bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of serum nucleic acids for fetal DNA analysis: comparison of manual and automated extraction methods
Authors: Banzola Irina , Kaufmann Inès , Lapaire Olav , Hahn Sinuhe , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Rusterholz Corinne
Published: November 2008

Objectives

To investigate the performance of an automated system for the extraction of cell‐free DNA of maternal and fetal origin from stored serum samples for subsequent quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.

Methods

Thirty‐two maternal blood samples between the early second trimester and term were obtained. Cell‐free DNA was extracted from replicate stored sera using a column‐based manual isolation procedure and with an automated system, the MagNA Pure™ LC Instrument. Real‐time quantitative PCR for the ubiquitous glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and male‐specific DYS14 loci was performed.

Results

The extraction yields for both total and fetal DNA and the quality of the purified nucleic acids were similar for the automated system or the manual procedure. However, the number of false‐negative results in samples collected early in pregnancy was reduced with the automated extraction. Furthermore, the extraction rate by the automated system was highly reproducible over time.

Conclusions

We validated the use of an automated extraction system for the isolation of fetal DNA from stored serum. This procedure might be exploited in the future for high‐throughput non‐invasive fetal gene analysis of archived serum samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for the prenatal detection of chromosome anomalies by QF‐PCR and G‐banded analysis
Authors: Speevak M. D. , Dolling J. , Terespolsky D. , Blumenthal A. , Farrell S. A.
Published: November 2008

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine in theory the clinical utility of a prenatal algorithm that uses rapid aneuploidy detection in all cases and G‐banded analysis for selected cases (RAD/G algorithm).

Methods

Over a 4‐year period, amniotic fluid samples were prospectively assigned into RAD (limited analysis) or RAD/G (intensive analysis) categories based upon the likelihood of the fetus having a chromosome anomaly. The samples were cultured and analyzed by standard cytogenetic methods. The rates of clinically significant chromosomal anomalies potentially undetectable by the RAD/G algorithm were calculated.

Results

The karyotype was normal in 3861/4054 (95.24%) cases and abnormal in 193 (4.76%). From these data, the detection rate of the RAD/G algorithm was 87.6% if all abnormalities detected by G‐banding were taken into consideration and 97.6% if abnormalities having reduced predictive value were excluded (balanced rearrangements and most mosaic cases).

Conclusions

Compared to G‐banding alone, the RAD/G algorithm has a reduction in sensitivity due to undetectable abnormalities and mosaicism in the RAD group. However, it provides a rapid and inexpensive alternative to traditional G‐banded analysis, and might be more appropriate for patients with uncomplicated, low risk pregnancies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydration of water‐plasticized poly(vinyl alcohol) systems: particular behavior of isothermal mass transfer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Qi , Li Li
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Water‐plasticized poly(vinyl alcohol) has been obtained by thermal processing. Dehydration is the key process for controlling the structure and performance of the water‐soluble polymer, and mass transfer is an important part of dehydration.

RESULTS: A simple new model of a hyperbolic‐type function was developed to understand the mass transfer process of water‐plasticized poly(vinyl alcohol) systems during isothermal dehydration. The model was verified by statistical tests. The physical parameters in the model were defined as the maximum weight loss fraction and characteristic time. The dehydration rate, the key physical parameter in mass transfer, was obtained from the differential equation of the model. By use of the model, the characteristics of dehydration of poly(vinyl alcohol) were determined: the complete mass transfer process can be divided into a fast mass transfer before a characteristic time (τ) and a slow mass transfer after τ, and dehydration temperatures can also be divided into two intervals by different activation energies. In addition, the dehydration rate is inversely proportional to the degree of crystallinity.

CONCLUSION: The results of the new model agree reasonably well with experimental results obtained by thermogravimetry and weighing. Poly(vinyl alcohol), as a water‐soluble semicrystalline polymer, exhibits a particular mass transfer behavior during dehydration. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
To revitalise counterurbanisation research? Recognising an international and fuller picture
Authors: Halfacree Keith
Published: November 2008

This paper seeks to (re)invigorate those engaged with or thinking of engaging with counterurbanisation research in the light of a feeling that the topic has become somewhat academically stagnant, and consequently too easily recuperated by strong popular culture stereotypes, not least that of the sophisticated middle‐class urbanite moving themselves and their family to start a ‘new life’ in what is perceived to be an idyllic rural setting. The paper argues, firstly, that even if we accept temporarily some understanding of counterurbanisation that is close to such portrayals, there is still much to find out and appreciate concerning the significance of the moves, both for those involved and for society and culture more generally. Secondly, though, and especially when acknowledging more fully an international migration dimension to counterurbanisation, the paper exposes this understanding as being far too narrow and easily stereotyped. In response to this perceived partiality, the paper proposes a general model, with counterurbanisation as a flexible three‐dimensional category, capable of embracing a broader range of people and experiences than is typically the case. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and expansion: migrants in Greek rural regions
Authors: Kasimis Charalambos
Published: November 2008

Migratory movements towards southern Europe have increased considerably in the past 20 years. An important aspect of this process is connected to the agricultural sector and rural regions – a development connected to agriculture's particular weight in the economies and societies of all southern European countries. However, their role is not restricted to agriculture. They are also related to non‐agricultural economic activities and the overall support of aged populations, especially in marginal or mountainous rural areas.

