bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative importance of seed‐tuber and soilborne inoculum in causing black dot disease of potato
Authors: Lees A. K. , Brierley J. L. , Stewart J. A. , Hilton A. J. , Wale S. J. , Gladders P. , Bradshaw N. J. , Peters J. C.
Published: April 2010

Controlled‐environment and field experiments were done to quantify the individual contribution of seed‐tuber and soilborne inoculum of Colletotrichum coccodes in causing black dot disease of potato tubers. Seed‐tuber and soilborne inocula of C. coccodes were quantified using an existing real‐time PCR assay and related to subsequent incidence and severity of disease. In four field trials, a controlled‐environment experiment and through the monitoring of 122 commercial crops, seed‐tuber inoculum was found to be relatively less important than soilborne inoculum in causing black dot, and the level of seed‐tuber inoculum did not significantly affect either the incidence or severity of disease or the percentage of progeny tubers deemed unmarketable. By contrast, soilborne inoculum had the potential to result in high levels of disease and the level of C. coccodes soil infestation (pg DNA g−1 soil) was found to have a significant effect. At soil infestation levels below 100 pg DNA C. coccodes g−1 soil, 7% of commercial crops had an incidence of black dot greater than 20%, increasing to 40% and 57% of crops at levels of 100–1000 pg g−1 and >1000 pg g−1 soil, respectively. These arbitrary threshold levels for soilborne inoculum related to disease risk are discussed. Interpretation of disease risk based on inoculum levels must, in the future, be informed by agronomic variables and potential control strategies.
Biological and molecular diagnosis of seedborne viruses in cowpea germplasm of geographically diverse sub‐Saharan origins
Authors: Salem N. M. , Ehlers J. D. , Roberts P. A. , Ng J. C. K.
Published: April 2010

A total of 983 cowpea accessions obtained from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Cowpea Repository were analysed for seedborne viruses. A majority of the accessions originated from 11 countries representing different agroclimatic zones in sub‐Saharan Africa, and included landraces, local cultivars and breeding lines. Following the initial grow‐out tests, 69 cowpea accessions, mostly with symptoms of virus infection, were selected for further evaluation using a combination of host range, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequence analyses. The analyses revealed that samples from 46 (67%) accessions harboured one or more known seedborne viruses of cowpea. These included seed samples of accessions originating from Botswana (13 accessions), Ghana (6), Nigeria (6), Mali (1), Kenya (5), Cameroon (7), Niger (4), Côte d’lvoire (1), Benin (1), India (1) and China (1). Viruses were identified by RT‐PCR analysis of total RNAs extracted from suspected virus‐infected samples using virus species‐specific primers, as well as the cloning and sequencing of RT‐PCR products amplified using virus genus‐ and family‐specific degenerate oligonucleotide primers. The viruses identified included Cowpea aphid‐borne mosaic virus (CABMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV). Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced coat protein (CP) amino acid sequences of selected CMV isolates recovered from five agroclimatically distinct locations confirmed their affiliations as new members of CMV subgroup IB. This is the first time that seedborne viruses of cowpea accessions in a major collection (UCR) have been identified using RT‐PCR and sequencing approaches.
The Arabidopsis vacuolar malate channel is a member of the ALMT family
Authors: Kovermann Peter , Meyer Stefan , Hörtensteiner Stefan , Picco Cristiana , Scholz‐Starke Joachim , Ravera Silvia , Lee Youngsook , Martinoia Enrico
Published: April 2010

In plants, malate is a central metabolite and fulfills a large number of functions. Vacuolar malate may reach very high concentrations and fluctuate rapidly, whereas cytosolic malate is kept at a constant level allowing optimal metabolism. Recently, a vacuolar malate transporter (Arabidopsis thaliana tonoplast dicarboxylate transporter, AttDT) was identified that did not correspond to the well‐characterized vacuolar malate channel. We therefore hypothesized that a member of the aluminum‐activated malate transporter (ALMT) gene family could code for a vacuolar malate channel. Using GFP fusion constructs, we could show that AtALMT9 (A. thaliana ALMT9) is targeted to the vacuole. Promoter‐GUS fusion constructs demonstrated that this gene is expressed in all organs, but is cell‐type specific as GUS activity in leaves was detected nearly exclusively in mesophyll cells. Patch‐clamp analysis of an Atalmt9 T‐DNA insertion mutant exhibited strongly reduced vacuolar malate channel activity. In order to functionally characterize AtALMT9 as a malate channel, we heterologously expressed this gene in tobacco and in oocytes. Overexpression of AtALMT9‐GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves strongly enhanced the malate current densities across the mesophyll tonoplasts. Functional expression of AtALMT9 in Xenopus oocytes induced anion currents, which were clearly distinguishable from endogenous oocyte currents. Our results demonstrate that AtALMT9 is a vacuolar malate channel. Deletion mutants for AtALMT9 exhibit only slightly reduced malate content in mesophyll protoplasts and no visible phenotype, indicating that AttDT and the residual malate channel activity are sufficient to sustain the transport activity necessary to regulate the cytosolic malate homeostasis.
Germline mosaicism in keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness syndrome: pre‐natal diagnosis in a familial lethal form
Authors: Sbidian E , Feldmann D , Bengoa J , Fraitag S , Abadie V , de Prost Y , Bodemer C , Hadj‐Rabia S
Published: April 2010

Sbidian E, Feldmann D, Bengoa J, Fraitag S, Abadie V, de Prost Y, Bodemer C, Hadj‐Rabia S. Germline mosaicism in keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness syndrome: pre‐natal diagnosis in a familial lethal form.

Keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome is an autosomal dominant congenital ectodermal defect characterized by the association of skin lesions, hearing loss and keratitis. Most of the cases appear to be sporadic. KID syndrome is mostly related to mutations of GJB2 gene encoding connexin‐26. Recently, a lethal form of the disease during the first year of life has been reported in two unrelated Caucasian patients. This rare lethal form is caused by the G45E mutation of GJB2 gene. We here report the first pre‐natal molecular genetic diagnosis of the lethal form of KID syndrome relating to a G45E mutation. In the same family, the occurrence of this condition in three other siblings born to African non‐consanguineous healthy parents lead to perform pre‐natal diagnosis for this last pregnancy. Molecular analysis confirms the diagnosis of the lethal form of KID for the fetus. These results establish the role of germline mosaicism in KID syndrome and warrant careful genetic counseling. Furthermore, analysis of our cases and the literature allowed us to define a characteristic severe neonatal phenotype including facial dysmorphy, severe cornification with massive focal hyperkeratosis of the skin with erythroderma, dystrophic nails, complete atrichia and absence of foreskin.
Clinical involvement in daughters of men with fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome
Authors: Chonchaiya W , Nguyen DV , Au J , Campos L , Berry‐Kravis EM , Lohse K , Mu Y , Utari A , Hervey C , Wang L , Sorensen P , Cook K , Gane L , Tassone F , Hagerman RJ
Published: April 2010

Chonchaiya W, Nguyen DV, Au J, Campos L, Berry‐Kravis EM, Lohse K, Mu Y, Utari A, Hervey C, Wang L, Sorensen P, Cook K, Gane L, Tassone F, Hagerman RJ. Clinical involvement in daughters of men with fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome.

Women with the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation often have concerns about neurological and medical problems, as they become older and if their fathers experience fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We therefore determined the prevalence of these problems in 110 daughters of men with FXTAS [mean age of 44.8 years (SD 8.2)]. We compared them with 43 female controls with normal FMR1 alleles [mean age of 43.8 years (SD 8.1)] and 36 premutation carrier daughters of parents with the premutation, but without FXTAS [mean age of 43.5 years (SD 7.7)]. Overall, daughters of men with FXTAS have a higher prevalence of neurological symptoms including tremor, balance problems, memory problems, and dizziness, menopausal symptoms, and psychiatric involvement including sleep problems and anxiety when compared with non‐carrier female controls. Reported balance problems and menopausal symptoms were significantly higher in daughters of men with FXTAS than in carrier daughters of parents without FXTAS, suggesting the potential influence of background gene effects. Therefore, neurological, psychological and gynecological surveillance should be warranted to better provide appropriate counseling, management and care for daughters of men with FXTAS. Biological markers of additional gene effects that predispose individuals with the premutation to FXTAS need to be developed.
Rationale and timeliness for IL‐1β‐targeted therapy to reduce allogeneic organ injury at procurement and to diminish risk of rejection after transplantation
Authors: Wanderer Alan A.
Published: April 2010

Wanderer AA. Rationale and timeliness for IL‐1β‐targeted therapy to reduce allogeneic organ injury at procurement and to diminish risk of rejection after transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 307–311. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) involving allograft transplantation and procured organs may in part be induced by stimulation of a newly described innate pro‐inflammatory immune system (i.e., NALP‐3‐inflammasome), which can cause secretion of IL‐1β and subsequent neutrophilic inflammation. Ischemia and/or hypoxia/anoxia can induce anaerobic metabolism with metabolic acidosis and subsequent development of danger signals known to stimulate IL‐1β secretion from the NALP‐3 inflammasome. Observations from IRI studies and hereditary auto‐inflammatory syndromes with NALP‐3 inflammasome mutations suggest that IL‐1β secretion can induce robust neutrophilic inflammation that is responsive to IL‐1β targeted therapy. Based on these observations and data from transplantation studies, it may be timely to consider commercially available IL‐1β targeted biologic therapy to improve allograft tolerance and viability of procured organs.
Systematic evaluation of the highest current threshold for regional anaesthesia in a porcine model
Authors: STEINFELDT T. , GRAF J. , VASSILIOU T. , NIMPHIUS W. , STURM K. , KILL C. , WIESMANN T. , WULF H. , MÜLLER H.‐H.
Published: April 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine systematically the highest minimal stimulation current threshold for regional anaesthesia in pigs.

Methods: In an established pig model for regional anaesthesia, needle placements applying electric nerve stimulation were performed. The primary outcome was the frequency of close needle to nerve placements as assessed by resin injectates and subsequent anatomical evaluation. Following a statistical model (continual reassessment method), the applied output currents were selected to limit the necessary number of punctures, while providing guidance towards the highest output current range.

