bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H9N2 influenza virus acquires intravenous pathogenicity on the introduction of a pair of di-basic amino acid residues at the cleavage site of the hemagglutinin and consecutive passages in chickens
Authors: Soda Kosuke , Asakura Shingo , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , kida Hiroshi
Published: February 2011

Background

Outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) caused by infection with low pathogenic H9N2 viruses have occurred in poultry, resulting in serious economic losses in Asia and the Middle East. It has been difficult to eradicate the H9N2 virus because of its low pathogenicity, frequently causing in apparent infection. It is important for the control of AI to assess whether the H9N2 virus acquires pathogenicity as H5 and H7 viruses. In the present study, we investigated whether a non-pathogenic H9N2 virus, A/chicken/Yokohama/aq-55/2001 (Y55) (H9N2), acquires pathogenicity in chickens when a pair of di-basic amino acid residues is introduced at the cleavage site of its HA molecule.

Results

rgY55sub (H9N2), which had four basic amino acid residues at the HA cleavage site, replicated in MDCK cells in the absence of trypsin after six consecutive passages in the air sacs of chicks, and acquired intravenous pathogenicity to chicken after four additional passages. More than 75% of chickens inoculated intravenously with the passaged virus, rgY55sub-P10 (H9N2), died, indicating that it is pathogenic comparable to that of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) defined by World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The chickens inoculated with the virus via the intranasal route, however, survived without showing any clinical signs. On the other hand, an avirulent H5N1 strain, A/duck/Hokkaido/Vac-1/2004 (Vac1) (H5N1), acquired intranasal pathogenicity after a pair of di-basic amino acid residues was introduced into the cleavage site of the HA, followed by two passages by air sac inoculation in chicks.

Conclusion

The present results demonstrate that an H9N2 virus has the potential to acquire intravenous pathogenicity in chickens although the morbidity via the nasal route of infection is lower than that of H5N1 HPAIV.
Foot kinematics in patients with two patterns of pathological plantar hyperkeratosis
Authors: Findlow Andrew H , Nester Christopher J , Bowker Peter
Published: February 2011

Background

The Root paradigm of foot function continues to underpin the majority of clinical foot biomechanics practice and foot orthotic therapy. There are great number of assumptions in this popular paradigm, most of which have not been thoroughly tested. One component supposes that patterns of plantar pressure and associated hyperkeratosis lesions should be associated with distinct rearfoot, mid foot, first metatarsal and hallux kinematic patterns. Our aim was to investigate the extent to which this was true.

Methods

Twenty‐seven subjects with planter pathological hyperkeratosis were recruited into one of two groups. Group 1 displayed pathological plantar hyperkeratosis only under metatarsal heads 2, 3 and 4 (n = 14). Group 2 displayed pathological plantar hyperkeratosis only under the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads (n = 13). Foot kinematics were measured using reflective markers on the leg, heel, midfoot, first metatarsal and hallux.

Results

The kinematic data failed to identify distinct differences between these two groups of subjects, however there were several subtle (generally <3°) differences in kinematic data between these groups. Group 1 displayed a less everted heel, a less abducted heel and a more plantarflexed heel compared to group 2, which is contrary to the Root paradigm.

Conclusions

There was some evidence of small differences between planter pathological hyperkeratosis groups. Nevertheless, there was too much similarity between the kinematic data displayed in each group to classify them as distinct foot types as the current clinical paradigm proposes.
Haplotype and isoform specific expression estimation using multi-mapping RNA-seq reads
Authors: Turro Ernest , Su Shu-Yi , Gonçalves Ângela , Coin Lachlan JM , Richardson Sylvia , Lewin Alex
Published: February 2011

We present a novel pipeline and methodology for simultaneously estimating isoform expression and allelic imbalance in diploid organisms using RNA-seq data. We achieve this by modeling the expression of haplotype-specific isoforms. If unknown, the two parental isoform sequences can be individually reconstructed. A new statistical method, MMSEQ, deconvolves the mapping of reads to multiple transcripts (isoforms or haplotype-specific isoforms). Our software can take into account non-uniform read generation and works with paired-end reads.
EGF signaling regulates the proliferation of intestinal stem cells in Drosophila
Authors: Biteau Benoît , Jasper Heinrich
Published: February 2011

Precise control of somatic stem cell proliferation is crucial to ensure maintenance of tissue homeostasis in high-turnover tissues. In Drosophila, intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are essential for homeostatic turnover of the intestinal epithelium and ensure epithelial regeneration after tissue damage. To accommodate these functions, ISC proliferation is regulated dynamically by various growth factors and stress signaling pathways. How these signals are integrated is poorly understood. Here, we show that EGF receptor signaling is required to maintain the proliferative capacity of ISCs. The EGF ligand Vein is expressed in the muscle surrounding the intestinal epithelium, providing a permissive signal for ISC proliferation. We find that the AP-1 transcription factor FOS serves as a convergence point for this signal and for the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, which promotes ISC proliferation in response to stress. Our results support the notion that the visceral muscle serves as a functional ‘niche’ for ISCs, and identify FOS as a central integrator of a niche-derived permissive signal with stress-induced instructive signals, adjusting ISC proliferation to environmental conditions.
Efficient Choice Designs for a Consider-Then-Choose Model
Authors: Liu Qing , Arora Neeraj
Published: February 2011

