bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrative genomic analysis identifies Bhmt2 as a diet-dependent genetic factor protecting against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity
Authors: Liu Hong-Hsing , Lu Peng , Guo Yingying , Farrell Erin , Zhang Xun , Zheng Ming , Bosano Betty , Zhang Zhaomei , Allard John , Liao Guochun , Fu Siyu , Chen Jinzhi , Dolim Kimberly , Kuroda Ayako , Usuka Jonathan , Cheng Janet , Tao William , Welch Kevin , Liu Yanzhou , Pease Joseph , de Keczer Steve A. , Masjedizadeh Mohammad , Hu Jing-Shan , Weller Paul , Garrow Tim , Peltz Gary
Published: November 2009

Acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity is the most frequent precipitating cause of acute liver failure and liver transplant, but contemporary medical practice has mainly focused on patient management after a liver injury has been induced. An integrative genetic, transcriptional, and two-dimensional NMR-based metabolomic analysis performed using multiple inbred mouse strains, along with knowledge-based filtering of these data, identified betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase 2 (Bhmt2) as a diet-dependent genetic factor that affected susceptibility to acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in mice. Through an effect on methionine and glutathione biosynthesis, Bhmt2 could utilize its substrate (S-methylmethionine [SMM]) to confer protection against acetaminophen-induced injury in vivo. Since SMM is only synthesized in plants, Bhmt2 exerts its beneficial effect in a diet-dependent manner. Identification of Bhmt2 and the affected biosynthetic pathway demonstrates how a novel method of integrative genomic analysis in mice can provide a unique and clinically applicable approach to a major public health problem.
Plasticity of Arabidopsis Root Gravitropism throughout a Multidimensional Condition Space Quantified by Automated Image Analysis
Authors: Durham Brooks Tessa L. , Miller Nathan D. , Spalding Edgar P.
Published: November 2009

Plant development is genetically determined but it is also plastic, a fundamental duality that can be investigated provided large number of measurements can be made in various conditions. Plasticity of gravitropism in wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedling roots was investigated using automated image acquisition and analysis. A bank of computer-controlled charge-coupled device cameras acquired images with high spatiotemporal resolution. Custom image analysis algorithms extracted time course measurements of tip angle and growth rate. Twenty-two discrete conditions defined by seedling age (2, 3, or 4 d), seed size (extra small, small, medium, or large), and growth medium composition (simple or rich) formed the condition space sampled with 1,216 trials. Computational analyses including dimension reduction by principal components analysis, classification by k-means clustering, and differentiation by wavelet convolution showed distinct response patterns within the condition space, i.e. response plasticity. For example, 2-d-old roots (regardless of seed size) displayed a response time course similar to those of roots from large seeds (regardless of age). Enriching the growth medium with nutrients suppressed response plasticity along the seed size and age axes, possibly by ameliorating a mineral deficiency, although analysis of seeds did not identify any elements with low levels on a per weight basis. Characterizing relationships between growth rate and tip swing rate as a function of condition cast gravitropism in a multidimensional response space that provides new mechanistic insights as well as conceptually setting the stage for mutational analysis of plasticity in general and root gravitropism in particular.
OsKu70 Is Associated with Developmental Growth and Genome Stability in Rice
Authors: Hong Jong-Pil , Byun Mi Young , An Kyungsook , Yang Sae-Jun , An Gynheung , Kim Woo Taek
Published: November 2009

The cellular functions of Ku70 in repair of DNA double-stranded breaks and telomere regulation have been described in a wide range of organisms. In this study, we identified the rice (Oryza sativa) Ku70 homolog (OsKu70) from the rice genome database. OsKu70 transcript was detected constitutively in every tissue and developmental stage examined and also in undifferentiated callus cells in rice. Yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down experiments revealed that OsKu70 physically interacts with OsKu80. We obtained loss-of-function osku70 T-DNA knockout mutant lines and constructed transgenic rice plants that overexpress the OsKu70 gene in the sense (35S:OsKu70) or antisense (35S:anti-OsKu70) orientation. The homozygous G2 osku70 mutant lines were more sensitive than wild-type plants to a DNA-damaging agent (0.01%–0.05% methyl-methane sulfonate), consistent with the notion that OsKu70 participates in the DNA repair mechanism. Terminal restriction fragment analysis revealed that telomeres in homozygous G2 osku70 mutants were markedly longer (10–20 kb) than those in wild-type plants (5–10 kb), whereas telomere length in heterozygous G2 osku70 mutant and T2 OsKu70-overexpressing transgenic (35S:OsKu70) rice resembled that of the wild-type plant. In contrast to what was observed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) atku70 mutants, homozygous G2 osku70 rice plants displayed severe developmental defects in both vegetative and reproductive organs under normal growth conditions, resulting in sterile flowers. Analysis of meiotic progression in pollen mother cells demonstrated that up to 11.1% (seven of 63) of G2 mutant anaphase cells displayed one or more chromosomal fusions. These results suggest that OsKu70 is required for the maintenance of chromosome stability and normal developmental growth in rice plants.
Incidence and survival trends for childhood cancer in Osaka, Japan, 1973–2001
Authors: Baba Sachiko , Ioka Akiko , Tsukuma Hideaki , Noda Hiroyuki , Ajiki Wakiko , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 787–792)

