bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terpene Down-Regulation Triggers Defense Responses in Transgenic Orange Leading to Resistance against Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Rodríguez Ana , Shimada Takehiko , Cervera Magdalena , Alquézar Berta , Gadea José , Gómez-Cadenas Aurelio , De Ollas Carlos José , Rodrigo María Jesús , Zacarías Lorenzo , Peña Leandro 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Terpenoid volatiles are isoprene compounds that are emitted by plants to communicate with the environment. In addition to their function in repelling herbivores and attracting carnivorous predators in green tissues, the presumed primary function of terpenoid volatiles released from mature fruits is the attraction of seed-dispersing animals. Mature oranges (Citrus sinensis) primarily accumulate terpenes in peel oil glands, with d-limonene accounting for approximately 97% of the total volatile terpenes. In a previous report, we showed that down-regulation of a d-limonene synthase gene alters monoterpene levels in orange antisense (AS) fruits, leading to resistance against Penicillium digitatum infection. A global gene expression analysis of AS versus empty vector (EV) transgenic fruits revealed that the down-regulation of d-limonene up-regulated genes involved in the innate immune response. Basal levels of jasmonic acid were substantially higher in the EV compared with AS oranges. Upon fungal challenge, salicylic acid levels were triggered in EV samples, while jasmonic acid metabolism and signaling were drastically increased in AS orange peels. In nature, d-limonene levels increase in orange fruit once the seeds are fully viable. The inverse correlation between the increase in d-limonene content and the decrease in the defense response suggests that d-limonene promotes infection by microorganisms that are likely involved in facilitating access to the pulp for seed-dispersing frugivores.
The marine environment as a reservoir of enterococci carrying resistance and virulence genes strongly associated with clinical strains
Authors: Di Cesare Andrea , Pasquaroli Sonia , Vignaroli Carla , Paroncini Paolo , Luna Gian Marco , Manso Esther , Biavasco Francesca 
Published: November 2013

SummaryTo gain insights into the relationships and the genetic exchange among environmental and clinical enterococci, 59 strains (29 from marine aquaculture sites and 30 from clinical settings) resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, ampicillin and/or gentamicin were analysed for the antibiotic resistance tet(M), tet(L), tet(O), erm(A), erm(B), mef blaZ, aac(6′)‐Ie aph(2″)‐Ia and virulence gelE, cylB, efaA and esp genes, and for the copper resistance gene tcrB. Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes were detected more frequently in clinical than in environmental enterococci; the opposite was true for copper resistance. Conjugation experiments demonstrated the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from marine to clinical enterococci in interspecific mating and the uncommon joint transfer of tet(L) and erm(B). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction typing evidenced a cluster (90% similarity) encompassing strains carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes from both sets; the others marine isolates exhibited polyclonality and bore tcrB. Our results demonstrate that antibiotic‐resistant marine enterococci bear antibiotic resistance genes transferable to humans and suggest that copper resistance, not observed among clinical strains, may be useful for survival in the environment, whereas virulence genes likely confer no advantage to enterococcal populations adapted to a lifestyle outside the host.
Trading fours: Creativity, analogy, and exchange
Authors: BRENNEIS DON 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn commenting on Eitan Wilf's “Sociable robots, jazz music, and divination,” I consider contemporary practices of spontaneous algorithmic composition designed to help produce new, unpredictable, and “interesting” jazz music. I focus, in particular, on five themes that emerge in Wilf's article: emotion, grooves and grooving, routinization, affordances and constraints, and analogy as both cultural practice and theory‐making strategy. I also draw on a comparison between the emergent compositional practices Wilf documents and ethnographic accounts of other improvisatory practices in jazz.
