bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pycnogenol® Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes with the Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production Associated with Antioxidant Enzyme Responses
Authors: Lee Ok‐Hwan , Seo Min‐Jung , Choi Hyeon‐Son , Lee Boo‐Yong
Published: July 2011

Pycnogenol® is a group of flavonoids with antioxidant effects. Adipogenesis is the process of adipocyte differentiation. It causes the increase of lipids as well as ROS (reactive oxygen species). Lipid accumulation and ROS production were determined in 3 T3‐L1 adipocyte, and the effect of Pycnogenol® was evaluated. Lipid accumulation was elevated in adipocyte treated with hydrogen peroxide, one of the ROS. Pycnogenol® showed an inhibitory effect on the lipid accumulation and ROS production during the adipogenesis. We also investigated the molecular events associated with ROS production and lipid accumulation. Our results showed that Pycnogenol® inhibited the mRNA expression of pro‐oxidant enzymes, such as NOX4 (NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen) oxidase 4), and the NADPH‐producing G6PDH (glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme. In addition, Pycnogenol® suppressed the mRNA abundance of adipogenic transcription factors, PPAR‐γ (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ) and C/EBP‐α (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α), and their target gene, aP2 (adipocyte protein 2) responsible for fatty acid transportation. On the other hand, Pycnogenol® increased the abundance of antioxidant proteins such as Cu/Zn‐SOD (copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase), Mn‐SOD (manganese superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and GR (glutathione reductase). Our results suggest that Pycnogenol® inhibits lipid accumulation and ROS production by regulating adipogenic gene expression and pro‐/antioxidant enzyme responses in adipocytes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Different Curcuminoid Supplement Dosages on Total In Vivo Antioxidant Capacity and Cholesterol Levels of Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Pungcharoenkul Kanit , Thongnopnua Phensri
Published: July 2011

The impact of consuming curcuminoids containing curcumin at 500 mg/day and 6 g/day for 7 days on plasma antioxidant capacity and serum cholesterol level were determined by using vitamin E 200 IU/day consumption as a comparison. Group A and group B subjects consumed 500 mg and 6 g curcumin, respectively, but group C subjects consumed vitamin E 200 IU. By using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, it was found that plasma antioxidant capacity of group A rose from a baseline of 13% to 24% on day 1 and day 7, as against a 19–20% increase for group B. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased after curcumin treatment at 500 mg/day. By consuming vitamin E, both ORAC values and plasma α‐tocopherol concentrations were significantly increased, but only very slight responses on serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels were observed. It is therefore suggested that curcumin supplement would not be appropriate for healthy people except for reducing serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The dosage of a daily curcumin supplement at 500 mg is more effective than 6 g, although vitamin E is also considered to be an effective antioxidant supplement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific cleavage at peptide backbone Cα–C and CO–N bonds during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in‐source decay mass spectrometry with 5‐nitrosalicylic acid as the matrix
Authors: Asakawa Daiki , Takayama Mitsuo
Published: July 2011

The use of 5‐nitrosalicylic acid (5‐NSA) as a matrix for in‐source decay (ISD) of peptides during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is described herein. Mechanistically, the decay process is initiated by a hydrogen abstraction from a peptide backbone amide nitrogen by 5‐NSA. Hydrogen abstraction results in formation of an oxidized peptide containing a radical amide nitrogen. Subsequently, the Cα–C bond N‐terminal to the peptide bond is cleaved to form an a·/x fragment pair. The Cα–C bonds C‐terminal to Gly residues were less susceptible to cleavage than were those of other residues. Cα–C bonds N‐terminal to Pro and Sar residues were not cleaved by the aforementioned mechanism; instead, after hydrogen abstraction from a Pro or Sar Cα–H bond, the peptide bond N‐terminal to the Pro was cleaved yielding b‐ and y‐series ions. We also show that fragments produced by MALDI 5‐NSA‐induced ISD were formed independently of the ionization process. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct sampling and analysis from solid‐phase extraction cards using an automated liquid extraction surface analysis nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry system
Authors: Walworth Matthew J. , ElNaggar Mariam S. , Stankovich Joseph J. , Witkowski Chuck , Norris Jeremy L. , Van Berkel Gary J.
Published: July 2011

Direct liquid extraction based surface sampling, a technique previously demonstrated with continuous flow and autonomous pipette liquid microjunction surface sampling probes, has recently been implemented as a liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) mode on a commercially available chip‐based infusion nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) system. In the present paper, the LESA mode was applied to the analysis of 96‐well format custom‐made solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cards, with each well consisting of either a 1 or a 2 mm diameter monolithic hydrophobic stationary phase. These substrate wells were conditioned, loaded with either single or multi‐component aqueous mixtures, and read out using the commercial nanoESI system coupled to a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer or a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. The extraction conditions, including extraction/nanoESI solvent composition, volume, and dwell times, were optimized in the analysis of targeted compounds. Limit of detection and quantitation as well as analysis reproducibility figures of merit were measured. Calibration data was obtained for propranolol using a deuterated internal standard which demonstrated linearity and reproducibility. A 10× increase in signal and cleanup of micromolar angiotensin II from a concentrated salt solution was demonstrated. In addition, a multicomponent herbicide mixture at ppb concentration levels was analyzed using MS3 spectra for compound identification in the presence of isobaric interferences. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing the rate of sample vaporization in an open air desorption ionization source by using a heated metal screen as a sample holder
Authors: Krechmer Jordan , Tice Joseph , Crawford Elizabeth , Musselman Brian
Published: July 2011

