bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring memory monitoring with judgements of retention (JORs)
Authors: Tauber Sarah K. , Rhodes Matthew G.
Published: April 2012

Most prior research has examined predictions of future memory performance by eliciting judgements of learning (JOLs). In six experiments, we explored monitoring with an alternative prospective measure. Specifically, participants made judgements of retention (JORs) predicting how long (in min) they would be able to remember information. Results revealed that participants provided relatively short predictions of how long they would remember information. Further, participants' JORs were sensitive to recall performance as well as manipulations that influenced memory performance indicating that they were able to effectively monitor learning using JORs. JORs influenced study decisions as well, with participants selecting more items for restudy following JORs than following JOLs or no monitoring judgement. However, restudy selection did not vary between a JOR and a JOL condition framed in terms of forgetting. Thus, we suggest that, much like forget-framed JOLs, JORs may bring different information—such as memory failure—to mind. In all, the inferential mechanisms underlying metacognitive monitoring with JOLs extends to monitoring when measured with JORs. Assessing monitoring with JORs provides information not available with JOLs (i.e., memory duration estimates) and a different basis for study decisions from remember-framed JOLs.
“Object Categorization: Reversals and Explanations of the Basic-Level Advantage” (Rogers & Patterson, 2007): A simplicity account
Authors: Close James , Pothos Emmanuel M.
Published: April 2012

T. T. Rogers and K. Patterson (2007), in their article “Object Categorization: Reversals and Explanations of the Basic-Level Advantage” ( Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136, 451–469), reported an impressive set of results demonstrating a reversal of the highly robust basic-level advantage both in patients with semantic dementia and in healthy individuals engaged in a speeded categorization task. To explain their results, as well as the usual basic-level advantage seen in healthy individuals, the authors employed a parallel distributed processing theory of conceptual knowledge. In this paper, we introduce an alternative way of explaining the results of Rogers and Patterson, which is premised on a more restricted set of assumptions born from standard categorization theory. Specifically, we provide evidence that their results can be accounted for based on the predictions of the simplicity model of unsupervised categorization.
Word regularity affects orthographic learning
Authors: Wang Hua-Chen , Castles Anne , Nickels Lyndsey
Published: April 2012

Share's self-teaching hypothesis proposes that orthographic representations are acquired via phonological decoding. A key, yet untested, prediction of this theory is that there should be an effect of word regularity on the number and quality of word-specific orthographic representations that children acquire. Thirty-four Grade 2 children were exposed to the sound and meaning of eight novel words and were then presented with those words in written form in short stories. Half the words were assigned regular pronunciations and half irregular pronunciations. Lexical decision and spelling tasks conducted 10 days later revealed that the children's orthographic representations of the regular words appeared to be stronger and more extensive than those of the irregular words.
Left–right holistic integration of human bodies
Authors: Robbins Rachel A. , Coltheart Max
Published: April 2012

Holistic integration of faces has been widely studied. More recently, investigations have explored whether similar processing is used for human bodies. Here we show that holistic processing, as measured by the composite task, does occur for bodies but is stronger for left and right halves than for top and bottom halves. We also found composite effects for left–right halves of inverted bodies. Standard composite effects were found for top halves of faces, tested as a control. We argue that our results suggest that holistic processing of faces and bodies might not exclusively occur for identification, but instead may also have evolved to aid communication and/or decisions about mate choice (through judging symmetry).
Canonical word order and interference-based integration costs during sentence comprehension: The case of Spanish subject- and object-relative clauses
Authors: del Río David , López-Higes Ramón , Martín-Aragoneses MaríaTeresa
Published: April 2012

Object-relative clauses are generally harder to process than subject-relative clauses. Increased processing costs for object-relatives have been attributed either to working memory demands for the establishment of long-distance dependencies or to difficulties processing unexpected, noncanonical structures. The current study uses self-paced reading to contrast the impact of both kinds of factors in Spanish object-relative clauses, manipulating the interposition of the subject of the relative clause between object and verb. In addition, object-relatives were unambiguously marked at their onset with the Spanish preposition “ a”. Reading times increased at the onset and final regions of object-relative clauses, regardless of interference-based working memory costs, although interference costs may affect the processing of post-relative-clause regions. These results suggest that, beyond interference-related working memory costs, end-of-clause integration processes may be affected by a preference for canonical structures, thus increasing processing difficulties when confronted with a noncanonical form.
Gender differences on the semantic flanker task using transposed-letter target words
Authors: Judge Jeannie , Taylor Paul J.
Published: April 2012

