bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teratosphaeria nubilosa, a serious leaf disease pathogen of Eucalyptus spp. in native and introduced areas
Authors: HUNTER GAVIN C. , CROUS PEDRO W. , CARNEGIE ANGUS J. , WINGFIELD MICHAEL J. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYBackground:  Teratosphaeria nubilosa is a serious leaf pathogen of several Eucalyptus spp. This review considers the taxonomic history, epidemiology, host associations and molecular biology of T. nubilosa.Taxonomy:  Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Ascomycota; Class Dothideomycetes; Order Capnodiales; Family Teratosphaeriaceae; genus Teratosphaeria; species nubilosa.Identification:  Pseudothecia hypophyllous, less so amphigenous, ascomata black, globose becoming erumpent, asci aparaphysate, fasciculate, bitunicate, obovoid to ellipsoid, straight or incurved, eight‐spored, ascospores hyaline, non‐guttulate, thin walled, straight to slightly curved, obovoid with obtuse ends, medially one‐septate, slightly constricted at the median septum, tapering to both ends, ascospore germination type F, germinating from both ends, germ tubes growing parallel to the long axis of the spore with distortion of the primary ascospore cell.Host range:  Teratosphaeria nubilosa is a primary pathogen of several Eucalyptus spp., including E. botryoides, E. bicostata, E. bridgesiana, E. cypellocarpa, E. dunnii, E. globulus ssp. bicostata, E. globulus ssp. globulus, E. globulus ssp. maidenii, E. globulus ssp. pseudoglobulus, E. grandis, E. gunnii, E. nitens, E. pilularis, E. quadrangulata, E. viminalis, E. grandis × E. resinifera and E. urophylla × E. globulus.Disease symptoms:  Leaf spots predominantly occur on juvenile Eucalyptus foliage; however, T. nubilosa has also recently been found on mature Eucalyptus foliage. Leaf spots are amphigenous, varying in size from small spots that are round to irregular. Lesions enlarge and coalesce to form larger blotches over the leaf surface. Initial lesions appear as pale‐green spots surrounded by purple margins and, once mature, are generally yellow to pale brown with dark‐brown raised borders.Useful websites:  Mycobank, http://www.mycobank.org; Mycosphaerella identification website, http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/mycosphaerella/BioloMICS.aspx
The prevalence and predictors of anencephaly and spina bifida in Texas
Authors: Canfield Mark A. , Marengo Lisa , Ramadhani Tunu A. , Suarez Lucina , Brender Jean D. , Scheuerle Angela 
Published: November 2008

