bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation properties of the redox‐modulated chloroplast enzymes glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase
Authors: Reichert Angelika , Baalmann Elisabeth , Vetter Susanne , Backhausen Jan E. , Scheibe Renate
Published: September 2010

Rapid changes of enzyme activity are obtained by post‐translational modification of cysteine residues of some chloroplast enzymes. Individual fine‐tuning is achieved by specific factors acting upon the redox cycle. In order to study the regulatory properties of these enzymes, they are purified from leaves or in a recombinant form from Escherichia coli. The various factors acting upon the enzyme in vivo can be simulated in vitro. However, in these studies, some subtle technical problems can be encountered. Two cases are presented in this article, and an attempt is made to explain some previous, seemingly contradictory results. The Calvin‐cycle enzyme glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase in its less active A8B8 form can be dissociated and thereby activated in vitro simply by diluting out the protein. On the other hand, activation requires the presence of reduced thioredoxin (Td) and an increase in ionic strength when performed at a high protein concentration, as present in vivo. Chloroplast fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) is purified from E. coli as an enzyme similar to that purified from leaves. However, using the standard protocol for lysis of the bacteria leads to a form with some unusual properties as changed isoelectric point, lack of Ca2+/fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate (FBP) dependency of reductive activation, and lack of activity at high pH and high Mg2+ concentration. These observations are used in order to better understand the characteristics of the activation/inactivation process.
Arabinoxylan biosynthesis: Identification and partial characterization of β‐1,4‐xylosyltransferase from wheat
Authors: Porchia Andrea Celia , Scheller Henrik Vibe
Published: September 2010

The biosynthesis of arabinoxylan was investigated using microsomal membranes isolated from wheat seedlings. Incubation of the microsomes with UDP‐[ C]‐d‐xylose resulted in incorporation of radioactivity into polymeric product. Incorporation reached a maximum at day 3 during development of the seedlings. Treatment of the radiolabeled product with Aspergillus niger xylanase A released about 70% of the radioactivity to a 65% ethanol‐soluble fraction. The released radioactivity was shown to be in the form of xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetraose, which are the expected hydrolysis products of endo‐xylanases. The synthesized xylan had an apparent molecular mass larger than 500 kDa.
In situ hybridization study of organ‐ and pathogen‐dependent expression of a novel thionin gene in pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Lee Sung Chul , Lee Yeon Kyeong , Kim Ki Deok , Hwang Byung Kook
Published: September 2010

In healthy, untreated pepper plants, transcripts of thionin (CATHION1) gene were induced in an organ‐specific manner, as revealed by RNA blot analysis and in situ hybridization. The CATHION1 mRNAs were expressed in stems and flowers as well as roots, but not in leaves and fruits. In the stem and root tissues, the CATHION1 mRNA was present in endodermis and the phloem. In contrast, the transcripts were uniformly located in all the cells of flower tissues. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization were also performed to examine the temporal and spatial expression patterns of thionin (CATHION1) mRNA in leaf and fruit tissues of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) infected by anthracnose pathogens Colletotrichum coccodes and C. gloeosporioides, respectively. Transcripts of the CATHION1 gene were more rapidly induced in pepper leaves at the 4‐ than at the 8‐leaf stage by C. coccodes infection. Typical anthracnose symptoms were observed on green pepper fruits inoculated with C. gloeosporioides, but not on red pepper fruits. The transcript accumulation was more pronounced in green fruits than in red fruits upon C. gloeosporioides infection. The CATHION1 transcripts were detected in the phloem cells infected by anthracnose pathogens.
Changes in carbohydrates and freezing tolerance during cold acclimation of red raspberry cultivars grown in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Palonen Pauliina , Buszard Deborah , Donnelly Danielle
Published: September 2010

Changes in LT50 and carbohydrate levels in response to cold acclimation were monitored in vitro and in vivo in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars with different levels of cold hardiness. Entire micropropagated plantlets or shoot tips from 3 cultivars were harvested before, during and after cold acclimation. Cane samples from container‐grown plants of 4 cultivars were harvested before and during cold acclimation and deacclimation. Samples were evaluated for cold hardiness (LT50) by controlled freezing, then analyzed for carbohydrates, including starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose and raffinose. Hardiness of cold‐acclimated ‘Muskoka’ and ‘Festival’ was superior to that of ‘Titan’ or ‘Willamette’. In vitro plantlets had higher levels of soluble carbohydrates on a dry weight basis and higher ratios of sucrose:(glucose+fructose) than the container‐grown plants. Total soluble carbohydrates, primarily sucrose, accumulated during cold acclimation in both plantlets (33–56% relative increase) and plants (143–191% relative increase). Sucrose increased 124–165% in plantlets and 253–582% in container‐grown plants during acclimation and declined rapidly to the level of control plants during deacclimation. Glucose and fructose also accumulated, but to a lesser extent than sucrose. Raffinose concentrations were very low, but increased significantly during cold acclimation. In vitro, genotype hardiness was related to the high concentrations of total soluble carbohydrates, sucrose and raffinose. In vivo, hardier genotypes had lower concentrations of starch than the less hardy genotypes. These results demonstrated the importance of soluble carbohydrates, especially sucrose, in cold hardening of red raspberry and that the in vitro conditions or controlled acclimation conditions do not necessarily reflect the phenomena observed in vivo.
Isolation of 3 salt‐induced low‐abundance cDNAs from light‐grown callus of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum by suppression subtractive hybridization
Authors: Emilie Yen Hungchen , Wu Su‐Mei , Hung Yu‐Hui , Yen Shi‐Kae
Published: September 2010

