bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new factor stimulating peptidoglycan hydrolysis to separate daughter cells in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Collier Justine 
Published: May 2010

SummaryCell division in Gram‐negative bacteria involves the co‐ordinated invagination of the three cell envelope layers to form two new daughter cell poles. This complex process starts with the polymerization of the tubulin‐like protein FtsZ into a Z‐ring at mid‐cell, which drives cytokinesis and recruits numerous other proteins to the division site. These proteins are involved in Z‐ring constriction, inner‐ and outer‐membrane invagination, peptidoglycan remodelling and daughter cell separation. Three papers in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, from the teams of Lucy Shapiro, Martin Thanbichler and Christine Jacobs‐Wagner, describe a novel protein, called DipM for Division Involved Protein with LysM domains, that is required for cell division in Caulobacter crescentus. DipM localizes to the mid‐cell during cell division, where it is necessary for the hydrolysis of the septal peptidoglycan to remodel the cell wall. Loss of DipM results in severe defects in cell envelope constriction, which is deleterious under fast‐growth conditions. State‐of‐the‐art microscopy experiments reveal that the peptidoglycan is thicker and that the cell wall is incorrectly organized in DipM‐depleted cells compared with wild‐type cells, demonstrating that DipM is essential for reorganizing the cell wall at the division site, for envelope invagination and cell separation in Caulobacter.
CutaneousAlternaria infectoriainfection in a dog in association with therapeutic immunosuppression for the management of immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Dedola Carla , Stuart Alasdair P. G. , Ridyard Alison E. , Else Roderick W. , Van Den Broek Adri H. M. , Choi Jong Soo , Sybren de Hoog G. , Thoday Keith L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, ovariohysterectomized, English springer spaniel on immunosuppressive therapy was re‐examined for the review of its immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia and the recent development of skin lesions. For the 3 months since hospital discharge, the dog had been receiving 1.3 mg/kg prednisolone and 2.6 mg/kg ciclosporin, both administered orally twice daily. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly and multiple, purulent, crusting, erosive to ulcerative lesions over different body areas. Onychorrhexis had occurred on one digit and the underlying corium had blackened. There were two proliferative and one plaque‐like lesions in the mouth. Thick walled fungal hyphae were detected in impression smears from all skin lesions and staining with periodic acid–Schiff’s stain confirmed the presence of multiple fungal hyphae and spores in all biopsies examined. Fungal culture isolated a heavy, pure growth of anAlternariasp. which was identified asA. infectoriaby sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 1 region of the rRNA gene. The animal’s condition prevented detailed investigation of the oral lesions. Withdrawal of the ciclosporin and reduction of the prednisolone dosage resulted in spontaneous resolution of the skin lesions within 40 days. Further gradual decrements in the prednisolone dosage to zero were carried out without recurrence of the immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia. After 12 months, there has been no recurrence of either the skin lesions or the anaemia. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case ofA.infectoriainfection in a dog.
An epidemiological model of host–parasite coevolution and sex
Authors: LIVELY C. M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe Red Queen hypothesis posits a promising way to explain the widespread existence of sexual reproduction despite the cost of producing males. The essence of the hypothesis is that coevolutionary interactions between hosts and parasites select for the genetic diversification of offspring via cross‐fertilization. Here, I relax a common assumption of many Red Queen models that each host is exposed to one parasite. Instead, I assume that the number of propagules encountered by each host depends on the number of infected hosts in the previous generation, which leads to additional complexities. The results suggest that epidemiological feedbacks, combined with frequency‐dependent selection, could lead to the long‐term persistence of sex under biologically reasonable conditions.
Family Affects Sibling Cannibalism in the Black Widow Spider,Latrodectus hesperus
Authors: Johnson J. Chadwick , Kitchen Kathryn , Andrade Maydianne C. B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAdaptive foraging tactics are shaped by genes, the environment and gene–environment interactions. Because of relatively high levels of agonism toward conspecifics, spiders have been a popular focus for behavioral–ecological examinations of conspecific predation, or cannibalism. Surprisingly, studies examining the underlying, proximate assumption that cannibalism in spiders is a heritable trait shaped by interactions between genes and the environment are virtually non‐existent. Here, we examine the influence of family on the expression of sibling cannibalism in the post‐hatching, group‐living phase of an otherwise solitary, web‐building spider, the North American black widow (Latrodectus hesperus). Our results showed significant levels of variation in cannibalistic propensity among 26 sibships, with some families cannibalizing full sibs within 2 d and other families waiting 3 wk before resorting to cannibalism. A similar family‐level effect was evident in measures of sibling cohabitation, voracity toward cricket prey, and development speed. Negative correlations between maternal egg sac investment and offspring cannibalism suggest that this family effect may stem, at least in part, from a maternal effect, although we were not able to directly test the prediction that cannibalism is most common from spiderlings in poor condition. Thus, we present novel data suggesting family effects seem to be responsible for cannibalism inL. hesperusspiderlings; however, future work will be required to disentangle the relative importance of shared genes and shared maternal environment. We discuss several mechanisms that could explain the persistence of family‐level variation in cannibalism, a trait that seems likely to be subject to strong directional selection.
Zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteopenia in pediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Sbrocchi Anne Marie , Forget Sylviane , Laforte Diane , Azouz E. Michel , Rodd Celia 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Pediatric patients with Crohn's disease often have low bone mass (osteopenia) for age. No randomized, placebo‐controlled trials using zoledronic acid have ever been performed in this population. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of zoledronic acid in children with Crohn's disease and osteopenia.Methods:  A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled design was used. Thirteen adolescents received either a single intravenous dose of zoledronic acid (0.066 mg/kg, max 4 mg, n= 7) or saline placebo (n= 6). The primary outcome was change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) z‐score at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included bone markers and adverse events.Results:  At 6 months, the change in LSBMD z‐score was significantly higher in the zoledronic acid group compared to placebo (0.7 vs 0.1, P < 0.001). Volumetrically adjusted LSBMD z‐score also significantly increased in the treated group. This significant difference persisted until 12 months. With zoledronic acid, urinary C‐telopeptide excretion decreased by 50% at 6 months and remained suppressed at 12 months (P= 0.02), but no changes were observed with placebo. Both groups had similar adverse events which included transient fever, arthralgias, and nausea (3/7 treated, 2/6 placebo, P= NS).Conclusions:  In this study, zoledronic acid demonstrated a significant increase in LSBMD at 6 and 12 months following a well‐tolerated infusion.
Effect of sorafenib on experimental choroidal neovascularization in the rat
Authors: Park Young‐Hoon , Roh Sang Y , Lee Young‐Chun 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurpose:  This study was designed to evaluate the effect of sorafenib administration on laser‐induced experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats.Methods:  A total of 36 rats were divided into three groups. Sorafenib, an oral, multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day (n = 12) or 30 mg/kg per day (n = 12) for 1 day before the laser induction of CNV. Rats continued to receive the drug for 14 days. Fluorescein angiograms were analysed for CNV dye leakage and the thickness of CNV was assessed by histology. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 mRNA were measured by the use of real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Sorafenib‐treated rats had significantly less fluorescence leakage as compared with vehicle‐treated rats (P < 0.05), The CNV thickness in sorafenib‐treated rats was significantly reduced as compared with vehicle‐treated rats in a dose‐dependent manner (P = 0.00163 for 10 mg/kg and P < 0.00001 for 30 mg/kg). After sorafenib (30 mg/kg) administration, expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 genes was significantly decreased (P < 0.05 and P = 0.00802).Conclusion:  These results suggest that sorafenib may be potentially beneficial for the treatment of CNV in human; further studies on this subject are warranted.
Determination of the function of a repaired canaliculus after monocanalicular injury by placing a punctal plug in the non‐involved punctum on the affected side
Authors: Rosser Paul M , Burt Ben , Osborne Sarah F 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  To determine whether repair of a monocanalicular laceration using a Mini‐Monoka stent provides a functioning system.Methods:  This prospective study included patients who underwent repair of a monocanalicular laceration with placement of a Mini‐Monoka stent. Silicone punctal plugs were placed in the unaffected punctum on the side that had sustained the injury and in the same punctum on the fellow eye. The plug was left in place for between 7 and 17 days. The patient was questioned after placement regarding symptoms of epiphora.Results:  Eight patients were included in the study; five injuries involved the lower canaliculus, two the upper, and one the upper and lower but only the lower was repaired. Of injuries, 50% were as a result of assault. Seven out of eight patients had no epiphora from the repaired eye during plug placement. One patient complained of significant epiphora from the repaired eye during the time the plugs were placed; this patient had a partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction and no canalicular stenosis. Of patients, 88% had an anatomically patent canaliculus and 100% were tearing‐free when no plug was placed.Conclusions:  In this study, a repaired monocanalicular injury provided a functioning system in 88% of cases. In previous studies, it has been shown that many patients are symptom‐free with just one functioning canaliculus. However, a fully functioning canalicular system may help to prevent tearing under stress conditions, and will provide a viable system if the other canaliculus is irreparably damaged in the future. Therefore, repair is recommended.