Existing research on choice designs focuses exclusively on compensatory models that assume that all available alternatives are considered in the choice process. In this paper, we develop a method to construct efficient designs for a two-stage, consider-then-choose model that involves a noncompensatory screening process at the first stage and a compensatory choice process at the second stage. The method applies to both conjunctive and disjunctive screening rules. Under certain conditions, the method also applies to the subset conjunctive and disjunctions of conjunctions screening rules. Based on the local design criterion, we conduct a comparative study of compensatory and conjunctive designs—the former are optimized for a compensatory model and the latter for a two-stage model that uses conjunctive screening in its first stage. We find that conjunctive designs have higher level overlap than compensatory designs. This occurs because level overlap helps pinpoint screening behavior. Higher overlap of conjunctive designs is also accompanied by lower orthogonality, less level balance, and more utility balance. We find that compensatory designs have a significant loss of design efficiency when the true model involves conjunctive screening at the consideration stage. These designs also have much less power than conjunctive designs in identifying a true consider-then-choose process with conjunctive screening. In contrast, when the true model is compensatory, the efficiency loss from using a conjunctive design is lower. Also, conjunctive designs have about the same power as compensatory designs in identifying a true compensatory choice process. Our findings make a strong case for the use of conjunctive designs when there is prior evidence to support respondent screening.
Extra-Lysosomal Localization of Arylsulfatase B in Human Colonic Epithelium
Authors: Prabhu Sanjiv V. , Bhattacharyya Sumit , Guzman-Hartman Grace , Macias Virgilia , Kajdacsy-Balla André , Tobacman Joanne K.
Published: February 2011

The enzyme arylsulfatase B (N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase; ARSB; ASB) removes 4-sulfate groups from the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S) and dermatan sulfate (DS). Inborn deficiency of ARSB leads to the lysosomal storage disease mucopolysaccharidosis VI, characterized by accumulation of sGAG in vital organs, disruption of normal physiological processes, severe morbidity, and premature death. Recent published work demonstrated extra-lysosomal localization with nuclear and cell membrane ARSB observed in bronchial and colonic epithelial cells, cerebrovascular cells, and hepatic cells. In this report, the authors present ARSB immunostaining in a colonic microarray and show differences in distribution, intensity, and pattern of ARSB staining among normal colon, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas. Distinctive, intense luminal membrane staining was present in the normal epithelial cells but reduced in the malignancies and less in the grade 3 than in the grade 1 adenocarcinomas. In the normal cores, a distinctive pattern of intense cytoplasmic positivity at the luminal surface was followed by reduced staining deeper in the crypts. ARSB enzymatic activity was significantly greater in normal than in malignant tissue. These study findings affirm extra-lysosomal localization of ARSB and suggest that altered ARSB immunostaining and reduced activity may be useful indicators of malignant transformation in human colonic tissue.
Identification and Molecular Analysis of Glycosaminoglycans in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Dermatomyositis
Authors: Chang Laura M. , Maheshwari Prateesh , Werth Sheila , Schaffer Lana , Head Steven R. , Kovarik Carrie , Werth Victoria P.
Published: February 2011

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known histologically as dermal mucin, accumulate in several inflammatory skin conditions. Because different GAG species have distinct immunologic effects, the authors examined two GAGs, hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), using specific stains in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and dermatomyositis (DM). In the dermis of one CLE subtype, tumid LE (TLE), they found only increased HA, but both HA and CS were significantly elevated in another CLE subtype, discoid LE (DLE). DM lesional dermis accumulated mainly CS but not HA. The authors then used glycomic gene expression microarrays to assess the expression of HA- and CS-related genes in CLE skin. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed significantly increased expression of HAS2, CHSY1, and C4ST1 in the combined groups of CLE lesions ( n = 8) compared to healthy controls ( n = 4). Thus, the increase in HA in CLE presumably results from upregulation of HAS2, whereas CHSY1 and C4ST1 appear to contribute to increased CS. Based on their known immunomodulatory effects in other systems, HA and CS may thus participate in the pathophysiology of these inflammatory skin conditions.
A Novel Histochemical Method for a Simultaneous Staining of Melanin and Collagen Fibers
Authors: Carriel Víctor S. , Aneiros-Fernandez Jose , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Garzón Ingrid J. , Alaminos Miguel , Campos Antonio
Published: February 2011

For the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic lesions, it could be necessary to identify the melanin pigment because its visualization is unspecific with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The Fontana-Masson (FM) technique is used in histopathology in this type of lesion, which allows the identification of the pigment, but it loses all the morphologic parameters. The authors describe a modification to the FM method, for the evaluation of the morphology, the argentaffin reaction of the melanin, and collagens fibers of the extracellular matrix simultaneously, for which they have developed the Fontana-Masson picrosirius (FMPS) method. Biopsies of different melanocytic lesions were used for the performance of the HE, FM, and FMPS methods. The pixel intensity of the reaction for melanin, collagen, and epithelium was determined with ImageJ software. The FMPS method allows the evaluation of morphological characteristics, identifying the melanin pigment and collagen fibers with high intensity simultaneously. This method does not differ significantly from FM in the identification of melanin, maintaining its sensitivity and specificity. In addition, it does not differ in the demonstration of the morphology with HE. However, FMPS is significantly superior in the identification of collagen fibers. The FMPS method combines morphological and histochemical parameters that could be useful in the study of pigmented lesions of melanocytic origin.
A small fish with a big future: zebrafish in behavioral neuroscience
Authors: Gerlai Robert
Published: February 2011

