bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic determination of the cellular basis of the sympathetic regulation of bone mass accrual
Authors: Kajimura Daisuke , Hinoi Eiichi , Ferron Mathieu , Kode Aruna , Riley Kyle J. , Zhou Bin , Guo X. Edward , Karsenty Gerard
Published: March 2011

The sympathetic nervous system, whose activity is regulated by leptin signaling in the brain, is a major regulator of bone mass accrual. To determine the identity of the cell type in which the sympathetic tone signals to inhibit bone mass accrual, we performed a systematic, cell-specific analysis of the function of the β2 adrenergic receptor (Adrβ2) and various genes implicated in the pathway in the mouse. This was followed by leptin intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion and bone histomorphometric analyses of bone parameters. We show that the sympathetic tone signals in the osteoblasts to inhibit CREB (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein) phosphorylation and thus decrease osteoblast proliferation and to promote ATF4 phosphorylation and thus increase RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand) expression, which then stimulates osteoclast differentiation. Leptin ICV infusion in various mouse models established that leptin-dependent inhibition of bone mass accrual relies on both transcriptional events taking place in osteoblasts. Thus, this study formally identifies the osteoblast as the major cell type in which the molecular events triggered by the sympathetic regulation of bone mass accrual take place. As such, it suggests that inhibiting sympathetic signaling could be beneficial in the treatment of low bone mass conditions.
A study of capillary discharge lamps in Ar–Hg and Xe–Hg mixtures
Authors: Denisova N , Gavare Z , Revalde G , Skudra Ja , Veilande R
Published: March 2011

Low-pressure capillary discharge lamps in Ar–Hg and Xe–Hg mixtures are studied. The discharge size is 0.5 mm (500 µm) in radius. According to the literature, such types of plasma sources are classified as microplasmas. The studies include spectrally resolved optical measurements, tomographic reconstructions and numerical simulations using the collisional–radiative model for an Ar–Hg plasma. We discuss the problems of theoretical modelling and experimental diagnostics of microplasma sources. It is shown that the conventional collisional–radiative model, based on the assumption that transportation of atoms in the highly excited states can be neglected, has limitations in modelling a capillary discharge in an Ar–Hg mixture. It is found that diffusion of highly excited mercury atoms to the wall influences the emission properties of the capillary discharge. We have concluded that applications of the emission tomography method to microplasmas require a special analysis in each particular case.
Swift heavy ion irradiation of Pt nanocrystals: I. shape transformation and dissolution
Authors: Giulian R , Araujo L L , Kluth P , Sprouster D J , Schnohr C S , Byrne A P , Ridgway M C
Published: March 2011

We report on the effects of swift heavy ion irradiation of embedded Pt nanocrystals (NCs), which change from spheres to prolate spheroids to rods upon irradiation. Using a broad range of ion irradiation energies and NC mean sizes we demonstrate that the elongation and dissolution processes are energy and size dependent, attaining comparable levels of shape transformation and dissolution upon a given energy density deposited in the matrix. The NC shape transformation remains operative despite discontinuous ion tracks in the matrix and exhibits a constant threshold size for elongation. In contrast, for ion irradiations in which the ion tracks are continuous, the threshold size for elongation is clearly energy dependent.
Structural and electrical characteristics of RF sputtered YON gate dielectrics and their thin-film transistor applications
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Liang Lingyan , Yu Zheng , He Shikun , Ye Xiaojuan , Sun Xilian , Sun Aihua , Cao Hongtao
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we report on rf sputtered high-k YON gate dielectrics and their application on transparent thin-film transistors (TFTs). The N incorporation into the Y2O3 matrix is believed to restrain crystalline growth which enables a low leakage current, but boost ion polarization or/and dipole oscillation which results in dielectric frequency dispersion. After forming gas annealing (FGA) treatment, the detrimental polarization mechanisms responsible for the dielectric frequency dispersion are minimized. As a result, it is found that both the 400 °C FGA treated YON gate dielectrics and the TFTs based on them present competitive electrical properties.
High Seebeck coefficient AMXP2 (A = Ca and Yb; M, X = Zn, Cu and Mn) Zintl phosphides as high-temperature thermoelectric materials
Authors: Ponnambalam V , Lindsey S , Xie W , Thompson D , Drymiotis F , Tritt Terry M
Published: March 2011

Resistivity (ρ), Seebeck coefficient (α) and thermal diffusivity of the title compounds CaZn2P2, YbZn2P2, YbCuZnP2 and YbMnCuP2 are measured over a temperature range 300–1000 K to evaluate the thermoelectric potential of these materials. The temperature dependence of ρ and α of these light weight and less explored Zintl phosphides is similar to that of a degenerate semiconductor. While the electrical transport properties ρ and α are strongly composition dependent, thermal conductivity (κ) calculated from thermal diffusivity is remarkably low in the range 1.1–2.5 W m−1 K−1 at 1000 K. Room-temperature Hall resistance measured on selected samples suggests that holes dominate in the transport. The best composition appears to be YbZnCuP2 which has the combination of ρ ∼ 2.4 mΩ cm, α ∼ 160 µV K−1 and κ ∼ 1.7 W m−1 K−1 at 1000 K resulting in a ZT value of ∼0.6.
Temperature dependence of coercive field and fatigue in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer ultra-thin films
Authors: Zhang Xiuli , Xu Haisheng , Zhang Yanni
Published: March 2011