Limited ability of existing nomograms to predict outcomes in men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Siao‐Yi , Cowan Janet E. , Cary K. Clint , Chan June M. , Carroll Peter R. , Cooperberg Matthew R. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the ability of current nomograms to predict disease progression at repeat biopsy or at delayed radical prostatectomy (RP) in a prospectively accrued cohort of patients managed by active surveillance (AS).Materials and MethodsA total of 273 patients meeting low‐risk criteria who were managed by AS and who underwent multiple biopsies and/or delayed RP were included in the study.The Kattan (base, medium and full), Steyerberg, Nakanishi and Chun nomograms were used to calculate the likelihood of indolent disease (‘nomogram probability’) as well as to predict ‘biopsy progression’ by grade or volume, ‘surgical progression’ by grade or stage, or ‘any progression’ on repeat biopsy or surgery.We evaluated the associations between each nomogram probability and each progression outcome using logistic regression with (area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) values and decision curve analysis.ResultsThe nomogram probabilities of indolent disease were lower in patients with biopsy progression (P < 0.01) and any progression on repeat biopsy or surgical pathology (P < 0.05).In regression analyses, nomograms showed a modest ability to predict biopsy progression, adjusted for total number of biopsies (AUC range 0.52–0.67) and any progression (AUC range 0.52–0.70).Decision curve analyses showed that all the nomograms, except for the Kattan base model, have similar value in predicting biopsy progression and any progression.Nomogram probabilities were not associated with surgical progression in a subgroup of 58 men who underwent delayed RP.ConclusionsExisting nomograms have only modest accuracy in predicting the outcomes of patients undergoing AS.Improvements to existing nomograms should be made before they are implemented in clinical practice and used to select patients for AS.
The cognition‐enhancing activity of E1R, a novel positive allosteric modulator of sigma‐1 receptors
Authors: Zvejniece L , Vavers E , Svalbe B , Vilskersts R , Domracheva I , Vorona M , Veinberg G , Misane I , Stonans I , Kalvinsh I , Dambrova M 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeHere, we describe the in vitro and in vivo effects of (4R,5S)‐2‐(5‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐4‐phenyl‐pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐acetamide (E1R), a novel positive allosteric modulator of sigma‐1 receptors.Experimental ApproachE1R was tested for sigma receptor binding activity in a [3H](+)‐pentazocine assay, in bradykinin (BK)‐induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) assays and in an electrically stimulated rat vas deferens model. E1R's effects on cognitive function were tested using passive avoidance (PA) and Y‐maze tests in mice. A selective sigma‐1 receptor antagonist (NE‐100), was used to study the involvement of the sigma‐1 receptor in the effects of E1R. The open‐field test was used to detect the effects of E1R on locomotion.Key ResultsPretreatment with E1R enhanced the selective sigma‐1 receptor agonist PRE‐084's stimulating effect during a model study employing electrically stimulated rat vasa deferentia and an assay measuring the BK‐induced [Ca2+]i increase. Pretreatment with E1R facilitated PA retention in a dose‐related manner. Furthermore, E1R alleviated the scopolamine‐induced cognitive impairment during the PA and Y‐maze tests in mice. The in vivo and in vitro effects of E1R were blocked by treatment with the selective sigma‐1 receptor antagonist NE‐100. E1R did not affect locomotor activity.Conclusion and ImplicationsE1R is a novel 4,5‐disubstituted derivative of piracetam that enhances cognition and demonstrates efficacy against scopolamine‐induced cholinergic dysfunction in mice. These effects are attributed to its positive modulatory action on the sigma‐1 receptor and this activity may be relevant when developing new drugs for treating cognitive symptoms related to neurodegenerative diseases.
Novel bioresorbable strontium hydroxyapatite membrane for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Hao J. , Acharya A. , Chen K. , Chou J. , Kasugai S. , Lang N. P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivesMembrane materials have been widely used for guided bone regeneration (GBR). However, due to bio‐functional limitation of the current membranes, the ideal resorbable membrane that can stimulate bone regeneration has yet to be developed. This study seeks to investigate the effects of a strontium hydroxyapatite (SrHA)‐containing membrane for GBR.Material and methodsStrontium hydroxyapatite powder was synthesized and mixed with gelatin solution to the final concentration of 10 mg/ml (Sr10) and 20 mg/ml (Sr20). Approximately 100‐μm‐thick membranes were fabricated, and the mechanical properties and strontium ion release pattern were analyzed. Rat bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) responses were investigated in vitro. Bilaterial rat calvarial defects were used in vivo to compare the SrHA membranes against commercially available collagen membranes and evaluated radiologically and histologically.ResultsStrontium hydroxyapatite membranes exhibited higher elasticity and strength than the collagen membrane, and slow strontium ion release was also confirmed. No BMSC cytotoxicity was found on the SrHA membranes, and the alkaline phosphatase positively stained area was significantly greater than the collagen membrane at earlier time point. At 4 weeks, both micro‐CT and histological analyses revealed that the Sr20 group yielded significantly greater bone formation.ConclusionsThe SrHA‐containing membrane developed in this study was found to be a biocompatible material that can stimulate BMSC differentiation as well as bone regeneration and maturation in rat calvarial defects at early time point compared with collagen membrane. The best result was observed in Sr20 group, which can be potentially effective for GBR.
