bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived value of scholarly articles
Authors: TENOPIR Carol , ALLARD Suzie , BATES Benjamin J. , LEVINE Kenneth J. , KING Donald W. , BIRCH Ben , MAYS Regina , CALDWELL Chris
Published: March 2011

When faced with an abundance of articles, readers must weigh the relative importance of various characteristics to select which articles to read. Over 400 researchers in 12 countries responded to a questionnaire that asked them to rank seven article characteristics and rate 16 article profiles. After article topic, the next most highly ranked characteristics were online accessibility and source of article. Conjoint analysis revealed the highest rated profiles to be (i) article written by a top‐tier author, in a top peer‐reviewed journal, available online at no personal cost to the reader; and (ii) article written by a top‐tier author, in a peer‐reviewed journal not in the top tier, available online at no personal cost to the reader. There were significant differences in characteristic rankings by discipline and geographic location.
Book Reviews
Authors: PHILLIPS Angus
Published: March 2011

Scientific Publishing: From Vanity to Strategy Hans E. Roosendaal, Kasia Zalewska‐Kurek, Peter A. Th. M. Geurts, and Eberhard R. Hilf Oxford, Chandos Publishing, 2010, 174 pp. ISBN 978‐1‐84334‐490‐2, £45.00 pbk
Book Reviews
Authors: THATCHER Sanford G.
Published: March 2011

PA Guide to Going Digital Linda Bennett London, The Publishers Association, 2010, 216pp. ISBN: 978‐0‐85386‐344‐1, £24.99
Book Reviews
Authors: WOODHEAD Martin
Published: March 2011

Clark's Publishing Agreements: A Book of Precedents, 8th edn General Editor Lynette Owen London, Bloomsbury Professional Limited, 2010, 727pp. ISBN 978‐1‐84766‐544‐7, hbk plus CD‐ROM, £120 plus 10% VAT
A fractional Hardy-Sobolev-Maz’ya inequality on the upper halfspace
Authors: Sloane Craig
Published: March 2011

We prove two Sobolev-type inequalities, which are then used to establish a fractional Hardy-Sobolev-Maz’ya inequality on the upper halfspace.
On totally geodesic foliations and doubly ruled surfaces in a compact Lie group
Authors: Munteanu Marius , Tapp Kristopher
Published: March 2011

For a Riemannian submersion from a simple compact Lie group with a bi-invariant metric, we prove that the action of its holonomy group on the fibers is transitive. As a step towards classifying Riemannian submersions with totally geodesic fibers, we consider the parameterized surface induced by lifting a base geodesic to points along a geodesic in a fiber. Such a surface is “doubly ruled” (it is ruled by horizontal geodesics and also by vertical geodesics). Its characterizing properties allow us to define “doubly ruled parameterized surfaces” in any Riemannian manifold, independent of Riemannian submersions. We initiate a study of the doubly ruled parameterized surfaces in compact Lie groups and in other symmetric spaces by establishing several rigidity theorems and constructing examples.
Dichotomy in the
T
-linear resistivity in hole-doped cuprates
Authors: Hussey N. E. , Cooper R. A. , Xu Xiaofeng , Wang Y. , Mouzopoulou I. , Vignolle B. , Proust C.
Published: March 2011

From analysis of the in-plane resistivity
ρ

ab

(
T
) of La

2−
x

Sr

x

CuO
4
, we show that normal state transport in overdoped cuprates can be delineated into two regimes in which the electrical resistivity varies approximately linearly with temperature. In the low-temperature limit, the
T
-linear resistivity extends over a very wide doping range, in marked contrast to expectations from conventional quantum critical scenarios. The coefficient of this
T
-linear resistivity scales with the superconducting transition temperature
T
c
, implying that the interaction causing this anomalous scattering is also associated with the superconducting pairing mechanism. At high temperatures, the coefficient of the
T
-linear resistivity is essentially doping independent beyond a critical doping
p
crit
=0.19 at which the ratio of the two coefficients is maximal. Taking our cue from earlier thermodynamic and photoemission measurements, we conclude that the opening of the normal-state pseudogap at
p
crit
is driven by the loss of coherence of anti-nodal quasi-particles at low temperatures.
Quantum criticality and incipient phase separation in the thermodynamic properties of the Hubbard model
Authors: Galanakis D. , Khatami E. , Mikelsons K. , Macridin A. , Moreno J. , Browne D. A. , Jarrell M.
Published: March 2011

Transport measurements on the cuprates suggest the presence of a quantum critical point (QCP) hiding underneath the superconducting dome near optimal hole doping. We provide numerical evidence in support of this scenario via a dynamical cluster quantum Monte Carlo study of the extended two-dimensional Hubbard model. Single-particle quantities, such as the spectral function, the quasi-particle weight and the entropy, display a crossover between two distinct ground states: a Fermi liquid at low filling and a non-Fermi liquid with a pseudo-gap at high filling. Both states are found to cross over to a marginal Fermi-liquid state at higher temperatures. For finite next-nearest-neighbour hopping
t
′, we find a classical critical point at temperature
T
c
. This classical critical point is found to be associated with a phase-separation transition between a compressible Mott gas and an incompressible Mott liquid corresponding to the Fermi liquid and the pseudo-gap state, respectively. Since the critical temperature
T
c
extrapolates to zero as
t
′ vanishes, we conclude that a QCP connects the Fermi liquid to the pseudo-gap region, and that the marginal Fermi-liquid behaviour in its vicinity is the analogue of the supercritical region in the liquid–gas transition.
Quantum oscillations in the high-
T
c
cuprates
Authors: Sebastian Suchitra E. , Harrison Neil , Lonzarich Gilbert G.
Published: March 2011