Results: Altogether 186 punctures were performed in 11 pigs. Within the range of 0.3–1.4 mA, no distant needle to nerve placement was found. In the range of 1.5–4.1 mA, 43 distant needle to nerve placements occurred. The range of 1.2–1.4 mA was the highest interval that resulted in a close needle to nerve placement rate of ≥95%.

Conclusions: In the range of 0.3–1.4 mA, all resin deposition was found to be adjacent to nerve epineurium. The application of minimal current intensities up to 1.4 mA does not obviously lead to a reduction of epineural injectate contacts in pigs. These findings suggest that stimulation current thresholds up to 1.4 mA result in equivalent needle tip localisation in pigs.
Nest‐Site Defense by Competing Honey Bee Swarms During House‐Hunting
Authors: Rangel Juliana , Griffin Sean R. , Seeley Thomas D.
Published: April 2010

Cavity‐nesting animals must often defend their homes against intruders, especially when the availability of suitable cavities is limited. Competition for nest sites is particularly strong when multiple groups of the same species migrate synchronously to found a new home. This may be the case for honey bees during the reproductive season, because neighboring colonies often cast swarms simultaneously, leading to potential competition for high‐quality nesting cavities. To test the idea that honey bee swarms may compete for and defend potential nest sites as they search for a new home, we observed pairs of artificial swarms that were house‐hunting concurrently. Workers from one swarm in each pair carried a gene influencing body color, so that the bees from the two swarms were easily distinguished. We set up a high‐quality nest box and waited for nest‐site scouts from each swarm to explore and recruit swarm mates to it. We recorded all the interactions between competing scouts at the nest box and found that when scouts from both swarms explored the box simultaneously they behaved agonistically toward bees from the other swarm. The level of aggression depended on the number of scouts from each swarm present at the nest box. When only one to three scouts from each swarm were at the box, they rarely fought. But when the scouts from one swarm outnumbered those from the other swarm (4–20 vs. one to three bees), those in the majority advertised their presence with a buzzing behavior at the entrance opening, and started mobbing and killing those in the minority. When one swarm gained clear control of the nest box (20+ vs. zero to one bees), some of its scouts guarded the box’s entrance, preventing entry by foreign scouts. Our study exemplifies how cavity‐nesting animals may compete for and defend suitable nesting sites.
The Cost of Using Private Finance for Roads in Spain and the UK
Authors: Acerete Jose Basilio , Shaoul Jean , Stafford Anne , Stapleton Pam
Published: April 2010

Within the context of the growing worldwide tendency to fund road construction, operation and maintenance through a variety of private financing arrangements, this article explores the implications of recent road developments in Spain and England. Among other things, it shows that the use of private financing mechanisms is problematic in relation to the cost of risk transfer, and that the lack of information due to commercial sensitivity acts as a deterrent to objective assessment. The pessimistic conclusion is that, in these arrangements, downside risks are borne by the state, and the authors argue that using private financing for roads is another case of ‘privatising the benefits and nationalising the costs’.
Development and Distortion of Malaysian Public‐Private Partnerships – Patronage, Privatised Profits and Pitfalls
Authors: Beh Loo‐See
Published: April 2010

This article examines the politicisation of systemic patronage and privatised profits in the development of Public‐Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Malaysia. Issues associated with inadequate regulatory frameworks, control, accountability and poorly managed risks, demonstrate that much more effective reforms are required to reduce further pitfalls, to protect public interests and to uphold the integrity of the public service and government. The adoption of a transparent procurement and evaluation system will be a challenging task if public and investor confidence is to be built up and strategic partnerships in the complex web of governance and administrative relationships in the governance of PPPs are to be developed effectively. Finally directions of reform and lessons learnt are suggested.
Do PPPs in Social Infrastructure Enhance the Public Interest? Evidence from England's National Health Service
Authors: Hellowell Mark , Pollock Allyson M.
Published: April 2010

This article outlines and critiques the main fiscal and economic rationales for the Private Finance Initiative – by far the dominant form of public‐private partnership in the United Kingdom (UK) – and examines the impact of the policy on the long term financial viability of the National Health Service. It shows that the interest rate on private finance contains a significant element of ‘excess return’ to investors, and there is no evidence that this ‘excess cost’ to the public sector is offset by greater efficiency through the contracting process. It concludes that the private financing of public capital investment is highly problematic – and can have a serious impact on the finances and capacity of public authorities.
Public‐Private Partnerships: Governance Scheme or Language Game?
Authors: Hodge Graeme , Greve Carsten
Published: April 2010

