bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Neuroprotective Effects of Cyclosporin a and NIM811, a Nonimmunosuppressive Cyclosporin a Analog, following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mbye Lamin Han , Singh Indrapal N , Carrico Kimberly M , Saatman Kathryn E , Hall Edward D
Published: August 2008

Earlier experiments have shown that cyclosporin A (CsA) and its non-calcineurin inhibitory analog NIM811 attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). Presently, we compared the neuroprotective effects of previously determined mitochondrial protective doses of CsA (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and NIM811 (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) when administered at 15 mins postinjury in preventing cytoskeletal (α-spectrin) degradation, neuro-degeneration, and neurological dysfunction after severe (1.0 mm) controlled cortical impact (CCI) TBI in mice. In a first set of experiments, we analyzed calpain-mediated α-spectrin proteolysis at 24 h postinjury. Both NIM811 and CsA significantly attenuated the increased α-spectrin breakdown products observed in vehicle-treated animals ( P < 0.005). In a second set of experiments, treatment of animals with either NIM811 or CsA at 15 mins and again at 24 h postinjury attenuated motor function impairment at 48 h and 7 days ( P < 0.005) and neurodegeneration at 7 days postinjury ( P < 0.0001). Delayed administration of NIM811 out to 12 h was still able to significantly reduce α-spectrin degradation. These results show that the neuroprotective mechanism of CsA involves maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and that calcineurin inhibition plays little or no role because the non-calcineurin inhibitory analog, NIM811, is as effective as CsA.
RÉPARTITION DES ÉCREVISSES À PATTES BLANCHES, AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPES (LEREBOULLET, 1858) DANS TROIS RUISSEAUX DE CORRÈZE ; OBSERVATION PARTICULIÈRE DES JUVÉNILES
Authors: REYJOL Y. , ROQUEPLO C.
Published: August 2008

L’habitat préférentiel des écrevisses à pattes blanches Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet, 1858) a été analysé dans trois cours d’eau de Corrèze, grâce à la combinaison de trois méthodes de capture (pêche au filet de type Surber, pêche électrique et pêche à la main de nuit).

Parmi ces méthodes, la plus efficace pour la capture des juvéniles s’est avérée être le filet de type Surber, qui a permis la capture de 536 individus. Suite à cette étude, il apparaît que les écrevisses adultes recherchent de préférence les berges constituées de racines ou avec des cavités, les blocs, les galets, la végétation aquatique et les souches pour s’abriter durant le jour, tandis qu’elles fréquentent préférentiellement les graviers, les galets et les blocs pendant leurs déplacements nocturnes. Les juvéniles s’abritent de préférence dans les galets, les blocs, les végétaux aquatiques et les berges composées d’amas de radicelles. Dans certains cas, la réduction, voire la disparition d’un habitat particulièrement favorable aux juvéniles peut être compensée par une colonisation plus importante d’autres habitats habituellement délaissés.
SPECIES OF BRANCHIOBDELLIDAE (ANNELIDA) ON FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN SOUTH TYROL (NORTHERN ITALY)
Authors: OBERKOFLER B. , QUAGLIO F. , FÜREDER L. , FIORAVANTI M. L. , GIANNETTO S. , MOROLLI C. , MINELLI G.
Published: August 2008

Twenty-eight freshwater crayfish were collected from 8 streams and one small lake in the province of South Tyrol (North Italy) from autumn 1999 to spring 2001, in order to investigate the presence of branchiobdellidans. At 6 of the streams the white clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes italicus) was collected, while the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), the exotic species: signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus) were respectively caught at the other 2 streams and at the lake. Except for O. limosus, branchiobdellidans were observed on all crayfish examined. On noble crayfish, specimens of Branchiobdella italica and Branchiobdella hexodonta were found on the same host. Branchiobdella italica was largely recovered from all white clawed crayfish. The specimens of signal crayfish were found to carry only Xironogiton victoriensis.
UTILISATION DU MODÈLE ÉCREVISSE COMME ESPÈCE BIOINDICATRICE DE POLLUTION. APPLICATION À L’ÉTUDE DES TRANSFERTS TROPHIQUES DU CADMIUM
Authors: SIMON O. , BOUDOU A.
Published: August 2008

La bioaccumulation des métaux par les organismes aquatiques est directement liée aux modalités d’exposition : contamination directe via le milieu ou contamination trophique via l’ingestion de proies contaminées. Pour appréhender les perturbations des écosystèmes, il apparaît important de déterminer des espèces « bioindicatrices » et de mesurer la part respective de ces deux voies d’exposition.

Les travaux présentés concernent le transfert trophique du cadmium entre une proie, le bivalve benthique Corbicula fluminea, et un de ses prédateurs, l’écrevisse Astacus astacus.

Afin d’insister sur l’importance des modalités de prédation de ce crustacé, nous avons réalisé 2 approches expérimentales complémentaires. La première concerne la consommation « naturelle » de proies contaminées pendant 30 jours d’exposition, la seconde consiste à introduire directement un bol alimentaire de proies contaminées dans l’estomac des écrevisses par une technique de gavage.