This paper draws on the qualitative and quantitative findings of two research projects carried out in three exemplar rural regions of Greece and over two different periods: 2000–2002 and 2004–2006. The aim of the research was the empirical investigation of the economic and social implications of the settlement and employment of migrant labour in rural Greece. The paper moves from the presentation of the theoretical and methodological framework to the presentation of the main findings for each period of the research. The socioeconomic implications of migrant employment and settlement in the regions studied are revealed in the light of the recent Common Agricultural Policy changes, and the changes following the implementation of ‘regularisation programmes’. Additionally, the characteristics of migration trends in these regions are identified and the formation of new migrant social groups, with different prospects of social integration and mobility, is revealed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supporting crime detection and operational planning with soft systems methodology and viable systems model
Authors: Kinloch Peter , Francis Hulya , Francis Michael , Taylor Mark
Published: November 2008

In recent years the introduction and subsequent enhancements of information technology has seen the emergence of major opportunities for developing new approaches to improve information interchange. The provision of information provides opportunities to find resolutions to problem situations, and the power of providing relevant and accurate information through using information systems cannot be underestimated. However, the world of information systems thinking has, so far, experienced difficulty finding a methodology suitable for utilizing the full range of available current information technology. This situation in the real world shows itself predominantly as information starvation as current information systems struggle to bring order and structure to information technology developments. This paper will discuss the issues relating to the development of a new generic framework. The novel aspect of this generic framework for planning information systems is that it integrates Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and Viable Systems Model (VSM) in a coherent whole, whilst embracing the concepts of self‐adaptation and autonomy. Further, the generic framework integrates the spatial analysis capabilities of a Geographical Information System (GIS). The generic framework will then be tested in real‐world problem situations in order to test its effectiveness, efficiency and efficacy with regards to finding suitable solutions to the problem of information starvation. The importance of focusing the framework on GIS functionality is related to the fact that in many organizations GIS is employed as the solution to information starvation because of its ability to display spatial information. This paper will demonstrate the implementation of the generic framework in a UK Police Authority, a large emergency service that suffers from information starvation. In the context of a UK Police Authority the combination of SSM and VSM being supported by GIS functionality is seen as being a significant progression in relation to crime detection and operational planning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neoproterozoic ages of the Kuluketage diabase dyke swarm in Tarim, NW China, and its relationship to the breakup of Rodinia
Authors: ZHANG ZHIYONG , ZHU WENBIN , SHU LIANGSHU , SU JINBAO , ZHENG BIHAI
Published: November 2008

The widely exposed Kuluketage diabase dyke swarm, Tarim Block, NW China, has been considered to have been emplaced in Permian times. New precise zircon U–Pb SHRIMP ages for two samples from the dyke swarm yield Neoproterozoic ages of 823.8±8.7 Ma and 776.8±8.9 Ma. Correlated with peaks of magmatism in South China and Australia at c. 825 Ma and c. 780 Ma, these two new ages provide significant information for palaeocontinental reconstructions. The prolonged duration of the magmatic events, combined with regional stratigraphic relationships, imply that the Tarim Block may have been affected by a mantle plume during the breakup of Rodinia.
Animal Models of Gene–Nutrient Interactions
Authors: Reed Danielle R.
Published: November 2008

Food intake of humans is governed by the food's nutritional value and pleasing taste, but also by other factors such as food cost and availability, cultural imperatives, and social status. The biological determinants of human food intake are not easily parsed from these other factors, making them hard to study against the whirligig aspects of human life in a modern age. The study of animals provides a useful alternative. Humans have a history of studying animal food intake, for agricultural reasons (e.g., pigs and cows), and for personal reasons (e.g., dogs and cats), and these practical concerns have been joined with the appreciation that other models can teach us the principles of behavior, genetics, and nutrition. Thus there is a steady use of the traditional animal models in this type of research, as well as growth in the use of other systems such as worms and flies. Rats and mice occupy a special niche as animal models for two reasons; first, they share with humans a love of the same types of food, and second, they are the target of a number of well‐developed genetic tools. The available genetic tools that make mice a popular model include a well‐annotated genome (Mouse Build 37), profiles of RNA expression from many tissues, a diverse panel of inbred strains, and the ability to manipulate genes in the whole animal, including removing a gene only in specific tissues (e.g., Cre‐lox system). Mice have been harnessed to find genotypes that contribute to sweet‐liking, and other studies are underway to understand how genetic variation might at least partially explain other puzzles of human appetites. Animal models provide a way to study the genetic determinants of food selection with experimental rigor and therefore complement human genetics studies.
Development of Animal Models to Test the Fundamental Basis of Gene–Environment Interactions
Authors: Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L.
Published: November 2008