Accepting that there is much confusion in current debates about the use of public‐private partnerships for public infrastructure projects, the article begins by considering the emergence of the ‘PPP phenomenon’ as a ‘governance scheme’ and as a ‘language game’. The existence of several types of so‐called PPPs, and motives for them, is noted, as are criticism of loose assumptions about them in the debates. The argument then focuses on private finance initiative (PFI) schemes as one branch of cross‐sectoral mixing arrangements, and examines the benefits and costs of using this mechanism. The conclusion is a pessimistic one: in the PFI arrangement, the potential for the interests of the advocating government and the business partners to dominate over the public interest has been palpable. There is an urgent need to explore further the merit of these infrastructure ‘partnerships’ to ensure that they do advance the public interest.
Creating Public Value in E‐Government: A Public‐Private‐Citizen Collaboration Framework in Web 2.0
Authors: Hui Glenn , Hayllar Mark Richard
Published: April 2010

Whether dealing with Public‐Private Partnerships (PPP), or with other forms of service provision and delivery, public managers face difficulties in responding to ever‐growing demands for more and better quality services. The question of how to do more, but without doing more of the same, can perhaps be answered partially through the use of some of the recently developed and innovative tools that build on Web 2.0 and by the application of Citizen Relationship Management. This article discusses a simple input‐output Public‐Private‐Citizen Collaboration (PC2) framework which reflects the collaborative interactions through which public and private stakeholders can exchange and process information with citizens. The framework highlights the need for genuine involvement of the public and suggests that by utilising new Web 2.0‐based tools citizens can participate both in the processes of creating and crafting web‐based content and in enhancing service design. If used in relation to PPPs such tools may very well be able to help governments access much needed information so as to both better visualise and actualise public value in PPP‐based service delivery.
Public‐Private Partnerships in Hong Kong: Good Governance – The Essential Missing Ingredient?1
Authors: Hayllar Mark Richard
Published: April 2010

In recent years the potential of the Public‐Private Partnership (PPP) model in securing sustainable development has been emphasised by various international organisations including the United Nations(UN) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). These bodies, however, have warned that for PPPs to fulfill their potential as development tools, then both a favourable business environment and key aspects of ‘good governance’ need to be in place and functioning. This article examines PPP policies and projects in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (HKSAR) over recent years. Ranked by several key agencies as having the freest economy in the world, Hong Kong might appear to be a particularly promising location for using PPPs to attain economic and social infrastructure development goals. Surprisingly, however, many potential PPP projects there frequently fail to reach fruition. Asking why this should be so, the article argues that the lack of certain critical ingredients of ‘good governance’ in Hong Kong has had a direct and negative impact on the fulfillment of its PPP potential. Of particular concern is government's frequent disregard of public views and the exclusion of the public from early and meaningful participation. This reflects an approach that can perhaps best be described as reliance on ‘Government‐Private’ rather than on ‘Public‐Private’ Partnerships.
Barth and Anselm: God, Christ and the Atonement
Authors: JONES PAUL DAFYDD
Published: April 2010

This article considers God, Christ and the atonement in the work of Anselm and Barth. It identifies key points of agreement regarding God's self‐assigned identity and the importance of dyothelitism; it discerns a marked divergence of opinion with respect to the atonement. Anselm construes the atonement in terms of a gift that Christ offers on behalf of sinful humankind. Barth, on the other hand, presents a view of atonement that builds on his revolutionary doctrine of election. He describes the cross as an event in which sin is ‘burned up’, cancelled and overcome within the time and space of God's being.
Mothers and Fathers at Play with their Children with Down Syndrome: Influence on Child Exploratory and Symbolic Activity
Authors: De Falco Simona , Esposito Gianluca , Venuti Paola , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: April 2010

Background  Through play children exercise their emerging mental abilities, and for their part, when in collaborative play, caregivers often adjust their behaviours to assist their children’s progress. In this study, we focused on comparisons between play of Down Syndrome (DS) children with their two parents as well as on comparisons between the two parents’ play behaviours.

Method  Altogether 40 parent–child dyads participated: 20 children with DS (M age = 36.14 months) with their mothers and separately with their fathers. We coded participants’ play behaviours during child solitary and mother–child and father–child collaborative sessions.

Results  Although children increased exploratory play from solitary to collaborative sessions with both parents, symbolic play increased only during joint play with fathers. Fathers displayed less symbolic and more exploratory activity compared to mothers. Mothers and fathers alike were attuned to their children, although fathers showed a higher degree of attunement.

Conclusions  This study shows that maternal and paternal contributions to DS child play skills are positive but different. During collaborative play children received specific and nonoverlapping scaffolding from their two parents, and fathers’ contributions were unique.
Postnatal testis development, Sertoli cell proliferation and number of different spermatogonial types in C57BL/6J mice made transiently hypo‐ and hyperthyroidic during the neonatal period
Authors: Auharek Sarah Alves , De França Luiz Renato
Published: April 2010

