bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of in utero mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) transplantation in rat foetuses with spina bifida aperta
Authors: Li Hui , Gao Fei , Ma Lili , Jiang Junhong , Miao Jianing , Jiang Mingyu , Fan Yang , Wang Lili , Wu Di , Liu Bo , Wang Weilin , Lui Vincent Chi Hang , Yuan Zhengwei
Published: October 2011

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are complex congenital malformations resulting from incomplete neurulation in embryo. Despite surgical repair of the defect, most of the patients who survive with NTDs have a multiple system handicap due to neuron deficiency of the defective spinal cord. In this study, we successfully devised a prenatal surgical approach and transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to foetal rat spinal column to treat retinoic acid induced NTDs in rat. Transplanted MSCs survived, grew and expressed markers of neurons, glia and myoblasts in the defective spinal cord. MSCs expressed and perhaps induced the surrounding spinal tissue to express neurotrophic factors. In addition, MSC reduced spinal tissue apoptosis in NTD. Our results suggested that prenatal MSC transplantation could treat spinal neuron deficiency in NTDs by the regeneration of neurons and reduced spinal neuron death in the defective spinal cord.
A novel regulation of VEGF expression by HIF‐1α and STAT3 in HDM2 transfected prostate cancer cells
Authors: Rathinavelu Appu , Narasimhan Madhusudhanan , Muthumani Praneetha
Published: October 2011

On the basis of increasing roles for HDM2 oncoprotein in cancer growth and progression, we speculated that HDM2 might play a major role in hypoxia‐induced metastatic process. For verification of this hypothesis, wild‐type LNCaP prostate cancer cells and HDM2 transfected LNCaP‐MST (HDM2 stably transfected) cells were studied. The data obtained from our experiments revealed that the HDM2 transfected LNCaP‐MST cells possessed an ability to multiply rapidly and show distinct morphological features compared to non‐transfected LNCaP cells. During exposures to hypoxia HDM2 expression in the LNCaP and LNCaP‐MST cells was significantly higher compared to the normoxic levels. The LNCaP‐MST cells also expressed higher levels of HIF‐1α (hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α) and p‐STAT3 even under the normoxic conditions compared to the non‐transfected cells. The HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 expressions were increased several fold when the cells were subjected to hypoxic conditions. The HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 protein expressions observed in HDM2 transfected LNCaP‐MST cells were 20 and 15 folds higher, respectively, compared to the non‐transfected wild‐type LNCaP cells. These results demonstrate that HDM2 may have an important regulatory role in mediating the HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 protein expression during both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression that is typically regulated by HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 was also increased significantly by 136% (P < 0.01) after HDM2 transfection. The overall results point towards a novel ability of HDM2 in regulating HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 levels even in normoxic conditions that eventually lead to an up‐regulation of VEGF expression.
Coagulopathy associated with dilation and evacuation for second‐trimester abortion
Authors: BEN‐AMI IDO , WEIZMAN NOGA FUCHS , SCHNEIDER DAVID , PANSKY MOTY , HALPERIN REUVIT
Published: October 2011

Objective. To characterize the clinical and laboratory features of coagulopathy following second‐trimester surgical abortions. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Gynecologic unit of a university‐affiliated medical center. Population. 1249 consecutive women underwent late second‐trimester (16–24 weeks) surgical abortions between January 2002 and June 2010. Of those, 20 women (1.6%) were diagnosed with excessive bleeding accompanied by coagulopathy. Methods. Women were divided into two groups based on whether the abortion was performed for fetal demise (n=14) or pregnancy termination (n=6). Main outcome measures. Gestational age, indication for abortion, blood clotting tests, number of blood products and coagulation factors administered. Results. Women who had pregnancy termination began to bleed significantly earlier than those with fetal demise (p<0.05). A significantly higher number of women with fetal demise had a gradual deterioration of the clotting test, compared with women who had pregnancy termination (p<0.05). In women with fetal demise, early bleeding was associated with a more severe clinical presentation. Conclusions. Coagulopathy following surgical abortion manifests differentially in women who have fetal demise and those who have pregnancy termination, implying a different pathophysiology. Women with fetal demise suffering from excessive bleeding following surgical abortion accompanied with mild clotting test abnormalities should be carefully monitored to diagnose and treat an impending disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Skin surface hydration decreases rapidly during long distance flights
Authors: Guéhenneux Sabine , Gardinier Sophie , Morizot Frederique , Le Fur Isabelle , Tschachler Erwin
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Dehydration of the stratum corneum leads to sensations and symptoms of ‘dry skin’ such as skin tightness and itchiness. As these complaints are frequently experienced by airline travellers, the aim of this study was to investigate the changes in skin surface hydration during long distance flights.

Methods

The study was performed on four healthy Caucasian, and on four Japanese women aged 29–39 years, travelling on long distance flights. They had stopped using skin care products at least 12 h before, and did not apply them during the flights. The air temperature and relative humidity inside the cabin, as well as skin capacitance of the face and forearm of participants, were registered at several time points before and during the flights.