Les résultats montrent une différence importante entre ces deux approches expérimentales.
CRAYFISH OCCURRENCE IN RELATION TO LAND-USE PROPERTIES: IMPLEMENTATION OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
Authors: SCHULZ H. K. , SMIETANA P. , SCHULZ R.
Published: August 2008

On the basis of inventory data collected since 1994, the recent stocking situation for freshwater crayfish in three 10 by 10 km study sites in northeastern Germany (Uckermark) and northwestern Poland (Szczecin area, Koszalin area) is described. The native crayfish Astacus astacus (L.) was found in two of the three study sites (Uckermark, Koszalin area) with 1 and 7 stocks, respectively, while the American species Orconectes limosus (Raf.) was found in all three study areas, and in two of them (Uckermark, Szczecin area) was the dominant crayfish species.

By means of spatial analysis on the basis of a geographic information system (GIS), influence of land-use properties and other human impact on crayfish distribution was estimated. A. astacus was found only in lakes with a proportion of arable land below 10% within a 50 m buffer around the shoreline. Proportion of forest around these lakes was above the average for all lakes. In contrast, O. limosus appeared indifferent to all factors related to land use. Average lake size was clearly different for the two species. A. astacus was found in smaller lakes without direct contact to settled areas, whereas O. limosus preferentially inhabited larger lakes, indicating the importance of human activities in respect of extinction of native crayfish stocks and propagation of alien crayfish species. GIS proved a suitable tool for the assessment of land-use effects and overall human impact on crayfish distribution on a landscape level.
The mediated excitation energy transfer: Effects of bridge polarizability
Authors: Chen Hung-Cheng , You Zhi-Qiang , Hsu Chao-Ping
Published: August 2008

The observation of bridge-mediated excitation energy transfer (EET) has raised questions on the physical origin of such an effect. In this work, we studied the effect of bridge fragments in the Coulomb coupling, the major contribution to the electronic coupling in an EET process. For a series of ortho-phenyleneethynylene oligomers spaced donor-acceptors, we found that a large influence of the bridge fragment in EET coupling is through changes in the Coulomb couplings. Both enhancement and screening effects of the bridge were observed as the EET rates were modified by a factor of 0.3–23 with an intervening bridge in our calculations. The dependency of EET couplings on the orientation of transition dipoles of the donor and acceptor from quantum mechanical computations is very similar to that of a simple classical dielectric model. Our work shows that the bridge fragments can modify the Coulomb coupling with their polarizability by providing an optical dielectric medium between the donor and acceptor. In particular, when the transition dipoles of the donor and acceptor were longitudinal to a polarizable bridge, the EET rates were enhanced by one order of magnitude, as compared to the values of through-space models. Our results offer important insights into the design of efficient energy transfer systems.
Asymptotic solution of thermocapillary convection in a thin annular pool of silicon melt
Authors: Li You-Rong , Zhao Xin-Xing , Wu Shuang-Ying , Peng Lan
Published: August 2008

The free surface of the silicon melt in a thin annular pool is subjected to a radial temperature gradient. Since the surface tension depends on the temperature, it will create a thermocapillary force on the free surface and, in turn, yield to thermocapillary convection in the bulk of the liquid by the viscous traction. This paper presents an investigation on the steady two-dimensional thermocapillary convection in a differentially heated annular pool of the silicon melt using the asymptotical way. The pool is heated from the outer cylindrical wall and cooled at the inner wall. Bottom and top surfaces are adiabatic. The asymptotic solution is obtained in the core region in the limit as the aspect ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the pool height to the gap width, goes to zero. The numerical experiments are also carried out to compare to the asymptotic solution of the steady two-dimensional thermocapillary convection. The results indicate that the expressions of velocity and temperature fields in the core region from the asymptotic solution are found to be valid in the limit of small aspect ratio.
Effect of adsorption-induced surface stress change on the stiffness of a microcantilever used as a salinity detection sensor
Authors: Kim S. , Kihm K. D.
Published: August 2008

A microcantilever surface stress-stiffness relationship has been investigated for three decades. Most of the surface stress induced stiffness change models, however, are limited to apply for vacuum environment, and they did not account for the hydrodynamic loading term that is essential for a microcantilever in a liquid medium. In this letter, we present both analytical and experimental examinations of the effect of adsorption-induced surface stress changes on microcantilever stiffness in a saline solution. It is found that the surface adsorption of sodium ions increases the stiffness of a microcantilever.
Species recognition and phylogeny of Thelotrema species in Australia (Ostropales, Ascomycota)
Authors: Lumbsch H. Thorsten , Mangold Armin , Martín María P. , Elix John A.
Published: August 2008

