bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CATO AND THE PEOPLE
Authors: VAN DER BLOM HENRIETTE
Published: December 2012

Cato the Younger is often depicted as a principled senator and a vehement defender of republican values, but how did he relate to the people of Rome? The ancient sources present a multifaceted picture of this relation and central to these descriptions are Cato's oratorical qualities as a means to communicate with the urban populace. Cato was an effective orator and aware of the various influential tactics available when addressing the crowd, but he was never the people's hero. While he would, at times, promote people-friendly tactics and ingratiate himself with the crowd, this was only a means to his ultimate end: the advancement of his own interpretation of the res publica.
How Does the Variability in Aus Rice Yield Respond to Climate Variables in Bangladesh?
Authors: Sarker Md. A. R. , Alam K. , Gow J.
Published: December 2012

In this study, the impacts of climate variables on the mean and variability in Aus variety rice yield in Bangladesh are assessed. Using the theoretical framework of the Just–Pope production function, cross‐sectional time series data on Aus rice yield and maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall at a district level over a period of 38 years are analysed for evidence of rice yield variability as a result of climate change. The findings reveal that minimum temperature and rainfall decrease Aus yield variability. However, maximum temperature appears to increase variability, which may reduce Aus rice production. Therefore, government should create an enabling environment to develop temperature‐tolerant rice varieties for Aus rice crop to ensure ongoing food security.
How Do People Described as having a Learning Disability Make Sense of Friendship?
Authors: Mason Paul , Timms Ken , Hayburn Tracey , Watters Camilla
Published: December 2012

Background

For many people with learning disabilities, friendships can be limited or restricted, with loneliness being a significant problem. Although much research has been undertaken exploring these issues, little attention has been given to what people with learning disabilities themselves have to say about friendship. The aim of this study is to explore how adults with learning disabilities make sense of ‘friendship’ and their associated experiences.

Materials and Methods

Eleven participants took part in this study. Ages ranged from between 24 and 62 years (mean = 42). All participants were interviewed on a one‐to‐one basis, with interviews following a semi‐structured format. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the interview data.

Results

Four superordinate themes were identified: the significance of friendship, the effects of friendship on well‐being, power dynamics and autonomy.

Conclusions

In the social lives of people with learning disabilities, friendships have an important role. Other relationships also have significance. Greater efforts are required to support people with learning disabilities to be able to maintain friendships and follow social pursuits of their own choosing.
Spatio‐temporal evolution of Fosterella (Bromeliaceae) in the Central Andean biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Wagner Natascha , Silvestro Daniele , Brie David , Ibisch Pierre L. , Zizka Georg , Weising Kurt , Schulte Katharina
Published: December 2012

Aim

To reconstruct the spatio‐temporal evolution of Fosterella (Bromeliaceae), a genus characterized by a high degree of endemism in the Central Andes, and to account for contemporary patterns of diversity and distribution within the genus.

Location

Fosterella has its centre of diversity in the Central Andes (24 species), where it occurs in two major biomes: the Yungas and seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF). The genus displays three major disjunctions: Amazonia (one species), Central America (one species), and the Brazilian Shield (five species).

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships within Fosterella were inferred based on six plastid DNA regions. Parsimony and likelihood methods, a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock, ancestral area reconstructions, and diversification rate analyses were used to infer the spatio‐temporal evolution of Fosterella.

Results

The origin of extant lineages of Fosterella was placed in the late Miocene (c. 9.6 Ma) during the last rapid Andean uplift. SDTF and azonal lowland sites were inferred as the most likely ancestral habitats. The Yungas were colonized several times independently from c. 4.7 Ma onwards. Only one clade diversified in the Yungas, indicative of an ecological shift to moister and cooler conditions. Two recent long‐distance dispersals to Central America and to Amazonia were inferred. Diversification rates within Fosterella were found to be constant through time and comparatively low (0.4 species Myr−1).

Main conclusions

Allopatric speciation is the main mode of diversification in Fosterella. The isolated distribution of suitable habitats fostered the evolution of a high degree of endemism. The low speciation rates in Fosterella contrast with high diversification rates of Andean high‐elevation taxa but are similar to other Andean low‐ to mid‐elevation taxa. The last rapid Andean uplift did not leave a detectable signature in the diversification rates of Fosterella.
2D numerical computation for flood flow in upper river basin with tributary inflows by using water level hydrographs observed at the main stream
Authors: Uchida T. , Fukuoka S. , Ishikawa T.
Published: December 2012

It is difficult to clarify the characteristics of flood flows in a total river system because of insufficient data for the upper river basin. Numerical analysis is an effective tool for complementing flood observation data in space and time. The objective of this study is to develop an unsteady 2D numerical analysis method for a river with tributary inflows in the upper river basin. The inflow boundary conditions of sharp discharge hydrographs from tributaries were estimated using water level hydrographs obtained from observation stations in the main stream; these stations were installed far downstream from the confluence points. This paper demonstrates that the method could be used to investigate the propagation and transformation of the discharge hydrographs from the main and tributary streams by using the sparse water level hydrographs observed in the main stream. The installation method for the water level observation stations is also discussed.
Inundation analysis of the 2009 Chikusa River flood and comparison of evacuation criteria
Authors: Fujita I. , Ito T. , Sayama T.
Published: December 2012

