bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The LAP1 MYB transcription factor orchestrates anthocyanidin biosynthesis and glycosylation in Medicago
Authors: Peel Gregory J. , Pang Yongzhen , Modolo Luzia V. , Dixon Richard A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryMYB transcription factors help to control anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants, and ectopic expression of the Arabidopsis Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1) transcription factor activates the anthocyanin pathway in tobacco, suggesting the general utility of such factors for metabolic engineering of anthocyanins and anthocyanin‐derived compounds such as proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins). However, PAP1 does not activate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the model legume Medicago truncatula or in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). A related Legume Anthocyanin Production 1 (LAP1) gene was identified from the genome of M. truncatula. When constitutively expressed in transgenic alfalfa, M. truncatula or white clover, LAP1 induced massive accumulation of anthocyanin pigments comprising multiple glycosidic conjugates of cyanidin. Oligomeric/polymeric compounds with some diagnostic characteristics of proanthocyanidins also accumulated in LAP1‐expressing plants, but these compounds were not composed of (epi)catechin units. Over 260 and 70 genes were up‐regulated in leaves of alfalfa or M. truncatula, respectively, in response to constitutive expression of LAP1, many of which are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. In particular, the glucosyltransferase UGT78G1, previously identified as showing preference for isoflavonoid substrates in vitro, was strongly up‐regulated by LAP1, and appears to function as an anthocyanin glycosyltransferase in vivo. Over‐expression of UGT78G1 in transgenic alfalfa resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation when plants were exposed to abiotic stress.
The Better Regulation Initiative at the Judicial Gate: A Trojan Horse within the Commission's Walls or the Way Forward?
Authors: Alemanno Alberto 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWhile most academic attention is currently being paid to the goals and to the merits of the Better Regulation initiative (BR), this article examines the most immediate legal implications stemming from reliance on the main tools of BR (such as systematic impact analysis and consultation procedures on proposed legislation) within the European legal order. Since the BR package boils down into a set of regulatory requirements, enforcement issues are likely to arise. For instance, what if the Commission omits to undertake (or badly performs) an impact assessment of a legislative proposal? Who is currently in charge of ensuring the Commission's compliance with these requirements? After illustrating the existing administrative oversight mechanisms designed to ensure effective compliance with BR requirements, by focusing notably on the recently established Impact Assessment Board, the article examines to what extent the European courts may be called upon to review the respect paid to the requirements of BR by the Commission services. To prevent the BR initiative from turning into a Trojan Horse within its own walls, the Commission is likely to comply with these regulatory requirements, thereby paving the way for the initiative's success.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE WHEAT AND CORN BRAN BREAD QUALITY BY USING GLUCOSE OXIDASE AND HEXOSE OXIDASE
Authors: GÜL HÜLYA , ÖZER M. SERTAÇ , DİZLEK HALEF 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The effects of addition of wheat (10, 20 and 30%) and corn bran (10 and 20%) on rheological and bread making properties of flour were examined. To improve dough and bread properties, glucose oxidase (GO) and hexose oxidase (HO) (15–30 and 45 mg/kg) were used separately in each bran‐wheat flour formula with L‐ascorbic acid at 75 mg/kg, glucose at 0.5% and vital gluten at 9.2%. Water absorption and development time increased as the amount of wheat and corn bran increased, while dough stability, maximum resistance to extension, extensibility, energy and loaf volume decreased. Corn bran was found to be more detrimental to dough rheology and bread characteristics than wheat bran. Corn bran and wheat bran could be used at bread making up to levels of 10 and 20%, respectively. Addition of 30 mg/kg of HO in combination with constant additives was most effective in improving dough and bread characteristics and GO with its 15 mg/kg usage level followed it. Further increasing of enzyme levels led to over oxidizing of doughs and breads. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCorn bran up to 10% and wheat bran up to 20% levels can be used in bread making. To improve dough and bread quality, besides L‐ascorbic acid (75 mg/kg) and vital gluten (as a percentage of added bran weight), GO (15 mg/kg) or HO (30 mg/kg) could be incorporated into wheat flour‐bran mixtures. However, the amount of enzyme should be carefully chosen because when they are used above the mentioned levels, they cause overoxidation of doughs and small loaf volumes are obtained. As a conclusion; by using the corn bran, which is a by‐product of the starch industry, not only could it be possible to offer healthy alternative breads which contain high amounts of dietary fiber to consumers, but it could also be possible to obtain economical value by evaluating such a by‐product in the bread industry.
Computationalism in the Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Piccinini Gualtiero 
Published: April 2009