Results

Relative humidity of the aircraft cabin dropped to levels below 10% within 2 h after take‐off and stayed at this value throughout the flight. Skin capacitance decreased rapidly on both the face and forearms with most pronounced changes on the cheeks where it decreased by up to 37%.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that during long distance flights, the aircraft cabin environment leads to a rapid decrease in stratum corneum hydration, an alteration, which probably accounts for the discomfort experienced by long distance aircraft travellers.
Decidual NK Cell‐Derived Conditioned Medium (dNK‐CM) Mediates VEGF‐C Secretion in Extravillous Cytotrophoblasts
Authors: Eastabrook Genevieve D. M. , Hu Yuxiang , Tan Rusung , Dutz Jan P. , MacCalman Colin D. , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: October 2011

Citation Eastabrook GDM, Hu Y, Tan R, Dutz JP, MacCalman CD, von Dadelszen P. Decidual NK cell‐derived conditioned medium (dNK‐CM) mediates VEGF‐C secretion in extravillous cytotrophoblasts. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 101–111

Problem  The regulatory mechanisms involved in VEGF‐C secretion by trophoblasts during placentation are poorly understood. We investigated whether or not decidual natural killer cell conditioned medium (dNK‐CM) stimulated VEGF‐C secretion in the extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) cell line HTR8/SVneo.

Method of Study  The effects of dNK‐CM and recombinant IFN‐γ on VEGF‐C induction by HTR8/SVneo were studied in the absence or presence of IFN‐γ or its receptor blocking antibodies, p38 inhibitor (SB202190), JAK inhibitor (JAK inhibitor‐1, JI‐1), and on STAT1 knockdown HTR8/SVneo. VEGF‐C was quantified by ELISA. FACS was used to investigate the phosphorylations of Tyr701 or Ser727 of STAT1 on stimulated HTR8/SVneo.

Results  dNK‐CM facilitated VEGF‐C secretion by HTR8/SVneo. IFN‐γ and IFN‐γR1 or IFN‐γR2 blocking antibodies reduced both dNK‐CM‐ and IFN‐γ‐induced VEGF‐C secretion. Phosphorylations on Tyr701 or Ser727 of STAT1 were elevated upon stimulation. Secretion of VEGF‐C was reduced by treatment with SB202190, JI‐1, or STAT1 knockdown by siRNA.

Conclusion  VEGF‐C production by trophoblasts is regulated by soluble factors secreted by dNK through p38 and JAK‐STAT1 pathways.
Alcohol and aggressive behavior in men–moderating effects of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms
Authors: Johansson A. , Bergman H. , Corander J. , Waldman I. D. , Karrani N. , Salo B. , Jern P. , Ålgars M. , Sandnabba K. , Santtila P. , Westberg L.
Published: October 2011

We explored if the disposition to react with aggression while alcohol intoxicated was moderated by polymorphic variants of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Twelve OXTR polymorphisms were genotyped in 116 Finnish men [aged 18–30, M = 22.7, standard deviation (SD) = 2.4] who were randomly assigned to an alcohol condition in which they received an alcohol dose of 0.7 g pure ethanol/kg body weight or a placebo condition. Aggressive behavior was measured using a laboratory paradigm in which it was operationalized as the level of aversive noise administered to a fictive opponent. No main effects of the polymorphisms on aggressive behavior were found after controlling for multiple testing. The interactive effects between alcohol and two of the OXTR polymorphisms (rs4564970 and rs1488467) on aggressive behavior were nominally significant and remained significant for the rs4564970 when controlled for multiple tests. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental study suggesting interactive effects of specific genetic variants and alcohol on aggressive behavior in humans.
Memory deficits and depression in patients with chronic epilepsy
Authors: Rösche Johannes , Kundt Günther , Weber Raimund , Fröscher Walter , Uhlmann Carmen
Published: October 2011

Objective:In this retrospective study, we tested the hypothesis that patients with epilepsy (PWE) with moderate to major depression have more severe memory deficits than PWE with mild depression or no depression.

Methods:Hundred and thirty-nine patients with chronic epilepsy were studied with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and a neuropsychological-screening battery the day after admission on a specialised ward for PWE. For this study the data from the Memo-test for verbal memory and from the Benton-test for non-verbal memory were taken into account. For testing of the hypothesis of independence of memory deficits and grade of depression we performed a statistical analysis.

Results:Eighty-three patients (59.7%) had a pathological score in the SDS, but only 36 (25.9%) scored in the range of a moderate to major depression. When all 83 patients with a pathological score in the SDS were taken into account, these patients did not differ on any cognitive measure from those without pathological score in SDS. The only significant association in our study was found between pathological results in immediate verbal recall and a score in the SDS for moderate to major depression (p= 0.038).

Conclusion:Minor depressive symptoms may be a response to chronic illness without any impact on cognitive functioning. Nevertheless, a verbal memory deficit associated with major depression was observed in our study even in the presence of many confounding factors. This may be a hint for an association of severe depressive symptoms with left temporal dysfunction in PWE.
Rorschach assessment of personality functioning in patients with polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Ilonen Tuula , Hakola Panu , Vanhanen Matti , Tiihonen Jari
Published: October 2011

Objective: To date no studies have investigated the personality functioning underlying patients diagnosed with polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL) using the performance-based Rorschach test.