The Chikusa River in Hyogo Prefecture suffered from extremely heavy rains by Typhoon Number 9 (Typhoon Etau) in 2009. In the Sayo‐cho area, the inundated flood claimed more than 20 lives, many of whom were trying to evacuate from the inundated rising water. To investigate the cause of such a disaster, we paid attention to people's behaviour in two districts. In the Kuzaki district, most of the area was flooded because of a levee breach, but with no loss of life. On the other hand, the Makuyama River Basin yielded more than eight casualties. It was made clear from detailed inundation analyses and interviews with local people that the difference was caused by the previous knowledge about the flood and a sudden rise of fast‐flowing water. In addition, a new criterion of walking difficulty based on a drag force was proposed to show its superiority to the other criteria from a physical viewpoint.
A framework for long‐term scenario analysis in the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Cheng X.T. , Evans E.P. , Wu H.Y. , Thorne C.R. , Han S. , Simm J.D. , Hall J.W.
Published: December 2012

The Taihu Basin, situated on the south side of the Yangtze delta, is a large flood‐prone area that has urbanised rapidly. The risk of flooding is set to increase in future because of continued economic development and the impacts of climate change. Scenario analysis has been adopted to help understand the potential impacts of long‐term change on flood risk, including the effects of climate change and socio‐economic development, thus providing the basis for the development of sustainable flood risk management strategies. This paper describes the flooding processes in the Taihu Basin and sets out strategic questions that the scenario analysis sought to address. It provides an overview of the assessment framework adopted in the China/UK scientific cooperation project ‘China–UK Scenario Analysis Technology for River Basin Flood Risk Management in the Taihu Basin’. Further details of the component studies carried out as part of the project are given in the associated papers in this special issue.
Motor Profile and Drug Treatment of Nursing Home Residents with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Weerkamp Nico J. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Tissingh Gerrit , Poels Petra J. E. , Munneke Marten , Koopmans Raymond T. C. M. , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

To examine the clinical characteristics, motor impairments, and drug treatments of nursing home residents with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Nursing homes in the southeast of the Netherlands.

Participants

Nursing home residents with PD and a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 18 or greater seen by a physician with experience in movement disorders.

Measurements

Participant characteristics, motor function, and dopaminergic medications were assessed. The Short Parkinson's Evaluation Scale/SCales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease (SPES‐SCOPA) was used to assess motor impairments and disabilities.

Results

Seventy‐three nursing home residents with PD (mean age 78.7; 45% male; mean disease duration 10.1 years; Hoehn and Yahr 4 (38%) and 5 (49%)) were included. Most residents were severely disabled, 49% being wheelchair bound. According to the SPES‐SCOPA, 44% of residents were “off” (in a motor state in which they are slow and stiff) most of the time. Dyskinesias were encountered infrequently. Most residents were mainly treated with levodopa monotherapy, and daily doses varied widely (20–1,600 mg, mean 673 mg); 25% of residents were treated with less than 400 mg levodopa daily, and 8% received no levodopa at all. The movement disorders specialist considered 32 residents to be possibly undertreated.

Conclusion

These findings show that PD in nursing home residents is characterized by severe motor impairment and a high proportion of daily “off” time, which underscores the need for better management of PD in nursing homes, for example within specialized institutions or with periodic consultations by a movement disorders expert.
A potential method to confirm the previous existence of lawsonite in eclogite: the mass imbalance of Sr and LREEs in multistage epidote (Ganghe, Dabie UHP terrane)
Authors: Guo S. , Ye K. , Wu T. F. , Chen Y. , Yang Y. H. , Zhang L. M. , Liu J. B. , Mao Q. , Ma Y. G.
Published: December 2012