We review recent progress in the study of quantum oscillations as a tool for uniquely probing low-energy electronic excitations in high-
T
c
cuprate superconductors. Quantum oscillations in the underdoped cuprates reveal that a close correspondence with Landau Fermi-liquid behaviour persists in the accessed regions of the phase diagram, where small pockets are observed. Quantum oscillation results are viewed in the context of momentum-resolved probes such as photoemission, and evidence examined from complementary experiments for potential explanations for the transformation from a large Fermi surface into small sections. Indications from quantum oscillation measurements of a low-energy Fermi surface instability at low dopings under the superconducting dome at the metal–insulator transition are reviewed, and potential implications for enhanced superconducting temperatures are discussed.
Mottness collapse and
T
-linear resistivity in cuprate superconductors
Authors: Phillips Philip
Published: March 2011

Central to the normal state of cuprate high-temperature superconductors is the collapse of the pseudo-gap, briefly reviewed here, at a critical point and the subsequent onset of the strange metal characterized by a resistivity that scales linearly with temperature. A possible clue to the resolution of this problem is the inter-relation between two facts: (i) a robust theory of
T
-linear resistivity resulting from quantum criticality requires an additional length scale outside the standard one-parameter scaling scenario and (ii) breaking the Landau correspondence between the Fermi gas and an interacting system with short-range repulsions requires non-fermionic degrees. We show that a low-energy theory of the Hubbard model that correctly incorporates dynamical spectral weight transfer has the extra degrees of freedom needed to describe this physics. The degrees of freedom that mix into the lower band as a result of dynamical spectral weight transfer are shown to either decouple beyond a critical doping, thereby signalling Mottness collapse, or unbind above a critical temperature, yielding strange metal behaviour characterized by
T
-linear resistivity.
Integrated profiling of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with 7q gain
Authors: Chigrinova Ekaterina , Mian Michael , Shen Yulei , Greiner Timothy C. , Chan Wing C. , Vose Julie M. , Inghirami Giorgio , Chiappella Annalisa , Baldini Luca , Ponzoni Maurilio , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Franceschetti Silvia , Gaidano Gianluca , Tucci Alessandra , Facchetti Fabio , Lazure Thierry , Lambotte Olivier , Montes‐Moreno Santiago , Piris Miguel A. , Zucca Emanuele , Kwee Ivo , Bertoni Francesco
Published: March 2011

To characterize diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with chromosome 7 gains, we combined clinical data with genomic, RNA and miRNA profiling. Gains were associated with age >60 years, female gender, a trend for higher complete response rate, lower death rate, and better overall survival in patients treated with R‐CHOP. Lesions were inversely associated with bone marrow involvement and number of extra‐nodal sites. Differentially expressed transcripts were enriched of genes belonging to specific pathways and miRNAs targets. MIR96, MIR182, MIR589, MIR25 were shown significantly up‐regulated in 7q+ DLBCL by real‐time PCR.
A multi‐centre study of therapeutic efficacy and safety of platelet components treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A pathogen inactivation stored for 6 or 7 d prior to transfusion
Authors: Lozano Miguel , Knutson Folke , Tardivel René , Cid Joan , Maymó Rosa Maria , Löf Helena , Roddie Huw , Pelly Jane , Docherty Anthony , Sherman Claire , Lin Lily , Propst Meisa , Corash Laurence , Prowse Chris
Published: March 2011

Bacteria in platelet components (PC) may result in transfusion‐related sepsis (TRS). Pathogen inactivation of PC with amotosalen (A‐PC) can abrogate the risk of TRS and hence facilitate storage to 7 d. A randomized, controlled, double‐blinded trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of A‐PC stored for 6–7 d was conducted. Patients were randomized to receive one transfusion of conventional PC (C‐PC) or A‐PC stored for 6–7 d. The primary endpoint was the 1 h corrected count increment (CCI) with an acceptable inferiority of 30%. Secondary endpoints included 1‐ and 24‐h count increment (CI), 24‐h CCI, time to next PC transfusion, red blood cell (RBC) use, bleeding and adverse events. 101 and 100 patients received A‐PC or C‐PC respectively. The ratio of 1‐h CCI (A‐PC:C‐PC) was 0·87 (95% confidence interval: 0·73, 1·03) demonstrating non‐inferiority (P = 0·007), with respective mean 1‐h CCIs of 8163 and 9383; mean 1‐h CI was not significantly different. Post‐transfusion bleeding and RBC use were not significantly different (P = 0·44, P = 0·82 respectively). Median time to the next PC transfusion after study PC was not significantly different between groups: (2·2 vs. 2·3 d, P = 0·72). Storage of A‐PCs for 6–7 d had no impact on platelet efficacy.
Minor bleeds alert for subsequent major bleeding in patients using vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Piersma‐Wichers Margriet , Meijer Karina , Hillege Hans L.
Published: March 2011

