) is an oncogenic virus infecting both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Its life cycle, similar to other papillomaviruses (PVs), appears to be linked to epithelial differentiation. Human and bovine PVs have been known to reside in a latent, episomal form in PBMCs; therefore, it is believed that blood cells, like all mesenchymal cells, function as non-permissive carriers. Here, for the first time in veterinary and comparative medicine, the BPV-2 E5 oncoprotein and the major structural L1 capsid protein, known to be expressed only in productive infections, were shown to occur in defined subsets of PBMCs. E5 oncoprotein was detected in sorted T- and B-cells as well as in monocytes by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. However, CD4+and CD8+lymphocytes appeared to be the main circulating targets of the virus, thus possibly representing the most important reservoir of active BPV-2 in blood. L1 protein was identified by flow cytometry in a population of blood cells recognized as lymphocytes by morphological scatter properties. Western blot analysis was performed on lysates obtained from the sorted subpopulations of PBMCs and detected L1 protein in CD4+and CD8+cells only. Thus, this study showed that CD4+and CD8+lymphocytes are permissive for BPV-2 and are new, hitherto unknown sites of productive PV infection. In light of these observations, the life cycle of PVs needs to be revisited to gain novel insights into the epidemiology of BPV infection and the pathogenesis of related diseases.
A conserved arginine residue in the terminal protein domain of hepatitis B virus polymerase is critical for RNA pre-genome encapsidation
Authors: Shin Youn-Chul , Park Sunju , Ryu Wang-Shick
Published: April 2011

Hepadnaviruses, including human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), replicate their DNA genome through reverse transcription. Although hepadnaviral polymerase (Pol) is distantly related to retroviral reverse transcriptases, some of its features are distinct. In particular, in addition to the reverse transcriptase and RNase H domains, which are commonly encoded by retroviral reverse transcriptases, the N-terminally extended terminal protein (TP) domain confers unique features such as protein-priming capability. Importantly, the TP domain is also essential for encapsidation of the viral RNA pre-genome. To gain further insight into the TP domain, this study used clustered charged residue-to-alanine mutagenesis of HBV Pol. Of the 20 charged residues examined, only one arginine (R105) was critical for RNA encapsidation. This result contrasts with previous findings for DHBV Pol regarding the critical residue of the TP domain required for RNA binding. Firstly, R128 of DHBV Pol, which corresponds to R105 of HBV Pol, was reportedly tolerable to alanine substitution for RNA binding. Secondly, the C-terminal arginine residue of the DHBV Pol TP domain (R183) was shown to be critical for RNA binding, whereas alanine substitution of the corresponding arginine residue of the HBV Pol TP domain (R160) remained able to support RNA encapsidation. Together, these data highlight the divergence between avian and mammalian hepadnaviral Pols with respect to an arginine residue critical for RNA encapsidation.
In Situ Distribution and Speciation of Toxic Copper, Nickel, and Zinc in Hydrated Roots of Cowpea
Authors: Kopittke Peter M. , Menzies Neal W. , de Jonge Martin D. , McKenna Brigid A. , Donner Erica , Webb Richard I. , Paterson David J. , Howard Daryl L. , Ryan Chris G. , Glover Chris J. , Scheckel Kirk G. , Lombi Enzo
Published: April 2011

The phytotoxicity of trace metals is of global concern due to contamination of the landscape by human activities. Using synchrotron-based x-ray fluorescence microscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy, the distribution and speciation of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) was examined in situ using hydrated roots of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) exposed to 1.5 μm Cu, 5 μm Ni, or 40 μm Zn for 1 to 24 h. After 24 h of exposure, most Cu was bound to polygalacturonic acid of the rhizodermis and outer cortex, suggesting that binding of Cu to walls of cells in the rhizodermis possibly contributes to the toxic effects of Cu. When exposed to Zn, cortical concentrations remained comparatively low with much of the Zn accumulating in the meristematic region and moving into the stele; approximately 60% to 85% of the total Zn stored as Zn phytate within 3 h of exposure. While Ni concentrations were high in both the cortex and meristem, concentrations in the stele were comparatively low. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the in situ distribution and speciation of Cu, Ni, and Zn in hydrated (and fresh) plant tissues, providing valuable information on the potential mechanisms by which they are toxic.
Terpene Down-Regulation in Orange Reveals the Role of Fruit Aromas in Mediating Interactions with Insect Herbivores and Pathogens
Authors: Rodríguez Ana , San Andrés Victoria , Cervera Magdalena , Redondo Ana , Alquézar Berta , Shimada Takehiko , Gadea José , Rodrigo María Jesús , Zacarías Lorenzo , Palou Lluís , López María M. , Castañera Pedro , Peña Leandro
Published: April 2011