No abstract available
Application of zebrafish oculomotor behavior to model human disorders
Authors: Maurer Colette M. , Huang Ying-Yu , Neuhauss Stephan C.F.
Published: February 2011

To ensure high acuity vision, eye movements have to be controlled with astonishing precision by the oculomotor system. Many human diseases can lead to abnormal eye movements, typically of the involuntary oscillatory eye movements type called nystagmus. Such nystagmus can be congenital (infantile) or acquired later in life. Although the resulting eye movements are well characterized, there is only little information about the underlying etiology. This is in part owing to the lack of appropriate animal models. In this review article, we des­cribe how the zebrafish with its quick maturing visual system can be used to model oculomotor pathologies. We compare the characteristics and assessment of human and zebrafish eye movements. We describe the oculomotor properties of the zebrafish mutant belladonna, which has non-crossing optical fibers, and is a particularly informative model for human ocu­lomotor deficits. This mutant displays a reverse optokinetic response, spontaneous oscillations that closely mimic human congenital nystagmus and abnormal motor behavior linked to circular vection.
Zebrafish behavioural assays of translational relevance for the study of psychiatric disease
Authors: Brennan Caroline H.
Published: February 2011

Understanding the pathogenesis of the complex behavioural disorders that constitute psychiatric disease is a major challenge for biomedical research. Assays in rodents have contributed significantly to our understanding of the neural basis of behavioural disorders and continue to be one of the main focuses for the development of novel therapeutics. Now, owing to their genetic tractability and optical transparency (allowingin vivoimaging of circuit function) and the rapid expansion of genetic tools, zebrafish are becoming increasingly popular for behavioural genetic research. The increased development of behavioural assays in zebrafish raises the possibility of exploiting the advantages of this system to identify molecular mechanisms contributing to behavioural phenotypes associated with psychiatric disorders as well as potential therapeutics. This mini-review describes behavioural paradigms in zebrafish that can be used to address endophenotypes associated with psychiatric disease. The content reflects the interests of the author and covers tests of cognitive functions, response choice and inhibition, social interaction and executive function.
Alcohol-induced behavior change in zebrafish models
Authors: Echevarria David J. , Toms Christina N. , Jouandot David J.
Published: February 2011

Zebrafish are at the forefront of neurobiological research and have been gaining popularity as a viable and valid behavioral model in a variety of research applications (e.g., assessing drug induced behavioral changes). This model becomes even more attractive when considering the behavioral changes that follow exposure to compounds that are water-soluble. As such, several studies have implicated both acute and chronic ethanol exposure in the modulation of zebrafish behavior. Within this arena there appears to be a common trend across multiple studies. As with many drugs ethanol appears to influence behavior in a dose-dependent manner. In this review, we compare and contrast several studies that measure behavior as a result of alcohol exposure. Appended to this review are pilot data that report zebrafish blood alcohol concentrations as a function of acute exposure.
The role of dopaminergic signalling during larval zebrafish brain development: a tool for investigating the developmental basis of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Souza Bruno Rezende , Tropepe Vincent
Published: February 2011

Neurodevelopment depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the overall pattern of neurogenesis and neural circuit formation, which has a direct impact on behaviour. Defects in dopamine signalling and brain morphology at a relatively early age, and mutations in neurodevelopmental genes are strongly correlated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. This evidence supports the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental origin of at least some forms of mental illness. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as an important vertebrate model system in biomedical research. The ease with which intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be altered during early development, the relatively conserved dopaminergic circuit organisation in the larval brain, and the emergence of simple sensorimotor behaviours very early in development are some of the appealing features that make this organism advantageous for developmental brain and behaviour research. Thus, examining the impact of altered dopamine signalling and disease related genetic aberrations during zebrafish development presents a unique opportunity to holistically analyse the in vivo biochemical, morphological and behavioural significance of altered dopamine signalling during a crucial period of development using a highly tractable vertebrate model organism. Ultimately, this information will shed new light on potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of schizophrenia and perhaps serve as a paradigm for investigating the neurodevelopmental origin of other psychiatric disorders.
Let there be light: zebrafish neurobiology and the optogenetic revolution
Authors: Wyart Claire , Del Bene Filippo
Published: February 2011