Rapid vaporization of sample into the ionizing gas exiting a direct analysis in real time (DART®) source has been enabled by directing a high electrical current through a metal wire screen to which sample has been applied. This direct heating of the screen enables rapid vaporization of sample as the wire temperature rises from room temperature to greater than 400°C in less than 20 s. Positioning the screen between the DART source and atmospheric pressure inlet of the mass spectrometer ensures that the ionizing gas is in close proximity to the sample molecules, resulting in efficient ionization while significantly reducing the time required for mass spectrometric analysis. The capability to modulate the electrical current flow through the wires facilitates either rapid desorption for the determination of single component samples or slower desorption where analysis of mixtures might be desired. The technology also enables deployment of strategies for the determination of chemicals present as powders that might otherwise require dissolution prior to analysis. Results from the use of this thermally assisted DART (‘TA‐DART’) system for the analysis of pure compounds, simple mixtures, solids and low vapor pressure samples are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of morphological change of green tea polysaccharides by SEM and AFM
Authors: Yi Wei Song , Qin Li Hong , Cao Jian Bo
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study is to investigate the morphological structure and its change of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) before and after enzyme reaction by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Before enzyme reaction, with the novel sample preparation method SEM images of GTPS have obtained many branches and network structures. After enzyme reaction, the morphological structure of GTPS changed, and surface roughness increased. The microstructure of GTPS from SEM with the novel sample preparation method was in accordance with the results from AFM with the tapping mode. The results indicate that the novel sample preparation of GTPS for SEM is a simple, feasible, and reliable method for observing the surface morphology. SCANNING 33:450–454, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a birth on the behavior of a family group of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Dublin Zoo
Authors: Whilde Jenny , Marples Nicola
Published: July 2011

Elephants in the wild live in herds of related females from several generations. Zoos, therefore, tend to house elephants in female groups, consisting where possible of related individuals. This type of group structure is very beneficial as it allows group members to experience events such as births in the group, and means that natural social interactions can take place between the group members. The behavior of four related female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Dublin Zoo was recorded before and after the birth of a calf, to examine what effects it would have on the behavior and associations in the elephant group. The mother of the calf significantly decreased the amount of time she spent walking after the birth and the aunt of the calf showed significant decreases in both walking and standing. The mother spent the majority of her time closest to her calf after the birth, but the proportion of time she spent with each of the other individuals in the group did not change. The associations of the aunt also did not change after the birth. The older sister of the newborn calf increased the proportion of time she spent nearest to her mother after the calf was born, and reduced the time she spent close to another young elephant in the group. The new calf seems to have been successfully assimilated into the elephant group. Zoo Biol 31:442–452, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral responses of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Canidae) to different categories of environmental enrichment stimuli and their implications for successful reintroduction
Authors: Coelho Carlyle Mendes , Schetini de Azevedo Cristiano , Young Robert John
Published: July 2011

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Illiger, 1815, Canidae) is a threatened species that inhabits the cerrados of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Captive maned wolves could be potentially used in reintroduction programs for species conservation; however, it is necessary that their behavior and cognitive abilities are conserved. Environmental enrichment is a tool used to stimulate captive animals and maintain a natural behavioral repertoire. To compare the variation of captive maned wolves' behavioral responses to environmental enrichment, we studied three maned wolves held by Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil. Foraging, interspecific, and intraspecific stimuli were offered to the animals and their responses were compared with a baseline and postenrichment treatments. The test was used to help in choosing which one of the three individuals would participate in a reintroduction project. The results showed that stimuli type did influence the animal's responses, and that individually wolves responded differently to foraging, interspecific, and intraspecific enrichment items (P80.05 for some behaviors in each enrichment category). The individual's personality seemed to influence their behavioral responses, with animals showing bold and shy responses, and this trait should be considered during decision makings for reintroduction. Zoo Biol 31:453–469, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laparoscope‐Assisted Creation of a Neovagina Using Pedicled Ileum Segment Transfer
Authors: Zhao Yao‐Zhong , Jiang Hua , Liu An‐Tang , Jiang Dao‐Zhen , Zhu Xiao‐Hai , Qiu Ming , Zheng Xiang‐Min , Lin Zi‐Hao , Yuan Xiang‐Bin , Zhang Jian‐Lin
Published: July 2011

Background

To present our experience of vaginal reconstruction with the use of a pedicled ileum segment and laparoscope assistance, and to analyze its complications and long‐term anatomic and functional results.