Species circumscriptions based on morphological data are difficult in crustose lichens with limited characters as they often show remarkable variability. An example is the genus Thelotrema s.str., a speciose genus of mostly tropical lichens. Morphological studies on Australian Thelotrema spp. were accompanied by a phylogenetic analysis of mt SSU rDNA sequence data of 19 species, including 25 newly obtained sequences. We performed maximum parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of 50 samples, representing 25 species. Our results indicate that more species need to be accepted in Thelotrema than previously thought. Subtle morphological differences were found to be associated with independent lineages in the phylogenetic trees. Furthermore, monophyly of Thelotrema s.str. is strongly supported. On the basis of the corroboration of morphological evidence by molecular data, the new species Thelotrema capetribulense Mangold, T. crespoae Mangold, Lumbsch & Elix, T. oleosum Mangold, and T. pseudosubtile Mangold are described. The new combinations Chapsa phlyctidioides (Müll.Arg.) Mangold and Thelotrema defossum (Müll.Arg.) Mangold are proposed.
Determination of pyrophosphorylated forms of lipid A in Gram-negative bacteria using a multivaried mass spectrometric approach
Authors: Jones Jace W. , Shaffer Scott A. , Ernst Robert K. , Goodlett David R. , Tureček František
Published: August 2008

Lipid A isolated from several bacteria (Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Salmonella enterica, and various strains ofYersinia) showed abundant formation of pyrophosphate anions upon ion dissociation. Pyrophosphate [H3P2O7]−and/or [HP2O6]−anions were observed as dominant fragments from diphosphorylated lipid A anions regardless of the ionization mode (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization or electrospray ionization), excitation mode (collisional activation or infrared photoexcitation), or mass analyzer (time-of-flight/time-of-flight, tandem quadrupole, Fourier transform–ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry). Dissociations of anions from model lipid phosphate, pyrophosphate, and hexose diphosphates confirmed that pyrophosphate fragments were formed abundantly only in the presence of an intact pyrophosphate group in the analyte molecule and were not due to intramolecular rearrangement upon ionization, ion-molecule reactions, or rearrangement following activation. This indicated that pyrophosphate groups are present in diphosphorylated lipid A from a variety of Gram-negative bacteria.
Neurogenetic networks for startle-induced locomotion in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yamamoto Akihiko , Zwarts Liesbeth , Callaerts Patrick , Norga Koenraad , Mackay Trudy F. C. , Anholt Robert R. H.
Published: August 2008

Understanding how the genome empowers the nervous system to express behaviors remains a critical challenge in behavioral genetics. The startle response is an attractive behavioral model for studies on the relationship between genes, brain, and behavior, as the ability to respond rapidly to harmful changes in the environment is a universal survival trait.
Drosophila melanogaster
provides a powerful system in which genetic studies on individuals with controlled genetic backgrounds and reared under controlled environmental conditions can be combined with neuroanatomical studies to analyze behaviors. In a screen of 720 lines of
D. melanogaster
, carrying single
P[GT1]
transposon insertions, we found 267 lines that showed significant changes in startle-induced locomotor behavior. Excision of the transposon reversed this effect in five lines out of six tested. We infer that most of the 267 lines show mutant effects on startle-induced locomotion that are caused by the transposon insertions. We selected a subset of 15 insertions in the same genetic background in autosomal genes with strong mutant effects and crossed them to generate all 105 possible nonreciprocal double heterozygotes. These hybrids revealed an extensive network of epistatic interactions on the behavioral trait. In addition, we observed changes in neuroanatomy that were caused by these 15 mutations, individually and in their double heterozygotes. We find that behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotypes are determined by a common set of genes that are organized as partially overlapping genetic networks.
Stress-activated Genomic Expression Changes Serve a Preparative Role for Impending Stress in Yeast
Authors: Berry David B. , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: August 2008

Yeast cells respond to stress by mediating condition-specific gene expression changes and by mounting a common response to many stresses, called the environmental stress response (ESR). Giaever et al. previously revealed poor correlation between genes whose expression changes in response to acute stress and genes required to survive that stress, raising question about the role of stress-activated gene expression. Here we show that gene expression changes triggered by a single dose of stress are not required to survive that stimulus but rather serve a protective role against future stress. We characterized the increased resistance to severe stress in yeast preexposed to mild stress. This acquired stress resistance is dependent on protein synthesis during mild-stress treatment and requires the “general-stress” transcription factors Msn2p and/or Msn4p that regulate induction of many ESR genes. However, neither protein synthesis nor Msn2/4p is required for basal tolerance of a single dose of stress, despite the substantial expression changes triggered by each condition. Using microarrays, we show that Msn2p and Msn4p play nonredundant and condition-specific roles in gene-expression regulation, arguing against a generic general-stress function. This work highlights the importance of condition-specific responses in acquired stress resistance and provides new insights into the role of the ESR.
Trans-Golgi Network and Endosome Dynamics Connect Ceramide Homeostasis with Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response and TOR Signaling in Yeast
Authors: Mousley Carl J. , Tyeryar Kimberly , Ile Kristina E. , Schaaf Gabriel , Brost Renee L. , Boone Charles , Guan Xueli , Wenk Markus R. , Bankaitis Vytas A.
Published: August 2008

