bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of maternal and paternal components and breeding season on the reproductive results of New Zealand White and Californian female rabbits
Authors: Pycha Justyna , Zatoń-Dobrowolska Magdalena , Pałka Sylwia , Kmiecik Michał
Published: March 2020

The research compares reproduction of female New Zealand White (NZW, n=55) and Californian (CAL, n=12) rabbits after mating with pure-bred Flemish Giant, Californian, and Burgundy Fawn males, as well as New Zealand White and Californian crossbred males. The influence of the dam’s breed, the birth season, and the parental component on reproduction parameters was analysed. Three groups of does were studied: those which had two litters (21 females), those which had three litters (15), and all does (irrespective of the number of litters, i.e. 67 females). In the first group, the mother’s breed was found to affect litter size at weaning (5.20 for Californian and 7.33 for New Zealand White), which was largest for the NZW×CAL crossbreed (10.50). Among the females with three litters, the breed of the dam influenced rearing efficiency, with greater efficiency noted for the New Zealand White breed (90.2%) than for the Californian breed (69.8%). Where all litters were considered, the two breeds differed in terms of the number of live-born kittens per litter (6.59 for NZW vs 7.71 for CAL) and litter size at weaning (6.34 vs 7.50). In this group, litter size at weaning was larger in winter (4.65) than in autumn (2.00). New Zealand White females that mated with Flemish Giant males produced fewer live-born kittens per litter (5.85) than Californian females that mated with Burgundy Fawn males (10.00). Pure-bred litters were smaller (2.04) at weaning than crossbred ones (from 5.39 to 10.00). For females with three litters, repeatability was 0.36 for total litter size and 0.35 for the number of live-born kittens per litter. For litter size at weaning, however, it was only 0.15, indicating a strong effect of environmental factors on rearing outcomes.
Analysis of gestation length and its influence on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows kept on a large-scale pig farm
Authors: Pietruszka Arkadiusz , Der Anna , Matysiak Beata
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to analyse gestation length in sows raised on a large-scale pig farm and its effect on the sows’ reproductive performance. The study was carried out on a total of 556 litters from 92 crossbred sows from the DanBred pig breeding company, obtained by crossing the breeds Danish Landrace and Danish Yorkshire. The research material was divided into 6 groups depending on the length of gestation: group I – gestation length 115 days, group II – 116 days, group III – 117 days, group IV –118 days, group V – 119 days and group VI – 120 days. The analysis showed that the average gestation length was 117.6 days, with the shortest pregnancy lasting 113 days and the longest 121 days. Among all cases analysed, the most (37%) were those in which the gestation period lasted 118 days. The length of the gestation period was found to influence the number of piglets born dead or mummified, the weaning-to-service interval, and lactation length. Moreover, the length of the gestation period was found to affect that of the following gestation.
Mietpreisregulierung im Föderalismus. Zur Verfassungsmäßigkeit des Berliner Wohnungsmietenbegrenzungsgesetzes
Authors: Fischer-Lescano Andreas , Gutmann Andreas
Published: March 2020

Seit der Ankündigung des Berliner Senats im Juni 2019, dass das Land plane, einen landesrechtlichen Mietendeckel einzuführen, ist das Berliner Immobilienkapital in heller Aufruhr. Immobilien- und Vermieter*innenverbände betreiben Lobbyarbeit, beschwören das Schreckgespenst des „Sozialismus“ und üben sich im juristischen Säbelrasseln. Zahlreiche von der Immobilienwirtschaft in Auftrag gegebene Rechtsgutachten kamen seither zum Ergebnis, die Regelungen des geplanten Mietendeckels seien verfassungswidrig. Verkannt wird in diesen von offensichtlichen Kapitalinteressen geleiteten Gutachten jedoch regelmäßig, dass sehr gute verfassungsrechtliche Argumente dafür sprechen, dass Bund und Ländern im sozialen Mietpreisrecht ein erheblicher Gestaltungsspielraum zukommt, der bislang nicht annähernd ausgeschöpft ist.
Das Ausbleiben arbeitsrechtlicher Weisungen im Arbeitsverhältnis
Authors: Pfrang Sebastian Ferdinand
Published: March 2020

Obwohl das Ausbleiben arbeitsrechtlicher Weisungen im Arbeitsverhältnis in der Praxis als tatsächliches Phänomen seit langer Zeit bekannt ist und es heutzutage beinahe in jedem Arbeitsverhältnis häufiger vorkommt, dass einem Arbeitnehmer über einen bestimmten Zeitraum keine arbeitsrechtlichen Weisungen vom Arbeitgeber oder von Dritten erteilt werden, wurde die rechtliche Bedeutung des Ausbleibens arbeitsrechtlicher Weisungen im Arbeitsverhältnis bislang nicht eingehend untersucht. Das vorliegende Buch ändert dies und geht nach einem tatsächlichen Befund, um was es sich bei dem Ausbleiben arbeitsrechtlicher Weisungen im Arbeitsverhältnis handelt und welche Gründe – in jüngerer Zeit etwa auch das Praktizieren agiler Projektorganisation in Unternehmen – dafür verantwortlich sind, der Frage nach, ob und wenn ja welche Rechtsfolgen das Ausbleiben arbeitsrechtlicher Weisungen im Arbeitsverhältnis zeitigt. Dabei wird insbesondere auch die Konkretisierung der Arbeitspflicht untersucht und diese einer neuen dogmatischen Herleitung zugeführt.
Faktoren nachhaltigen Stromkonsums in Europa und seine Förderung durch politisch-rechtliche Instrumente
Authors: Gapp-Schmeling Katharina
Published: March 2020

This work examines electricity consumption in European households. It is the first to systematically examine the effects of specific instruments designed to influence electricity consumption on the goals of sustainable development from the perspective of sustainable economics.