SummaryTexas shares a 1255‐miles border with Mexico and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, industries and other potential environmental exposures. The Texas Birth Defects Registry is an active surveillance system which covers all pregnancy outcomes (livebirths, fetal deaths and elective pregnancy terminations). This study describes the occurrence and the predictors of neural tube defects (anencephaly and spina bifida) in Texas between 1999 and 2003. Birth prevalence, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression, for each defect, by fetal/infant sex, delivery year and maternal sociodemographic characteristics.Among approximately 1.8 million livebirths, a total of 1157 neural tube defects cases were ascertained by the Registry, resulting in an overall prevalence of 6.33 cases per 10 000 livebirths. The prevalences of anencephaly and spina bifida were 2.81 and 3.52 per 10 000 livebirths respectively. Prevalences of both defects were highest in Hispanics, among mothers living along the border with Mexico, among women of higher parity and among mothers who were 40+ years of age. In addition, the prevalence of each defect was higher among women with no record of prenatal care and among women with less than 7 years of education. Hispanic ethnicity was an important predictor for anencephaly, along with sex, maternal age, parity and border residence. However, only border residence and delivery year were significant predictors for spina bifida.
Roles of polarity determinants in ovule development
Authors: Kelley Dior R. , Skinner Debra J. , Gasser Charles S. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryOvules are the female reproductive structures that develop into seeds. Angiosperm ovules include one, or more commonly two, integuments that cover the nucellus and female gametophyte. Mutations in the Arabidopsis KANADI (KAN) and YABBY polarity genes result in amorphous or arrested integument growth, suggesting that polarity determinants play key roles in ovule development. We show that the class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD‐ZIPIII) genes CORONA (CNA), PHABULOSA (PHB) and PHAVOLUTA (PHV) are expressed adaxially in the inner integument during ovule development, independent of ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS, also known as KANADI4) activity. Loss of function of these genes leads to aberrant integument growth. Additionally, over‐expression of PHB or PHV in ovules is not sufficient to repress ATS expression, and can produce phenotypes similar to those of the HD‐ZIPIII loss‐of‐function lines. The absence of evidence of mutual negative regulation by KAN and HD‐ZIPIII transcription factors is in contrast to known mechanisms in leaves. Loss of HD‐ZIPIII activity can partially compensate for loss of ATS activity in the ats cna phb phv quadruple mutant, showing that CNA/PHB/PHV act in concert with ATS to control integument morphogenesis. In a parallel pathway, ATS acts with REVOLUTA (REV) to restrict expression of INNER NO OUTER (INO) and outer integument growth. Based on these expression and genetic studies, we propose a model in which a balance between the relative levels of adaxial/abaxial activities, rather than maintenance of boundaries of expression domains, is necessary to support laminar growth of the two integuments.
Deleterious effects by mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on the endangered fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata)
Authors: Segev O. , Mangel M. , Blaustein L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractInvasive fishes, via competition and predation, may be an important factor in endangering populations of amphibians and other aquatic fauna. The mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, commonly stocked into amphibian breeding sites for mosquito control worldwide, has recently been found in some breeding sites of the endangered fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata in northern Israel. A comparison of Salamandra larvae in natural pools varying in Gambusia densities suggested that Gambusia negatively affects Salamandra by causing damage to its appendages, in particular, its tailfin (as manifested in a smaller tail:body ratio). Comparison of the same pool before and after mosquitofish introduction suggested strong negative effects on larval performance and number of emerging metamorphs. To explicitly test the hypothesis that Gambusia negatively affects Salamandra larval development, growth and survival, we conducted a replicated outdoor mesocosm experiment. In this experiment, we also tested how habitat structural complexity, in the form of radiating cords simulating artificial vegetation, might mediate damage caused by Gambusia. We used a two‐by‐two factorial design: the presence or absence of increased structural complexity crossed with the presence or absence of mosquitofish. After a short period, mosquitofish strongly reduced larval wet weight and survival, and increased body damage in the form of a reduced larval tail:body ratio and partially missing gills and limbs. No Salamandra larvae exposed to mosquitofish survived to metamorphosis in either habitat type. We conclude that Gambusia strongly and negatively affects Salamandra larvae and that the introduction of Gambusia into sites containing Salamandra is inconsistent with the goal of preserving this endangered urodele.
Limited role of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway in a neonatal rat model of cerebral hypoxia–ischemia
Authors: Ginet Vanessa , Puyal Julien , Magnin Guylène , Clarke Peter G. H. , Truttmann Anita C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractD‐JNKI1, a cell‐permeable peptide inhibitor of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, has been shown to be a powerful neuroprotective agent after focal cerebral ischemia in adult mice and young rats. We have investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of D‐JNKI1 and the involvement of the JNK pathway in a neonatal rat model of cerebral hypoxia–ischemia (HI). Seven‐day‐old rats underwent a permanent ligation of the right common carotid artery followed by 2 h of hypoxia (8% oxygen). Treatment with D‐JNKI1 (0.3 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly reduced early calpain activation, late caspase 3 activation and, in the thalamus, autophagosome formation, indicating an involvement of JNK in different types of cell death: necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic. However, the size of the lesion was unchanged. Further analysis showed that neonatal HI induced an immediate decrease in JNK phosphorylation (reflecting mainly JNK1 phosphorylation) followed by a slow progressive increase (including JNK3 phosphorylation 54 kDa), whereas c‐jun and c‐fos expression were both strongly activated immediately after HI. In conclusion, unlike in adult ischemic models, JNK is only moderately activated after severe cerebral HI in neonatal rats and the observed positive effects of D‐JNKI1 are insufficient to give neuroprotection. Thus, for perinatal asphyxia, D‐JNKI1 can only be considered in association with other therapies.
Dendritic cells in the skin – potential use for melanoma treatment
Authors: El Marsafy Sanaa , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand , Mauviel Alain 
Published: November 2008