Lawsonite is an important hydrous mineral that is stable at low‐temperature (LT) and high‐ to ultrahigh‐pressure (HP–UHP) conditions in subducted slabs. The occurrence/absence of lawsonite in eclogite is a significant constraint for the construction of the metamorphic, tectonic and fluid/melt evolution histories of an HP–UHP terrane. However, lawsonite is very rarely preserved in natural eclogites, and accurate judgment of its former existence is a significant challenge for petrologists. At present, whether lawsonite has ever existed in lawsonite‐absent eclogite is mainly judged by (i) pseudomorphs after lawsonite, and (ii) phase equilibria modelling. In this study, major element and trace‐element distributions in multistage minerals were examined in the Ganghe lawsonite‐absent UHP eclogite in the Dabie UHP terrane, eastern China. This work demonstrates that the whole‐rock Sr and light rare earth elements (LREEs) are mainly dominated by epidote; other minerals (garnet, omphacite, quartz, kyanite, barroisite, phengite and accessory minerals) play a very limited role in the Sr and LREEs budgets. Two stages of epidote, which have noticeably different Sr and LREEs contents, were recognized in the eclogite: (i) Epidote porphyroblasts (Ep‐P core), which are suspected to be the pseudomorphic mineral after lawsonite, contain significantly high Sr (7200–10 300 ppm) and LREEs (160–1300 ppm for La). (ii) An earlier stage epidote (Ep‐In core) occurs as inclusions in matrix omphacite, or in omphacite inclusions in the suspected pseudomorphic minerals after lawsonite (SPMAL); this early epidote has significantly lower Sr (990–1890 ppm, average 1495 ppm, n = 17) and LREEs contents (60–110 ppm for La, average 91 ppm, n = 17). All of the existing early‐stage minerals predating the SPMAL have very low contents of Sr and LREEs, and the total amounts of these elements in the early‐stage minerals do not balance those in the SPMAL. This indicates that a missing Ca‐, Al‐, Sr‐ and LREE‐rich mineral, which was previously in equilibrium with the early‐stage minerals, likely existed in the Ganghe eclogite. On the basis of the mineral geochemistry and phase equilibria modelling, we confirm that the missing mineral cannot be anything but lawsonite. This study indicates that examining the mass (im)balance of Sr and LREEs between multistage HP–UHP epidote can be used as a potential method to confirm the previous existence of lawsonite in lawsonite‐absent eclogite.
“A Parliament of Man Become a Parliament of Women”: Performing Femininity and the State Through Mediated Civic Ritual inOntario, 1900–1940
Authors: Cairns James
Published: December 2012

This article analyses representations of bourgeois femininity in early twentieth century newspaper coverage of the ceremonial Opening of the Legislature inOntario,Canada's largest and most populous province. Building on theories that shed light upon the complex processes of material and symbolic reproduction required to reproduce “the idea of the reality of the state,” I argue that mass mediated representations of women's bodies and fashions during this key civic ritual contributed to state formation. The article demonstrates the ways in which newspaper coverage of a particular type of gendered performance reflected and reinforced an imperialist and patriarchal provincial state‐building project.
Expression of the CMV‐CP Gene in Synechocystis 6803 Affects Cyanobacterial Photosynthesis
Authors: Wang Chun‐Mei , Shi Ding‐Ji , Zhu Shui‐Fang , Yie Yin , Tien Po , Wei Ning‐Sheng
Published: December 2012

Previous work has shown that the presence of excess coat protein (CP) of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in the chloroplasts was related with mosaic symptoms. However, whether these mosaic symptoms are directly induced by the interaction between CP and chloroplasts is unknown. To directly demonstrate the interaction between CP and the chloroplast, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was used as the chloroplast model. The cDNA encoding the CMV‐CP was cloned in a cyanobacterial shuttle vector (pKT‐CP) and transferred to Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The CP was expressed in the cyanobacterium with the psbA promoter. The expression of CMV‐CP hindered the growth of transgenic cyanobacterium cells and decreased its photosynthetic rate and the PS II activity. The transgenic cells showed increased fluorescence (F) from the phycobilisome terminal emitters and increased fluorescence (F) from PS II. The absorption spectra at room temperature showed the Chl and the phycocyanin absorption peak of the mutant strain significantly decreased. These results showed that CP may directly affect the cyanobacterium cells and decreased its photosynthesis, especially the PS II activity. These data might provide new evidence for mosaic symptoms being directly induced by the interaction between CP and chloroplasts.
Polyphasic characterization of benthic cyanobacterial diversity from biofilms of the Guadarrama river (Spain): morphological, molecular, and ecological approaches1
Authors: Loza Virginia , Berrendero Esther , Perona Elvira , Mateo Pilar
Published: December 2012

The occurrence and environmental factors responsible for the distribution of benthic cyanobacteria in running waters remain largely unexplored in comparison with those of other aquatic ecosystems. In this study, combined data of ecological characteristics, molecular analysis (based on 16S rRNA gene), and direct microscopic inspection of environmental samples were analyzed in parallel with the morphological characterization of the isolated strains to investigate benthic cyanobacterial diversity in the Guadarrama river (Spain). A total of 17 species were identified that belonged to the genera Aphanocapsa, Pleurocapsa, Chroococcus, Chamaesiphon, Cyanobium, Pseudan‐abaena, Leptolyngbya, Phormidium, Nostoc, and Tolypothrix. Phenotypic features were associated with the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, complementing existing morphological and genetic databases. A decrease in the cyanobacterial diversity was observed along a pollution gradient in the river. Water quality differed among the sampling sites, and variation in nutrient content was the principal difference among locations. These characteristics were closely associated with an upstream‐downstream eutrophic gradient. Canonical correspondence analysis distinguished three groups of species with respect to the eutrophication gradient. The first group (Tolypothrix cf. tenuis, Nostoc punctiforme, Nostoc piscinale, Chamaesiphon investiens, Chroococcus minor, Leptolyngbya nostocorum, and Leptolyngbya tenuis) was characteristic of waters with low levels of nutrients. The second group (Cyanobium sp., Chamaesiphon polymorphus, Leptolyngbya boryana, Phormidium autumnale, Phormidium sp., and Aphanocapsa cf. rivularis) was characteristic of polluted waters, its members appearing mainly in great abundance under eutrophic‐hypertrophic conditions. The third group of species (Pseudanabaena catenata, Aphanocapsa muscicola, and Nostoc carneum) was present at upstream and downstream sites.
Evaluation of two decellularization methods in the development of a whole‐organ decellularized rat liver scaffold
Authors: Ren Haozhen , Shi Xiaolei , Tao Liang , Xiao Jiangqiang , Han Bing , Zhang Yue , Yuan Xianwen , Ding Yitao
Published: December 2012