Methods: We scored and interpreted the Rorschach protocols of eight carefully diagnosed PLOSL patients according to Exner's Comprehensive System. The structural variables in the Rorschach are organised around the seven dimensions of personality functioning that they assess: coping style and resources, organising information, perceiving events, forming concepts and ideas, handling of emotions, self-perception and interpersonal perception.

Results: As a group PLOSL patients had many personality liabilities when contrasted with typical avoidant non-patient adults. A majority of patients showed an avoidant coping style (Lambda > 0.99), low productivity and poor verbal output in the low number of responses and few Blends. Also, they showed limited available resources to cope with problem-solving test. Problems in organising information efficiently, and perceiving events realistically as well as signs of disturbed thinking and concept formation were observed in many patients. Handling of emotions was characterised by avoidance of emotional stimuli but at the same time poor affect modulation. Capacities to view themselves and others were thoroughly limited.

Conclusions: PLOSL tends to have repercussions throughout the personality functioning. In line with clinical findings and later neuroradiological and neuropathological examinations the Rorschach revealed personality features typical for frontal type of dementia.
Non‐interventional study to investigate the efficacy and safety of Tegaderm™ Matrix in the treatment of patients with therapy‐refractory chronic wounds
Authors: Weindorf Maren , Körber Andreas , Klode Joachim , Dissemond Joachim
Published: October 2011

Background: Despite a variety of therapeutic approaches, many patients with chronic wounds remain refractory to treatment. Products such as Tegaderm™ Matrix were developed especially for such patients to alter the wound environment and reactivate the stagnant wound healing process.

Patients and Methods: In this prospective post‐authorization observational product study, a total of 314 patients with therapy‐refractory chronic wounds of various origins were evaluated. Beside to the wound area reduction and healing rate, the occurrence of adverse events was documented.

Results: On average the wounds were 10 months old. The average wound size was 17.3 cm2 (median 6.3 cm2) at the initial visit. In the course of treatment the wound size decreased to 13.0 cm2 (median 3.5 cm2) and was finally reduced to 9.3 cm2 (median 0.9 cm2) at end of the study. Taking the criteria of the European Wound Management Association for improving the quality of clinical studies into consideration, a wound size reduction of at least 50 % is the parameter for successful treatment of chronic wounds. This study demonstrated a wound size reduction of at least 50 % for 72.9 % of the patients with therapy‐refractory chronic wounds when treated with Tegaderm™ Matrix. The safety profile was evaluated; only 4.7 % of the patients experienced a treatment‐related adverse event such as a burning sensation.

Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that Tegaderm™ Matrix along with treatment of underlying causes is a well tolerated wound dressing promoting wound size reduction up to healing for the majority of patients with previously therapy‐refractory chronic wounds.
Reconstruction of Severely Atrophied Alveolar Ridges with Calvarial Onlay Bone Grafts and Dental Implants
Authors: Mertens Christian , Steveling Helmut G. , Seeberger Robin , Hoffmann Jürgen , Freier Kolja
Published: October 2011

Objective: Severely atrophied alveolar ridges are most commonly reconstructed with free autologous bone grafts from the iliac crest. The use of these grafts, however, is frequently associated with bone resorption as possible late complication after implant surgery and prosthetic loading. Other donor sites, especially intraoral donor sites, show limited availability. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographical outcome of alveolar ridge reconstruction with bone from the calvarium and subsequent implant rehabilitation.

Patients and Methods: Reconstruction was performed by using calvarial split grafts in case of severe and complex alveolar ridge defects induced by trauma or bone atrophy. Fifteen patients were treated at 19 different intraoral recipient sites (15 sites in the maxilla, four in the mandible). Autologous block grafts were used for combined vertical and horizontal grafting. After a 3‐month healing period, patients received dental implants. A total of 99 dental implants (OsseoSpeed™, Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) were inserted and left to heal in a submerged position for 3 months before the prosthetic implant‐based rehabilitation was performed.

Results: No donor site complications occurred during or after surgery. At the intraoral recipient sites two infections occurred, leading to partial loss of the grafts. Implant placement, however, was possible in all cases. Two of 99 implants were lost in two patients prior to prosthetic loading. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically for an average observation period of 28 months. Implant survival rate and success rates were 97.85 and 95.7%, respectively, and a minimal marginal bone loss was documented.

Discussion: The low morbidity at the donor sites and the good marginal bone stability in the reconstructed regions indicate that calvarial bone grafts represent a viable treatment alternative to grafts from the iliac crest.
Exploring polymorphisms and their effects on reproductive traits of the INHA and INHβA genes in three goat breeds
Authors: HOU Jinxing , AN Xiaopeng , LI Guang , WANG Yana , SONG Yuxuan , CAO Binyun
Published: October 2011