Methods

The abdominal and perineal approaches were performed simultaneously with the patient in a special position. Under the guidance of laparoscopy, the target ileal segment was harvested and transposed down to the perineum through an artificial tunnel between the bladder and the rectum. A silicon vaginal tutor was introduced into the vaginal cavity and maintained all day long for 2–3 months. The complications and the anatomical and functional results were summarized and analyzed.

Results

From February 2002 to June 2010, 82 patients underwent laparoscope‐assisted total vaginal reconstruction with a pedicled ileum segment at our department. Complications developed in 16 of 82 patients, including rectum and/or bladder injury during operation, acute renal failure, delayed healing of the ileocutaneous anastomosis, introital stenosis, and partial or complete intestinal obstruction. The abdominal cutaneous scar was acceptable after the surgery. The vulva was not altered, which was especially significant for patients with congenital vaginal atresia. The neovagina was patent, soft, moist, and flexible. The mean width and depth of the neovagina at the latest postoperative visit measured 3.2 and 15 cm, respectively.

Conclusions

The favorable long‐term anatomical and functional results demonstrate that our technique is ideal for patients with congenital vaginal atresia or patients who need secondary vaginal reconstruction. For the primary male‐to‐female transsexuals or hermaphrodites, it can be an alternative method for vaginal construction.
Treatment and Outcome of Four Cats with Apocrine Gland Carcinoma of the Anal Sac and Review of the Literature
Authors: Elliott James W , Blackwood Laura
Published: July 2011

Anal sac adenocarcinoma is uncommon in cats. We report the outcome of multi-modality therapy in two cats (surgery, definitive radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy) and surgery alone in two cats. All received surgical excision of the primary tumour followed by radiotherapy and carboplatin chemotherapy in two cases. Both cats that underwent multimodal therapy developed distant metastatic disease and one developed recurrence of the primary tumour. One cat that underwent surgery alone with incomplete margins also developed rapid recurrence. Overall survival times were 89, 161 and 169 days. One cat that had complete surgical excision is still alive without recurrence 425 days postoperatively. Whilst the role of radiation in the local control of this disease is yet to be defined, clearly a more effective systemic therapy is required before such aggressive local treatment can be routinely recommended.
Association between HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and oral cancer
Authors: Tsai Sheng‐Chien , Sheen Maw‐Chang , Chen Bai‐Hsiun
Published: July 2011

Cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Genes whose products play a critical role in regulation of the immune response include the HLA antigen and cytokine families of genes. Oral cancer is common in men in developing countries, and its frequency is increased by using betel‐quid, tobacco, and alcohol. The association between certain HLA Class I and Class II haplotypes and cancer has been documented in a variety of tumors. There was no previous data concerning the association of specific HLA Class II DQA1, DQB1 alleles, or haplotypes with oral cancer patients. In this study, we enrolled 134 Taiwanese patients with histologically confirmed oral cancer and 268 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy Taiwanese adults as control group to investigate the association between HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 allele frequencies and oral cancer patients by using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. We found that both HLA‐DQA1* and HLA‐DQB1* allele frequencies in oral cancer patients revealed no significant difference from those of control groups. Haplotype frequencies of HLA*DQA1‐0103‐DQB1*0601 in oral cancer patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (odds ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.054–0.583, pc = 0.02). Our data suggest that HLA DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0601 haplotype may be protective with regard to the development of oral cancer.
Transient hyperammonemia associated with postictal state in generalized convulsion
Authors: Liu Kuan‐Ting , Yang Shih‐Chia , Yeh I.‐Jeng , Lin Tzeng‐Jih , Lee Chi‐Wei
Published: July 2011

Previous studies revealed that transient hyperammonemia was noted after generalized convulsion. This study was undertaken to analyze the association between postictal state and serum ammonia levels. Adult patients presenting to the emergency department with seizures were included. Serum ammonia and other blood tests were compared between patients with full recovery of consciousness after generalized convulsion and those who had not completely regained consciousness. Patients who had not completely regained consciousness (7 of 7, 100%) had higher rate (p = 0.035) of hyperammonemia compared with patients who had fully regained consciousness (4 of 10, 40%) and higher level of serum ammonia (246 ± 96 μg/dL vs. 102 ± 99 μg/dL, p = 0.006). All patients who showed postictal consciousness level impairment on arrival at the emergency department had elevated serum ammonia at that time. Transient hyperammonemia is associated with postictal confusion.
Pneumothorax in a female with renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Wu Ping‐Hsun , Hwang Daw‐Yang , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: July 2011

Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs less in females than in males, in contrast to the relatively more commonly and incidentally found renal angiomyolipoma (AML). We report a renal AML in a 23‐year‐old female patient, which presented as right palpable abdominal mass. This renal tumor was removed owing to enlargement and internal hemorrhage and AML was proved by pathological examination. Three years later, she experienced a life‐threatening spontaneous tension pneumothorax and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), which was diagnosed by chest computed tomography. Clinically, she did not have tuberous sclerosis. Pulmonary LAM and renal AML are related lesions and both of these proliferative lesions occur in sporadic patients without family history and at much higher frequency in patients with tuberous sclerosis. Because of the nonspecific symptoms and high rate of complications, we should consider the possibility of LAM in patients diagnosed with AML. The association between renal AML and pulmonary LAM is reviewed.
DNA methylation and cognitive functioning in healthy older adults
Authors: Schiepers Olga J. G. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Jolles Jelle , Kok Frans J. , Verhoef Petra , Durga Jane
Published: July 2011

Long-term supplementation with folic acid may improve cognitive performance in older individuals. The relationship between folate status and cognitive performance might be mediated by changes in methylation capacity, as methylation reactions are important for normal functioning of the brain. Although aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, the relationship between DNA methylation status and non-pathological cognitive functioning in human subjects has not yet been investigated. The present study investigated the associations between global DNA methylation and key domains of cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. Global DNA methylation, defined as the percentage of methylated cytosine to total cytosine, was measured in leucocytes by liquid chromatography–MS/MS, in 215 men and women, aged 50–70 years, who participated in the Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (FACIT) study (clinical trial registration number NCT00110604). Cognitive performance was assessed by means of the Visual Verbal Word Learning Task, the Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test, the Concept Shifting Test, the Letter–Digit Substitution Test and the Verbal Fluency Test. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, level of education, alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical activity, erythrocyte folate concentration and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C → T genotype, we found that global DNA methylation was not related to cognitive performance on any of the domains measured. The present study results do not support the hypothesis that global DNA methylation, as measured in leucocytes, might be associated with cognitive functioning in healthy older individuals.
Within-plant distribution of cotton aphids,Aphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields
Authors: Fernandes F.S. , Ramalho F.S. , Nascimento J.L. , Malaquias J.B. , Nascimento A.R.B. , Silva C.A.D. , Zanuncio J.C.
Published: July 2011

Knowledge of the vertical and horizontal distribution ofAphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on genetically modified cotton plants over time could help optimize decision-making in integrated cotton aphid management programs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the vertical and horizontal distribution ofA. gossypiiin non-transgenic Bt cotton and transgenic Bt-cotton over time during two cotton seasons by examining plants throughout the seasons. There was no significant interaction between years and cotton cultivar treatments for apterous or alate aphids. Considering year-to-year data, analyses on season-long averages of apterous or alate aphids showed that aphid densities per plant did not differ among years. The number of apterous aphids found per plant for the Bt transgenic cultivar (2427 apterous aphids per plant) was lower than for its isoline (3335 apterous aphids per plant). The number of alate aphids found per plant on the Bt transgenic cultivar (12.28 alate aphids per plant) was lower than for the isoline (140.56 alate aphids per plant). With regard to the vertical distribution of apterous aphids or alate aphids, there were interactions between cotton cultivar, plant age and plant region. We conclude that in comparison to non-Bt cotton (DP 4049), Bt cotton (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) has significant effects on the vertical, horizontal, spatial and temporal distribution patterns ofA. gossypii, showing changes in its distribution behaviour inside the plant as the cotton crop develops. The results of our study are relevant for understanding the vertical and horizontal distribution ofA. gossypiion Bt cotton cultivar (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) and on its isoline (DP 4049), and could be useful in decision-making, implementing controls and determining the timing of population peaks of this insect.
Clarification of the systematic position ofCercariaeum crassumWesenberg-Lund, 1934 (Digenea), based on karyological analysis and DNA sequences
Authors: Petkevičiūtė R. , Stunžėnas V. , Stanevičiūtė G.
Published: July 2011

Chromosome set and rDNA sequences of the larval digeneanCercariaeum crassumwere analysed in order to clarify its systematic position and possible adult form. Parasites were obtained from the sphaeriid bivalvePisidium amnicum, collected in Lithuanian and Finnish rivers. The karyotype is shown to consist of five pairs (2n = 10) of large, up to 14 μm, chromosomes. Complement, composed of a low diploid number of exclusively bi-armed elements, presumably arose through Robertsonian fusions of acrocentric chromosomes. Consistent with a Robertsonian-derived karyotype, one or two small, metacentric, mitotically stable B chromosomes were detected in the cells of parthenitae isolated from some host individuals. A phylogenetic analysis using rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 28S sequences corroborates the allocation ofC. crassumto the family Allocreadiidae. In neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony phylogenetic treesC. crassumclusters into one clade withAllocreadiumspp., and is the closest sister group in relation toA. isoporum; the level of rDNA sequence divergence between them (2.67% for ITS2 and 1.16% for 28S) is consistent with the level expected for intrageneric variation. The present study adds significant information to a database for establishing species-specific characters for confident characterization of different developmental stages of allocreadiid species, clarification of their life cycles and evaluation of intra- and interspecific variability.
Infection dynamics ofCichlidogyrus tilapiaeandC. sclerosus(Monogenea, Ancyrocephalinae) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticusL.) from Uganda
Authors: Akoll P. , Fioravanti M.L. , Konecny R. , Schiemer F.
Published: July 2011