AbstractComputationalism has been the mainstream view of cognition for decades. There are periodic reports of its demise, but they are greatly exaggerated. This essay surveys some recent literature on computationalism and reaches the following conclusions. Computationalism is a family of theories about the mechanisms of cognition. The main relevant evidence for testing computational theories comes from neuroscience, though psychology and AI are relevant too. Computationalism comes in many versions, which continue to guide competing research programs in philosophy of mind as well as psychology and neuroscience. Although our understanding of computationalism has deepened in recent years, much work in this area remains to be done.
British Society for Haematology, slide session, annual scientific meeting, Glasgow, 2008
Authors: HUTCHINSON C. V. , BURTHEM J. , BISLAND M. , CAREY P. , CROTTY G. , DEVALIA V. , JANDA B. , GORDON W. , HARRISON C. N. , MURRAY J. , SHLEBAK A. , THOMAS A. , WILKINS B. , McMULLIN M. F. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryA morphology session is held each year at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Haematology. Prior to the meeting this year, eight morphology cases were made available to BSH members as glass slides and also digitally as ‘virtual slides’. A panel of invited commentators who had no prior knowledge of the diagnosis discussed the eight cases. An initial limited history and blood count are given with representative images from the case material; this is followed by the discussants’ comments and suggested diagnosis. The actual clinical diagnosis is then given with other relevant information.
Oyamel fir forest trunks provide thermal advantages for overwintering monarch butterflies in Mexico
Authors: BROWER LINCOLN P. , WILLIAMS ERNEST H. , SLAYBACK DANIEL A , FINK LINDA S. , RAMÍREZ M. ISABEL , ZUBIETA RAÚL R. , IVAN LIMON GARCIA M. , GIER PAUL , LEAR JENNIFER A. , VAN HOOK TONYA 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  1. Survival of overwintering monarch butterflies following severe wet winter storms in Mexico is substantially higher for butterflies that form clusters on the oyamel fir tree trunks than for those that form clusters on the fir boughs.2. Thermal measurements taken at similar elevations with a weather station on the Sierra Chincua and within a Cerro Pelon and a Sierra Chincua overwintering area indicated that clustering on the fir trunks provides dual microclimatic benefits for the butterflies.a. At night, the minimum surface temperatures of all firs combined averaged 1.4 °C warmer than ambient forest temperatures, thereby enhancing protection against freezing for monarchs that are either wet or dry. We term this the ‘hot water bottle effect.’b. During the day, the maximum surface temperatures of all firs combined averaged 1.2 °C cooler than ambient, a difference sufficient to lower the loss of the butterflies’ lipid stores over the 154‐day wintering season.3. Larger diameter trees increase both microclimate benefits.4. The results add a new dimension to improving the conservation management guidelines for the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Strict enforcement against culling of larger trees and in favour of promoting old‐growth oyamel forests will enhance two microclimatic benefits: butterfly mortality during severe winter weather will be reduced, and the butterflies’ lipid savings over the winter will be enhanced.
Pollen morphology of the genus Cornukaempferia (Zingiberaceae) in Thailand
Authors: SAENSOUK Piyaporn , CHANTARANOTHAI Pranom , THEERAKULPISUT Piyada 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Cornukaempferia is a recently described genus of Zingiberaceae which only occurs in Thailand as a rare genus with limited geographical distribution. Only three species have been described so far, including a recently described new species, C. larsenii. These three species are morphologically very similar and additional data on other biological aspects are useful for the elucidation of their relationship. Pollen morphology of all three species of genus Cornukaempferia has been studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains are monad, spherical, inaperturate. The exine sculpture is echinate with psilate between the spines for C. aurantiflora and C. longipetiolata, or echinate with regulate between the spines for C. larsenii. This observation helps support the taxonomic status of C. larsenii.
Glycosmis longipetala F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang, a new species of Rutaceae from China
Authors: MOU Feng‐Juan , ZHANG Dian‐Xiang 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Glycosmis longipetala F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang is described from Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in southwestern China. The new species is similar to G. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Pierre ex Engl. by its simple leaves, but distinguishable in having long‐elliptic or oblanceolate (vs. ovate) leaves, long‐ovoid to ellipsoid (vs. ovoid) floral buds, ovaries with many tubercles (vs. smooth) and glabrous (vs. pubescent) stamens. The pollen grains of the new species are 23.9±3.09 (20.8–27.0)×22.0±1.80 (20.4–24.4) μm in size with reticulate exine ornamentation in equatorial area and foveolate in polar area. The chromosome number of the new species is 2n=72.
Novel Approach for Detection of Enteric Viruses To Enable Syndrome Surveillance of Acute Viral Gastroenteritis
Authors: Svraka Sanela , van der Veer Bas , Duizer Erwin , Dekkers Jojanneke , Koopmans Marion , Vennema Harry 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases worldwide, with viruses, particularly noroviruses, being the leading cause in developed countries. In The Netherlands, systematic surveillance of gastroenteritis outbreaks of suspected viral etiology was established by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in 1994. Since 2002, the total number of outbreaks reported has been increasing, and with that comes the need for sensitive assays that can be performed quickly. In addition, the diagnostic demand changed so that now the proportion of samples from hospitals is higher and there is a need for patient-based test results. In order to target the diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis, we reviewed our data on outbreaks of gastroenteritis and the prevalence of individual viruses to provide a priority list of viruses for which samples should be evaluated. Random primers were used to replace the separate specific primers for each virus used in the reverse transcription steps. The individual PCR assays were replaced by multiplex PCR assays. We employed a two-step method in which in the first step we screened for the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis, noroviruses of genogroup II and rotaviruses of group A, with equine arteritis virus used as the internal control. Subsequently, in the second step, two parallel PCR assays were developed for the detection of noroviruses of genogroup I and equine arteritis virus in one run and adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses in the other run. The specificities of the assays were calculated to be 92.5% for the assay for noroviruses of genogroup I and 100% for the assays for all other viruses, the detection limits were equal for all viruses, and the turnaround time was reduced to 1 day compared to the at least 3 days required for the methods used previously. This approach allows the targeted, rapid, and cost-effective elucidation of the causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
in Spain: Molecular Epidemiology and Utility of Different Typing Methods
Authors: Vindel Ana , Cuevas Oscar , Cercenado Emilia , Marcos Carmen , Bautista Verónica , Castellares Carol , Trincado Pilar , Boquete Teresa , Pérez-Vázquez Maria , Marín Mercedes , Bouza Emilio 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