In this study, we report the analysis of INHA and INHβA gene polymorphisms in 786 goats of three breeds: Xinong Saanen (SN), Guanzhong (GZ) and Boer (BG). We identified three new allelic variants: P1–C80G and/126G (GenBank accession no. HQ202573) in the three goat breeds and P2–C936T (GenBank accession no. HQ202572) in SN and GZ goat breeds. At P1 locus, AA, AB and BB genotypes were found in the three goat breeds. At P2 locus, CC and CT genotypes were found in SN and GZ goat breeds. After comparing genotype distribution within the three goat breeds, BG had conspicuous differences from SN and GZ (P < 0.001) at P2 locus. The SNP locus was in Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium at P1 locus in the three goat breeds (P < 0.05). At P2 locus, the SNP locus was in Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium in SN and GZ goat breeds (P < 0.05). Association of polymorphisms with litter size was done at P1 locus in the three goat breeds. The result showed that AA genotype had remarkable litter size at P1 locus in the three goat breeds (P < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that INHA gene is a strong candidate gene that affects litter size in goats.
Clinically acceptable restorations may be a hotbed for cariogenic microbes
Authors: Ogawa Taiji , Ikebe Kazunori , Murai Shunsuke , Enoki Kaori , Maeda Yoshinobu , Imazato Satoshi , Ebisu Shigeyuki
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00571.x

Clinically acceptable restorations may be a hotbed for cariogenic microbes

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the cross‐sectional association of dental restorations with salivary cariogenic pathogens among the elderly to establish effective parameters of caries risk for this population.

Materials and methods:  Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 289 community‐dwelling older adults (66.2 ± 3.9 years old) who had 20 or more teeth. Salivary levels of three cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and lactobacilli) were estimated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real‐time PCR) method.

Results:  The mean number of residual teeth was 26.4, and restored teeth with crowns, inlays and composite resin were 7.35, 3.88 and 0.68, respectively. The number of crowns correlated positively with salivary S. mutans, S. sobrinus and lactobacilli. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the number of restored teeth with crowns was independently associated with salivary S. mutans, S. sobrinus and lactobacilli after controlling for age, gender, number of residual teeth and salivary flow rate. Salivary flow rate was independently associated with salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli.

Conclusion:  The number of crowns had an association with salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria, suggesting that this parameter may be a caries risk indicator for the elderly population.
Analysis of subunit assembly and function of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNase H2 complex
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Tak Yon‐Soo , Lee Chul‐Hwan , Kang Young‐Hoon , Cho Il‐Taeg , Seo Yeon‐Soo
Published: October 2011

RNase H2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of three essential subunits (Rnh201, Rnh202 and Rnh203) and plays a critical role in the removal of RNA incorporated in duplex DNA. In the present study, we purified individual subunits and heterodimeric subcomplexes to examine the assembly and biochemical function of subunits of RNase H2 in vitro. Reconstitution experiments revealed that Rnh202 and Rnh203 first form a subcomplex, followed by the recruitment of Rnh201 to complete complex formation. Rnh201 alone or in combination with Rnh203 showed neither substrate‐binding, nor catalytic activity, indicating that both activities of Rnh201 are latent until it becomes an integral part of the complex. However, Rnh202 by itself showed substrate‐binding activity. RNase H2 containing mutant Rnh202 defective in substrate binding had decreased substrate‐binding activity, indicating that Rnh202 contributes directly to substrate binding. Reconstitution of RNase H2 complexes with various mutant subunits allowed us to assess the influence of conserved amino acid residues in either Rnh201 or Rnh202 on substrate‐binding and catalytic activities. We found that the substrate‐binding activities of both Rnh201 and Rnh202 were critical for cleavage of the phosphodiester bond present between DNA and RNA in RNase H2 substrates.

Structured digital abstract

 RNH202 physically interacts with RNH201 by pull down (View interaction)

 RNH201 binds to RNH203 by pull down (View interaction)

 RNH202 binds to RNH203 by pull down (View interaction)
Rate, affinity and calcium dependence of nitric oxide synthase isoform binding to the primary physiological regulator calmodulin
Authors: McMurry Jonathan L. , Chrestensen Carol A. , Scott Israel M. , Lee Elijah W. , Rahn Aaron M. , Johansen Allan M. , Forsberg Brian J. , Harris Kyle D. , Salerno John C.
Published: October 2011

Using interferometry‐based biosensors the binding and release of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and nNOS) from calmodulin (CaM) was measured. In both isoforms, binding to CaM is diffusion limited and within approximately three orders of magnitude of the Smoluchowski limit imposed by orientation‐independent collisions. This suggests that the orientation of CaM is facilitated by the charge arrays on the CaM‐binding site and the complementary surface on CaM. Protein kinase C phosphorylation of eNOS T495, adjacent to the CaM‐binding site, abolishes or greatly slows CaM binding. Kinases which increase the activity of eNOS did not stimulate the binding of CaM, which is already diffusion limited. The coupling of Ca2+ binding and CaM/NOS binding equilibria links the affinity of CaM for NOS to the Ca2+ dependence of CaM binding. Hence, changes in the Ca2+ sensitivity of CaM binding always imply changes in the NOS–CaM affinity. It is possible, however, that in some regimes binding and activation are not synonymous, so that Ca2+ sensitivity need not be tightly linked to CaM sensitivity of activation. This study is being extended using mutants to probe the roles of individual structural elements in binding and release.