The infection dynamics of the gill monogeneansCichlidogyrus tilapiaeandC. sclerosusonOreochromis niloticuswith respect to habitat type (reservoir, stream, ponds and cages), host sex, size and seasons was determined between January and November 2008. During the study period, 45.2% of the 650 fish examined were infected withCichlidogyrusspp. The infected hosts harboured an average of 8.6 ± 3.4 parasites/fish. Across habitat types, the proportion of infected fish was not statistically different. In contrast, the number of parasites recorded on infected fish from different habitat types differed significantly. The highest parasite number was recorded in reservoir-dwelling fish and lowest in stream-dwelling hosts. Concerning sex, more femaleO. niloticuswere infected and harboured a high number of parasites than male and sexually undifferentiated fish. A weak negative relationship was found between rainfall and monthly parasite infections. However, a higher number of parasites and proportion of infected hosts were found during dry than in wet seasons, except in ponds. Results of this study show that differential exposure due to changes in fish behaviour associated with habitat modification and sex may account for the infection difference across the sampled sites. Meanwhile, rainfall and the associated hydrological events are important factors regulating monogenean infections in tropical aquatic environments. The continuous presence ofCichlidogyrusspp. in fish provides evidence of possible parasite outbreaks, indicating the application of biosecurity measures as crucial for the success of intensive fish farming.
Help from spouse and from children among older people with functional limitations: comparison of England and Finland
Authors: BLOMGREN JENNI , BREEZE ELIZABETH , KOSKINEN SEPPO , MARTIKAINEN PEKKA
Published: July 2011

Future increases in need of old-age care warrant research on receipt of informal care among older people in different policy and cultural contexts. Separating informal care into help provided by spouse and by children may shed more light on dynamics of informal help, important in alleviating the demands on the formal sector. Using nationally representative data from England and Finland, we performed logistic regression analyses to study receipt of help from spouse and children among community-dwelling persons aged 70+ years with functional limitations. In both countries, women and those with more functional limitations had higher odds of receiving spousal and filial help. In England – but not in Finland – those receiving formal public help had lower odds of receiving spousal help than those with no formal help. Those with low education received more filial help in England, but no association was found between formal and filial help. In Finland, the effect of education was not significant but those receiving formal help had higher odds of also receiving filial help. The results suggest that in a liberal market-led state, the role of children may be to help their parents living alone and with low financial resources. In the context of a generous welfare state, children may function more as active agents bridging the gap between their parents and formal services.
Restrictions on addition: children's interpretation of the focus particles auch ‘also’ and nur ‘only’ in German
Authors: BERGER FRAUKE , HÖHLE BARBARA
Published: July 2011

Children up to school age have been reported to perform poorly when interpreting sentences containing restrictive and additive focus particles by treating sentences with a focus particle in the same way as sentences without it. Careful comparisons between results of previous studies indicate that this phenomenon is less pronounced for restrictive than for additive particles. We argue that this asymmetry is an effect of the presuppositional status of the proposition triggered by the additive particle. We tested this in two experiments with German-learning three- and four-year-olds using a method that made the exploitation of the information provided by the particles highly relevant for completing the task. Three-year-olds already performed remarkably well with sentences both with auch ‘also’ and with nur ‘only’. Thus, children can consider the presuppositional contribution of the additive particle in their sentence interpretation and can exploit the restrictive particle as a marker of exhaustivity.
Seroepidemiological study of livestock brucellosis in a pastoral region
Authors: MEGERSA B. , BIFFA D. , ABUNNA F. , REGASSA A. , GODFROID J. , SKJERVE E.
Published: July 2011

