bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae BEM1 homologue in Neurospora crassa promotes co‐ordinated cell behaviour resulting in cell fusion
Authors: Schürg Timo , Brandt Ulrike , Adis Christian , Fleißner André 
Published: August 2012

SummaryDirected growth or movement is a common feature of microbial development and propagation. In polar growing filamentous fungi, directed growth requires the interaction of signal sensing machineries with factors controlling polarity and cell tip extension. In Neurospora crassa an unusual mode of cell–cell signalling mediates mutual attraction of germinating spores, which subsequently fuse. During directed growth of the two fusion partners, the cells co‐ordinately alternate between two physiological stages, probably associated with signal sending and receiving. Here, we show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae BEM1 homologue in N. crassa is essential for the robust and efficient functioning of this MAP kinase‐based signalling system. BEM1 localizes to growing hyphal tips suggesting a conserved function as a polarity component. In the absence of BEM1, activation of MAK‐2, a MAP kinase essential for germling fusion, is strongly reduced and delayed. Germling interactions become highly instable and successful fusion is greatly reduced. In addition, BEM1 is actively recruited around the forming fusion pore, suggesting potential functions after cell–cell contact has been established. By genetically dissecting the contribution of BEM1 to additional various polarization events, we also obtained first hints that BEM1 might function in different protein complexes controlling polarity and growth direction.
Early quality of life outcomes in patients with prostate cancer managed by high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy as monotherapy
Authors: Komiya Akira , Fujiuchi Yasuyoshi , Ito Takatoshi , Morii Akihiro , Yasuda Kenji , Watanabe Akihiko , Nozaki Tetsuo , Iida Hiroaki , Nomura Kuninori , Fuse Hideki 
Published: August 2012

Objectives:  To evaluate the early quality of life outcomes in prostate cancer patients managed by high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy as monotherapy.Methods:  A total of 51 patients with cT1c–T3aN0M0 prostate cancer treated between July 2007 and January 2010 were included in this study. The average age was 69 years, and the average initial serum prostate‐specific antigen was 10.98 ng/mL. A total of 25, 18 and eight patients were considered to be low, intermediate and high risk, respectively. All patients received one implant of Ir‐192 and seven fractions of 6.5 Gy within 3.5 days for a total prescribed dose of 45.5 Gy. For high‐risk prostate cancer, neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was carried out for at least 6 months, and continued after high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. Quality of life outcomes were measured by using the International Prostate Symptom Score, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Prostate and the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire. The oncological outcome was assessed by serum prostate‐specific antigen and diagnostic imaging. Adverse events were also recorded.Results:  The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Prostate scores decreased for a few months after high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy, and recovered to pretreatment condition thereafter. The International Prostate Symptom Score significantly increased 2 weeks after treatment for each of its items and their sum, and it returned to baseline after 12 weeks. Sexual function decreased at 2 and 4 weeks, and recovered after 12 weeks. Severe complications were rare. Within a median follow up of 17.2 months, two patients showed a prostate‐specific antigen recurrence.Conclusions:  High‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer is a feasible treatment modality with acceptable toxicity and only a limited impact on the quality of life.
Case of syndrome of headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) with focal slowing on electroencephalogram
Authors: Tsang B. K.‐T. , Kwong J. C. , Dewey H. M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe describe a case of headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis in a patient presenting with a 3‐week history of recurrent severe headaches associated with negative sensory symptoms and dysphasia. The patient had no cardiovascular risk factors and no family history of migraines. Neurological examination was unremarkable. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable. CSF analysis revealed lymphocytosis (leucocytes 84 × 106/L, 100% lymphocytes). Extensive laboratory investigations of CSF and serum did not reveal an infectious, autoimmune or metabolic cause. Visual evoked potentials were normal. Awake electroencephalogram revealed intermittent 3–5 Hz generalised slowing and frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity, without epileptiform discharges. Repeat CSF analysis showed marked reduction of the total leucocyte count and remained negative for infectious aetiology. Propranolol was commenced, and no recurrence of headache or neurological symptoms was observed at follow‐up. An extensive literature review on the topic is discussed.