Obesity is known to be associated with variety of complex diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, affective disorders, and some cancers. The heterogeneous genetic (G) and environmental (E) conditions of human populations impart considerable difficulty for uncovering a common etiology between complex disease and their associated risk factors. Development of animal models where G and E variation are more controlled can provide a useful path for both mechanistic exploration and validation of human data. In 1996, we began development of what we thought would be more meaningful models for the study of complex disease. Based upon ideas on evolution of biologic complexity, we propose that aerobic capacity is mechanistically linked to features that divide between health and disease. If true, we hypothesized that artificial selective breeding for low and high aerobic exercise capacity in rats would yield animal models that contrast in propensity for development of complex disease. Here we review basic properties of a model organism to suggest that these rat models represent a more ideal substrate for mechanistic exploration of the G×E interaction between aerobic capacity and risk for complex disease.
Considerations Regarding the Genetics of Obesity
Authors: Chung Wendy K. , Leibel Rudolph L.
Published: November 2008

The genetics of human body fat content (obesity) are clearly complex. Genetic and physiological analysis of rodents have helped enormously in pointing to critical molecules and cells in central nervous system and “peripheral” pathways mediating the requisite fine control over the defense of body fat. Human and animal studies are consistent with inferences from evolutionary considerations that the strengths of defenses against fat loss are greater than those against gain. Many of the genes participating in these pathways have reciprocal effects on both energy intake and expenditure, though different genes may have primary roles in respective responses to weight gain or loss. Such distinctions have important consequences for both research and treatment strategies. The body mass index (BMI) is a useful gross indicator of adiposity, but more refined measurements of body composition and energy homeostasis will be required to understand the functional consequences of allelic variation in genes of interest. Phenotypes related to energy intake and expenditure—which clearly are the major determinants of net adipose tissue storage—are not salient when individuals are in energy balance (weight stable); measurements obtained during weight perturbation studies are likely to provide more revealing phenotypes for genetic analysis. The advent of high‐density genome‐wide scans in large numbers of human subjects for association analysis will revolutionize the study of the genetics of complex traits such as obesity by generating substantial numbers of powerful linkage signals from smaller genetic intervals. Many of the genes implicated will not have been previously related to energy homeostasis (e.g., recent experience with FTO/FTM as described below), and will have relatively small effects on the associated phenotype(s). The mouse will again prove useful in determining the relevant physiology of these new genes. New analytic tools will have to be developed to permit the necessary analysis of the gene × gene interactions that must ultimately convey aggregate genetic effects on adiposity.
Gene–Physical Activity Interactions: Overview of Human Studies
Authors: Rankinen Tuomo , Bouchard Claude
Published: November 2008

Physical activity level is an important component of the total daily energy expenditure and as such contributes to body weight regulation. A body of data indicates that the level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of excessive weight gain, in weight loss programs, and particularly in the prevention of weight regain. Most studies dealing with potential gene–physical activity interaction effects use an exercise and fitness or performance paradigm as opposed to an obesity‐driven model. From these studies, it is clear that there are considerable individual differences in the response to an exercise regimen and that there is a substantial familial aggregation component to the observed heterogeneity. Few studies have focused on the role of specific genes in accounting for the highly prevalent gene–exercise interaction effects. Results for specific genes have been inconsistent with few exceptions. Progress is likely to come when studies will be designed to truly address gene–exercise or physical activity interaction issues and with sample sizes that will provide adequate statistical power.
Gene–Nutrient and Gene–Physical Activity Summary—Genetics Viewpoint
Authors: Warden Craig H. , Fisler Janis S.
Published: November 2008

The workshop reviewed the literature indicating that natural alleles influence a substantial percentage of responses to nutrition and exercise in both humans and animal models. Human genetic studies provide evidence that body weight response to over‐ and underfeeding and to exercise is associated with specific genes. Studies in animal models, primarily rodents, prove the genetic control of responsiveness to diet and exercise and provide the tools to examine specific mechanisms. Limitations of the animal literature include lack of studies of allelic contributions to weight loss in response to diet restriction and data on evidence‐based diets.

Discussion of the relative merits of sample size constraints vs. precision of phenotype measures in human genetic studies concluded that imprecise measures such as body weight and body mass index identify different genes than will specific measures of fat mass. Validation and limitations of whole genome association studies in humans was discussed, as was the role of animal models in discovery and mechanistic studies of gene/nutrition/exercise interactions.