A seroepidemiological study of Brucella infections in multiple livestock species in the Borana pastoral system of Ethiopia was performed between December 2007 and October 2008. A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 575 cattle, 1073 camels and 1248 goats from the target populations. Sera were collected from the animals, and serially tested using Rose Bengal test and complement fixation test. Overall prevalence and prevalence with respect to explanatory variables were established, and potential risk factors for seropositivity were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression. The results showed that 8·0% (95% CI 6·0–10·6), 1·8% (95% CI 1·1–2·8) and 1·6% (95% CI 1·0–2·5) of the tested cattle, camels and goats, respectively, had antibodies to Brucella antigen. Positive reactors were found in 93·8% of the villages with more frequent detection of positive cattle (93·3%) than camels (56·3%) and goats (37·5%). Risk factors identified for cattle were: keeping more livestock species at household level (OR 4·1, 95% CI 1·9–8·9), increasing age of the animal (OR 2·8, 95% CI 1·3–6·0) and wet season (OR 3·3, 95% CI 1·6–6·9). Increase in household-level species composition (OR 4·1, 95% CI 1·2–14·2) and wet season (OR 3·7, 95% CI 1·5–9·1) were found to be risk factors for seropositivity in camels and goats, respectively. Existence of more than one seroreactor animal species in most villages and association of increased livestock species composition with seropositivity may add more credence to the possibility of cross-species transmission of Brucella infections. Although no attempt to isolate Brucella spp. was made, our results suggest that cattle are more likely maintenance hosts of Brucella abortus which has spread to goats and camels. This should be substantiated by further isolation and identification of Brucella organisms to trace the source of infection and transmission dynamics in various hosts kept under mixed conditions. In conclusion, the present study suggests the need for investigating a feasible control intervention and raising public awareness on prevention methods of human exposure to brucellosis.
Effect of oocyte-secreted factors on porcinein vitromaturation, cumulus expansion and developmental competence of parthenotes
Authors: Gomez Ma. Ninia L. , Kang Jung Taek , Koo Ok Jae , Kim Su Jin , Kwon Dae Kee , Park Sol Ji , Atikuzzaman Mohammad , Hong So Gun , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: July 2011

The oocyte is known from recent studies in the mouse, cow, sheep and human to be a central regulator of follicular cell function. However, in the pig, little information is known about the regulation of cumulus expansion by oocyte-secreted factors and oocyte quality. We investigated the possible effects of oocyte-secreted factors duringin vitromaturation on cumulus expansion and on porcine oocytes as judged by subsequent embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) from antral follicles of pig ovaries collected from a local abattoir were divided into control and treatment groups and were cultured in tissue culture medium 199 supplemented with follicle-stimulating hormone. Treatment groups consisted of increasing numbers of denuded oocytes (DO) co-cultured with COC (at ratios of COC to DO of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5). After incubation for 44 h, cumulus expansion and maturation rates were assessed and oocytes were activated parthenogenetically. Cumulus expansion in the 1 COC:4 DO and 1 COC:5 DO groups was low and altered because full dispersion of the outer layer did not occur. Cell viability was not affected, as measured by the automated cell counter, but scanning electron microscopy revealed only a scanty extracellular matrix. Blastocyst rate was significantly higher in the 1 COC:4 DO (34.4%) and in the 1 COC:5 DO (34.9%) groups (p< 0.05) when compared with other groups. Maturation rate, cleavage rate and total cell number showed no significant difference between control and treatment groups. Amplification by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed up-regulation of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in the cumulus cells in the 1 COC:4 DO group at 44 h. We conclude that denuded porcine oocytes could improve the maturation of COC as evidenced by increased blastocyst development in the 1 COC:4 DO, even though cumulus expansion was poor. This improvement could be a result of the GDF9 up-regulation.
Developmental competence of porcine oocytes after in vitro maturation and in vitro culture under different oxygen concentrations
Authors: Kang Jung-Taek , Atikuzzaman Mohammad , Kwon Dae-Kee , Park Sol-Ji , Kim Su-Jin , Moon Joon-Ho , Koo Ok-Jae , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong-Chun
Published: July 2011

In this study, we investigated the effect of two oxygen concentrations (5 and 20%) during in vitro maturation (IVM) and during in vitro culture (IVC) on porcine embryo development and analysed differences in gene expression between cumulus–oocyte complexes matured under 5 or 20% oxygen and the resulting blastocysts cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen following parthenogenetic activation. There was no significant difference in oocyte maturation rate. However, the numbers of resulting blastocysts were significantly increased in the 5% IVC group compared with the 20% IVC group. Moreover, the M20C5 treatment group (23.01%) supported greater blastocyst development compared with the M5C5 (14.32%), M5C20 (10.30%), and M20C20 (17.88%) groups. However, total cell numbers were not significantly different among groups. According to mRNA abundance data of multiple genes, each treatment altered the expression of genes in different patterns. GLUT1, G6PD and LDHA were up-regulated in cumulus cells that had been matured in low oxygen, suggesting a higher glucose uptake and an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, whereas cyclin B1 (CCNB) and MnSOD (Mn-superoxide dismutase) were upregulated in cumulus cells that had been matured in high oxygen, which suggests a higher activity of mitosis-promoting factor and antioxidant response. In spite of these differential effects on cumulus cells, oocytes could mature normally regardless of different oxygen concentrations. Therefore, it can be concluded that high oxygen concentration during in vitro maturation and low oxygen during in vitro culture may alter the expression of multiple genes related to oocyte competence and significantly improves embryo development (p < 0.05) but not blastocyst quality.
Effect of bovine age on the proliferative activity, global DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of granulosa cells
Authors: Goto Hiroya , Iwata Hisataka , Takeo Shun , Nisinosono Keiko , Murakami Sayoko , Monji Yasunori , Kuwayama Takehito
Published: July 2011