SummaryMelanoma is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Eradication of tumor cells requires an effective interaction between melanoma cells and different players of the immune system. As the most potent professional antigen‐presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in mounting a specific immune response where their intratumoral and peritumoral density as well as their functional status are correlated with clinical staging of the disease and with patients’ survival. Under steady‐state conditions, internalization of apoptotic cells by immature DCs designates a state of tolerance to self‐antigens. Nevertheless, pathogens and necrotic cells interacting with pattern recognition receptors trigger downstream signaling pathways that evoke maturation of DCs, leading to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These mature DCs are essential for T‐cell priming and subsequent development of a specific immune response. Altered functions of DCs have an impact on the development of various disorders including autoimmune diseases and cancers. Herein, we focus on the checkpoints created throughout DCs antigen capturing and presentation to T cells, with subsequent development of either tolerance or immune response, with an emphasis on the role played by DCs in melanoma tumorigenesis and their therapeutic potential.
Expression of the A56 and K2 Proteins Is Sufficient To Inhibit Vaccinia Virus Entry and Cell Fusion
Authors: Wagenaar Timothy R. , Moss Bernard 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT
Many animal viruses induce cells to fuse and form syncytia. For vaccinia virus, this phenomenon is associated with mutations affecting the A56 and K2 proteins, which form a multimer (A56/K2) on the surface of infected cells. Recent evidence that A56/K2 interacts with the entry/fusion complex (EFC) and that the EFC is necessary for syncytium formation furnishes a strong connection between virus entry and cell fusion. Among the important remaining questions are whether A56/K2 can prevent virus entry as well as cell-cell fusion and whether these two viral proteins are sufficient as well as necessary for this. To answer these questions, we transiently and stably expressed A56 and K2 in uninfected cells. Uninfected cells expressing A56 and K2 exhibited resistance to fusing with A56 mutant virus-infected cells, whereas expression of A56 or K2 alone induced little or no resistance, which fits with the need for both proteins to bind the EFC. Furthermore, transient or stable expression of A56/K2 interfered with virus entry and replication as determined by inhibition of early expression of a luciferase reporter gene, virus production, and plaque formation. The specificity of this effect was demonstrated by restoring entry after enzymatically removing a chimeric glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored A56/K2 or by binding a monoclonal antibody to A56. Importantly, the antibody disrupted the interaction between A56/K2 and the EFC without disrupting the A56-K2 interaction itself. Thus, we have shown that A56/K2 is sufficient to prevent virus entry and fusion as well as formation of syncytia through interaction with the EFC.
The future impact of population growth and aging on coronary heart disease in China: projections from the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model-China
Authors: Moran Andrew , Zhao Dong , Gu Dongfeng , Coxson Pamela , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Cheng Jun , Liu Jing , He Jiang , Goldman Lee 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
China will experience an overall growth and aging of its adult population in coming decades. We used a computer model to forecast the future impact of these demographic changes on coronary heart disease (CHD) in China.

Methods
The CHD Policy Model is a validated state-transition, computer simulation of CHD on a national scale. China-specific CHD risk factor, incidence, case-fatality, and prevalence data were incorporated, and a CHD prediction model was generated from a Chinese cohort study and calibrated to age-specific Chinese mortality rates. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CHD were calculated using standard methods. The projected population of China aged 35–84 years was entered, and CHD events, deaths, and DALYs were simulated over 2000–2029. CHD risk factors other than age and case-fatality were held at year 2000 levels. Sensitivity analyses tested uncertainty regarding CHD mortality coding, the proportion of total deaths attributable to CHD, and case-fatality.

Results
We predicted 7.8 million excess CHD events (a 69% increase) and 3.4 million excess CHD deaths (a 64% increase) in the decade 2020–2029 compared with 2000–2009. For 2030, we predicted 71% of almost one million annual CHD deaths will occur in persons ≥65 years old, while 67% of the growing annual burden of CHD death and disability will weigh on adults <65 years old. Substituting alternate CHD mortality assumptions led to 17–20% more predicted CHD deaths over 2000–2029, though the pattern of increases in CHD events and deaths over time remained.