Mortality for childhood cancer has declined in Osaka, as well as all over Japan, since the 1970s, but whether this decline can be explained by trends of incidence or survival of childhood cancer has not been examined. A total of 5960 malignant tumors diagnosed between 1973 and 2001 in children <15 years of age were registered at the Osaka Cancer Registry in Japan. The time trends for childhood cancer were analyzed over 29 years for incidence and 20 years for survival. Leukemia was the most common among childhood cancer for both sexes and accounted for one‐third of all cases. The age‐standardized annual incidence rate of all tumors was highest in 1988–1992: 155.1 per million for males and 135.9 for females. Five‐year survival for all tumors improved from 50.1% in 1978–1982 to 73.0% in 1993–1997 for males and from 52.3% to 76.3% for females. Thus, the constant decline in mortality in childhood cancer was primarily due to improved survival between the 1970s and 1980s and reduced incidence after the 1990s.
hTERT‐promoter‐dependent oncolytic adenovirus enhances the transduction and therapeutic efficacy of replication‐defective adenovirus vectors in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Onimaru Manabu , Ohuchida Kenoki , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Nagai Eishi , Cui Lin , Toma Hiroki , Takayama Koichi , Matsumoto Kunio , Hashizume Makoto , Tanaka Masao
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 735–742)

Adenovirus‐mediated gene therapy shows promise for cancer therapy, but transgene expression of replication‐defective adenovirus may be low and transient in clinical settings. Recent reports have shown that the use of a conditionally replication‐competent adenovirus (CRAd) enhanced the gene transduction of a replication‐defective adenovirus vector. The control of tumor–stromal interactions has also been determined to be important in cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated the effect of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)‐CRAd, Ad5/3hTERTE1, which possesses the tumor‐specific hTERT promoter with the chimeric fiber 5/3, on the transgene expression and therapeutic efficacy of a replication‐defective adenovirus vector expressing NK4 under the control of the CMV promoter, Ad‐NK4. In addition, we established a new strategy to target both cancer cells and cancer–stromal interactions. Human pancreatic cancer cells were infected with Ad‐NK4 and either Ad5/3hTERTE1 (CRAd‐combination group) or Ad5/3hTERTLuc (control‐combination group). In the CRAd‐combination group, Ad‐NK4‐delivered transgene expression was increased, leading to an enhanced inhibitory effect on the invasion of cancer cells. In in vivo experiments, NK4 expression within tumors and its inhibitory effect on tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis were enhanced in the CRAd‐combination group. These results suggest that hTERT‐CRAd enhances the transgene expression and therapeutic efficacies of Ad‐NK4, possibly through the in‐trans replication of Ad‐NK4 induced by adenovirus E1 derived from co‐infected hTERT‐CRAd. This approach may be a promising combination therapy against advanced pancreatic cancer.
JTE‐607, a multiple cytokine production inhibitor, induces apoptosis accompanied by an increase in p21waf1/cip1 in acute myelogenous leukemia cells
Authors: Tajima Nobuyuki , Fukui Kenji , Uesato Naofumi , Maruhashi Junji , Yoshida Takayuki , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Tojo Arinobu
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 774–781)

Proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors have been thought to play crucial roles in the pathology of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) by supporting the proliferation and survival of AML cells in an autocrine and paracrine manner, although further elucidation is required. JTE‐607 was originally identified as a multiple cytokine inhibitor that suppresses production of proinflammatory cytokines from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Herein, we report that JTE‐607 exhibits inhibitory activity on the growth of AML cell lines accompanying reduction of the proinflammatory cytokine and growth factor production. In in vitro studies, JTE‐607 suppressed expression and production of cytokines, which are spontaneously up‐regulated in AML cell lines. JTE‐607 also abrogated proliferation of AML cells in a concentration range in which colony formation of normal bone marrow cells was not affected. The growth inhibition by JTE‐607 was characterized by induction of cell‐cycle arrest at the S‐phase and apoptosis, accompanied by a decrease in c‐Myc and increase in p21waf1/cip1. In a leukemia model engrafted with U‐937 cells, JTE‐607 significantly prolonged survival in mice and reduced human cytokine mRNA levels in the bone marrow. These results suggest the usefulness of JTE‐607 in therapeutic applications for patients with hypercytokinemia and aggressive AML cell proliferation.
WRR4, a broad‐spectrum TIR‐NB‐LRR gene from Arabidopsis thaliana that confers white rust resistance in transgenic oilseed brassica crops
Authors: BORHAN MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN , HOLUB ERIC B. , KINDRACHUK COLIN , OMIDI MANSOUR , BOZORGMANESH‐FRAD GHAZALEH , RIMMER S. ROGER
Published: November 2009