Plants use volatile terpene compounds as odor cues for communicating with the environment. Fleshy fruits are particularly rich in volatiles that deter herbivores and attract seed dispersal agents. We have investigated how terpenes in citrus fruit peels affect the interaction between the plant, insects, and microorganisms. Because limonene represents up to 97% of the total volatiles in orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit peel, we chose to down-regulate the expression of a limonene synthase gene in orange plants by introducing an antisense construct of this gene. Transgenic fruits showed reduced accumulation of limonene in the peel. When these fruits were challenged with either the fungus Penicillium digitatum or with the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, they showed marked resistance against these pathogens that were unable to infect the peel tissues. Moreover, males of the citrus pest medfly (Ceratitis capitata) were less attracted to low limonene-expressing fruits than to control fruits. These results indicate that limonene accumulation in the peel of citrus fruit appears to be involved in the successful trophic interaction between fruits, insects, and microorganisms. Terpene down-regulation might be a strategy to generate broad-spectrum resistance against pests and pathogens in fleshy fruits from economically important crops. In addition, terpene engineering may be important for studying the basic ecological interactions between fruits, herbivores, and pathogens.
FAR-RED INSENSITIVE219 Modulates CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 Activity via Physical Interaction to Regulate Hypocotyl Elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Jhy-Gong , Chen Chih-Hao , Chien Ching-Te , Hsieh Hsu-Liang
Published: April 2011

FAR-RED INSENSITIVE219 (FIN219) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is involved in phytochrome A-mediated far-red (FR) light signaling. Previous genetic studies revealed that FIN219 acts as an extragenic suppressor of CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of COP1 remains unknown. Here, we used a transgenic approach to study the regulation of COP1 by FIN219. Transgenic seedlings containing ectopic expression of the FIN219 amino (N)-terminal domain in wild-type Columbia (named NCox for the expression of the N-terminal coiled-coil domain and NTox for the N-terminal 300-amino acid region) exhibited a dominant-negative long-hypocotyl phenotype under FR light, reflected as reduced photomorphogenic responses and altered levels of COP1 and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5). Yeast two-hybrid, pull-down, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that FIN219 could interact with the WD-40 domain of COP1 and with its N-terminal coiled-coil domain through its carboxyl-terminal domain. Further in vivo coimmunoprecipitation study confirms that FIN219 interacts with COP1 under continuous FR light. Studies of the double mutant fin219-2/cop1-6 indicated that HY5 stability requires FIN219 under darkness and FR light. Moreover, FIN219 levels positively regulated by phytochrome A can modulate the subcellular location of COP1 and are differentially regulated by various fluence rates of FR light. We conclude that the dominant-negative long-hypocotyl phenotype conferred by NCox and NTox in a wild-type background was caused by the misregulation of COP1 binding with the carboxyl terminus of FIN219. Our data provide a critical mechanism controlling the key repressor COP1 in response to FR light.
What patient, joint and isotope characteristics influence the response to radiosynovectomy in patients with haemophilia?
Authors: DE LA CORTE‐RODRIGUEZ H. , RODRIGUEZ‐MERCHAN E. C. , JIMENEZ‐YUSTE V.
Published: April 2011

