bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragalus membranaceus lectin (AML) induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis in human leukemia cells
Authors: Huang L. H. , Yan Q. J. , Kopparapu N. K. , Jiang Z. Q. , Sun Y. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectives:  Recently, plant lectins have attracted great interest due to their various biological activities such as anti‐cancer, anti‐fungal and anti‐viral activities. We have reported earlier concerning anti‐proliferation of human cancer cell lines by a galactose‐binding lectin (AML), from a Chinese herb, Astragalus membranaceus. In the present study, detailed investigations into the mechanism of such anti‐proliferation properties have been carried out.Materials and methods:  Mechanism of apoptosis initiation in K562 cells by AML was investigated by morphology, flow cytometry and western blot analysis.Results:  AML induced apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner in the chronic myeloid leukemia cell line, K562. Furthermore, we observed that cytotoxicity and apoptosis of K562 cells induced by AML were completely abolished in presence of lactose or galactose.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that AML could act as a potential anti‐cancer drug.
Diet composition does not affect ant colony tempo
Authors: Kay Adam D. , Shik Jonathan Z. , Van Alst Andy , Miller Katie A. , Kaspari Michael 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. Resource availability can influence the structure of animal communities by mediating competitive interactions. An underappreciated aspect of resource ecology is how functional traits are built from particular sets of nutrients and thus are underexpressed when those nutrients are scarce.2. One idea linking resource availability to competition is the metabolic fuel hypothesis, which posits that access to carbohydrate‐rich resources favours high activity rates that increase competitive prowess. One prediction of this hypothesis is that an increase in dietary carbohydrate richness will lead to an increase in consumer metabolic rate (MR). An alternative prediction is that carbohydrate‐rich diets will affect biochemical storage.3. We tested these predictions by examining the effect of dietary protein : carbohydrate (P : C) ratio on the feeding behaviour, demography, physiology and MR of colonies of Ectatomma ruidum, a common tropical ant. We found that rearing colonies for 6 weeks on different P : C diets altered colony demography and worker storage biochemistry, but higher carbohydrate intake did not result in an increase in whole‐colony MR.4. Our results suggest that dietary carbohydrates may increase colony dominance through changes in colony composition and individual worker longevity rather than changes in worker activity rates. More generally, they illustrate how the identity of scarce nutrients can have particular effects on traits that impact ecological interactions.
Direct physiological effects of nitrogen on Sphagnum: a greenhouse experiment
Authors: Granath Gustaf , Strengbom Joachim , Rydin Håkan 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. Bogs are nutrient‐poor peatland ecosystems that are sensitive to nitrogen (N) deposition. Production of peat mosses (i.e. the peat‐forming genus Sphagnum) is known to decrease under elevated N deposition, but the causal mechanisms are poorly understood.2. It is predicted that increased N deposition will cause changes in Sphagnum species composition, with fast‐growing species benefiting from increased N availability in contrast to slow‐growing species. Knowledge of species‐specific responses to N availability can help us to understand interspecific competitive relationships.3. We investigated the direct effects of N application on plant physiology in three Sphagnum species by exposing shoots to a range of N doses (corresponding to depositions of 0–5·6 g m−2 year−1), over 5 months, in a greenhouse experiment. The species investigated included one that grows high above the water‐table (Sphagnum fuscum) and two that grow lower down (Sphagnum balticum and Sphagnum fallax). S. fuscum and S. balticum originate from ombrotrophic and S. fallax from minerotrophic environments. To estimate N responses, we measured the performance and light‐capture kinetics of the photosynthetic apparatus (maximum photosynthetic rate and Fv/Fm), biomass production, shoot formation, and N and phosphorus (P) concentrations in the tissue.4. Tissue nitrogen concentration generally increased with N application rate, and photosynthetic rate increased with N concentration, although S. balticum exhibited a unimodal response. With respect to production, a negative response to N application rate was found in S. fallax and S. fuscum (weak), while production in S. balticum was unrelated to application rate. S. fallax was the fastest‐growing species, producing two to three times more biomass per shoot compared with the other species.5. The mismatch between photosynthetic capacity and production could partly be explained by an increased N : P ratio following N application. Phosphorus limitation may not negatively affect photosynthetic capacity, but may hamper production.6. The fast‐growing species S. fallax is considered to benefit from increased N deposition, but we found a negative physiological response, suggesting stoichiometric constraints. Thus, we conclude that responses to N deposition cannot be predicted in a simple way from physiological traits related to growth rate without considering local environmental factors.