Synthetic genetic array analyses identify powerful genetic interactions between a thermosensitive allele (sec14-1ts) of the structural gene for the major yeast phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (SEC14) and a structural gene deletion allele (tlg2Δ) for the Tlg2 target membrane-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor. The data further demonstrate Sec14 is required for proper trans-Golgi network (TGN)/endosomal dynamics in yeast. Paradoxically, combinatorial depletion of Sec14 and Tlg2 activities elicits trafficking defects from the endoplasmic reticulum, and these defects are accompanied by compromise of the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR failure occurs downstream of Hac1 mRNA splicing, and it is further accompanied by defects in TOR signaling. The data link TGN/endosomal dynamics with ceramide homeostasis, UPR activity, and TOR signaling in yeast, and they identify the Sit4 protein phosphatase as a primary conduit through which ceramides link to the UPR. We suggest combinatorial Sec14/Tlg2 dysfunction evokes inappropriate turnover of complex sphingolipids in endosomes. One result of this turnover is potentiation of ceramide-activated phosphatase-mediated down-regulation of the UPR. These results provide new insight into Sec14 function, and they emphasize the TGN/endosomal system as a central hub for homeostatic regulation in eukaryotes.
ITFP: an integrated platform of mammalian transcription factors
Authors: Zheng Guangyong , Tu Kang , Yang Qing , Xiong Yun , Wei Chaochun , Xie Lu , Zhu Yangyong , Li Yixue
Published: August 2008

Summary: Investigation of transcription factors (TFs) and their downstream regulated genes (targets) is a significant issue in post-genome era, which can provide a brand new vision for some vital biological process. However, information of TFs and their targets in mammalian is far from sufficient. Here, we developed an integrated TF platform (ITFP), which included abundant TFs and their targets of mammalian. In current release, ITFP includes 4105 putative TFs and 69 496 potential TF-target pairs for human, 3134 putative TFs and 37 040 potential TF-target pairs for mouse, and 1114 putative TFs and 18 055 potential TF-target pairs for rat. In short, ITFP will serve as an important resource for the research community of transcription and provide strong support for regulatory network study.

Availability: ITFP can be accessed at http://itfp.biosino.org/itfp

Contact:  yyzhu@fudan.edu.cn; yxli@sibs.ac.cn
John Marmion Edmond. 27 April 1943 — 10 April 2001
Authors: Elderfield Henry , Boyle Edward A.
Published: August 2008

John Edmond was a geochemist the unifying theme of whose research was a quantitative understanding of the processes involved in the transfer of the chemical elements into and out of the oceans; in short, what controls ocean chemistry. He achieved this through oceanographic explorations sampling ocean waters for rare metals and explorations of hot springs on the deep sea floor, rivers from the Amazon to Siberia, and the rift valley lakes of Africa. This accompanied a strong background in chemistry and an almost reverent recognition of the value of data. John challenged established paradigms and pioneered developments in element and isotope systematics as applied to geochemical processes. He will alsobe remembered for his enthusiasm, his insight, his honesty, and his defence of anyone or any group he felt was badly treated.
A symmetry treatment of Danzerian rigidity for circle packing
Authors: Fowler P.W , Guest S.D , Tarnai T
Published: August 2008

A symmetry-extended mobility criterion that incorporates Danzer's concept of bar-and-joint assemblies is derived and applied to the spherical circle-packing problem. The known scalar counting rule for Danzerian freedoms is strengthened in an equation that predicts not only the number, but also the symmetries, of distortion modes that may be used to improve a packing. Relationships between alternative candidates for best packing are consequences of the co-kernel structure of the representation spanned by Danzerian mechanisms, and in several cases lead to new local optima.
A latitudinal cline in the Chinook salmon (
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
)
Clock
gene: evidence for selection on PolyQ length variants
Authors: O'Malley Kathleen G , Banks Michael A
Published: August 2008

A critical seasonal event for anadromous Chinook salmon (
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
) is the time at which adults migrate from the ocean to breed in freshwater. We investigated whether allelic variation at the circadian rhythm genes,
OtsClock1a
and
OtsClock1b
, underlies genetic control of migration timing among 42 populations in North America. We identified eight length variants of the functionally important polyglutamine repeat motif (PolyQ) of
OtsClock1b
while
OtsClock1a
PolyQ was highly conserved. We found evidence of a latitudinal cline in average allele length and frequency of the two most common
OtsClock1b
alleles. The shorter 335 bp allele increases in frequency with decreasing latitude while the longer 359 bp allele increases in frequency at higher latitudes. Comparison to 13 microsatellite loci showed that 335 and 359 bp deviate significantly from neutral expectations. Furthermore, a hierarchical gene diversity analysis based on
OtsClock1b
PolyQ variation revealed that run timing explains 40.9 per cent of the overall genetic variance among populations. By contrast, an analysis based on 13 microsatellite loci showed that run timing explains only 13.2 per cent of the overall genetic variance. Our findings suggest that length polymorphisms in
OtsClock1b
PolyQ may be maintained by selection and reflect an adaptation to ecological factors correlated with latitude, such as the seasonally changing day length.
Latitudinal gradients in sea ice and primary production determine Arctic seabird colony size in Greenland
Authors: Laidre Kristin L , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter , Nyeland Jens , Mosbech Anders , Boertmann David
Published: August 2008