Aim

Hepatic tissue engineering is considered as a possible alternative to liver transplantation for end‐stage liver disease. Several methods of decellularization of xenogeneic liver are available to produce three‐dimensional organ scaffolds for engineering liver tissues. However, rare studies have examined and compared the effectiveness of different methods on the structure and composition of intact decellularized liver extracellular matrix.

Methods

Two decellularization methods were adopted herein. Their effects on collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) content and influence to the function of hepatocytes cultured in scaffolds were examined and compared.

Results

The complete tissue decellularization was successfully achieved after treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and Triton X‐100. The total absence of nuclear structures and removal of viable cells were confirmed by haematoxylin‐eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy. Collagen was preserved after both treatments. However, the elastin content decreased to about 20% and 60%, the GAGs content decreased to about 10% and 50% and the HGF content decreased to about 20% and 60% of the native liver level after SDS and Triton X‐100 treatment respectively. The Triton X‐100‐treated scaffolds were much superior than SDS‐treated scaffolds in supporting liver‐specific function, including albumin secretion (P = 0.001), urea synthesis (P = 0.002), ammonia elimination (P = 0.007) and mRNA expression levels of drug metabolism enzymes.

Conclusion

This study suggested that liver extracellular matrix scaffolds constructed using perfusion of Triton X‐100 as described herein might provide a more effective and ideal material for the usage in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy – still a public health issue
Authors: McAree Trixie , Jacobs Benjamin , Manickavasagar Thubeena , Sivalokanathan Suganthinie , Brennan Lauren , Bassett Paul , Rainbow Sandra , Blair Mitch
Published: December 2012

The objectives of this study were to quantify the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in pregnancy, explore associated risk factors and discuss the public health implications. The study used retrospective analysis of randomly selected data. This is the first report on serum vitamin D levels in an unselected multi‐ethnic population of pregnant women collected between April 2008 and March 2009. Women with sufficient stored serum were randomly selected from among all women who delivered between April 2008 and March 2009. Serum vitamin D levels were determined using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Vitamin D levels were analysed with respect to ethnicity (marking skin tone), calendar quartile, body mass index (BMI), trimester and parity. Deficiency was defined as <25 nmol L−1, insufficiency 25–75 nmol L−1 and adequacy >75 nmol L−1. Three hundred and forty‐six women were included and represented the total population regarding skin tone, quartile, BMI, gestation and parity. Overall, 18% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15–23%] of sample women had adequate vitamin D levels; 36% were deficient, 45% insufficient. Among women with dark skin, only 8% (95% CI: 5–12%) had adequate levels compared with 43% (95% CI: 33–53%) of those with light skin. Obese women were found have significantly lower vitamin D levels than non‐obese women. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent year‐round among pregnant women in North West London, especially those with darker skin. Existing supplementation guidelines should be supported; however, other measures are required to improve status among all women.
Ryanodine Receptors, Calcium Signaling, and Regulation of Vascular Tone in The Cerebral Parenchymal Microcirculation
Authors: Dabertrand Fabrice , Nelson Mark T. , Brayden Joseph E.
Published: December 2012

The cerebral blood supply is delivered by a surface network of pial arteries and arterioles from which arise (parenchymal) arterioles that penetrate into the cortex and terminate in a rich capillary bed. The critical regulation of CBF, locally and globally, requires precise vasomotor regulation of the intracerebral microvasculature. This vascular region is anatomically unique as illustrated by the presence of astrocytic processes that envelope almost the entire basolateral surface of PAs. There are, moreover, notable functional differences between pial arteries and PAs. For example, in pial VSMCs, local calcium release events (“calcium sparks”) through ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels in SR membrane activate large conductance, calcium‐sensitive potassium channels to modulate vascular diameter. In contrast, VSMCs in PAs express functional RyR and BK channels, but under physiological conditions, these channels do not oppose pressure‐induced vasoconstriction. Here, we summarize the roles of ryanodine receptors in the parenchymal microvasculature under physiologic and pathologic conditions, and discuss their importance in the control of CBF.
The neuroinflammatory response in humans after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Smith C. , Gentleman S. M. , Leclercq P. D. , Murray L. S. , Griffin W. S. T. , Graham D. I. , Nicoll J. A. R.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An epidemiological association between head injury and long‐term cognitive decline has been described for many years and recent clinical studies have highlighted functional impairment within 12 months of a mild head injury. In addition chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a recently described condition in cases of repetitive head injury. There are shared mechanisms between traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease, and it has been hypothesized that neuroinflammation, in the form of microglial activation, may be a mechanism underlying chronic neurodegenerative processes after traumatic brain injury.