The experimental intrinsic coercive field of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoethylene) copolymer films, with both bottom and top gold electrodes is measured at a wide temperature range. In the lower temperature region from −20 to 25 °C, the temperature dependence of coercive field shows good agreement with the prediction by the Landau–Ginzburg (LG) mean-field theory. In the higher temperature region from 25 to 80 °C, the coercive field shows a slow decrease with the increased temperature, where the LG theory is not applicable any more. The temperature-dependent changes in the polymer chains have been analysed. A reversible ‘inherent fatigue’ is observed from the partially recovered remanent polarization after re-annealing a fatigued P(VDF-TrFE) film. FTIR spectra indicate that the interchain spacing does not change from 10 to 107 switching cycles while the degree of all-trans ferroelectric phase decreases gradually with applied switching cycles. After a re-annealing treatment, ferroelectric phase recovers and dipoles at the boundary of crystallites acquire much higher energy.
Trichel pulse characteristics—negative corona discharge in air
Authors: Sattari P , Gallo C F , Castle G S P , Adamiak K
Published: March 2011

In this paper a three-species two-dimensional model is used for the simulation of the Trichel pulse regime of corona discharge in air for a point-plane configuration. Effects of different parameters of the model on Trichel pulse characteristics (Trichel pulse period and the average corona current) are studied. The parameters of interest are external resistance of the circuit, secondary electron emission coefficient and negative and positive ion mobilities. Moreover, the numerical simulation was performed for the configuration used in the experimental analysis reported in the literature and the results proved to be very compatible.
Inner functions and spherical isometries
Authors: Didas Michael , Eschmeier Jörg
Published: March 2011

A commuting tuple

T
=
(

T
1

,
…
,

T
n

)
∈
B
(
H

)
n

T =(T_1, \ldots , T_n) \in B(H)^n

of bounded Hilbert-space operators is called a spherical isometry if

∑

i
=
1

n

T
i
∗

T
i

=

1
H

\sum _{i=1}^n T_i^*T_i = 1_H

. B. Prunaru initiated the study of

T
T

-Toeplitz operators, which he defined to be the solutions

X
∈
B
(
H
)

X \in B(H)

of the fixed-point equation

∑

i
=
1

n

T
i
∗

X

T
i

=
X

\sum _{i=1}^n T_i^*XT_i = X

. Using results of Aleksandrov on abstract inner functions, we show that

X
∈
B
(
H
)

X \in B(H)

is a

T
T

-Toeplitz operator precisely when

X
X

satisfies

J
∗

X
J
=
X

J^*XJ=X

for every isometry

J
J

in the unital dual algebra

A

T

⊂
B
(
H
)

\mathcal {A}_T \subset B(H)

generated by

T
T

. As a consequence we deduce that a spherical isometry

T
T

has empty point spectrum if and only if the only compact

T
T

-Toeplitz operator is the zero operator. Moreover, we show that if

σ
p

(
T
)
=
∅

\sigma _p(T) = \emptyset

, then an operator which commutes modulo the finite-rank operators with

A

T

\mathcal {A}_T

is a finite-rank perturbation of a

T
T

-Toeplitz operator.
Environmental stress and parasitism as drivers of population dynamics of Mesodesma donacium at its northern biogeographic range
Authors: Riascos José M. , Heilmayer Olaf , Oliva Marcelo E. , Laudien Jürgen
Published: March 2011

Riascos, J. M., Heilmayer, O., Oliva, M. E., and Laudien, J. 2011. Environmental stress and parasitism as drivers of population dynamics of Mesodesma donacium at its northern biogeographic range. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 823–833. Mesodesma donacium is a commercially important bivalve in Chile and Peru. During strong El Niño events, populations at the northern end of its geographic distribution are wiped out, so to understand its threshold responses to biotic and abiotic factors, the population dynamics of one of the northernmost population remnants was analysed between 2005 and 2007. Strong interannual differences were found in abundance, body mass, growth rate, somatic production, and the prevalence of the parasite Polydora bioccipitalis. A Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that changes in beach slope, seemingly linked to repeated storm surges, negatively affected the clam's abundance and seemingly also affected growth, mortality, body mass somatic production, and parasite prevalence. Infestation by P. bioccipitalis was restricted to adult clams. Juvenile clams suffered high mortality because they inhabit the intertidal zone, where wave action is strong. Larger clams also showed high mortality, which seemed best explained by a synergistic effect of parasite load and environmental stress. This parasite-climate-driven mortality of larger clams had a strong impact on somatic production and implied a dramatic loss of fecundity (82%), which may significantly affect the ability of the species to recover its former abundance and distribution.
Effect of Biochar Amendments on Mycorrhizal Associations and Fusarium Crown and Root Rot of Asparagus in Replant Soils
Authors: Elmer Wade H. , Pignatello Joseph J.
Published: March 2011

