bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nestedness versus modularity in ecological networks: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Fortuna Miguel A. , Stouffer Daniel B. , Olesen Jens M. , Jordano Pedro , Mouillot David , Krasnov Boris R. , Poulin Robert , Bascompte Jordi 
Published: March 2010

Summary 1. Understanding the structure of ecological networks is a crucial task for interpreting community and ecosystem responses to global change. 2. Despite the recent interest in this subject, almost all studies have focused exclusively on one specific network property. The question remains as to what extent different network properties are related and how understanding this relationship can advance our comprehension of the mechanisms behind these patterns. 3. Here, we analysed the relationship between nestedness and modularity, two frequently studied network properties, for a large data set of 95 ecological communities including both plant–animal mutualistic and host–parasite networks. 4. We found that the correlation between nestedness and modularity for a population of random matrices generated from the real communities decreases significantly in magnitude and sign with increasing connectance independent of the network type. At low connectivities, networks that are highly nested also tend to be highly modular; the reverse happens at high connectivities. 5. The above result is qualitatively robust when different null models are used to infer network structure, but, at a finer scale, quantitative differences exist. We observed an important interaction between the network structure pattern and the null model used to detect it. 6. A better understanding of the relationship between nestedness and modularity is important given their potential implications on the dynamics and stability of ecological communities.
Response of somatic embryos of Scots pine to fungal cell wall elicitors
Authors: Lu J. , Aronen T. , Pappinen A. , Asiegbu F. O. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryFungal cell wall elicitors have notable effects on germination of pine seeds, defence response and many other aspects of metabolic processes. In this study, we investigated morphological, physiological and molecular response of somatic embryos of Scots pine to fungal cell wall elicitors from ectomycorrhizal fungusSuillus bovinus, pathogenic fungusHeterobasidion annosumor weak Scots pine pathogen (Heterobasidion parviporum). Results from the embryo rooting experiment indicated that the genotypic origin of the conifer tree and the source of the elicitors affected the root development. Elicitors from eitherS. bovinusorH. parviporumincreased the root formation but increased concentration of elicitors fromH. annosumdecreased the rooting and survival rate of the embryos. At the molecular level, altered transcript changes were observed among genes encoding proteins involved in cell division, cell wall modification, and stress following exposure of embryos to elicitors. Increased levels of actin and peroxidase gene expression were detected at 7 days after exposure toS. bovinusorH. parviporumelicitors.H. annosumelicitors provoked significant induction of the ethylene synthesis genePsACS‐1. Generally the gene expression patterns at early stages observed in the subset of genes investigated after treatment withH. parviporumelicitor were found to be similar to that documented forS. bovinus.In contrast, somatic embryos exposed toH. annosumelicitor had different patterns of regulation marked by delayed response, and in some cases gradual degradation and death of the embryos were observed.
Colonoscopy as an adjunctive method for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome: Focus on pain perception
Authors: Kim Eun Soo , Cheon Jae Hee , Park Jae Jun , Moon Chang Mo , Hong Sung Pil , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Visceral hypersensitivity is an important component of the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the present study, we investigated differences in pain perception during colonoscopy between IBS patients and non‐IBS patients. We further assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of pain scores to diagnose IBS.Methods:  Patients who underwent colonoscopy for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms or for screening purposes were included. All patients completed Rome III criteria questionnaires and reported pain scores on 0–100‐mm visual analog scales after colonoscopy. The patients were divided into three groups: (i) IBS; (ii) other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), including functional bloating, functional diarrhea, and functional constipation; and (iii) healthy controls.Results:  A total of 217 patients were included. The pain scores (median, interquartile range) of IBS patients (52, 34–71) were higher than those of the healthy controls (22, 12–35) or other FGID patients (18, 10–29) (P < 0.001). Upper gastrointestinal symptoms were observed more often in the IBS group than in the non‐IBS group (83.2% vs 34.5%, P < 0.001). At the pain score level of 31, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for IBS diagnosis were 86.1%, 75.9%, 75.7%, and 86.3%, respectively.Conclusions:  The degree of pain perception during colonoscopy was higher in IBS patients than in non‐IBS patients. We concluded that colonoscopy can be useful in identifying IBS patients, with the additional benefit of excluding organic disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Media Violence Associations with the Form and Function of Aggression among Elementary School Children
Authors: Gentile Douglas A. , Mathieson Lindsay C. , Crick Nicki R. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAlthough the association between media violence exposure (MVE) and physical aggression (PA) has been well studied, few studies have examined the link between MVE and other subtypes of aggression. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between MVE and reactive and proactive subtypes of both PA and relational aggression (RA). Six hundred and forty‐one third to fifth grade students reported on their exposure to media violence. RA and PA were assessed by peers and teachers. Reactive and proactive subtypes of RA and PA were assessed by teacher reports. Findings revealed a significant positive association between MVE and overall PA and RA. The relation with RA was stronger for girls than for boys. When predicting the functional subtypes of aggression, higher MVE was associated with lower reactive RA, higher proactive RA, and higher reactive PA, and MVE was unrelated to proactive PA. The implications of the findings for future research are discussed.
