bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal cortical network connections: key site of vulnerability in stress and schizophrenia
Authors: Arnsten Amy F.T. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe symptoms of schizophrenia involve profound dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). PFC networks create our “mental sketch pad”, and PFC dysfunction contributes to symptoms such as cognitive deficits, thought disorder, delusions and hallucinations. Neuropathological studies of schizophrenia have shown marked loss of dendritic spines in deep layer III, the sublayer where PFC microcircuits reside. The microcircuits consist of recurrent excitatory pyramidal cell networks that interconnect on spines, and excite each other via NMDA receptor signaling. The pyramidal cell persistent firing is sculpted by lateral inhibition from GABAergic basket and chandelier cells, thus creating tuned, persistent firing needed for accurate representational knowledge (i.e., working memory). The strength of pyramidal cell network connections is markedly and flexibly altered by intracellular signaling pathways in dendritic spines, a process called dynamic network connectivity (DNC). DNC proteins such as HCN channels are concentrated on dendritic spines in deep layer III. Under optimal conditions, network inputs to pyramidal cells are strengthened by noradrenergic alpha‐2A inhibition of cAMP–HCN channel signaling, and sculpted by dopamine D1‐cAMP–HCN channel weakening of inappropriate inputs. However, with stress exposure, high levels of cAMP–HCN channel signaling produces a collapse in network firing. With chronic stress exposure, spines reduce in size and are lost, and this process involves increased PKC signaling. Importantly, molecules that normally strengthen PFC networks connections and/or reverse the stress response, are often genetically altered in schizophrenia. As exposure to stress is a key factor in the precipitation of schizophrenic symptoms, these dysregulated signaling pathways in deep layer III may interact with already vulnerable circuitry to cause spine loss and the descent into illness.
Terrestrial sensitivity to abrupt cooling recorded by aeolian activity in northwest Ohio, USA
Authors: Campbell Melinda C. , Fisher Timothy G. , Goble Ronald J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOptically stimulated luminescence dated sand dunes and Pleistocene beach ridges in northwest Ohio are used to reconstruct landscape modification more than 5000 yr after deglaciation. Four of the OSL ages (13.3–11.1 ka) cluster around the Younger Dryas cold event, five ages (10.8–8.2 ka) cluster around the Preboreal, one young age (0.9–0.7 ka) records more recent aeolian activity, and one age of 15.1–13.1 ka dates a barrier spit in Lake Warren. In northwest Ohio, both landscape instability recorded by aeolian activity and a vegetation response recorded by pollen are coeval with the Younger Dryas. However, the climate conditions during the Preboreal resulting in aeolian activity are not recorded in the available pollen records. From this, we conclude that aeolian dunes and surfaces susceptible to deflation are sensitive to cooler, drier episodes of climate and can complement pollen data. Younger Dryas and Preboreal aged aeolian activity in northwestern Ohio coincides with aeolian records elsewhere in the Great Lakes region east of the prairie–forest ecotone.
Fruit and vegetable intake in the Czech child population
Authors: Jakubikova Marie , Dofkova Marcela , Ruprich Jiri 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe fruit and vegetable intake of pre-school and school children in the Czech Republic and to provide information about their preferences and dietary habits.DesignCross-sectional dietary survey conducted by the method of repeated 24 h recall on two non-consecutive days. Usual intakes were calculated for three age categories (4–6, 7–10 and 11–14 years).SettingThe whole area of the Czech Republic.SubjectsA subgroup of 602 children aged 4–14 years was extracted from the representative sample of respondents participating in a national dietary survey (SISP) realized in the years 2003 and 2004.ResultsEstimated average usual intakes of fruit and vegetables were 209 (sd 69) g/d in children aged 4–6 years, 230 (sd 84) g/d in children aged 7–10 years, and 284 (sd 133) g/d and 261 (sd 140) g/d respectively in boys and girls aged 11–14 years. Only 22 % of children had total daily intake of fruit and vegetables of five or more servings on the day of the survey. Fruits were consumed almost two times more often than vegetables in all age groups studied. The majority of fruit consumption comprised apples and bananas, which made up more than 60 % of the whole fruit intake. Fruiting vegetables were the most frequently consumed group of vegetables.ConclusionsFruit and vegetable intakes in all age categories were under recommended levels and the diversity of fruit and vegetables consumed by the Czech children was relatively low.