This interdisciplinary work first examines the main drivers of household electricity consumption on the basis of empirical macro data. In its second part, the author develops an evaluation system for political and legal instruments based on a comprehensive Delphi survey, which also includes the effects of such instruments on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Using this assessment approach, the author analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the EU’s Ecodesign Directive, energy taxes and consumer advice.

The results of the work can thus provide an important starting point for the further development of the instruments, while the evaluation system developed in the second part can be used to evaluate other instruments.
Der Widerruf von Verbraucherdarlehen zwischen Rechtsdurchsetzung und Rechtsmissbrauch
Authors: Kramer Dirk
Published: March 2020

Der Widerruf von Immobiliarverbraucherdarlehen ist unter dem Stichwort „Widerrufsjoker“ zu einem Massenphänomen avanciert und Gegenstand unzähliger Urteile und Stellungnahmen in der Literatur. Auf der einen Seite stehen Vertreter der Verbraucherinteressen, die in der stückweiten Kapitalisierung des Widerrufsrechts und seiner Ausübung außerhalb der Vertragsreue eine neue Dimension der Verbraucherrechtsdurchsetzung sehen, auf der anderen diejenigen, die das Vorgehen aufgrund dieser Motivation für rechtsmissbräuchlich halten. Der ökonomischen Bedeutung entsprechend dürften nur selten in der Geschichte des deutschen Verbraucherschutzes Unternehmen so massiv gegen verbraucherschützende Rechte vorgegangen sein. Gleichzeitig haben Verbraucher nie zuvor ihre Rechte so systematisch eingefordert. Diesen Hintergrund nimmt die Arbeit zum Anlass, die traditionelle Disparität zwischen Verbrauchern und Unternehmern erneut zu betrachten.
Crisis Management and the Public Sector: Key Trends and Perspectives
Authors: Lemonakis Christos , Zairis Antonios
Published: March 2020

A crisis is a situation approaching a dangerous phase, which requires urgent intervention to avoid harmful effects on the body of an organization in order to return to normal situation. It is a decisive and critical time for the organization, where the wrong decision can even cost its viability. This situation can shape political, legal, economic, and governmental impact on its activities. From different definitions of crisis, we seek to underscore key elements of a crisis that may threat a public organization and, also, to highlight both the elements of management responsiveness resulting in the loss of control in the organization, regarding the short time demand for decision-making. The key purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the basis available in the international literature, upon which public risk mechanisms can be reviewed and chosen in public sector organizations under the scope of their applicability.
Biomedical Implants for Regenerative Therapies
Authors: Domingues Goncalves Andrea , Balestri Wendy , Reinwald Yvonne
Published: March 2020

Regenerative therapies aim to develop novel treatments to restore tissue function. Several strategies have been investigated including the use of biomedical implants as three-dimensional artificial matrices to fill the defect side, to replace damaged tissues or for drug delivery. Bioactive implants are used to provide growth environments for tissue formation for a variety of applications including nerve, lung, skin and orthopaedic tissues. Implants can either be biodegradable or non-degradable, should be nontoxic and biocompatible, and should not trigger an immunological response. Implants can be designed to provide suitable surface area-to-volume ratios, ranges of porosities, pore interconnectivities and adequate mechanical strengths. Due to their broad range of properties, numerous biomaterials have been used for implant manufacture. To enhance an implant’s bioactivity, materials can be functionalised in several ways, including surface modification using proteins, incorporation of bioactive drugs, growth factors and/or cells. These strategies have been employed to create local bioactive microenvironments to direct cellular responses and to promote tissue regeneration and controlled drug release. This chapter provides an overview of current bioactive biomedical implants, their fabrication and applications, as well as implant materials used in drug delivery and tissue regeneration. Additionally, cell- and drug-based bioactivity, manufacturing considerations and future trends will be discussed.
Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Borlu Murat , Öksüm Solak Eda
Published: March 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune disease which can affect the blood vessels, the visceral organs, and the skin. SSc, most commonly, develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can be seen at any age. In terms of skin involvement, SSc can be classified as limited or diffuse. Its etiopathogenesis is still unclear. Microvascular dysfunction is thought to be followed by immunological activation, collagen and extracellular matrix deposition, and finally fibrosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation. Sclerosis of the metacarpophalangeal and/or metatarsophalangeal joints is the major diagnostic criterion, whereas sclerodactylia, digital ulcers (DU), and pulmonary fibrosis are the minor criteria. SSc is diagnosed with one major criterion or two minor criteria. Detection of autoantibodies can help the diagnosis. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-centromere antibody, anti-scl 70, RNA polymerase 1 and 3, and anti-fibrillin antibody can be found positive in SSc. SSc must be differentiated from all sclerosing diseases and the diseases with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Visceral diseases, such as primary pulmonary hypertension, primary biliary cirrhosis, and infiltrative cardiomyopathy, should also be considered in its differential diagnosis. The main treatment goal is to target visceral involvement.
Toxicity Potential of Cyanogenic Glycosides in Edible Plants
Authors: K. Nyirenda Kumbukani
Published: March 2020