Effects of anonymous peer observation on adolescents' preference for immediate rewards
Authors: Weigard Alexander , Chein Jason , Albert Dustin , Smith Ashley , Steinberg Laurence 
Published: November 2013

AbstractResearch suggests that the presence of peers influences adolescent risk‐taking by increasing the perceived reward value of risky decisions. While prior work has involved observation of participants by their friends, the current study examined whether observation by an anonymous peer could elicit similarly increased reward sensitivity. Late adolescent participants completed a delay discounting task either alone or under the belief that performance was being observed from a neighboring room by an unknown viewer of the same gender and age. Even in this limited social context, participants demonstrated a significantly increased preference for smaller, immediate rewards when they believed that they were being watched. This outcome challenges several intuitive accounts of the peer effect on adolescent risk‐taking, and indicates that the peer influence on reward sensitivity during late adolescence is not dependent on familiarity with the observer. The findings have both theoretical and practical implications for our understanding of social influences on adolescents' risky behavior.
Inter‐Vendor Variability of Left Ventricular Volumes and Strains Determined by Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Yuda Satoshi , Sato Yasumi , Abe Kiyoshi , Kawamukai Mina , Kouzu Hidemichi , Muranaka Atsuko , Kokubu Nobuaki , Hashimoto Akiyoshi , Tsuchihashi Kazufumi , Watanabe Naoki , Miura Tetsuji 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundInter‐vendor discordance in three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DS) remains uncharacterized. We aimed to examine inter‐vendor discordance of left ventricular (LV) volumes, and functional parameters and their reproducibilities between two commercially available 3DS systems.MethodsEchocardiographic examinations with 3DS were performed in 26 healthy subjects (age 34 ± 13 years, 85% men) using a Vivid E9 system (V1) with 4V probe (GE Health Care) and Artida (V2) with PST‐25SX probe (Toshiba Medical Systems) on the same day. LV variables and global LV longitudinal, circumferential, radial, and area strains were measured by vendor‐specific softwares, 4D strain EchoPAC BT11 (for V1) and 3D WMT (for V2), respectively. Reproducibility of data was assessed by an intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe mean time required for 3DS analysis was 5.4 ± 1.5 min for V1, being 21% less than that for V2 (6.8 ± 1.9 min, P < 0.01). Reproducibilities of all LV strains were comparable between V1 (ICC 0.50–0.82) and V2 (ICC 0.51–0.76), except for intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibilities of radial strain being lower in V2 (ICC for V1 0.82 and 0.82 and ICC for V2 0.44 and 0.40, respectively). LV strains in all directions and area were significantly different between V1 and V2, though LV volumes and ejection fraction were comparable.ConclusionsGlobal longitudinal, circumferential, and area LV strains are reproducible in both 3DS vendors. However, values of three‐dimensional LV strains by 3DS are highly vendor‐dependent.