The role of thyroid hormones in testis structure and function has been fairly well studied in laboratory rodents. However, there are no comprehensive data in the literature for mice regarding the effects of transiently induced neonatal hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism on testis and spermatogonial cell development from birth to adulthood. Our goals were to evaluate the effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) and triidothyronine (T3) on Sertoli cell proliferation/differentiation and to correlate these events with the evolution of the spermatogenic process, tubular lumen formation, blood vessel volume density, and size and number of different spermatogonial types. Although Sertoli cell maturation was accelerated or delayed, respectively, in T3‐ and PTU‐treated mice, the pace of the germ cell maturation was only slightly altered before puberty and the period of Sertoli cell proliferation was apparently not affected by the treatments. However, compared with controls, the total number of Sertoli cells per testis from 10 days of age to adulthood was significantly increased and decreased in PTU‐ and T3‐treated mice, respectively. In comparison to all other spermatogonia, type A2 was the largest cell in all ages and groups investigated. The PTU‐treated mice had a significantly increased total number of undifferentiated spermatogonia as well as volume and percentage of vessels/capillaries, probably due to the higher number of Sertoli cells, particularly at 10 days of age. Taken together, our results suggest that neonatal hypothyroidism may be a valuable tool for studying spermatogonial biology as well as a means for providing more spermatogonial stem cells that could potentially be used for spermatogonial transplantation, thereby optimizing the efficiency of this technique when young mice are used as donors.
VEGF and its role in the early development of the long bone epiphysis
Authors: Allerstorfer Doris , Longato Stefano , Schwarzer Christoph , Fischer‐Colbrie Reiner , Hayman Alison R. , Blumer Michael J. F.
Published: April 2010

In long bones of murine species, undisturbed development of the epiphysis depends on the generation of vascularized cartilage canals shortly after birth. Despite its importance, it is still under discussion how this event is exactly regulated. It was suggested previously that, following increased hypoxia in the epiphyseal core, angiogenic factors are expressed and hence stimulate the ingrowth of the vascularized canals. In the present study, we tested this model and examined the spatio‐temporal distribution of two angiogenic molecules during early development in mice. In addition, we investigated the onset of cartilage hypertrophy and mineralization. Our results provide evidence that the vascular endothelial growth factor is expressed in the epiphyseal resting cartilage prior to the moment of canal formation and is continuously expressed until the establishment of a large secondary ossification centre. Interestingly, we found no expression of secretoneurin before the establishment of the canals although this factor attracts blood vessels under hypoxic conditions. Epiphyseal development further involves maturation of the resting chondrocytes into hypertrophic ones, associated with the mineralization of the cartilage matrix and eventual death of the latter cells. Our results suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor is the critical molecule for the generation of the epiphyseal vascular network in mice long bones. Secretoneurin, however, does not appear to be a player in this event. Hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo cell death by a mechanism interpreted as chondroptosis.
Inner ear of a notoungulate placental mammal: anatomical description and examination of potentially phylogenetically informative characters
Authors: Macrini Thomas E. , Flynn John J. , Croft Darin A. , Wyss André R.
Published: April 2010

We provide the first detailed description of the inner ear of a notoungulate, an extinct group of endemic South American placental mammals, based on a three‐dimensional reconstruction extracted from CT imagery of a skull of Notostylops murinus. This description provides new anatomical data that should prove to be phylogenetically informative, an especially significant aspect of this research given that both the interrelationships of notoungulates and the position of Notoungulata within Placentalia are still unresolved. We also assess the locomotor agility of Notostylops based on measurements of the semicircular canals. This is the best available data on the locomotion of a notostylopid because significant postcranial remains for this group have not been described. The cochlea of Notostylops has 2.25 turns, and the stapedial ratio is 1.6. The stapedial ratio is one of the lowest recorded for a eutherian, which typically have ratios greater than 1.8. The fenestra cochleae is located posterior to the fenestra vestibuli, a condition previously only reported for some stem primates. The separation of the saccule and utricule of the vestibule is visible on the digital endocast of the bony labyrinth. The posterior arm of the LSC and the inferior arm of the PSC are confluent, but these do not form a secondary crus commune, and the phylogenetic or functional significance of this confluence is unclear at this time. Locomotor agility scores for Notostylops suggest a medium or ‘average’ degree of agility of motion compared to extant mammals. In terms of its locomotion, we tentatively predict that Notostylops was a generalized terrestrial mammal, with cursorial tendencies, based on its agility scores and the range of locomotor patterns inferred from postcranial analyses of other notoungulates.
The changing face of dairy starter culture research: From genomics to economics
Authors: MILLS SUSAN , O’SULLIVAN ORLA , HILL COLIN , FITZGERALD GERALD , ROSS R PAUL
Published: April 2010

Dairy starter culture research is currently moving through an exciting period which increasingly uses state‐of‐the‐art functional genomics overlaid on traditional microbiology. To date, 25 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) genomes have been sequenced, most of which are genetically pliable using food‐grade approaches. An in‐depth knowledge of intricate metabolic networks of industrial strains will provide us with a repertoire of genetic markers for ‘knowledge‐based’ selection of desirable LAB and expansion of molecular tools for potential strain improvement. This review explores the significance of the genomics era for dairy cultures and discusses future directions which will ultimately change how we interpret starter performance.
A comparison between ceramic and polymeric membrane systems for casein concentrate manufacture
Authors: KARASU KENSUKE , GLENNON NICOLE , LAWRENCE NICOLE D , STEVENS GEOFFREY W , O’CONNOR ANDREA J , BARBER ANDREW R , YOSHIKAWA SHIRO , KENTISH SANDRA E
Published: April 2010