The workshop concluded that genetics has a substantial impact on responses to both diet and exercise. However, current knowledge does not allow individual diet and exercise recommendations. New resources and technologies, including cost‐effective phenotyping for humans and whole genome sequencing in both humans and rodents, are needed.
Obesity Genes and Gene–Environment–Behavior Interactions: Recommendations for a Way Forward
Authors: Shuldiner Alan R.
Published: November 2008

Obesity is a classical complex trait, influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. The number of obesity gene variants is currently unknown but, based on sound evolutionary principles, likely to be many, each with a modest effect on the phenotype. Recent advances in our knowledge of variation in the human genome and high throughput genotyping technologies have made possible genome‐wide association (GWA) analysis and the identification of bona fide susceptibility genes for many complex diseases and phenotypes, including obesity and its comorbid conditions. GWA analysis in even larger numbers of individuals through collaborative efforts of many investigators will likely identify those polygenes of moderate and modest effect size that manifest in our typical environment. Once the subset of real‐world‐relevant obesity susceptibility variants is identified, follow‐up studies, including detailed molecular analysis of the loci, stratified analyses, prospective and interventional studies in humans, and mechanistic studies in cells and animals will allow us to define the genetic architecture of the locus and dissect how these genes interact with specific environmental and other factors. The molecular and analytical tools to accomplish these goals are now in hand, but cooperation among investigators will be necessary to amass the requisite numbers of phenotyped and genotyped individuals. Identification of susceptibility genes for obesity and determining how they interact with each other and the environment will lead to new insights into the molecular, cellular, and physiological basis of energy homeostasis, and novel strategies for prevention and treatment.
Populating the Galaxy Velocity Dispersion: Supermassive Black Hole Mass Diagram, A Catalogue of (Mbh, σ) Values
Authors: Graham Alister W.
Published: November 2008

An updated catalogue of 76 galaxies, with direct measurements of supermassive black-hole mass (Mbh) plus, when available, the central velocity dispersion (σ0) of their host bulge is provided. Fifty of these mass measurements are considered reliable, while the others remain somewhat uncertain at this time. An additional nine stellar systems, including one stellar cluster and three globular clusters, are listed as hosting potential intermediate mass black holes <106M⊙.

With this larger data set, the demographics within the Mbh–σ0 diagram are briefly explored. Many barred galaxies are shown to be offset from the Mbh–σ0 relation defined by the non-barred galaxies, in the sense that their velocity dispersions are too high. Furthermore, including 88 AGN with black-hole mass estimates from reverberation mapping studies, we speculate that barred AGN may follow this same general trend. We also show that some AGN with σ0 < 100 km s−1 tend to reside up to (∼0.6 dex) ∼1.0 dex above the (barless) Mbh–σ0 relation. Finally, it is shown that ‘core galaxies’ appear not to define an additional subdivision of the Mbh–σ0 diagram, although improved methods for measuring σ0 values may be valuable.
Characterisation of the gene family encoding acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ahumada Iván , Cairó Albert , Hemmerlin Andréa , González Víctor , Pateraki Irene , Bach Thomas J. , Rodríguez-Concepción Manuel , Campos Narciso , Boronat Albert
Published: November 2008

Thiolases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in many essential biochemical processes. Biosynthetic thiolases, also known as acetoacetyl-CoA thiolases (AACT), catalyse a reversible Claisen-type condensation of two acetyl-CoA molecules to form acetoacetyl-CoA. Here, we report the characterisation of two genes from Arabidopsis thaliana L., ACT1 and ACT2, which encode two closely related AACT isoforms (AACT1 and AACT2, respectively). Transient expression of constructs encoding AACT1 and AACT2 fused to GFP revealed that the two proteins show a different subcellular localisation. While AACT1 is found in peroxisomes, AACT2 localises in the cytosol and the nucleus. The peroxisomal localisation of AACT1 depends on the presence of a C-terminal peroxisomal targeting sequence (PTS1) motif (Ser-Ala-Leu) not previously found in other organisms. ACT1 and ACT2 genes are also differentially expressed. Whereas ACT2 is expressed at relatively high level in all plant tissues, the expression of ACT1 is restricted to roots and inflorescences and its transcript is present at very low levels. The obtained results are in agreement with the involvement of AACT2 in catalysing the first step of the mevalonate pathway. The metabolic function of AACT1 is not clear at present, although its particular peroxisomal localisation might exclude a role in isoprenoid biosynthesis.
The involvement of two epoxide hydrolase genes, NbEH1.1 and NbEH1.2, of Nicotiana benthamiana in the interaction with Colletotrichum destructivum, Colletotrichum orbiculare or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci
Authors: Wijekoon C. P. , Goodwin P. H. , Hsiang T.
Published: November 2008