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are effective in primary and secondary prevention of thromboembolism, but the associated risk of bleeding is an important limitation. The majority of bleeds are clinically mild. In this study, we assessed whether these minor bleeds are associated with major bleeding, when controlling for other important risk indicators, including the achieved quality of anticoagulation. For this, 5898 patients attending a specialized anticoagulation clinic were retrospectively studied for 1 year after initiation of VKA therapy. The risk of major bleeding was estimated using a multivariate piecewise exponential model with time‐varying exposure for occurring minor bleeds. In patients with a minor bleed (N = 1015) subsequent major bleeding occurred more frequently than in patients without a minor bleed (N = 4883), with an incidence rate of 2·3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·4–3·7] vs. 1·2 per 100 person‐years (95% CI 0·9–1·7). The adjusted relative risk of subsequent major bleeding after a minor bleed was 2·9 (95% CI 1·1–7·2, P = 0·024). The percentage of time that a patient had an International Normalized Ratio (INR) above 5 was also independently associated with major bleeding, with a 2·2‐fold increased risk in patients with at least 9% of time above INR 5 (95% CI 1·3–4·0, P = 0·006). Minor bleeds alert for subsequent major bleeding, independent of the quality of anticoagulation.
Transgenic expression of human S100A12 induces structural airway abnormalities and limited lung inflammation in a mouse model of allergic inflammation
Authors: Hofmann Bowman M. A. , Heydemann A. , Gawdzik J. , Shilling R. A. , Camoretti‐Mercado B.
Published: March 2011

Cite this as: M. A. Hofmann Bowman, A. Heydemann, J. Gawdzik, R. A. Shilling and B. Camoretti‐Mercado, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 878–889.

Background
The calcium‐binding protein S100A12 is highly up‐regulated in the serum and sputum of patients with allergic asthma and is suggested to be a biomarker and pathologic mediator of asthma.

Objective
To test the role of S100A12 in mediating airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic lung inflammation.

Methods
Transgenic (TG) mice that express human S100A12 and wild‐type (WT) littermates were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and assessed for inflammation, lung structure, and function.

Results
Following OVA sensitization and challenge, S100A12 TG mice showed reduced peribronchial and perivascular inflammation, mucus production, and eosinophilia as well as attenuated airway responsiveness to contractile agonist compared with WT sensitized and challenged animals. This is explained, at least in part, by remodelled airways in S100A12 TG mice with thinning of the airway smooth muscle. S100A12 exposure induced Fas expression and activation of caspase 3 in cultured airway smooth muscle cells, suggesting that airway smooth muscle abnormalities observed in S100A12 TG mice may be mediated through myocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
S100A12 is one of the most abundant proteins found in the airways of human asthmatics, and it was postulated that S100A12 could mediate the inflammatory process. Our study shows for the first time that TG expression of S100A12 in the lung of mice does not exacerbate lung inflammation in a model of OVA‐induced allergic inflammation. We speculate that the high levels of S100/calgranulins found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatics and of OVA‐treated TG S100A12 mice do not significantly mediate pulmonary inflammation.
Plant community responses to nitrogen addition and increased precipitation: the importance of water availability and species traits
Authors: YANG HAIJUN , LI YANG , WU MINGYU , ZHANG ZHE , LI LINGHAO , WAN SHIQIANG
Published: March 2011

Global nitrogen (N) enrichment and changing precipitation regimes are likely to alter plant community structure and composition, with consequent influences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Responses of plant community structure and composition to N addition and increased precipitation were examined in a temperate steppe in northern China. Increased precipitation and N addition stimulated and suppressed community species richness, respectively, across 6 years (2005–2010) of the manipulative experiment. N addition and increased precipitation significantly altered plant community structure and composition at functional groups levels. The significant relationship between species richness and soil moisture (SM) suggests that plant community structure is mediated by water under changing environmental conditions. In addition, plant height played an important role in affecting the responses of plant communities to N addition, and the effects of increased precipitation on plant community were dependent on species rooting depth. Our results highlight the importance and complexity of both abiotic (SM) and biotic factors (species traits) in structuring plant community under changing environmental scenarios. These findings indicate that knowledge of species traits can contribute to mechanistic understanding and projection of vegetation dynamics in response to future environmental change.
Throughfall exclusion and leaf litter addition drive higher rates of soil nitrous oxide emissions from a lowland wet tropical forest
Authors: WIEDER WILLIAM R. , CLEVELAND CORY C. , TOWNSEND ALAN R.
Published: March 2011

Tropical forests are a significant global source of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Predicted environmental changes for this biome highlight the need to understand how simultaneous changes in precipitation and labile carbon (C) availability may affect soil N2O production. We conducted a small‐scale throughfall and leaf litter manipulation in a lowland tropical forest in southwestern Costa Rica to test how potential changes in both water and litter derived labile C inputs to soils may alter N2O emissions. Experimentally reducing throughfall in this wet tropical forest significantly increased soil emissions of N2O, and our data suggest that at least part of this response was driven by an increase in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon [DOC] inputs delivered from litter to soil under the drier conditions. Furthermore, [DOC] was significantly correlated with N2O emissions across both throughfall and litterfall manipulation plots, despite the fact that native NO3− pools in this site were generally small. Our results highlight the importance of understanding not only the potential direct effects of changing precipitation on soil biogeochemistry, but also the indirect effects resulting from interactions between the hydrologic, C and N cycles. Finally, over all sampling events we observed lower mean N2O emissions (<1 ng N2O‐N cm−2 h−1) than reported for many other lowland tropical forests, perhaps reflecting a more general pattern of increasing relative N constraints to biological activity as one moves from drier to wetter portions of the lowland tropical forest biome.
Prevalence of bruising at the vascular access site one week after elective cardiac catheterisation or percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Cosman Tammy L , Arthur Heather M , Natarajan Madhu K
Published: March 2011