Automatic music composition using answer set programming
Authors: BOENN GEORG , BRAIN MARTIN , DE VOS MARINA , FFITCH JOHN 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMusic composition used to be a pen and paper activity. These days music is often composed with the aid of computer software, even to the point where the computer composes parts of the score autonomously. The composition of most styles of music is governed by rules. We show that by approaching the automation, analysis and verification of composition as a knowledge representation task and formalising these rules in a suitable logical language, powerful and expressive intelligent composition tools can be easily built. This application paper describes the use of answer set programming to construct an automated system, named Anton, that can compose melodic, harmonic and rhythmic music, diagnose errors in human compositions and serve as a computer-aided composition tool. The combination of harmonic, rhythmic and melodic composition in a single framework makes Anton unique in the growing area of algorithmic composition. With near real-time composition, Anton reaches the point where it can not only be used as a component in an interactive composition tool but also has the potential for live performances and concerts or automatically generated background music in a variety of applications. With the use of a fully declarative language and an “off-the-shelf” reasoning engine, Anton provides the human composer a tool which is significantly simpler, more compact and more versatile than other existing systems.
Malignant potential of H22 hepatocarcinoma cells increases after recovery from IFN‐γ‐mediated inhibition
Authors: Gong Wei , Ma Ke‐Zhong , Liang Xinjun , Liu YanYan , Zhou Qing , Zhang JiuLiang , Chen HuaiYun , Liu Wen‐Wei 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIFN‐γ (interferon γ) can effectively suppress tumours, but it has also been found to promote tumour progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which it enhances malignancy have not been fully elucidated. By using a mouse model that expresses IFN‐γ locally in muscle, we found that the growth potential of tumours was increased after a quick decrease of IFN‐γ. Furthermore, the up‐regulation of IRF‐2 (IFN regulatory factor 2) and down‐regulation of IRF‐1 were also found in the tumour cells. Along these lines, IFN‐γ led to down‐regulated expression of cyclin‐D1, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL and up‐regulated expression of p21WAF1 and Bax in tumour cells. Yet, the expression of these genes, as well as activation of ERK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase) and NF‐κB (nuclear factor‐κB), was also reversed shortly after a decrease in IFN‐γ, all of which resulted in increase tumour cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance. These findings indicate that the malignant potential of tumour cells may be suppressed by interfering with IRF‐2 signalling pathways during and after decreased IFN‐γ in tumour microenvironments.
The suppressive effect of CD25+Treg cells on Th1 differentiation requires cell—cell contact partially via TGF‐β production
Authors: Shen Erxia , Zhao Kai , Wu Changyou , Yang Binyan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCD25+Treg cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells) play a central role in the maintenance of peripheral self‐tolerance and immune homoeostasis. A previous study showed that CD25+Treg cells suppressed the differentiation and function of Th1 cells in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanism of suppressing Th1 cell differentiation mediated by CD25+Treg cells remains unclear. In the present study, we found that CD25+Treg cells could reduce the production of IFN (interferon)‐γ and the percentage of IFN‐γ‐, IL‐2 and TNF‐α‐producing cells by CD25−T cells under Th1 cell culture conditions and suppress the differentiation of CD25−T cells into Th1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, these CD25+Treg cells could inhibit the activation of CD25−T cells by down‐regulating the expression of activation markers CD69 and CD25 and suppress the division and proliferation of CD25−T cells using CFSE (carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester)‐labelling and BrdU (5‐bromo‐20‐deoxyuridine) incorporation, respectively. Further studies showed that the suppressive effects of CD25+Treg cells on Th1 cell differentiation required cell—cell contact and was partially restored by the addition of anti‐TGF‐β mAb (monoclonal antibody) but not anti‐IL‐10 mAb, indicating that the suppression mechanism of CD25+Treg cells was cell—cell contact dependent and partially via TGF‐β. This finding strongly indicates a therapeutic role for CD25+Treg cells in Th1‐mediated diseases.