Epoxide hydrolase hydrates epoxides to vicinal diols in the phyto-oxylipin peroxygenase pathway resulting in the production of epoxy alcohols, dihydrodiols, triols and epoxides, including many lipid epoxides associated with resistance. Two epoxide hydrolase genes from Nicotiana benthamiana L., NbEH1.1 and NbEH1.2, were amplified from coding DNA of leaves during a susceptible response to the hemibiotrophic pathogens, Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara, Colletotrichum orbiculare Berk. and Mont. von Arx. or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci Wolf and Foster, or the hypersensitive resistance response to P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto. Increases in expression of NbEH1.1 generally occurred during the late biotrophic and necrotrophic stages in the susceptible responses and before the hypersensitive response. NbEH1.2 expression was not significantly induced by C. orbiculare but was induced by C. destructivum, P. syringae pv. tabaci and P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto, although to a lesser degree than NbEH1.1. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbEH1.1 delayed the appearance of lesions for C. destructivum, reduced populations of P. syringae pv. tabaci and increased populations of P. syringae pv. tabaci expressing avrPto. The importance of epoxide hydrolase during pathogen attack may be related to its roles in detoxification, signalling, or metabolism of antimicrobial compounds.
Experimental dietary manipulations and concurrent use of assimilation-based analyses for elucidation of consumer - resource relationships in tropical streams
Authors: Lau Danny C. P. , Leung Kenneth M. Y. , Dudgeon David
Published: November 2008

The relative contribution of autochthonous foods to consumer biomass in small tropical streams is unknown, but extrapolation of findings from temperate forest streams, where food webs are based on allochthonous resources, might be misleading. Experimental dietary manipulations were conducted to investigate the food used by the snail Brotia hainanensis (Pachychilidae), a generalist primary consumer common in Hong Kong streams, through the concurrent use of stoichiometry, stable isotope analysis (SIA) and fatty acid (FA) profiling. Juvenile B. hainanensis collected from the field were cultured under laboratory conditions and fed with conditioned leaf litter, periphyton or commercial fish-food flakes for 6 months and then compared with field-collected snails at the end of the trial. The results of the SIA and FA profiling showed that snails depended primarily on algal food. Prolonged feeding with leaf litter put B. hainanensis under elemental constraints and litter-fed snails deviated from strict stoichiometric homeostasis. Periphyton-fed, flake-fed and field-collected snails contained more total lipids and autochthonous FA biomarkers than litter-fed snails. The concurrent application of assimilation-based analyses allowed effective and accurate elucidation of consumer–resource relationships and, in the present study, confirmed the importance of autochthonous energy in a tropical stream food web. This approach will be useful for investigating complex trophic interactions.
Planigales (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) of eastern Australia's interior: a comparison of morphology, distributions and habitat preferences, with particular emphasis on South Australia
Authors: Blacket Mark J. , Kemper Catherine , Brandle Robert
Published: November 2008

Correct species identification is an essential step in characterising an organism’s geographic range and ecological requirements. In this study the morphology, distribution and habitat preferences of eastern Australia’s three species of inland planigales, Planigale ingrami, P. tenuirostris and P. gilesi, were compared, particularly to establish consistent differences between the morphologically similar Planigale ingrami and P. tenuirostris, which earlier molecular evidence had suggested were easily misidentified. Specimens that had previously been characterised genetically were examined to find diagnostic morphological characters for each species. External measurements indicated that P. tenuirostris was larger than P. ingrami, but size ranges overlap considerably. Several external characters, including basal width of the supratragus and foot morphology, differentiate each species; however tail length was not a reliable distinguishing character. Bivariate plots of several skull characters also enabled species identification. Competition within each species may be reduced by sexual dimorphism in dental morphology, while differences in skull shape may indicate past character displacement between Planigale species. In South Australia P. ingrami and P. tenuirostris are broadly sympatric with P. gilesi but not with each other. There appears to be ecological habitat separation between all three species, with P. ingrami being the most restricted in distribution and habitat requirements, P. gilesi occurring in similar habitats but in a wider range of vegetation communities, and P. tenuirostris being the least tied to flood-prone habitats.
A role of Pygopus as an anti-repressor in facilitating Wnt-dependent transcription
Authors: Mieszczanek Juliusz , de la Roche Marc , Bienz Mariann
Published: November 2008

Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls animal development and tissue homeostasis, and is also an important cancer pathway. Pygopus (Pygo) is a conserved nuclear Wnt signaling component that is essential for Wingless-induced transcription throughout
Drosophila
development. It associates with Armadillo/β-catenin and T cell factor (TCF) through the Legless/BCL9 adaptor, but its molecular function in TCF-mediated transcription is unknown. Here, we use a
groucho
-null allele to show that Groucho represses Wingless target genes during
Drosophila
development. Interestingly,
groucho pygo
double-mutants revealed that Pygo is not obligatory for transcriptional and phenotypic Wingless signaling outputs if the interaction between Groucho and
Drosophila
TCF is compromised genetically. Pygo function is also non-essential for Wingless outputs in the absence of other transcriptional antagonists of Wingless signaling. This indicates an anti-repressor function of Pygo: we propose that Pygo predisposes
Drosophila
TCF target genes for rapid Wingless-induced transcription, or that it protects them against premature shut-down.
A Model to Predict Rate of Dissolution of Toxic Compounds into Seawater from an Oil Spill
Authors: Riazi M. R. , Roomi Y. A.
Published: November 2008