A technique combining suppression polymerase chain reaction with suppression subtractive hybridization was used to clone low‐abundance transcripts that showed enhanced expression during salt stress in light‐grown callus of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., the ice plant. Three salt‐induced cDNAs were selected by the prolonged film exposure time when analyzed by northern blotting. All of them showed different response kinetics to 200 mM NaCl, but were all expressed at increased levels in the presence of high salts at the cellular level. Analysis of nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequences of these cDNAs revealed that they encoded a protein involved in K+ uptake (suppressor of K+ transport growth defect [SKD1]), an enzyme in the ubiquitin‐mediated proteolytic cycle (ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme [UBC]; EC 6.3.2.19), and a low‐molecular mass basic stress‐induced protein. The SKD1‐like gene was constitutively expressed in the root and up‐regulated in the leaf upon salt stress. The levels of other two transcripts remained relatively unchanged in the leaf and increased in the root by high salt. The possible roles of these gene products in the mechanism of salt tolerance in this halophyte are discussed.
Cell‐cycle‐dependent regulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Voigt Jürgen , Bohley Peter
Published: September 2010

Polyamines play an important role in the control of cell growth and cell division. In the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as in animal cells, biosynthesis of the 3 commonly occurring polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) is dependent on the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17) catalyzing the formation of putrescine, which is the precursor of the other two polyamines. Therefore, we have investigated the regulation of ODC activity during the cell cycle of Clamydomonas reinhardtii using synchronized cultures. A 2.5–3‐fold increase in ODC activity was observed during the transition to the cell division phase. This up‐regulation of ODC activity was not due to an increased level of ODC‐mRNA as revealed by northern‐blot analyses, but correlated with an increased half‐life of this particular enzyme (from 1.1 to 3.2 h). Addition of the DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor nalidixic acid during the second half of the growth period caused a transient decrease of ODC activity and a considerable delay of cell divisions. After cell division, a down‐regulation of ODC activity was observed which was faster in the dark than in the light and also correlated with changes of the ODC half‐life.
Sucrose transport from source to sink seeds in rice
Authors: Lim Jung Dae , Cho Jung‐Il , Park Youn‐Il , Hahn Tae‐Ryong , Choi Sang‐Bong , Jeon Jong‐Seong
Published: September 2010

In many higher plants, sucrose is loaded as a major carbon photoassimiliate into the phloem apoplastically by sucrose transporters (SUTs) and unloaded in sink tissues, where it serves as a storage material, carbohydrate backbone, and energy source. In sink tissues, a proportion of sucrose molecules are converted by cell wall invertases (CINs) into hexose that is imported into cells by monosaccharide transporters (MSTs). Thus, in developing seeds, co‐ordinated regulation of SUTs, CINs, and MSTs is crucial in carbon distribution. Here, we summarize current efforts on the identification of SUTs, CINs, and MSTs in rice.
Brassinosteroid biosynthesis and inactivation
Authors: Choe Sunghwa
Published: September 2010

The term brassinosteroids (BRs) refers to the growth‐promoting plant steroidal hormones. Various developmental programs including but not limited to cell elongation, stress tolerance, and skoto‐/photo‐morphogenesis are controlled by subnanomolar concentrations of BRs. Accordingly, BR mutants that are defective in BR biosynthetic or signaling pathways usually display dwarfism. Characterization of numerous BR dwarf mutants isolated from Arabidopsis, pea, tomato, and rice greatly contributed to our understanding of BR biology. Recently, an enzyme that mediates the final step in the BR biosynthetic pathways has been characterized by two different groups. The brassinolide synthases (Cytochrome P450s 85A2 and 85A3) are multifunctional enzymes that catalyze the last three consecutive steps in BR biosynthetic pathways, namely, C‐6 hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and Baeyer‐Villiger type oxidation. In addition, many of the previously unknown steps have been genetically characterized. This review aims to summarize the knowledge that has been developed during the last 2–3 years in this field of BR biosynthesis and inactivation research.
Structural and functional regulation of eukaryotic 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins including the plant ones in cellular defense‐signaling mechanisms against oxidative stress
Authors: Jang Ho Hee , Chi Yong Hun , Park Soo Kwon , Lee Seung Sik , Lee Jung Ro , Park Jin Ho , Moon Jeong Chan , Lee Young Mee , Kim Sun Young , Lee Kyun Oh , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: September 2010