Previous research has demonstrated that men and women are differentially influenced by irrelevant distractors. Other lines of evidence have suggested that increasing the perceptual load of a task reduces distractor interference for participants generally. The present study examined these effects using a semantic version of the flanker task; participants made speeded responses to category target words that were flanked by irrelevant distractors. The response mapping between the target and flanker words was either congruent (mapped to the same motor response) or incongruent (target word mapped to a different motor response to that of the flankers). Target words were presented either normally (e.g., table: low perceptual load) or with the beginning letters transposed (e.g., atble: high perceptual load). The results revealed that women showed a larger congruency effect than men but this was not due to greater interference on incongruent trials. While men and women made faster responses to normal than to transposed target words, this was similar in magnitude. The magnitude of the flanker effect for normal and transposed target words was significantly correlated in men but not in women. These findings are consistent with the view that women may process target words to a deeper level than men and therefore may engage in more conflict monitoring then men.
Complexity of miRNA-dependent regulation in root symbiosis
Authors: Bazin Jérémie , Bustos-Sanmamed Pilar , Hartmann Caroline , Lelandais-Brière Christine , Crespi Martin
Published: April 2012

The development of root systems may be strongly affected by the symbiotic interactions that plants establish with soil organisms. Legumes are able to develop symbiotic relationships with both rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi leading to the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules and mycorrhizal arbuscules, respectively. Both of these symbiotic interactions involve complex cellular reprogramming and profound morphological and physiological changes in specific root cells. In addition, the repression of pathogenic defence responses seems to be required for successful symbiotic interactions. Apart from typical regulatory genes, such as transcription factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as riboregulators that control gene networks in eukaryotic cells through interactions with specific target mRNAs. In recent years, the availability of deep-sequencing technologies and the development of
in silico
approaches have allowed for the identification of large sets of miRNAs and their targets in legumes
.
A number of conserved and legume-specific miRNAs were found to be associated with symbiotic interactions as shown by their expression patterns or actions on symbiosis-related targets. In this review, we combine data from recent literature and genomic and deep-sequencing data on miRNAs controlling nodule development or restricting defence reactions to address the diversity and specificity of miRNA-dependent regulation in legume root symbiosis. Phylogenetic analysis of miRNA isoforms and their potential targets suggests a role for miRNAs in the repression of plant defence during symbiosis and revealed the evolution of miRNA-dependent regulation in legumes to allow for the modification of root cell specification, such as the formation of mycorrhized roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules.
Development of real-time radioisotope imaging systems for plant nutrient uptake studies
Authors: Kanno Satomi , Yamawaki Masato , Ishibashi Hiroki , Kobayashi Natsuko I. , Hirose Atsushi , Tanoi Keitaro , Nussaume Laurent , Nakanishi Tomoko M.
Published: April 2012

Ionic nutrition is essential for plant development. Many techniques have been developed to image and (or) measure ionic movement in plants. Nevertheless, most of them are destructive and limit the analysis. Here, we present the development of radioisotope imaging techniques that overcome such restrictions and allow for real-time imaging of ionic movement. The first system, called macroimaging, was developed to visualize and measure ion uptake and translocation between organs at a whole-plant scale. Such a device is fully compatible with illumination of the sample. We also modified fluorescent microscopes to set up various solutions for ion uptake analysis at the microscopic level. Both systems allow numerical analysis of images and possess a wide dynamic range of detection because they are based on radioactivity.
Early development and gravitropic response of lateral roots inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Guyomarc'h S. , Léran S. , Auzon-Cape M. , Perrine-Walker F. , Lucas M. , Laplaze L.
Published: April 2012

Root system architecture plays an important role in determining nutrient and water acquisition and is modulated by endogenous and environmental factors, resulting in considerable developmental plasticity. The orientation of primary root growth in response to gravity (gravitropism) has been studied extensively, but little is known about the behaviour of lateral roots in response to this signal. Here, we analysed the response of lateral roots to gravity and, consistently with previous observations, we showed that gravitropism was acquired slowly after emergence. Using a lateral root induction system, we studied the kinetics for the appearance of statoliths, phloem connections and auxin transporter gene expression patterns. We found that statoliths could not be detected until 1 day after emergence, whereas the gravitropic curvature of the lateral root started earlier. Auxin transporters modulate auxin distribution in primary root gravitropism. We found differences regarding PIN3 and AUX1 expression patterns between the lateral root and the primary root apices. Especially PIN3, which is involved in primary root gravitropism, was not expressed in the lateral root columella. Our work revealed new developmental transitions occurring in lateral roots after emergence, and auxin transporter expression patterns that might explain the specific response of lateral roots to gravity.
Genetic approach towards the identification of auxin–cytokinin crosstalk components involved in root development
Authors: Bielach Agnieszka , Duclercq Jérôme , Marhavý Peter , Benková Eva
Published: April 2012