White blister rust caused by Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze is a common and often devastating disease of oilseed and vegetable brassica crops worldwide. Physiological races of the parasite have been described, including races 2, 7 and 9 from Brassica juncea, B. rapa and B. oleracea, respectively, and race 4 from Capsella bursa‐pastoris (the type host). A gene named WRR4 has been characterized recently from polygenic resistance in the wild brassica relative Arabidopsis thaliana (accession Columbia) that confers broad‐spectrum white rust resistance (WRR) to all four of the above Al. candida races. This gene encodes a TIR‐NB‐LRR (Toll‐like/interleukin‐1 receptor‐nucleotide binding‐leucine‐rich repeat) protein which, as with other known functional members in this subclass of intracellular receptor‐like proteins, requires the expression of the lipase‐like defence regulator, enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1). Thus, we used RNA interference‐mediated suppression of EDS1 in a white rust‐resistant breeding line of B. napus (transformed with a construct designed from the A. thaliana EDS1 gene) to determine whether defence signalling via EDS1 is functionally intact in this oilseed brassica. The eds1‐suppressed lines were fully susceptible following inoculation with either race 2 or 7 isolates of Al. candida. We then transformed white rust‐susceptible cultivars of B. juncea (susceptible to race 2) and B. napus (susceptible to race 7) with the WRR4 gene from A. thaliana. The WRR4‐transformed lines were resistant to the corresponding Al. candida race for each host species. The combined data indicate that WRR4 could potentially provide a novel source of white rust resistance in oilseed and vegetable brassica crops.
Review article: the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: CABRERA R. , NELSON D. R.
Published: November 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 461–476

Background  Hepatocellular carcinoma is the leading cause of death in cirrhosis. A majority of patients present at an advanced stage with poor prognosis.

Aim  To review the current screening, diagnosis and management strategies involved in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods  A literature search was performed using PubMed for publications with a predetermined search string to identify relevant studies.

Results  Hepatocellular carcinoma is dramatically increasing in incidence that is mostly attributed to chronic hepatitis C and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and its clinical phenotype diabetes and obesity. Cirrhosis is the major predisposing risk factor and its presence necessitates close surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma with serial imaging studies. Hepatocellular carcinoma can be diagnosed by its unique radiological behaviour of arterial enhancement and washout on delayed images. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification system is a clinically useful algorithm for the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The simultaneous presence of cirrhosis in the patients complicates their management and monitoring for cirrhosis‐related complications is important.

Conclusions  Early diagnosis and definitive treatment remains the key to long‐term outcome. A multidisciplinary approach is critical to the successful management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies combining sorafenib with locoregional or other targeted molecular therapies are likely to improve responses and outcome.
Leucoderma after use of a skin-lightening cream containing kojic dipalmitate, liquorice root extract andMitracarpus scaberextract
Authors: Madhogaria S. , Ahmed I.
Published: November 2009

A lighter or whiter complexion is socially desirable in many cultures. This has led to an unregulated and highly profitable market in skin-lightening creams that are readily available over the counter or on the internet. Plant extracts and newer tyrosinase inhibitors such as kojic acid or its derivative kojic dipalmitate are popular ingredients in these creams. We report a patient who developed depigmented patches after using such a cream.
Failure of omalizumab in cholinergic urticaria
Authors: Sabroe R. A.
Published: November 2009

Cholinergic urticaria is one of the more common physical urticarias. Although it is often fairly mild, severe treatment-resistant disease may occur, with significant associated disability. Omalizumab, a monoclonal IgG anti-IgE antibody licensed for use in severe asthma, has recently been used successfully in several types of urticaria, including in one case of cholinergic urticaria. This paper reports a patient with severe cholinergic urticaria, unresponsive to antihistamines and multiple other treatments, whose disease was also unresponsive to omalizumab.
Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides with eosinophilia and CD30+ large-cell transformation: a case with a fatal outcome presenting with multifocal lesions and leonine facies
Authors: Ishibashi M. , Ohshima K. , Chen K. R.
Published: November 2009

Eosinophilia is recognized as a poor prognostic factor in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We report a case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) presenting with multiple ulcerative nodular lesions and persistent eosinophilia. Severe facial lesions resulted in a leonine appearance. On histopathological examination, nodular infiltration of large CD30+ large cells was seen. When the previous biopsy specimens were reviewed, marked folliculotropism with atypical lymphocytes was identified in previous specimens 20 years before the blastic transformation. CC chemokine receptor 3 was expressed in tumour cells, whereas CXC chemokine receptor 3 was negative. Expression of interleukin (IL)-5 was detected in a few mononuclear lymphoid cells. This case demonstrates that T helper (Th)2-polarized tumour cells may produce Th2 cytokines including IL-5, which suggests that cytokines and chemokines may contribute to persistent eosinophilia and to recruitment of eosinophils into tumour lesions in advanced FMF.
Longitudinal zonation of macroinvertebrates in an Ecuadorian glacier‐fed stream: do tropical glacial systems fit the temperate model?
Authors: JACOBSEN DEAN , DANGLES OLIVIER , ANDINO PATRICIO , ESPINOSA RODRIGO , HAMERLÍK LADISLAV , CADIER ERIC
Published: November 2009

1. The ecology of glacier‐fed streams at temperate latitudes has been intensely studied in recent years, leading to the development of a well‐validated conceptual model on the longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrate communities downstream of the glacier margin (Freshwater Biology, 2001a; 46, 1833). However, to our knowledge, the ecology of tropical glacier‐fed streams has not yet been studied.