Methods

This study assessed the microglial reaction after head injury in a range of ages and survival periods, from <24‐h survival through to 47‐year survival. Immunohistochemistry for reactive microglia (CD68 and CR3/43) was performed on human autopsy brain tissue and assessed ‘blind’ by quantitative image analysis. Head injury cases were compared with age matched controls, and within the traumatic brain injury group cases with diffuse traumatic axonal injury were compared with cases without diffuse traumatic axonal injury.

Results

A major finding was a neuroinflammatory response that develops within the first week and persists for several months after traumatic brain injury, but has returned to control levels after several years. In cases with diffuse traumatic axonal injury the microglial reaction is particularly pronounced in the white matter.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that prolonged microglial activation is a feature of traumatic brain injury, but that the neuroinflammatory response returns to control levels after several years.
Treponema denticola associates with increased levels of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Yakob M , Meurman JH , Sorsa T , Söder B
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim was to assess the association between the presence of site‐specific subgingival micro‐organisms and the levels of matrix metalloproteinases‐8 and matrix metalloproteinases‐9 (MMP‐8 and MMP‐9) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Materials and Methods

The patient group consisted of 56 subjects with periodontitis and the control group of 43 subjects without periodontitis. GCF samples from four test sites for each subject were collected. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. MMP‐8 concentrations were analyzed by a time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay, and MMP‐9 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Student's unpaired t‐test, chi‐square test, and Fisher's exact P‐value were calculated.

Results

The presence of T. denticola in the test sites was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. The presence of T. forsythia and T. denticola was associated with increased levels of MMP‐8 in the test sites. Respectively, site‐specific presence of T. denticola was associated with an increase in MMP‐9 levels in three of the four test sites.

Conclusions

The presence of subgingival micro‐organisms in GCF, particularly T. denticola, appeared to induce a host response with an increased release of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 in the test sites.
Oral Syphilis: a retrospective analysis of 12 cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Leuci S , Martina S , Adamo D , Ruoppo E , Santarelli A , Sorrentino R , Favia G , Mignogna MD
Published: December 2012

Objective

To present a retrospective analysis of multicentre case series of oral syphilis and a review of relevant literature.

Subjects and Methods

A PUBMED search was carried out from 1950 to 2011. Clinical records of patients with exclusive/prevalent oral manifestations of syphilis were collected and examined in three independent hospitals.

Results

Of 23 reports describing 34 patients were detected through the review (35% primary, 56% secondary, and 9% tertiary disease), describing unspecific ulcers (59%), mucosal patches (23%), keratosis (6%), pseudomembranes (3%), and gumma (9%). Multicentre case series revealed 12 patients with oral syphilis, of which 17%, 58%, and 25% with, respectively, primary, secondary, and tertiary lesions. Clinically, patients showed white patches (17%), blistering mucositis (8%), chronic unspecific ulcers with/without skin lesions (50%), gumma (17%), and necrosis of the dorsum of the tongue (8%). Oral bullae and tongue necrosis are never described in the current review.

Conclusions

Diagnosis of syphilis remains a challenge because of the multiform and polymorphous clinical pattern at onset and its ability to imitate different diseases. It is mandatory to include syphilis in the differential diagnosis of unusual oral lesions. Diagnosis of oral lesions of syphilis is often difficult, and biopsy is required in controversial cases.
Expression of an engineered granule‐bound Escherichia coli glycogen branching enzyme in potato results in severe morphological changes in starch granules
Authors: Huang Xing‐Feng , Nazarian‐Firouzabadi Farhad , Vincken Jean‐Paul , Ji Qin , Suurs Luc C. J. M. , Visser Richard G. F. , Trindade Luisa M.
Published: December 2012

The Escherichia coli glycogen branching enzyme (GLGB) was fused to either the C‐ or N‐terminus of a starch‐binding domain (SBD) and expressed in two potato genetic backgrounds: the amylose‐free mutant (amf) and an amylose‐containing line (Kardal). Regardless of background or construct used, a large amount of GLGB/SBD fusion protein was accumulated inside the starch granules, however, without an increase in branching. The presence of GLGB/SBD fusion proteins resulted in altered morphology of the starch granules in both genetic backgrounds. In the amf genetic background, the starch granules showed both amalgamated granules and porous starch granules, whereas in Kardal background, the starch granules showed an irregular rough surface. The altered starch granules in both amf and Kardal backgrounds were visible from the initial stage of potato tuber development. High‐throughput transcriptomic analysis showed that expression of GLGB/SBD fusion protein in potato tubers did not affect the expression level of most genes directly involved in the starch biosynthesis except for the up‐regulation of a beta‐amylase gene in Kardal background. The beta‐amylase protein could be responsible for the degradation of the extra branches potentially introduced by GLGB.
Transient Repetitive Exposure to Low Level Light Therapy Enhances Collateral Blood Vessel Growth in The Ischemic Hindlimb of The Tight Skin Mouse
Authors: Zaidi Maria , Krolikowki John G. , Jones Deron W. , Pritchard Kirkwood A. , Struve Janine , Nandedkar Sandhya D. , Lohr Nicole L. , Pagel Paul S. , Weihrauch Dorothée
Published: December 2012