Phytohormones are important plant growth regulators that control many developmental processes, such as cell division, cell differentiation, organogenesis and morphogenesis. They regulate a multitude of apparently unrelated physiological processes, often with overlapping roles, and they mutually modulate their effects. These features imply important synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the various plant hormones. Auxin and cytokinin are central hormones involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, including processes determining root architecture, such as root pole establishment during early embryogenesis, root meristem maintenance and lateral root organogenesis. Thus, to control root development both pathways put special demands on the mechanisms that balance their activities and mediate their interactions. Here, we summarize recent knowledge on the role of auxin and cytokinin in the regulation of root architecture with special focus on lateral root organogenesis, discuss the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms of their interactions, and present forward genetic screen as a tool to identify novel molecular components of the auxin and cytokinin crosstalk.
Root system architecture: insights fromArabidopsisand cereal crops
Authors: Smith Stephanie , De Smet Ive
Published: April 2012

Roots are important to plants for a wide variety of processes, including nutrient and water uptake, anchoring and mechanical support, storage functions, and as the major interface between the plant and various biotic and abiotic factors in the soil environment. Understanding the development and architecture of roots holds potential for the exploitation and manipulation of root characteristics to both increase food plant yield and optimize agricultural land use. This theme issue highlights the importance of investigating specific aspects of root architecture in both the model plantArabidopsis thalianaand (cereal) crops, presents novel insights into elements that are currently hardly addressed and provides new tools and technologies to study various aspects of root system architecture. This introduction gives a broad overview of the importance of the root system and provides a snapshot of the molecular control mechanisms associated with root branching and responses to the environment inA. thalianaand cereal crops.
Natural genetic variation of root system architecture from
Arabidopsis
to
Brachypodium
: towards adaptive value
Authors: Pacheco-Villalobos David , Hardtke Christian S.
Published: April 2012

Root system architecture is a trait that displays considerable plasticity because of its sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Nevertheless, to a significant degree it is genetically constrained as suggested by surveys of its natural genetic variation. A few regulators of root system architecture have been isolated as quantitative trait loci through the natural variation approach in the dicotyledon model,
Arabidopsis
. This provides proof of principle that allelic variation for root system architecture traits exists, is genetically tractable, and might be exploited for crop breeding. Beyond
Arabidopsis
,
Brachypodium
could serve as both a credible and experimentally accessible model for root system architecture variation in monocotyledons, as suggested by first glimpses of the different root morphologies of
Brachypodium
accessions. Whether a direct knowledge transfer gained from molecular model system studies will work in practice remains unclear however, because of a lack of comprehensive understanding of root system physiology in the native context. For instance, apart from a few notable exceptions, the adaptive value of genetic variation in root system modulators is unknown. Future studies should thus aim at comprehensive characterization of the role of genetic players in root system architecture variation by taking into account the native environmental conditions, in particular soil characteristics.
Phloem-associated auxin response maxima determine radial positioning of lateral roots in maize
Authors: Jansen Leentje , Roberts Ianto , De Rycke Riet , Beeckman Tom
Published: April 2012

InArabidopsis thaliana, lateral-root-forming competence of pericycle cells is associated with their position at the xylem poles and depends on the establishment of protoxylem-localized auxin response maxima. In maize, our histological analyses revealed an interruption of the pericycle at the xylem poles, and confirmed the earlier reported proto-phloem-specific lateral root initiation. Phloem-pole pericycle cells were larger and had thinner cell walls compared with the other pericycle cells, highlighting the heterogeneous character of the maize root pericycle. A maize DR5::RFP marker line demonstrated the presence of auxin response maxima in differentiating xylem cells at the root tip and in cells surrounding the proto-phloem vessels. Chemical inhibition of auxin transport indicated that the establishment of the phloem-localized auxin response maxima is crucial for lateral root formation in maize, because in their absence, random divisions of pericycle and endodermis cells occurred, not resulting in organogenesis. These data hint at an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, in which the establishment of vascular auxin response maxima is required to trigger cells in the flanking outer tissue layer for lateral root initiation. It further indicates that lateral root initiation is not dependent on cellular specification or differentiation of the type of vascular tissue.
Repression of early lateral root initiation events by transient water deficit in barley and maize
Authors: Babé Aurélie , Lavigne Tristan , Séverin Jean-Philippe , Nagel Kerstin A. , Walter Achim , Chaumont François , Batoko Henri , Beeckman Tom , Draye Xavier
Published: April 2012

The formation of lateral roots (LRs) is a key driver of root system architecture and developmental plasticity. The first stage of LR formation, which leads to the acquisition of founder cell identity in the pericycle, is the primary determinant of root branching patterns. The fact that initiation events occur asynchronously in a very small number of cells inside the parent root has been a major difficulty in the study of the molecular regulation of branching patterns. Inducible systems that trigger synchronous lateral formation at predictable sites have proven extremely valuable inArabidopsisto decipher the first steps of LR formation. Here, we present a LR repression system for cereals that relies on a transient water-deficit treatment, which blocks LR initiation before the first formative divisions. Using a time-lapse approach, we analysed the dynamics of this repression along growing roots and were able to show that it targets a very narrow developmental window of the initiation process. Interestingly, the repression can be exploited to obtain negative control root samples where LR initiation is absent. This system could be instrumental in the analysis of the molecular basis of drought-responsive as well as intrinsic pathways of LR formation in cereals.
New roots for agriculture: exploiting the root phenome
Authors: Lynch Jonathan P. , Brown Kathleen M.
Published: April 2012