The Essence of Linkage‐based Imprinting Detection: Comparing Power, Type 1 Error, and the Effects of Confounders in Two Different Analysis Approaches
Authors: Greenberg David A. , Monti Maria Cristina , Feenstra Bjarke , Zhang Junying , Hodge Susan E. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryImprinting is critical to understanding disease expression. It can be detected using linkage information, but the effects of potential confounders (heterogeneity, sex‐specific penetrance, and sex‐biased ascertainment) have not been explored. We examine power and confounders in two imprinting detection approaches, and we explore imprinting‐linkage interaction.One method (PP) models imprinting by maximising lod scores w.r.t. parent‐specific penetrances. The second (DRF) approximates imprinting by maximising lods over differential male‐female recombination fractions. We compared power, type 1 error, and confounder effects in these two methods, using computer‐simulated data. We varied heterogeneity, penetrance, family and dataset size, and confounders that might mimic imprinting.Without heterogeneity, PP had more imprinting‐detecting power than DRF. PP's power increased when parental affectedness status was ignored, but decreased with heterogeneity. With heterogeneity, type 1 error increased dramatically for both methods. However, DRF's power also increased under heterogeneity, more than was attributable to inflated type 1 error.Sex‐specific penetrance could increase false positives for PP but not for DRF. False positives did not increase on ascertainment through an affected “mother”. For PP, non‐penetrant individuals increased information, arguing against using affecteds‐only methods.The high type 1 error levels under some circumstances means these methods must be used cautiously.
Dopamine D1receptor‐mediated enhancement of NMDA receptor trafficking requires rapid PKC‐dependent synaptic insertion in the prefrontal neurons
Authors: Li Yan‐Chun , Liu Gang , Hu Jian‐Li , Gao Wen‐Jun , Huang Yue‐Qiao 
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 62–73.AbstractUnderstanding the interaction between dopamine and glutamate, particularly the interaction of dopamine and NMDA receptors, may enable a more rational approach to the treatment of schizophrenia, drug addiction, and other psychiatric disorders. We show that, in prefrontal cortical neurons, dopamine D1‐induced enhancement of NMDA receptor function depends on rapid insertion of new NMDA receptor 2B subunits on the synaptic surface. Protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, but not protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, completely blocked dopamine D1agonist SKF‐81297‐induced increase of the total expression of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, SKF‐81297 failed to alter the surface expression and synaptic insertion of NMDA receptors in the presence of PKA inhibitor, phospholipase C inhibitor, PKC inhibitor, or Src family kinase inhibitor. Our data suggest that D1‐mediated enhancement of NMDA current depends on the NMDA receptor trafficking through rapid synaptic insertion and both PKA and PKC signaling pathways play important roles in the regulatory process. Although both PKA and PKC mediate the D1‐induced enhancement of NMDA receptors, the phospholipase C‐PKC‐Src pathway is only required for surface expression and new synaptic insertion of NMDA receptors.