Pyrolyzed biomass waste, commonly called biochar, has attracted interest as a soil amendment. A commercial prototype biochar produced by fast pyrolysis of hardwood dust was examined in soils to determine if it could reduce the damaging effect of allelopathy on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization and on Fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus. In greenhouse studies, biochar added at 1.5 and 3.0% (wt/wt) to asparagus field soil caused proportional increases in root weights and linear reductions in the percentage of root lesions caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi and F. proliferatum compared with a control. Concomitant with these effects was a 100% increase in root colonization by AM fungi at the 3.0% rate. Addition of aromatic acids (cinnamic, coumaric, and ferulic) that are known allelopathic agents affecting asparagus reduced AM colonization but the deleterious effects were not observed following the application of biochar at the higher rate. When dried, ground, asparagus root and crown tissues infested with Fusarium spp. were added to soilless potting mix at 0, 1, or 5 g/liter of potting mix and then planted with asparagus, there was a decrease in asparagus root weight and increase in disease at 1 g/liter of potting mix but results were inconsistent at the higher residue rate. However, when biochar was added at 35 g/liter of potting mix (roughly 10%, vol/vol), these adverse effects on root weight and disease were equal to the nontreated controls. A small demonstration was conducted in field microplots. Those plots amended with biochar (3.5% [wt/wt] soil) produced asparagus plants with more AM colonization in the first year of growth but, in the subsequent year, biochar-treated plants were reduced in size, possibly due to greater than average precipitation and the ability of biochar to retain moisture that, in turn, may have created conditions conducive to root rot. These studies provide evidence that biochar may be useful in overcoming the deleterious effects of allelopathic residues in replant soils on asparagus.
Molecular and Pathogenic Characterization ofFusarium redolens, a New Causal Agent of Fusarium Yellows in Chickpea
Authors: Jiménez-Fernández Daniel , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Montes-Borrego Miguel , Jiménez-Díaz Rafael M. , Landa Blanca B.
Published: March 2011

The association of Fusarium redolens with wilting-like symptoms in chickpea in Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, and Spain is reported for the first time, together with the molecular and pathogenic characterization of isolates of the pathogen from chickpea of diverse geographic origin. Maximum parsimony analysis of sequences of the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) gene grouped all F. redolens isolates from chickpea in the same main clade. Pathogenicity assays using three chickpea cultivars and isolates from different geographic origins indicated that F. redolens is mildly virulent on chickpea. Moreover, infection of chickpea by F. redolens induces a disease syndrome similar to that caused by the yellowing pathotype of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, including leaf yellowing and necrosis that develop upward from the stem base, and premature senescence of the plant. In contrast, F. redolens does not cause discoloration of the vascular tissues in chickpea but does cause brown necrotic lesions in the tap root and necrosis of lateral roots. F. redolens is not easily differentiated from F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris using morphology-based diagnosis, and the two species cause similar symptoms on chickpea; therefore, the use of molecular protocols should help to avoid misdiagnoses of Fusarium yellows in chickpea.
Exhaled Breath Condensate in Mechanically Ventilated Brain-injured Patients with No Lung Injury or Sepsis
Authors: Korovesi Ioanna , Papadomichelakis Evangelos , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangellos J. , Livaditi Olga , Pelekanou Aimilia , Sotiropoulou Christina , Koutsoukou Antonia , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Ekonomidou Foteini , Psevdi Ekaterini , Armaganidis Apostolos , Roussos Charis , Marczin Nandor , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: March 2011

Background

The inflammatory influence of prolonged mechanical ventilation in uninjured lungs remains a matter of controversy and largely unexplored in humans. The authors investigated pulmonary inflammation by using exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in mechanically ventilated, brain-injured patients in the absence of acute lung injury or sepsis and explored the potential influence of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

Methods

Inflammatory EBC markers were assessed in 27 mechanically ventilated, brain-injured patients with neither acute lung injury nor sepsis and in 12 healthy and 8 brain-injured control subjects. Patients were ventilated with 8 ml/kg during zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP group, n = 12) or 8 cm H(2)O PEEP (PEEP group, n = 15). EBC was collected on days 1, 3, and 5 of mechanical ventilation to measure pH; interleukins (IL)-10, 1β, 6, 8, and 12p70; and tumor necrosis factor-α.

Results

EBC pH was lower, whereas IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were greater in both patient groups compared with either control group; IL-6 was higher, whereas IL-10 and IL-12p70 were sporadically higher than in healthy control subjects; no differences were noted between the two patient groups, except for IL-10, which decreased by day 5 during PEEP. Leukocytes, soluble IL-6, and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in blood were constantly higher during zero end-expiratory pressure; EBC cytokines appeared mostly related to soluble IL-8 and inversely related to soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1.

Conclusions

In brain-injured, mechanically ventilated patients with neither acute lung injury nor sepsis, EBC markers appear to indicate the presence of subtle pulmonary inflammation that is mostly unaffected by PEEP. There is evidence for a systemic inflammatory response, especially in patients during zero end-expiratory pressure.
Genetic Interaction ofOsMADS3,DROOPING LEAF, andOsMADS13in Specifying Rice Floral Organ Identities and Meristem Determinacy
Authors: Li Haifeng , Liang Wanqi , Yin Changsong , Zhu Lu , Zhang Dabing
Published: March 2011