Recent advances in root biology are making it possible to genetically design root systems with enhanced soil exploration and resource capture. These cultivars would have substantial value for improving food security in developing nations, where yields are limited by drought and low soil fertility, and would enhance the sustainability of intensive agriculture. Many of the phenes controlling soil resource capture are related to root architecture. We propose that a better understanding of the root phenome is needed to effectively translate genetic advances into improved crop cultivars. Elementary, unique root phenes need to be identified. We need to understand the ‘fitness landscape’ for these phenes: how they affect crop performance in an array of environments and phenotypes. Finally, we need to develop methods to measure phene expression rapidly and economically without artefacts. These challenges, especially mapping the fitness landscape, are non-trivial, and may warrant new research and training modalities.
Recovering the dynamics of root growth and development using novel image acquisition and analysis methods
Authors: Wells Darren M. , French Andrew P. , Naeem Asad , Ishaq Omer , Traini Richard , Hijazi Hussein , Bennett Malcolm J. , Pridmore Tony P.
Published: April 2012

Roots are highly responsive to environmental signals encountered in the rhizosphere, such as nutrients, mechanical resistance and gravity. As a result, root growth and development is very plastic. If this complex and vital process is to be understood, methods and tools are required to capture the dynamics of root responses. Tools are needed which are high-throughput, supporting large-scale experimental work, and provide accurate, high-resolution, quantitative data. We describe and demonstrate the efficacy of the high-throughput and high-resolution root imaging systems recently developed within the Centre for Plant Integrative Biology (CPIB). This toolset includes (i) robotic imaging hardware to generate time-lapse datasets from standard cameras under infrared illumination and (ii) automated image analysis methods and software to extract quantitative information about root growth and development both from these images and via high-resolution light microscopy. These methods are demonstrated using data gathered during an experimental study of the gravitropic response of
Arabidopsis thaliana
.
Chlorido(4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine)(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)ruthenium(II) perchlorate acetonitrile disolvate and aqua(4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine)(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)ruthenium(II) bis(perchlorate) dihydrate
Authors: Vera Daniela B. , Osa Codesido Nicolás , De Candia Ariel G. , Alborés Pablo , Slep Leonardo D.
Published: April 2012

The title complexes, [RuCl(C9H21N3)(C12H12N2O2)]ClO4·2C2H3N, (I), and [Ru(C9H21N3)(C12H12N2O2)(H2O)](ClO4)2·2H2O, (II), display similar structures with the Ru atom in a distorted octahedral environment. In the crystal packing of the chloride complex, (I), the Ru complex molecules are held together in pairs through C—H...Cl interactions of the 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine and chloride ligands. In the case of the aqua complex, (II), hydrogen bonding affords a tetrameric hydrogen-bonded network. These two structures are the first examples of complexes with the {Ru(1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)} motif and an electron-rich substituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligand.
‘Youth is Present Only When Its Presence is a Problem’: Voices of Young People on Discipline in School
Authors: McCluskey Gillean
Published: April 2012

Discipline in schools is a topic of enduring public interest and concern. This article reviews findings from three recent research studies, which gathered views of young people on this issue in mainstream, alternative and special school settings. It reveals the confusion and frustration of students seeking to contribute to the debate, often on aspects that affect them directly and significantly. Their reflections are contextualised within a discussion of different conceptualisations of discipline, and from there, it is argued that, by strengthening the voice, power and presence of young people in dialogue on this key issue, the debate itself will be more relevant and well‐focused.
Association of XPC polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinical outcome to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Yang Xiuli , Liu Duo , Wu Huizhe , Kang Hui , Pang Hao , Huang Desheng , Sha Xianzheng , Wang Enhua , Wang Zhe , Wei Minjie
Published: April 2012