Cyanogenic glycosides are natural phytotoxins produced by over 2000 plant species, many of which are consumed by humans. The important food crops that contain cyanogenic glycosides include cassava (Manihot esculenta), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium L.), bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), apple (Malus domestica), and apricot (Prunus armeniaca). Cyanogenic glycosides and their derivatives have amino acid-derived aglycones, which spontaneously degrade to release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Dietary cyanide exposure has been associated with several health challenges such as acute cyanide poisoning, growth retardation, and neurological disorders. This chapter will introduce general cyanogenesis principles, highlight major food plants with lethal cyanide levels, and provide epidemiological-based health conditions linked to cyanide intake. Furthermore, strategies for elimination of cyanogens from food crops, such as processing technologies, will be discussed. Finally, the chapter will analyze the role of cyanogenic plants in ensuring food security among resource-poor communities.
Accelerating DNA Computing via PLP-qPCR Answer Read out to Solve Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Xiong Fusheng , Kuby Michael , D. Frasch Wayne
Published: March 2020

An asymmetric, fully-connected 8-city traveling salesman problem (TSP) was solved by DNA computing using the ordered node pair abundance (ONPA) approach through the use of pair ligation probe quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PLP-qPCR). The validity of using ONPA to derive the optimal answer was confirmed by in silico computing using a reverse-engineering method to reconstruct the complete tours in the feasible answer set from the measured ONPA. The high specificity of the sequence-tagged hybridization, and ligation that results from the use of PLPs significantly increased the accuracy of answer determination in DNA computing. When combined with the high throughput efficiency of qPCR, the time required to identify the optimal answer to the TSP was reduced from days to 25 min.
Congenital and Acquired Interferonopathies: Differentiated Approaches to Interferon Therapy
Authors: V. Nesterova Irina , V. Kovaleva Svetlana , V. Malinovskaya Valentina , A. Chudilova Galina , V. Rusinova Tatyana
Published: March 2020

This chapter reviews various interferon (IFN) system disturbances—interferonopathies. The authors describe clinical specifics of type I interferonopathy associated with overexpression of IFNα—which is a rare Mendelian genetic disease. Certain autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, immune dysregulation syndrome, etc.) are also characterized by overproduction of IFNα. Furthermore the most common interferonopathies are described—deficiencies of IFN, congenital or acquired IFNα/IFNβ and IFNγ deficiencies in children and adults. Deficiency of IFNα/IFNβ associated with severe recurrent viral infections and deficiency of IFNγ cause mycobacterial infection. Interferon-corrective therapy methods are described. The target therapy of type I interferonopathies (biologics) binds IFNα and normalizes the high level of IFNα. From the other side, patients with congenital IFNα deficiencies are needed in replacement IFN therapy. In case of acquired IFNα deficiency, the differentiated interferon-corrective therapy is performed. In both replacement and interferon-corrective therapies, recombinant human IFNα2b in complex with antioxidants (Viferon®) can be used, because their application is safe and has good clinical efficiency and no side effects.
Deep Learning: Exemplar Studies in Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision
Authors: Tekir Selma , Bastanlar Yalin
Published: March 2020

Deep learning has become the most popular approach in machine learning in recent years. The reason lies in considerably high accuracies obtained by deep learning methods in many tasks especially with textual and visual data. In fact, natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision are the two research areas that deep learning has demonstrated its impact at utmost level. This chapter will firstly summarize the historical evolution of deep neural networks and their fundamental working principles. After briefly introducing the natural language processing and computer vision research areas, it will explain how exactly deep learning is used to solve the problems in these two areas. Several examples regarding the common tasks of these research areas and some discussion are also provided.
Understanding the Adaptive Mechanisms of Plant in Low Phosphorous Soil
Authors: Muhammad Aslam Mehtab , Akhtar Kashif , K. Karanja Joseph , Noor-ul-Ain  , Ullah Haider Fasih
Published: March 2020

With the rapidly increasing world population and escalating food demand in the face of changing weather patterns, it is imperative to improve our understanding of how root functional traits enhance water acquisition and nutrient foraging for improved crop yields. Phosphorous (P) is poorly bioavailable element and essential for plant growth and development. Natural P reserves are very limited, and its availability is greatly influenced by several environmental factors, e.g., due to finite natural resources, soil pH, organic matter, and soluble complexes with cations (Al, Fe, and Ca); therefore, P limitation is a major factor that adversely affects crop production. To ensure an efficient and stable agricultural system, the establishment of P efficient crop production is inevitable. Plants have evolved different adaptability mechanisms to overcome these nutrient stresses. Low P adapted responses in plants are considered as an important trait for developing new lines with improved P acquisition, water uptake efficiency, and eventually protect roots from physical impedance. Previous studies showed that, modification in root architecture is potentially correlated with water, nutrient and phosphorus uptake. During P deficit condition, plant root undergoes several phenotypic (root hair density, cluster root, and lateral root) and biochemical modifications (citrate, malate, and acid phosphates secretion) leading to the solubilization and acquisition of unavailable P complexes in soil. This chapter reveals the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms of plant adaptive responses to low P availability. Moreover, this chapter proposes how plant competes with various abiotic stresses such as P deficiency, drought, and salinity. Screening of plants with superior root hair traits would be an important approach toward the development of P efficient crop varieties.
The Problem of Simplification in School Mathematics
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Kwaku , Bossé Michael. J. , Preston Ronald , Williams Derek A.
Published: March 2020