Grass plants develop unique floral patterns that determine grain production. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the specification of floral organ identities and meristem determinacy, including the interaction among floral homeotic genes, remains largely unknown in grasses. Here, we report the interactions of rice (Oryza sativa) floral homeotic genes, OsMADS3 (a C-class gene), OsMADS13 (a D-class gene), and DROOPING LEAF (DL), in specifying floral organ identities and floral meristem determinacy. The interaction among these genes was revealed through the analysis of double mutants. osmads13-3 osmads3-4 displayed a loss of floral meristem determinacy and generated abundant carpelloid structures containing severe defective ovules in the flower center, which were not detectable in the single mutant. In addition, in situ hybridization and yeast two-hybrid analyses revealed that OsMADS13 and OsMADS3 did not regulate each other’s transcription or interact at the protein level. This indicates that OsMADS3 plays a synergistic role with OsMADS13 in both ovule development and floral meristem termination. Strikingly, osmads3-4 dl-sup6 displayed a severe loss of floral meristem determinacy and produced supernumerary whorls of lodicule-like organs at the forth whorl, suggesting that OsMADS3 and DL synergistically terminate the floral meristem. Furthermore, the defects of osmads13-3 dl-sup6 flowers appeared identical to those of dl-sup6, and the OsMADS13 expression was undetectable in dl-sup6 flowers. These observations suggest that DL and OsMADS13 may function in the same pathway specifying the identity of carpel/ovule and floral meristem. Collectively, we propose a model to illustrate the role of OsMADS3, DL, and OsMADS13 in the specification of flower organ identity and meristem determinacy in rice.
Nanomedicine in cancer therapy: Innovative trends and prospects
Authors: Blanco Elvin , Hsiao Angela , Mann Aman P. , Landry Matthew G. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Ferrari Mauro
Published: March 2011

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with recent advancements resulting in modest impacts on patient survival. Nanomedicine represents an innovative field with immense potential for improving cancer treatment, having ushered in several established drug delivery platforms. Nanoconstructs such as liposomes are widely used in clinics, while polymer micelles are in advanced phases of clinical trials in several countries. Currently, the field of nanomedicine is generating a new wave of nanoscale drug delivery strategies, embracing trends that involve the functionalization of these constructs with moieties that enhance site‐specific delivery and tailored release. Herein, we discuss several advancements in established nanoparticle technologies such as liposomes, polymer micelles, and dendrimers regarding tumor targeting and controlled release strategies, which are being incorporated into their design with the hope of generating a more robust and efficacious nanotherapeutic modality. We also highlight a novel strategy known as multistage drug delivery; a rationally designed nanocarrier aimed at overcoming numerous biological barriers involved in drug delivery through the decoupling of various tasks that comprise the journey from the moment of systemic administration to arrival at the tumor site. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1247–1252)
Applications of flow cytometry in plant pathology for genome size determination, detection and physiological status
Authors: D'HONDT LIESBET , HÖFTE MONICA , VAN BOCKSTAELE ERIK , LEUS LEEN
Published: March 2011

Flow cytometers are probably the most multipurpose laboratory devices available. They can analyse a vast and very diverse range of cell parameters. This technique has left its mark on cancer, human immunodeficiency virus and immunology research, and is indispensable in routine clinical diagnostics. Flow cytometry (FCM) is also a well‐known tool for the detection and physiological status assessment of microorganisms in drinking water, marine environments, food and fermentation processes. However, flow cytometers are seldom used in plant pathology, despite FCM's major advantages as both a detection method and a research tool. Potential uses of FCM include the characterization of genome sizes of fungal and oomycete populations, multiplexed pathogen detection and the monitoring of the viability, culturability and gene expression of plant pathogens, and many others. This review provides an overview of the history, advantages and disadvantages of FCM, and focuses on the current applications and future possibilities of FCM in plant pathology.
Novel polymorphisms in ovine immune response genes and their association with abortion
Authors: Darlay R. J. , McCarthy A. J. , Illot N. E. , Smith J. E. , Shaw M.‐A.
Published: March 2011

The sheep has worldwide agricultural importance, yet the genetic control of the immune responses underlying susceptibility or resistance to ovine disease is little understood. Here, we identify six novel polymorphisms in the ovine immune response genes interferon‐γ (IFNG), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF), interleukin‐1β (IL1B) and interleukin‐4 (IL4) in pedigree Charollais flocks. We confirm the presence of previously reported polymorphisms in IFNG and IL1B in Charollais. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotyping assays have been developed for four polymorphisms, IFNGg.168C>T, IFNGg.285A>G, IL1Bg.689C>T and TNFg.3UTRA>G, and a Taqman genotyping assay has been developed for IL4g.485C>T. The previously described IL2g.647C>T polymorphism is adapted for RFLP analysis. Allele frequencies are described in Charollais, Lleyn and Suffolk cross sheep. Polymorphisms are typed in both Charollais ewes and lambs and analysed against abortion phenotypes. A subset of animals have also been analysed for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, an abortion‐causing protozoan. The IFNGg.168T allele is shown to be associated with increased risk of a ewe having an abortion, while the IFNGg.285G allele is associated with increased risk of a lamb being aborted. These assays provide tools for the investigation of the genetic basis of other phenotypes in sheep, including infectious disease susceptibility.
Sequence variants in the bovine nucleophosmin 1 gene, their linkage and their associations with body weight in native cattle breeds in China
Authors: Huang Y. Z. , He H. , Wang J. , Li Z. J. , Lan X. Y. , Lei C. Z. , Zhang E. P. , Zhang C. L. , Wang J. Q. , Shen Q. W. , Chen H.
Published: March 2011