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relation between xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) polymorphisms and susceptibility to breast cancer (BC), the development and progression of disease, and response to different individualized drug treatments. We investigated two polymorphisms in XPC Ala499Val and Lys939Gln using PCR‐RFLP assays including 618 cases and 622 controls. The frequency of the TT genotype of Ala499Val (adjusted odds ratio = 1.575; 95% confidence interval, 1.104–2.245; P = 0.012) and the AC genotype of Lys939Gln (adjusted odds ratio = 1.330; 95% confidence interval, 1.045–1.694; P = 0.020) were found to significantly increase the risk of developing BC. The CT+TT genotypes of Ala499Val were associated with estrogen receptor positive, and Her‐2 and p53 negative status, and the AC+CC genotypes of Lys939Gln were associated with BRCA1 negative status. Moreover, a significantly increased chance of treatment with neoadjuvant anthracycline‐based chemotherapy response was found in women carrying TT genotype of Ala499Val, or CC and AC genotypes of Lys939Gln. In addition, a significantly longer overall survival after chemotherapy was observed in patients who had XPC Lys939Gln AC+CC genotypes with estrogen receptor positive (log–rank test, P = 0.086) and p53 negative (log–rank test, P = 0.020). The current data suggested that XPC Ala499Val and Lys939Gln polymorphisms may contribute to the identification of patients with increased risk for BC. Moreover, the polymorphisms were associated with the prognosis of BC patients. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1207–1214)
Efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in Crohn's disease: a single centre study
Authors: Zorzi F. , Zuzzi S. , Onali S. , Calabrese E. , Condino G. , Petruzziello C. , Ascolani M. , Pallone F. , Biancone L.
Published: April 2012

Background

Infliximab and adalimumab are highly effective in Crohn's Disease (CD). This is supported by clinical trials and open‐label studies using either infliximab or adalimumab, thus not allowing a proper comparison between these anti‐TNFs in CD.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab and adalimumab in active CD.

Methods

In a longitudinal study, CD patients with indication for anti‐TNFs were treated with infliximab or adalimumab.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were treated with infliximab (n = 44) or adalimumab (n = 49). In the infliximab group, the induction was completed by 77.3% of patients, due to no response (n = 2), delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) or infusion reactions (n = 8). Maintenance with infliximab was completed by 60% of patients, due to clinical worsening or loss of efficacy (n = 5), DHR or infusion reactions (n = 5). In the adalimumab group, all patients completed the induction, while maintenance was completed by 67% of patients, due to clinical worsening or loss of efficacy (n = 8), DHR (n = 1), other causes (n = 7). In both groups, the CDAI significantly reduced at baseline vs. each visit (P < 0.04). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis performed to evaluate the risk of steroid‐free remission in patients treated with infliximab vs. adalimumab detected no differences (log‐rank test P = 0.4). Cox proportional‐hazards regression identified two predictors of steroid‐free remission using anti‐TNFs: no smokers [HR = 2.94 (1.52–5.70), P = 0.001] and non stricturing non penetrating behaviour [HR = 3.116 (1.06–9.13), P = 0.03826].

Conclusions

Infliximab and adalimumab showed a similar efficacy. No smoking and non‐stricturing non‐penetrating behaviour were predictors of steroid‐free remission.
Non‐Luer connectors: are we nearly there yet?
Authors: Cook T. M.
Published: April 2012

The Department of Health aims to eliminate the use of devices with a Luer connector firstly from ‘single shot’ neuraxial procedures (April 2012) and subsequently from all neuraxial and regional anaesthesia procedures (April 2013). This initiative is important for all anaesthetists, oncologists, paediatricians and neurologists. Once achieved, non‐Luer connectors for neuraxial procedures will create one more barrier to wrong‐route errors. The period until full implementation and market stability remains problematic. Avoidance of unintended consequences requires professional and individual attention to detail. Considerable progress has been made by manufacturers in the last year in improving the quality and range of equipment available, but despite this not all the necessary equipment is available and there remains a lack of independent evaluation, which is urgently needed to enable clinicians to judge the absolute and relative performance of different connectors. Initial evaluation of devices with new connectors can (and should) take place in a laboratory with rigs and manikins, with patient‐based evaluation following after the results of the technical and usability evaluations are available. A structured evaluation of all five current connectors is urgently needed. Non‐Luer connectors, however successful, will not create barriers to several type of wrong‐route error and solutions to these should also be actively sought. It is clear that the initiative has been more complex than the Health Select Committee, the National Patient Safety Agency and the External Reference Group anticipated, but while there is still much work to be done, we should acknowledge that much progress has been made.
Emergency capnography monitoring: comparing ergonomic design of intensive care unit ventilator interfaces and specific training of staff in reducing time to activation
Authors: Hodges E. , Griffiths A. , Richardson J. , Blunt M. , Young P.
Published: April 2012

Modern ventilators provide capnography monitoring in patients with tracheal tubes, in compliance with national and international recommendations. This technology is often not used when patients’ lungs are non‐invasively ventilated; however, it should be accessed immediately following tracheal intubation to confirm tube placement. This study assessed the effect of ventilation interface design on the speed with which capnography can be activated by comparing the Dräger Evita 4 and Dräger V500 before and after a specific training episode. We configured the V500 to have a capnography activation button on the front screen in contrast to the Evita 4 which requires a sequence of actions to access capnography monitoring. We used a randomised crossover design, measuring time to monitoring activation, and repeated the study after 3 months. Survival analysis showed significantly quicker activation associated with ventilator choice (V500, p < 0.0001) and training (p = 0.0058). The training improved activation speed with both machines, though this was only significant for the Evita 4 (p = 0.0097).
Late‐onset familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus due to a novel mutation in the AVP gene
Authors: Jendle Johan , Christensen Jane H. , Kvistgaard Helene , Gregersen Niels , Rittig Søren
Published: April 2012

Objective

Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is mainly an autosomal dominant inherited disorder presenting with severe polydipsia and polyuria in early childhood. In this study, we aimed to determine the molecular genetics and clinical characteristics of a large Swedish–Norwegian family presenting with very late‐onset autosomal dominant FNDI.