The notion or expectation of simplifying final mathematical results remains problematic in that it is ill-defined, tied more closely to algorithmic versus conceptual understanding, and decontextualized from the content, purpose, and application of the mathematics in question. Through examples, we propose that simplification needs to be contextualized.
Problems to Ponder
Authors: Katt Susie , Korponic Megan , Martin Cathy A.
Published: March 2020

Problems to ponder
Outliers/Triangle
Authors: Pandey Shashi Kant , Shaffer Jacqueline
Published: March 2020

A poem based on the mathematical properties of a triangle supports evidence in the literature about the prose and poetic presentation of concepts as an attractive way to teach and learn mathematics.
Reducing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in a lower-income country by vaccinating mothers-to-be and their households
Authors: Brand Samuel PC , Munywoki Patrick , Walumbe David , Keeling Matthew J , Nokes David James
Published: March 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection among infants. RSV is a priority for vaccine development. In this study, we investigate the potential effectiveness of a two-vaccine strategy aimed at mothers-to-be, thereby boosting maternally acquired antibodies of infants, and their household cohabitants, further cocooning infants against infection. We use a dynamic RSV transmission model which captures transmission both within households and communities, adapted to the changing demographics and RSV seasonality of a low-income country. Model parameters were inferred from past RSV hospitalisations, and forecasts made over a 10-year horizon. We find that a 50% reduction in RSV hospitalisations is possible if the maternal vaccine effectiveness can achieve 75 days of additional protection for newborns combined with a 75% coverage of their birth household co-inhabitants (~7.5% population coverage).
Co-evolution within structured bacterial communities results in multiple expansion of CRISPR loci and enhanced immunity
Authors: Pyenson Nora C , Marraffini Luciano A
Published: March 2020

Type II CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity against phages and plasmids that infect bacteria through the insertion of a short sequence from the invader’s genome, known as the ‘spacer’, into the CRISPR locus. Spacers are transcribed into guide RNAs that direct the Cas9 nuclease to its target on the invader. In liquid cultures, most bacteria acquire a single spacer. Multiple spacer integration is a rare event which significance for immunity is poorly understood. Here, we found that when phage infections occur on solid media, a high proportion of the surviving colonies display complex morphologies that contain cells with multiple spacers. This is the result of the viral-host co-evolution, in which the immunity provided by the initial acquired spacer is easily overcome by escaper phages. Our results reveal the versatility of CRISPR-Cas immunity, which can respond with both single or multiple spacer acquisition schemes to solve challenges presented by different environments.
Stimulus salience determines defensive behaviors elicited by aversively conditioned serial compound auditory stimuli
Authors: Hersman Sarah , Allen David , Hashimoto Mariko , Brito Salvador Ignacio , Anthony Todd E
Published: March 2020

Assessing the imminence of threatening events using environmental cues enables proactive engagement of appropriate avoidance responses. The neural processes employed to anticipate event occurrence depend upon which cue properties are used to formulate predictions. In serial compound stimulus (SCS) conditioning in mice, repeated presentations of sequential tone (CS1) and white noise (CS2) auditory stimuli immediately prior to an aversive event (US) produces freezing and flight responses to CS1 and CS2, respectively (Fadok et al., 2017). Recent work reported that these responses reflect learned temporal relationships of CS1 and CS2 to the US (Dong et al., 2019). However, we find that frequency and sound pressure levels, not temporal proximity to the US, are the key factors underlying SCS-driven conditioned responses. Moreover, white noise elicits greater physiological and behavioral responses than tones even prior to conditioning. Thus, stimulus salience is the primary determinant of behavior in the SCS paradigm, and represents a potential confound in experiments utilizing multiple sensory stimuli.
Role of salicylic acid in regulating ethylene and physiological characteristics for alleviating salinity stress on germination, growth and yield of sweet pepper
Authors: Ahmed Wazir , Imran Muhammad , Yaseen Muhammad , Haq Tanveer ul , Jamshaid Muhammad Usman , Rukh Shah , Ikram Rao Muhammad , Ali Muqarrab , Ali Anser , Maqbool Mudassar , Arif Muhammad , Khan Mahmood Alam
Published: March 2020

Background

During a preliminary study, effects of 0, 20, 40, and 60 mM NaCl salinity were assessed on germination rate in relation to electrolyte leakage (EL) in sweet pepper. Results explored significant rises in ethylene evolution from seeds having more EL. It was, therefore, hypothesized that excessive ethylene biosynthesis in plants due to salinity stress might be a root cause of low crop productivity. As salicylic acid is one of the potent ethylene inhibitors, thus SA was used to combat effects of ethylene produced under salinity stress of 60 mM NaCl on different physiological and morphological characteristics of sweet pepper.

Methodology

The effect of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mM SA was evaluated on seed germination, growth and yield of sweet pepper cv. Yolo wonder at salinity stress on 60 mM NaCl. Seeds were primed with SA concentrations and incubated till 312 h in an incubator to study germination. Same SA concentrations were sprayed on foliage of plants grown in saline soil (60 mM NaCl).