The ubiquitously distributed peroxiredoxins (Prxs) have been shown to have diverse functions in cellular defense‐signaling pathways. They have been largely classified into three Prx classes, 2‐Cys Prx, atypical 2‐Cys Prx and 1‐Cys Prx, which can be distinguished by how many Cys residues they possess and by their catalytic mechanisms. Proteins belonging to the typical 2‐Cys Prx group containing the N‐terminal peroxidatic Cys residue undergo a cycle of peroxide‐dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid and thiol‐dependent reduction during H2O2 catalysis. However, in the presence of high concentrations of H2O2 and catalytic components, including thioredoxin (Trx), Trx reductase and NADPH, the sulfenic acid can be hyperoxidized to cysteine sulfinic acid. The overoxidized 2‐Cys Prxs are slowly reduced by the action of the adenosine 5′‐triphosphate‐dependent enzyme, sulfiredoxin. Upon exposure of cells to strong oxidative or heat‐shock stress conditions, 2‐Cys Prxs change their protein structures from low‐molecular weight to high‐molecular weight complexes, which trigger their functional switching from peroxidases to molecular chaperones. The C‐terminal region of 2‐Cys Prx also plays an essential role in this structural conversion. Thus, proteins with truncated C‐termini are resistant to overoxidation and cannot regulate their structures or functions. These reactions are primarily guided by the active site peroxidatic Cys residue, which serves as an ‘H2O2‐sensor’ in cells. The reversible structural and functional switching of 2‐Cys Prxs provides cells with a means to adapt to external stresses by presumably activating intracellular defense‐signaling systems. In particular, plant 2‐Cys Prxs localized in chloroplasts have dynamic protein structures that undergo major conformational changes during catalysis, forming super‐complexes and reversibly attaching to thylakoid membranes in a redox‐dependent manner.
Detection and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci for bone traits on chicken chromosome one
Authors: Zhang H. , Zhang Y.D. , Wang S.Z. , Liu X.F. , Zhang Q. , Tang Z.Q. , Li H.
Published: September 2010

In broiler chickens, bone problems are an important welfare issue that has been linked to genetic selection for rapid growth. The objectives of this study were to identify and fine map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with bone traits. The Northeast Agricultural University resource population (NEAURP) being an F2 population was used in this study, and a total of 17 bone traits were measured. In primary genome scan, the linkage map was constructed with 23 microsatellite markers across the entire chicken chromosome 1. Seventeen QTLs for bone traits were identified and 12 of these were found between LEI0079 and ROS0025 (50.8 cM apart). To fine map the QTLs located between LEI0079 and ROS0025, more markers and more individuals were used and a new partial linkage map was constructed. The confidence intervals for QTLs were sharply narrowed down from 24.5∼52.6 to 2.7∼17.0 Mb. This study identified chromosome regions harbouring significant QTLs affecting bone traits and showed that the use of more markers and individuals could decrease the confidence interval of QTL effectively. The results provide a useful reference for further candidate gene research and MAS for bone traits.
Mild hypothermia mitigates post‐ischemic neuronal death following focal cerebral ischemia in rat brain: Immunohistochemical study of Fas, caspase‐3 and TUNEL
Authors: Phanithi Prakasa Babu , Yoshida Yasuji , Santana Adrian , Su Mu , Kawamura Shingo , Yasui Nobuyuki
Published: September 2010

Mild hypothermia is considered to have a protective effect during ischemic neuronal cell death. The present study provides experimental evidence for this beneficial role of mild hypothermia using reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in a Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat model. MCAo was induced in rats for 1 h followed by reperfusion at different periods. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining in normothermic (NT) 37°C and hypothermic (HT) 33°C groups of rats confirmed cerebral infarcts. The mean per cent infarct area was significantly reduced in the HT group of rats. Immunohistochemical analysis was done using anti‐Fas and caspase‐3 antibodies. The immunohistochemical expression of Fas and caspase‐3 was demonstrable as early as 5 h after reperfusion, but the expression pattern maximized at 24 h after reperfusion. The expression of Fas and caspase‐3 proteins showed a clear decrease in the HT group over the NT group. In situ detection of DNA fragmentation was done using the terminal deoxy‐nucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐ labeling method (TUNEL). TUNEL‐positive cells were first observed at 5 h after reperfusion and progressively increased by 24 h. A higher number of TUNEL‐positive cells was found in the NT group, but they were significantly decreased in the HT group. Further, DNA fragmentation was confirmed by size fractionation in agarose gel. These findings demonstrate a positive relation between the expression of Fas, caspase‐3 and TUNEL‐positive cells. Mild expression of Fas and caspase‐3 proteins and a reduced number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the HT group is clear evidence for the protective role of hypothermia in ischemia‐induced cell death.
Thiophene, a sulfur‐containing heterocyclic hydrocarbon, causes widespread neuronal degeneration in rats
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Tanji Kunikazu , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: September 2010