Patients

Six probands with a history of developing polyuria and polydipsia during adolescence were studied.

Measurements

Information on family demography was collected by personal interview with family members. The genetic cause of FNDI was identified by DNA sequencing analysis of the coding regions of the AVP gene. The clinical characteristics were determined by the measurement of basal urine production and osmolality as well as by measurements of concurrent levels of plasma AVP, plasma osmolality, and urine osmolality during fluid deprivation and bolus injection of DDAVP. The integrity of the neurohypophysis was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The mean age of encountering the first clinical symptoms in the family was 14·8 years (range 3–30 years) (n = 17). All six affected subjects investigated were heterozygous for a novel mutation in the AVP gene (g.1848C>T) predicting a p.Pro84Leu substitution in the AVP precursor protein. We found partial deficiency in evoked AVP secretion during fluid deprivation in one subject and complete deficiency in another. The pituitary bright spot was absent in all six affected subjects studied.

Conclusion

A novel mutation in the AVP gene predicted to cause a neurophysin II dimerization defect is causing surprisingly late onset of FNDI in a large, six generation, Swedish–Norwegian family. The mutation is associated with both complete and partial deficiency in evoked AVP secretion during fluid deprivation in patients who have suffered from FNDI for decades.
Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor promotes invasive behaviour in testicular seminoma cells
Authors: Ferranti F. , Muciaccia B. , Ricci G. , Dovere L. , Canipari R. , Magliocca F. , Stefanini M. , Catizone A. , Vicini E.
Published: April 2012

The glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has multiple functions that promote cell survival, proliferation and migration in different cell types. The experimental over‐expression of GDNF in mouse testis leads to infertility and promotes seminomatous germ cell tumours in older animals, which suggests that deregulation of the GDNF pathway may be implicated in germ cell carcinogenesis. GDNF activates downstream pathways upon binding to its specific co‐receptor GDNF family receptor‐a 1 (GFRA1). This complex then interacts with Ret and other co‐receptors to activate several intracellular signalling cascades. To explore the involvement of the GDNF pathway in the onset and progression of testicular germ cell tumours, we analysed GFRA1 and Ret expression patterns in seminoma samples. We demonstrated, via immunohistochemistry, that GFRA1, but not Ret, is over‐expressed in in situ carcinoma (CIS) and in intratubular and invasive seminoma cells compared with normal human germ cells. Functional analysis of the GDNF biological activity was performed on TCam‐2 seminoma cell line. Reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrate that TCam‐2 cells express both GFRA1 and Ret mRNA, but only GFRA1 was detected at the protein level. In TCam‐2 cells, although GDNF is not mitogenic, it is able to induce migration, as demonstrated by a Boyden chamber assay, possibly through the Src and MEK pathways. Moreover, GDNF promotes invasive behaviour, an effect dependent on pericellular protease activity, possibly through the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. GFRA1 over‐expression in CIS and seminoma cells, along with the functional analyses in TCam‐2 cells, suggests an involvement of the GDNF pathway in the progression of testicular germ cell cancer.
Association between chemical pattern in breast milk and congenital cryptorchidism: modelling of complex human exposures
Authors: Krysiak‐Baltyn K. , Toppari J. , Skakkebaek N. E. , Jensen T. S. , Virtanen H. E. , Schramm K.‐W. , Shen H. , Vartiainen T. , Kiviranta H. , Taboureau O. , Audouze K. , Brunak S. , Main K. M.
Published: April 2012

During the past four decades, there has been an increase in the incidence rate of male reproductive disorders in some, but not all, Western countries. The observed increase in the prevalence of male reproductive disorders is suspected to be ascribable to environmental factors as the increase has been too rapid to be explained by genetics alone. To study the association between complex chemical exposures of humans and congenital cryptorchidism, the most common malformation of the male genitalia, we measured 121 environmental chemicals with suspected or known endocrine disrupting properties in 130 breast milk samples from Danish and Finnish mothers. Half the newborns were healthy controls, whereas the other half was boys with congenital cryptorchidism. The measured chemicals included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl‐ethers, dioxins (OCDD/PCDFs), phthalates, polybrominated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides. Computational analysis of the data was performed using logistic regression and three multivariate machine learning classifiers. Furthermore, we performed systems biology analysis to explore the chemical influence on a molecular level. After correction for multiple testing, exposure to nine chemicals was significantly different between the cases and controls in the Danish cohort, but not in the Finnish cohort. The multivariate analysis indicated that Danish samples exhibited a stronger correlation between chemical exposure patterns in breast milk and cryptorchidism than Finnish samples. Moreover, PCBs were indicated as having a protective effect within the Danish cohort, which was supported by molecular data recovered through systems biology. Our results lend further support to the hypothesis that the mixture of environmental chemicals may contribute to observed adverse trends in male reproductive health.
Thermodynamic properties of moisture adsorption of whole wheat flour. Calculation of net isosteric heat
Authors: Martín‐Santos Julio , Vioque Montserrat , Gómez Rafael
Published: April 2012