Results

Seeds primed by 0.2 to 0.3 mM SA improved germination rate by 33% due to suppression of ethylene from 3.19 (control) to 2.23–2.70 mg plate−1. Electrolyte leakage reduced to 20.8–21.3% in seeds treated by 0.2–0.3 mM SA compared to 39.9% in untreated seeds. Results also explored that seed priming by 0.3 mM improved TSS, SOD and chlorophyll contents from 13.7 to 15.0 mg g−1FW, 4.64 to 5.38 activity h−1100 mg−1and 89 to 102 ug g−1compared to untreated seeds, respectively. Results also explore that SA up to 0.2 mM SA applied on plant foliage improved LAI (5–13%), photosynthesis (4–27%), WUE (11–57%), dry weight (5–20%), SOD activity (4–20%) and finally fruit yield (4–20%) compared to untreated plants by ameliorating effect of 60 mM NaCl. Foliar application of SA also caused significant increase in nutrient use efficiency due to significant variations in POD and SOD activities.

Conclusion

Salicylic acid suppressed ethylene evolution from germinating seeds up to 30% under stress of 60 mM NaCl due to elevated levels of TSS and SOD activity. Foliar application of SA upgraded SOD by lowering POD activity to improve NUE particularly K use efficiency at salinity stress of 60 mM NaCl. Application of 0.2 and 0.3 mM SA emerged as the most effective concentrations of SA for mitigating 60 mM NaCl stress on different physiological and morphological characteristics of sweet pepper.
Mixed effects of ecological intensification on natural pest control providers: a short-term study for biotic homogenization in winter wheat fields
Authors: Elek Zoltán , Růžičková Jana , Ádám Réka , Bereczki Krisztina , Boros Gergely , Kádár Ferenc , Kovács-Hostyánszki Anikó , Somay László , Szalkovszki Ottó , Báldi András
Published: March 2020

Agricultural intensification is one of the major drivers of biotic homogenization and has multiple levels ranging from within-field management intensity to landscape-scale simplification. The enhancement of invertebrate assemblages by establishing new, semi-natural habitats, such as set-aside fields can improve biological pest control in adjacent crops, and mitigate the adverse effect of biotic homogenization. In this study we aimed to examine the effects of ecological intensification in winter wheat fields in Hungary. We tested how pests and their natural enemies were affected at different spatial scales by landscape composition (proportion of semi-natural habitats in the surrounding matrix), configuration (presence of adjacent set-aside fields), and local field management practices, such as fertilizer (NPK) applications without applying insecticides. We demonstrated that at the local scale, decreased fertilizer usage had no direct effect either on pests or their natural enemies. Higher landscape complexity and adjacent semi-natural habitats seem to be the major drivers of decreasing aphid abundance, suggesting that these enhanced the predatory insect assemblages. Additionally, the high yield in plots with no adjacent set-aside fields suggests that intensive management can compensate for the lower yields on the extensive plots. Our results demonstrated that although complexity at the landscape scale was crucial for maintaining invertebrate assemblages, divergence in their response to pests and pathogens could also be explained by different dispersal abilities. Although the landscape attributes acted as dispersal filters in the organization of pest and pathogen assemblages in croplands, the presence of set-aside fields negatively influenced aphid abundance due to their between-field isolation effect.
Evaluation of δ15N analysis to trace the origin of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) to citrus orchard fertilization management
Authors: Gomez-Marco Francesc , Yoshimoto Andrew , Braswell W. Evan , Stouthamer Richard
Published: March 2020

We investigated the variability of nitrogen stable isotope ratios 15N/14N (expressed as δ15N) on citrus orchards with different fertilization management practices (organic versus conventional) and its correlation with the δ15N values of the key citrus pest Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) feeding on such plant material. Tracing the origin of this pest in open field is crucial since the insect is a vector of the incurable and devastating citrus disease known as Huanglongbing. We hypothesized that the origin (natal tree) of the pest may be deduced by correlating the δ15N values obtained from the young citrus leaves and from adults of D. citri raised on them. First, laboratory experiments were performed to understand the acquisition and incorportation of the δ15N values by D. citri. Second, we confirmed the positive correlation between the δ15N values of the young citrus leaves and D. citri. Finally, field sampling was carried out in 21 citrus orchards from Southern California to study the variability on the δ15N values on organic and conventional commercial citrus orchards. Laboratory results suggest that the analyses of the δ15N values can be regarded as a useful method to trace the origin of the pest. However, the high variability in nitrogen resource used in both fertilization management practices (especially in organic orchards) by growers makes the application of this technique unfeasible to pinpoint the origin of D. citri in the citrus agroecosystem.
Dose-volumetric Predictors for Thyroid Dysfunction after 3D Conformal Radiotherapy: An Observational, Prospective Study
Authors: Al-Jamal M. , Elnaby A. Abd , El-Badrawy A. , Elkalla H. M. H. R. , Omar R. , Abdallah E.
Published: March 2020

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the dose-volumetric threshold of radiation induced hypothyroidism (RIHT) in patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) to the neck.

Study Design: This is a prospective cohort observational study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt, between April 2016 until March 2019.

Methods: We have completed 2 years of follow up to 50 patients with different malignancies who were treated by radiotherapy to the neck. Baseline assessment of the thyroid clinically and radiologically was done prior to the start of radiotherapy. Periodic testing of the cohort through the follow up period was done by clinical examination, measurement of TSH, fT4 and thyroid ultrasonography.