Opportunity lost? Psychiatric medications and problems with sexual function: a role for nurses in mental health
Authors: Quinn Chris , Happell Brenda , Browne Graeme 
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To explore patients’ non‐adherence to psychiatric medication with mental health nurses.Background.  The ability of consumers to maintain normal sexual behaviours is complicated by abnormally high incidence of sexual problems arising from the medications they are prescribed. Sexual side effects of psychiatric medications are identified as a major reason for non‐adherence to psychiatric medication regimes yet it remains an issue mental health nurses tend to avoid in their practice with consumers.Design. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach.Method.  Individual interviews were conducted with 14 nurses currently working with adult consumers of mental health services. Data analysis followed the framework approach developed by Ritchie and Spencer as the process for identification of the main themes.Results.  Problems with sexual function in relation to psychiatric medication issues was one major theme to emerge from this research. More specifically the participants referred to: assessment of sexual function, the side effects of psychiatric medication, consumer embarrassment, and, the pros and cons of information. Participants recognised that sexual side effects were likely to have an impact on adherence to medication and that this was an important consideration but most did not discuss this issue with consumers. Consumer embarrassment and the belief that knowledge itself might cause non‐adherence were the two main reasons for not discussing this topic.Conclusions.  Problems with sexual function of consumers presents an important practice consideration for nurses working in mental health settings. There is an urgent need for strategies to enhance awareness and confidence among nurses in exploring this topic with consumers.Relevance to clinical practice.  Mental health nurses can adopt a leadership role in recognising the relevance of sexuality in care and treatment for consumers of mental health services. Strategies to assist in developing skill and confidence in this domain are required as a matter of priority.
Atopic diseases in twins born after assisted reproduction
Authors: Jäderberg Ida , Thomsen Simon F. , Kyvik Kirsten O. , Skytthe Axel , Backer Vibeke 
Published: December 2011

SummaryJäderberg I, Thomsen SF, Kyvik KO, Skytthe A, Backer V. Atopic diseases in twins born after assisted reproduction. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 140–145.We examined the risk of atopic diseases in twins born after assisted reproduction. Data on atopic diseases and assisted reproduction in 9694 twin pairs, 3–20 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry were collected via multidisciplinary questionnaires. The risk of atopic diseases in twins born after assisted reproduction was compared with the risk in twins born after spontaneous conception using logistic regression and variance components analysis. Children born after assisted reproduction did not have a different risk of atopic outcomes (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] for asthma: 0.95 [0.85, 1.07], P = 0.403; hay fever: 1.01 [0.86, 1.18], P = 0.918; and atopic dermatitis: 1.02 [0.81, 1.11], P = 0.773 respectively) compared with children born after spontaneous conception. Assisted reproduction did not modify the heritability of atopic diseases. This study does not support an association between assisted reproduction and development of atopic diseases. This result must be confirmed in subsequent studies, preferably of singleton populations.