Fenestrations and preferential flow routes in the prelaminar optic nerve through wet scanning electron microscope and perfusion of tracers
Authors: Carreras F Javier , Porcel David , Guerra‐Tschuschke Isabel , Carreras Ignacio 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurpose:  We study the vitreous interface of the optic disc to delimit the passages for the flow of fluids through the prelaminar tissue of porcine eyes.Methods:  Wet scanning electron microscope (SEM), conventional SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to explore the surface of the optic nerve of the pig. The vitreous cavity was perfused with a fluorescent marker and colloidal gold at controlled pressure. Samples of perfused optic nerve head were cryosectioned and observed with the confocal laser microscope (lectin) or resin embedded and observed under TEM (gold).Results:  Fenestrations were present under the SEM in all three regions of the vitreous interface. SEM results were confirmed at the TEM level and under the wet‐SEM. Perfusion experiments traced the flow of a fluorescent molecule delineating routes of preferential flow with origin in the fenestrations. Colloidal gold marked the site of entrance in the prelaminar tissue identifying major fenestrations in the basal membrane.Conclusions:  Interchange of fluid between the optic nerve and the vitreous cavity in the pig is facilitated by fenestrations of varied sizes in the basal membrane and preferential flow routes through the prelaminar tissue. Preferential flow routes exist in the extracellular spaces of Elschnig and Kuhn’ astrocytes and give a sharply distinct image when compared with flow through zones in which astrocytes envelope axons. Escape routes may be instrumental in preventing oedemas of the optic nerve head, but they could also serve as entrance doors for fluids from the vitreous and aqueous and play a pathogenic role in ageing and glaucoma.
Hybrid experimental and computational studies: combined compression‐bending fracture of edge‐cracked polypropylene specimens
Authors: YAN J. , SUTTON M.A. , WEI Z. , DENG X. , ZAVATTIERI P. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTA four‐camera system is employed to measure three‐dimensional (3D) displacements on both the front and back surfaces of a single‐edge‐notched polypropylene plate undergoing combined compression and out‐of‐plane bending. A methodology was developed to ensure that both systems employed a common coordinate system for defining the deformations on the front and back surfaces. Using the image pairs obtained simultaneously by both stereo‐vision systems, the full 3D displacement and strain history on both sides of the specimen are measured during the loading process by using the 3D digital image correlation (DIC) technique, including the crack path, load‐surface crack extension curve, load versus actuator displacement curve, crack front profiles and 3D displacement and strain fields. It is found that crack growth only occurs on the front side of the specimen where tensile stresses are present; there is no crack growth on the back side where compression occurs. A computational model is also established to reconstruct the failure process based on a simplified geometry model and nodal release technique. Good agreements are reached on the measured and predicted results on deformation, strain fields, load‐crack extension curves.
Intranasal delivery of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3, a synthetic peptide amide with leptin‐like activity, improves energy balance, glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity and bone formation in leptin‐resistant C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice
Authors: Waldrop M. A. , Leinung M. C. , Lee D. W. , Grasso P. 
Published: May 2010

Background: We have recently shown that intranasal administration of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 reconstituted in Intravail® to male Swiss Webster mice resulted in significantly higher uptake and bioavailability when compared with commonly used injection methods of delivery. Aim and Methods: In this study, we examined the effects of intranasal delivery of mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® on energy balance, glucose regulation, insulin secretion and serum levels of osteocalcin, a specific and sensitive marker of bone formation. Genetically obese C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice were allowed food and water ad libitum and given either Intravail® alone or mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® for 14 days by intranasal instillation. Results: Mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 reduced body weight gain, daily food intake, daily water intake and serum glucose by 11.5, 2.2, 4.0 and 61.9%, respectively. Serum insulin levels in db/db mice given mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 were approximately threefold lower than those in mice receiving Intravail® alone. Mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 elevated serum osteocalcin in db/db mice by 28.7% over Intravail® treated control mice. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that intranasal delivery of biologically active mouse [D‐Leu‐4]‐OB3 in Intravail® is feasible and has significant effects on regulating body weight gain, food and water intake, serum glucose, insulin sensitivity and bone formation in leptin‐resistant C57BLK/6‐m db/db mice.
Measurement of volatile terpene emissions in 70 dominant vascular plant species in Hawaii: aliens emit more than natives
Authors: Llusià Joan , Peñuelas Josep , Sardans Jordi , Owen Susan M. , Niinemets Ülo 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim  Alien plant invasion is prominent in the Hawaiian Islands. There are many factors involved in invader success. To date, there is a general lack of information about one of them, which we aim to study here: the terpene emission capacity of both Hawaiian native and alien plants.Location  Oahu (Hawaii).Methods  We screened 35 alien and 35 native dominant plant species on Oahu Island for monoterpene emissions. The emission rates were measured from field‐grown plants under standardized conditions of temperature and quantum flux density in the laboratory.Results  The emission rates of total terpenes ranged from 0 µg g−1 h−1 to 55 µg g−1 h−1, and altogether 15 different terpenes were emitted in detectable amounts by the overall set of species. A phylogenetic signal was observed for total terpene emissions. Total terpene emission rates were higher in aliens than in native species (12.8 ± 2.0 vs. 7.6 ± 1.9 µg g−1 h−1, respectively).Main conclusions  The greater terpene emission capacity may confer protection against multiple stresses and may partly account for the success of the invasive species, and may make invasive species more competitive in response to new global change‐driven combined stresses. These results are consistent with aliens coming from very diverse ecosystems with generally higher biotic and abiotic stress pressures, and having higher nutrient concentrations. On the contrary, these results are not consistent with the ‘excess carbon’ hypotheses. These results indicate changes in vegetation terpene emissions brought about by alien plant invasions.