The moisture sorption isotherms of whole wheat flour were determined at 10, 20 and 30 °C over a relative humidity range of 10–90%. Two models were applied to the sorption experimental data: the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) and the Caurie models. The goodness of fit of the mathematical models was statistically evaluated by means of the root mean square per cent error (%RMS), obtaining values between 1.44 and 1.05 for GAB, and between 2.69 and 2.57 for the Caurie model. Hence, both models provided a good fit to the experimental data. The isosteric heat of sorption was calculated using two methods: the Clausius–Clapeyron expression and the Caurie equations, showing in both cases maximum values (11.03 and 12.39 kJ mol−1, respectively) when moisture content was minimum (2.5 g H2O per 100 g dry matter), and gradually diminishing to the value of the heat of vaporisation of pure water when moisture content reached a maximum value.
Rapid on‐site determination of melamine in raw milk by an immunochromatographic strip
Authors: Sun Fengxia , Liu Liqiang , Ma Wenwei , Xu Chuanlai , Wang Libing , Kuang Hua
Published: April 2012

A rapid and simple method was established based on gold nanoparticle‐labelled monoclonal antibody probes for the detection of melamine pollution in raw milk. The conditions for conjugation between the antibody and gold nanoparticles were optimised (pH 8.0, antibody concentration 5 μg mL−1). It gives a single proportional to melamine concentration with a performance time of only 3 min. A practical calibration curve was established with a reader system with limit of detection calculated as 4.47 and 8.34 μg L−1 with naked eyes. Three structural analogues, atrazine, desethyl‐desisopropyl‐atrazine and cyromazine, were used to test the specificity of the immunochromatographic strip, and small colour changes on the strip test line were found even at the 500 ng mL−1 spiked level. Fifty raw milk samples were detected with this strip method, and the resulting data coincided well with results from gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The above‐mentioned results showed that this test strip can be used for melamine screening in the daily monitoring of milk.
Influence of spray‐dryer air temperatures on encapsulated lime essential oil
Authors: Bringas‐Lantigua Madai , Valdés David , Pino Jorge A.
Published: April 2012

The influence of inlet and outlet air temperatures (180–220 and 80–100 °C, respectively) on the spray drying of lime essential oil was evaluated by using a three‐level factor design. For optimisation, dryer evaporative rate, volatile oil retention, and microencapsulation efficiency were considered as response variables. The response surface analysis produced significant (P < 0.05) polynomial regression equations that were successfully fitted for all response variables, and no significant (P > 0.05) lack of fit was indicated for the reduced models, with the exception of microencapsulation efficiency. This observation confirmed an accurate fitness of the reduced response surface models to the experimental data. The multiple response optimisations indicated that an inlet air temperature of 220 °C and an outlet air temperature of 85 °C were predicted to provide the maximum evaporative rate (7.7 kg h−1), volatile oil retention (95.7%), and microencapsulation efficiency (99.9%) in the studied ranges. Checking of the optimisation showed that with these optimal parameters, a very good closeness between the experimental and predicted values was obtained.
Interrelationship between image, dough and Barbari bread characteristics; use of image analysis to predict rheology, quality and shelf life
Authors: Pourfarzad Amir , Mohebbi Mohebbat , Mazaheri‐Tehrani Mostafa
Published: April 2012

Cellular materials are often anisotropic, i.e. their properties depend on the direction in which they are measured. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of liquid improver components on image features (colour difference, average size, area fraction, cell wall thickness, fractal dimension, solidity, and circularity) of Barbari flat bread in both cross and longitudinal sections. Glycerol, sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate and enzyme active soy flour were evaluated as improver constituents. Image characteristics were furthermore correlated with dough rheology, quality, and shelf life in both sections of bread. Results from statistical analysis suggest that the parameters describing anisotropy or the favourite orientation of cell structure are crucial in understanding more than 50% of differences observed in crumb architecture. The coefficients of determination of all the response variables were higher than 0.81. Among image features, colour difference and average size gave the most correlations from −0.857 to 0.896 and −0.784 to 0.698 with other properties, respectively.
Understanding the origin of seasonal epidemics of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis
Authors: Dhondt André A. , States Sarah L. , Dhondt Keila V. , Schat Karel A.
Published: April 2012

1. Many host–pathogen systems show regular seasonal oscillations.

2. Seasonal variation in mycoplasmal conjunctivitis prevalence in house finches is an example of such oscillations.

3. An annual pulse of Mycoplasma gallisepticum‐naïve juveniles increasing the number of susceptibles, seasonal changes in flocking behaviour increasing transmission rate and a gradual loss of resistance to reinfection with time are sufficient to model the observed seasonal variation in disease prevalence. Nevertheless, experiments are needed to test the underlying mechanisms.