Epigenetic inactivation of PCDH10 in human prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Li Zesong , Li Wenjie , Xie Jun , Wang Yong , Tang Aifa , Li Xianxin , Ye Jiongxian , Gui Yaoting , Cai Zhiming 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPCDH10 (protocadherin‐10), a novel tumour suppressor gene, is down‐regulated in several human cancers due to hypermethylation of promoter CGIs (CpG islands). Here, we investigated the expression of PCDH10 in different normal adult tissues and in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines. PCDH10 was widely expressed in normal tissues with higher levels in the prostate. The expression of PCDH10 was markedly reduced or silenced in prostate cancer cell lines compared with normal adult prostate tissue. Decreased PCDH10 expression was correlated with the methylation status of the PCDH10 promoter. Furthermore, the DNA demethylating agent 5′‐azacytidin restored PCDH10 expression by suppressing PCDH10 promoter methylation in prostate cancer cell lines. Treatment with Trichostatin A alone had no significant effect on the expression of PCDH10 but enhanced the effect of 5′‐azacytidin. In conclusion, we found that the decreased PCDH10 expression in prostate cancer cells was associated with the aberrant methylation of PCDH10 promoter CGI. Our results may contribute to the understanding of the role of PCDH10 inactivation in the progression of prostate cancers.
Comparison of Oil, Shortening, and a Structured Shortening on Wheat Dough Rheology and Starch Pasting Properties
Authors: Huschka Brittany , Challacombe Carolyn , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Seetharaman Koushik 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTMonoacylglycerol‐stabilized oil in water emulsion (MAG gel) is an alternate shortening that is free of trans fatty acids, and low in saturated fatty acids. However, the behavior of MAG gels in comparison to other lipids has not been studied. This study investigated effects of structured MAG gel, a mixture of MAG gel unstructured components (Mixture), canola oil (Oil), or interesterified soy shortening (IE Soy) at different levels (6–24%) on hard or soft wheat dough properties. Doughs were prepared with different lipid types at equivalent lipid contents. Dough mixing and water absorption parameters were evaluated using a farinograph; gluten behavior was measured using a gluten peak tester (GPT); and pasting characteristics were measured using a micro‐viscoamylograph (MVAG). Water absorption values decreased with increasing lipid content. Dough development times were similar between the MAG gel and IE Soy, but farinogram curve characteristics during mixing were similar between MAG gel, Mixture, and Oil. The trend for peak max time in GPT was similar between MAG gel and IE Soy exhibiting delayed gluten aggregation; whereas Mixture and Oil exhibited earlier gluten aggregation. In MVAG, starch interaction with monoglyceride component of MAG gel and Mixture appeared to be the dominating factor resulting in increased pasting temperature and a second viscosity peak during cooling at higher levels of lipid addition.
First Report of Pepper mottle virus in Bell Pepper in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Y. H. , Deng T. C. , Chen C. C. , Liao J. Y. , Chang C. A. , Chiang C. H. 