Structured digital abstract

 CaM binds to eNOS by biophysical (View interaction)

 CaM binds to nNOS by biophysical (View interaction)

 eNOS binds to CaM by biophysical (View interaction)
Photophysical diversity of two novel cyanobacteriochromes with phycocyanobilin chromophores: photochemistry and dark reversion kinetics
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Juan , Luo Juan , Tu Jun‐Ming , Zeng Xiao‐Li , Xie Jie , Zhou Ming , Zhao Jing‐Quan , Scheer Hugo , Zhao Kai‐Hong
Published: October 2011

Cyanobacteriochromes are phytochrome homologues in cyanobacteria that act as sensory photoreceptors. We compare two cyanobacteriochromes, RGS (coded by slr1393) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and AphC (coded by all2699) from Nostoc sp. PCC 7120. Both contain three GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase, adenylyl cyclase and FhlA protein) domains (GAF1, GAF2 and GAF3). The respective full‐length, truncated and cysteine point‐mutated genes were expressed in Escherichia coli together with genes for chromophore biosynthesis. The resulting chromoproteins were analyzed by UV‐visible absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometry. RGS shows a red–green photochromism (λmax = 650 and 535 nm) that is assigned to the reversible 15Z/E isomerization of a single phycocyanobilin‐chromophore (PCB) binding to Cys528 of GAF3. Of the three GAF domains, only GAF3 binds a chromophore and the binding is autocatalytic. RGS autophosphorylates in vitro; this reaction is photoregulated: the 535 nm state containing E‐PCB was more active than the 650 nm state containing Z‐PCB. AphC from Nostoc could be chromophorylated at two GAF domains, namely GAF1 and GAF3. PCB‐GAF1 is photochromic, with the proposed 15E state (λmax = 685 nm) reverting slowly thermally to the thermostable 15Z state (λmax = 635 nm). PCB‐GAF3 showed a novel red–orange photochromism; the unstable state (putative 15E, λmax = 595 nm) reverts very rapidly (τ∼ 20 s) back to the thermostable Z state (λmax = 645 nm). The photochemistry of doubly chromophorylated AphC is accordingly complex, as is the autophosphorylation: E‐GAF1/E‐GAF3 shows the highest rate of autophosphorylation activity, while E‐GAF1/Z‐GAF3 has intermediate activity, and Z‐GAF1/Z‐GAF3 is the least active state.

Structured digital abstract

 AphC phosphorylates AphC  by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 RGS phosphorylates RGS  by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
Identification of Dp71e, a new dystrophin with a novel carboxy‐terminal end
Authors: Saint Martín Abril , Aragón Jorge , Depardon‐Benítez Francisco , Sánchez‐Trujillo Alejandra , Mendoza‐Hernández Guillermo , Ceja Victor , Montañez Cecilia
Published: October 2011

Several dystrophin Dp71 isoforms have previously been described and can be grouped into two subfamilies (Dp71d or Dp71f) depending upon the splicing of exon 78. As a consequence of this splicing, each group has a carboxy‐terminal end with a unique amino acid composition; this composition imparts specific characteristics with respect to subcellular localization and interactions with particular members of the dystrophin‐associated proteins (DAPs) complex. We have discovered a new alternative splicing event at the 3′ region of the Dp71 transcript. This spliced region has a unique sequence that codes for 10 amino acids and prevents the translation of exons 78 and 79. This novel Dp71 isoform is called Dp71e and is expressed in undifferentiated cells and during nerve growth factor‐induced differentiation of PC12 cells. Interestingly, Dp71e mRNA and protein expression increase during PC12 cell differentiation mediated by NGF. This new Dp71 isoform is also expressed in rat organs and in human cell lines.

Database

Dp71e nucleotide sequence data are available in the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ databases under the accession number JF510048.1
Role of charged residues in stabilization of Pyrococcus horikoshii CutA1, which has a denaturation temperature of nearly 150 °C
Authors: Matsuura Yoshinori , Takehira Michiyo , Sawano Masahide , Ogasahara Kyoko , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Kunishima Naoki , Katoh Etsuko , Yutani Katsuhide
Published: October 2011

The CutA1 protein from Pyrococcus horikoshii (PhCutA1), a hyperthermophile, has an unusually high content of charged residues and an unusually high denaturation temperature. To elucidate the role of ion–ion interactions in protein stability, mutant proteins of PhCutA1 in which charged residues were substituted by noncharged residues were comprehensively examined. The denaturation temperatures (Td) for 13 of 53 examined mutant proteins were higher than that of the wild‐type (148.5 °C at pH 7.0), among which E99Q had the highest Td at 154.9 °C. R25A had the largest decrease in Td among single mutants at ΔTd = −12.4 °C. The average decrease in Td of Lys or Arg mutants was greater than that of Glu or Asp mutants, and the average change in Td (ΔTd) of 21 Glu mutants was negligible, at 0.03 ± 2.05 °C. However, the electrostatic energy (−159.3 kJ·mol−1) of PhCutA1 was quite high, compared with that of CutA1 from Escherichia coli (−9.7 kJ·mol−1), a mesophile. These results indicate that: (a) many Glu and Asp residues of PhCutA1 should be essential for highly efficient interactions with positively charged residues and for generating high electrostatic energy, although they were forced to be partially repulsive to each other; (b) the changes in stability of mutant proteins with a Td value of ∼ 140–150 °C were able to be explained by considering factors important for protein stability and the structural features of mutant sites; and (c) these findings are useful for the design of proteins that are stable at temperatures > 100 °C.