Optogenetics has revolutionized the toolbox arsenal that neuroscientists now possess to investigate neuronal circuit function in intact and living animals. With a combination of light emitting ‘sensors’ and light activated ‘actuators’, we can monitor and control neuronal activity with minimal perturbation and unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Zebrafish neuronal circuits represent an ideal system to apply an optogenetic based analysis owing to its transparency, relatively small size and amenability to genetic manipulation. In this review, we describe some of the most recent advances in the development and applications of optogenetic sensors (i.e., genetically encoded calcium indicators and voltage sensors) and actuators (i.e., light activated ion channels and ion pumps). We focus mostly on the tools that have already been successfully applied in zebrafish and on those that show the greatest potential for the future. We also describe crucial technical aspects to implement optogenetics in zebrafish including strategies to drive a high level of transgene expression in defined neuronal populations, and recent optical advances that allow the precise spatiotemporal control of sample illumination.
Impact of different cut-off limits of peak GH after GHRH-arginine stimulatory test, single IGF1 measurement, or their combination in identifying adult patients with GH deficiency
Authors: Bogazzi Fausto , Manetti Luca , Lombardi Martina , Giovannetti Clara , Raffaelli Valentina , Urbani Claudio , Scattina Ilaria , Pepe Pasquale , Iannelli Aldo , Martino Enio , Rossi Giuseppe
Published: February 2011

Objective

To evaluate the impact of different peak GH cut-off limits after GHRH-Arg test, IGF1 measurement, or their combination in identifying patients with GH deficit (GHD).

Design and patients

Totally, 894 normal subjects (used for determining IGF1 normative limits) and 302 patients with suspected GHD were included. Different peak GH cut-off limits (used by European (depending on body mass index (BMI)) or North American (4.1 μg/l) Endocrine Societies, by HypoCCs (2.5 μg/l), or with 95% specificity (based on BMI), Method 1, 2, 3, or 4 respectively) and IGF1 were considered.

Methods

Peak GH after GHRH-Arg and IGF1.

Results

Different peak GH cut-off limits recognized different proportions of GHD (range, 24.8–62.9%). Methods 1 and 2 with high sensitivity recognized a higher proportion (95.5 and 92.5% respectively) of GHD among patients with three (T) pituitary hormone deficits (HD), whereas Method 4 (with high specificity) identified 96.7% normal subjects among those without pituitary HD; on the contrary, Method 4 identified only 75% GHD among patients with THD, whereas Method 1 recognized a high proportion (40%) of GHD among subjects without HD. Of the total patients, 82% with THD and 84.5% without HD were recognized as GHD or normal respectively by IGF1. Among the remaining patients with THD and normal IGF1, 75% was recognized as GHD by Method 1; among patients without HD and abnormal IGF1, 87.5% was identified as normal by Method 4. Overall, combination of IGF1 and Method 1 or Method 4 identified 95.5% GHD among patients with THD and 98.1% normal subjects among those without HD.

Conclusions

Single peak GH cut-offs have limits to sharply differentiate GHD from normal subjects; IGF1 may be used for selecting patients to be submitted to the GHRH-Arg test; the peak GH cut-off limits to be used for identifying healthy or diseased patients depend mainly on the clinical context.
Adjudin, a potential male contraceptive, exerts its effects locally in the seminiferous epithelium of mammalian testes
Authors: Mok Ka-Wai , Mruk Dolores D , Lie Pearl P Y , Lui Wing-Yee , Cheng C Yan
Published: February 2011

Adjudin is a derivative of 1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid that was shown to have potent anti-spermatogenic activity in rats, rabbits, and dogs. It exerts its effects most notably locally in the apical compartment of the seminiferous epithelium, behind the blood–testis barrier, by disrupting adhesion of germ cells, most notably spermatids to the Sertoli cells, thereby inducing release of immature spermatids from the epithelium that leads to infertility. After adjudin is metabolized, the remaining spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogonia repopulate the seminiferous epithelium gradually via spermatogonial self-renewal and differentiation, to be followed by meiosis and spermiogenesis, and thus fertility rebounds. Recent studies in rats have demonstrated unequivocally that the primary and initial cellular target of adjudin in the testis is the apical ectoplasmic specialization, a testis-specific anchoring junction type restricted to the interface between Sertoli cells and elongating spermatids (from step 8 to 19 spermatids). In this review, we highlight some of the recent advances and obstacles regarding the possible use of adjudin as a male contraceptive.
Sperm competition leads to functional adaptations in avian testes to maximize sperm quantity and quality
Authors: Lüpold Stefan , Wistuba Joachim , Damm Oliver S , Rivers James W , Birkhead Tim R
Published: February 2011

The outcome of sperm competition (i.e. competition for fertilization between ejaculates from different males) is primarily determined by the relative number and quality of rival sperm. Therefore, the testes are under strong selection to maximize both sperm number and quality, which are likely to result in trade-offs in the process of spermatogenesis (e.g. between the rate of spermatogenesis and sperm length or sperm energetics). Comparative studies have shown positive associations between the level of sperm competition and both relative testis size and the proportion of seminiferous (sperm-producing) tissue within the testes. However, it is unknown how the seminiferous tissue itself or the process of spermatogenesis might evolve in response to sperm competition. Therefore, we quantified the different germ cell types and Sertoli cells (SC) in testes to assess the efficiency of sperm production and its associations with sperm length and mating system across 10 species of New World Blackbirds (Icteridae) that show marked variation in sperm length and sperm competition level. We found that species under strong sperm competition generate more round spermatids (RS)/spermatogonium and have SC that support a greater number of germ cells, both of which are likely to increase the maximum sperm output. However, fewer of the RS appeared to elongate to mature spermatozoa in these species, which might be the result of selection for discarding spermatids with undesirable characteristics as they develop. Our results suggest that, in addition to overall size and gross morphology, testes have also evolved functional adaptations to maximize sperm quantity and quality.
Antisnake Venom Production Crisis—Who Told Us It Was Uneconomic and Unsustainable?
Authors: Simpson Ian D. , Jacobsen Ingrid M.
Published: February 2011