4. We carried out an 18‐month experiment with small groups of birds in large aviaries to test two hypotheses.

5. To test the first hypothesis that an influx of naïve juveniles in a group of recovered adults is sufficient to cause an outbreak, we added eight juveniles to a group of 11 adults that had recovered from an earlier infection. In all, three replicates juveniles became infected, but only after some of the adults relapsed.

6. To test the second hypothesis that reintroduction of M. gallisepticum into a multiage group of previously exposed but fully recovered house finches causes a new outbreak, we inoculated two birds in each group in March of the 2nd year. Contrary to what happens in the wild at that time disease prevalence increased rapidly after reintroduction of M. gallisepticum.

7. We conclude that asymptomatic, recovered adults can initiate an epidemic and transmit M. gallisepticum to naïve house finches and that the reintroduction of M. gallisepticum is sufficient to cause a new outbreak, even at a time of the year when mycoplasmal conjunctivitis is low in free‐living birds. Date, as such, seems to be less important to explain seasonal variation in conjunctivitis than the presence of naïve juveniles or the introduction on M. gallisepticum.

8. Seasonality in outbreaks is most likely tightly linked to seasonal variation in bird movements and behaviour.
Behaviour and physiology shape the growth accelerations associated with predation risk, high temperatures and southern latitudes in Ischnura damselfly larvae
Authors: Stoks Robby , Swillen Ine , De Block Marjan
Published: April 2012

1. To better predict effects of climate change and predation risk on prey animals and ecosystems, we need studies documenting not only latitudinal patterns in growth rate but also growth plasticity to temperature and predation risk and the underlying proximate mechanisms: behaviour (food intake) and digestive physiology (growth efficiency). The mechanistic underpinnings of predator‐induced growth increases remain especially poorly understood.

2. We reared larvae from replicated northern and southern populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans in a common garden experiment manipulating temperature and predation risk and quantified growth rate, food intake and growth efficiency.

3. The predator‐induced and temperature‐induced growth accelerations were the same at both latitudes, despite considerably faster growth rates in the southern populations. While the higher growth rates in the southern populations and the high rearing temperature were driven by both an increased food intake and a higher growth efficiency, the higher growth rates under predation risk were completely driven by a higher growth efficiency, despite a lowered food intake.

4. The emerging pattern that higher growth rates associated with latitude, temperature and predation risk were all (partly or completely) mediated by a higher growth efficiency has two major implications. First, it indicates that energy allocation trade‐offs and the associated physiological costs play a major role both in shaping large‐scale geographic variation in growth rates and in shaping the extent and direction of growth rate plasticity. Secondly, it suggests that the efficiency of energy transfer in aquatic food chains, where damselfly larvae are important intermediate predators, will be higher in southern populations, at higher temperatures and under predation risk. This may eventually contribute to the lengthening of food chains under these conditions and highlights that the prey identity may determine the influence of predation risk on food chain length.
Genetic variation in anti‐herbivore chemical defences in an invasive plant
Authors: Wang Yi , Siemann Evan , Wheeler Gregory S. , Zhu Lin , Gu Xue , Ding Jianqing
Published: April 2012

1. Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids or tannins that vary in effectiveness against different herbivores. Because invasive plants experience different herbivore interactions in their introduced versus native ranges, they may vary in defence chemical profiles.

2. We subjected tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) seedlings from native (China) and introduced (US) populations to induction by leaf clipping or one of three Chinese caterpillars (two generalists and one specialist). We measured the concentrations of five flavonoids and four tannins in leaves produced before or after damage. We measured growth of caterpillars fed these leaves from plants of each induction treatment or undamaged controls.

3. Plants from introduced populations had higher flavonoids and lower tannins than plants from native populations, especially in new leaves following induction. Caterpillar responses to changing chemical concentrations varied in direction and strength, so overall performance varied from significantly lower (generalist Grammodes geometrica), unchanged (generalist Cnidocampa flavescens), to significantly higher (specialist Gadirtha inexacta) on introduced populations.

4. Synthesis. Together, such a trade‐off in secondary metabolism in invasive plants and the effect on herbivores suggest divergent selection may favour different chemical defences in the introduced range where co‐evolved natural enemies, especially specialists, are absent.