Conclusion
We forecast that absolute numbers of CHD events and deaths will increase dramatically in China over 2010–2029, due to a growing and aging population alone. Recent data suggest CHD risk factor levels are increasing, so our projections may underestimate the extent of the potential CHD epidemic in China.
Trait impulsivity in a forensic inpatient sample: An evaluation of the barratt impulsiveness scale
Authors: Haden Sara C. , Shiva Andrew 
Published: November 2008

AbstractImpulsivity is a fundamental component of psychopathology and an essential trait to consider when working with forensic populations. Nevertheless, impulsivity has not been widely studied in psychiatric forensic patients. The current study evaluated the use of a self‐report measure of impulsivity, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), in a sample of 425 male forensic psychiatric inpatients with varying degrees of psychopathology and criminality. Patients also completed a measure of psychopathology, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Descriptive information and psychometric properties of the BIS‐11 are presented. The primary findings were elevated Nonplanning versus Motor and Attentional Impulsiveness, and strong associations between impulsiveness and various psychopathologies. Using principal component analysis, the factor structure of the BIS‐11 was also evaluated. Results failed to support the previously identified factor structure of impulsivity. The meaning of the revised scales and utility of the BIS‐11 in this population is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of {[Rh2(μ‐OOCCH3)2(dmbpy)2][BF4]}n Molecular Wire
Authors: Rak Magdalena , Pruchnik Florian P. , Ciunik Leszek Z. , Lafolet Frédéric , Chardon‐Noblat Sylvie , Deronzier Alain 
Published: November 2008

AbstractDinuclear RhII compounds [Rh2(μ‐OOCCH3)2(dmbpy)2(H2O)2](CH3COO)2 (1) and [Rh2(μ‐OOCCH3)2(dmbpy)2(H2O)2](BF4)2·2.5H2O (2) (dmbpy = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) were synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic methods. The structure of complex 2 was determined by using X‐ray crystallography. The rhodium atoms in compound 2 have distorted octahedral coordination with O and N atoms in equatorial positions and a Rh atom and a H2O molecule in axial coordination sites. Reduction of compound 2 with aqueous alcohols leads to the formation of the molecular wire {[Rh2(μ‐OOCCH3)2(dmbpy)2][BF4]}n·2nH2O (3) containing a [Rh2]3+ core. Compound 3 shows strong antiferromagnetic properties, J = –780 cm–1 and μ = 0.128–1.349 B.M. in the range 1.8–300 K. The electrochemistry of compound 2 in acetonitrile was investigated. Complex 2 is irreversibly oxidized to a RhIII compound at Epa = 1.5 V and reduced to a wire with a [Rh4]6+ core at E1/2 = –0.87 V showing the same properties as those of the product obtained during chemical reduction.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Homotopy analysis method for fully developed MHD micropolar fluid flow between vertical porous plates
Authors: Abdulaziz O. , Noor N. F. M. , Hashim I. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this paper, the fully developed natural convection of MHD micropolar fluid flow between two vertical porous plates is considered. The coupled system of non‐linear differential equations governing the flow is solved analytically by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The HAM contains an auxiliary parameter ℏ, which provides us with a simple way to adjust and control the convergence region and rate of convergence of the series solution. Velocity, microrotation and temperature profiles are presented for several values of the Hartmann number and the micropolar parameter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pro‐poor payments for environmental services: Challenges for the government and administrative agencies in Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Pham Thu , Ha Hoang Minh , Campbell Bruce M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGovernments and administrative agencies are likely to play critical roles in determining the success or failure of payments for environmental services (PES) that are directed at the poor. Using Vietnam as a case study, this article explores the roles, progress and likely impact of the government and the administration in the design and implementation of pro‐poor PES. The article focuses on the extent to which it is possible to address the high transaction costs involved and the issue of insecure land tenure, as two major constraints to pro‐poor PES. The discussion is based on a literature review, open‐ended interviews, and a stakeholder workshop. Although pro‐poor PES are welcomed by the government, their implementation is difficult because of overlapping structures and functions, critical gaps in PES policies and a limited understanding of them by decision makers, the private sector and communities. Multi‐sectoral approaches and further studies to support policy development and capacity building at the local level are necessary to develop pro‐poor PES. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posterior nasal septal abscess in a healthy adult patient
Authors: George A , Smith W K , Kumar S , Pfleiderer A G 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective:We report an extremely rare case of bilateral posterior nasal septal abscess in an otherwise healthy adult patient.Method:Case report and a review of the world literature concerning atraumatic nasal septal abscess and its management.Results:The development of an atraumatic nasal septal abscess is rare, but it has been reported in association with acute sinusitis, in patients with poor immunity and in children. The presentation, clinical course and treatment are discussed in the presented patient.Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of a bilateral posterior septal abscess associated with acute sinusitis in an otherwise healthy adult.
Short‐hairpin‐RNA‐mediated silencing of fucosyltransferase 8 in Chinese‐hamster ovary cells for the production of antibodies with enhanced antibody immune effector function
Authors: Beuger Vincent , Künkele Klaus‐Peter , Koll Hans , Gärtner Achim , Bähner Monika , Burtscher Helmut , Klein Christian 
Published: November 2008