Summary.  The literature describes radiosynovectomy (RS) as a good non‐surgical option for reducing synovial membrane size and thus the number of haemarthrosis episodes. However, there are still many aspects concerning the beneficial effects of RS that have not been quantified. A total of 156 radiosynovectomies (RS) were performed in 104 joints corresponding to 78 haemophiliacs (yttrium‐90, rhenium‐186). The mean patient age was 18 years. In another study involving the same group of patients, the parameters that improved most after RS were pain and haemarthrosis, followed by the World Federation of Hemophilia clinical score, muscle strength and range of movement (ROM). Following RS, improvement was seen to be independent of patient age, haemophilia type and grade, previous haematological treatment, the presence or absence of circulating inhibitor, synovial membrane size, the type of joint (elbow, knee and ankle), previous physical activity or lack of activity, the prior presence or absence of radiographic signs of joint degeneration (arthropathy) or the isotope used. RS is effective in treating haemophilic synovitis and may require 1–3 injections (RS‐1, RS‐2 and RS‐3) spaced 6 months apart. Following RS‐1, the knee had a 3.4‐ and 3.2‐fold greater risk of not improving in terms of pain, compared with the elbow and ankle, respectively. Regarding ROM, lesser improvement was recorded after RS‐1 in cases of severe haemophilia and the ankle. In other words, severe haemophilia implies a 2.1‐fold greater risk of no improvement in ROM compared with mild and moderate haemophilia. In addition, the ankle presented a 6‐fold greater risk of not improving in terms of ROM compared with the elbow and knee. RS affords effective treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis. RS is effective in all patient groups, independently of the presence of circulating inhibitor antibody, the type of joint involved, the degree of synovial membrane hypertrophy and the presence of radiographic findings of joint degeneration (arthropathy).
The prevalence of urinary incontinence among women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Sweden
Authors: Hrisanfow Elisabet , Hägglund Doris
Published: April 2011

Aim.  The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and status of urinary incontinence among women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care.

Background.  Information on the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is scant. Such knowledge may be important to the development of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design.  A questionnaire survey.

Method.  The study included 391 women and 337 men, aged 50–75 years, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A self‐administered, evidence‐based questionnaire for incontinence was used. A response rate of 66% was obtained, of which 89·3% had spirometry‐confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and most patients had been diagnosed with moderate (Stage II) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results.  The prevalence of urinary incontinence in women and men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was 49·6 and 30·3%, respectively. Women and men with urinary incontinence had a significantly higher body mass index than did women and men without urinary incontinence. The most common type of incontinence in women was stress incontinence (52·4%) and in men postmicturition dribbling (66·3%). Women with urinary incontinence had a higher presence of a symptomatic cough than did women without urinary incontinence (p < 0·001). On the whole, incontinence affected women more than men concerning experienced bothersomeness of incontinence (p < 0·001). More women than men with urinary incontinence refrained from activities (p < 0·021) and had sought help for incontinence (p < 0·012).

Conclusion.  The present results indicate that urinary incontinence content should be included in care plans for patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, the results imply that nurses and physicians working in primary health care should ask patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease about urinary incontinence and then offer appropriate assessment and management of it.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In the context of primary health care, assessing and managing urinary incontinence should be included in care plans for patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Analysis of Properties and Proinflammatory Functions of Cockroach Allergens Per a 1.01s
Authors: He S. , Zhang Z. , Zhang H. , Wei J. , Yang L. , Yang H. , Sun W. , Zeng X. , Yang P.
Published: April 2011

Cockroaches have been identified as one of the major indoor allergens inducing perennial rhinitis and asthma. Per a 1s are a group of the major allergens from American cockroach. Although Per a 1s are major allergens from American cockroach, factors contributing to the allergenicity of Per a 1s are still poorly defined. To investigate the effects of Per a 1s on the expression of PARs and the release of proinflammatory cytokines from mast cells. Per a 1.0101 and Per a 1.0104 were cloned from American cockroach and then expressed in Eschericia coli. The purified allergens were used to stimulate P815 mast cells, and the expression of protease‐activated receptors (PARs) was determined by real‐time RT‐PCR and flow cytometry. The levels of IL‐4 and IL‐13 in culture media were detected with ELISA. Sera from 80 and 77.3% of cockroach allergy patients reacted to recombinant Per a (rPer a) 1.0101 and rPer a 1.0104, confirming they are major allergens. Both rPer a 1.0101 and rPer a 1.0104 had no enzymatic activity, but rPer a 1.0101 upregulated the expression of PAR‐1 and PAR‐2, and rPer a 1.0104 enhanced the expression of PAR‐1 and PAR‐4 proteins. Both recombinant allergens were able to increase the release of IL‐4 and IL‐13 from P815 mast cells. This is the first study aiming to investigate functions of group 1 allergens of American cockroach. rPer a 1.0101 and rPer a 1.0104 have the capacity to upregulate the expression of PARs and to enhance Th2 cytokine production in mast cells.
Hierarchy of hormone action controlling apical hook development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gallego‐Bartolomé Javier , Arana María V. , Vandenbussche Filip , Žádníková Petra , Minguet Eugenio G. , Guardiola Vicente , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Benkova Eva , Alabadí David , Blázquez Miguel A.
Published: April 2011