Results: the incidence of RIHT was 26%. No statistical significance for the clinical risk factors. The dose-volumetric risk factors were studied and showed positive results. A mean dose of 5185 cGy was found a significant risk factor. Also, V40 ≥ 89%, V45 ≥ 63.5%, V50 ≥ 22.5% were found to be the cutoff predictors for the threshold radiation dose to induce hypothyroidism. Also decreasing the size of the gland by ≥0.7 cm3, fT4 value by ≥ 3.5 pmol/L and TSH by ≥ 0.75 uIU/L after one year from the end of EBRT is the cutoff value for prediction of occurrence of RIHT within the 2nd year of follow up.

Conclusion: RIHT is a considerable late adverse effect for patients receiving RT to the neck. Mean dose, V40, V45 and V50 were found significantly related to RIHT. Mean dose of ≥ 5185 cGy, V40 ≥ 89%, V45 ≥ 63.5%, V50≥ 22.5% were proven to be the dose-volumetric threshold.
ESR of Cu2+ bound to polynucleotides and derivatives
Authors: Bemski G. , Rieber M. , Wust M.
Published: July 2002

Binding of Cu2+ to polynucleotides has been found to occur at 1 Cu/5 polymer P and at similar molar ratios of copper to selected nucleic acid derivatives. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements show that the g‐values and the hyperfine splitting constants vary substantially among the different complexes. Binding of Cu2+ to the phosphates as well as to the bases is observed, and in some cases occurs simultaneously.
Evidence that amiloride antagonises insulin‐stimulated protein phosphorylation by inhibiting protein kinase activity
Authors: Holland Ross , Woodgett James R. , Hardie D.Grahame
Published: July 2002

The diuretic drug amiloride antagonises the insulin‐dependent increase in phosphorylation of ATP‐citrate lyase in hepatocytes isolated from rats that had been starved and refed a fat‐free diet. Studies with a range of protein kinases and protein phosphatases that have been shown to phosphorylate or dephosphorylate purified ATP‐citrate lyase in vitro revealed that amiloride was a non‐specific inhibitor of all protein kinases tested, but did not significantly affect any of the protein phosphatases. These results cast doubt on previous claims that growth factors stimulate phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 by activating an amiloride‐sensitive Na+/H+ exchange system, and that insulin inhibits a protein phosphatase that is activated by amiloride.
Collagenase in mineralized tissues of human teeth
Authors: Dumas J. , Hurion N. , Weill R. , Keil B.
Published: July 2002

A collagenase cleaving native type I [14C]collagen but inactive against the synthetic substrate Pz‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Pro‐D‐Arg was extracted from mineralized human dental tissue. The enzyme specifically degrades native collagen into characteristic products () and (). Its apparent molecular mass of 68 kDa is relatively high in comparison with collagenases from other oral tissues. The enzyme is a metalloproteinase inhibited by low concentrations of the chelating agents EDTA, 1,10‐phenanthroline, αα'‐dipyridyl, and not affected by diisopropylfluorophosphate, soybean trypsin inhibitor, and p‐chloromercuribenzoate. It is stable to lyophilization and can be stored at −20°C for at least 6 months.
Ethanol selectively affects Na+‐gradient dependent intestinal transport systems
Authors: O'Neill Brigitte , Weber Fritz , Hornig Dietrich , Semenza Giorgio
Published: July 2002

Moderate concentrations of ethanol reduce the velocity of uptake of three representative Na+‐symport systems (D‐glucose, L‐alanine, L‐ascorbate), whether electrogenic (the first two) or electroneutral (L‐ascorbate). This ‘inhibition’ is observed only if these transport systems are tested in the presence of an initial Na+ gradient (out > in); no inhibition is found in tracer‐equilibrium exchange measurements. A representative Na+‐independent system (D‐fructose) is not inhibited by ethanol. ‘Passive diffusion’ (measured as uptake of L‐glucose) is increased somewhat by alcohol. All these observations can be rationalized [as suggested by Tillotson et al. (1981) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 207, 360–370] by an effect of ethanol on passive diffusion, which leads to a faster collapse of the Na+ gradient, with the resulting reduction of the uptake velocities of Na+‐dependent transport systems when tested with the added driving force of an Na+ out → in gradient.
Binding of cardiotoxin analogue III from Formosan cobra venom to FL cells
Authors: Takechi Masayuki , Tanaka Yasuo , Hayashi Kyozo
Published: July 2002

The binding equilibrium at 37 or 0°C of 125I‐cardiotoxin analogue III (CT III) to fetal lung (FL) cells (cultured human amnion cells) was achieved within 1 h, and the binding at 37°C was irreversible. The Scatchard analysis at 37°C on the binding of 125I‐CT III indicated that FL cells had two types of binding sites with different association constants. The association constant and the number of high‐affinity sites was 1.1 × 1010 mol−1 or 2.8 × 106 per FL cell, respectively. At 37 or 0°C, the cytotoxicity of CT III paralleled the amount of bound CT III to FL cells, and at 37°C was inhibited by the presence of acidic phospholipids.
Transcriptional enhancer activity in the variable tandem repeat DNA sequence downstream of the human Ha‐ras1 gene
Authors: Spandidos Demetrios A , Holmes Lesley
Published: July 2002

A short term transfection technique using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene as an assay system has been employed to examine the presence of transcriptional regulatory sequences within the variable tandem repeat (VTR) DNA sequence located downstream of the human Ha‐ras1 gene. Here we find that the VTR sequences possess an endogenous enhancer activity of both the normal and the T24 mutant Ha‐ras1 gene.
Phosphorylation of glyoxysomal malate synthase from castor oil seeds Ricinus communis L.
Authors: Yang Yan-Ping , Randall Douglas D. , Trelease Richard N.
Published: July 2002