Sea ice loss will indirectly alter energy transfer through the pelagic food web and ultimately impact apex predators. We quantified spring-time trends in sea ice recession around each of 46 thick-billed murre (
Uria lomvia
) colonies in west Greenland across 20° of latitude and investigated the magnitude and timing of the associated spring-time primary production. A geographical information system was used to extract satellite-based observations of sea ice concentration from the Nimbus-7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR, 1979–1987) and the Defence Meteorological Satellite Programs Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSMI, 1987–2004), and satellite-based observations of chlorophyll
a
from the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS: EOS-Terra satellite) in weekly intervals in circular buffers around each colony site (150 km in radius). Rapid recession of high Arctic seasonal ice cover created a temporally predictable primary production bloom and associated trophic cascade in water gradually exposed to solar radiation. This pattern was largely absent from lower latitudes where little to no sea ice resulted in a temporally variable primary production bloom driven by nutrient cycling and upwelling uncoupled to ice. The relationship between the rate and variability of sea ice recession and colony size of thick-billed murres shows that periodical confinement of the trophic cascade at high latitudes determines the carrying capacity for Arctic seabirds during the breeding period.
Copy number variation at the breakpoint region of isochromosome 17q
Authors: Carvalho Claudia M.B. , Lupski James R.
Published: August 2008

Isochromosome 17q, or i(17q), is one of the most frequent nonrandom changes occurring in human neoplasia. Most of the i(17q) breakpoints cluster within a ∼240-kb interval located in the Smith-Magenis syndrome common deletion region in 17p11.2. The breakpoint cluster region is characterized by a complex architecture with large (∼38–49 kb), inverted and directly oriented, low-copy repeats (LCRs), known as REPA and REPB that apparently lead to genomic instability and facilitate somatic genetic rearrangements. Through the analysis of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and public array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) data, we show that the REPA/B structure is also susceptible to frequent meiotic rearrangements. It is a highly dynamic genomic region undergoing deletions, inversions, and duplications likely produced by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) mediated by the highly identical SNORD3@, also known as U3, gene cluster present therein. We detected at least seven different REPA/B structures in samples from 29 individuals of which six represented potentially novel structures. Two polymorphic copy-number variation (CNV) variants, detected in 20% of samples, could be structurally described along with the likely underlying molecular mechanism for formation. Our data show the high susceptibility to rearrangements at the i(17q) breakpoint cluster region in the general population and exemplifies how large genomic regions laden with LCRs still represent a technical challenge for both determining specific structure and assaying population variation. The variant REPA/B structures identified may have different susceptibilities for inducing i(17q), thus potentially representing important risk alleles for tumor progression.
The Heidelberg Peri‐anaesthetic Questionnaire – development of a new refined psychometric questionnaire*
Authors: Schiff J. H. , Fornaschon A. S. , Frankenhauser S. , Schiff M. , Snyder‐Ramos S. A. , Martin E. , Knapp S. , Bauer M. , Böttiger B. W. , Motsch J.
Published: August 2008

We have developed a questionnaire to assess patients’ peri‐anaesthetic satisfaction. We recruited 1398 patients and 59 health care professionals for construction and validation. Relevant items were rated for preferences. The resulting questions underwent a cognitive and a standard pretest. The resultant Heidelberg Peri‐anaesthetic Questionnaire consists of 38 questions about five identified themes: trust and atmosphere; fear; discomfort; treatment by personnel; and information and waiting. Internal consistency was demonstrated for the sum score (Cronbach’s α = 0.79) and the five factors (Cronbach’s α = 0.42–0.79). Multivariate analysis found significant influences of age, school education, marital status and duration of anaesthesia. Dissatisfied patients had a median (IQR [range]) of 73% (66–76% [35–83]), and satisfied patients 92% (90–94% [88–100]) of the sum score. The Heidelberg Peri‐anaesthetic Questionnaire offers a valid and reliable way to identify dissatisfied patients and generate quality improvement and also has use as a benchmark tool.
Investigating the genetic basis of pork tenderness: genomic analysis of porcine CAST
Authors: Meyers S. N. , Beever J. E.
Published: August 2008

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting pork tenderness was recently detected within the Illinois Meat Quality Pedigree (IMQP) and fine‐mapped to the region of porcine chromosome 2 (SSC2) harbouring the functional candidate gene calpastatin (CAST). To identify molecular variation that may underlie the observed differences in tenderness phenotypes, we characterized the porcine CAST gene and analysed allelic variation within the F1 boars of the IMQP. The complete genomic sequence of porcine CAST has been determined, and was found to contain 35 exons spanning nearly 123 kb. Using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method, calpastatin transcript types I–III, as well as a putative novel transcript type, were detected within porcine skeletal muscle. Variability in transcription initiation and termination sites was observed, and alternative splicing of exons 1y and 3 was evident. Nearly 77.6% of the CAST gene, including all exons, was re‐sequenced from each of six IMQP F1 boars, and almost 900 polymorphisms were identified. The heterozygosity of nearly 400 polymorphisms appeared to be concordant with the previous QTL data, and the location of this variation within the CAST gene suggests that a causative mutation is likely to be regulatory. Functional characterization of CAST variation should enhance understanding of the molecular basis of pork tenderness, and thus allow for genetic improvement of pork products. The effectiveness of CAST polymorphisms for marker‐assisted selection of pork tenderness can now be assessed.
Association among growth, food consumption‐related traits and amylase gene polymorphism in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Huvet A. , Jeffroy F. , Fabioux C. , Daniel J. Y. , Quillien V. , Van Wormhoudt A. , Moal J. , Samain J. F. , Boudry P. , Pouvreau S.
Published: August 2008