Lp‐PLA2 is associated with structural valve degeneration of bioprostheses
Authors: Mahmut Ablajan , Mahjoub Haïfa , Boulanger Marie‐Chloé , Fournier Dominique , Després Jean‐Pierre , Pibarot Philippe , Mathieu Patrick 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we sought to determine the metabolic markers associated with structural valve degeneration (SVD).BackgroundStructural valve degeneration (SVD) is the major cause of bioprosthetic valve failure leading to bioprostheses (BPs) stenosis or regurgitation. We hypothesized that lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is involved in the SVD of BPs.MethodsWe included 197 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve and had echocardiographic follow‐up to evaluate valve function. Moreover, explanted BPs (n = 39) were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of Lp‐PLA2.ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 7·9 ±0·2 years, forty‐one patients (21%) were identified as developing SVD. Patients with SVD had significantly higher plasma level of Lp‐PLA2 mass (151·8 ± 9·2 ng/mL vs. 133·2 ± 3·4 ng/mL, P = 0·03) and activity (27·6 ± 0·9 nmol/min/mL vs. 25·0 ± 0·4 nmol/min/mL, P = 0·005). Multivariate analysis revealed that Lp‐PLA2 activity (OR: 1·09, 95% CI: 1·01–1·18; P = 0·03) was the strongest independent predictor of SVD. Immunohistochemistry studies of explanted BP showed that 77% of explanted BPs had the expression of Lp‐PLA2, which correlated with the density of macrophages (CD68), and ox‐LDL levels in bioprosthetic tissues.ConclusionsIncreased blood plasma activity of Lp‐PLA2 is associated with higher prevalence of SVD. These findings open new avenues for the identification of patients at risk for SVD and for the development of pharmacotherapy aiming at the prevention of SVD.
The RIAD peptidomimetic inhibits HIV‐1 replication in humanized NSG mice
Authors: Singh Maneesh , Singh Pratibha , Vaira Dolores , Torheim Eirik A. , Rahmouni Souad , Taskén Kjetil , Moutschen Michel 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIncreased intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in T cells is associated with various immunodeficiency conditions including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several reports indicate a critical role of activated protein kinase A (PKA) in the susceptibility of cells to HIV infection. We have used a cell permeable, stable peptidomimetic version (P3) of the RI‐anchoring disruptor (RIAD), which prevents PKA interaction with A‐kinase‐anchoring proteins (AKAPs). It is known that RIAD peptide abrogates effects of localized cAMP signalling through anchored type I PKA in lymphocytes and prevents murine AIDS (MAIDS) infection when expressed as a transgene in mice.Methods and ResultsIn vitro HIV‐infected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) show reduced levels of p24 and intracellular cAMP in T cells when treated with RIAD peptidomimetic (RIAD‐P3). Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2γnull (NSG) mice infected with HIV‐1 JRCSF and treated with RIAD‐P3 (3·5 mg) once every 2 weeks showed significantly reduced levels of viral load at +28, +42 and +56 days and increased CD4 numbers at +56 days after the start of treatment. RIAD‐P3‐treated humanized mice had lower levels of intracellular cAMP in T cells sorted from splenocytes.ConclusionsTreatment with RIAD‐P3 limits HIV‐1 viral replication and stabilizes CD4 levels by mechanisms involving cAMP/PKA‐I pathway in human PBMCs and humanized NSG mice.
Periodic properties of the histaminergic system of the mouse brain
Authors: Rozov Stanislav V. , Zant Janneke C. , Karlstedt Kaj , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Panula Pertti 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBrain histamine is involved in the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle and alertness. Despite the widespread use of the mouse as an experimental model, the periodic properties of major markers of the mouse histaminergic system have not been comprehensively characterized. We analysed the daily levels of histamine and its first metabolite, 1‐methylhistamine, in different brain structures of C57BL/6J and CBA/J mouse strains, and the mRNA level and activity of histidine decarboxylase and histamine‐N‐methyltransferase in C57BL/6J mice. In the C57BL/6J strain, histamine release, assessed by in vivo microdialysis, underwent prominent periodic changes. The main period was 24 h peaking during the activity period. Additional 8 h periods were also observed. The release was highly positively correlated with active wakefulness, as shown by electroencephalography. In both mouse strains, tissue histamine levels remained steady for 24 h in all structures except for the hypothalamus of CBA/J mice, where 24‐h periodicity was observed. Brain tissue 1‐methylhistamine levels in both strains reached their maxima in the periods of activity. The mRNA level of histidine decarboxylase in the tuberomamillary nucleus and the activities of histidine decarboxylase and histamine‐N‐methyltransferase in the striatum and cortex did not show a 24‐h rhythm, whereas in the hypothalamus the activities of both enzymes had a 12‐h periodicity. These results show that the activities of histamine‐metabolizing enzymes are not under simple direct circadian regulation. The complex and non‐uniform temporal patterns of the histaminergic system of the mouse brain suggest that histamine is strongly involved in the maintenance of active wakefulness.