Thiophene is a sulfur‐containing heterocyclic hydrocarbon that has been detected in a number of environmental sources as various derivatives. Previous studies with rats have shown that thiophene induces selective degeneration of granule cells in the cerebellum, as observed with methyl mercury. To study the neurotoxicity of thiophene, Wistar rats received daily intramuscular injections of 0.2 mL thiophene for 3 days. Ataxia and convulsions were noted in all animals within 24 h after the final dose. Histologically, multiple foci of necrosis were observed in the cerebellum, predominantly in the granular layer. Neuronal damage was also found in the cerebral cortex, inferior colliculus and inferior olive. These findings suggest that thiophene causes widespread neuronal degeneration in rats and that the regional distribution of brain lesions induced by thiophene is different from that caused by methyl mercury poisoning.
Can antiglycolipid antibodies present in HIV‐infected individuals induce immune demyelination?
Authors: Petratos Steven , Gonzales Michael F.
Published: September 2010

Of the eight clinically defined neuropathies associated with HIV infection, there is compelling evidence that acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (IDPN) have an autoimmune pathogenesis. Many non‐HIV infected individuals who suffer from sensorymotor nerve dysfunction have autoimmune indicators. The immunopathogenesis of demyelination must involve neuritogenic components in myelin. The various antigens suspected to play a role in HIV‐seronegative IDPN include (i) P2 protein; (ii) sulfatide (GalS); (iii) various gangliosides (especially GM1); (iv) galactocerebroside (GalC); and (v) glycoproteins or glycolipids with the carbohydrate epitope glucuronyl‐3‐sulfate. These glycoproteins or glycolipids may be individually targeted, or an immune attack may be raised against a combination of any of these epitopes. The glycolipids, however, especially GalS, have recently evoked much interest as mediators of immune events underlying both non‐HIV and HIV‐associated demyelinating neuropathies. The present review outlines the recent research findings of antiglycolipid antibodies present in HIV‐infected patients with and without peripheral nerve dysfunction, in an attempt to arrive at some consensus as to whether these antibodies may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV‐associated inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Lectin cytochemistry of rat cerebral and cerebellar neuronal cells
Authors: Kawai Kensuke , Ishizu Hideki , Kuroda Shigetoshi
Published: September 2010

Lectin cytochemistry of normal rat central nervous system (CNS) was performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections by using 14 lectins and light and electron microscopy. Hippocampal neurons reacted positively with Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia lectin I (GSL‐I), Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia lectin II (GSL‐II) and Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA); neurons in the cornu ammonis (CA) 2 region reacted positively with GSL‐I and GSL‐II, and neurons in the CA2 and CA3 regions reacted with VVA. Cortical neurons reacted positively with GSL‐I and VVA. Cerebellar Purkinje cells and granule cells were reactive with Phaseolus vulgaris leukoagglutinin (PHA‐L). Cerebellar nucleus neurons were also reactive with PHA‐L and VVA. Reactivity with GSL‐I, GSL‐II, VVA and PHA‐L was observed only on the neuronal cell surface. The present findings demonstrate the differences between cerebral and cerebellar neurons in reacting with glycoconjugates.
What does the study of the spatial patterns of pathological lesions tell us about the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders?
Authors: Armstrong Richard A , Cairns Nigel J , Lantos Peter L
Published: September 2010

Discrete pathological lesions, which include extracellular protein deposits, intracellular inclusions and changes in cell morphology, occur in the brain in the majority of neurodegenerative disorders. These lesions are not randomly distributed in the brain but exhibit a spatial pattern, that is, a departure from randomness towards regularity or clustering. The spatial pattern of a lesion may reflect pathological processes affecting particular neuroanatomical structures and, therefore, studies of spatial pattern may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of a lesion and of the disorders themselves. The present article reviews first, the statistical methods used to detect spatial patterns and second, the types of spatial patterns exhibited by pathological lesions in a variety of disorders which include Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, dementia with Lewy bodies, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, Pick's disease and corticobasal degeneration. These studies suggest that despite the morphological and molecular diversity of brain lesions, they often exhibit a common type of spatial pattern (i.e. aggregation into clusters that are regularly distributed in the tissue). The pathogenic implications of spatial pattern analysis are discussed with reference to the individual disorders and to studies of neurodegeneration as a whole.
Watchful waiting for localized prostate cancer in the PSA era: what have been the triggers for intervention?
Authors: Coen John J. , Feldman Adam S. , Smith Matthew R. , Zietman Anthony L.
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Active surveillance is an established management strategy for prostate cancer associated with low rates of disease progression in selected patients with low risk disease. Unfortunately, it is underutilized in the USA where high rates of intervention are often seen even in the absence of obvious cancer progression.