In a point-prevalence study performed in 145 Spanish hospitals in 2006, we collected 463 isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a single day. Of these, 135 (29.2%) were methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolates. Susceptibility testing was performed by a microdilution method, and
mecA
was detected by PCR. The isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after SmaI digestion, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
(SCC
mec
) typing,
agr
typing,
spa
typing with BURP (based-upon-repeat-pattern) analysis, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The 135 MRSA isolates showed resistance to ciprofloxacin (93.3%), tobramycin (72.6%), gentamicin (20.0%), erythromycin (66.7%), and clindamycin (39.3%). Among the isolates resistant to erythromycin, 27.4% showed the M phenotype. All of the isolates were susceptible to glycopeptides. Twelve resistance patterns were found, of which four accounted for 65% of the isolates. PFGE revealed 36 different patterns, with 13 major clones (including 2 predominant clones with various antibiotypes that accounted for 52.5% of the MRSA isolates) and 23 sporadic profiles. Two genotypes were observed for the first time in Spain. SCC
mec
type IV accounted for 6.7% of the isolates (70.1% were type IVa, 23.9% were type IVc, 0.9% were type IVd, and 5.1% were type IVh), and SCC
mec
type I and SCC
mec
type II accounted for 7.4% and 5.2% of the isolates, respectively. One isolate was nontypeable. Only one of the isolates produced the Panton-Valentine leukocidin. The isolates presented
agr
type 2 (82.2%), type 1 (14.8%), and type 3 (3.0%).
spa
typing revealed 32 different types, the predominant ones being t067 (48.9%) and t002 (14.8%), as well as clonal complex 067 (78%) by BURP analysis. The MRSA clone of sequence type 125 and SCC
mec
type IV was the most prevalent throughout Spain. In our experience, PFGE,
spa
typing, SCC
mec
typing, and MLST presented good correlations for the majority of the MRSA strains; we suggest the use of
spa
typing and PFGE typing for epidemiological surveillance, since this combination is useful for both long-term and short-term studies.
Molecular Characterization of Syphilis in Patients in Canada: Azithromycin Resistance and Detection ofTreponema pallidumDNA in Whole-Blood Samples versus Ulcerative Swabs
Authors: Martin Irene E. , Tsang Raymond S. W. , Sutherland Karen , Tilley Peter , Read Ron , Anderson Barbara , Roy Colleen , Singh Ameeta E. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough detection ofTreponema pallidumDNA in whole-blood specimens of syphilis patients has been reported, it is uncertain at what stage of the disease such specimens are most suitable for the molecular diagnosis of syphilis. Also, few studies have directly compared the different gene targets for routine laboratory diagnostic usage in PCR assays. We examined 87 specimens from 68 patients attending two urban sexually transmitted disease clinics in Alberta, Canada. PCR was used to amplify theT. pallidumtpp47,bmp, andpolAgenes as well as a specific region of the 23S rRNA gene linked to macrolide antibiotic susceptibility. In primary syphilis cases, PCR was positive exclusively (75% sensitivity rate) in ulcerative swabs but not in blood specimens, while in secondary syphilis cases, 50% of the blood specimens were positive by PCR. Four out of 14 (28.6%) of our PCR-positive syphilis cases were found to be caused by an azithromycin-resistant strain(s). Our results confirmed that swabs from primary ulcers are the specimens of choice for laboratory diagnostic purposes. However, further research is required to determine what specimen(s) would be most appropriate for molecular investigation of syphilis in secondary and latent syphilis.
Replication-Defective Adenovirus Vectors with Multiple Deletions Do Not Induce Measurable Vector-Specific T Cells in Human Trials
Authors: Koup Richard A. , Lamoreaux Laurie , Zarkowsky David , Bailer Robert T. , King C. Richter , Gall Jason G. D. , Brough Douglas E. , Graham Barney S. , Roederer Mario 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