To examine further a previously reported association between amylase gene polymorphism and growth in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, ecophysiological parameters and biochemical and molecular expression levels of α‐amylase were studied in Pacific oysters of different amylase genotypes. Genotypes that previously displayed significantly different growth were found to be significantly different for ingestion and absorption efficiency. These estimated parameters, used in a dynamic energy budget model, showed that observed ingestion rates (unlike absorption efficiencies) allowed an accurate prediction of growth potential in these genotypes. The observed association between growth and amylase gene polymorphism is therefore more likely to be related to ingestion than to absorption efficiency. Additionally, relative mRNA levels of the two amylase cDNAs were also strongly associated with amylase gene polymorphism, possibly reflecting variation in an undefined regulatory region, although no corresponding variation was observed in specific amylase activity. Amylase gene sequences were determined for each genotype, showing the existence of only synonymous or functionally equivalent non‐synonymous polymorphisms. The observed associations among growth, food consumption‐related traits and amylase gene polymorphism are therefore more likely to be related to variation in the level of amylase gene expression than to functional enzymatic variants.
How is research evidence used to support claims made in advertisements for wound care products?
Authors: Dumville Jo C , Petherick Emily S , O’Meara Susan , Raynor Pauline , Cullum Nicky
Published: August 2008

Aims and objective.  To investigate the amount, type and accuracy of citations use in support of product related claims from advertisements of wound care products.

Background.  Although articles submitted to most medical journals are subjected to peer review, such scrutiny is often not required for the content of advertisements.

Design.  A contents survey of advertisements from two wound care journals (Journal of Wound Care and Ostomy Wound Management) from 2002–2003 and the British Medical Journal, 2002–2003.

Methods.  Data collected from advertisements included identification of product related claims made and any corresponding citations. Where journal articles were cited to support claims, the articles were obtained. Where data on file were cited, this material was requested. In each case the accuracy of claims in relation to the content of the supporting citation was assessed.

Results.  The use of citations to support product related claims was infrequent in advertisements from wound care journals, where 35% of advertisements containing a product related claim also contained at least one citation, compared with 63% of advertisements from the British Medical Journal. Of citations that were supplied, journal articles were less common in the wound journals (40% vs. 73% in the British Medical Journal) and data on file more common (38% vs. 6% in the British Medical Journal). Where journal articles were obtained, 56% of claims in the wound care journals advertisements were not supported by the cited article, compared with 12% of claims in the British Medical Journal.

Conclusion.  The wound journals advertised predominantly medical devices. The use and accuracy of referencing in advertisements from wound care journals was poor.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses have increasing responsibilities for the prescribing of both drugs and devices, which must be accompanied by the ability to interpret marketing materials and research evidence critically. Nurse educators must ensure that nurse education generally and nurse prescriber training particularly, builds skills of information retrieval and critical appraisal.
A short history of blebbing
Authors: CHARRAS G.T.
Published: August 2008

Blebs are protrusions of the cell membrane. They are the result of actomyosin contractions of the cortex, which cause either transient detachment of the cell membrane from the actin cortex or a rupture in the actin cortex. Then, cytosol streams out of the cell body and inflates the newly formed bleb. During expansion, which lasts ∼30 s, the bleb is devoid of actin and the surface area increases through further tearing of membrane from the cortex and convective flows of lipids in the plane of the membrane through the bleb neck. Once expansion slows, an actin cortex is reconstituted. First actin‐membrane linker proteins, such as ezrin, are recruited to the bleb, then actin, actin‐bundling proteins and finally myosin motor proteins. Retraction lasts ∼2 min and is powered by myosin motor proteins. Though it has been less studied than other actin‐based membrane protrusions such as lamellipodia or filopodia, blebbing is a common feature of cell physiology during cell movement, cytokinesis, cell spreading and apoptosis. This review will succinctly attempt to summarize what we know about the mechanisms involved in blebbing, when it appears in cell physiology and what open questions remain.
Milk feeding and dietary patterns predict weight and fat gains in infancy
Authors: Baird Janis , Poole Jason , Robinson Sian , Marriott Lynne , Godfrey Keith , Cooper Cyrus , Inskip Hazel , Law Catherine ,   The Southampton Women's Survey Study Group
Published: August 2008

Current guidelines recommend that infants are exclusively breast fed for the first 6 months of life, with particular solid foods being gradually introduced from 6 months. Our objective was to compare the growth of infants whose feeding most closely followed current guidelines with the growth of infants with other feeding practices.