The nucleophosmin (nucleolar phosphoprotein B23, numatrin) gene (NPM1, previously known as nucleophosmin/nucleoplasmin family, member 1) encodes a multifunctional nucleolar phosphoprotein that plays a crucial role in cell growth and homeostasis. Seven sequence variants (SVs) were identified in the coding region of bovine NPM1, five of which were in complete linkage disequilibrium. Eight different haplotypes were identified, of which two major haplotypes have a frequency of 23.2% and 20.4%. Three SVs were significantly associated with body weight in the Nanyang population as analysed at different ages. No significant association was detected between 18 combined genotypes and body weight at five different ages. Our results suggest that some polymorphisms in NPM1 are associated with body weight at some ages and may be used as candidates for marker‐assisted selection and management in beef cattle breeding programmes.
CD180 functions in activation, survival and cycling of B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Porakishvili Nino , Memon Azka , Vispute Ketki , Kulikova Nina , Clark Edward A. , Rai Kanti R. , Nathwani Amit , Damle Rajendra N. , Chiorazzi Nicholas , Lydyard Peter M.
Published: March 2011

We previously showed that approximately 60% of B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) cells express surface CD180, an orphan receptor of the Toll‐like receptor family. Here we investigated the ability of anti‐CD180 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to induce activation, cell cycling, survival and signalling in B‐CLL cells and normal B cells. Upon addition of anti‐CD180 mAb, alone or in combination with anti‐CD40 mAb or recombinant IL‐4 (rIL‐4), expression of CD86, Ki‐67, uptake of DiOC6, phosphorylation of signalling protein kinases and Ca2+ flux were measured in B‐CLL cells from untreated patients and normal B cells from age‐matched volunteers. Normal B cells and approximately 50% of CD180+ B‐CLL clones responded to CD180 ligation by activation, cycling and increased survival comparable with, or superior to, those induced by anti‐CD40 mAb or rIL‐4 (Responder B‐CLL). Non‐responder CD180+ B‐CLL clones failed to respond to CD180 mAb and responded poorly to CD40 mAb and rIL‐4. Anti‐CD180 mAb induced phosphorylation of ZAP70/Syk, Erk, p38MAPK and Akt in normal B cells and Responder B‐CLL cells. In contrast, Erk, p38MAPK and Akt were not phosphorylated in Non‐responder B‐CLL cells indicating a block in signalling and possible anergy. CD180 may provide powerful expansion and survival signals for Responder B‐CLL cells and have an important prognostic value.
Diversity of immunoglobulin E‐encoding transcripts in sinus mucosa of subjects diagnosed with non‐allergic fungal eosinophilic sinusitis
Authors: Levin M. , Tan L. W. , Baker L. , Wormald P.‐J. , Greiff L. , Ohlin M.
Published: March 2011

Cite this as: M. Levin, L. W. Tan, L. Baker, P.‐J. Wormald, L. Greiff and M. Ohlin, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 811–820.

Background
The role of allergy in the aetiopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains controversial. For example, in some cases with sinus fungal infections allergy can be demonstrated by standard tests. In other cases, such signs can be absent despite elevated levels of IgE‐positive cells in sinus tissue and the presence of IgE and eosinophils in the sinus mucous.

Objective
To define the nature of molecular diversity in antibodies of the IgE isotype at the site of local inflammation in subjects diagnosed with non‐allergic fungal eosinophilic sinusitis (NAFES).

Methods
The local occurrence and sequence characteristics of IgE‐encoding transcripts in NAFES patients were investigated and compared with sequences found in subjects diagnosed with CRS featuring systemic allergy. These sequences have also been compared with other reported IgE‐encoding transcriptomes.

Results
IGHV genes derived from major subgroups 1, 3, 4 and 5 and a diverse set of IGHD and IGHJ genes were shown to create the IgE repertoire in patients diagnosed with NAFES and CRS. The average lengths of the third hypervariable loop in these populations were 15.8 and 14.6 residues. The sequences showed evidence of extensive somatic hypermutation (mutation frequency: NAFES, 6.4±3.2%; CRS, 7.0±4.4%) with substitutions targeted to complementarity‐determining regions. These sequence collections thus show extensive similarities to those found in other polyclonal Ig repertoires including those encoding IgE.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
We conclude that sinus IgE‐encoding transcripts in subjects diagnosed with NAFES show evidence of conventional IgE responses and we suggest that allergens with characteristics of classical antigens should be investigated for a role in the local response occurring in NAFES. This investigation illustrates that assessment of local immunity might be an important diagnostic tool in conditions like NAFES with no systemic signs of allergy to identify or rule out an allergic component of the patient's disease.
Inactivating calcium‐sensing receptor mutations in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Frank‐Raue Karin , Leidig‐Bruckner Gudrun , Haag Christine , Schulze Egbert , Lorenz Angela , Schmitz‐Winnenthal Hubertus , Raue Friedhelm
Published: March 2011

Objective  Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is characterised by autonomous secretion of PTH from enlarged parathyroid glands leading, in most patients, to asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) gene; it is characterised by lifelong and usually asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. Establishing the correct diagnosis is important because surgery can be curative in HPT, but ineffective in FHH. There is overlap in the diagnostic criteria for the two disorders and some patients carrying inactivating mutations in the CaSR gene, which is suggestive of FHH, also have HPT with hyperplastic parathyroid glands or adenomas.

Design and patients  CaSR gene mutations were analysed and clinical and biochemical parameters evaluated in 139 consecutive outpatients presenting with hypercalcaemia and suspected of having HPT.