The world of antisnake venom production is currently a gloomy place to visit. It is described as being in crisis, characterized by shortages, producers leaving the market, high prices, and unsustainability. It has been reduced to a pauper-like status, doomed to relying on chari\ handouts for resolution. The worrying aspect of this is that little work has been done to establish the true economics and return on antisnake venom if provided by private companies. Fortunately, it is amenable to economic analysis, and in this manner, a rational approach to further development and distribution can be obtained. This article proposes a model antisnake venom (ASV) production unit and shows the likely economics and return based on the production of various volumes of ASV. It estimates the costs for the key components of the unit, which are production equipment and staffing. A profit and loss account and balance sheet are constructed for the unit, and the effects of ASV volume and neutralizing titres are demonstrated. It is our contention that ASV production can be sustained at affordable prices in the developing world. We recommend that any solution to the ASV shortage must take into account the most cost efficient method(s) of production.
Spore germination of Gleichenella pectinata (Willd.) Ching (Polypodiopsida-Gleicheniaceae) at different temperatures, levels of light and pH
Authors: Santos Eunice Pereira Gonçalves dos , Lehmann Débora Rosana Marques , Santos Marisa , Randi Áurea Maria
Published: February 2011

This study investigated the effects of different temperatures (25 and 30 ± 2 ºC), light levels (62, 42, 22 and 5% of natural light), and pH (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.7) on the spore germination of Gleichenella pectinata. To accomplish this, the spores were surface sterilized and sown in bottles containing mineral medium. The spores of G. pectinata are monolets and the perispore surface can show large and irregular deposits. During germination, filamentous gametophytes with and without developing rhizoids were observed. Only gametophytes which presented developed rhizoids were able to reach the heart-shaped developmental stage. Based on the collection, the rate of and gametophyte development were generally very low. The relative germination rates were higher at 25 ºC than at 30 °C. Moreover, the highest percentages of gametophytes with developed rhizoids were observed at 22 and 5% of natural light (8.8 ± 2.3% and 11.3 ± 2.2% respectively) and the highest percentage of heart-shaped gametophytes were observed at pH 4.5 and 5.0 (1.2 ± 0.8% and 2.2 ± 0.8%, respectively).
Oxidative stress action in cellular aging
Authors: Oliveira Monique Cristine de , Schoffen João Paulo Ferreira
Published: February 2011

Various theories try to explain the biological aging by changing the functions and structure of organic systems and cells. During lifetime, free radicals in the oxidative stress lead to lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, homeostasis imbalance, chemical residues formation, gene mutations in DNA, dysfunction of certain organelles, and the arise of diseases due to cell death and/or injury. This review describes the action of oxidative stress in the cells aging process, emphasizing the factors such as cellular oxidative damage, its consequences and the main protective measures taken to prevent or delay this process. Tests with antioxidants: vitamins A, E and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and minerals, the practice of caloric restriction and physical exercise, seeking the beneficial effects on human health, increasing longevity, reducing the level of oxidative stress, slowing the cellular senescence and origin of certain diseases, are discussed.
Genetic divergence in sweet cassava cultivars using morphological agronomic traits and RAPD molecular markers
Authors: Rimoldi Fabrício , Vidigal Filho Pedro Soares , Kvitschal Marcus Vinícius , Gonçalves-Vidigal Maria Celeste , Prioli Alberto José , Prioli Sônia Maria Alves Pinto , Costa Tiago Ribeiro da
Published: February 2011

In this work the genetic divergence among 14 sweet cassava cultivars was estimated by their morphological agronomic traits and RAPD molecular markers. The Tocher cluster analysis and the Nearest Neighbor Method were applied. The most dissimilar cultivars were Pão and Guaíra, Fécula Branca and Pão, and Pão and Caipira, while the most similar cultivar were the Fécula Branca and Branca 1, Branca 3 and Branca 1, and Guaíra and Branca 1. The Jaccard's coefficient showed that the most similar cultivars were Guaíra and Quarenta Quilos, while the most dissimilar were Branca 3 and Amarela da Rama Cinza. The divergence analysis indicated that promising crosses could be made between the Branca 3 cultivar and the Pão, Amarela 1, Fécula Branca and Amarela 2 cultivars for the high genetic divergence, favorable agronomic and culinary traits, and disease resistance on the part of at least one of the parents involved in the cross.
Preformed-Particle-Gel Transport Through Open Fractures and Its Effect on Water Flow
Authors: Zhang Hao , Bai Baojun
Published: February 2011