Our study demonstrates the effective implementation of an observation strategy in men with low risk prostate cancer over a protracted period of time. The freedom from intervention rate was 70% at 10 years. The primary predictors of intervention were cancer volume progression at re‐biopsy and PSA doubling time of less than 3 years. This suggests that the USA is ready for wider use of this management strategy.

OBJECTIVE

To report outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer managed using a watchful waiting strategy at an American centre and to explore factors that have triggered intervention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1991 to 2005, 218 patients diagnosed with untreated localized prostate cancer were followed at Massachusetts General Hospital with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) monitoring and digital rectal examination (DRE). Re‐biopsies were performed in 95 of the patients.

The median follow‐up was 6.3 years. Clinical outcomes and features predicting intervention were examined.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, the median PSA level was 5.4 ng/mL. The Gleason score (GS) distribution was as follows: 95% with GS 6, 4% with GS 7, 1% with GS 8. The clinical T‐stage distribution was as follows: 6% with T1a‐b, 84% with T1c, 10% with T2. The median age was 71 years.

At 10 years, the overall survival was 79%, the cause‐specific survival was 100%, the rate of distant metastasis was 5%, the rate of salvage androgen deprivation therapy was 15% and the rate of freedom from intervention (FFI) was 70%.

There was a PSA velocity of ≥2 ng/mL per year in 16% of patients, and a PSA doubling time of ≤3 years in 15% of patients.

Among the 95 re‐biopsied men, the GS increased (grade progression) in 25% and the percentage of positive cores increased (volume progression) in 33%.

On multivariate analysis, only PSA doubling time and volume progression were independent predictors of FFI.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present series, watchful waiting was associated with low rates of intervention and cancer progression.

As PSA doubling time and volume progression were the main triggers for intervention, these will be incorporated into the centre’s current active surveillance protocol.
A natural history of weight change in men with prostate cancer on androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT): results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database
Authors: Kim Howard S. , Moreira Daniel M. , Smith Matthew R. , Presti Joseph C. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Harm (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Prior studies have shown that men undergoing ADT tend to gain weight, with a net increase in fat mass and decrease in bone density and lean body mass. We sought to characterize the natural history of weight gain on ADT by studying patients over a three‐year interval, finding that most weight gain occurs within the first year of initiating therapy. Furthermore, we confirm these prior findings in a more racially heterogeneous population of men, an important finding given the different outcomes of prostate cancer in black and white men.

OBJECTIVES

To better understand the natural history of weight change with androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT), we investigated the effect of ADT on body weight among men from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.

Men undergoing ADT lose lean muscle but gain fat mass, contributing to an overall gain in weight.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 132 men in SEARCH who received ADT after radical prostatectomy.

‘Weight change’ was defined as the difference in weight before starting ADT (6 months before ADT) and the on‐ADT weight (between 6 and 18 months after starting ADT).

In a subanalysis, baseline characteristics of weight‐gainers and ‐losers were analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis to test association with weight change.

RESULTS

In all, 92 men (70%) gained weight, and 40 (30%) either lost or maintained a stable weight.

On average, weight on ADT was 2.2 kg higher than the weight before ADT, with the mean change for weight‐gainers and ‐losers being +4.2 kg and −2.4 kg, respectively.

This compared with no significant weight change in the year before starting ADT (paired t‐test, change −0.7 kg, P= 0.19) or in the second year on ADT (paired t‐test, change −0.5 kg, P= 0.46) for 84 men in whom these additional weight values were recorded.

There was no significant association between any of the features examined and weight change on univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In this longitudinal study, ADT was accompanied by significant weight gain (+2.2 kg). This change occurred primarily in the first year of therapy, with men neither losing nor gaining additional weight thereafter.
Urological outcome after myelomeningocele: 20 years of follow‐up
Authors: Thorup Jorgen , Biering‐Sorensen Fin , Cortes Dina
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Although treatment modalities have improved over the years, long‐term follow‐up studies on the myelomeningocele population still include a high proportion of patients with urological complications such as impairment of kidney function and urinary incontinence. In selected consecutive material, our study could relate the urological outcome of adults to urodynamic variables performed in childhood 20 years before.