Aim.  To identify the prevalence and predictors of VAS bruising in the 5–7 days following cardiac catheterisation or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background.  Complication(s) of cardiac catheterisation and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) occur commonly at the vascular access site (VAS). While major complications, such as retroperitoneal bleeding, are evident before hospital discharge, the prevalence of VAS bruising in the early post‐discharge period is undocumented.

Design.  Prospective observational study.

Method.  Data were collected on 172 patients following cardiac catheterisation and/or PCI through (1) chart review, (2) pre‐discharge assessment and (3) telephone follow up 5–7 days post‐discharge.

Results.  At the time of telephone follow up bruising was reported in 68·6% of all patients (n = 118), with 47% of those patients (n = 56) reporting bruises larger than 7·5 cm (3 inches). Incidence of bruising varied by access site; 73% of patients (n = 86) who had femoral access, 83% (n = 15) with femoral access plus closure device and 60% (n = 17) of patients with radial access reported bruising 5–7 days post‐discharge. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant association between female sex and post discharge bruising (χ2 10·490, p = 0·001), with a likelihood ratio of 11·20. Abciximab use during the procedure was associated with post discharge bruising (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0·045). Logistic regression analysis revealed female sex as a significant predictor of bruising after discharge (p = 0·001).

Conclusion.  This study suggests that the majority of patients will experience significant bruising at the VAS following discharge and that women may be more at risk.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The high prevalence of post‐discharge bruising after cardiac catheterisation and/or PCI has important implications for nursing education and preparation of patients prior to hospital discharge.
Concerted genetic, morphological and ecological diversification inNacellalimpets in the Magellanic Province
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐WEVAR C. A. , NAKANO T. , CAÑETE J. I. , POULIN E.
Published: March 2011

Common inhabitants of Antarctic and Subantarctic rocky shores, the limpet genusNacella, includes 15 nominal species distributed in different provinces of the Southern Ocean. The Magellanic Province represents the area with the highest diversity of the genus. Phylogenetic reconstructions showed an absence of reciprocal monophyly and high levels of genetic identity among nominal species in this Province and therefore imply a recent diversification in southern South America. Because most of these taxa coexist along their distribution range with clear differences in their habitat preferences,Nacellais a suitable model to explore diversification mechanisms in an area highly affected by recurrent Pleistocene continental ice cap advances and retreats. Here, we present genetic and morphological comparisons among sympatric Magellanic nominal species ofNacella. We amplified a fragment of the COI gene for 208 individuals belonging to seven sympatric nominal species and performed geometric morphometric analyses of their shells. We detected a complete congruence between genetic and morphological results, leading us to suggest four groups ofNacellaamong seven analysed nominal species. Congruently, each of these groups was related to different habitat preferences such as bathymetric range and substrate type. A plausible explanation for these results includes an ecologically based allopatric speciation process inNacella. Major climatic changes during the Plio‐Pleistocene glacial cycles may have enhanced differentiation processes. Finally, our results indicate that the systematics of the group requires a deep revision to re‐evaluate the taxonomy ofNacellaand to further understand the Pleistocene legacy of the glacial cycles in the southern tip of South America.
Relationship between maternal dietary patterns and hypospadias
Authors: de Kort Christianne A. R. , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Mendez Michelle A.
Published: March 2011

de Kort CAR, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Mendez MA. Relationship between maternal dietary patterns and hypospadias. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 255–264.

Little is known about the role of maternal nutrition in the development of hypospadias, which is the most common urogenital congenital anomaly. This study investigated the relationship between maternal nutrition and the risk of hypospadias, particularly focusing on maternal food patterns. We compared 471 hypospadias cases with 490 controls in the United Kingdom. A questionnaire including information on life style, occupation, usual maternal diet and dietary supplements was administered using telephone interviews. Cases and controls were compared for individual food item intake and food patterns derived by cluster analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for income, maternal age, low birthweight, smoking and folic acid supplement use was used to assess the relationship between maternal nutrition and hypospadias. Three food patterns were created with the labels ‘health conscious’, ‘mixed’ and ‘non‐health conscious’. ‘Non‐health conscious’ subjects (low frequency of consumption of yoghurt, cheese, eggs, fruit and vegetables, fish, beans and pulses, olive oil and organic food) had a higher risk of hypospadias (odds ratio 1.54; 95% confidence interval 1.06, 2.26) compared with ‘health conscious’ subjects (high frequency of consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, fresh or frozen fish, beans, pulses, soya products, olive oil and organic food), after adjustment for potential confounders. Intakes of individual foods were not strongly associated with hypospadias. We could not exclude the possibility of residual confounding, and this needs to be further investigated. We found an association between food pattern and hypospadias, with those with less health conscious food patterns having a higher risk. Further study is needed to confirm this association.
Sexual reproduction is the default mode in apomictic Hieracium subgenus Pilosella, in which two dominant loci function to enable apomixis
Authors: Koltunow Anna M. G. , Johnson Susan D. , Rodrigues Julio C. M. , Okada Takashi , Hu Yingkao , Tsuchiya Tohru , Wilson Saira , Fletcher Pam , Ito Kanae , Suzuki Go , Mukai Yasuhiko , Fehrer Judith , Bicknell Ross A.
Published: March 2011