The magnitude and character of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)-specific T cells were determined in volunteers with and without preexisting neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to Ad5 who received replication-defective Ad5 (rAd5)-based human immunodeficiency virus vaccines. There was no correlation between T-cell responses and NAs to Ad5. There was no increase in magnitude or activation state of Ad5-specific CD4
+
T cells at time points where antibodies to Ad5 and T-cell responses to the recombinant gene products could be measured. These data indicate that rAd5-based vaccines containing deletions in the E1, E3, and E4 regions do not induce appreciable expansion of vector-specific CD4
+
T cells.
Potential Role of Interleukin-18 in the Immunopathogenesis of AIDS: Involvement in Fratricidal Killing of NK Cells
Authors: Iannello Alexandre , Samarani Suzanne , Debbeche Olfa , Ahmad Rasheed , Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Tremblay Cécile , Toma Emil , Routy Jean-Pierre , Ahmad Ali 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTWe had shown earlier that the concentrations of circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18) are increased significantly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons compared to HIV-seronegative healthy subjects. In the present study, we investigated the consequences of these elevated levels of IL-18 on natural killer (NK) cells and the immunopathogenesis of AIDS. We show here an inverse correlation between IL-18 concentrations and absolute numbers of various subsets of NK cells in infected persons. Recombinant human IL-18 caused increased death of a human NK cell line, as well as of primary human NK cells in vitro. The IL-18-mediated cell death was dependent upon Fas-FasL interactions and tumor necrosis factor alpha. IL-18 induced the expression of FasL on NK cells, increased the transcription from the human FasL promoter, reduced the expression of Bcl-XLin NK cells, and increased their sensitivity to FasL-mediated cell death. These results suggest that increased IL-18 concentrations present in the circulation of HIV-infected persons contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AIDS by altering NK cell homeostasis.
Is there much variation in variation? Revisiting statistics of small area variation in health services research
Authors: Ibáñez Berta , Librero Julián , Bernal-Delgado Enrique , Peiró Salvador , López-Valcarcel Beatriz González , Martínez Natalia , Aizpuru Felipe 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
The importance of Small Area Variation Analysis for policy-making contrasts with the scarcity of work on the validity of the statistics used in these studies. Our study aims at 1) determining whether variation in utilization rates between health areas is higher than would be expected by chance, 2) estimating the statistical power of the variation statistics; and 3) evaluating the ability of different statistics to compare the variability among different procedures regardless of their rates.