Published: February 2011

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants exhibiting systemic mild mosaic, vein yellowing, and leaf malformation were collected from Puli City in 2006. Double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA was used to test these samples for Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) infection using polyclonal antibodies. In addition, Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, and Nicotiana benthamiana plants were mechanically inoculated with sap extracted from collected samples. Ten days postinoculation, chlorotic local lesions were observed on inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor plants, whereas, systemic mosaic and foliar distortion symptoms were developed on upper leaves of N. benthamiana plants. The DAS-ELISA test showed that field-collected pepper samples and inoculated leaves of C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor were infected with ChiVMV, while N. benthamiana with mosaic symptoms did not react with ChiVMV antibodies. To confirm ChiVMV, field-collected samples as well as mechanically inoculated plants were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using the potyvirus degenerate primers Hrp5/Pot1 (2). Amplified RT-PCR products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis of amplified fragments (1.4 kb) revealed that field-collected pepper samples were infected with ChiVMV and Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV). The DNA fragment amplified from C. quinoa and C. amaranticolor showed high (99.2%) sequence identities with the CP gene of ChiVMV (3) (GenBank Accession No. AM909717). However, amplicons obtained from N. benthamiana plants (GenBank Accession No. HQ329082) that showed mosaic symptoms showed 83.6% to 98.7% nucleotide identities with PepMoV (GenBank Accession Nos. AB126033, AF227728, AF440801, AF501591, EU586133, and M96425). Next, a pure isolate of PepMoV was established on N. benthamiana by mechanical inoculation of diluted plant sap obtained from a PepMoV-infected N. benthamiana plant. Bell pepper plants inoculated with the Taiwan isolate of PepMoV developed mosaic and leaf distortion symptoms. Antiserum against the PepMoV Taiwan isolate was subsequently prepared by immunizing rabbits with purified virus particles. Using the prepared antiserum and specific primers (1) to detect PepMoV, ChiVMV, and Pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV), three viruses could be readily detected and differentiated from diseased bell peppers in the field. In a survey done in 2007, 18 of 33 pepper samples from southern Taiwan were found with mixed infections of PepMoV and ChiVMV, seven samples were infected with PepMoV and PVMV, five samples were infected with PVMV, and another three samples were infected with ChiVMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of PepMoV in bell peppers in Taiwan. References: (1) Y. H. Cheng et al. Plant Dis. 93:107, 2009. (2) S. S. Pappu et al. Plant Dis. 82:1121, 1998. (3) W. S. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. 58:408, 2008.
Low breast milk levels of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids in allergic women, despite frequent fish intake
Authors: Johansson S. , Wold A. E. , Sandberg A‐S 
Published: February 2011

Cite this as: S. Johansson, A. E. Wold and A‐S Sandberg, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 505–515.SummaryBackground
Long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have immune regulating and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, their role in allergic disease is unclear. Allergic diseases are immunologically heterogeneous, and we hypothesized that n‐3 fatty acid composition in serum and breast milk may vary according to clinical manifestations. Further, animal studies have shown reduction of serum‐PUFA levels during allergic inflammation.Objective
To investigate fatty acid composition in breast milk and serum from women with different atopic disease manifestations. Secondly, to determine whether low PUFA levels reflected insufficient intakes.Methods
Fatty acids were analysed in breast milk and serum of women with atopic eczema and respiratory allergy (n=16), only respiratory allergy (n=7), as well as healthy women (n=22). Dietary intake of foods expected to affect long‐chain n‐3 PUFA levels were estimated by food‐frequency questionnaire. The fatty acid pattern was related to diagnostic group and intake of relevant food items using a multivariate pattern recognition method (partial least squares projections to latent structures and discriminant analysis).Results
Women with a combination of eczema and respiratory allergy had lower breast milk levels of several PUFAs (arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid, DPA), and a lower ratio of long‐chain n‐3 PUFAs/n‐6 PUFAs. Their PUFA levels differed not only from that of healthy women, but also from that of women with only respiratory allergy. The latter had a fatty acid pattern similar to that of healthy women. Despite low EPA, DHA and DPA levels women with eczema and respiratory allergy consumed no less fish than did healthy women.Conclusion & Clinical Relevance
Our data suggest that reduced levels of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids in serum and breast milk characterize women with extensive allergic disease including eczema, and are not related to low fish intake. Consumption of PUFAs during the allergic process may explain these findings.
In vitro diagnosis of T cell‐mediated drug allergy
Authors: Porebski G. , Gschwend‐Zawodniak A. , Pichler W. J. 