Results  Six different mutations of the CaSR gene were found in eight patients. In four patients, classical FHH was suspected based on clinical and biochemical results and was confirmed by the CaSR mutations. In the other four patients, HPT was diagnosed based on the biochemical profile or symptoms; in these four patients, the parathyroids were operated on and single adenomas were histologically confirmed. In all four patients, serum calcium decreased postoperatively; and in three patients, serum calcium normalised postoperatively. The CaSR mutations in these patients were R25X, E250K and Q926R.

Conclusion  The coexistence of HPT and FHH in four of 139 patients suggests a pathogenetic role of CaSR mutations in HPT. Despite also having a CaSR mutation, these patients benefited from parathyroid surgery.
Effects of pre‐emulsifying fat/oil on meat batter stability, texture and microstructure
Authors: Youssef Mohamed K. , Barbut Shai , Smith Alexandra
Published: March 2011

The effects of pre‐emulsified beef fat and canola oil (CO) (25%) with Tween 80 (T‐80) or sodium caseinate (SC) were studied in beef meat batters prepared at three protein levels (9%, 12% and 15%). Raising meat protein level to 15% resulted in low emulsion stability of products prepared with CO. Using pre‐emulsified beef fat with Tween 80 (BF‐T80) showed significantly higher fat and water losses at all protein levels. There were no differences in fat and water losses between pre‐emulsified beef fat and CO when SC was used at the 9% and 12% protein levels compared to the controls (non pre‐emulsification). Light microscopy revealed fat globule coalescence in the CO meat batters prepared with 15% protein and BF‐T8 treatments, as well as formation of fat channels and more protein aggregation; both resulted in lower emulsion stability. Using SC to emulsify fat/oil produced a finer dispersion of fat globules compared to all the other treatments.
Plasma pharmacokinetics, pulmonary distribution, andin vitroactivity of gamithromycin in foals
Authors: BERGHAUS L. J. , GIGUÈRE S. , STURGILL T. L. , BADE D. , MALINSKI T. J. , HUANG R.
Published: March 2011

Berghaus, L. J., Giguère, S., Sturgill, T. L., Bade, D., Malinski, T. J., Huang, R. Plasma pharmacokinetics, pulmonary distribution, andin vitroactivity of gamithromycin in foals.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 59–66.

The objectives of this study were to determine the plasma and pulmonary disposition of gamithromycin in foals and to investigate thein vitroactivity of the drug againstStreptococcus equisubsp.zooepidemicus(S. zooepidemicus) andRhodococcus equi. A single dose of gamithromycin (6 mg/kg of body weight) was administered intramuscularly. Concentrations of gamithromycin in plasma, pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, and blood neutrophils were determined using HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry detection. The minimum inhibitory concentration of gamithromycin required for growth inhibition of 90% ofR. equiandS. zooepidemicusisolates (MIC90) was determined.Additionally, the activity of gamithromycin against intracellularR. equiwas measured. Mean peak gamithromycin concentrations were significantly higher in blood neutrophils (8.35 ± 1.77 μg/mL) and BAL cells (8.91 ± 1.65 μg/mL) compared with PELF (2.15 ± 2.78 μg/mL) and plasma (0.33 ± 0.12 μg/mL). Mean terminal half‐lives in neutrophils (78.6 h), BAL cells (70.3 h), and PELF (63.6 h) were significantly longer than those in plasma (39.1 h). The MIC90forS. zooepidemicusisolates was 0.125 μg/mL. The MIC of gamithromycin for macrolide‐resistantR. equiisolates (MIC90 = 128 μg/mL) was significantly higher than that for macrolide‐susceptible isolates (1.0 μg/mL). The activity of gamithromycin against intracellularR. equiwas similar to that of azithromycin and erythromycin. Intramuscular administration of gamithromycin at a dosage of 6 mg/kg would maintain PELF concentrations above the MIC90forS. zooepidemicusand phagocytic cell concentrations above the MIC90forR. equifor approximately 7 days.
Historical introgression and the role of selective vs. neutral processes in structuring nuclear genetic variation (AFLP) in a circumpolar marine fish, the capelin (Mallotus villosus)
Authors: COLBECK GABRIEL J. , TURGEON JULIE , SIROIS PASCAL , DODSON JULIAN J.
Published: March 2011

The capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a widespread marine fish species for which previous work has identified geographically distinct mtDNA clades, the frontiers of which are well within adult and larval dispersal capabilities. Here, we use AFLPs to test for the presence of nuclear gene flow among clades. In addition, we evaluate genetic structuring within one clade, the Northwest Atlantic (NWA). We found that each of the mtDNA clades corresponds with a unique nuclear DNA genetic cluster. Within the NWA clade, we detected individuals with small but significant amounts of genetic ancestry from other clades, likely due to historical introgression. Further support for historical introgression comes from analyses of variance in locus‐specific differentiation, which support introgression between some clades and divergence without gene flow between others. Within the NWA, we identified two genetic clusters that correspond to sites in geographically adjacent areas. However, these clusters differ primarily at ‘outlier’ loci, and a genetic subdivision (K = 2) was not supported by genetic clustering programs using neutral loci. Significant neutral FST differentiation was found only between sites that otherwise differed at outlier loci. Thus, these populations may be in the initial stages of ‘isolation by adaptation’. These results suggest strong between‐clade reproductive isolation despite opportunities for gene flow and support the hypothesis that selection can contribute to divergence in otherwise ‘open’ systems.
Genome‐wide association mapping identifies the genetic basis of discrete and quantitative variation in sexual weaponry in a wild sheep population
Authors: JOHNSTON SUSAN E. , McEWAN JOHN C. , PICKERING NATALIE K. , KIJAS JAMES W. , BERALDI DARIO , PILKINGTON JILL G. , PEMBERTON JOSEPHINE M. , SLATE JON
Published: March 2011