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate the urological outcome in a long‐term follow‐up of individuals with myelomeningocele and relate the findings obtained to urodynamic variables in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Individuals with myelomeningocele born from 1964–1988 were included at time of urodynamic investigation.

• Age at inclusion was in the range from 1 month to 19.5 years (median, 6 years).

• Detrusor function was classified as overactive, underactive or non‐contractile.

• Urethral function was classified according to the leak point pressure.

• In childhood and at follow‐up, kidney function was estimated with renography and isotope‐glomerular filtration rate examinations.

RESULTS

• In total, 52 individuals (28 boys and 24 girls) aged 19–41 years (median, 29 years) had follow‐up.

• Of these, 37 (71%) individuals had bilateral normal kidney function at follow‐up; seven (14%) had normal total renal function but unilateral deteriorated kidney, and eight individuals (15%) had deteriorated kidney function.

• Adult individuals with bilateral kidney deterioration had a significant higher frequency of diagnosed detrusor overactivity at childhood urodynamics (63%) compared to those with normal function of both kidneys (24%). In total, 48% of the 52 myelomeningocele individuals were continent at follow‐up.

• Continence surgery was performed in eight patients, nine used anticholinergica, three had regular botulinum toxin detrusor injections, and 27 used clean intermittent catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

• Overall, 15% of patients had impairment of kidney function and 48% were urinary continent.

• Considering the present age distribution of the present study population, this figure appears to be comparable to the data in the literature.

• Urodynamic findings in childhood were predictive for later kidney deterioration.
Targeting castration‐induced tumour hypoxia enhances the acute effects of castration therapy in a rat prostate cancer model
Authors: Johansson Anna , Rudolfsson Stina Häggström , Kilter Sigrid , Bergh Anders
Published: September 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Castration therapy has rather modest effects on cell death in tumours but can be enhanced by other treatments targeting tumour stroma and vasculature. This study shows that the prostate becomes hypoxic following castration and that targeting hypoxic cells during castration therapy potently enhances the effects of castration.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of castration therapy, the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer, in relation to tumour hypoxia and to elicit its importance for the short‐ and long‐term therapeutic response.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used the androgen‐sensitive rat Dunning H prostate tumour model that transiently responds to castration treatment followed by a subsequent relapse, much like the scenario in human patients.

Tumour tissues were analysed using stereological methods in intact, 1 and 7 days after castration therapy.

RESULTS

Hypoxia was transiently up‐regulated after castration therapy and correlated with the induction of tumour cell apoptosis.