This work constructed transparent fracture models to visually track swollen preformed-particle-gel (PPG) propagation through open fractures and water flow through PPG placed in the fractures. During injection, PPG propagated like a piston along a fracture and a gel pack was formed in the fracture. When water broke through the particle-gel pack after PPG placement, several channels were created that discharged water from the outlet while water was being injected. Investigation of factors that influence PPG injectivity and plugging efficiency revealed that PPG injectivity increases with fracture widths and flow rates but decreases with brine concentrations (on which the PPG swelling ratio depends). PPG can reduce the permeability for the fractures with different widths to the same level. Full-factorial experimental design analysis was performed to rank the influence of injection rate, fracture width, and PPG swelling ratio on pressure response, resistance factors, and injectivity.
Biotreatment of industrial tannery wastewater using Botryosphaeria rhodina
Authors: Hasegawa Claudia , Barbosa Aneli , Takashima Keiko
Published: February 2011

The treatment of a tannery wastewater was performed on the laboratory scale
using the ascomyceteous fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05, a ligninolytic
and a constitutive producer of laccases (EC: 1.10.3.2). The wastewater
samples were collected in the retanning and dyeing steps and presented high
values of chemical oxygen demand, COD, (15,023 ? 60.0 mg L-1), fifth-day
biochemical oxygen demand, BOD5, (4,374 ? 0.1 mg L-1), total solids (28,500 ?
2.0 mg L-1), total organic carbon, TOC, (4,685 mg L-1), and chloride ion
concentration (2,911 ? 0.3 mg L-1). The fungus was inoculated and after five
days under agitation at 180 rpm at 28?C, the COD was reduced by 91%. The
total organic carbon also decreased from 4,685 to 375.0 mg L-1 and the
turbidity from 331.0 to 6.5 NTU, indicating that the biological treatment was
efficient as the fungus consumed almost all the organic compounds present in
the wastewater. It was not necessary to add an additional carbon source for
the treatment, indicating that the concentration of organic compounds
presented in the tannery wastewater effluent were sufficient for
microorganism growth, during which the COD and TOC were reduced by about 91
and 93%, respectively.
Unmasking Genes in a Type 1 Diabetes–Resistant Mouse Strain That Enhances Pathogenic CD8 T-Cell Responses
Authors: Driver John P. , Chen Yi-Guang , Zhang Weidong , Asrat Seblewongel , Serreze David V.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Nominally resistant mouse strains such as C57BL/6 (B6) harbor latent type 1 diabetes susceptibility genes uncovered in outcross to disease-susceptible NOD mice. However, identification of possible recessively acting B6-derived susceptibility genes is limited because very few F2 progeny derived from outcrossing this strain with NOD develop spontaneous autoimmune diabetes. Thus, we assessed whether a transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) disease transfer model allowed the mapping of recessively acting B6 genetic loci that in the proper context contribute to diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CD8 T-cells transgenically expressing the diabetogenic AI4 TCR were transferred into 91 (NODxB6.H2g7)F1xB6.H2g7 first-backcross (BC1) females. A genome-wide scan was performed for loci affecting clinical diabetes and insulitis severity.

RESULTS

A major locus on chromosome 11 in tight linkage with the marker D11Mit48 (logarithm of odds score = 13.2) strongly determined whether BC1 progeny were susceptible to AI4 T-cell–mediated diabetes. Mice homozygous versus heterozygous for B6 markers of this chromosome 11 genetic locus were, respectively, highly susceptible or resistant to AI4-induced insulitis and diabetes. The genetic effect is manifest by host CD4 T-cells. Microarray analyses of mRNA transcript expression identified a limited number of candidate genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The distal region of chromosome 11 in B6 mice harbors a previously unrecognized recessively acting gene(s) that can promote autoreactive diabetogenic CD8 T-cell responses. Future identification of this gene(s) may further aid the screening of heterogeneous humans at future risk for diabetes, and might also provide a target for possible disease interventions.
Reaction of Tomato CV. Roma VF (Solanum Lycopersicum) to Meloidogyne Javanica Treub Infestation in an Ultisol Treated with Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia Amygdalina L.) and Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
Authors: Ogwulumba Solomon , Ugwuoke Kevin , Ogbuji Rufus
Published: February 2011

Reaction of Tomato CV. Roma VF (Solanum Lycopersicum) to Meloidogyne Javanica Treub Infestation in an Ultisol Treated with Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia Amygdalina L.) and Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

The reaction of tomato cv. Roma vf (Solanum lycopersicum) to Meloidogyne javanica Treub infestation in an ultisol treated with aqueous leaf extracts of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina L.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) was investigated in the Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, SE Nigeria. Two pot experiments were performed in 2008 and 2009. The various leaf extracts were used at three concentrations of 150 g/l, 300 g/l, and 450 g/l. The soil of the site was characterised as ultisol. Soil without the extracts served as the control. The experiment was set up in a Completely randomized design with four replications. Data obtained were averaged for the two experiments and subjected to the statistical analysis of variance using Genstat Edition 3 Release 7.2. Obtained data concerned plant height (cm), number of leaves at 50% anthesis, number of fruit and fruit weight (g) at harvest, number of galled roots and gall index at harvest. Results showed that the two leaf extracts had highly significant (p < 0.01) effects on all the data. The extracts showed a high nemato-toxic effect on the nematode by reducing the number of galled roots and gall index as well as increasing the fruit weight at the application of water extracts of bitter leaf and mango leaf at the concentration of 450 g/l. This dose gave the highest fruit weight and could be recommended to farmers.
First Report of Phytophthora Inflata in Polish Rhododendron Nursery
Authors: Orlikowski Leszek , Ptaszek Magdalena , Trzewik Aleksandra , Orlikowska Teresa
Published: February 2011