The Influence of Individual Factors, Supervision and Work Environment on Creative Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Chong Eric , Ma Xiaofang 
Published: May 2010

In highly competitive global markets, organizations have to distinguish themselves with creative and innovative solutions to satisfy discerning customers. Creativity, an important precursor for innovation, provides organizations with a competitive advantage in a reinforcing loop of improved customer service, increased staff morale, increased retention of quality staff and further improvements in service (Glisson & Durick, 1988; Anderson & College, 1992).Creative output comes from the performance of individuals with particular cognitive and personality traits (Masten & Caldwell‐Colbert, 1987; Kirton, 1989) who are supported within a facilitative work environment (Scott & Bruce, 1994; Amabile et al., 1996; Rice, 2006). Confidence in one's own ability or one's self‐efficacy is an important cognitive and social trait determining and sustaining work performance. Appropriate behaviours and performance standards are defined within the work environment and the ability and support received in meeting performance expectations enhance the individual's self‐efficacy (Gist & Mitchell, 1992; Bandura, 1997).Both creativity and self‐efficacy have been associated with particular individual traits and environmental conditions in the workplace. While much has been written on these two concepts separately, less has been done to explore them as a single construct. This paper addresses the gap in the literature by linking creativity at work and occupational self‐efficacy. It reviews the literature on antecedent concepts and current research into creative self‐efficacy. In doing this, it provides the basis for further empirical exploration of possible linkages between creative self‐efficacy and individual and work environment variables. The contribution this paper makes is in the identification of specific variables that are significantly related to creative self‐efficacy. A model is proposed showing significant linkages between the identified variables.
Chubby cheeks and climate change: childhood obesity as a sustainable development issue
Authors: Reisch Lucia A. , Gwozdz Wencke 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe rise of obesity is one of today's biggest societal challenges. Indeed, the obesity epidemic is not only impairing individuals' lives, but also societies' sustainability, most notably with regard to the social, the cultural and the economic dimension. Thus, to halt obesity has become a goal in several political sustainability strategies. The focus is on children since their health behaviour is expected to have a strong impact on consumers in adulthood. To fight childhood obesity, the challenge is to develop the ‘right’ policy toolbox. One complicating aspect amongst others is the numerousness of actors involved. To find a policy mix and assess its consequences for all actors, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms – the impact of external and internal factors on children's health behaviour. Tools such as regulation, information and education appear to be insufficient to curb this unsustainable consumption behaviour. One promising avenue to strike a new path is to exploit the possibilities of choice architecture as proposed by behavioural economics. The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to develop the conceptual nexus between obesity and sustainable development against the backcloth of obesity and sustainability research; second, based on a human ecological model, to outline selected influencing factors of childhood obesity; and third, to sketch the options of market and consumer policy actors to curb the pandemic.
Neuronal regulation of photo‐induced pineal photoreceptor proteins in carp Catla catla
Authors: Seth Mohua , Maitra Saumen Kumar 
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1049–1062.AbstractIn the present in vitro study on the pineal in carp Catla catla, specific agonist and antagonists of receptors for different neuronal signals and regulators of intra‐cellular Ca++ and cAMP were used to gather basic information on the neuronal signal transduction cascade mechanisms in the photo‐induced expression of rod‐like opsin and α‐transducin‐like proteins in any fish pineal. Western‐blot analysis followed by quantitative analysis of respective immunoblot data for both the proteins revealed that photo‐induced expression of each protein was stimulated by cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) agonists and a dopaminergic antagonist, inhibited by both cholinergic antagonists and a dopaminergic agonist, but not affected by any agonists or antagonists of adrenergic (α1, α2 and β1) receptors. Moreover, expression of each protein was stimulated by voltage gated L type calcium channel blocker, adenylate cyclase inhibitor and phosphodiesterase activator; but suppressed by the activators of both calcium channel and adenylate cyclase, and by phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Collectively, we report for the first time that both cholinergic and dopaminergic signals play an important, though antagonistic, role in the photo‐induced expression of photoreceptor proteins in the fish pineal through activation of a signal transduction pathway in which both calcium and cAMP may act as the intracellular messengers.