When castration therapy was combined with tirapazamine (TPZ), a drug that targets hypoxic cells and the vasculature, the effects on tumour cell apoptosis and tumour volume were enhanced in comparison to either castration or TPZ alone.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that castration‐induced tumour hypoxia is a novel target for therapy.
Mothers' Attachment Style, Their Mental Health, and Their Children's Emotional Vulnerabilities: A 7‐Year Study of Children With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Berant Ety , Mikulincer Mario , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
The long‐term contribution of mothers' attachment insecurities to their own and their children's psychological functioning was examined in a 7‐year prospective longitudinal study of children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Sixty‐three mothers of newborns with CHD participated in a three‐wave study, beginning with the CHD diagnosis (T1), then 1 year later (T2), and again 7 years later (T3). At T1, the mothers reported on their attachment style and mental health. At T2, the mental health measure was administered again, along with a marital satisfaction scale. At T3, participants completed these two measures again, and their children reported on their self‐concept and completed the Children's Apperception Test. Maternal avoidant attachment at T1 was the best predictor of deterioration in the mothers' mental health and marital satisfaction over the 7‐year period, especially in a subgroup whose children had severe CHD. In addition, mothers' attachment insecurities (both anxiety and avoidance) at the beginning of the study were associated with their children's emotional problems and poor self‐image 7 years later.
Balancing Concern for Other With Concern for Self: Links Between Unmitigated Communion, Communion, and Psychological Well‐Being
Authors: Aubé Jennifer
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
Previous research has demonstrated the importance of distinguishing between positive (communion) and negative (unmitigated communion) characteristics when investigating the relation between traditional feminine gender roles and psychological adjustment. However, previous work has relied on cross‐sectional analysis of self‐reported unmitigated communion and self‐reported emotional distress. The present series of studies was designed to address this limitation by using multiple methodologies to examine the relation between unmitigated communion (UC) and psychological adjustment. Study 1 examined the relation between self‐ and peer reports in a sample of 102 college students. Study 2 examined the relation between communion, UC, and adjustment in a community sample of 94 adults using a 10‐year longitudinal design. Study 3 used a daily diary methodology to examine the relation between these constructs, social functioning, and depressed mood in a sample of 78 college women. Results from the three studies converged to demonstrate that unmitigated communion is an important factor that impacts negatively on the psychological adjustment of men and women.
Structures of Personality and Their Relevance to Psychopathology: II. Further Articulation of a Comprehensive Unified Trait Structure
Authors: Watson David , Clark Lee Anna , Chmielewski Michael
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
There is increasing agreement that the current categorical system of personality disorders (PDs) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) should be replaced by a trait dimensional scheme in DSM‐V. In particular, the consensus appears to be converging on a hierarchical Big Four model. The broad factors that form the apex of this hierarchy are essentially maladaptive variants of the Big Five traits of normal personality, minus Openness. We argue that this Big Four model is incomplete, however, in that it fails to model characteristics related to the “odd or eccentric” Cluster A PDs adequately. We report the results of three studies that examine these odd, eccentric characteristics in relation to basic dimensions of normal and abnormal personality. The results of these studies establish the existence of an Oddity factor that is (a) broader than the Cluster A traits and (b) distinct from Openness and the other Big Five dimensions. Consequently, its addition yields an alternative five‐factor model of personality pathology (considering only abnormal traits) and an expanded, integrated Big Six taxonomy that subsumes both normal and abnormal personality characteristics.
Capturing Abnormal Personality With Normal Personality Inventories: An Item Response Theory Approach
Authors: Walton Kate E. , Roberts Brent W. , Krueger Robert F. , Blonigen Daniel M. , Hicks Brian M.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
Correlational and factor‐analytic methods indicate that abnormal and normal personality constructs may be tapping the same underlying latent trait. However, they do not systematically demonstrate that measures of abnormal personality capture more extreme ranges of the latent trait than measures of normal range personality. Item Response Theory (IRT) methods, in contrast, do provide this information. In the present study, we use IRT methods to evaluate the range of the latent trait assessed with a normal personality measure and a measure of psychopathy as one example of an abnormal personality construct. Contrary to the expectation that the measure of psychopathy would be more extreme than the measure of normal personality traits, the measures overlapped substantially in terms of the regions of the latent trait for which they provide information. Moreover, both types of inventories were limited in terms of measurement bandwidth, such that they did not provide information across the entire latent trait continuum. Implications and future directions are discussed.
The Role of Personality in Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Zinbarg Richard E. , Uliaszek Amanda A. , Adler Jonathan M.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
A trait approach to personality has many implications for psychotherapy. Given that traits contribute to the expression of symptoms of common psychiatric disorders, are moderately heritable, and relatively stable (yet also dynamic to some extent), long‐term change in symptoms is possible but is likely to be limited. Analogous to the manner in which genes set the reaction range for phenotype, standing on certain traits may set the patient's “therapeutic range.” On the other hand, some of the same traits that may limit the depth of therapeutic benefits might also increase their breadth. In addition, taking the patient's standing on different traits into account can inform the choice of therapeutic strategy and targets and can affect the formation of the therapeutic alliance and compliance with self‐help exercises. Finally, other aspects of personality beyond traits, such as ego development and narrative identity, also appear to have important implications for psychotherapy.
The fuzzy front end of Japanese new product development projects: impact on success and differences between incremental and radical projects
Authors: Verworn Birgit , Herstatt Cornelius , Nagahira Akio
Published: September 2010

This study of Japanese New Product Development (NPD) projects explores the fuzzy front end of innovation. The goal of the paper is twofold: First, we analyse the impact of the fuzzy front end on the success of all the NPD projects. We develop a conceptual model based on the information‐processing approach. A structural equation model was fitted to data from 497 NPD projects in Japanese manufacturing firms to test the proposed model. The empirical analysis suggests that an early reduction of market and technical uncertainty as well as an initial planning before development have a positive impact on NPD project success. The model accounts for 17% of the variance of the efficiency and 24% of the variance of the effectiveness‐dependent variable. Thus, the front end phase is an important driver of NPD project success. Second, we compare the fuzzy front end of incremental to radical NPD projects. Although these projects differ in many aspects of newness, we found only a few differences with regard to the fuzzy front end. For instance, it was more difficult to estimate the market size and price sensitivity of the customers during the fuzzy front end of the radical NPD projects compared with the incremental projects. Implications of the empirical results and limitations of the study are discussed.
Making real options work for practitioners: a generic model for valuing R&D projects
Authors: Schneider Malte , Tejeda Mauricio , Dondi Gabriel , Herzog Florian , Keel Simon , Geering Hans
Published: September 2010