2. We sampled benthic macroinvertebrates and measured environmental variables at nine sites between 4730 and 4225 m altitude along a 4.3 km stretch of a glacier‐fed stream 40 km south of the equator in the Ecuadorian Andes. Our goal was to study the longitudinal distribution of the fauna in relation to environmental factors and to compare this with the conceptual model based on temperate–arctic glacier‐fed streams.

3. Total density of invertebrates differed considerably at the two highest altitude sites; 4600 m−2 at a pro‐glacial lake outlet and only 4 m−2 at a site originating directly from the glacier snout. Otherwise, there was a downstream decrease in density to about 825 m−2 at the three lowest sites. Taxon richness increased with distance from the glacier, very similar to the pattern predicted. A total of 28 taxa were collected; two at the glacier snout, seven at the nearby pro‐glacial lake outlet, 13 at site 2 (<400 m from the glacier) and 20 at the lowest sites.

4. The numerical percentage of Chironomidae (Diptera) decreased downstream from 100 to 44%. The subfamily Podonominae was numerous at the highest sites but became much less important further downstream. The Orthocladiinae were important both in numbers and species at all sites, while Diamesinae were numerous only in the middle of the reach studied and were completely absent from the upper three sites. The limited importance of the Diamesinae, and its replacement by Podonominae, is different from the pattern typically observed in north‐temperate glacier‐fed streams. This could be because of the fact that the genus Diamesa is missing from the Neotropics.

5. Stream temperature and channel stability explained most of the variability in faunal composition and richness, supporting the model. Stability increased systematically downstream while temperature did not. Surprisingly, no classical kryal zone (Tmax < 4 °C) was found, as even the site closest to the glacier snout (50 m) had a Tmax of 15 °C and no site had Tmax < 8 °C. We propose that this might be a general feature of equatorial glacial streams.
Seasonal and interannual variations in carbon dioxide exchange over a cropland in the North China Plain
Authors: LEI HUI‐MIN , YANG DA‐WEN
Published: November 2009

In China, croplands account for a relatively large form of vegetation cover. Quantifying carbon dioxide exchange and understanding the environmental controls on carbon fluxes over croplands are critical in understanding regional carbon budgets and ecosystem behaviors. In this study, the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) at a winter wheat/summer maize rotation cropping site, representative of the main cropping system in the North China Plain, was continuously measured using the eddy covariance technique from 2005 to 2009. In order to interpret the abiotic factors regulating NEE, NEE was partitioned into gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Daytime Reco was extrapolated from the relationship between nighttime NEE and soil temperature under high turbulent conditions. GPP was then estimated by subtracting daytime NEE from the daytime estimates of Reco. Results show that the seasonal patterns of the temperature responses of Reco and light‐response parameters are closely related to the crop phenology. Daily Reco was highly dependent on both daily GPP and air temperature. Interannual variability showed that GPP and Reco were mainly controlled by temperature. Water availability also exerted a limit on Reco. The annual NEE was −585 and −533 g C m−2 for two seasons of 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, respectively, and the wheat field absorbed more carbon than the maize field. Thus, we concluded that this cropland was a strong carbon sink. However, when the grain harvest was taken into account, the wheat field was diminished into a weak carbon sink, whereas the maize field was converted into a weak carbon source. The observations showed that severe drought occurring during winter did not reduce wheat yield (or integrated NEE) when sufficient irrigation was carried out during spring.
Explaining hydrological niches: the decisive role of below‐ground competition in two closely related Senecio species
Authors: Bartelheimer Maik , Gowing David , Silvertown Jonathan
Published: November 2009

1. Evidence from plant‐community structure suggests that niche segregation between plant species is widespread, but the mechanisms are still generally obscure. We used experimental mesocosms to investigate the role of above‐ and below‐ground competition in defining the distinct niche distributions of two Senecio species that separate along a water‐table gradient in meadow habitats. In a target‐border design, Senecio target plants were surrounded by six fence‐sitting plants of Phleum pratense and fully factorial, randomised treatments for above‐ground and below‐ground competition, water level and nitrogen were applied.

2. Below‐ground competition was found to be the most influential factor for plant biomass and seed production, whereas above‐ground competition had negligible effects. Judging from their performances under different combinations of water level and nitrogen fertilization, the Senecio species showed different types of niche differentiation. Senecio aquaticus showed a preference for waterlogged over dry soils irrespective of the presence or absence of competition. Senecio jacobaea showed no preference for any hydrological condition, as long as below‐ground interaction was prevented. In the presence of competing roots, it showed the expected preference for dry soils, especially under N‐fertilized conditions.