Skim milk microfiltration (MF) is a well established dairy processing operation to remove whey proteins. This is classically completed using ceramic membranes under the uniform transmembrane pressure (UTMP) concept. However, there is a growing interest in the use of spiral wound polymeric membranes for this purpose due to their lower capital cost. In this work we show that polymeric and ceramic membranes provide comparable performance during skim milk MF when operated at comparable levels of transmembrane pressure (TMP), shear stress and temperature. Operation is strongly affected by both TMP and temperature but is less affected by crossflow velocity under the conditions utilised here. However, while polymeric membranes offer similar performance, it will be operationally difficult to retain the necessarily low TMP at the industrial scale, due to the lack of a comparable UTMP configuration.
Incidence of autochthonous Argentinean mixed starter cultures in ripening of slurry cheese models
Authors: OLISZEWSKI RUBEN , VAN NIEUWENHOVE CARINA , GONZÁLEZ SILVIA , CHAIA ADRIANA PÉREZ
Published: April 2010

The effect of three mixed autochthonous starter cultures in ripening profiles of experimental semihard goat cheeses was evaluated under controlled microbiological conditions. Enterococcus faecium ETC3 and ETC6, Lactobacillus plantarum ETC17 and L. rhamnosus ETC14 were used. Combination of all strains showed the highest level of water soluble nitrogen fraction and total free amino acids (TFAA) at ripening day 1, the lowest level of phosphotungstic acid nitrogen soluble fraction and TFAA at ripening day 64 and the highest global impression. Principal component analyses were performed to establish amino acid profiles relations in the samples.
Neutral endopeptidase inhibition: could it have a role in the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder?
Authors: Angulo Javier
Published: April 2010

Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is the inability to attain or maintain an adequate lubrication‐swelling response of sexual excitement. The potentiation of vascular responses leading to increased blood flow in clitoris and vagina has represented the main focus in the pharmacological treatment of FSAD, including the evaluation of the type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. However, due to a lack of clear efficacy, there is no approved pharmacotherapy for FSAD to date. In the present issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Wayman et al. show that the administration by intravenous or intravaginal routes of a novel neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, UK‐414,445, results in enhanced genital blood flow responses to pelvic nerve stimulation in female rabbits, without significantly affecting blood pressure. Neutral endopeptidase inhibition, by preserving vasoactive peptides such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, raises the possibility of a new pharmacological approach to the treatment of FSAD.

This article is a commentary on Wayman et al., pp. 51–59 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00691.x
Histamine inhibits adhesion molecule expression in human monocytes, induced by advanced glycation end products, during the mixed lymphocyte reaction
Authors: Zhang J , Takahashi HK , Liu K , Wake H , Liu R , Sadamori H , Matsuda H , Yagi T , Yoshino T , Mori S , Nishibori M
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus is a frequent complication among transplant recipients. Ligation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptor on monocytes/macrophages plays important roles in the genesis of diabetic complications. The enhancement of adhesion molecule expression on monocytes/macrophages activates T‐cells, reducing allograft survival. Out of four distinct AGE subtypes (AGE‐2, AGE‐3, AGE‐4 and AGE‐5), only AGE‐2 and AGE‐3 induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), output of cytokines and proliferation of lymphocytes, during the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Here we have assessed the role of histamine in the actions of AGEs during the MLR.

Experimental approach:  Human peripheral blood cells were used in these experiments. Flow cytometry was used to examine the expression of the ICAM‐1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40. Production of the cytokine interferon‐γ, and levels of cAMP were determined by elisa. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by [3H]‐thymidine uptake.

Key results:  Histamine concentration dependently inhibited the action of AGE‐2 and AGE‐3. The actions of histamine were antagonized by an H2‐receptor antagonist, famotidine, and mimicked by H2/H4‐receptor agonists, dimaprit and 4‐methylhistamine. The effects of histamine were reversed by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, and mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP and an adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin.

Conclusions and implications:  Histamine down‐regulated AGE‐2‐ and AGE‐3‐induced expression of adhesion molecules, cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation via histamine H2 receptors and the cAMP/PKA pathway.
Differences in the expression of endogenous efflux transporters inMDR1‐transfected versus wildtype cell lines affect P‐glycoprotein mediated drug transport
Authors: Kuteykin‐Teplyakov Konstantin , Luna‐Tortós Carlos , Ambroziak Kamila , Löscher Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux assays are widely used to identify Pgp substrates. The kidney cell lines Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK)‐II and LLC‐PK1, transfected with humanMDR1(ABCB1) are used to provide recombinant models of drug transport. Endogenous transporters in these cells may contribute to the activities of recombinant transporters, so that drug transport inMDR1‐transfected cells is often corrected for the transport obtained in parental (wildtype) cells. However, expression of endogenous transporters may vary between transfected and wildtype cells, so that this correction may cause erroneous data. Here, we have measured the expression of endogenous efflux transporters in transfected and wildtype MDCK‐II or LLC cells and the consequences for Pgp‐mediated drug transport.

Experimental approach: Using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, we determined the expression of endogenousMdr1mRNA and other efflux transporters in wildtype andMDR1‐transfected MDCK‐II and LLC cells. Transcellular transport was measured with the test substrate vinblastine.