We propose a generic valuation framework for the appraisal of R&D projects based on real option theory. The added value of this approach is the presentation of a model that was implemented in a manner that allows corporate decision makers to use real options in an intuitive and standardized way. The project valuation procedure is separated into three main phases: project modeling, data and input collection, and result generation and analysis. The project model represents the structure of the real world R&D project with its investments, expected results, and decisions that need to be taken conditionally on the outcomes of research activities. The project model is represented in the form of a decision tree, where different research results or taken decisions lead to new branches. In this way, every possible situation the project can pass through can be represented. Uncertainties are separated into market uncertainties (e.g., market prices) and project specific, private uncertainties (e.g. uncertainty of research results). For both uncertainties, event trees are constructed which are then combined and merged with the above mentioned decision tree in order to represent the value evolution of the R&D project under given decisions and uncertainties. For every possible state of the project the real option value is calculated. By creating multidimensional trees, a multitude of decision steps and various kinds of real options (e.g., continue, expansion, switch, abandonment) can be modeled. The calculation complexity for the decision trees is given. From the tree structure we can calculate the real option value of starting an R&D project, i.e., the value of undertaking the first investment and thus acquiring the subsequent decision opportunities given by the completion of the first research effort. Furthermore, the optimal exercise strategy is derived from the decision tree. The exercise strategy gives the manager the possibility to have an a priori overview of where an R&D project may lead to, which decisions need to be taken in which circumstances, and when the project needs to be stopped in order not to generate losses. In an in‐depth case study we use an illustrative R&D project to set up and discuss the three phases of project modeling in the real options framework: building the multidimensional decision tree, input generation, and calculation of the real option value as well as the optimal strategy for the R&D project.
Balancing creativity and time efficiency in multi‐team R&D projects: the alignment of formal and informal networks
Authors: Kratzer Jan , Gemünden Hans Georg , Lettl Christopher
Published: September 2010

The business world is denoted by an increasing number of multi‐team research and development (R&D) projects, however, managerial knowledge about how to run them successfully is scarce. The present study attempts to shed light at this kind of projects by investigating the alignment of formal and informal network structures and their effect on the challenge to balance project creativity and time efficiency. In order to analyze this issue data in two multi‐team R&D projects in space industry are collected. There are two intriguing findings that are partly contradicting the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge. First, formally ascribed design interfaces and informal communication networks overlap only marginally because the informal communication networks are characterized by many more linkages. Second, the weak overlap between formally ascribed design interfaces and the informal communication networks is inversely U‐shaped associated with the team's creativity, whereas it negatively impacts the team's time efficiency.
Using R&D portfolio management to deal with dynamic risk
Authors: Floricel Serghei , Ibanescu Mihai
Published: September 2010

We develop a theoretical framework for understanding why firms adopt specific approaches for the management of innovation project portfolios. Our theory focuses on a key contingency factor for innovation, namely the dynamics of competitive environments. We use four dimensions to characterize the patterns of environmental dynamics: velocity, turbulence, growth and instability. The paper then proposes the concept of dynamic risk as a determinant of portfolio management processes. Dynamic risk results from second‐order learning by a firm confronted with a specific dynamic pattern in its environment. This learning concerns the likely nature of threats and the required updating of cognitive frameworks in such environments. Attempts to deal with dynamic risk enable various actors inside the firm to understand what kind of dynamic capabilities are needed in their innovation portfolio management processes. As a result of this diffuse learning, firms tend to favor certain common characteristics in their concrete portfolio management activities. To advance the theorizing of these characteristics, the paper also proposes four dimensions of portfolio management: structure, commitment, emergence and integration. Based on arguments inspired by the dynamic capability and related literatures, we advance a series of hypotheses, that relate environmental dynamics dimensions and portfolio management dimensions. These hypotheses are tested based on a survey of 795 firms in a variety of sectors and on four continents, using original scales and structural equation modeling methods. The results show, among other findings, that high‐velocity environments favor structured as well as integrated portfolio management approaches, while high‐growth environments favor approaches that are structured but commit significant resources to each project as well. Turbulent environments favor approaches that are emergent, but also, contrary to our expectations, have high resource commitment levels. Finally, firms in unstable environments have a marginal preference for emergent approaches. Results could help advance the dynamic contingency theoretical perspective on dynamic capabilities, as well as improve the practice of innovation portfolio management.
Environmental Rights for the Future? Intergenerational Equity in the EU
Authors: Collins Lynda
Published: September 2010

Courts, commentators and legislators in Europe and around the world have now recognized that environmental degradation may constitute a violation of human rights. While the human rights model may be effective in addressing the environmental interests of existing human beings, there is a pressing need for a legal doctrine that effectively addresses the environmental rights of the future. Although the EU has actively embraced the sustainable development model and its recognition of the environmental needs of future generations, it has failed to embrace the correlative doctrine of intergenerational equity – a detailed, specific and pragmatic legal framework for global and domestic environmental governance. This article assesses EU environmental law and policy against the requirements of the doctrine of intergenerational equity and concludes that the EU's sustainable development model is inadequate from the perspective of future generations. The recommendation is made that the EU adopt intergenerational equity as a necessary corollary to sustainable development.