Asexual seed formation, or apomixis, in the Hieracium subgenus Pilosella is controlled by two dominant independent genetic loci, LOSS OF APOMEIOSIS (LOA) and LOSS OF PARTHENOGENESIS (LOP). We examined apomixis mutants that had lost function in one or both loci to establish their developmental roles during seed formation. In apomicts, sexual reproduction is initiated first. Somatic aposporous initial (AI) cells differentiate near meiotic cells, and the sexual pathway is terminated as AI cells undergo mitotic embryo sac formation. Seed initiation is fertilization‐independent. Using a partially penetrant cytotoxic reporter to inhibit meioisis, we showed that developmental events leading to the completion of meiotic tetrad formation are required for AI cell formation. Sexual initiation may therefore stimulate activity of the LOA locus, which was found to be required for AI cell formation and subsequent suppression of the sexual pathway. AI cells undergo nuclear division to form embryo sacs, in which LOP functions gametophytically to stimulate fertilization‐independent embryo and endosperm formation. Loss of function in either locus results in partial reversion to sexual reproduction, and loss of function in both loci results in total reversion to sexual reproduction. Therefore, in these apomicts, sexual reproduction is the default reproductive mode upon which apomixis is superimposed. These loci are unlikely to encode genes essential for sexual reproduction, but may function to recruit the sexual machinery at specific time points to enable apomixis.
Targeted manipulation of leaf form via local growth repression
Authors: Malinowski Robert , Kasprzewska Ania , Fleming Andrew J.
Published: March 2011

A classical view is that leaf shape is the result of local promotion of growth linked to cell proliferation. However, an alternative hypothesis is that leaf form is the result of local repression of growth in an otherwise growing system. Here we show that leaf form can indeed be manipulated in a directed fashion by local repression of growth. We show that targeting expression of an inhibitor of a cyclin‐dependent kinase (KRP1) to the sinus area of developing leaves of Arabidopsis leads to local growth repression and the formation of organs with extreme lobing, including generation of leaflet‐like organs. Directing KRP1 expression to other regions of the leaf using an miRNA target sequence tagging approach also leads to predictable novel leaf forms, and repression of growth in the leaf margin blocks the outgrowth of lobes, leading to a smoother perimeter. In addition, we show that decreased growth around the perimeter and across the leaf abaxial surface leads to a change in 3D form, as predicted by mechanical models of leaf growth. Our analysis provides experimental evidence that local repression of growth influences leaf shape, suggesting that it could be part of the mechanism of morphogenesis in plants in the context of an otherwise growing system.
APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR and basic helix–loop–helix tobacco transcription factors cooperatively mediate jasmonate‐elicited nicotine biosynthesis
Authors: De Boer Kathleen , Tilleman Sofie , Pauwels Laurens , Vanden Bossche Robin , De Sutter Valerie , Vanderhaeghen Rudy , Hilson Pierre , Hamill John D. , Goossens Alain
Published: March 2011

Transcription factors of the plant‐specific apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) family control plant secondary metabolism, often as part of signalling cascades induced by jasmonate (JA) or other elicitors. Here, we functionally characterized the JA‐inducible tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) AP2/ERF factor ORC1, one of the members of the NIC2‐locus ERFs that control nicotine biosynthesis and a close homologue of ORCA3, a transcriptional activator of alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. ORC1 positively regulated the transcription of several structural genes coding for the enzymes involved in nicotine biosynthesis. Accordingly, overexpression of ORC1 was sufficient to stimulate alkaloid biosynthesis in tobacco plants and tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) root cultures. In contrast to ORCA3 in C. roseus, which needs only the GCC motif in the promoters of the alkaloid synthesis genes to induce their expression, ORC1 required the presence of both GCC‐motif and G‐box elements in the promoters of the tobacco nicotine biosynthesis genes for maximum transactivation. Correspondingly, combined application with the JA‐inducible Nicotiana basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) factors that bind the G‐box element in these promoters enhanced ORC1 action. Conversely, overaccumulation of JAZ repressor proteins that block bHLH activity reduced ORC1 functionality. Finally, the activity of both ORC1 and bHLH proteins was post‐translationally upregulated by a JA‐modulated phosphorylation cascade, in which a specific mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase, JA‐factor stimulating MAPKK1 (JAM1), was identified. This study highlights the complexity of the molecular machinery involved in the regulation of tobacco alkaloid biosynthesis and provides mechanistic insights about its transcriptional regulators.
Rice CYP734As function as multisubstrate and multifunctional enzymes in brassinosteroid catabolism
Authors: Sakamoto Tomoaki , Kawabe Ayami , Tokida‐Segawa Asako , Shimizu Bun‐ichi , Takatsuto Suguru , Shimada Yukihisa , Fujioka Shozo , Mizutani Masaharu
Published: March 2011