Plasmodesmatal pores in the torus of bordered pit membranes affect cavitation resistance of conifer xylem
Authors: JANSEN S. , LAMY J.‐B. , BURLETT R. , COCHARD H. , GASSON P. , DELZON S. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe pit membrane in bordered pits of conifer tracheids is characterized by a porous margo and central thickening (torus), which is traditionally considered to function as an impermeable safety valve against air‐seeding. However, electron microscopy based on 33 conifer species, including five families and 19 genera, reveals that pores occur in the torus of 13 of the species studied. The pores have a plasmodesmatal origin with an average diameter of 51 nm and grouped arrangement. Evidence for embolism spreading via pores in tori is supported by the pore sizes, which correspond relatively well with the pressure inducing cavitation. Predictions based on earlier correlations between pit structure and cavitation resistance were only weakly supported for species with punctured tori. Moreover, species with punctured tori are significantly less resistant to cavitation than species with non‐punctured tori. Nevertheless, absolute pore diameters must be treated with caution and correlations between theoretical and measured air‐seeding pressures are weak. Because most pores appear not to traverse the torus but are limited to one torus pad, only complete pores would trigger air‐seeding. Embolism spreading through a leaky torus is not universal across gymnosperms and unlikely to represent the only air‐seeding mechanism.
The MADS box genes SEEDSTICK and ARABIDOPSIS Bsister play a maternal role in fertilization and seed development
Authors: Mizzotti Chiara , Mendes Marta Adelina , Caporali Elisabetta , Schnittger Arp , Kater Martin M. , Battaglia Raffaella , Colombo Lucia 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe haploid generation of flowering plants develops within the sporophytic tissues of the ovule. After fertilization, the maternal seed coat develops in a coordinated manner with formation of the embryo and endosperm. In the arabidopsis bsister (abs) mutant, the endothelium, which is the most inner cell layer of the integuments that surround the haploid embryo sac, does not accumulate proanthocyanidins and the cells have an abnormal morphology. However, fertility is not affected in abs single mutants. SEEDSTICK regulates ovule identity redundantly with SHATTERPROOF 1 (SHP1) and SHP2 while a role in the control of fertility was not reported previously. Here we describe the characterization of the abs stk double mutant. This double mutant develops very few seeds due to both a reduced number of fertilized ovules and seed abortions later during development. Morphological analysis revealed a total absence of endothelium in this double mutant. Additionally, massive starch accumulation was observed in the embryo sac. The phenotype of the abs stk double mutant highlights the importance of the maternal‐derived tissues, particularly the endothelium, for the development of the next generation.
Epoxycarotenoid cleavage by NCED5 fine‐tunes ABA accumulation and affects seed dormancy and drought tolerance with other NCED family members
Authors: Frey Anne , Effroy Delphine , Lefebvre Valérie , Seo Mitsunori , Perreau François , Berger Adeline , Sechet Julien , To Alexandra , North Helen M. , Marion‐Poll Annie 
Published: December 2011

SummaryCarotenoid cleavage, catalyzed by the 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) constitutes a key step in the regulation of ABA biosynthesis. In Arabidopsis, this enzyme is encoded by five genes. NCED3 has been shown to play a major role in the regulation of ABA synthesis in response to water deficit, whereas NCED6 and NCED9 have been shown to be essential for the ABA production in the embryo and endosperm that imposes dormancy. Reporter gene analysis was carried out to determine the spatiotemporal pattern of NCED5 and NCED9 gene expression. GUS activity from the NCED5 promoter was detected in both the embryo and endosperm of developing seeds with maximal staining after mid‐development. NCED9 expression was found at early stages in the testa outer integument layer 1, and after mid‐development in epidermal cells of the embryo, but not in the endosperm. In accordance with its temporal‐ and tissue‐specific expression, the phenotypic analysis of nced5 nced6 nced9 triple mutant showed the involvement of the NCED5 gene, together with NCED6 and NCED9, in the induction of seed dormancy. In contrast to nced6 and nced9, however, nced5 mutation did not affect the gibberellin required for germination. In vegetative tissues, combining nced5 and nced3 mutations reduced vegetative growth, increased water loss upon dehydration, and decreased ABA levels under both normal and stressed conditions, as compared with nced3. NCED5 thus contributes, together with NCED3, to ABA production affecting plant growth and water stress tolerance.