Methods
Parametric bootstrap techniques were used to derive the empirical distribution for each statistic under the hypothesis of homogeneity across areas. Non-parametric procedures were used to analyze the empirical distribution for the observed statistics and compare the results in six situations (low/medium/high utilization rates and low/high variability). A small scale simulation study was conducted to assess the capacity of each statistic to discriminate between different scenarios with different degrees of variation.

Results
Bootstrap techniques proved to be good at quantifying the difference between the null hypothesis and the variation observed in each situation, and to construct reliable tests and confidence intervals for each of the variation statistics analyzed. Although the good performance of Systematic Component of Variation (SCV), Empirical Bayes (EB) statistic shows better behaviour under the null hypothesis, it is able to detect variability if present, it is not influenced by the procedure rate and it is best able to discriminate between different degrees of heterogeneity.

Conclusion
The EB statistics seems to be a good alternative to more conventional statistics used in small-area variation analysis in health service research because of its robustness.
Effect of pioglitazone versus insulin glargine on cardiac size, function, and measures of fluid retention in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dorkhan Mozhgan , Dencker Magnus , Stagmo Martin , Groop Leif 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Both insulin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are effective in the treatment of hyperglycaemia and amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes but have side effects including weight gain and fluid retention. The use of TZDs has been further hampered by the risk of adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure. The present study evaluated the effect of pioglitazone or insulin glargine on cardiac function and size as well as on surrogate markers of fluid retention such as weight, haemoglobin and natriuretic peptides.

Methods
Thirty patients with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin and sulfonylurea were randomised to receive add-on therapy with insulin glargine or pioglitazone for 26 weeks. Echocardiographic data and blood samples were collected from the two groups before the start of the treatment and after 26 weeks. Left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial end-systolic volumes were quantified, weight measured and blood samples analyzed.

Results
After 26 weeks of treatment, the changes in HbA1c, weight and haemoglobin were similar between the two groups. HDL increased significantly in the pioglitazone group. While there was an increase in natriuretic peptides in the pioglitazone group (NT-proBNP 11.4 ± 19.6 to 22.8 ± 44.0, p = 0.046), the difference between the treatment groups was not significant. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased by 11% and left atrial end-systolic volume by 17% in the pioglitazone group (Both, p < 0.05, between treatment groups). There was a borderline significant increase in ejection fraction in the pioglitazone group.

Conclusion
This randomised pilot-study showed that six-month treatment with pioglitazone induced significant increases in natriuretic peptides and alterations of cardiac size. These changes were not observed with insulin glargine, which also is known to induce fluid retention. Larger randomised trials are warranted to confirm these findings.