The apical hook develops in the upper part of the hypocotyl when seeds buried in the soil germinate, and serves to protect cotyledons and the shoot apical meristem from possible damage caused by pushing through the soil. The curvature is formed through differential cell growth that occurs at the two opposite sides of the hypocotyl, and it is established by a gradient of auxin activity and refined by the coordinated action of auxin and ethylene. Here we show that gibberellins (GAs) promote hook development through the transcriptional regulation of several genes of the ethylene and auxin pathways in Arabidopsis. The level of GA activity determines the speed of hook formation and the extent of the curvature during the formation phase independently of ethylene, probably by modulating auxin transport and response through HLS1, PIN3, and PIN7. Moreover, GAs cooperate with ethylene in preventing hook opening, in part through the induction of ethylene production mediated by ACS5/ETO2 and ACS8.
Sex‐dependent effects of maternal deprivation and adolescent cannabinoid treatment on adult rat behaviour
Authors: Llorente‐Berzal Alvaro , Fuentes Sílvia , Gagliano Humberto , López‐Gallardo Meritxell , Armario Antonio , Viveros María‐Paz , Nadal Roser
Published: April 2011

Early life experiences such as maternal deprivation (MD) exert long‐lasting changes in adult behaviour and reactivity to stressors. Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids is a predisposing factor in developing certain psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the combination of the two factors could exacerbate the negative consequences of each factor when evaluated at adulthood. The objective of this study was to investigate the long‐term effects of early MD [24 hours at postnatal day (PND) 9] and/or an adolescent chronic treatment with the cannabinoid agonist CP‐55,940 (0.4 mg/kg, PND 28–42) on diverse behavioural and physiological responses of adult male and female Wistar rats. We tested them in the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response and analysed their exploratory activity (holeboard) and anxiety (elevated plus maze, EPM). In addition, we evaluated their adrenocortical reactivity in response to stress and plasma leptin levels. Maternal behaviour was measured before and after deprivation. MD induced a transient increase of maternal behaviour on reuniting. In adulthood, maternally deprived males showed anxiolytic‐like behaviour (or increased risk‐taking behaviour) in the EPM. Adolescent exposure to the cannabinoid agonist induced an impairment of the PPI in females and increased adrenocortical responsiveness to the PPI test in males. Both, MD and adolescent cannabinoid exposure also induced sex‐dependent changes in plasma leptin levels and body weights. The present results indicate that early MD and adolescent cannabinoid exposure exerted distinct sex‐dependent long‐term behavioural and physiological modifications that could predispose to the development of certain neuropsychiatric disorders, though no synergistic effects were found.
Risk factors for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Saueressig Maurício G. , Boussaud Veronique , Amrein Catherine , Guillemain Romain , Souilamas Jihane , Souilamas Redha
Published: April 2011