The tight skin mouse (Tsk−/+) is a model of scleroderma characterized by impaired vasoreactivity, increased oxidative stress, attenuated angiogenic response to VEGF and production of the angiogenesis inhibitor angiostatin. Low‐level light therapy (LLLT) stimulates angiogenesis in myocardial infarction and chemotherapy‐induced mucositis. We hypothesize that repetitive LLLT restores vessel growth in the ischemic hindlimb of Tsk−/+ mice by attenuating angiostatin and enhancing angiomotin effects in vivo. C57Bl/6J and Tsk−/+ mice underwent ligation of the femoral artery. Relative blood flow to the foot was measured using a laser Doppler imager. Tsk−/+ mice received LLLT (670 nm, 50 mW cm−2, 30 J cm−2) for 10 min per day for 14 days. Vascular density was determined using lycopersicom lectin staining. Immunofluorescent labeling, Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation were used to determine angiostatin and angiomotin expression. Recovery of blood flow to the ischemic limb was reduced in Tsk−/+ compared with C57Bl/6 mice 2 weeks after surgery. LLLT treatment of Tsk−/+ mice restored blood flow to levels observed in C57Bl/6 mice. Vascular density was decreased, angiostatin expression was enhanced and angiomotin depressed in the ischemic hindlimb of Tsk−/+ mice. LLLT treatment reversed these abnormalities. LLLT stimulates angiogenesis by increasing angiomotin and decreasing angiostatin expression in the ischemic hindlimb of Tsk−/+ mice.
Effects of the Oxygenation Level on Formation of Different Reactive Oxygen Species During Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Price Michael , Heilbrun Lance , Kessel David
Published: December 2012

We examined the effect of the oxygenation level on efficacy of two photosensitizing agents, both of which target lysosomes for photodamage, but via different photochemical pathways. Upon irradiation, the chlorin termed NPe6 forms singlet oxygen in high yield while the bacteriopheophorbide WST11 forms only oxygen radicals (in an aqueous environment). Photokilling efficacy by WST11 in cell culture was impaired when the atmospheric oxygen concentration was reduced from 20% to 1%, while photokilling by NPe6 was unaffected. Studies in a cell‐free system revealed that the rates of photobleaching of these agents, as a function of the oxygenation level, were correlated with results described above. Moreover, the rate of formation of oxygen radicals by either agent was more sensitive to the level of oxygenation than was singlet oxygen formation by NPe6. These data indicate that the photochemical process that leads to oxygen radical formation is more dependent on the oxygenation level than is the pathway leading to formation of singlet oxygen.
Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy to Probe Photoactivation in Canonical Phytochromes
Authors: Song Chen , Rohmer Thierry , Tiersch Markus , Zaanen Jan , Hughes Jon , Matysik Jörg
Published: December 2012

The photoreceptor phytochrome switches photochromically between two thermally stable states called Pr and Pfr. Here, we summarize recent solid‐state magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR work on this conversion process and interpret the functional mechanism in terms of a nano‐machine. The process is initiated by a double‐bond photoisomerization of the open‐chain tetrapyrrole chromophore at the methine bridge connecting pyrrole rings C and D. The Pr‐state chromophore and its surrounding pocket in canonical cyanobacterial and plant phytochromes has significantly less order, tends to form isoforms and is soft. Conversely, Pfr shows significantly harder chromophore–protein interactions, a well‐defined protonic and charge distribution with a clear classical counterion for the positively charged tetrapyrrole system. The soft‐to‐hard/disorder‐to‐order transition involves the chromophore and its protein surroundings within a sphere of at least 5.5 Å. The relevance of this collective event for signaling is discussed. Measurement of the intermediates during the Pfr → Pr back‐reaction provides insight into the well‐adjusted mechanics of a two‐step transformation. As both Pr → Pfr and Pfr → Pr reaction pathways are different in ground and excited states, a photochemically controlled hyper‐landscape is proposed allowing for ratchet‐type reaction dynamics regulating signaling activity.
Immunomodulatory effects of helminths and protozoa in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Hasseldam H. , Hansen C. S. , Johansen F. F.
Published: December 2012

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory CNS disease, which affects about 1 in 1000 individuals in the western world. During the last couple of decades, epidemiological data have accumulated, pointing towards increases in incidence. This has been suggested to be linked to the relatively high hygiene standards that exist in the western world, with reduced exposure to various pathogens, including parasites, as a consequence. Parasites are known to employ various immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory strategies, which enable them to evade destruction by the immune system. This is most likely one of the reasons for the disease‐dampening effects, reported in numerous studies investigating parasite infections and autoimmunity. This review will focus on recent advances in the field of parasites as beneficial immunomodulators, in multiple sclerosis and the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Plasma Concentrations of Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoproteins Measured Using Anti‐Bovine PAG‐2 Antibodies on Day 120 of Gestation Predict Abortion in Dairy Cows Naturally Infected with Neospora caninum
Authors: García‐Ispierto I , Almería S , Serrano B , de Sousa NM , Beckers JF , López‐Gatius F
Published: December 2012