3. Below‐ground competition was especially intense under conditions of high supply of edaphic resources and even had the potential to entirely abolish any positive effects of increased water‐ or nitrogen‐supply. This supports the highly debated view that the importance of below‐ground competition increases rather than decreases with below‐ground resource supply. A functional mechanism for the dry‐habitat niche of S. jacobaea is suggested by the severe effect of competition on this species in waterlogged soil, especially when nitrogen was added. Since such conditions favoured growth of competing neighbours, the intensified depletion of other soil resources may have been the cause of the poor performance by S. jacobaea.

4. Synthesis. Niche differentiation can either be a genetically fixed preference or a result of current competition. Below‐ground competition was found to be a much stronger driver of niche differentiation than generally assumed. Even in highly productive systems it can be the principal type of interaction, which is contrary to common assumptions and which might be the case when some but not all edaphic resources are in ample supply.
Land use in subalpine grasslands affects nitrogen cycling via changes in plant community and soil microbial uptake dynamics
Authors: Robson T. Matthew , Baptist Florence , Clément Jean‐Christophe , Lavorel Sandra
Published: November 2009

1. Nitrogen (N) cycling is a key process determining ecosystem functioning in subalpine grasslands where traditional mowing and manuring are being abandoned. However, the roles of the plant and microbial communities in mediating changes in N availability are still poorly understood.

2. We inoculated 15 subalpine grassland fields with dual‐labelled ammonium nitrate (15NH4+, 15NO3−) during July 2005 and used pool dilutions over 1 month to calculate inorganic N fluxes into the microbial pool and uptake in plant communities by grasses, forbs and legumes. The effects of current land abandonment were assessed by comparing manured and mown terraces (ancient croplands) with other terraces where these practices have ceased, and mown versus unmown unterraced meadows.

3. Rapid cycling of inorganic N and high soil N availability in forb‐dominated manured and mown terraces resulted from fast plant N uptake and low microbial C:N ratio. In grass‐dominated unmown terraces, N cycling was slower and N retention was greater; microbial N uptake remained similar to that in the other terraces, although a higher C:N ratio suggested a shift towards fungal dominance.

4. In unterraced meadows, pH was low due to reduced mixing of soil with the underlying calcareous rock. Soil [NH4+] was high and [NO3−] low, but current management had no effect on N pool size, although plant N uptake was greater in the mown than unmown fields. This may be partially explained by high N retention by dominant Festuca paniculata tussocks. The microbial N pool and N uptake were both low and the microbial C:N ratio was high, suggesting that fungi slowed N cycling and reduced the influence of mowing on N turnover.

5. Synthesis. In these marginal long‐term grasslands, with low productivity and high biodiversity value, changes in ecosystem function associated with reduced management intensity were mediated through slower N cycling. This response was expressed as more gradual nutrient uptake but greater retention by unmown plant communities, slower microbial uptake and smaller soil N pools. In contrast to more productive ecosystems, such as north‐western European grasslands, reduced management is detrimental to both biodiversity and the maintenance of soil‐related ecosystem services. These costs will need to be balanced against potential benefits, such as carbon storage.
TEM studies of plasma nitrided austenitic stainless steel
Authors: STRÓŻ D. , PSODA M.
Published: November 2009

Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray phase analysis were used to study the structure of a layer formed during nitriding the AISI 316L stainless steel at temperature 440°C. It was found that the applied treatment led to the formation of 6‐μm‐thick layer of the S‐phase. There is no evidence of CrN precipitation. The X‐ray diffraction experiments proved that the occurred austenite lattice expansion – due to nitrogen atoms – depended on the crystallographic direction. The cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy studies showed that the layer consisted of a single cubic phase that contained a lot of defects such as dislocations, stacking faults, slip bands and twins. The high‐resolution electron microscopy observations were applied to study the defect formation due to the nitriding process. It was shown that the presence of great number of stacking faults leads to formation of nanotwins. Weak, forbidden {100} reflections were still another characteristic feature of the S‐phase. These were not detected in the X‐ray spectra of the phase. Basing on the high‐resolution electron microscopy studies it can be suggested that the short‐range ordering of the nitrogen atoms in the octahedral sites inside the f.c.c. matrix lattice takes place and gives rise to appearance of these spots. It is suggested that the cubic lattice undergoes not only expansion but also slight rombohedral distortion that explains differences in the lattice expansion for different crystallographic directions.
TEM studies of melt‐spun alloys with liquid miscibility gap
Authors: KOZIEŁ T. , KĘDZIERSKI Z. , ZIELIŃSKA‐LIPIEC A. , LATUCH J. , CIEŚLAK G.
Published: November 2009