Saueressig MG, Boussaud V, Amrein C, Guillemain R, Souilamas J, Souilamas R. Risk factors for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease in patients with cystic fibrosis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E430–E436. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze risk factors associated with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in a cohort of 112 lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Prior to transplantation, patients were tested for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus (HHV types 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8), herpes zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologies. PTLD diagnosis was established based on increased EBV viral charge plus clinical/radiographic findings and confirmed by biopsy. Negative EBV and HHV serologies at the time of lung transplantation (LTx) were significant risk factors associated with development of PTLD in patients with CF in the univariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) and also in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio of 77.5 and 12.5, respectively). CMV serology, CMV mismatch, acute rejection in the first three months following LTx, HLA‐A3 antigen expression, and female gender did not affect PTLD. Our study confirmed the presence of a strong association between negative EBV serology at the time of LTx and PTLD and suggested an independent effect of negative HHV serology on PTLD.
Genome‐wide transcriptional changes and defence‐related chemical profiling of rice in response to infestation by the rice striped stem borer Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Zhou Guoxin , Wang Xia , Yan Feng , Wang Xia , Li Ran , Cheng Jiaan , Lou Yonggen
Published: April 2011

How rice defends itself against pathogen infection is well documented, but little is known about how it defends itself against herbivore attack. We measured changes in the transcriptome and chemical profile of rice when the plant is infested by the striped stem borer (SSB) Chilo suppressalis. Infestation by SSBs resulted in changes in the expression levels of 4545 rice genes; this number accounts for about 8% of the genome and is made up of 18 functional groups with broad functions. The largest group comprised genes involved in metabolism, followed by cellular transport, transcription and cellular signaling. Infestation by SSBs modulated many genes responsible for the biosynthesis of plant hormones and plant signaling. Jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene were the major hormones that shaped the SSB‐induced defence responses of rice. Many secondary signal transduction components, such as those involved in Ca2+ signaling and G‐protein signaling, receptor and non‐receptor protein kinases, and transcription factors were involved in the SSB‐induced responses of rice. Photosynthesis and ATP synthesis from photophosphorylation were restricted by SSB feeding. In addition, SSB infestation induced the accumulation of defence compounds, including trypsin proteinase inhibitors (TrypPIs) and volatile organic compounds. These results demonstrate that SSB‐induced defences required rice to reconfigure a wide variety of its metabolic, physiological and biochemical processes.
Epidemiology and risk factors for late infection in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Cervera C. , Fernández‐Ruiz M. , Valledor A. , Linares L. , Antón A. , Ángeles Marcos M. , Sanclemente G. , Hoyo I. , Cofán F. , Ricart M.J. , Pérez‐Villa F. , Navasa M. , Pumarola T. , Moreno A.
Published: April 2011

C. Cervera, M. Fernández‐Ruiz, A. Valledor, L. Linares, A. Antón, M. Ángeles Marcos, G. Sanclemente, I. Hoyo, F. Cofán, M.J. Ricart, F. Pérez‐Villa, M. Navasa, T. Pumarola, A. Moreno. Epidemiology and risk factors for late infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 598–607. All rights reserved

Background Information concerning the risk factors and outcome of late infection (LI) after solid organ transplantation (SOT) still remains scarce.

Methods We prospectively analyzed all patients undergoing SOT from July 2003 to March 2008, who survived the first 6 months after surgery and with a minimum 1‐year follow‐up. Risk factors associated with the development of bacterial and cytomegalovirus (CMV) LI and survival were identified.

Results Overall, 942 SOT recipients (491 kidney, 280 liver, 65 heart, and 106 double transplants) were included. During the study period 147 patients (15.6%) developed 276 episodes of LI (incidence rate, 0.43 per 1000 transplantation‐days). Bacteria were the most prevalent etiology (88.0%). Primary sources of infection included urinary tract (36.9%), intra‐abdominal (16.7%), and sepsis without source (13.4%). Independent risk factors for late bacterial infection were: age (hazard ratio [HR] [per year] 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1,0), female gender (HR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.6), anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive serostatus (HR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1–3.0), chronic allograft dysfunction (HR 3.2; 95%CI: 1.7–6.1), early CMV disease (HR 2.2; 95%CI 1.2–4.1), and early bacterial infection (HR 2.5; 95%CI 1.6–3.8). The occurrence of chronic allograft dysfunction was an independent risk factor for late CMV disease (HR 6.5; 95%CI: 1.7–24.6), whereas immunosuppression based on mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors protected against the development of late CMV disease (HR 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–1.0). Cox model selected anti‐HCV positive serostatus (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.67; 95%CI: 1.27–5.59), age (aHR [per year] 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02–1.10), and the occurrence of LI (aHR 9.12; 95%CI: 3.90–21.33) as independent factors for mortality.