Granulosa cells influence the growth and acquisition of the developmental competence of oocytes. We investigated the effects of ageing on the proliferative activity, global genomic DNA methylation, relative telomere length and telomerase activity of bovine granulosa cells. The proliferative activity of cells was examined by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay, genomic DNA methylation was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and relative telomere length and telomerase activity were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We first compared the proliferative activity of the granulosa cells of the medium follicles between in dominant phase ovaries and growth phase ovaries. We observed that the proliferative activity of the granulosa cells of dominant phase ovaries was significantly lower than those of growth phase ovaries. In addition, the proliferative activity of granulosa cells was inversely associated with follicular size. Based on the results, we used granulosa cells harvested from the medium follicles (3–5 mm in diameter) on the surfaces of the dominant phase ovaries collected from cows at a slaughterhouse. The proliferative activity of the granulosa cells harvested from the ovaries of old cows (N = 8; average age 165.1 months) was lower than that of the cells from young cows (N = 8; average age 30.9 months). Global loss of cytosine methylation was detected in the granulosa cells of old cows (N = 12; average age 141.0 months) compared with young cows (N = 15; average age 27.4 months). Although the relative telomere lengths of cumulus cells were similar in the two age groups, the relative telomere lengths and telomerase activity of the granulosa cells from old cows (N = 17 and 9; average age, 164.6 and 151.3 months, respectively) tended to be shorter than those of the cells from young cows (N = 17 and 10; average age 30.6 and 28.1 months, respectively); however, this difference was not significant p = 0.09 and 0.053, respectively). In conclusion, the proliferative activity and genomic global DNA methylation significantly decreased, and the relative telomere lengths and telomerase activity of granulosa cells tended to be shorter with the age of donor cows.
Magnitude‐based scaling of tsunami propagation
Authors: Simanjuntak M. Arthur , Greenslade Diana J. M.
Published: July 2011

Most current operational tsunami prediction systems are based upon databases of precomputed tsunami scenarios, where some form of linear scaling is applied to the precomputed model runs in order to represent specific earthquake magnitudes. This can introduce errors due to assumptions made about the rupture width and possible effects on dispersion. In this paper, we perform a series of numerical experiments on uniform depth domains, using the Method of Splitting Tsunamis (MOST) model, and develop estimates of the maximum error that an assumed discrepancy in the width of a rupture will produce in the resulting field of maximum tsunami amplitude. This estimate was produced from fitting the decay of maximum amplitude with normalized distance for various resolutions of the source widths to the grid size, resulting in a simple power law whose coefficients effectively vary with wavelength resolution. This provides a quantification of the effect that linear scaling of precomputed scenarios will have on forecasts of tsunami amplitude. This estimate of scaling bias is investigated in relation to the scenario database that is currently in use within the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre.
Modeling rip current circulations and vorticity in a high‐energy mesotidal‐macrotidal environment
Authors: Bruneau N. , Bonneton P. , Castelle B. , Pedreros R.
Published: July 2011

In June 2007 an intense 5 day field experiment was carried out at the mesotidal‐macrotidal wave‐dominated Biscarrosse Beach on a well‐developed bar and rip morphology. Previous analysis of the field data elucidated the main characteristics of a tide‐modulated and strongly evolving rip current driven by low‐ to high‐energy shore‐normal waves. Here we present a modeling strategy based on the vertically integrated and time‐averaged momentum equations accounting for roller contribution that is applied to the Biscarrosse experiment. Wave and flow predictions in the surf zone improve significantly when using a spatially constant time‐varying breaking parameter by Smith and Kraus (1990). The model correctly reproduces the main evolving behaviors of the rip current. An advection‐diffusion equation governing the mean wave‐driven current vertical vorticity is further derived from the momentum equations. Vertical vorticity is driven by a forcing term that depends on the breaking wave energy dissipation and on the wave propagation direction. Spatial gradients in depth‐induced broken‐wave energy dissipation therefore determine both the strength and the sign of the wave‐driven circulation rotational nature. When applied to the Biscarrosse experiment, the vorticity efficiently predicts the main characteristics of the evolving rip current such as its width, cross‐shore extension, and intensity. In addition, good correlations are found between the maximum rip current intensity and the deviation of the forcing term. Thus, we determine precisely the rotational component associated with the wave forcing which is less direct through the traditional radiation stress approach.
The Proteome of Mouse Brain Microvessel Membranes and Basal Lamina
Authors: Chun Hyun Bae , Scott Michael , Niessen Sherry , Hoover Heather , Baird Andrew , Yates John , Torbett Bruce E , Eliceiri Brian P
Published: July 2011