In this paper a semianalytical model has been proposed to predict the rate at which oil components dissolve in water when an oil spill occurs in a marine environment. The model breaks the oil into a number of pseudocomponents proportional to the number of compounds originally present in the oil and calculates the rate of dissolution for each component. In addition, the components are divided into paraffinic, naphthenic, and aromatic hydrocarbon types and the amount of dissolution of each pseudocomponent is calculated versus time. In this method the concentration of most toxic components of oil (mainly monoaromatics) is determined. The model considers variable surface area and slick thickness and requires oil specifications (i.e., American Petroleum Institute [API] gravity and boiling point) in addition to air and water temperatures and speeds. The model has been applied to a Kuwaiti crude oil and its products naphtha and kerosene samples at 20°C and 40°C. The results could be useful in selection of an appropriate method for oil spill clean up as well as simulation of environmental impact of oil spill from toxicity points of view.
Studies of the Toxicological Potential of Capsinoids: VIII. A 13-Week Toxicity Study of Commercial-Grade Dihydrocapsiate in Rats
Authors: Watanabe Eri , Kodama Terutaka , Masuyama Takeshi , Tsubuku Shoji , Otabe Akira , Mochizuki Masahiro , Bernard Bruce K.
Published: November 2008

Dihydrocapsiate, (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl 8-methylnonanoate; CAS No. 205687-03-2) is a naturally occurring capsinoid compound found in nonpungent chili peppers. Although the safety of synthetically produced dihydrocapsiate has been previously evaluated, the purpose of this 13-week gavage toxicity study is to evaluate dihydrocapsiate produced with a slightly modified manufacturing process. Sprague-Dawley rats, 10 rats/sex/group, 6 weeks of age at study initiation, were administered the dihydrocapsiate daily by gavage at dose levels of 0 (vehicle), 100,300, or 1000 mg/kg/day. The rats were observed for antimortem and postmortem signs of toxicity, including changes in clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, water intake, ophthalmology, clinical pathology (clinical chemistry, hematology, urinalysis), tissue findings (macroscopic and microscopic examination), as well as organ weights. There were no changes observed in clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, water intake, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, or blood chemistry that were attributable to the administration of dihydrocapsiate. The only change observed attributable to the dihydrocapsiate administration involved the liver and that change occurred only at the high dose (1000 mg/kg). Both sexes had an increase in organ weights, but this increase correlated with a change in histopathology (i.e., hepatocyte hypertrophy) only in the males. No dihydrocapsiate-related histopathological changes were observed in males at doses ≤300 mg/kg or in females at any of the doses tested (≤1000 mg/kg). It was concluded that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of dihydrocapsiate was 300 mg/kg/day for male rats and 1000 mg/kg/day for female rats in this 13 week gavage study.
Fibrillin Assembly Requires Fibronectin
Authors: Sabatier Laetitia , Chen Daliang , Fagotto-Kaufmann Christine , Hubmacher Dirk , McKee Marc D. , Annis Douglas S. , Mosher Deane F. , Reinhardt Dieter P.
Published: November 2008

Fibrillins constitute the major backbone of multifunctional microfibrils in elastic and nonelastic extracellular matrices. Proper assembly mechanisms are central to the formation and function of these microfibrils, and their properties are often compromised in pathological circumstances such as in Marfan syndrome and in other fibrillinopathies. Here, we have used human dermal fibroblasts to analyze the assembly of fibrillin-1 in dependence of other matrix-forming proteins. siRNA knockdown experiments demonstrated that the assembly of fibrillin-1 is strictly dependent on the presence of extracellular fibronectin fibrils. Immunolabeling performed at the light and electron microscopic level showed colocalization of fibrillin-1 with fibronectin fibrils at the early stages of the assembly process. Protein-binding assays demonstrated interactions of fibronectin with a C-terminal region of fibrillin-1, -2, and -3 and with an N-terminal region of fibrillin-1. The C-terminal half of fibrillin-2 and -3 had propensities to multimerize, as has been previously shown for fibrillin-1. The C-terminal of all three fibrillins interacted strongly with fibronectin as multimers, but not as monomers. Mapping studies revealed that the major binding interaction between fibrillins and fibronectin involves the collagen/gelatin-binding region between domains FNI6and FNI9.
Evidence for harvest-induced maternal influences on the reproductive rates of fish populations
Authors: Venturelli Paul A , Shuter Brian J , Murphy Cheryl A
Published: November 2008

Knowledge of the relationship between the number of offspring produced (recruitment) and adult abundance is fundamental to forecasting the dynamics of an exploited population. Although small-scale experiments have documented the importance of maternal quality to offspring survival in plants and animals, the effects of this association on the recruitment dynamics of exploited populations are largely unknown. Here, we present results from both a simple population model and a meta-analysis of time-series data from 25 species of exploited marine fishes that suggest that a population of older, larger individuals has a higher maximum reproductive rate than an equivalent population of younger, smaller individuals, and that this difference increases with the reproductive lifespan of the population. These findings (i) establish an empirical link between population age structure and reproductive rate that is consistent with strong effects of maternal quality on population dynamics and (ii) provide further evidence that extended age structure is essential to the sustainability of many exploited fish stocks.
Identification of an Apoplastic Protein Involved in the Initial Phase of Salt Stress Response in Rice Root by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Li-Hong , Zhao Jun-Feng , Song Yun , Zhang Cui-Jun , Guo Yi
Published: November 2008