Database

Structural data are available from the Protein Data Bank under the accession codes for 1v99 and 1naq of CutA1 proteins from P. Horikoshii and E. coli, respectively
THE REVIEWERS HATED IT! WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR RESULTS DON'T ADD UP
Authors: HANDFIELD ROBERT
Published: October 2011

This essay explores the reasons why studies with non‐significant results often do not get published, by looking back on a subset of submissions from the past 15 years. Suggestions are then provided to authors who face the dilemma of non‐significance.
WHY THERE IS NO “INSIGNIFICANCE” FOR A RELEVANT QUESTION
Authors: HOLWEG MATTHIAS
Published: October 2011

Defining the Ph.D. research topic is a non‐trivial task, and will influence a young scholar's career way beyond the actual defence of the thesis. This note makes a case for allowing the research topic to be inspired by real‐world problems and phenomena, and to let the world of practice challenge the resulting findings. This, it is argued, will lead to a personally more satisfying and sustainable research career, as well as act as an effective safeguard against so called “insignificant” or “counter‐intuitive” findings.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antihyperglycemic Effect of 2 Amadori Rearrangement Compounds, Arginyl‐Fructose and Arginyl‐Fructosyl‐Glucose
Authors: Ha Kyoung‐Soo , Jo Sung‐Hoon , Kang Bou‐Hee , Apostolidis Emmanouil , Lee Mee Sook , Jang Hae‐Dong , Kwon Young‐In
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  During the heat processing of raw ginseng to produce red ginseng, amino acid derivatives such as arginyl‐fructose (AF) and arginyl‐fructosyl‐glucose (AFG) are formed at high levels, through amadori rearrangement, the early step of Maillard reaction, from arginine and glucose or maltose, respectively. However, very limited information is available about the effect of the structural difference between AF and AFG on various biological activities. This is the first report of the mode of action and effect of AF and AFG on the type 2 diabetes management related inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia in vitro and in animal model. In our previous study, standards AF and AFG were chemically synthesized and in this study their inhibitory activities against rat intestinal α‐glucosidases and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase were investigated in vitro. The IC50 value of the in vitro inhibitory activity of AF and AFG on rat intestinal sucrase was high and in similar levels (6.40 and 6.20 mM, respectively). Additionally, a mild pancreatic α‐amylase inhibitory activity was observed, with IC50 values 36.30 and 37.60 mM for AF and AFG, respectively. The effect of AF and AFG on the postprandial blood glucose increase after meal was investigated in Sprague Dawley rats fed on starch or sucrose meals. Both amadori compounds significantly reduced the postprandial blood glucose levels after starch or sucrose loading. These results indicate that AF and AFG, Maillard reaction products, may have antidiabetic effect by suppressing carbohydrate absorption in the gastrointestinal level, and thereby reducing the postprandial increase of blood glucose.
The Effectiveness of Ozone and Acidulant Treatments in Extending the Refrigerated Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Potatoes
Authors: Calder Beth L. , Skonberg Denise I. , Davis‐Dentici Katherine , Hughes Brianna H. , Bolton Jason C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of acidulant dip treatments (with or without aqueous ozone) to reduce enzymatic browning and to extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut potato slices during refrigerated storage (4 °C) for 28 d. Potato slices subjected to aqueous ozone (2 ppm) had significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher L‐values and lower a‐values, but ozone did not appear to have any effect on aerobic plate counts (APCs) or polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. NatureSeal (NS) and sodium acid sulfate (SAS) were the most effective acidulant treatments in reducing browning (significantly [P≤ 0.05] higher L‐values, lower a‐values, and browning index values) regardless of ozone treatment. NS and SAS also had lower PPO activity compared to other treatments on days 0 and 28, and significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower APCs (≤2.00 log CFU/g) over refrigerated storage. Therefore, the SAS treatment was comparable to NS, a commercially available product, and showed promise as an effective antibrowning dip to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh‐cut potato products.

Practical Application:  A 1% SAS dip treatment which included 1% citric and 1% ascorbic acid was found to be an effective antibrowning dip for fresh‐cut potatoes along with NatureSeal®'s PS‐10, compared to other treatments. They were both effective in maintaining low microbial counts over refrigerated storage. Additionally, aqueous ozone washes (2 ppm) showed significant benefits to reduce browning; however, ozone did not affect microbial counts or PPO enzyme activity. Therefore, the SAS treatment could have potential use in the fruit and vegetable industry to reduce browning and spoilage in fresh‐cut potato products.
Not So Bad After All: How Relational Closeness Buffers the Association Between Relationship Conflict and Helpful and Deviant Group Behaviors
Authors: Rispens Sonja , Greer Lindred , Jehn Karen A. , Thatcher Sherry M. B.
Published: October 2011

Past research has left unanswered the question of how to reduce the negative effects of relationship conflict in work groups. This study investigates whether relational closeness in work groups buffers the negative association between relationship conflict and two important group behaviors that are often overlooked in conflict research: group‐level helping behavior and counterproductive work behavior. The results of this field study show that the degree of relational closeness in work groups indeed buffers the negative affiliation between relationship conflict and group‐level helping behavior and the positive association between relationship conflict and group‐level counterproductive work behavior. Specifically, the results suggest that relationship conflicts are only harmful in relationally distant work groups in which members do not know each other well personally and do not feel close to each other. Theoretical implications and suggestions for organizational practice are discussed.
Grazing impacts on Auchenorrhyncha diversity and abundance on a Scottish upland estate
Authors: LITTLEWOOD NICK A. , PAKEMAN ROBIN J. , POZSGAI GABOR
Published: October 2011

Abstract.  1. Livestock grazing impacts on insect populations in a variety of ways. For phytophagous insects the impact is primarily a result of altering the structure and species assemblage of vegetation. However not all species react in similar ways and even within an order there may be winners and losers from different grazing regimes.