Induction of amyloid precursor protein by the neurotoxic peptide, amyloid‐beta 25–35, causes retinal ganglion cell death
Authors: Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Tanaka Yuka , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Hara Hideaki 
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1545–1564.AbstractPatients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) show a significantly increased incidence of glaucoma. AD is also associated with the occurrence of the neurotoxic peptide amyloid beta (Aβ). Therefore, we investigated whether Aβ is associated with retinal cell death in a retinal ganglion cell line (RGC‐5). Treatment with Aβ25–35, a neurotoxic fragment of Aβ, induced cell death in RGC‐5 in both a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. The amount of amyloid precursor protein was increased by treatment of RGC‐5 and primary culture of mouse cortical neurons with fibril Aβ25–35 and Aβ1–42, which is a putative physiological neurotoxic fragment of Aβ present in AD. Amyloid precursor protein knockdown inhibited the cell death induced by Aβ25–35. Treatment with Aβ25–35 increased the amount of intracellular Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42, while β‐ and γ‐secretase inhibitors reduced cell death. Thus, the regulation of Aβ can be viewed as a new therapeutic target for glaucoma, especially in patients with coincident AD.
Neurites regrowth of cortical neurons by GSK3β inhibition independently of Nogo receptor 1
Authors: Seira Oscar , Gavín Rosalina , Gil Vanessa , Llorens Franc , Rangel Alejandra , Soriano Eduardo , Del Río José Antonio 
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1644–1658.AbstractLesioned axons do not regenerate in the adult mammalian CNS, owing to the over‐expression of inhibitory molecules such as myelin‐derived proteins or chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans. In order to overcome axon inhibition, strategies based on extrinsic and intrinsic treatments have been developed. For myelin‐associated inhibition, blockage with NEP1–40, receptor bodies or IN‐1 antibodies has been used. In addition, endogenous blockage of cell signalling mechanisms induced by myelin‐associated proteins is a potential tool for overcoming axon inhibitory signals. We examined the participation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and extracellular‐related kinase (ERK) 1/2 in axon regeneration failure in lesioned cortical neurons. We also investigated whether pharmacological blockage of GSK3β and ERK1/2 activities facilitates regeneration after myelin‐directed inhibition in two models: (i) cerebellar granule cells and (ii) lesioned entorhino‐hippocampal pathway in slice cultures, and whether the regenerative effects are mediated by Nogo Receptor 1 (NgR1). We demonstrate that, in contrast to ERK1/2 inhibition, the pharmacological treatment of GSK3β inhibition strongly facilitated regrowth of cerebellar granule neurons over myelin independently of NgR1. Finally, these regenerative effects were corroborated in the lesioned entorhino‐hippocampal pathway in NgR1−/− mutant mice. These results provide new findings for the development of new assays and strategies to enhance axon regeneration in injured cortical connections.
Acurhagin‐C, an ECD disintegrin, inhibits integrin αvβ3‐mediated human endothelial cell functions by inducing apoptosis via caspase‐3 activation
Authors: Wang Wen‐Jeng 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Acurhagin, a member of versatile metalloproteinase disintegrins from Agkistrodon acutus venom, has been identified as a platelet aggregation inhibitor, previously. Here, acurhagin‐C, the C‐terminal Glu‐Cys‐Asp (ECD)‐containing fragment of acurhagin, was evaluated for its biological activities and potential applications in anti‐angiogenic therapy.Experimental approach:  Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with acurhagin‐C to assay effects on viability, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, invasion, proliferation and angiogenesis. The recognition site and signalling involved for the interactions of acurhagin‐C with HUVEC were determined using flow cytometric, electrophoresis and immunoblotting analyses.Key results:  Acurhagin‐C decreased viability and induced apoptosis in HUVEC. It also dose‐dependently inhibited HUVEC adhesion to immobilized extracellular matrices fibronectin, collagen I and vitronectin with respective IC50 values of approximately 0.6, 0.3 and 0.1 µM. Acurhagin‐C prevented migration and invasion of HUVEC through vitronectin‐ and Matrigel‐coated barriers respectively. Furthermore, acurhagin‐C attenuated fibroblast growth factor‐2‐primed angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and specifically blocked the binding of anti‐αvβ3 monoclonal antibody 23C6 to HUVEC in an ECD‐dependent manner. However, purified αvβ3 also dose‐dependently bound to immobilized acurhagin and acurhagin‐C with a saturable pattern. Interference with integrin αvβ3‐mediated functions and promotion of caspase‐3 activation by acurhagin‐C affected morphology of HUVEC and induced apoptosis.Conclusions and implications:  Acurhagin‐C elicited endothelial anoikis via disruption of αvβ3/focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt survival cascade and subsequent initiation of the procaspase‐3 apoptotic signalling pathway.