First Report of Phytophthora Inflata in Polish Rhododendron Nursery

Phytophthora inflata Caros & Tucker was detected together with P. citricola Sawada from rhododendron cv. University of Helsinki with necrotic spots on leaves. Spots were enlarged on tip parts of the stems. The rhododendron plantswere taken from hardy ornamental stock. Inoculation of the leaf blades of 15 species and cultivars of rhododendron with P. inflata and P. citricola resulted in the development of necroses on all of them. Reaction of tested rhododendron species and cultivars for P. inflata and P. citricola was similar. The pathogen also colonized leaf blades of Goultheria decumbens, Kalmia ostroseptice, Vaccinium corymbiferum and V. vitis-idaea. The quickest spread of necroses was observed on K. ostroseptice and V. corymbiferum. In greenhouse trials P. citricola and P. citrophthora caused dieback of more rhododendron plants than P. inflata.
Evaluation of Different Measures to Control Wilt Causing Pathogens in Chickpea
Authors: Andrabi Muneeb , Vaid Amrish , Razdan Vijay
Published: February 2011

Evaluation of Different Measures to Control Wilt Causing Pathogens in Chickpea

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri, F. solani and Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from the wilted chickpea (Cicer arietinum) plants. To manage the wilt complex cultural practices, use of biocontrol agents and fungicides were tried under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Sowing of chickpea at different dates revealed that early sowing (10th Oct.) resulted in maximum disease incidence (32.20%), whereas, late sowing (24th Nov.) the minimum (13.35%). Twenty and 50 cm row to row spacing resulted in maximum (29.17%) and minimum (17.35%) disease incidence respectively. In vitro evaluation of biological control agents revealed the superiority of Trichoderma viride. Trichoderma over Trichoderma virens in controlling the pathogens. Carbendazim at 100, 200, 500 ppm caused maximum per cent inhibition of the pathogens under in vitro conditions. Fungicides applied as seed treatment reduced disease incidence significantly. Seed treatment with carbendazim increased seed germination (71.24%), though it was at par with carbendazim + mancozeb (62.21%) and mancozeb (61.46%). Seed coating with T. viride resulted in minimum disease incidence (9.24%), however, it was at par with T. virens (9.72%). Maximum yield (10.10 q/ha) was recorded with the application of carbendazim, followed by carbendazim + mancozeb (9.77 q/ha) and T. viride (8.10 q/ha).
Micropaleontological response to the changing paleoenvironment across the Sarmatian-Pannonian boundary in the Transylvanian Basin (Miocene, Oarba de Mureş section, Romania)
Authors: Filipescu Sorin , Wanek Franz , Miclea Angela , De Leeuw Arjan , Vasiliev Iuliana
Published: February 2011

Micropaleontological response to the changing paleoenvironment across the Sarmatian-Pannonian boundary in the Transylvanian Basin (Miocene, Oarba de Mureş section, Romania)

The Sarmatian-Pannonian transition has been investigated in Section A of Oarba de Mureş in the central Transylvanian Basin. Micropaleontological assemblages are diagnostic for different environmental settings and demonstrate a clear zonation, which was used to reconstruct the genetic units. Five stratigraphic sequences were described and subdivided based on the microfossil assemblages. Transgressive intervals were documented by five-chambered and biserial planktonic foraminifera, normal regressions by assemblages with abundant mysid, dasyclads, diatoms, and benthic rotaliid foraminifera, while the forced regressions are characterized by reworking. The Sarmatian-Pannonian boundary (11.3 Ma) is clearly documented by microfossils and is calibrated with radiometric and magnetostratigraphic data. A new interpretation for the interbasinal correlation is proposed by synchronizing the top of the Central Paratethyan Sarmatian with the top of the Eastern Paratethyan Bessarabian.
Treatment Resistance Mechanisms of Malignant Glioma Tumor Stem Cells
Authors: Schmalz Philip G.R. , Shen Michael J. , Park John K.
Published: February 2011

Malignant gliomas are highly lethal because of their resistance to conventional treatments. Recent evidence suggests that a minor subpopulation of cells with stem cell properties reside within these tumors. These tumor stem cells are more resistant to radiation and chemotherapies than their counterpart differentiated tumor cells and may underlie the persistence and recurrence of tumors following treatment. The various mechanisms by which tumor stem cells avoid or repair the damaging effects of cancer therapies are discussed.
Information Theoretic Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Aghagolzadeh Mehdi , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid , Araabi Babak Nadjar
Published: February 2011

Hierarchical clustering has been extensively used in practice, where clusters can be assigned and analyzed simultaneously, especially when estimating the number of clusters is challenging. However, due to the conventional proximity measures recruited in these algorithms, they are only capable of detecting mass-shape clusters and encounter problems in identifying complex data structures. Here, we introduce two bottom-up hierarchical approaches that exploit an information theoretic proximity measure to explore the nonlinear boundaries between clusters and extract data structures further than the second order statistics. Experimental results on both artificial and real datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared to conventional and information theoretic clustering algorithms reported in the literature, especially in detecting the true number of clusters.
Effect of CO2 Enrichment on Synthesis of Some Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Jaafar Hawa   Z. E.
Published: February 2011