Catabolism of brassinosteroids regulates the endogenous level of bioactive brassinosteroids. In Arabidopsis thaliana, bioactive brassinosteroids such as castasterone (CS) and brassinolide (BL) are inactivated mainly by two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, CYP734A1/BAS1 and CYP72C1/SOB7/CHI2/SHK1; CYP734A1/BAS1 inactivates CS and BL by means of C‐26 hydroxylation. Here, we characterized CYP734A orthologs from Oryza sativa (rice). Overexpression of rice CYP734As in transgenic rice gave typical brassinosteroid‐deficient phenotypes. These transformants were deficient in both the bioactive CS and its precursors downstream of the C‐22 hydroxylation step. Consistent with this result, recombinant rice CYP734As utilized a range of C‐22 hydroxylated brassinosteroid intermediates as substrates. In addition, rice CYP734As can catalyze hydroxylation and the second and third oxidations to produce aldehyde and carboxylate groups at C‐26 in vitro. These results indicate that rice CYP734As are multifunctional, multisubstrate enzymes that control the endogenous bioactive brassinosteroid content both by direct inactivation of CS and by the suppression of CS biosynthesis by decreasing the levels of brassinosteroid precursors.
Role of camalexin, indole glucosinolates, and side chain modification of glucosinolate‐derived isothiocyanates in defense of Arabidopsis against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Stotz Henrik U. , Sawada Yuji , Shimada Yukihisa , Hirai Masami Y. , Sasaki Eriko , Krischke Markus , Brown Paul D. , Saito Kazuki , Kamiya Yuji
Published: March 2011

Plant secondary metabolites are known to facilitate interactions with a variety of beneficial and detrimental organisms, yet the contribution of specific metabolites to interactions with fungal pathogens is poorly understood. Here we show that, with respect to aliphatic glucosinolate‐derived isothiocyanates, toxicity against the pathogenic ascomycete Sclerotinia sclerotiorum depends on side chain structure. Genes associated with the formation of the secondary metabolites camalexin and glucosinolate were induced in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves challenged with the necrotrophic pathogen S. sclerotiorum. Unlike S. sclerotiorum, the closely related ascomycete Botrytis cinerea was not identified to induce genes associated with aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis in pathogen‐challenged leaves. Mutant plant lines deficient in camalexin, indole, or aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis were hypersusceptible to S. sclerotiorum, among them the myb28 mutant, which has a regulatory defect resulting in decreased production of long‐chained aliphatic glucosinolates. The antimicrobial activity of aliphatic glucosinolate‐derived isothiocyanates was dependent on side chain elongation and modification, with 8‐methylsulfinyloctyl isothiocyanate being most toxic to S. sclerotiorum. This information is important for microbial associations with cruciferous host plants and for metabolic engineering of pathogen defenses in cruciferous plants that produce short‐chained aliphatic glucosinolates.
Immunohistochemical localization of fibroblast growth factor 18 in hair follicles of healthy beagle dogs
Authors: Vandenabeele Sophie I. J. , Daminet Sylvie , Van Ham Luc , Farver Thomas B. , DeCock Hilde E. V.
Published: March 2011

Increasing emphasis is being placed on the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in hair follicle cycling. In mice, expression of FGF18 mRNA peaks during the late telogen phase, leading to the hypothesis that FGF plays a role in anagen induction. There are no data on the presence of FGF18 in dogs. The main objective of this study was to identify and locate FGF18 in the canine hair follicle. The second objective was to assess potential differences in FGF18 concentration between biopsies taken in winter and summer, shoulder and flank regions, and between different sexes. Skin tissue from 10 healthy beagle dogs (three intact females, three spayed females and four intact males) was collected from the shoulder and flank. The biopsies were collected in February and August on day 0, after which the dogs were clipped and biopsies collected again from the shoulder and flank on days 1, 3, 7 and 17. Paraffin sections (4 μm thick) of the biopsies were stained with an anti‐FGF18 antibody. The FGF18‐positive cells were counted in the hair follicle epithelium from seven follicular units of each biopsy. Fibroblast growth factor 18 was detected as granular cytoplasmatic staining in follicles at the level of the inner root sheath, and rarely in the outer root sheath and dermal papilla. It was also detected in the apocrine glands, in arrector pili muscles and in vascular endothelial cells. There was no statistical difference in the number of FGF18‐positive cells or follicles between sexes, different anatomical locations, seasons or the consecutive days of sampling.
Prevalence of gastroparesis before and after lung transplantation and its association with lung allograft outcomes
Authors: Raviv Yael , D’Ovidio Frank , Pierre Andrew , Chaparro Cecilia , Freeman Marc , Keshavjee Shaf , Singer Lianne G.
Published: March 2011