Sublethal concentrations of the platinum(II) complex [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] alter the motility and induce anoikis in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Muscella Antonella , Calabriso Nadia , Vetrugno Carla , Urso Loredana , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , De Pascali Sandra Angelica , Marsigliante Santo 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  We showed previously that a new Pt(II) complex ([Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)]) exerted high and fast apoptotic processes in MCF‐7 cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] is also able to exert anoikis and alter the migration ability of MCF‐7 cells, and to show some of the signalling events leading to these alterations.Experimental approach:  Cells were treated with sublethal doses of [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)], and the efficiency of colony initiation and anchorage‐independent growth was assayed; cell migration was examined by in vitro culture wounding assay. Gelatin zymography for MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities, Western blottings of MMPs, MAPKs, Src, PKC‐ε and FAK, after [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] treatment, were also performed.Key results:  Sub‐cytotoxic drug concentrations decreased the: (i) anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth; (ii) migration ability; and (iii) expression and activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] provoked the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activation of p38MAPK, Src and PKC‐ε. p38MAPK phosphorylation, cell anoikis and migration due to [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] were blocked by PKC‐ε inhibition. Furthermore, Src inhibition blocked the [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)]‐provoked activation of PKC‐ε, while ROS generation blockage inhibited the activation of Src, and also the decrement of phosphorylated FAK observed in detached [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)]‐treated cells.Conclusions and implications:  Sublethal concentrations of [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] induced anoikis and prevented events leading to metastasis via alterations in cell migration, anchorage independency, stromal interactions and MMP activity. Hence, [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] may be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing growth and metastasis of breast cancer.
A series of structurally novel heterotricyclic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate receptor‐selective antagonists
Authors: Gill MB , Frausto S , Ikoma M , Sasaki M , Oikawa M , Sakai R , Swanson GT 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: A new class of heterotricyclic glutamate analogues recently was generated by incorporating structural elements of two excitotoxic marine compounds, kainic acid and neodysiherbaine A. Rather than acting as convulsants, several of these ‘IKM’ compounds markedly depressed CNS activity in mice. Here, we characterize the pharmacological profile of the series with a focus on the most potent of these molecules, IKM‐159.Experimental approach: The pharmacological activity and specificity of IKM compounds were characterized using whole‐cell patch clamp recording from neurons and heterologous receptor expression systems, in combination with radioligand binding techniques.Key results: The majority of the IKM compounds tested reduced excitatory synaptic transmission in neuronal cultures, and IKM‐159 inhibited synaptic currents from CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices. IKM‐159 inhibited glutamate‐evoked whole‐cell currents from recombinant GluA2‐ and GluA4‐containing α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPA) receptors most potently, whereas kainate and NMDA receptor currents were not reduced by IKM‐159. Antagonism of steady‐state currents was agonist concentration dependent, suggesting that its mechanism of action was competitive, although it paradoxically did not displace [3H]‐AMPA from receptor binding sites. IKM‐159 reduced spontaneous action potential firing in both cultured hippocampal neurons in control conditions and during hyperactive states in anin vitromodel of status epilepticus.Conclusions and implications: IKM‐159 is an AMPA receptor‐selective antagonist. IKM‐159 and related nitrogen heterocycles represent structurally novel AMPA receptor antagonists with accessible synthetic pathways and potentially unique pharmacology, which could be of use in exploring the role of specific populations of receptors in neurophysiological and neuropathological processes.