The effect of two different CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 µmol mol−1) on the photosynthesis rate, primary and secondary metabolite syntheses and the antioxidant activities of the leaves, stems and rhizomes of two Zingiber officinale varieties (Halia Bentong and Halia Bara) were assessed in an effort to compare and validate the medicinal potential of the subterranean part of the young ginger. High photosynthesis rate (10.05 µmol CO2 m−2s−1 in Halia Bara) and plant biomass (83.4 g in Halia Bentong) were observed at 800 µmol mol−1 CO2. Stomatal conductance decreased and water use efficiency increased with elevated CO2 concentration. Total flavonoids (TF), total phenolics (TP), total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), starch and plant biomass increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all parts of the ginger varieties under elevated CO2 (800 µmol mol−1). The order of the TF and TP increment in the parts of the plant was rhizomes > stems > leaves. More specifically, Halia Bara had a greater increase of TF (2.05 mg/g dry weight) and TP (14.31 mg/g dry weight) compared to Halia Bentong (TF: 1.42 mg/g dry weight; TP: 9.11 mg/g dry weight) in average over the whole plant. Furthermore, plants with the highest rate of photosynthesis had the highest TSC and phenolics content. Significant differences between treatments and species were observed for TF and TP production. Correlation coefficient showed that TSC and TP content are positively correlated in both varieties. The antioxidant activity, as determined by the ferric reducing/antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity, increased in young ginger grown under elevated CO2. The FRAP values for the leaves, rhizomes and stems extracts of both varieties grown under two different CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 µmol mol−1) were significantly lower than those of vitamin C (3107.28 μmol Fe (II)/g) and α-tocopherol (953 μmol Fe (II)/g), but higher than that of BHT (74.31 μmol Fe (II)/g). These results indicate that the plant biomass, primary and secondary metabolite synthesis, and following that, antioxidant activities of Malaysian young ginger varieties can be enhanced through controlled environment (CE) and CO2 enrichment.
Different Molecular Weight Chitosan-Based Membranes for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Freitas Rubens  M. , Spin-Neto Rubens , Spolidório Luiz Carlos , Campana-Filho Sergio Paulo , Marcantonio Rosemary  Adriana C. , Marcantonio, Jr. Elcio
Published: February 2011

Natural polymers, such as chitosan, obtained from chitin, are been widely studied for use in the tissue regeneration field. This study established a protocol to attain membranes made from this biopolymer, consisting of high or low molecular weight chitosan. The biocompatibility of these membranes was histologically evaluated, comparing them to collagen membrane surgically implanted in rat subcutaneous tissue. Fifteen Holtzmann rats were divided in three experimental groups: High and Low Molecular Weight Chitosan membranes (HMWC and LMWC) and Collagen membranes (C—control group); each of them with three experimental periods: 7, 15 and 30 days. As a result, after the seven days evaluation, the membranes were present and associated with a variable degree of inflammation, and after the 15 and 30 days evaluations, the membranes were absent in all groups. It is concluded that the chitosan-based membranes were successfully attained and presented comparable resorption times to collagen membranes.
Flavonoids and the CNS
Authors: Jäger Anna K. , Saaby Lasse
Published: February 2011

Flavonoids are present in almost all terrestrial plants, where they provide UV-protection and colour. Flavonoids have a fused ring system consisting of an aromatic ring and a benzopyran ring with a phenyl substituent. The flavonoids can be divided into several classes depending on their structure. Flavonoids are present in food and medicinal plants and are thus consumed by humans. They are found in plants as glycosides. Before oral absorption, flavonoids undergo deglycosylation either by lactase phloridzin hydrolase or cytosolic β-glucocidase. The absorbed aglycone is then conjugated by methylation, sulphatation or glucuronidation. Both the aglycones and the conjugates can pass the blood-brain barrier. In the CNS several flavones bind to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA-receptor resulting in sedation, anxiolytic or anti-convulsive effects. Flavonoids of several classes are inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A or B, thereby working as anti-depressants or to improve the conditions of Parkinson’s patients. Flavanols, flavanones and anthocyanidins have protective effects preventing inflammatory processes leading to nerve injury. Flavonoids seem capable of influencing health and mood.
La barque monoxyle carolingienne de Noyen-sur-Seine (Seine-et-Marne)
Authors: Mordant Daniel
Published: February 2011

The boat was discovered in a paleochannel of the Seine river. Dugout of an oak log, it had a length of approximately 14 m for an aver âge width ο f 0,90 m from the sides, with a flat bottom. The date obtained by radiocarbon (Ly - 5891 = 1305 ± 65 BP) has been confirmed by dendrochronology (834 A D for the tree's felling date). The ends have a succession of transversal pads on the bottom made when the trunk was dugout. The impact of the tools used suggests it was hollowed out by shattering from the transversal ridges dugout with an adze. The whole construction, carried out with great care, the regularity of the sides and planking show an excellent mastery of woodwork. A piece of wood roughly adjusted was placed after the removal of the timber of the first main branch.