Conclusions LI did not constitute an uncommon complication in our cohort, and patients at risk may benefit from close clinical monitoring.
Development of glutathione‐deficient embryos in Arabidopsis is influenced by the maternal level of glutathione
Authors: Lim B. , Meyer A. J. , Cobbett C. S.
Published: April 2011

Glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis‐deficient gsh1 and gsh2 null mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana have late embryonic‐lethal and early seedling‐lethal phenotypes, respectively, when segregating from a phenotypically wild‐type parent plant, indicating that GSH is required for seed maturation and during germination. In this study, we show that gsh2 embryos generated in a partially GSH‐deficient parent plant, homozygous for either the cad2 mutation in the GSH1 gene or homozygous for mutations in CLT1, CLT2 and CLT3 encoding plastid thiol transporters, abort early in embryogenesis. In contrast, individuals homozygous for the same combinations of mutations but segregating from heterozygous, phenotypically wild‐type parents exhibit the parental gsh2 seedling‐lethal phenotype. Similarly, homozygous gsh1 embryos generated in a gsh1/cad2 partially GSH‐deficient parent plant abort early in development. These observations indicate that the development of gsh1 and gsh2 embryos to a late stage is dependent on the level of GSH in the maternal plant.
Veery wheats carry an allele of Vrn‐A1 that has implications for freezing tolerance in winter wheats
Authors: Eagles Howard A. , Cane Karen , Trevaskis Ben
Published: April 2011

With 1 figure and 5 tables

Two winter alleles of Vrn‐A1 were recently found in wheat cultivars adapted to the Great Plains of the USA. Using a diagnostic marker for a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 4, which distinguishes the alleles, the allele in the Great Plains cultivar ‘Jagger’ was common in Australian and CIMMYT cultivars, but ‘Veery’ cultivars carried the alternate allele from their Russian ancestor, which was the same as the allele in the Great Plains cultivar ‘Wichita’. The ‘Wichita’ allele was in North American winter cultivars, and chromosome substitution lines with a high level of tolerance to freezing, but not in substitution lines with a lower level of tolerance. The SNP between the alleles alters the predicted Vrn‐A1 protein sequence, and this potentially explains differences in freezing tolerance. We suggest that these winter alleles could be coded as Vrn‐A1v for the ‘Jagger’ allele and Vrn‐A1w for the ‘Wichita’ allele. Cultivars with the spring Vrn‐A1a or Vrn‐A1b alleles carried the same SNP allele as ‘Jagger’, suggesting that the mutation from winter to spring for these alleles occurred in a Vrn‐A1v genotype.
The Association of the Presence of Seminal Plasma and Its Components with Sperm Longevity in Fractionated Stallion Ejaculates
Authors: Kareskoski M , Sankari S , Johannisson A , Kindahl H. , Andersson M. , Katila T
Published: April 2011

Contents

Semen jets in the stallion’s ejaculate differ in both the biochemical composition of seminal plasma (SP) and in sperm concentration, forming sperm‐rich fractions (HIGH) and sperm‐poor fractions (LOW). This study examined (i) the association of the levels of selected components of SP [alkaline phosphatase (AP), acid phosphatase (ACP), Na+, Cl‐, K+, Ca, Mg and prostaglandin E2] with semen quality, sperm longevity and fertility; (ii) the effects of the presence of SP on sperm survival during cooled storage; (iii) the differences in the composition of SP between sperm‐rich and sperm‐poor ejaculatory fractions; (iv) the differences between these fractions in the effects of SP on sperm longevity. The levels of AP, ACP and Na+ were higher in HIGH compared with LOW, whereas higher concentrations of Ca, K+ and Mg were found in LOW than in HIGH. None of the measured components were correlated to the first cycle pregnancy rate. The presence of SP during cooled storage caused DNA degradation, but total and progressive sperm motility was not affected. Sperm‐rich fractions stored with low levels of SP maintained higher level of DNA integrity compared with sperm‐rich fractions in higher levels of SP, or sperm‐poor fractions irrespective of the proportion of SP. The concentration of K+ in LOW may give some indication on the maintenance of total sperm motility during cooled storage.
A Huge Ovarian Cyst in a Hysterectomized Bitch
Authors: Sontas BH , Milani C , Romagnoli S , Bertolini G , Caldin M , Caliari D , Zappulli V , Mollo A
Published: April 2011