Probiotics, dendritic cells and bladder cancer
Authors: Feyisetan Oladapo , Tracey Christopher , Hellawell Giles O. 
Published: December 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The suppressor effect of probiotics on superficial bladder cancer is an observed phenomenon but the specific mechanism is poorly understood. The evidence strongly suggests natural killer (NK) cells are the anti‐tumour effector cells involved and NK cell activity correlates with the observed anti‐tumour effect in mice. It is also known that dendritic cells (DC) cells are responsible for the recruitment and mobilization of NK cells so therefore it may be inferred that DC cells are most likely to be the interphase point at which probiotics act. In support of this, purification of NK cells was associated with a decrease in NK cells activity.The current use of intravesical bacille Calmette‐Guérin in the management of superficial bladder cancer is based on the effect of a localised immune response. In the same way, understanding the mechanism of action of probiotics and the role of DC may potentially offer another avenue via which the immune system may be manipulated to resist bladder cancer.Probiotic foods have been available in the UK since 1996 with the arrival of the fermented milk drink (Yakult) from Japan. The presence of live bacterial ingredients (usually lactobacilli species) may confer health benefits when present in sufficient numbers. The role of probiotics in colo‐rectal cancer may be related in part to the suppression of harmful colonic bacteria but other immune mechanisms are involved. Anti‐cancer effects outside the colon were suggested by a Japanese report of altered rates of bladder tumour recurrence after ingestion of a particular probiotic. Dendritic cells play a central role to the general regulation of the immune response that may be modified by probiotics. The addition of probiotics to the diet may confer benefit by altering rates of bladder tumour recurrence and also alter the response to immune mechanisms involved with the application of intravesical treatments (bacille Calmette‐Guérin).
Reliability of heart rate variability in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sacre J. W. , Jellis C. L. , Marwick T. H. , Coombes J. S. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, e33–e40 (2012)AbstractAims  Heart rate variability may be used to assess diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability of standard short‐term clinical measurements of heart rate variability in patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  In 24 patients with Type 2 diabetes (11 male, age 61 ± 9 years), parameters of heart rate variability in the time domain (standard deviation of RR intervals, coefficient of variation of RR intervals and root mean square of successive RR interval differences) and frequency domain (very low frequency, low frequency, high frequency and total spectral power) were derived from a 5‐min electrocardiograph recorded during two laboratory visits separated by 16 ± 8 days. Absolute and relative reliability were assessed by 95% limits of random variation and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Categorical agreement of classifications of heart rate variability and sample size estimates for clinical trials were calculated.Results  Despite no significant difference in mean heart rate variability between tests, 95% limits of random variation indicated that repeated measurements were between 58% higher/37% lower (most reliable parameter; coefficient of variation of RR intervals) and 443% higher/82% lower (least reliable parameter; very low frequency power) than the first measure. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.58 to 0.90 and sample size requirements from 20 to 93 patients per group. Agreement of categories of heart rate variability ranged from 79 to 96%.Conclusions  Short‐term clinical measurements of heart rate variability in patients with Type 2 diabetes are characterized by poor absolute reliability, but substantial to good relative reliability, suggesting greater clinical utility in diagnosis than in sequential follow‐up.
Perceptual Nonconceptualism: Disentangling the Debate Between Content and State Nonconceptualism
Authors: Duhau Laura 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this paper I argue, against recent claims by Bermúdez (2007) and Toribio (2008), that within the debate about whether perceptual experiences are nonconceptual, ‘state nonconceptualism’ (or the ‘state view’) can be a coherent and plausible position. In particular, I explain that state nonconceptualism and content nonconceptualism, when understood in their most plausible and motivated form, presuppose different notions of content. I argue that state nonconceptualism can present a plausible way of unpacking the claim that perceptual experiences are nonconceptual once the notion of content it should presuppose is taken into account; and once this notion of content is clearly distinguished from the one usually presupposed by content nonconceptualism, the criticisms that Bermúdez and Toribio place against state nonconceptualism become ineffective.