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a multicellular vascular structure separating blood from the brain parenchyma that is composed of endothelial cells with tight intercellular junctions, surrounded by a basal lamina, astrocytes, and pericytes. Previous studies have generated detailed databases of the microvessel transcriptome; however, less information is available on the BBB at the protein level. In this study, we specifically focused on characterization of the membrane fraction of cells within the BBB to generate a more complete understanding of membrane transporters, tight junction proteins, and associated extracellular matrix proteins that are functional hallmarks of the BBB. We used Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology to identify a total of 1,143 proteins in mouse brain microvessels, of which 53% were determined to be membrane associated. Analyses of specific classes of BBB-associated proteins in the context of recent transcriptome reports provide a unique database to assess the relative contribution of genes at the level of both RNA and protein in the maintenance of normal BBB integrity.
in vivo Variation in Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 Binding Using Positron Emission Tomography and [11C]ABP688
Authors: DeLorenzo Christine , Kumar J S Dileep , Mann J John , Parsey Ramin V
Published: July 2011

The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Recently, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer exhibiting high selectivity and specificity for mGluR5, 3-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-ylethynyl)-cyclohex-2-enone-O-11C-methyl-oxime ([11C]ABP688), was developed. In this work, eight healthy adult male humans were imaged twice to assess within-subject [11C]ABP688 binding variability using PET. In seven of the eight subjects, significantly higher binding was observed during the second (retest) scan. This binding increase could not be definitively explained by differences in ligand injected mass or dose, or changes in metabolism between scans. In addition, this type of systematic binding increase was not observed in a [11C]ABP688 test–retest study performed by our group on anaesthetized baboons. It is therefore possible that the increased binding was because of physiological changes occurring between scans, such as changes in endogenous glutamate levels. If PET imaging with [11C]ABP688 could detect such differences, as preliminary evidence suggests, it could be used to help uncover the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of brain disorders. However, regardless of its ability to detect endogenous glutamate differences, [11C]ABP688 binding variability could make accurate assessments of drug occupancy or group differences using this ligand difficult.
Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator has a Neuroprotective Effect in the Ischemic Brain Mediated by Neuronal TNF-α
Authors: Haile Woldeab B , Wu Jialing , Echeverry Ramiro , Wu Fang , An Jie , Yepes Manuel
Published: July 2011

Cerebral cortical neurons have a heightened sensitivity to hypoxia and their survival depends on their ability to accommodate to changes in the concentration of oxygen in their environment. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine proteinase that activates the zymogen plasminogen into plasmin. Hypoxia induces the release of tPA from cerebral cortical neurons, and it has been proposed that tPA mediates hypoxic and ischemic neuronal death. Here, we show that tPA is devoid of neurotoxic effects and instead is an endogenous neuroprotectant that renders neurons resistant to the effects of lethal hypoxia and ischemia. We present in vitro and in vivo evidence indicating that endogenous tPA and recombinant tPA induce the expression of neuronal tumor necrosis factor-α. This effect, mediated by plasmin and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, leads to increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 and p21-mediated development of early hypoxic and ischemic tolerance.
α2-Adrenoceptors do not Mediate Neuroprotection in Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Brede Marc , Braeuninger Stefan , Langhauser Friederike , Hein Lutz , Roewer Norbert , Stoll Guido , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: July 2011

We assessed the neuroprotective potential of α2-adrenoceptors in ischemic stroke using mice with targeted deletions of individual α2-adrenoceptor subtypes (α 2A−/−, α 2B−/−, α 2C−/−, α 2A/C−/−). The effects of the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine were studied in parallel. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced with or without clonidine pretreatment by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurologic outcome and infarct volumes were evaluated on day 1. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mean arterial pressure were determined. α2- Adrenoceptor null mice did not display larger infarct volumes compared with wild-type (WT) mice under basal conditions ( P>0.05). In line with this finding, pretreatment with clonidine did not protect from ischemic brain damage in WT mice or α 2A−/−, α 2B−/−, and α 2C−/− mice. Clonidine induced smaller infarct volumes only in α 2A/C−/− mice ( P < 0.05), but this did not translate into improved neurologic function ( P > 0.05). Importantly, while clonidine caused a significant decrease in arterial blood pressure in all groups, it had no blood pressure lowering effect in α 2A/C−/− mice, and this correlated with higher CBF and smaller infarct volumes in this group. In summary, we could not demonstrate a neuroprotective function of α2-adrenoceptors in focal cerebral ischemia. Careful controlling of physiological parameters relevant for stroke outcome is recommended in experimental stroke studies.
2011 German Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak: Alignment-free whole-genome phylogeny by feature frequency profiles
Authors: Cheung Man Kit , Li Lei , Nong Wenyan , Kwan Hoi Shan
Published: July 2011

Accuracy of SNP-based whole-genome phylogeny reconstruction relies heavily on quality of sequence alignment which is particularly hindered by poorly assembled genomes. Alignment-free methods might provide additional insights. Here, we constructed a whole-genome phylogeny of 10 isolates from the current German E. coli outbreak against 30 existing E. coli genomes as well as that of a historical EHEC isolate using the alignment-free feature frequency profile method. Our results revealed a high similarity among E. coli isolates from the current outbreak and the historical EHEC being the most closely related isolate sequenced thus far.