The microstructures of the Fe–Cu‐based alloys melt‐spun from various temperatures are presented. Two compositions, with different Fe and Cu content, revealing liquid miscibility gap, were studied. Nonuniform, large‐elongated areas were observed for lower melt‐spinning temperatures, indicating liquid/liquid phase separation in the crucible before cooling. An increase of the melt ejection temperature, followed by rapid cooling, brought about precipitation process within homogeneous melt. Studies of the system with higher Fe content proved amorphous nature of the matrix and crystalline structure of the primary formed Cu‐rich precipitates. Moreover, generations of the secondary spherical particles, precipitated within the previously formed Cu‐rich melt, were observed. The microstructure of the melt‐spun alloy with a higher Cu content, on the other hand, consisted of the Fe‐rich amorphous spherical particles formed during cooling of the Cu‐rich liquid. The precipitation of the secondary Cu‐rich particles in the primary formed Fe‐rich was also observed.
Electron detection in the intermediate chamber of the variable pressure SEM
Authors: SLÓWKO W. , KRYSZTOF M.
Published: November 2009

Two concepts of the secondary electron detection inside the intermediate chamber of the variable pressure scanning electron microscopy have been discussed. One of them, the two‐stage secondary electron detector has been the subject of previous publications. The other one, the intermediate secondary electron detector is an improved solution in respect of its complexity, vacuum demands and dimensions. Both detector systems apply some kinds of scintillators, so they present advantages specific for scintillator detectors but extended to a wide range of gas pressures, from high vacuum to pressures exceeding 10 mbar. The detector functioning is illustrated with computer simulations of electron and ion flow in the input region of the detectors made with use of the MC–SIMION program. This software combines a commercially available program SIMION 3D v.7.0, destined for computations of charged particles trajectories in electric and magnetic fields, and the Monte Carlo one written in the SIMION internal language.
Determinants of male ejaculate investment in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera: mating history, female body size and male age
Authors: TENG ZHAO‐QIAN , ZHANG QING‐WEN
Published: November 2009

Many studies demonstrate that ejaculate size may be influenced by male condition, female quality and the risk or intensity of sperm competition. In the present study, the effect of male and female conditions, male mating history and female mating status on ejaculate sperm numbers in the polyandrous moth Helicoverpa armigera is examined. A large variation in ejaculate size is found and, although female body size and male age influence ejaculate size, female age and copula duration do not. Both male and female mating histories have significant effects on ejaculate sperm numbers. Males reduce ejaculate expenditure in successive matings but deliver significantly more apyrene and eupyrene sperm to nonvirgin than to virgin females.
Thigmotaxis maintains processions of late‐instar caterpillars of Ochrogaster lunifer
Authors: STEINBAUER MARTIN J.
Published: November 2009

Processionary behaviour is a distinctive feature of the dispersal of caterpillars of a number of Lepidoptera, including Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) from Australia. By cutting hairs on either the first or last three segments of the bodies of caterpillars and re‐introducing them into processions of normal caterpillars, the present study provides strong evidence that thigmotaxis is the mechanism that maintains single‐file, head‐to‐tail movement of groups of individuals. The inclusion of caterpillars whose posterior hairs have been cut results in the breakage of processions, whereas the inclusion of caterpillars whose anterior hairs have been cut rarely results in the breakage of processions. The breakage of processions occurs because caterpillars whose posterior hairs had been cut are difficult to follow and they will not stop when those behind became detached. The speed of movement of processions incorporating caterpillars whose hairs on the posterior segments of their bodies have been cut also has a significant effect on the likelihood of maintaining processionary movement; faster‐moving processions are more likely to break than are more slowly‐moving processions.
The relationship between pre‐oviposition flight behaviour and reproductive timing in whitefly parasitoids
Authors: ASPLEN MARK K. , HARDIN JESSE A. , BYRNE DAVID N.
Published: November 2009

Although the timing of oögenesis appears to be a major life‐history organizer in the parasitoid Hymenoptera, relatively little is known about how this trait correlates with population dispersal by flight in these wasps. Pre‐oviposition flight behaviours of 1‐day‐old female wasps in a vertical flight chamber are measured to test correlations between these traits and with reproductive timing. The focus of the present study is on two genera of whitefly parasitoids (Encarsia and Eretmocerus) that differ in reproductive timing when feeding on a shared host (Bemisia tabaci). The two Eretmocerus species engage in vertical flight within 3 min of release far more frequently than the three Encarsia species. Because the former typically possess a more time‐limited reproductive strategy than the latter, this lends support for a positive interspecific association between early‐life reproduction and early‐life flight incidence. Within species, however, egg load does not correlate with flight propensity for any of the tested species. Furthermore, in Eretmocerus eremicus, the relationship between effective flight distance (i.e. the product of vertical climb rate and flight duration) and egg load appears to be labile rather than fixed because different trials show evidence for either negative or positive correlations between these variables. The source of this context dependence may be variation in either biotic (e.g. longevity) or abiotic (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) factors.
Circadian rhythms and the evolution of photoperiodic timing in insects
Authors: SAUNDERS DAVID S.
Published: November 2009