Understanding the genetic architecture of phenotypic variation in natural populations is a fundamental goal of evolutionary genetics. Wild Soay sheep (Ovis aries) have an inherited polymorphism for horn morphology in both sexes, controlled by a single autosomal locus, Horns. The majority of males have large normal horns, but a small number have vestigial, deformed horns, known as scurs; females have either normal horns, scurs or no horns (polled). Given that scurred males and polled females have reduced fitness within each sex, it is counterintuitive that the polymorphism persists within the population. Therefore, identifying the genetic basis of horn type will provide a vital foundation for understanding why the different morphs are maintained in the face of natural selection. We conducted a genome‐wide association study using ∼36 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and determined the main candidate for Horns as RXFP2, an autosomal gene with a known involvement in determining primary sex characters in humans and mice. Evidence from additional SNPs in and around RXFP2 supports a new model of horn‐type inheritance in Soay sheep, and for the first time, sheep with the same horn phenotype but different underlying genotypes can be identified. In addition, RXFP2 was shown to be an additive quantitative trait locus (QTL) for horn size in normal‐horned males, accounting for up to 76% of additive genetic variation in this trait. This finding contrasts markedly from genome‐wide association studies of quantitative traits in humans and some model species, where it is often observed that mapped loci only explain a modest proportion of the overall genetic variation.
Implementation of the Chinese national microscopy centre policy: health facility survey in Shandong Province
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Zou Guanyang , Zhang Hongmei , Walley John , Liu Zhimin , Newell James , Sun Qiang , Li Renzhong
Published: March 2011

Objective  In compliance with Chinese national policy, Shandong province set up microscopy centres (MCs) in one‐third of all township hospitals where sputum smear microscopy is performed. We assessed the centres’ performance and any factors influencing it.

Methods  A cross‐sectional, structured, facility‐based questionnaire survey was conducted in 2006, collecting data from all 113 counties with established MCs as well as tuberculosis (TB) routine reporting data from the county TB dispensary.

Results  One hundred and thirteen of 142 counties in Shandong had established 497 MCs. The centres identified 3.3% of smear‐positive patients in the province. Sixty‐six percentage of MCs did not identify any patients with TB; only 5% identified more than 10. Poor performance arose from low quality of staff training in township hospitals, but inappropriate geographical provision of services was the main cause of low additional case finding.

Conclusion  The MC policy did not achieve its goal of improving TB case finding in Shandong.
Physical destruction of the sprouting ability of Elytrigia repens rhizome buds
Authors: MELANDER B , MATHIASSEN S K , NØRREMARK M , KRISTENSEN E F , KRISTENSEN J K , KRISTENSEN K
Published: March 2011

Melander B, Mathiassen SK, Nørremark M, Kristensen EF, Kristensen JK & Kristensen K (2011). Physical destruction of the sprouting ability of Elytrigia repens rhizome buds. Weed Research51, 469–477.

Elytrigia repens is a perennial grass that spreads mainly by rhizomes. It is controlled by repeated post‐harvest cultivations in organic cropping in Scandinavia. However, post‐harvest tillage is undesirable, because of the need for retaining nutrients in the cropping systems. There is a need to look for solutions where E. repens can be controlled over a short duration to allow replanting of the soil. New technologies are required, and one aspect is to look for methods that can destroy the sprouting ability of E. repens rhizome buds. We investigated both the effect of heating using hot water and mechanical crushing by pressure, on the sprouting ability of exposed rhizome buds. The effect of temperatures <70°C was inversely related to exposure time, while 70°C or more gave a complete bud kill irrespective of heat duration. Rhizome buds responded to increasing mechanical stress in a sigmoid manner, similar to other studies with physical stresses, but with no support for a symmetric point of inflection. A 80–95% bud kill was attained within a range of 3.5–9.5 Newton per mm rhizome length, depending on the rhizome ecotype. According to energy calculations made, crushing rhizome buds appears far more promising than thermal destruction.
ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation in children
Authors: Tydén Gunnar , Kumlien Gunilla , Berg Ulla B.
Published: March 2011

Tydén G, Kumlien G, Berg UB. ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation in children.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 502–504. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  We designed a new protocol to enable safe ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. The new protocol utilizes antigen‐specific immunoadsorption rather than unspecific plasma exchange to remove existing anti A/B antibodies and rituximab rather than splenectomy to prevent rebound of antibodies. Sixty patients have so far been successfully transplanted with this protocol and 10 of those have been children. When compared with ABO‐compatible transplantations, we could not find any differences in success rate, renal function, or adverse events.
Glucosinolates in the new oilseed crop meadowfoam: natural variation in Section Inflexae of Limnanthes, a new glucosinolate in L. floccosa, and QTL analysis in L. alba
Authors: Velasco Pablo , Slabaugh Mary B. , Reed Ralph , Kling Jennifer , Kishore Venkata K. , Stevens Jan F. , Knapp Steven J.
Published: March 2011