Dispersal polymorphisms from natal phenotype–environment interactions have carry‐over effects on lifetime reproductive success of a tropical parrot
Authors: Tarwater Corey E. , Beissinger Steven R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe examined how interactions between an individual's phenotype and its environment affect natal dispersal at multiple scales and the effects on lifetime reproductive success using a 22‐year study of green‐rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus). Dispersal increased or decreased lifetime reproductive success depending upon an individual's natal environment and phenotype. Many of the phenotypic traits and environmental conditions that influenced lifetime reproductive success also influenced dispersal, such as clutch size and competition, and this differed with scale. By examining phenotype–environment interactions, we observed both positive and negative effects of rainfall, habitat quality and competition on dispersal depending upon phenotype. The dispersal behaviours of juveniles typically resulted in higher lifetime reproductive success. Thus, individuals commonly exhibit ideal free behaviour and results provide support for the occurrence and maintenance of dispersal polymorphisms. This study highlights the long‐term, carry‐over effects of natal environment, natal phenotype and dispersal tactic on lifetime reproductive success.
A predictive model of community assembly that incorporates intraspecific trait variation
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , Joshi Chaitanya , van Bodegom Peter M. , Bastow Zachary A. , Fulé Peter Z. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCommunity assembly involves two antagonistic processes that select functional traits in opposite directions. Environmental filtering tends to increase the functional similarity of species within communities leading to trait convergence, whereas competition tends to limit the functional similarity of species within communities leading to trait divergence. Here, we introduce a new hierarchical Bayesian model that incorporates intraspecific trait variation into a predictive framework to unify classic coexistence theory and evolutionary biology with recent trait‐based approaches. Model predictions exhibited a significant positive correlation (r = 0.66) with observed relative abundances along a 10 °C gradient in mean annual temperature. The model predicted the correct dominant species in half of the plots, and accurately reproduced species' temperature optimums. The framework is generalizable to any ecosystem as it can accommodate any species pool, any set of functional traits and multiple environmental gradients, and it eliminates some of the criticisms associated with recent trait‐based community assembly models.
Becoming a researcher
Authors: Flood Samantha , Bennett Davey , Melsome Melissa , Northway Ruth 
Published: August 2012

Accessible summary
This paper is about three people with learning disabilities. They work as co‐researchers.
They have written this paper with support.
Support is important to them. It has helped them to do the research. They each have a personal assistant. Other people working on the project also help them.
They have had training and practised what they needed to do before asking other people questions.
They have learnt a lot of new skills and have made a lot of decisions about the project.
They enjoy their work and hope that other people will learn from their stories.
They hope that other people with learning disabilities will want to do research.
SummaryPeople with learning disabilities are increasingly taking on the role of researcher within participatory research projects. This paper talks about what it means to be a researcher using the words, views and experiences of three people with learning disabilities who are currently working as co‐researchers. It talks about what they have found helpful, and what they have found challenging. It compares their experiences to those of other people and highlights the importance of support. Overall they report that it has been a positive experience which has helped them to learn a great deal and they provide advice that they hope will help others thinking about taking on such a role.