Contents

A 11‐year‐old, spayed, female mixed breed‐dog was presented with an abdominal mass that was detected 1 month ago. Upon abdominal palpation a large, firm, oval shaped, movable mass was found in the mid‐abdominal region. Survey radiograph of the abdomen demonstrated an oval soft tissue dense mass located on the right side of the abdominal cavity. A large, heteregenous and cystic mass with solid components occupying the majority of the abdomen and a small, cystic mass with solid components caudal to the left kidney were identified by transabdominal ultrasonography. Computed tomography scans revealed bilateral ovarian masses, and a small volume of retroperitoneal fluid on the right side. A cystic, but otherwise solid mass located in the right ovary and small retained left ovary encapsulated in the ovarian bursa were excised surgically by midline laparotomy. Histopathological examination of the excised mass from the right side revealed a large cystic structure consistent with an ovarian cyst and multiple corpora lutea and follicles at different maturational stages were detected in the left ovary. The precise origin of the ovarian cyst could not be determined by morphological appearance. Immunohistochemical staining suggested a cyst of surface epithelial origin. At re‐examination 6 months after the surgery, the bitch appeared healthy and the clinical findings were all normal. To our knowledge, the cyst described here is the largest reported in an incompletely ovariohysterectomized bitch.
Sperm Membrane Functionality in the Dog Assessed by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Cheuquemán C , Bravo P , Treulén F , Giojalas LC , Villegas J , Sánchez R , Risopatrón J
Published: April 2011

Contents

The objective assessment of sperm function increases the chances of predicting the fertilizing capacity of a fresh semen sample or diagnosing infertility problems. In this study, the available flow cytometry technique was used to determine the membrane functional capacity of canine spermatozoa. The second fractions of ejaculates from six dogs were pooled, and samples (n = 26) processed to determine the variables: sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity by Sybr‐14/Pi staining; phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation by Annexin‐V‐FITC/PI labelling; acrosome membrane integrity by FITC‐conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin/PI labelling; and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by staining with JC‐1. Means for the 26 examined samples indicated that 82.66 ± 2.8% of the viable spermatozoa showed an intact plasma membrane, 8.4 ± 2.6% were moribund, 72.7 ± 16% had an intact acrosome, 80.9 ± 17% had high ΔΨm and 8.1 ± 11% had PS translocation with a PS translocation index of 2.1 ± 3%. Motility was only correlated with PS translocation (R = 0.3901; p = 0.0488), and acrosome membrane integrity was correlated with PS translocation (R = −0.5816; p = 0.0018). This study provides objective physiological data on the functional capacity of canine spermatozoa.
STAT signaling in Dictyostelium development
Authors: Kawata Takefumi
Published: April 2011

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins are one of the important mediators of phosphotyrosine‐regulated signaling in metazoan cells. These proteins are components of JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways, which regulate immune responses, cell fate, proliferation, cell migration, and programmed cell death in multicellular organisms. The cellular slime mould, Dictyostelium discoideum, is the simplest multicellular organism using molecules homologous to STATs, Dd‐STATa–d. The Dd‐STATa null mutant displays delayed aggregation, no phototaxis and fails culmination. Here, the functions of Dictyostelium STATs during development and their associated signaling molecules are discussed.
Chronic use of indinavir in albino rat pregnancy (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia): Biological assay
Authors: Quintino Marisa Pascale , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , de Jesus Simões Manuel , Araujo Júnior Edward , de Oliveira Filho Ricardo Martins , Torloni Maria Regina , Espiridião Silvia , Kulay Júnior Luiz
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Assess possible adverse effects of the chronic use of indinavir during pregnancy in a rat model.