Participants were 1740 infants in a prospective cohort study in Southampton, UK. At 6 and 12 months, infants’ milk feeding was recorded, diets assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and anthropometry performed. Principal components analysis was used to identify patterns of foods in the diet using the food intakes assessed by the FFQs. Two patterns (‘infant guidelines’ and ‘adult foods’) explained most variance in infant diet at 6 and 12 months of age. The main outcomes were conditional growth in weight, length and skinfold thickness from 0–6 and 6–12 months.

Infants who were breast fed from 0–6 months gained weight, length and adiposity more slowly than formula‐fed infants, independent of age at introduction of solids and maternal factors: compared with infants who were breast fed from 0–6 months, formula‐fed infants gained 0.21 standard deviation scores (SDS) in weight [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.00, 0.42]. Infants whose dietary pattern was most similar to current feeding guidelines, with high frequencies of fresh fruit and vegetables, home‐prepared foods and breast milk, gained weight and skinfold thickness more rapidly from 6 to 12 months than other infants, independent of milk feeding, age at introduction of solids and maternal factors. Compared with infants in the lowest quarter, infants in the highest ‘infant guidelines’ score quarter gained 0.24 SDS [95% CI 0.06, 0.43] in weight and 0.26 SDS [95% CI 0.07, 0.45] in skinfold thickness. Conversely, infants whose diets had the highest frequencies of breads and processed foods gained weight less rapidly from 6 to 12 months than other infants.

The extent to which the patterns of diet and growth we have described will influence the current or later health of infants is unknown. We are following up the infants in this study to assess the impact of these patterns beyond the first year of life. These associations should also be examined in other settings and populations.
Nitric oxide production occurs after cytosolic alkalinization during stomatal closure induced by abscisic acid
Authors: GONUGUNTA VIJAY K. , SRIVASTAVA NUPUR , PULI MALLIKARJUNA R. , RAGHAVENDRA AGEPATI S.
Published: August 2008

Abscisic acid (ABA) raised the cytosolic pH and nitric oxide (NO) levels in guard cells while inducing stomatal closure in epidermis of Pisum sativum. Butyrate (a weak acid) reduced the cytosolic pH/NO production and prevented stomatal closure by ABA. Methylamine (a weak base) enhanced the cytosolic alkalinization and aggravated stomatal closure by ABA. The rise in guard cell pH because of ABA became noticeable after 6 min and peaked at 12 min, while NO production started at 9 min and peaked at 18 min. These results suggested that NO production was downstream of the rise in cytosolic pH. The ABA‐induced increase in NO of guard cells and stomatal closure was prevented by 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl imidazoline‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide (cPTIO, a NO scavenger) and partially by N‐nitro‐L‐Arg‐methyl ester (L‐NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase). In contrast, cPTIO or L‐NAME had only a marginal effect on the pH rise induced by ABA. Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA, a calcium chelator) prevented ABA‐induced stomatal closure while restricting cytosolic pH rise and NO production. We suggest that during ABA‐induced stomatal closure, a rise in cytosolic pH is necessary for NO production. Calcium may act upstream of cytosolic alkalinization and NO production, besides its known function as a downstream component.
Host–parasite coevolution and patterns of adaptation across time and space
Authors: GANDON S. , BUCKLING A. , DECAESTECKER E. , DAY T.
Published: August 2008

The description of coevolutionary dynamics requires a characterization of the evolutionary dynamics of both the parasite and its host. However, a thorough description of the underlying genetics of the coevolutionary process is often extremely difficult to carry out. We propose that measures of adaptation (mean population fitness) across time or space may represent a feasible alternative approach for characterizing important features of the coevolutionary process. We discuss recent experimental work in the light of simple mathematical models of coevolution to demonstrate the potential power of this phenotypic experimental approach.
NON‐L‐TYPE VOLTAGE‐DEPENDENT CALCIUM CHANNELS CONTROL VASCULAR TONE OF THE RAT BASILAR ARTERY
Authors: Navarro‐Gonzalez Manuel F , Grayson T Hilton , Meaney Kate R , Cribbs Leanne L , Hill Caryl E
Published: August 2008

Constriction of cerebral arteries is considered to depend on L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs); however, many previous studies have used antagonists with potential non‐selective actions. Our aim was to determine the expression and function of VDCCs in the rat basilar artery.

The relative expression of VDCC subtypes was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Data were correlated with physiological studies of vascular function. Domains I–II of the T channel subtypes expressed in the rat basilar artery were cloned and sequenced.

Blockade of L‐type channels with nifedipine had no effect on vascular tone. In contrast, in the presence of nifedipine, hyperpolarization of short arterial segments produced relaxation, whereas depolarization of quiescent segments evoked constriction.

The mRNA and protein for L‐ and T‐type VDCCs were strongly expressed in the main basilar artery and side branches, with CaV3.1 and CaV1.2 the predominant subtypes.

T‐Type VDCC blockers (i.e. 1 µmol/L mibefradil, 10 µmol/L pimozide and 100 µmol/L flunarizine) decreased intracellular calcium in smooth muscle cells, relaxed and hyperpolarized arteries, whereas nickel chloride (100 µmol/L) had no effect. In contrast with nifedipine, 10 µmol/L nimodipine produced hyperpolarization and relaxation.