Vesicular uptake blockade generates the toxic dopamine metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde in PC12 cells: relevance to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patti , Cooney Adele , Jinsmaa Yunden , Sullivan Rachel , Gross Daniel J. , Holmes Courtney , Kopin Irwin J. , Sharabi Yehonatan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractParkinson's disease entails profound loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic terminals, decreased vesicular uptake of intraneuronal catecholamines, and relatively increased putamen tissue concentrations of the toxic dopamine metabolite, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL). The objective of this study was to test whether vesicular uptake blockade augments endogenous DOPAL production. We also examined whether intracellular DOPAL contributes to apoptosis and, as α‐synuclein oligomers may be pathogenetic in Parkinson's disease, oligomerizes α‐synuclein. Catechols were assayed in PC12 cells after reserpine to block vesicular uptake, with or without inhibition of enzymes metabolizing DOPAL—daidzein for aldehyde dehydrogenase and AL1576 for aldehyde reductase. Vesicular uptake was quantified by a method based on 6F‐ or 13C‐dopamine incubation; DOPAL toxicity by apoptosis responses to exogenous dopamine, with or without daidzein+AL1576; and DOPAL‐induced synuclein oligomerization by synuclein dimer production during DOPA incubation, with or without inhibition of L‐aromatic‐amino‐acid decarboxylase or monoamine oxidase. Reserpine inhibited vesicular uptake by 95–97% and rapidly increased cell DOPAL content (p = 0.0008). Daidzein+AL1576 augmented DOPAL responses to reserpine (p = 0.004). Intracellular DOPAL contributed to dopamine‐evoked apoptosis and DOPA‐evoked synuclein dimerization. The findings fit with the ‘catecholaldehyde hypothesis,’ according to which decreased vesicular sequestration of cytosolic catecholamines and impaired catecholaldehyde detoxification contribute to the catecholaminergic denervation that characterizes Parkinson's disease.
Adolescent rats are resistant to adaptations in excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms that modulate mesolimbic dopamine during nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Natividad Luis A. , Buczynski Matthew W. , Parsons Loren H. , Torres Oscar V. , O'Dell Laura E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAdolescent smokers report enhanced positive responses to tobacco and fewer negative effects of withdrawal from this drug than adults, and this is believed to propel higher tobacco use during adolescence. Differential dopaminergic responses to nicotine are thought to underlie these age‐related effects, as adolescent rats experience lower withdrawal‐related deficits in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) dopamine versus adults. This study examined whether age differences in NAcc dopamine during withdrawal are mediated by excitatory or inhibitory transmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine cell body region. In vivo microdialysis was used to monitor extracellular levels of glutamate and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the VTA of adolescent and adult rats experiencing nicotine withdrawal. In adults, nicotine withdrawal produced decreases in VTA glutamate levels (44% decrease) and increases in VTA GABA levels (38% increase). In contrast, adolescents did not exhibit changes in either of these measures. Naïve controls of both ages did not display changes in NAcc dopamine, VTA glutamate, or VTA GABA following mecamylamine. These results indicate that adolescents display resistance to withdrawal‐related neurochemical processes that inhibit mesolimbic dopamine function in adults experiencing nicotine withdrawal. Our findings provide a potential mechanism involving VTA amino acid neurotransmission that modulates age differences during withdrawal.
Size and sulfation are critical for the effect of heparin on APP processing and Aβ production
Authors: Cui Hao , Hung Amos C. , Freeman Craig , Narkowicz Christian , Jacobson Glenn A. , Small David H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is associated with abnormal accumulation of Aβ, which is produced from the β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the β‐site APP‐cleaving enzyme (BACE1) and γ‐secretase. Our previous studies showed that heparin can decrease APP processing by decreasing the levels of BACE1 and ADAM10. In this study, we examined the effects of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on APP processing and Aβ production with the aim of understanding the specificity of the effects. Various GAG analogs were incubated with primary cortical cells derived from APP (SW)Tg2576 mice and the level of APP, proteolytic products of APP and APP‐cleavage enzymes were measured. The effect of GAGs on APP processing was both size‐ and sulfation‐dependent. 6‐O‐Sulfation was important for the effect on APP processing as heparin lacking 6‐O sulfate were less potent than native heparin. However, deletion of carboxyl groups on heparin had no significant effect on APP processing. Our studies suggest that there is structural specificity to the effect of GAGs on APP processing and that certain GAGs have a greater effect on Aβ production than others. This suggests that it might be possible to alter the structure of GAGs to achieve more specific inhibitors of APP processing that can cross the blood–brain barrier.