Role of Imaging in Prostate Cancer: A Review
Authors: Jeschke S. , Schweigreiter E. , Janetschek G. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryImaging is crucial for evaluating the presence and extent of prostate cancer. This review illustrates the role of imaging tools including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, sentinel lymph adenectomy, positron emissions tomography and ohers for optimizing diagnosis and therapeutic concept in prostate cancer patients.
Breast MR‐Imaging of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schmitz A. C. , Smits M. L. J. , Veldhuis W. , Van Der Wall E. , Van Hillegersberg R. , Borel‐Rinkes I. H. M. , Mali W. P. Th. M. , Van Den Bosch M. A. A. J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast has become a well‐established method for detection of invasive breast carcinoma. However, the role and use of breast MRI for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has remained controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of breast MRI for detection and characterization of pure DCIS based on the currently published reports. A systematic review was performed in which studies on breast MRI for diagnosis of patients with pure DCIS were selected. A total of 26 articles were finally included, a total of 1051 patients with 1059 lesions. Sensitivity for diagnosis of pure DCIS ranged from 58% to 100%, with an overall of 84%. Sensitivity was highest for high‐grade DCIS (95%). Overall specificity was 74%. The majority of DCIS lesions were characterized as non‐mass‐like enhancement (75%) with a segmental distribution of enhancement (50%). Suspicious kinetic curves were found in 49% of the DCIS cases. A few studies reported on size assessment. This review shows that MRI has a moderate sensitivity for detection of DCIS in general, and a good sensitivity for high‐grade DCIS. The morphologic and kinetic appearance of DCIS can be very variable. Although mammography is the current standard for detection of DCIS, MRI could help improve the ability to diagnose DCIS, especially in high‐grade DCIS.
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Rapid Stress Signaling Networks in Arabidopsis
Authors: Walley Justin W. , Dehesh Katayoon 
Published: March 2010

Abstract As sessile organisms plants must cope with ever changing environmental conditions. To survive plants have evolved elaborate mechanisms to perceive and rapidly respond to a diverse range of abiotic and biotic stresses. Central to this response is the ability to modulate gene expression at both the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. This review will focus on recent progress that has been made towards understanding the rapid reprogramming of the transcriptome that occurs in response to stress as well as emerging mechanisms underpinning the reprogramming of gene expression in response to stress.
Comparison of immunochemical and guaiac‐based fecal occult blood test in screening and surveillance for advanced colorectal neoplasms: A meta‐analysis
Authors: ZHU Ming Ming , XU Xi Tao , NIE Fang , TONG Jin Lu , XIAO Shu Dong , RAN Zhi Hua 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To systematically evaluate whether immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (iFOBT) could improve clinical performance and test accuracy in screening and surveillance for advanced colorectal neoplasms.METHODS:  Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. All randomized trials and diagnostic cohort trials directly comparing iFOBT with guaiac‐based FOBT (gFOBT) were included. A statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 4.2.8. A sensitivity, specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic curve was performed using Meta Disc.RESULTS:  We identified five randomized trials and 11 diagnostic cohort trials. In the randomized trials, the detection rates of advanced colorectal neoplasms with iFOBT or gFOBT were 2.23 percent and 1.24 percent, respectively. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 1.50 (95% CI 0.94–2.39). In cohort trials, the advanced neoplasm detection rates of iFOBT or gFOBT were 1.44 percent and 0.50 percent (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.24–3.19) in the average‐risk screened population, and were 8.8 percent and 7.1 percent (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01–1.60) in diagnosed patients scheduled for colonoscopy. The sensitivity of iFOBT (0.67, 95% CI 0.61–0.73) was superior to that of gFOBT (0.54, 95% CI 0.48–0.60), as well as the specificities (0.85, 95% CI 0.83–0.87 vs 0.80, 95% CI 0.78–0.82) and positive predictive values (0.41 vs 0.29) in cohort trials of diagnosed patients.CONCLUSION:  Our review suggests that iFOBT could perform better in increasing the detection rate of advanced colorectal neoplasm than gFOBT and possesses higher sensitivity and specificity in the surveillance of advanced colorectal neoplasm for patients.