The apoplast of plant cells, which carries out multiple functions in plant metabolism and signaling, is not only a barrier but also the linker between the environment and the protoplast. To investigate the role of apoplastic proteins in the salt stress response, 10-d-old rice (Oryza sativa) plants were treated with 200 mm NaCl for 1, 3, or 6 h, and the soluble apoplast proteins were extracted for differential analysis compared with untreated controls using two-dimensional electrophoresis. Ten protein spots that increased or decreased significantly in abundance were identified by mass spectrometry. These proteins included some well-known biotic and abiotic stress-related proteins. Among them, an apoplastic protein, with extracellular domain-like cysteine-rich motifs (DUF26), O. sativa root meander curling (OsRMC), has shown drastically increased abundance in response to salt stress during the initial phase. OsRMC RNA interference transgenic rice has been generated to assess the function of OsRMC in the salt stress response. The results show that knocking down the expression level of OsRMC in transgenic rice led to insensitive seed germination, enhanced growth inhibition, and improved salt stress tolerance to NaCl than in untransgenic plants. These results indicate that plant apoplastic proteins may have important roles in the plant salt stress response.
Mounting powder samples for sub-Kelvin neutron diffraction
Authors: Ryan D. H. , Swainson I. P.
Published: November 2008

The increasing availability of3He-based cryostats is making it possible to add sub-Kelvin capabilities to powder diffraction instruments. However, there are many problems associated with cooling powders below 1 K, and if great care is not taken, the sample temperature may be far higher than that reported by a thermometer attached to the sample holder. This contribution describes two practical and effective strategies for mounting powder samples that yield equilibration times of at most a few tens of minutes.
Phase transitions and ferroelectricity in NaSb3F10
Authors: Christie R. J. , Wu P. K. , Photinos P. , Abrahams S. C.
Published: November 2008

Atomic coordinate analysis allows materials with appropriate but previously unrecognized dielectric properties to be predicted as new ferroelectrics if their crystal structure is known. An earlier such prediction that NaSb3F10is ferroelectric is confirmed herein without ambiguity. Its spontaneous polarizationPsis found to exhibit reproducible dielectric hysteresis at room temperature, withPs≃ 60 µC m−2, under the application of a field of 0.3 MV m−1or greater. The pyroelectric coefficient 〈p〉 = 17 (5) µC m−2 K−1at 298 K. NaSb3F10undergoes a phase transition atTC≃ 461 K, on correction for thermal hysteresis, with entropy change ΔS= 5.7 (3) J mol−1 K−1. The colorless crystals melt atTm ≃ 515 K and decompose above ∼600 K. The thermal hysteresis of ∼35 K inTC, on heating and cooling at 5–25 K min−1, is typical of first-order phase transitions. The space group in ferroelectric phase III isP63, and that in phase II is predicted to beP6322, a nonpolar supergroup ofP63; the supergroup expected in the prototypic nonferroic phase I isP63/mmc. The space group of phase III isnota direct subgroup of phase I. The dielectric permittivity ∊′ at 1 kHz increases over an order of magnitude between 300 K and a major inflection atTC, continuing to increase steadily thereafter toTm.
DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐CdR enhances the radiosensitivity of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Qiu Hong , Yashiro Masakazu , Shinto Osamu , Matsuzaki Taro , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: November 2008

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend radiotherapy as a standard treatment for patients with a high risk of recurrence in gastric cancer. Because radiation is harmful to the surrounding organs, a radiation sensitizer might therefore be useful to decrease the side effects of patients with advanced gastric carcinoma. The aim of the current study was to clarify the effect of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (CdR), on radiation sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. Five gastric cancer cell lines, OCUM‐2M, OCUM‐12, KATO‐III, MKN‐45, and MKN‐74, were used. The effects of 5‐aza‐CdR with irradiation on the growth activity, cell‐cycle distribution, apoptosis, and apoptosis‐associated gene expression were examined. 5‐aza‐CdR sensitized three of five gastric cancer cell lines to radiation. A combination of irradiation and 5‐aza‐CdR significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the growth activity compared with irradiation alone in OCUM‐2M, OCUM‐12, and MKN‐45 cells, but not in KATO‐III and MKN‐74 cells. The percentage of cells in G2–M phase and the apoptotic rate with irradiation in combination with 5‐aza‐CdR were increased in OCUM‐2M, OCUM‐12, and MKN‐45 cells compared with irradiation alone, but not in KATO‐III and MKN‐74 cells. 5‐aza‐CdR increased the expression of p53, RASSF1, and death‐associated protein kinases (DAPK) genes compared with the control or irradiation alone. These findings suggest that 5‐aza‐CdR might therefore be useful as a radiation sensitizer to treat some types of gastric carcinoma. The arrest at G2–M phase and increased apoptotic rate might be partly mediated by enhanced expression of the p53, RASSF1, or DAPK gene families by 5‐aza‐CdR. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 181–188)
Nek2 as a novel molecular target for the treatment of breast carcinoma
Authors: Tsunoda Nobuyuki , Kokuryo Toshio , Oda Koji , Senga Takeshi , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Nagino Masato , Nimura Yuji , Hamaguchi Michinari
Published: November 2008