Raviv Y, D’Ovidio F, Pierre A, Chaparro C, Freeman M, Keshavjee S, Singer LG. Prevalence of gastroparesis before and after lung transplantation and its association with lung allograft outcomes.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 133–142.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The main cause of late morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation is bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). This study assesses the prevalence of gastroparesis among lung‐transplant recipients and its association with BOS. The files of 139 patients who underwent nuclear gastric emptying studies before and/or three and 12 months after lung transplantation were reviewed, and the correlation of gastric emptying time (GET) at each time point with the occurrence of acute rejection or BOS (stage 0p or higher) was evaluated. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE; t1/2 > 90 min) was documented in 50% of patients before transplantation – 74% at three months and 63% at 12 months. Median pre‐transplant t1/2 was 108 min in patients who acquired BOS and 77 min in BOS‐free patients (p = 0.022). Among patients with pre‐transplant DGE, 58% were BOS‐free at 24 months post‐operatively and 37% at 36 months; corresponding rates in patients with normal motility were 78% and 63% (p = 0.084). On multiple regression analysis adjusting for other measures of upper gastrointestinal dysfunction, GET before or three months after transplantation was significantly associated with BOS (OR 1.05 [95% CI 1.01–1.09] and OR 1.001 [1.001–1.005] per minute t1/2). Gastroparesis is common in lung‐transplant recipients and associated with the development of BOS.
Body composition, muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical disability risk in liver transplanted familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy patients
Authors: Tomás Maria T. , Santa‐Clara Maria H. , Monteiro Estela , Baynard Tracy , Carnero Elvis Á. , Bruno Paula M. , Barroso Eduardo , Sardinha Luís B. , Fernhall Bo
Published: March 2011

Tomás MT, Santa‐Clara MH, Monteiro E, Baynard T, Carnero EÁ, Bruno PM, Barroso E, Sardinha LB, Fernhall B. Body composition, muscle strength, functional capacity, and physical disability risk in liver transplanted familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy patients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E406–E414. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to sensory and motor polyneuropathies, and functional limitations. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for FAP, requiring medication that negatively affects bone and muscle metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare body composition, levels of specific strength, level of physical disability risk, and functional capacity of transplanted FAP patients (FAPTx) with a group of healthy individuals (CON).

Methods:  A group of patients with 48 FAPTx (28 men, 20 women) was compared with 24 CON individuals (14 men, 10 women). Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and total skeletal muscle mass (TBSMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were calculated. Handgrip strength was measured for both hands as was isometric strength of quadriceps. Muscle quality (MQ) was ascertained by the ratio of strength to muscle mass. Functional capacity was assessed by the six‐minute walk test.

Results:  Patients with FAPTx had significantly lower functional capacity, weight, body mass index, total fat mass, TBSMM, SMI, lean mass, muscle strength, MQ, and bone mineral density.

Conclusion:  Patients with FAPTx appear to be at particularly high risk of functional disability, suggesting an important role for an early and appropriately designed rehabilitation program.
Comparison Between a γ‐IFN Assay and Intradermal Tuberculin Test for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis in Field Trials in Brazil
Authors: Lilenbaum W. , Schettini J. C. , Souza G. N. , Ribeiro E. R. , Moreira E. C. , Fonseca L. S.
Published: March 2011

Bovine tuberculosis is a major problem in Brazil. The intradermal tuberculin test is the standard test for detection of bovine tuberculosis in Brazil but can lack both sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this study was to compare a bovine γ‐IFN assay with the tuberculin test under field conditions in Brazil. A total of 1632 animals from 13 dairy farms were tested using the single cervical tuberculin test (SCTT). Among those animals, about 15% of each herd, 220 in total, represented a high‐risk group and were selected to be tested using the γ‐IFN test. Of the 1632 animals tested, 207 presented significant reactions representing 12.7% of the cattle studied. In the selected group the number of animals positive by the γ‐IFN assay was 126/220 (57.3%) and the total number of reactive cows on SCTT was 106/220 (48.2%). The real number of infected cattle, following standards, was 120/220 (54.5%). From these results the relative sensitivity rate of γ‐IFN test was 100% including the false‐positive results and 88.3% for the SCTT — a significant (P < 0.01) difference in favour of the γ‐IFN test of 11.7%. The γ‐IFN assay also identified some positive animals 60–120 days earlier than the SCTT. In conclusion, we believe that the γ‐IFN assay can be used alone or in combination with the SCTT, as a valuable tool for the control of bovine tuberculosis in the Brazilian national herd.
Type of milk feeding affects hematological parameters and serum lipid profile in Japanese infants
Authors: Isomura Haruhiko , Takimoto Hidemi , Miura Fumihiro , Kitazawa Shigetaka , Takeuchi Toshio , Itabashi Kazuo , Kato Noriko
Published: March 2011

Background:  Type and volume of infant feeding determines infant growth, hematological parameters, and serum lipids.

Methods:  Study subjects consisted of 103 infants who were born vaginally at term, with birthweight >2200 g. Milk feeding amount, type, and anthropometry were measured at 1 and 6 months. Hematological tests and serum lipid profile were assessed at 1 and 6 months. Thirty‐four infants were breast‐fed and 36 were formula‐fed at 6 months.

Results:  Breast‐fed infants demonstrated similar growth patterns compared with partially breast‐fed or formula‐fed infants, despite the lower milk intake. Infants with higher breast milk intake at 6 months, however, tended to have lower hemoglobin levels. In contrast, higher formula intake at 6 months was related to lower serum total cholesterol.