Key results: InMDR1‐transfected MDCK cells, expression of endogenous (canine)Mdr1andMrp2(Abcc2) mRNA was markedly lower than in wildtype cells, whereasMDR1‐transfected LLC cells exhibited comparableMdr1but strikingly higherMrp2mRNA levels than wildtype cells. As a consequence, transport of vinblastine by human Pgp in efflux experiments was markedly underestimated when transport inMDR1‐transfected MDCK cells was corrected for transport obtained in wildtype cells. This problem did not occur in LLC cells.

Conclusions and implications: Differences in the expression of endogenous efflux transporters between transfected and wildtype MDCK cells provide a potential bias forin vitrostudies on Pgp‐mediated drug transport.
Differential sensitivity of basal and acetylcholine‐induced activity of nitric oxide to blockade by asymmetric dimethylarginine in the rat aorta
Authors: AL‐Zobaidy Mohammed J , Craig John , Martin William
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: Previous work has shown that NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) paradoxically inhibits basal, but not ACh‐stimulated activity of nitric oxide in rat aorta. The aim of this study was to determine if the endogenously produced agent, asymmetric NG, NG‐dimethyl‐l‐arginine (ADMA), also exhibits this unusual selective blocking action.

Experimental approach: The effect of ADMA on basal nitric oxide activity was assessed by examining its ability to enhance phenylephrine (PE)‐induced tone in endothelium‐containing rings. Its effect on ACh‐induced relaxation was assessed both in conditions where ADMA greatly enhanced PE tone and where tone was carefully matched with control tissues at a range of different levels.

Key results: ADMA (100 µM) potentiated PE‐induced contraction, consistent with inhibition of basal nitric oxide activity. Higher concentrations (300–1000 µM) had no greater effect. Although ADMA (100 µM) also appeared to block ACh‐induced relaxation when it enhanced PE tone to maximal levels, virtually no block was seen at intermediate levels of tone in the presence of ADMA. Even ADMA at 1000 µM had no effect on the maximal relaxation to ACh, although it produced a small (two‐ to threefold) reduction in sensitivity. ADMA andl‐NMMA, likel‐arginine (all at 1000 µM), protected ACh‐induced relaxation against blockade byl‐NAME (30 µM).

Conclusions and implications: In the rat aorta, ADMA, likel‐NMMA, blocks basal activity of nitric oxide, but has little effect on that stimulated by ACh. Further studies are required to explain these seemingly anomalous actions of ADMA andl‐NMMA.
Honokiol inhibits gastric tumourigenesis by activation of 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 and consequent inhibition of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and COX‐2‐dependent signals
Authors: Liu Shing Hwa , Shen Chin Chang , Yi Yu Chiao , Tsai Jaw Ji , Wang Chih Chien , Chueh Ju Ting , Lin Keh Liang , Lee Tso Ching , Pan Hung Chuan , Sheu Meei Ling
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), COX‐2 and 15‐lipoxygenase (LOX)‐1 have been shown to be involved in tumour growth. However, the roles of PPAR‐γ, COX‐2 or 15‐LOX‐1 in gastric tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of 15‐LOX‐1 induction by honokiol, a small‐molecular weight natural product, in PPAR‐γ and COX‐2 signalling during gastric tumourigenesis.

Experimental approach:  Human gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, MKN45, N87 and SCM‐1) were cultured with or without honokiol. Gene and protein expressions were analysed by RT–PCR and Western blotting respectively. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for COX‐2, PPAR‐γ and 15‐LOX‐1 were used to interfere with the expressions of these genes. A xenograft gastric tumour model in mouse was used for in vivo study.

Key results:  PPAR‐γ and COX‐2 proteins were highly expressed in gastric cancer cells. Inhibitors, or siRNA for COX‐2 or PPAR‐γ, significantly decreased cell viability. Honokiol markedly inhibited PPAR‐γ and COX‐2 expressions in gastric cancer cells and tumours of xenograft mice, and induced apoptosis and cell death. Honokiol markedly activated cellular 15‐LOX‐1 expression and 13‐S‐hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (a primary product of 15‐LOX‐1 metabolism of linoleic acid) production. 15‐LOX‐1 siRNA could reverse the honokiol‐induced down‐regulation of PPAR‐γ and COX‐2, and cell apoptosis. 15‐LOX‐1 was markedly induced in tumours of xenograft mice treated with honokiol.

Conclusions and implications:  These findings suggest that induction of 15‐LOX‐1‐mediated down‐regulation of a PPAR‐γ and COX‐2 pathway by honokiol may be a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Daily Medication Use in Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Rothman Margaret R. , Kiely Dan K. , Shaffer Michele L. , Holmes Holly M. , Sachs Greg A. , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe the pattern and factors associated with daily medication use in nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Twenty‐two Boston‐area NHs.

PARTICIPANTS: NH residents with advanced dementia (N=323).

MEASUREMENTS: Data from residents' records were used to determine the number or daily medications, specific drugs prescribed, and use of drugs deemed “never appropriate” in patients with advanced dementia. Resident characteristics associated with the use of more daily medications and drugs deemed inappropriate were examined.