When glyoxysomes isolated from endosperm of 3‐day germinated Ricinus communis L. seedlings were incubated with [γ‐32P]ATP, phosphorylation of a small number of endogenous glyoxysomal proteins occurrred. A 64 kDa glyoxysomal matrix protein was predominately phosphorylated. Based upon results of immunoprecipitation, 2D‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, the 64 kDa phosphorylated protein is identified as the subunit of malate synthase (EC 4.1.3.2). Phosphorylation of malate synthase was completed within 5 min and the amino acid residue phosphorylated was serine. Phosphorylation was inhibited by EDTA, EGTA and NaF, but enhanced by Triton X‐100.
Burning of a narrow spectral hole at 1.7 K in the absorbance band of the primary electron donor of Rhodopseudomonas viridis reaction centers with blocked electron transfer
Authors: Shuvalov V.A. , Klevanik A.V. , Ganago A.O. , Shkuropatov A.Ya. , Gubanov V.S.
Published: July 2002

Burning of spectral holes within the absorption band of the primary electron donor P in reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis is studied using selective excitation at 1014 nm and 1.7 K. A narrow (≤ 1.0 cm−1) spectral hole with relatively weak electron‐phonon and vibronic coupling is burned if the intermediary electron acceptor I is pre‐reduced. The hole is broadened up to ∼90–150 cm−1 if I is neutral and the electron‐transfer chain is open. Broadening of the hole is discussed in terms of the fast (∼70–110 fs) electron hopping between P* and P+BL− (BL, bacteriochlorophyll monomer in L protein subunit).
Activation of carcinogens by peroxidase Horseradish peroxidase‐mediated formation of benzenediazonium ion from a non‐aminoazo dye, 1‐phenylazo‐2‐hydroxynaphthalene (Sudan I) and its binding to DNA
Authors: Stiborová Marie , Asfaw Befekadu , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: July 2002

Horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (HRP/H2O2) oxidizes a carcinogenic non‐aminoazo dye, 1‐phenylazo‐2‐hydroxynaphthalene (Sudan I) to the ultimate carcinogen, which binds to calf thymus DNA. The principal product of Sudan I oxidation by the HRP/H2O2 system is the benzenediazonium ion. Minor products are hydroxy derivatives of Sudan I, in which the aromatic rings are hydroxylated. The principal oxidative product (the benzenediazonium ion) is responsible for the carcinogenicity of Sudan I, because this ion, formed from this azo dye, binds to DNA.
Formation of the high‐affinity agonist state of the α1‐adrenergic receptor at cold temperatures does not require a G‐protein
Authors: Lynch Christopher J. , Taylor Stephen J. , Smith Jeffrey A. , Exton John H.
Published: July 2002

Two methods were employed to uncouple hepatic α1‐adrenergic receptors from their associated G‐protein (termed Gp) in order to determine wether locking of the α1‐receptor in a high‐affinity agonist state at cold temperatures (2°C) represents formation of a ternary complex. Uncoupling is defined as the inability to observe the GppNHp‐sensitive, high‐affinity agonist state of the receptor in [3H]prazosin competition binding studies performed at 25°C. The first method for achieving uncoupling involved brief alkalinization and resulted in greater 95% loss of several G‐proteins. The second method involved proteolytic cleavage of either part or all of the α1‐receptor coupling domain from the binding domain. Following either treatment, receptors were converted to the high‐affinity agonist state at 2°C. Thus, while formation of the high‐affinity state of the receptor at higher temperatures may require Gp, formation of this state at 2°C does not require Gp or even the entire α1‐adregenic receptor.
Isolation and partial characterization of a protease from Cucurbita ficifolia
Authors: Curotto Emilia , González Gustavo , O'Reilly Sybil , Tapia Guillermina
Published: July 2002

A protease from the pulp of Cucurbita ficifolia was purified. Its molecular mass was estimated to be about 60 kDa. Its maximum activity is in the alkaline region against azocollagen as substrate. The enzyme is inhibited by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride but not by EDTA and iodoacetic acid.
Age related impairment in phosphatidylinositol breakdown of polymorphonuclear granulocytes
Authors: Fülöp T. , Varga Z. , Csongor J. , Fóris G. , Leövey A.
Published: July 2002

It is well known that with aging the immune response decreases. Most of the effector functions occur through specific receptors. Thus, we investigated the effects of various stimulants, acting through receptors or directly through the GTP‐binding Gi protein, on phosphatidylinositol breakdown in PMNLs of young and elderly subjects and try to modulate it. A marked decrease in inositol phosphate (IP1, IP2, IP3) formation in PMNLs of elderly was found under FMLP stimulation when compared to that of young subjects. Neither GTPγS, nor AIF−
4 could induce an increase of IP3 in PMNLs of elderly comparable to that of young subjects. The results suggest that at least an alteration exists at the GTP‐binding Gi protein level, as well as in the mechanism of linkage of the receptor to the G protein.
New expression vectors for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Bröker Michael , Bäuml Oskar
Published: July 2002