Conclusions:  Japanese breast‐fed infants were more likely to be anemic at 6 months, while formula‐fed infants were likely to have low serum lipid levels. Iron‐fortified infant foods may be useful to prevent anemia in breast‐fed infants. Fat quality of infant formulas should be improved to enhance lipid status of formula‐fed infants.
Age‐ and gender‐specific reference intervals for serum lipid levels (measured with an Advia 1650 analyzer) in school children
Authors: Tamimi Waleed , Tamim Hani , Felimban Naila , AlMutair Angham , Altwaijri Yasmin , AlAlwan Ibrahim
Published: March 2011

Background:  Due to the lack of country‐specific norms in Saudi Arabia, age‐ and gender‐specific lipid reference intervals are needed to be established for Saudi children.

Methods:  Blood samples were collected from 1168 children aged 6–16 years: 500 boys (43%) and 668 girls (57%), and were analyzed for cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). Reference intervals were established by calculating the mean and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles.

Results:  There were significant differences between boys at each Tanner stage with respect to cholesterol (P < 0.001); and HDL (P < 0.0001) but not LDL (P < 0.06) among girls. There were significant differences between boys and girls during puberty with respect to cholesterol (P < 0.0001), HDL (P < 0.0001), and LDL (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between total cholesterol levels, LDL and HDL levels at all Tanner stages in both genders. In girls, the only significant inverse correlation was at stage I (r=−0.243, P= 0.001); there was no significant correlation at other stages.

Conclusions:  Unlike children in other developing countries, Saudi children do not have lower serum cholesterol than their Western counterparts. These findings reflect changing dietary habits and increasing affluence in Saudi Arabia. These reference intervals may be used to aid in the early assessment of cardiovascular risk in Saudi pediatric populations.
Clinical practice guidelines for children with cancer presenting with fever to the emergency room
Authors: Pakakasama Samart , Surayuthpreecha Kulvadee , Pandee Uthen , Anurathapan Usanarat , Maleewan Vimolratne , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Butthep Punnee , Santanirand Pitak , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Hongeng Suradej
Published: March 2011

Background:  Patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) may develop severe infection, septic shock, and death. To improve the outcome of pediatric oncology patients with suspected FN, clinical practice guidelines were developed for these patients at the emergency room (ER). The objective of the present study was to evaluate compliance of the clinical practice guidelines for children with cancer presenting with fever to the ER and adverse outcomes after using the guidelines.

Methods:  A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of children with cancer presenting with fever to the ER from January 2007 to December 2008 after the clinical guidelines were implemented. The control group was the children with cancer who presented with fever during January 2005–December 2006. Guideline compliance was evaluated by recording the time of initial clinical and laboratory assessment and door‐to‐antibiotic time. The adverse outcomes, including septic shock and death, were determined.

Results:  There were 170 febrile episodes after using the guidelines. Approximately half (49.4%) of the patients received clinical assessment and laboratory results within 60 min, whereas the antibiotics were administered within 120 min in 80%. Prevalence of septic shock and intensive care unit admission were significantly reduced compared to controls (P = 0.011 and 0.016, respectively). No infection‐associated mortality was found after the implementation of the guidelines.

Conclusions:  Using the clinical practice guidelines for pediatric oncology patients with fever was found to reduce the adverse outcomes and improve survival.
Endoscopic decompression of benign large bowel obstruction using a transanal drainage tube
Authors: Horiuchi A. , Nakayama Y. , Kajiyama M. , Kamijima T. , Kato N. , Ichise Y. , Tanaka N.
Published: March 2011

Aim  Endoscopic decompression of malignant colorectal obstruction is often dealt with using expandable metallic stents. Endoscopic decompression of benign large bowel obstruction is more difficult. We report the technique and outcome of transanal endoscopic decompression for benign large bowel obstruction.

Method  From January 2001 to June 2010, endoscopic decompression using a transanal drainage tube placement was attempted in consecutive patients with benign large bowel obstruction. The clinical features, technical success, complications, treatment after the tube placement and clinical success were retrospectively evaluated.

Results  There were 13 patients (seven males, age 47–87, mean 69 years). The sites of obstruction were transverse colon [5 (38%)], sigmoid colon [3 (23%)], ileocecal valve [2 (15%)], splenic flexure [1 (8%)], descending colon [1 (8%)] and rectum [1 (8%)]. The most common cause of obstruction was anastomotic stricture [9 (69%)]. In 12 (92%) patients transanal decompression was technically successful with one perforation. An overtube, the reinsertion of colonoscope along the decompression tube, or the use of a small‐diameter endoscope was required for the tube placement in seven (54%). In seven (54%) patients tube placement alone resulted in relief of bowel obstruction without operation.

Conclusion  Endoscopic decompression using a transanal drainage tube is effective for the management of benign large bowel obstruction.
Australia's Children ‘Safe and Well’?1 Collaborating with Purpose Across Commonwealth Family Relationship and State Child Protection Systems
Authors: Winkworth Gail , White Michael
Published: March 2011

So ubiquitous is reference to collaboration in policy documents that it is in danger of being ignored altogether by service deliverers who are not clear about its rationale, how it is built, or its real value. This is evident in the child and family services context where for example the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children calls for collaboration and a ‘shared responsibility’ across the state, Commonwealth and the non‐government sectors to keep children safe and well. This article describes a project undertaken to analyse and ultimately increase levels of collaboration between state and Commonwealth government family service providers. The research reinforced an important message that levels of collaboration should align with the vulnerability of children and their families: the greater the level of risks to children, the greater the level of collaboration needed within and between systems to keep children safe.