RESULTS: Residents were prescribed a mean of 5.9 ± 3.0 daily medications, and 37.5% received at least one medication considered “never appropriate” in advanced dementia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (15.8%) and lipid‐lowering agents (12.1%) were the most common inappropriate drugs. Twenty‐eight percent of residents took antipsychotics daily. Modest reductions in most daily medications occurred only during the last week of life. Factors independently associated with taking more daily medications included older age, male sex, non‐white race, dementia not due to Alzheimer's disease, better cognition, cardiovascular disease, acute illness, and hospice referral. Factors independently associated with greater likelihood of taking inappropriate medications included being male, shorter NH stay, better functional status, and diabetes mellitus, whereas a do‐not‐hospitalize order was associated with a lower likelihood.

CONCLUSION: Questionably beneficial medications are common in advanced dementia, even as death approaches. Several characteristics can help identify residents at risk for greater medication burden. Medication use in advanced dementia should be tailored to the goals of care.
Prevalence and Correlates of Nocturia in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Burgio Kathryn L. , Johnson II Theodore M. , Goode Patricia S. , Markland Alayne D. , Richter Holly E. , Roth David L. , Sawyer Patricia , Allman Richard M.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and correlates of nocturia in community‐dwelling older adults.

DESIGN: Planned secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging population‐based survey.

SETTING: Participants' homes.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand older adults (aged 65–106) recruited from Medicare beneficiary lists between 1999 and 2001. The sample was selected to include 25% each African‐American women, African‐American men, white women, and white men.

MEASUREMENTS: In‐person interviews included sociodemographic information, medical history, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and measurement of body mass index (BMI). Nocturia was defined in the main analyses as rising two or more times per night to void.

RESULTS: Nocturia was more common in men than women (63.2% vs 53.8%, odds ratio (OR)=1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.15–1.91, P=.003) and more common in African Americans than whites (66.3% vs 50.9%, OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.46–2.45, P<.001). In multiple backward elimination regression analysis in men, nocturia was significantly associated with African‐American race (OR=1.54) and BMI (OR=1.22 per 5 kg/m2). Higher MMSE score was protective (OR=0.96). In women, nocturia was associated with older age (OR=1.21 per 5 years), African‐American race (OR=1.64), history of any urine leakage (OR=2.17), swelling in feet and legs (OR=1.67), and hypertension (OR=1.62). Higher education was protective (OR=0.92).

CONCLUSION: Nocturia in community‐dwelling older adults is a common symptom associated with male sex, African‐American race, and some medical conditions. Given the significant morbidity associated with nocturia, any evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms should include assessment for the presence of nocturia.
Sexual Behavior Among Pre‐adolescents
Authors: Broderick Carlfred B.
Published: April 2010

It is a part of popular belief about the sexual instinct that it is absent in childhood and that it first appears in the period of life known as puberty. This, though a common error, is serious in its consequences and is chiefly due to our ignorance of the fundamental principles of the sexual life.
The New Left and American Politics After Ten Years
Authors: Flacks Richard
Published: April 2010

A participant observer interpretively sketches the nature and history of the New Left movement, from its genesis in the civil rights movement in the early 60s to its recent factional divisions, focusing primarily upon how New Left groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society have viewed their own aspirations and efforts and (to a lesser extent) those of the Old Left (here called “corporate liberals”). Particular attention is given to the significance and contributions of the two SDS documents, “The Port Huron Statement” (1962) and “America and the New Era” (1963). The paper concludes that, as a result of co‐optation and of the failure of the liberals to embrace the New Left program as a whole, the movement is now largely defunct; nevertheless, the legacy of the New Left will be historically significant.
New Left As Right: Convergent Themes of Political Discontent
Authors: Schweitzer David R. , Elden James M.
Published: April 2010

Boundaries between the New Left and the traditionalist and libertarian factions of the conventional Right are today often obscured by newly emerging issues. This study attempts to clarify some of the new meanings applied to Left and Right, based on comparative survey data from thirdparty activists of the Los Angeles Peace and Freedom County Council and major party activists of the Los Angeles Democrat and Republican County Central Committees, and on participant observation and content analysis of statements presented by representative spokesmen of the New Left and conventional Right. Three basic points of growing convergence between the two political camps are: (a) a joint attack on the increasingly centralized and bureaucratized structure of authority in government and society; (b) a growing existential theme of personal worth, human dignity, and social justice; and (c) the offering of localized and personalized solutions.
The Student Left in Puerto Rico1
Authors: Liebman Arthur
Published: April 2010

Leftist students at the University of Puerto Rico are similar to New Left students in the United States in that they are likely to have liberal or leftist fathers, to be either non‐religious or anti‐religious, to be enrolled in the Schools of Social Sciences or Humanities, and to be intelligent. Since 1956 the University Federation for Independence (FUPI), a leftist student organization, has been active on the campus. In recent years, FUPI has grown in size and political prominence, mostly due to such external factors as the Vietnam War, the draft, controversy over the island's status problem, and the student and black movements in the U.S.