Published: February 2011

Cite this as: G. Porebski, A. Gschwend‐Zawodniak and W. J. Pichler, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 461–470.SummaryDiagnosis of drug hypersensitivity relies on history, skin tests, in vitro tests and provocation tests. In vitro tests are of great interest, due to possible reduction of drug provocation tests. In this review we focus on best investigated in vitro techniques for the diagnosis of T cell‐mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. As drug hypersensitivity relies on different pathomechanisms and as a single diagnostic test usually does not cover all possible reactions, it is advisable to combine different tests to increase the overall sensitivity. Recently, proliferation‐based assays have been supplemented by a panel of novel in vitro tests including analysis of cytotoxic potential of effector cells (granzyme B, granulysin, CD107a), evaluation of cytokine secretion (IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ) and up‐regulation of cell surface activation markers (CD69). We discuss the latest findings and readout systems to identify causative drugs by detecting functional and phenotypic markers of drug‐reacting cells, and their ability to enable a more conclusive diagnosis of drug allergy.
A review and commentary on the factors that influence expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes
Authors: Elias Jayne , Ryan Assumpta 
Published: February 2011

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to review the literature on factors that influence the expression of sexuality by older people in care homes.Background.  Sexuality is an intrinsic part of what we are, however there is evidence to suggest that the sexual needs of older people are often overlooked, particularly in long‐term care settings. Whilst there is information about sexuality and its expression in later life, questions remain as to how this influences and is influenced by the behaviours and experiences of residents and staff in care homes.Design.  A systematic search of online databases.Method.  Databases using keyword and bibliographical searches in a specified timeframe were undertaken. Research studies ranging from 1996–2009 were selected for inclusion on the basis that they addressed issues relating to expressions of sexuality by older people in care homes. Forty articles were included in the review.Findings.  The review revealed a dearth of rigorous research on sexuality amongst older people in general and care home residents in particular. Issues identified in the literature were categorised into four broad thematic areas: sexuality and ageing, expression of sexuality in care homes, attitudes of staff and sexuality in dementia.Conclusion.  There is a dearth of rigorous research on the factors influencing sexual expression by care home residents. Attitudes of staff in care homes influence their perceptions about the extent to which the expression of sexuality by residents is considered to be problematic. This, in turn influences the emotional and behavioural responses of staff to the resident.Relevance to clinical practice.  There is need for nurses and other care staff to gain a better understanding of and insight into late life sexuality. This involves change at an educational level but also at an organisational and cultural level in long‐term care settings.
High‐throughput assays for detection of the F1534C mutation in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene in permethrin‐resistant Aedes aegypti and the distribution of this mutation throughout Thailand
Authors: Yanola Jintana , Somboon Pradya , Walton Catherine , Nachaiwieng Woottichai , Somwang Puckavadee , Prapanthadara La‐aied 
Published: February 2011

SummaryObjectives  To develop rapid monitoring tools to detect the F1534C permethrin‐resistance mutation in domain IIIS6 of the Aedes aegypti voltage‐gated sodium channel gene and determine the frequency and distribution of this mutation in Thailand.Methods  A TaqMan SNP genotyping and an allele specific PCR (AS‐PCR) assay were developed and validated by comparison with DNA sequencing of homozygous susceptible and homozygous resistant laboratory strains, their reciprocal‐cross progenies, and field‐caught mosquitoes. To determine the resistance phenotype of wild‐caught A. aegypti, mosquitoes were exposed to 0.75% permethrin paper. The AS‐PCR assay was used to screen 619 individuals from 20 localities throughout Thailand.Results  Overall, both assays gave results consistent with DNA sequencing for laboratory strains of known genotype and for wild‐caught A. aegypti. The only slight discrepancy was for the AS‐PCR method, which overestimated the mutant allele frequency by 1.8% in wild‐caught samples. AS‐PCR assays of permethrin‐exposed samples show that the mutant C1534 allele is very closely associated with the resistant phenotype. However, 19 permethrin‐resistant individuals were homozygous for the wild‐type F1534 allele. DNA sequencing revealed all these individuals were homozygous for two other mutations in domain II, V1016G and S989P, which are known to confer resistance (Srisawat et al. 2010). The F1534C mutation is widespread in Thailand with mutant allele frequencies varying among populations from 0.20 to 1.00.Conclusions  These assays can be used for the rapid detection of the F1534C resistance mutation in A. aegypti populations. The F1534C, and other, mutations underlie an extremely high prevalence of pyrethroid resistance in Thailand.