When arteries were relaxed with 10 µmol/L U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) in the presence of nifedipine, 40 mmol/L KCl evoked depolarization and constriction, which was significantly reduced by 1 µmol/L mibefradil.

Sequencing of domains I–II revealed splice variants of CaV3.1, which may impact on channel activity.

We conclude that vascular tone of the rat basilar artery results from calcium influx through nifedipine‐insensitive VDCCs with pharmacology consistent with CaV3.1 T‐type channels.
Microarray analysis of mitogenic effects of T3 on the rat liver
Authors: Bungay Anton , Selden Clare , Brown David , Malik Raza , Hubank Mike , Hodgson Humphrey
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  A single dose of the thyroid hormone tri‐iodothyronine, T3, can enhance both size and function of normal rodent liver, which is potentially of value in the treatment of liver disease. However the mechanism of this has not been fully elucidated, and it cannot be modeled in vitro. We therefore investigated the transcriptome response to T3 in rat liver in vivo.

Methods:  After adult rats were administered 5 µg T3 subcutaneously, a whole rat genome microarray comparing global hepatic gene expression against vehicle‐only treated liver after 3 h was performed.

Results:  Informative transcripts which had identifiable gene ontology biological processes were grouped according to function, broadly reflecting general metabolic effects and those linked to cell‐proliferation control. We then compared the transcriptome response after 5‐µg T3 initiating hepatocyte DNA synthesis (mitogenic) with that after 0.1 µg T3, a supraphysiological amount not initiating hepatocyte DNA synthesis.

Conclusions:  We compared the results with published results of the response to other primary mitogens, and identified the Gadd45beta/MyD118 gene as a common early factor upregulated during proliferation.
Early upregulation of cyclooxygenase‐2 in human papillomavirus type 16 and telomerase‐induced immortalization of human esophageal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhuang Ze‐Hao , Tsao Sai‐Wah , Deng Wen , Wang Ji‐De , Xia Harry Hua‐Xiang , He Hua , Feng Hui‐Chen , Wang Li‐Dong , Gu Qing , Lam S‐K , Lin Marie C‐M , Kung Hsiang‐Fu , Wong Benjamin C‐Y
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, it is not clear whether COX‐2 is involved in the early or late stage of the development of ESCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of COX‐2 in the carcinogenesis of ESCC by an immortalized esophageal epithelial cell line.

Methods:  Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)–E6/E7 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) transfection were used for immortalization of esophageal epithelial cells. COX‐2‐specific RNA interference was used for the inhibition of COX‐2 expression.

Results:  An immortalized esophageal epithelial cell line, NE6‐E6E7/hTERT, was established, which had high proliferation activity but failed to induce colony formation in soft agar. COX‐2 expression was upregulated in the early process of immortalization, while COX‐2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the Bcl‐2 expression, increased the expression of Bax, and induced cell‐cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in NE6‐E6E7/hTERT cells. Expressions of p53, cyclinD1, and the ratio of hyperphosphorylated‐RB/hypophosphorylated‐RB were progressively increased after E6E7 and the subsequent hTERT transfections. These changes were accompanied by the alteration of COX‐2 expression, but could be reversed by COX‐2 siRNA (P < 0.05). P16 expression was significantly downregulated in NE6‐E6E7 or NE6‐E6E7/hTERT cells (P < 0.05), and was not affected by COX‐2 siRNA.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that induction of cyclooxygenase‐2 is essential in the human papillomavirus type 16 and hTERT‐induced immortalization of human esophageal epithelial cells, and that COX‐2 inhibition may be a potential target to block the carcinogenesis of ESCC at the precancerous stage.
Use of health care by young Asian New Zealanders: Findings from a national youth health survey
Authors: Ameratunga Shanthi , Tin Sandar Tin , Rasanathan Kumanan , Robinson Elizabeth , Watson Peter
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To examine the use of health services and perceived barriers to accessing health care among young Asian New Zealanders.

Methods:  Secondary analysis of data from Youth2000, a cross‐sectional survey of secondary school students in New Zealand (NZ) conducted in 2001. Of the 9567 survey participants (aged 12–18 years), this study was restricted to students who identified with an ‘Asian’ ethnic category (n = 922).

Results:  Chinese and Indian students (the largest Asian ethnic groups in NZ) reported levels of overall health comparable to NZ European (NZE) students. However, relative to NZE students, Chinese students were more likely to report (i) not having a usual location for health care (adjusted OR 3.28; 95% CI: 2.51–4.43); and (ii) having problems getting health care when they needed it (adjusted OR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.32–1.96). Asian students who had been in NZ for 5 years or less (compared with NZ‐born students), as well as those who did not speak English at home (compared with those who did) were less likely to report having a usual source of health care, even after adjusting for their overall health (adjusted OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.27–3.56; and adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.11–2.56, respectively).

Conclusion:  Young Asian New Zealanders are less likely to access health care than their NZE counterparts. The perceived barriers require explicit attention within the broader platforms of health‐care quality, and professional and cultural competence of health‐care services.