2. A long‐term, replicated, controlled experiment, comprising four grazing treatments, was established within an upland acid grassland area in Scotland. Auchenorrhyncha were sampled by suction sampling and sweep‐netting in the fifth year following the start of the treatments.

3. A significant treatment effect was apparent in the suction samples with Auchenorrhyncha abundance being three to four times higher in the ungrazed plots compared to the other treatments. Abundance was also highest from the ungrazed plots in the sweep net samples, but this effect was not statistically significant. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that a suite of species which are typical of shaded positions responded with increased abundance in the ungrazed plots.

4. The findings demonstrate that the assemblages found in ungrazed areas can be vastly different to those found in even lightly grazed areas and therefore, underline the benefits of varied grazing regimes in maximising diversity. Furthermore, the work underlines the benefit of employing multiple sampling methods.
Geomycology: metals, actinides and biominerals
Authors: Gadd Geoffrey Michael , Rhee Young Joon , Stephenson Karen , Wei Zhan
Published: October 2011

Geomycology can be simply defined as ‘the scientific study of the roles of fungi in processes of fundamental importance to geology’ and the biogeochemical importance of fungi is significant in several key areas. These include nutrient and element cycling, rock and mineral transformations, bioweathering, mycogenic biomineral formation and interactions of fungi with clay minerals and metals. Such processes can occur in aquatic and terrestrial habitats, but it is in the terrestrial environment where fungi probably have the greatest geochemical influence. Of special significance are the mutualistic relationships with phototrophic organisms, lichens (algae, cyanobacteria) and mycorrhizas (plants). Central to many geomycological processes are transformations of metals and minerals, and fungi possess a variety of properties that can effect changes in metal speciation, toxicity and mobility, as well as mineral formation or mineral dissolution or deterioration. Some fungal transformations have beneficial applications in environmental biotechnology, e.g. in metal and radionuclide leaching, recovery, detoxification and bioremediation, and in the production or deposition of biominerals or metallic elements with catalytic or other properties. Metal and mineral transformations may also result in adverse effects when these processes result in spoilage and destruction of natural and synthetic materials, rock and mineral‐based building materials (e.g. concrete), acid mine drainage and associated metal pollution, biocorrosion of metals, alloys and related substances, and adverse effects on radionuclide speciation, mobility and containment. The ubiquity and importance of fungi in biosphere processes underlines the importance of geomycology as an interdisciplinary subject area within microbiology and mycology.
Microstructure Characterization of Simulated Tri‐Isotropic Particles Embedded in Alkaline Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Hamodi Nasir H. , Abram Timothy J.
Published: October 2011

A preliminary study of the encapsulation of tri‐isotropic (TRISO) coated particles in alkaline borosilicate glass (ABG) using melting and casting methods is presented. ABG has been developed to encapsulate simulated TRISO fuel particles that are used as nuclear fuel elements in Very High Temperature Reactors. Encapsulation is an alternative to vitrification and it is a process in which radioactive waste is encapsulated within a composite as a first barrier and a glass matrix as a second barrier. This provides two barriers against leaching and diffusion of the radioactive waste once buried in the geological repository. The study investigates the possibility of achieving high densification of glass–graphite composite by sealing the pores of TRISO particles surrogate (28 wt% CeO2, 70 wt% graphite, and 2 wt% poly‐ethylene glycol) with molten ABG at 600°C. This article follows the carbon phases during the encapsulation and highlights the interaction area between the carbon and glass phases before and after melting, using a polarized laser source (Ar, 514 nm). The laser analysis revealed that the graphite no longer was retained in graphene hexagonal structure and that it was linked with the glass network as disordered carbon atoms.
Identification accuracy for single‐ and double‐perpetrator crimes: Does accomplice gender matter?
Authors: Megreya Ahmed M. , Bindemann Markus
Published: October 2011

There is an important mismatch between empirical research on the accuracy of eyewitness identification and the real world of criminal investigation. Most research models single‐perpetrator crimes, but in the real world, most crimes involve multiple perpetrators. This study examined how the number of perpetrators affects eyewitness identification by manipulating the gender of accomplices. Observers viewed a video of a staged crime. The crime was committed by a male or female perpetrator, who was presented alone or with an accomplice of the same or the opposite gender. The observers were then asked to identify the perpetrators from target‐present or target‐absent line‐ups. The results revealed a double‐perpetrator disadvantage, which was manifested in reduced identification accuracy on target‐present line‐ups. Importantly, however, the gender of the perpetrator or the accomplice had no effect on this disadvantage. This double‐perpetrator disadvantage is attributed to the need to divide attention between two concurrent people, compared to single‐culprit crimes, rather than an impairment of visual encoding processes. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Selective silencing of NaV1.7 decreases excitability and conduction in vagal sensory neurons
Authors: Muroi Yukiko , Ru Fei , Kollarik Marian , Canning Brendan J. , Hughes Stephen A. , Walsh Stacey , Sigg Martin , Carr Michael J. , Undem Bradley J.
Published: October 2011