Potential impacts of climate change on distribution range of Nabis pseudoferus and N. palifer (Hemiptera: Nabidae) in Iran
Authors: Solhjouy‐Fard Samaneh , Sarafrazi Alimorad 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNabis pseudoferus Remane and N. palifer Seidenstucker are predators that feed on a wide range of insect pests. To reveal their current potential habitats, the effects of climate change and their future distribution in various areas of Iran we used maximum entropy modeling (Maxent). To produce the models, samples were collected from 218 areas of Iran resulting in discovering 271 points where the nabids were found. The accuracy and performance of distribution models were also evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve and jack‐knife analysis. In the Maxent model, the climatic, elevation and land cover layers were the major bases for the current models. In modeling future distribution, the land cover layer was excluded. The distribution of N. pseudoferus was independent of the type of vegetation while the distribution of N. palifer varied according to differences in type of vegetation. Using jack‐knife analysis, the land cover and precipitation were the most effective predictors driving the two Nabis species range expansion. From 2013 to 2050 the impacts of climate change on N. pseudoferus distribution was predicted to have a negative impact but have a positive effect on N. palifer range expansion. Results could be used in preparation of predators' conservation, translocation and reintroduction programs and application in pest management strategies.
Contemporary climate change and terrestrial invertebrates: evolutionary versus plastic changes
Authors: Schilthuizen Menno , Kellermann Vanessa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo forecast the responses of species to future climate change, an understanding of the ability of species to adapt to long‐term shifts in temperature is crucial. We present a review on evolutionary adaptation and phenotypic plasticity of temperature‐related traits in terrestrial invertebrates. The evidence for adaptive evolution in melanization is good, but we caution that genetic determination needs to be tested in each individual species, and complex genetic correlations may exist. For phenological traits allochronic data sets provide powerful means to track climate‐induced changes; however, rarely are responses deconstructed into evolutionary and plastic responses. Laboratory studies suggest climate change responses in these traits will be driven by both. For stress resistance, the evidence for shifts in traits is poor. Studies leaning heavily onDrosophilahave demonstrated potential limits to evolutionary responses in desiccation and heat resistance. Quantifying the capacity for these species to respond plastically and extending this work to other taxa will be an important next step. We also note that, although not strictly speaking a species trait, the response of endosymbionts to heat stress requires further study. Finally, while clearly genetic, and possibly adaptive, the anonymous nature of latitudinal shifts in clines of genetic markers inDrosophilaprevents further interpretation.
Protein universe containing a PUA RNA‐binding domain
Authors: Cerrudo Carolina S. , Ghiringhelli Pablo D. , Gomez Daniel E. 
Published: November 2013

Here, we review current knowledge about pseudouridine synthase and archaeosine transglycosylase (PUA)‐domain‐containing proteins to illustrate progress in this field. A methodological analysis of the literature about the topic was carried out, together with a ‘qualitative comparative analysis’ to give a more comprehensive review. Bioinformatics methods for whole‐protein or protein‐domain identification are commonly based on pairwise protein sequence comparisons; we added comparison of structures to detect the whole universe of proteins containing the PUA domain. We present an update of proteins having this domain, focusing on the specific proteins present in Homo sapiens (dyskerin, MCT1, Nip7, eIF2D and Nsun6), and explore the existence of these in other species. We also analyze the phylogenetic distribution of the PUA domain in different species and proteins. Finally, we performed a structural comparison of the PUA domain through data mining of structural databases, determining a conserved structural motif, despite the differences in the sequence, even among eukaryotes, archaea and bacteria. All data discussed in this review, both bibliographic and analytical, corroborate the functional importance of the PUA domain in RNA‐binding proteins.