bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of L-Asparaginase from Natural Substrates by Aspergillus terreus MTCC 1782: Effect of Substrate, Supplementary Nitrogen Source and L-Asparagine
Authors: Baskar Gurunathan , Renganathan Sahadevan
Published: October 2009

In the present work, the fungal species Aspergillus terreus MTCC 1782 was used for the production of L-asparaginase using natural substrates like groundnut oil cake, cottonseed oil cake and corn flour in modified Czepak-Dox media and compared the L-asparaginase production using synthetic L-proline. The modified Czepak-Dox media with 2% L-proline, supplemented with 1% sodium nitrate and 1% L-asparagine has shown maximum L-asparaginase activity of 34.98 IU/mL on the third day of production. The modified Czepak-Dox media with 2% groundnut oil cake, 1% sodium nitrate and 1.2% L-asparagine showed maximum L-asparaginase activity of 30.35 IU/mL on the fourth day. These results are comparatively higher than the maximum L-asparaginase production reported in the literature (19.5 U/mL), by isolated Aspergillus sp. using Czepak-Dox media containing 2% (w/v) L-asparagine as the sole substrate along with 1% (w/v) ammonium sulfate as an additional nitrogen source. It is observed that the addition of L-proline or ground nut oil cake increases the L-asparaginase production. The groundnut oil cake is found as the potential natural and cheaper substrate for L-asparaginase production by Aspergillus terreus MTCC1782.
Florida beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum) management in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) with residual herbicides
Authors: Grey T. L. , Prostko E. P. , Wehtje G. R.
Published: October 2009

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the emergence and control of Florida beggarweed in peanut. Diclosulam preemergence (PRE), flumioxazin PRE, and imazapic postemergence (POST) were evaluated at three rates, along with paraquat plus bentazon plus 2,4-DB POST, and a nontreated control. These treatments were applied alone, or followed by chlorimuron applied late postemergence (LPOST). Variable Florida beggarweed control (16 to 90%) was observed when flumioxazin PRE, diclosulam PRE, paraquat plus bentazon plus 2,4-DB EPOST, or imazapic POST were applied alone. The pre-harvest population of Florida beggarweed was significantly reduced by the application of any residual herbicide (flumioxazin, diclosulam, or imazapic) alone at any rate either PRE or POST as compared to the nontreated control. Use of the contact treatment of paraquat plus bentazon plus 2,4-DB EPOST alone did not reduce Florida beggarweed populations as compared to the nontreated control. Adding chlorimuron LPOST to any treatment did not reduce Florida beggarweed populations, but provided suppression and reduced the biomass of existing plants. Consistent Florida beggarweed control (86 to 95%) was achieved with combinations of flumioxazin PRE at 105 g ha−1, diclosulam PRE at 53 g ha−1, and imazapic POST at 71 g ha−1 followed by chlorimuron LPOST at 9 g ha−1. The benefit of chlorimuron LPOST was greatest when early season control was least.
Content of Some Nutrients in the Core of the Core of the Peanut Germplasm Collection
Authors: Dean L. L. , Hendrix K. W. , Holbrook C. C. , Sanders T. H.
Published: October 2009

The usefulness of core collections of germplasm collections has been well established. The U.S. germplasm collection for peanuts was selectively reduced based on morphological characteristics to a mini core or “Core of the Core” collection composed of 112 of the 7432 accessions in the whole collection to make it more efficient for study. Of these samples, 108 were available from one location in the same year and were therefore exposed to one set of environmental conditions wherein genetic variability could also be examined. These samples were analyzed for total and individual amino acid content, fatty acid content, tocopherols, and folic acid content. These data provide a starting point for establishing nutrient composition within these accessions and provide an early indication of currently important characteristics in these lines which might be suited for use in random breeding initiatives.
Influence of Crop Rotation on Peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) Response toBradyrhizobiumin North Carolina
Authors: Jordan David L. , Barnes J. Steven , Corbett Tommy , Bogle Clyde , Marshall Ty , Johnson Dewayne
Published: October 2009