Antibody‐producing Chinese‐hamster ovary cells (CHO‐DG44) were converted into cells producing antibodies with strongly enhanced ADCC (antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity) by knocking down FuT8 (α‐1,6‐fucosyltransferase or fucosyltransferase 8) via constitutive expression of shRNA (short‐hairpin RNA) against FuT8. After the introduction of a FuT8 shRNA expression plasmid under the control of a U6 promoter, CHO‐DG44 clones with less than 5% residual FuT8 mRNA expression were isolated by selection for neomycin resistance, followed by low affinity nerve growth factor receptor enrichment and selection for LCA [Lens culinaris (culinary lentil) agglutinin] resistance. The CHO‐DG44 clones identified produced highly afucosylated anti‐[IGF‐1R (insulin‐like‐growth‐factor‐1 receptor)] antibodies (up to 88%) that exhibited considerably enhanced ADCC compared with anti‐IGF‐1R wild‐type antibodies produced by parental CHO cells. At the same time, antibody productivity was not significantly decreased. Analysis of stability showed that the clones obtained may be suitable for up‐scaling, since low residual levels of FuT8 mRNA and production of afucosylated antibodies were maintained for at least 4 weeks.
MY01, a class XIV myosin, affects developmentally‐regulated elimination of the macronucleus during conjugation of Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Garcés Jonathan , Hosein Roland E. , Gavin Ray H. 
Published: November 2008

Background information. Nuclear dimorphism is characteristic of ciliated protozoa. A transcriptionally‐active macronucleus co‐exists with a transcriptionally‐silent micronucleus, which is activated only at conjugation. During conjugation, each conjugant develops two new genetically matched macronuclei and micronuclei, and the pre‐existing macronucleus is eliminated. Elimination of the pre‐existing macronucleus during conjugation is an apoptotic‐like process. The macronucleus becomes highly condensed, DNA laddering occurs, caspase activity increases, acidic enzymes accumulate within the nucleoplasm, and the nucleus shrinks in size. The current study focused on the involvement of actin and myosin in nuclear events of conjugation. A myosin knockout strain was mated with wild‐type, and the nuclear events were monitored with confocal microscopy.Results. Early nuclear events, including development of new macronuclei and micronuclei, appeared qualitatively normal in knockout conjugants. Completion of nuclear condensation and acidification in the pre‐existing macronucleus was blocked in 44% of knockout conjugants. Knockout conjugants that failed to fully achieve nuclear condensation and acidification did not eliminate the pre‐existing macronucleus. In control experiments, blockage of chromatin condensation, nuclear acidification, and macronuclear elimination was never observed in wild‐type conjugants.Conclusions. Perturbation of either DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation or nuclear acidification can lead to blockage of apoptotic‐like elimination of the macronucleus in MYO1‐knockout conjugants. Consistent with the known motor function of myosins and the involvement of Myo1 in vesicle trafficking in Tetrahymena, we argue that Myo1 could specifically affect condensation of chromatin and acidification of the nucleus through direct interaction with chromatin and through Myo1‐dependent vesicle trafficking to the nucleus.