BD750, a benzothiazole derivative, inhibits T cell proliferation by affecting the JAK3/STAT5 signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Y , Yang T , Li H , Li M‐H , Liu J , Wang Y‐T , Yang S‐X , Zheng J , Luo X‐Y , Lai Y , Yang P , Li L‐M , Zou Q 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeA series of benzothiazole derivatives were screened for immunosuppressive activity; of these compounds BD750 was found to be the most effective immunosuppressant. The purpose of the current study was to determine the immunosuppressive activity of BD750 on T cell proliferation and its potential mode of action.Experimental ApproachT cell proliferation, CD25 and CD69 expression and cell cycle distribution were measured in vitro by flow cytometry. Cell viability was determined by CCK‐8 assay. Cytokine levels were measured by elisa. The activation of signal‐regulated molecules was assessed by Western blot analysis. The effects of BD750 were evaluated in vivo in a mouse model of delayed‐type hypersensitivity.Key ResultsBD750 significantly inhibited mouse and human T cell proliferation, stimulated either by anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibodies or by an alloantigen, in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. No obvious cytotoxic effects of BD750 were observed in our experimental conditions. Furthermore, BD750 did not inhibit CD25 and CD69 expression or IL‐2 and IL‐4 secretion, but induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in activated T cells. In IL‐2‐stimulated CTLL‐2 cells and primary activated T cells, BD750 inhibited cell proliferation and STAT5 phosphorylation, but not Akt or p70S6K phosphorylation. BD750 also reduced the T cell‐mediated delayed‐type hypersensitivity response in mice in a dose‐dependent manner.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese data indicate that BD750 inhibits IL‐2‐induced JAK3/STAT5‐dependent T cell proliferation. BD750 has the potential to be used as a lead compound for the design and development of new immunosuppressants for preventing graft rejection and treating autoimmune diseases.
Genome sizes of three species in the subtribe Carabina (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Sota Teiji , Konuma Junji , Fujiwara Mayuki , Shoguchi Eiichi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGenome sizes of three species in the subtribe Carabina (Coleoptera: Carabidae: tribe Carabini) were estimated from nuclei of spermatozoa using a flow cytometry. The estimated haploid genome sizes were about 330 megabases (Mb) for Damaster blaptoides, about 280 Mb for Carabus uenoi and about 260 Mb for Carabus yamato.
Real‐World Data on the Lifespan of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators Depending on Manufacturers and the Amount of Ventricular Pacing
Authors: HORLBECK FRITZ W. , MELLERT FRITZ , KREUZ JENS , NICKENIG GEORG , SCHWAB JOERG O. 
Published: August 2012

Real‐World Data on the Lifespan of ICDs Introduction: Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) longevity is crucial for both patients and public health systems because it determines the number of surgical ICD replacements, which can generally be considered an additional risk factor for complications, and the cost‐effectiveness of ICD therapy. Our objective was to obtain insight into the “real‐world” longevities of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators, which quite often differ from those stated in the manufacturers’ declarations.Methods and Results: On the basis of a prospective database, we analyzed all ICD implantations performed in our hospital from June 1988 to June 2009. We studied 980 patients (follow‐up 58 ± 51 months) with 1,502 ICDs and all respective data until August 2010. We compared the percentage of still operating ICDs at different points in time in relation to manufacturers, types of device (single chamber 623, dual chamber 588, cardiac resynchronization therapy ICDs [CRT‐D] 291), and amount of right ventricular pacing (VP). We found distinct differences between the mean lifespans of ICDs of different manufacturers (Biotronik 4.3 years, Sorin 4.5 years, Guidant/Boston Scientific 4.7 years, St. Jude Medical 5 years, Medtronic 5.8 years). CRT‐D devices (hazard ratio [HR] 1.778, P = 0.0005) were associated with an elevated annual relative risk for device replacement while a decrease in the proportion of VP (HR 0.934 for each 10% decrease in VP, P < 0.0001) and Medtronic ICDs were associated with a reduced risk of device replacement (HR 0.544, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: CRT‐Ds and an elevated percentage of VP are associated with a significantly elevated risk for device replacement, while Medtronic ICDs showed the longest lifespans. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1336‐1342, December 2012)
Secondary review of external histopathology on cutaneous oncology patients referred for sentinel lymph node biopsy: how often does it happen and is it worth it?