We investigated the role of Nek2, a member of the serine‐threonine kinase family, in the tumorigenic growth of breast carcinoma. Increased expression of Nek2 was observed in all breast carcinoma cell lines examined (BT20, BT474, Hs578T, MCF7, MDA‐MB‐231, T47D, and ZR‐75‐1) by immunoblotting. By treatment with Nek2 short interfering RNA (siRNA), expression of Nek2 was clearly decreased in both estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive (MCF7) and ER‐negative (MDA‐MB‐231) breast carcinoma cell lines. Cell growth, colony formation in soft agar, and in vitro invasiveness of these cell lines were substantially suppressed by Nek2 siRNA treatment. In a xenograft nude mouse model with subcutaneous implantation of MCF7 or MDA‐MB‐231, subcutaneous injection of Nek2 siRNA around the tumor nodules resulted in a reduction of tumor size compared with those of control siRNA injection. Taken together, Nek2 appears to play a pivotal role in tumorigenic growth of breast carcinoma cells, and could be a useful therapeutic molecular target for the treatment of breast carcinoma both in ER‐positive and ER‐negative cases. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 111–116)
Functional characterization of transcripts expressed in early‐stage Meloidogyne javanica‐induced giant cells isolated by laser microdissection
Authors: FOSU‐NYARKO JOHN , JONES MICHAEL G. K. , WANG ZHAOHUI
Published: November 2008

The root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica induces giant cells and feeds from them during its development and reproduction. To study the cellular processes underlying the formation of giant cells, laser microdissection was used to isolate the contents of early‐stage giant cells 4 and 7 days post‐infection (dpi) from tomato, and cDNA libraries from both stages were generated with 87 [250 expressed sequence tag (EST) clones] and 54 (309 EST clones) individual transcripts identified, respectively. These transcripts have roles in metabolism, stress response, protein synthesis, cell division and morphogenesis, transport, signal transduction, protein modification and fate, and regulation of cellular processes. The expression of 25 selected transcripts was studied further by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Among them, 13 showed continuous up‐regulation in giant cells from 4 to 7 dpi. The expression of two transcripts was higher than in controls at 4 dpi and remained at the same level at 7 dpi; a further five transcripts were highly expressed only at 7 dpi. The Phi‐1 protein gene, a cell cycle‐related homologue in tobacco, was expressed 8.5 times more strongly in giant cells than in control cells at 4 dpi, but was reduced to 6.7 times at 7 dpi. Using in situ hybridization, the expression of the Phi‐1 gene was preferentially localized in the cytoplasm of giant cells at 4 dpi, together with a pectinesterase U1 precursor gene. The identification of highly expressed transcripts in developing giant cells adds to the knowledge of the plant genes responsive to nematode infection, and may provide candidate genes for nematode control strategies.
Isolation of murine intrahepatic immune cells employing a modified procedure for mechanical disruption and functional characterization of the B, T and natural killer T cells obtained
Authors: Blom K G , Rahman Qazi M , Noronha Matos J B , Nelson B D , DePierre J W , Abedi-Valugerdi M
Published: November 2008

Intrahepatic immune cells (IHIC) are known to play central roles in immunological responses mediated by the liver, and isolation and phenotypic characterization of these cells is therefore of considerable importance. In the present investigation, we developed a simple procedure for the mechanical disruption of mouse liver that allows efficient isolation and phenotypic characterization of IHIC. These cells are compared with the corresponding cells purified from the liver after enzymatic digestion with different concentrations of collagenase and DNase. The mechanical disruption yielded viable IHIC in considerably greater numbers than those obtained following enzymatic digestion. The IHIC isolated employing the mechanical disruption were heterogeneous in composition, consisting of both innate and adaptive immune cells, of which B, T, natural killer (NK), NK T cells, granulocytes and macrophages were the major populations (constituting 37·5%, 16·5%, 12·1%, 7·9%, 7·9% and 7·5% of the total number of cells recovered respectively). The IHIC obtained following enzymatic digestion contained markedly lower numbers of NK T cells (1·8%). The B, T and NK T cells among IHIC isolated employing mechanical disruption were found to be immunocompetent, i.e. they proliferated in vitro in response to their specific stimuli (lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A and α-galactosylceramide respectively) and produced immunoglobulin M and interferon-γ. Thus, the simple procedure for the mechanical disruption of mouse liver described here results in more efficient isolation of functionally competent IHIC for various types of investigation.