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) response to inoculation with Bradyrhizobium can vary depending on edaphic and environmental conditions and cropping history. Determining if response is associated with the number years between peanut plantings may increase understanding of when to expect a positive response to inoculation of peanut. Four experiments were conducted in North Carolina to determine peanut response to in-furrow inoculation with Bradyrhizobium when a range of years and typical crops grown in North Carolina often separating peanut plantings. Rotations varied from continuous peanut in some experiments to as many as five years of a non-peanut crop separating peanut plantings. The interaction of crop rotation by inoculation treatment (no inoculation versus in-furrow application of Bradyrhizobium) was not significant for visually estimated peanut canopy color or pod yield in any of the experiments. However, the main effect of rotation was significant in three of four experiments while the main effect of inoculation was significant in two of four experiments. Increasing the number of years a non-peanut crop was planted between peanut plantings increased yield in three of four experiments. Results from these experiments suggest that using the number of non-peanut crops included between peanut plantings is not a good indicator of determining when peanut will respond positively to inoculation with Bradyrhizobium.
Response of Peanut to Fungicide and Phosphorus in On-station and On-farm Tests in Ghana
Authors: Naab J. B. , Prasad P. V. V. , Boote K. J. , Jones J. W.
Published: October 2009

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important component of cropping systems in West Africa. Identifying production constraints in farmers' fields and evaluating possible management strategies are of prime importance to improve peanut productivity and adoption of new technologies. The objective of our research was to study the influence of fungicides and phosphorus application on severity of leaf spot, dry matter production and pod yield of peanut crops grown in on-station and farmer participatory tests (on-farm conditions) in Northern Ghana. On-station tests to evaluate yield benefits of fungicide sprays and applications of phosphorus were conducted at Wa. On-station tests included two fungicide treatments (no-spray versus fungicide spray) at four P fertilizer levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P ha−1). On-farm tests were conducted in three villages Nakor, Piisi and Janguasi with participation of 6–11 farmers per village. On-farm tests included three treatments: (i) farmers' practice of no-fungicide and no-fertilizer (control), (ii) only fungicide, and (iii) combination of fungicide and phosphorus. The commonly grown Spanish type cultivar Chinese (90-d duration) was selected. Both leaf spot and lack of phosphorus nutrition were yield-limiting factors in on-farm tests. Applications of fungicide were effective in controlling leaf spot and improved peanut pod yield on average by 49% in the three tested field sites in on-farm tests and by 40% in on-station tests. Application of phosphorus to fungicide-treated plots further increased pod yield by 32% when compared to fungicide alone in on-farm tests. Combination of both fungicide and P fertilizer improved peanut pod yield by 95% (ranged from 75 to 120%), when compared to farmers' practice of no-fungicide and no-fertilizer.
Microarray-Based Transcriptional Profiling of Renieramycin M and Jorunnamycin C, Isolated from Thai Marine Organisms
Authors: Charupant Kornvika , Suwanborirux Khanit , Daikuhara Naomi , Yokoya Masashi , Ushijima-Sugano Rie , Kawai Takatoshi , Owa Takashi , Saito Naoki
Published: October 2009

Renieramycin M and jorunnamycin C, two isoquinolinequinone compounds differing only at the C-22 ester side chain, were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on human colon (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-435) cancer cell lines. These two compounds displayed potent cancer cell growth inhibition, their IC50 values reaching nanomolar order. To examine their effects on transcription, we carried out oligonucleotide microarray analysis with focus on the similarities and differences between the two compounds in terms of transcriptional profiles. We found that the down-regulation of PTPRK (protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type K) can be considered as a biomarker responsive to the cytotoxic effects of this class of antitumor marine natural products.
A Distributed Sensor Network for the Control of a Bioclimatic House in Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez Álvaro , Jiménez-Leube Javier , Magdalena Luis
Published: October 2009

The XXI century home should be a digital habitat, a connected residence, but at the same time it should be involved in sustainability and the environment. The location of new technologies at home, and its acceptance by the user, requires, among other actions, a significant diffusion and activity to be undertaken. This work proposes the development of a Smart House network designed for its integration into a sustainable and bioclimatic solar house. The paper focuses on a specific aspect of the house design, the control system bus, developed for the management of the different parameters, variables, sensors and actuators which coexist at home. Finally, the system has been installed in a laboratory bioclimatic house. Environmental variable experiments based on the control of passive elements, such as phase shift gels, are presented. Experimental results show that the system is able to benefit from the bioclimatic elements in the house by taking into account the user preferences.
Breath Analysis Using Laser Spectroscopic Techniques: Breath Biomarkers, Spectral Fingerprints, and Detection Limits
Authors: Wang Chuji , Sahay Peeyush
Published: October 2009