Contents

The present study sought to determine: (i) the effects of Neospora caninum infection and twin pregnancy on plasma pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein‐2 (PAG‐2) concentrations throughout pregnancy and (ii) whether plasma PAG‐2 concentrations could predict abortion in N. caninum‐infected cows. The study was performed on a commercial Holstein‐Friesian dairy herd in northeastern Spain and the final data included those recorded in 53 non‐aborting and 19 aborting animals. Blood samples were collected immediately before pregnancy diagnosis (on Days 40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 post‐insemination) in non‐aborting cows or until the time of abortion detection in aborting cows. General lineal models (GLM) repeated measures anova revealed the different behaviour of PAG‐1 and PAG‐2, and significant effects of Neospora seropositivity, cool season and twin pregnancy on plasma PAG‐2 concentrations throughout gestation (between‐subject effects). In addition, based on the odds ratios, the likelihood of abortion increased in Neospora‐seropositive cows (by a factor of 7.0) compared to seronegative animals and decreased in cows with a high plasma PAG‐2 concentration (>4.5 ng/ml) on Day 120 of pregnancy (by a factor of 0.24), compared to the remaining cows. In conclusion, there is a relationship between plasma PAG‐2 concentrations and the risk of abortion in Neospora‐infected dairy cows. Thus, plasma PAG concentrations measured using anti‐boPAG‐2 antiserum on Day 120 of gestation could serve as an indicator of the abortion risk in N. caninum infected animals; values <4.5 ng/ml indicating a high risk of abortion in chronically infected animals.
Romanian Cinematic Nationhood
Authors: Andreescu Florentina C.
Published: December 2012

This article analyses the way the concept of nation is reflected in film using the theory of cinematic nationhood and the method of relational constructivism. More specifically, it looks at how the nation can be legitimised when it occupies a strategic position within the national structure of fantasy and when it is closely associated with the most relevant commonplaces present within the social space. The article further investigates the situation in which the concept of nation loses legitimacy because of a change in the way it is imagined. The research addresses the case of Romania, choosing three films representing three distinct periods and characterised by different forms of political and economic organisation: communism, transition, and post‐transition.
Language and Conflict: The Political History of Arabisation in Sudan and Algeria
Authors: Sharkey Heather J.
Published: December 2012

Upon decolonisation, nationalist leaders in two North African countries, Algeria and Sudan, promoted a policy called Arabisation (ta'rib), which sought to impose standard literary Arabic at the expense of English (in Sudan), French (in Algeria), and other local languages (in both places). This language policy reflected the worldview of Muslim leaders, who hoped to break from the colonial past and start afresh while forging alliances with Arab Islamic states. Arabisation succeeded in expanding the use of literary Arabic in Sudanese and Algerian government bureaus as well as in schools and universities. However, in some circles it helped to stimulate oppositional identities that rejected pan‐Arabism as a focal point for national pride and that challenged the cultural foundations of national cohesion. Taking a comparative approach, this study argues that Arabic language policy in Algeria and Sudan featured strongly in postcolonial nationalism and civil conflict. It concludes by considering the status of language cultures and policies today in Algeria, the Republic of the Sudan, and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan, and contends that state‐led efforts at ‘language rationalisation’ have not eliminated multilingualism in practice.
Differences in tendon properties in elite badminton players with or without patellar tendinopathy
Authors: Couppé C. , Kongsgaard M. , Aagaard P. , Vinther A. , Boesen M. , Kjær M. , Magnusson S. P.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the structural and mechanical properties of the patellar tendon in elite male badminton players with and without patellar tendinopathy. Seven players with unilateral patellar tendinopathy (PT group) on the lead extremity (used for forward lunge) and nine players with no current or previous patellar tendinopathy (CT group) were included. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess distal patellar tendon dimensions. Patellar tendon mechanical properties were assessed using simultaneous tendon force and deformation measurements. Distal tendon cross‐sectional area (CSA) normalized for body weight (mm2/kg2/3) was lower in the PT group compared with the CT group on both the non‐lead extremity (6.1 ± 0.3 vs 7.4 ± 0.2, P < 0.05) and the lead extremity (6.5 ± 0.6 vs 8.4 ± 0.3, P < 0.05). Distal tendon stress was higher in the PT group compared with the CT group for both the non‐lead extremity (31 ± 1 vs 27 ± 1 MPa, P < 0.05) and the lead extremity (32 ± 3 vs 21 ± 3 MPa, P < 0.01). Conclusively, the PT group had smaller distal patellar tendon CSA on both the injured (lead extremity) and the uninjured side (non‐lead extremity) compared with the CT group. Subsequently, the smaller CSA yielded a greater distal patellar tendon stress in the PT group. Therefore, a small tendon CSA may predispose to the development of tendinopathy.
Potassium transport in developing fleshy fruits: the grapevine inward K+ channel VvK1.2 is activated by CIPK–CBL complexes and induced in ripening berry flesh cells
Authors: Cuéllar Teresa , Azeem Farrukh , Andrianteranagna Mamy , Pascaud François , Verdeil Jean‐Luc , Sentenac Hervé , Zimmermann Sabine , Gaillard Isabelle
Published: December 2012