With 5 figures and 4 tables

Meadowfoam, an oilseed crop grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, was developed from Limnanthes alba (Benth.), an herbaceous winter annual native to the west coast of North America. Meadowfoam oil is valued for unique properties attributed to the predominance of very long‐chain fatty acids and desaturation at the Δ5 position. Seed meal remaining after commercial oil extraction contains intact glucosinolates and has potential pesticidal properties owing to isothiocyanate and nitrile glucosinolate derivatives. We identified and quantitated seed glucosinolates in four species of Section Inflexae of Limnanthes to assess variation for this trait in primary and secondary gene pools of cultivated meadowfoam. Glucosinolate content in seeds ranged from 30 to 204 μmol/g dry weight. Only glucolimnanthin (3‐methoxybenzyl glucosinolate) was detected in L. alba, L. montana and L. gracilis, but L. floccosa contained glucolepigramin (3‐hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate) as well as glucolimnanthin. Two QTL affecting seed glucosinolate content were identified in an inter‐subspecific BC1 population derived from a cross between L. alba subsp. alba and L. alba subsp. versicolor.
Identifying genetic complexity of 6H locus in barley conferring resistance to Pyrenophora teres f. teres
Authors: Gupta Sanjiv , Li Chengdao , Loughman Robert , Cakir Mehmet , Westcott Sharon , Lance Reg
Published: March 2011

With 2 figures and 4 tables

Net type net blotch (NTNB) is an important barley disease in Australia and elsewhere, inducing significant yield reduction. ‘WPG8412’ was resistant against Australian NTNB isolates 97NB1 and NB73, whereas ‘Pompadour’ and ‘Stirling’ showed differential responses to these isolates. Using these lines, three F1‐derived double haploid populations that comprised 194 double haploid lines (DHLs) of ‘WPG8412’ ×‘Stirling’, 116 DHLs of ‘WPG8412’ × ‘Pompadour’ and 206 DHLs of ‘Pompadour’ × ‘Stirling’ were tested against these two isolates. Bimodal segregation indicated a major gene for resistance was operative: in ‘WPG8412’ × ‘Stirling’ against 97NB1; in ‘WPG8412’×‘Pompadour’ against NB73; and in ‘Pompadour’ × ‘Stirling’ against either of the isolate. This major gene was mapped using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers on chromosome 6H in the centromeric region in all three populations. This work demonstrated that 6H region controlling NTNB is a complex locus, where at least three alleles or closely linked genes are possible in these parents against these isolates. This is a first report of 6H complexity for NTNB resistance against Australian isolates.
Role of brain orexin in the pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Okumura Toshikatsu , Nozu Tsukasa
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim:  Orexins are neuropeptides that are localized in neurons within the lateral hypothalamic area and regulate feeding behavior. The lateral hypothalamic area plays an important role in not only feeding but the central regulation of other functions including gut physiology. Accumulating evidence have shown that orexins acts in the brain to regulate a wide variety of body functions including gastrointestinal functions.

Method:  The purpose of this review is to summarize relevant findings on brain orexins and a digestive system, and discuss the pathophysiological roles of the peptides with special reference to functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Results:  Exogenously administered orexin or endogenously released orexin in the brain potently stimulates gastric acid secretion in pylorus‐ligated conscious rats. The vagal cholinergic pathway is involved in the orexin‐induced stimulation of acid secretion, suggesting that orexin‐containing neurons in lateral hypothalamic area activates neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus in medulla oblongata, followed by increasing vagal outflow, thereby stimulating gastric acid secretion. In addition, brain orexin stimulates gastric motility, pancreatic secretion and induce gastroprotective action. On the other hand, brain orexin is involved in a number of physiological functions other than gut physiology, such as control of sleep/awake cycle and anti‐depressive action in addition to increase in appetite.

Conclusions:  From these evidence, we would like to make a hypothesis that decreased orexin signaling in the brain may play a role in the pathophysiology in a part of patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders who are frequently accompanied with appetite loss, sleep disturbance, depressive state and the inhibition of gut function.
Gene, environment, and brain‐gut interactions in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Fukudo Shin , Kanazawa Motoyori
Published: March 2011

The genetic predisposition and influence of environment may underlie in the pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This phenomenon, gene x environment interaction together with brain‐gut interactions is emerging area to be clarified in IBS research. Earlier studies focused on candidate genes of neurotransmitters, cytokines, and growth factors. Among them, some studies but not all studies revealed association between phenotypes of IBS and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐related genes, noradrenaline‐related genes, and cytokine genes. Recent prospective cohort study showed that genes encoding immune and adhesion molecules were associated with post‐infectious etiology of IBS. Psychosocial stressors and intraluminal facotrs especially microrbiota are keys to develop IBS. IBS patients may have abnormal gut microbiota as well as increased organic acids. IBS is disorder that relates to brain‐gut interactions, emotional dysregulation, and illness behaviors. Brain imaging with or without combination of visceral stimulation enables us to depict the detailed information of brain‐gut interactions. In IBS patients, thalamus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and brainstem were more activated in response to visceral stimulation than controls. Corticotropin‐releasing hormone and 5‐HT are the candidate substances which regulate exaggerated brain‐gut response. In conclusion, gene x environment interaction together with brain‐gut interactions may play crucial roles in IBS development. Further fundamental research on this issue is warranted.