This review discusses possible evolutionary trends in insect photoperiodism, mainly from a chronobiological perspective. A crucial step was the forging of a link between the hormones regulating diapause and the systems of biological rhythms, circadian or circannual, which have independently evolved in eukaryotes to synchronize physiology and behaviour to the daily cycles of light and darkness. In many of these responses a central feature is that the circadian system resets to a constant phase at the beginning of the subjective night, and then ‘measures’ the duration of the next scotophase. In ‘external coincidence’, one version of such a clock, light now has a dual role. First, it serves to entrain the circadian system to the stream of pulses making up the light/dark cycle and, second, it regulates the nondiapause/diapause switch in development by illuminating/not illuminating a specific light sensitive phase falling at the end of the critical night length. Important work by A. D. Lees on the aphid Megoura viciae using so‐called ‘night interruption experiments' demonstrates that pulses falling early in the night lead to long‐day effects that are reversible by a subsequent dark period longer than the critical night length and also show maximal sensitivity in the blue–green range of the spectrum. Pulses falling in the latter half of the night, however, produce long‐day effects that are irreversible by a subsequent long‐night and show a spectral sensitivity extending into the red. With movement to higher latitudes, insects develop genetic clines in various parameters, including critical night length, the number of long‐night cycles needed for diapause induction, the strength of the response, and the ‘depth’ or intensity of the diapause thus induced. Evidence for these and other types of photoperiodic response suggests that they provided strong selective advantages for insect survival.
Can herbivore‐induced plant volatiles inform predatory insect about the most suitable stage of its prey?
Authors: YONEYA KINUYO , KUGIMIYA SOICHI , TAKABAYASHI JUNJI
Published: November 2009

The leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a specialist herbivore, all of whose mobile stages feed on the leaves of salicaceous plants. Both the larval and adult stages of the ladybird Aiolocaria hexaspilota (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are dominant natural enemies of the larvae of the leaf beetle. To clarify the role of plant volatiles in prey‐finding behaviour of A. hexaspilota, the olfactory responses of the ladybird in a Y‐tube olfactometer are studied. The ladybird adults show no preference for willow plants Salix eriocarpa that are infested by leaf beetle adults (nonprey) over that for intact plants but move more to the willow plants infested by leaf beetle larvae (prey) than to intact plants. Moreover, ladybird larvae show no preference for willow plants infested by leaf beetle larvae or adults over intact plants. Using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, six volatile compounds are released in larger amounts in the headspace of willow plants infested by leaf beetle larvae than in the headspace of willow plants infested by leaf beetle adults. In addition, the total amount of volatiles emitted from willow plants that are either intact or infested by leaf beetle adults is much smaller than that from willow plants infested by leaf beetle larvae. These results indicate that volatiles from S. eriocarpa infested by P. versicolora inform A. hexaspilota adults about the presence of the most suitable stage of their prey, whereas A. hexaspilota larvae do not use such information.
The mitochondrial PPR protein LOVASTATIN INSENSITIVE 1 plays regulatory roles in cytosolic and plastidial isoprenoid biosynthesis through RNA editing
Authors: Tang Jianwei , Kobayashi Keiko , Suzuki Masashi , Matsumoto Shogo , Muranaka Toshiya
Published: November 2009

Unlike animals, plants synthesize isoprenoids via two pathways, the cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) pathway and the plastidial 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway. Little information is known about the mechanisms that regulate these complex biosynthetic networks over multiple organelles. To understand such regulatory mechanisms of the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in plants, we previously characterized the Arabidopsis mutant, lovastatin insensitive 1 (loi1), which is resistant to lovastatin and clomazone, specific inhibitors of the MVA and MEP pathways, respectively. LOI1 encodes a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein localized in mitochondria that is thought to have RNA binding ability and function in post‐transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. LOI1 belongs to the DYW subclass of PPR proteins, which is hypothesized to be correlated with RNA editing. As a result of analysis of RNA editing of mitochondrial genes in loi1, a defect in RNA editing of three genes, nad4, ccb203 and cox3, was identified in loi1. These genes are related to the respiratory chain. Wild type (WT) treated with some respiration inhibitors mimicked the loi1 phenotype. Interestingly, HMG‐CoA reductase activity of WT treated with lovastatin combined with antimycin A, an inhibitor of complex III in the respiratory chain, was higher than that of WT treated with only lovastatin, despite the lack of alteration of transcript or protein levels of HMGR. These results suggest that HMGR enzyme activity is regulated through the respiratory cytochrome pathway. Although various mechanisms exist for isoprenoid biosynthesis, our studies demonstrate the novel possibility that mitochondrial respiration plays potentially regulatory roles in isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Lower risk of urinary tract infection with low‐dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to dapsone prophylaxis in older renal transplant patients on a rapid steroid‐withdrawal immunosuppression regimen
Authors: Giullian Jeffrey Allen , Cavanaugh Kerri , Schaefer Heidi
Published: November 2009

Giullian JA, Cavanaugh K, Schaefer H. Lower risk of urinary tract infection with low‐dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to dapsone prophylaxis in older renal transplant patients on a rapid steroid‐withdrawal immunosuppression regimen. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01129.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in renal transplant recipients. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) in moderate to high daily doses prevents Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) and reduces the risk of UTI in renal transplant patients. Low‐dose TMP/SMZ also reduces the risk of PCP, although its ability to reduce the risk of UTI is uncertain.