Non‐technical summary  Sodium channels are obligatory for the conduction of action potentials along axons. There are several different sodium channel subtypes expressed in vagal sensory neurons, and it is difficult to pharmacologically block these subtypes selectively. We used virally delivered shRNA to selectively block the production of one of the sodium channel subtypes expressed in vagal sensory neurons, namely NaV1.7, and found that by selectively inhibiting the expression of this channel the conduction of action potentials was blocked in the majority of vagal sensory neurons. This study also shows that NaV1.7 is required for the elicitation of classical vagal reflexes such as cough.
Orexin neurons as conditional glucosensors: paradoxical regulation of sugar sensing by intracellular fuels
Authors: Venner Anne , Karnani Mahesh M. , Gonzalez J. Antonio , Jensen Lise T. , Fugger Lars , Burdakov Denis
Published: October 2011

Non‐technical summary  Brain orexin/hypocretin neurons stimulate wakefulness, feeding, reward‐seeking and healthy glucose balance. The activity of orexin neurons is tightly regulated by several hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients. Intriguingly, elevated glucose concentration can block or silence the activity of orexin neurons. We identified an unexpected way to control these effects of glucose on orexin neurons. We found that supplying orexin neurons with other energy‐related molecules, such as pyruvate and lactate, can stop glucose from blocking orexin neurons. We hypothesize that orexin neurons only ‘see’ glucose changes when the levels of other energy molecules are low, whereas high energy levels can stop glucose from regulating orexin cells. This may shed new light on understanding how the brain is influenced by changes in glucose levels during different metabolic situations, such as fasting, eating different diets, or in disease states such as diabetes and obesity.
Experimental Researches on Reducing the Critical Acceleration That Induces Sustainable Rotor Rubbing
Authors: Shimin Wang , Xingye Zhang
Published: October 2011

When an imbalanced rotor is sped up to pass through the critical speed with a constant acceleration, sustainable rubbing can be induced if the maximum vibration amplitude of the rotor exceeds the gap. This is the so-called stiffness increase or stiffening phenomenon. The maximum vibration amplitude is dependent on the magnitude of the rotor’s acceleration: the smaller the acceleration, the larger the maximum amplitude. Thus, there exists a critical acceleration: for accelerations smaller than the critical one, the sustainable rubbing will be induced. To prevent such unwanted rubbing, the rotor acceleration or the gap must be large enough. Since the acceleration is limited by the power/torque of driving system while large gap decreases the efficiency of some rotating machines, smaller driving power and higher efficiency have to be content with the second best. In this paper, the phase modulation method is applied to reduce the critical acceleration, and experiments are conducted on a setup designed to test the phase of the imbalanced force. The method is to operate the rotor with a scheduled, not continuously increased speed: when accelerated to a given speed, the rotor is decelerated to an assigned speed, and then accelerated again. Numerical and experimental results show that the critical acceleration is reduced about 50% by this technique. A prerequisite for this method is that the rotor’s speed is controllable.
Solar Thermal Electrolytic Process for the Production of Zn From ZnO: The Electrolysis of ZnO From 1275–1500 K
Authors: Schroeder R. , Matthews L. , Leatzow D. , Kondratko J. , Will J. , Duncan S. , Sheline W. , Lindeke N. , Palumbo R. , Neves Pedro
Published: October 2011

The solar thermal electrolytic production of Zn from ZnO was studied in the temperature range of 1275–1500 K in a cavity-solar receiver located at the focal point of a concentrating solar furnace. This study establishes how cathode material, solvent, current levels, and operating temperature influence the electrolytic cell’s performance. For a nominal current density of 0.1 A cm− 2 at temperatures from 1275 to 1425 K, we found that our performance parameters, the back work ratio and substituted-solar fraction, are within 25% and 20% of the ideal values, respectively. This behavior was true whether the cathode was Mo or W and whether the electrolyte was pure cryolite or a 35 mol. % cryolite-CaF2 mixture. When the electrolytes were cryolite-CaF2 mixtures in the temperature range of 1275–1425 K, there was no measurable difference in the performance, but at 1500 K with a MgF2 electrolyte, the performance dropped significantly. We have some evidence that the performance of the cell is better at current densities above 0.1 A cm− 2 when the cathode is Mo as opposed to W. Furthermore, the difference in the performance values can be attributed to higher kinetic over voltages associated with W versus Mo as a cathode. Our data also suggest that kinetic over voltages increase as the operating temperature increases. The experimental evidence suggests the reaction mechanism at the cathode for ZnO in cryolite involves a reaction between Na+  and ZnF2, and the anode reaction involves a reaction between the anions Al2OF62−  and ZnO22− . Both Mo and W worked as cathode materials, but both the Mo and the W became brittle. Pt worked well as an anode without showing any evidence of degradation. Our SiC crucible may have suffered some carbothermic reaction with ZnO at temperatures exceeding 1275 K, with solvent mixtures of cryolite, CaF2, and MgF2.