A general expression vector (pMB332) for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was constructed. The heterologous gene expression is driven by the S. pombe alcohol dehydrogenase (adh) promoter. Transcription termination signals were isolated from the S. pombe actin gene. The vectors carry the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ura3 gene, which complements the S. pombe ura4 mutation. The plasmid stability is conferred by the S. pombe ars and stb elements isolated from pFL120 [(1983) Cell 32, 371–377]. An ‘ATG’ vector (pMB340) was created, which allows the expression of protein fragments fused to a translational start codon downstream of the adh promoter. The function of this vector system is shown by the production of the human blood coagulation protein factor XIIIa.
Stimulation of FA and phosphatase‐1 activities by insulin in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Villa-Moruzzi Emma
Published: July 2002

The phosphatase‐1 activator FA and phosphatase‐1 were assayed in 3T3‐L1 cells exposed to insulin. The cytosolic FA activity was transiently stimulated (7‐8‐fold) 1 and 2 min after exposure to 10−8 M insulin and returned to control values within 5–10 min. Cytosolic phosphatase‐1 (assayed after trypsin treatment) was activated (120–140% of controls) between 2 and 5 min and returned to control values within 10 min. Insulin effects were dose‐dependent, with maximum stimulation of both activities at 10−8 M insulin. The possibility that FA and other kinases mediate phosphatase activation by insulin is discussed.
Rate‐determining steps in penicillopepsin‐catalysed reactions
Authors: Cunningham Annie , Hofmann Martin I. , Hofmann Theo
Published: July 2002

The hydrolysis of Ac‐(Ala)2‐Lys‐Nph‐(Ala)2‐amide (II) by penicillopepsin is characterized by a solvent isotope effect of 2.11, whereas the hydrolysis of Ac‐Lys‐Nph‐amide (I) shows no solvent isotope effect. The dependence of the isotope effect on the concentration of D2O in H2O for substrate II is not linear and suggests that two or more protons are involved in its rate‐determining step. We propose that for substrate I the rate‐determining step is the distortion of the scissile bond towards a tetrahedral configuration, and for substrate II a conformational change induced by the occupation of the S3 pocket in the enzyme.
Orientation of the carboxyl terminus of the transposon Tn10‐encoded tetracycline resistance protein in Escherichia coli
Authors: Yamaguchi Akihito , Adachi Kumiko , Sawai Tetsuo
Published: July 2002

A site‐directed antibody was generated against a synthetic polypeptide corresponding to the 14 amino acid residues of the carboxyl terminus of the Tn10 TetA protein. The antibody reacted preferentially with inside‐out vesicles, rather than right‐side‐out vesicles, prepared from Escherichia coli cells harboring transposon Tn10. When inside‐out vesicles were treated with trypsin, the TetA protein was completely digested in the vicinity of the carboxyl terminus, as judged on immunoblot analysis using the antibody. In contrast, when right‐side‐out vesicles were treated with trypsin, the TetA protein was hardly digested. These results indicate that the carboxyl terminus of TetA is exposed to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane.
N‐Deglycosylation and immunological identification indicates the existence of β‐subunit isoforms of the rat GABAA receptor
Authors: Buchstaller A. , Adamiker D. , Fuchs K. , Sieghart W.
Published: July 2002

β2‐ and β3‐subunits of GABAA receptors purified from the brains of 5–10‐day‐old rats were investigated in the intact or completely N‐deglycosylated state using the β‐subunit‐specific monoclonal antibody bd‐17 and polyclonal antibodies directed against synthetic amino acid sequences specific for the GABAA receptor β2‐ or β3‐subunits. The present results seem to indicate the existence of two different isoforms of the β3‐subunit and several different isoforms of the β2‐subunit of the GABAA receptor which probably are produced by alternative splicing.
The kinase insert domain of colony stimulating factor‐1 receptor is dispensable for CSF‐1 induced phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis
Authors: Choudhury Goutam Ghosh , Sylvia Victor L. , Wang Ling-Mei , Pierce Jacalyne , Sakaguchi Alan Y.
Published: July 2002

Mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts transfected with human colony stimulating factor‐1 receptor produced diacylglycerol in response to CSFI and this correlated with elevated phosphatidylcholine hydrolyzing activity measured in an in vitro assay. Treatment of cells with the isoflavone derivative genistein attenuated PC hydrolysis in vitro suggesting a role for CSF1R tyrosine kinase activity. A CSF1R mutant lacking 67 amino acids of the kinase insert domain, which may affect the association of receptor with certain substrates, stimulated PC hydrolysis in response to CSF1. Coupling to PC hydrolysis is likely a general property of CSFIR and the kinase insert domain is dispensable for this activity.
The nucleotide sequence of the S RNA of Impatiens necrotic spot virus, a novel tospovirus
Authors: de Haan Peter , de Avila Antonio C. , Kormelink Richard , Westerbroek Annemarie , Gielen Jan J.L. , Peters Dick , Goldbach Rob
Published: July 2002

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) shares a number of properties with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), the type species of the genus tospovirus within the family Bunyaviridae. INSV, however, differs from TSWV in plant host range and serology. In order to define the genomic structure and the taxonomic status of this TSWV‐Iike virus, the nucleotide sequence of its genomic S RNA segment has been determined. The molecular data obtained demonstrate that, like TSWV, INSV has an ambisense S RNA molecule, encoding a non‐structural protein in viral sense and the nucleocapsid protein in viral complementary sense. The level of nucleotide sequence homology between their S RNAs, as well as the divergence in amino acid sequence homology of their gene products, confirm previous conclusions from serological studies that INSV and TSWV represent distinct virus species within the newly created genus, tospovirus.