Authors: Haws Bryn , Romain Paul St , Mammen Joshua , Fraga Garth R.  
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe reviewed the data on external histopathology review for patients referred to our institution for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) associated with melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and adnexal carcinoma.MethodsWe calculated the incidence of external histopathology review and the rate of discordance between internal and external histopathology diagnoses between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011. We conducted an anonymous poll of our community pathologists' experience with external histopathology review prior to SLNB. Financial charges and payments from 10 Medicare patients who underwent SLNB were obtained from our hospital's finance department.ResultsSixty‐eight cases were identified (63 melanomas, 4 Merkel cell carcinomas and 1 spiradenocarcinoma). The external histopathology was reviewed as part of the patient's care in 14 of 68 cases. In 3 of 14 reviewed cases, SLNB was deemed unnecessary. Nine of eleven community pathologists reported reviewing external histopathology material in less than 11% SLNB patients in their hospitals. The average Medicare reimbursement for SLNB and secondary pathology review was $5738 and $80 respectively.ConclusionsOur data show that review of external cutaneous histopathology diagnoses on patients referred for SLNB is uncommon in our practice area, but is cost‐effective and should be required to reduce unnecessary treatment.
The effect of season on inflammatory response in captive baboons
Authors: McFarlane Dianne , Wolf Roman F. , McDaniel Kristen A. , White Gary L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntroductionHighly seasonal animals demonstrate predictable changes in immune function that coincide with changes in photoperiod. Little is known about the effect of season on immune response in baboons. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of season on inflammatory response in baboons.Materials and MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine response following immune stimulation and serum markers of inflammation were assessed during each season in two groups of young male baboons: one housed under natural light and one in a controlled environment of 12 hours light:12 hours dark.ResultsA seasonal immune rhythm was evident in both groups, with a greater TNF‐α and IL‐6 response to stimulation and serum CRP concentration in June and September compared with December.ConclusionsSeason is an important experimental confounder, and therefore, time of year should be controlled when designing studies and analyzing data from immune studies in baboons.
Shifts of forest species along an elevational gradient in Southeast France: climate change or stand maturation?
Authors: Bodin Jeanne , Badeau Vincent , Bruno Eric , Cluzeau Catherine , Moisselin Jean‐Marc , Walther Gian‐Reto , Dupouey Jean‐Luc 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimRecent vegetation changes in mountain areas are often explained by climate warming. However, effects of land‐use changes, such as recolonization of abandoned pastures by forest, are difficult to separate from those of climate change. Even within forest belts, changes in stand structure due to forest management and stand maturation could confound the climate signal. Here, we evaluate the direction and rate of plant species elevation shifts in mountain forests, considering the role of stand dynamics.LocationForests in the plains and mountains ofSoutheastFrance.MethodsWe compared floristic data from theFrenchNationalForestInventory collected in the 1980s and 1990s. They provided a large‐scale (30 985 plots) and representative sample of vegetation between 0 and 2500 m a.s.l. Species response curves along the elevation and exposure gradients were fitted with a logistic regression model. In order to assess the effect of changes in successional stages of the forest stands, we compared plant species shifts in the whole set of stands with those solely in closed stands.ResultsA total of 62 species shifted downward, whereas 113 shifted upward, resulting in a significant upward mean shift of 17.9 m. Upward shifting species were preferentially woody and heliophilous, suggesting a role for forest closure and maturation in the observed changes. Excluding all open forest stages from analyses, the upward trend became weaker (−3.0 m) and was not significant. Forests of the study area have undergone closure and maturation, more strongly at lower altitudes than at higher ones, producing an apparent shift of species.ConclusionsIn the mountain relief ofSoutheastFrance, changes in the successional stages of stands appear as the main cause of the apparent upslope movement of forest species. Since a similar trend of forest maturation exists in large areas throughoutEurope, forest dynamics should be better taken into account among the causes of vegetation changes before inferring any climate change effect.