Methods:  40 pregnant EOM‐1 albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups of 10 animals each: a control (Ctr) group (without any handling) and three experimental groups (Exp 1, Exp 2 e Exp 3) which received indinavir 9, 27 e 81 mg/kg, respectively). Rats were treated by gavage once daily. The treatment period extended from day 0 until the 20th day of pregnancy. Body weights were recorded on days 0, 7, 14 and 20. At term, the rats were sacrificed, and the implantation sites, number of live and dead fetuses and placentas, resorptions, fetal and placental weights were recorded. The fetuses were evaluated for external abnormalities under a stereomicroscope.

Results:  Weight gain during pregnancy did not differ significantly between the groups. Average weight gains between the 7th and 20th day were 7.95–42.70 g; 7.22–45.27 g; 7.12–46.26 g and 8.05–42.29 g in groups Ctr, Exp 1, Exp 2 and Exp 3, respectively. All other parameters assessed did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:  Chronic use of various dosages of indinavir during pregnancy was not associated significant adverse outcomes.
Correlation between immunocytochemistry of human papilloma virus L1 capsid protein and behavior of low‐grade cervical cytology in Korean women
Authors: Lee Sung Jong , Lee Ah Won , Kim Tae Jung , Kim Jin Hwi , Bae Jeong Hoon , Lee Chung Won , Song Min Jong , Yoon Joo Hee , Hur Soo Young , Park Jong Sup
Published: April 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in Korean women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) in relation to the immunocytochemical detection of the HPV L1 capsid protein.

Material and Methods:  From January 2006 to December 2007, a total of 353 immunocytochemistry tests were performed on specimens from HPV‐infected patients with LSIL. Due to exclusions, the study population was reduced to 318. Subjects were monitored at 4–6 month intervals. The regression, persistence, and progression of the cytologic abnormalities of the 318 cases were compared with the results of HPV L1 capsid protein immunocytochemical detection.

Results:  Of the 137 patients negative for the HPV L1 capsid protein, 38 (27.7%) showed progression to high‐grade lesions, 50 (36.5%) showed persistence, and 49 (35.8%) showed regression to normal cytological features. In contrast, of the remaining 181 patients positive for the HPV L1 capsid protein, 15 (8.3%) showed progression to high‐grade lesions, 74 (40.9%) showed persistence, and 92 (50.8%) showed regression. The results of immunocytochemical testing for the HPV L1 capsid protein show a linear association with the progression or regression behavior of low‐grade cervical cytology in patients infected with HPV (linear by linear association test, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Immunocytochemical detection of HPV L1 was significantly related with the biological patterns of LSIL in Korean women. Hence, immunocytochemistry for the detection of HPV L1 is beneficial in providing further information for LSIL.
Minimum alveolar concentrations of sevoflurane for maintaining bispectral index below 50 in children
Authors: Tsuruta Shouhei , Satsumae Tsuyoshi , Mizutani Taro , Inomata Shinichi , Shimizu Takeru , Takahashi Shinji , Tanaka Makoto
Published: April 2011

Objective:  To determine minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for maintaining bispectral index (BIS) below 50 (MACBIS50) in children.

Background:  MACBIS50 of sevoflurane in adults was reported to be 0.97%, which has not been elucidated in children.

Methods/Materials:  Twenty children, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged 1–8, were induced and anesthetized with sevoflurane in oxygen. After tracheal intubation, we started maintenance of anesthesia with endtidal sevoflurane concentrations of 2.6%. The endtidal sevoflurane concentration at which BIS was measured was predetermined by the up‐down method (with 0.2% as a step size). After 10 min at predetermined endtidal sevoflurane concentrations, BIS was measured for 1 min. MACBIS50 was determined using Dixon’s up‐down method and probit test.

Result:  MACBIS50 of sevoflurane was 2.83% (95% confidence intervals: 2.70–3.14) in children.

Conclusions:  MACBIS50 of sevoflurane in children was calculated to be three times as high as in adults. This indicates that high endtidal sevoflurane concentration is required to suppress electroencephalogram activity in children.