The Shadow Economy in German Regions: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Buehn Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Despite the increasing number of contributions to the literature, regional variations of the shadow economy have been hardly studied. This article analyses the determinants and derives the size of the shadow economy on the district level in Germany. I find that an inferior local labour market and the burden of taxation significantly contribute to the existence of the shadow economy, while a better enforcement of tax rules and regulations has the potential to deter such activities. Districts in the affluent south of Germany experience on average smaller shadow economies.
Dual REST‐dependence of L1CAM: from gene expression to alternative splicing governed by Nova2 in neural cells
Authors: Mikulak Joanna , Negrini Sara , Klajn Andrijana , D’Alessandro Rosalba , Mavilio Domenico , Meldolesi Jacopo 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem (2012) 120, 699–709.AbstractL1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), an adhesion/signaling protein encoded by a gene target of the transcription repressor RE‐1‐Silencing Transcription factor (REST), is expressed in two alternatively spliced isoforms. The full‐length isoform, typical of low‐REST neural cells, plays key roles in survival/migration, outgrowth/fasciculation/regeneration of axons, synaptic plasticity; the isoform missing two mini‐exons, abundant in a few high‐REST non‐neural cells, maintains some effect on migration and proliferation. To investigate whether and how L1CAM alternative splicing depends on REST we used neural cell models expressing low or high levels of REST (PC12, SH‐SY5Y, differentiated NT2/D1 and primary neurons transduced or not with REST). The short isoform was found to rise when the low‐REST levels of neural cells were experimentally increased, while the full‐length isoform increased in high‐REST cells when the repressor tone was attenuated. These results were due to Nova2, a neural cell‐specific splicing factor shown here to be repressed by REST. REST control of L1CAM occurs therefore by two mechanisms, transcription and alternative splicing. The splicing mechanism, affecting not only L1CAM but all Nova2 targets (∼7% of brain‐specific splicing, including the mRNAs of other adhesion and synaptic proteins) is expected to be critical during development and important also for the structure and function of mature neural cells.
Performance of a semiochemical‐baited autoinoculation device treated with Metarhizium anisopliae for control of Frankliniella occidentalis on French bean in field cages
Authors: Niassy S. , Maniania N. K. , Subramanian S. , Gitonga L. M. , Ekesi S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe performance of an autoinoculation device was evaluated in field cage experiments for control of Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in French bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Samantha (Fabaceae). Treatments consisted of a fungus‐treated device with and without semiochemical (Lurem‐TR), and a fungus‐free device as control; the fungus used was Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). The overall mean number of conidia acquired by a single insect was higher in the fungus‐treated semiochemical‐baited device than in the device without semiochemical: 5.0 ± 0.6 × 104 vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 × 104 conidia per insect. The overall thrips mortality was also higher in the semiochemical‐baited device than in the device without the semiochemical: 59.3 ± 3.9 vs. 41.7 ± 3.5%. Conidial viability was not affected in the M. anisopliae‐treated device without semiochemicals, 7 days after treatment, whereas it was considerably decreased – from 81.0 ± 1.3 to 6.5 ± 1.1%, 2 and 7 days post‐inoculation – in the M. anisopliae‐treated semiochemical‐baited device. Thrips mortality was positively correlated with M. anisopliae conidial viability, and conidial viability was negatively correlated with conidial acquisition. This suggests that the semiochemical volatiles reduced the conidial viability, which in turn resulted in significant reduction in thrips mortality, despite the highest conidial acquisition in the semiochemical‐baited fungus‐treated device. Thrips density per plant was significantly reduced in both fungus‐treated treatments (with semiochemical: 8.7 ± 1.7 adults per plant; without semiochemical: 6.6 ± 1.4 adults per plant) compared with the fungus‐free control (19.8 ± 2.6 adults per plant). These results demonstrate the potential for an autoinoculation device strategy for the control of thrips, particularly in screenhouses.