The grape berry provides a model for investigating the physiology of non‐climacteric fruits. Increased K+ accumulation in the berry has a strong negative impact on fruit acidity (and quality). In maturing berries, we identified a K+ channel from the Shaker family, VvK1.2, and two CBL‐interacting protein kinase (CIPK)/calcineurin B‐like calcium sensor (CBL) pairs, VvCIPK04–VvCBL01 and VvCIPK03–VvCBL02, that may control the activity of this channel. VvCBL01 and VvCIPK04 are homologues of Arabidopsis AtCBL1 and AtCIPK23, respectively, which form a complex that controls the activity of the Shaker K+ channel AKT1 in Arabidopsis roots. VvK1.2 remained electrically silent when expressed alone in Xenopus oocytes, but gave rise to K+ currents when co‐expressed with the pairs VvCIPK03–VvCBL02 or VvCIPK04–VvCBL01, the second pair inducing much larger currents than the first one. Other tested CIPK–CBL pairs expressed in maturing berries were found to be unable to activate VvK1.2. When activated by its CIPK–CBL partners, VvK1.2 acts as a voltage‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel that is activated at voltages more negative than –100 mV and is stimulated upon external acidification. This channel is specifically expressed in the berry, where it displays a very strong induction at veraison (the inception of ripening) in flesh cells, phloem tissues and perivascular cells surrounding vascular bundles. Its expression in these tissues is further greatly increased upon mild drought stress. VvK1.2 is thus likely to mediate rapid K+ transport in the berry and to contribute to the extensive re‐organization of the translocation pathways and transport mechanisms that occurs at veraison.
Fungal polymerase chain reaction testing in equine ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Zeiss Caroline , Neaderland Marjorie , Yang Fu‐Chen , Terwilliger Gordon , Compton Susan
Published: December 2012

Objective

To assess the diagnostic utility of fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in forty‐three horses with naturally acquired corneal ulcers presenting to a private practice.

Methods

Routine evaluation of cytologic, histologic, and microbiologic samples was performed. Two PCR approaches were compared – generic and specific fungal nested PCR followed by sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR). PCRs were applied to pure control fungal cultures, corneal tissue from ulcerated eyes and in a subset of 9 horses, to swabs from contralateral normal eyes.

Results

The expected fungus was identified by nested PCR andqPCRin all control fungal cultures. In all fungal culture–positive affected eyes (10/43), one or more fungi were identified by nested PCR and 4/10 were positive byqPCR. In 6/10 animals, the same fungus was identified by nested PCR and culture. Of these 6, only three were positive byqPCR. Fungal agents were identified by morphology in 8/10 horses. Diagnosis of fungal keratitis was reserved for only those cases in which the same fungus could be identified by PCR, culture, and morphology (5 horses). In 33/43 culture‐negative affected eyes and in 6/9 unaffected eyes, one or more fungi were identified by nested PCR in 26 samples and byqPCRin 2 samples. Apart fromAspergillusspp, similar fungi were identified in affected and control eyes. Most eyes harbored mixed bacterial and fungal agents.

Conclusions

Nested PCR results confirmed all cytologically positive cases of fungal keratitis. Nested PCR identified a greater spectrum of agents than either culture orqPCR.
The development of peripheral fatigue and short‐term recovery during self‐paced high‐intensity exercise
Authors: Froyd Christian , Millet Guillaume Y. , Noakes Timothy D.
Published: December 2012

Key points

In this study we describe the time course of fatigue development during and after an intense bout of self‐paced, high‐intensity dynamic exercise using various electrical stimulation parameters to assess neuromuscular function (NMF) changes.

Most of the decrease in muscle function occurs within the first 40% of the exercise bout, and substantial recovery in muscle function occurs within 1–2 min after exercise termination.

Decreases in muscle function varied greatly with different methods of stimulation, suggesting that the extent to which muscle fatigue is documented during exercise depends upon NMF assessment methodology.

Measurements of muscle function must be performed as soon as possible after exercise termination, and previous studies may have underestimated the extent to which muscle fatigue develops during exercise.

Abstract  The time course of muscular fatigue that develops during and after an intense bout of self‐paced dynamic exercise was characterized by using different forms of electrical stimulation (ES) of the exercising muscles. Ten active subjects performed a time trial (TT) involving repetitive concentric extension/flexion of the right knee using a Biodex dynamometer. Neuromuscular function (NMF), including ES and a 5 s maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), was assessed before the start of the TT and immediately (<5 s) after each 20% of the TT had been completed, as well as 1, 2, 4 and 8 min after TT termination. The TT time was 347 ± 98 s. MVCs were 52% of baseline values at TT termination. Torque responses from ES were reduced to 33–68% of baseline using different methods of stimulation, suggesting that the extent to which peripheral fatigue is documented during exercise depends upon NMF assessment methodology. The major changes in muscle function occurred within the first 40% of exercise. Significant recovery in skeletal muscle function occurs within the first 1–2 min after exercise, showing that previous studies may have underestimated the extent to which peripheral fatigue develops during exercise.