Design:  Retrospective review of 158 patients who received a renal transplant without corticosteroids for maintenance immunosuppression.

Results:  Forty percent of patients initially prescribed TMP/SMZ ultimately stopped this medication early because of an adverse reaction. Urinary infection occurred in 16% without a significant difference in the risk of UTI between those treated with dapsone vs. those treated with TMP/SMZ (HR [95%CI]: 1.7 [0.75, 3.9], p = 0.2). In the subset of patients who were older than age 47 yr (mean age for this cohort, SD ± 6.2 yr), those treated with dapsone originally or who switched from TMP/SMZ to dapsone had a greater risk of UTI compared to patients who remained on TMP/SMZ (HR [95%CI]: 4.3 [1.2, 15.5], p = 0.024).

Conclusions:  For renal transplant recipients over the age of 47 yr, treated without long‐term glucocorticoids, our retrospective data suggest that low‐dose TMP/SMZ is associated with a lower risk of UTI compared to dapsone prophylaxis.
Decreasing plasma soluble IL‐1 receptor antagonist and increasing monocyte activation early post‐transplant may be involved in pathogenesis of delayed graft function in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Sadeghi Mahmoud , Daniel Volker , Naujokat Cord , Schmidt Jan , Mehrabi Arianeb , Zeier Martin , Opelz Gerhard
Published: November 2009

Sadeghi M, Daniel V, Naujokat C, Schmidt J, Mehrabi A, Zeier M, Opelz G. Decreasing plasma soluble IL‐1 receptor antagonist and increasing monocyte activation early post‐transplant may be involved in pathogenesis of delayed graft function in renal transplant recipients Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 415–423. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Delayed graft function (DGF) increases the risk of acute allograft rejection and may affect long‐term graft survival. We compared pre‐transplant, early post‐transplant, and late post‐transplant serum creatinine (Cr) and plasma levels of neopterin, cytokines, and cytokine receptors/antagonists in patients with DGF (n = 39), slow graft function (SGF) (n = 43), or immediate graft function (IGF) (n = 30). Three and eight days post‐transplant, plasma neopterin (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), Soluble Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor (R) (p = 0.002; p = 0.001), and IL‐10 (p = 0.003; p = 0.001) were higher in DGF than IGF patients. One month post‐transplant, plasma neopterin (p < 0.001) and IL‐10 (p < 0.001) were higher in DGF than IGF patients. Three days post‐transplant, the results indicated reduced sIL‐1 receptor antognist (RA) production in DGF patients (p = 0.001). Simultaneously, plasma sIL‐6R and IL‐10 increased in DGF (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and SGF (p = 0.007; p = 0.030) patients, indicating increased production of sIL‐6R and IL‐10. Lower sIL‐1 production in DGF than IGF patients early post‐transplant might promote the increased production of monocyte‐derived neopterin, sIL‐6R, and IL‐10. This monocyte/macrophage activation might induce inflammation in the graft and subsequently cause an impairment of graft function. Blocking of monocyte activity after renal transplantation may be considered a potential approach for improving graft outcome.
Comparison of urological complications with primary ureteroureterostomy versus conventional ureteroneocystostomy
Authors: Nie Zhilin , Zhang Keqin , Huo Wenqian , Li Qiansheng , Zhu Fangqiang , Jin Fengshuo
Published: November 2009

Nie Z, Zhang K, Huo W, Li Q, Zhu F, Jin F. Comparison of urological complications with primary ureteroureterostomy versus conventional ureteroneocystostomy. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01134.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Urological complications after kidney transplantation may be serious and carry a high risk of graft loss. The purpose of this study was to compare urological complications with primary ureteroureterostomy versus conventional ureteroneocystostomy retrospectively. Between December 1993 and April 2008, 1287 kidney transplants were performed at our institution. Urological complications such as urine leakage, ureteral obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were summarized according to the different ways of urinary tract reconstruction, ureteroureterostomy (U‐U) and ureteroneocystostomy (U‐C). Overall, urological complications were encountered in 94 (7.3%) cases, including urine leakage (n = 44, 3.4%), ureteral obstruction (n = 36, 2.8%), VUR (n = 14, 1.1%). Seventy‐six cases (7.8%) were in the U‐C group and 18 cases (5.8%) were in the U‐U group. Ninety‐three recipients were successfully treated, and one lost the graft because of pelvis and ureteral necrosis. There was no recipient loss secondary to these complications. In conclusion, U‐U does not change the overall incidence of urological complications comparing to U‐C, but it can decrease the incidence of urine leakage. It is a good first option with a greater possibility of resolving a ureteral stenosis with endourology and no risk of reflux.