Breath analysis, a promising new field of medicine and medical instrumentation, potentially offers noninvasive, real-time, and point-of-care (POC) disease diagnostics and metabolic status monitoring. Numerous breath biomarkers have been detected and quantified so far by using the GC-MS technique. Recent advances in laser spectroscopic techniques and laser sources have driven breath analysis to new heights, moving from laboratory research to commercial reality. Laser spectroscopic detection techniques not only have high-sensitivity and high-selectivity, as equivalently offered by the MS-based techniques, but also have the advantageous features of near real-time response, low instrument costs, and POC function. Of the approximately 35 established breath biomarkers, such as acetone, ammonia, carbon dioxide, ethane, methane, and nitric oxide, 14 species in exhaled human breath have been analyzed by high-sensitivity laser spectroscopic techniques, namely, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS), integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS), cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (CEAS), cavity leak-out spectroscopy (CALOS), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS), and optical frequency comb cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (OFC-CEAS). Spectral fingerprints of the measured biomarkers span from the UV to the mid-IR spectral regions and the detection limits achieved by the laser techniques range from parts per million to parts per billion levels. Sensors using the laser spectroscopic techniques for a few breath biomarkers, e.g., carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, etc. are commercially available. This review presents an update on the latest developments in laser-based breath analysis.
Nuevo “rol” y paradigmas del Aprendizaje, en una Sociedad Global en RED y Compleja: la Era del Conocimiento y el Aprendizaje
Authors: Rubio Royo Enrique
Published: October 2009

En el ámbito de un entorno global, en RED, y Complejo, algo sustancial está cambiando en el ámbito del Conocimiento (K), en particular la transformación cualitativa del proceso de creación y compartición del “K” (e-Conocimiento), cuyo impacto está afectando a todo lo concerniente a la Gestión del Conocimiento y al Aprendizaje. Para dicho entorno en RED, se requiere un nuevo enfoque, basado en la Gestión de la Complejidad, que nos proporciona una adecuada aproximación sistémica, a muchos y diferentes problemas.
En nuestro caso, desde el ámbito académico y en el proceso de adaptación al Espacio Europeo de Enseñanza Superior (EEES), se requerirá desarrollar una nueva visión, y estrategia explícita de Gestión del Conocimiento (KM), como adecuación al nuevo entorno y a la incipiente economía del conocimiento asociada. Partiendo de la convergencia emergente de los ámbitos profesional y académico, se observa no sólo la semejanza de los paradigmas tradicionales de la KM y de la LM, sino también la incapacidad de los mismos para asumir los nuevos requerimientos asociados al nuevo entorno en RED. Una nueva reconceptualización del Conocimiento y el Aprendizaje como procesos basados en conexiones (“networking”), nos proporcionará el nuevo “rol” y paradigmas del Aprendizaje: Modelo Adaptativo de Aprendizaje en Entornos Complejos.
Como estrategia de adecuación personal al nuevo entorno, y en particular al EEES, se propone un “Proceso de desarrollo de la Identidad Digital” y del “Aprendizaje en RED”, junto con el diseño del correspondiente “Espacio Personal, y Corporativo, de Trabajo y Aprendizaje” (PLWE/CLWE). Presentación del “PLWE-Suricata”*, basado en iniciativas abiertas.
Asthma control limitations in selected primary health care clinics
Authors: Du Plessis Jesslee M. , Gerber Jan J.
Published: October 2009

Primary health care services worldwide are currently experiencing many quality-related problems. Efforts to improve these services appear to be sporadic and unsatisfactory. Investigations have revealed (Sharma & Sharma 2007) that one of the main causes for this state of affairs can be identif ed as neglected or inadequate documentation of patient/case history. The health care provider (HCP) should be equipped to improve the quality of health care and to take the lead in assuaging the predicament.The present study was undertaken to assess the correlation between asthma control and patient-related case history notes as recorded via the HCP. The data were obtained retrospectively from the patient notes of all asthmatic patients (including children and pregnant women) who attended six selected clinics in the North West Province of South Africa (Dr Kenneth Kaunda Municipal District).The analysis of the data collected from the patient clinic books confirmed the suspicion of poor quality of documentation, although the documentation in certain categories rendered some positive results. When compared to the GINA® guidelines, none of the patients had been controlled properly and only a small number (18.4%) had been controlled partly (GINA 2008). Asthma control may be enhanced when a standard template is developed for completion by the HCP. It is envisaged that this will ensure that vital information regarding asthma control is documented in order to contribute to satisfactory chronic disease control.OpsommingPrimêre gesondheidsorgdienste wêreldwyd ondervind tans menige gehaltediens-verwante probleme, terwyl pogings om dit te verbeter sporadies en onbevredigend voorkom. Navorsing toon (Sharma & Sharma, 2007) dat een van die hoofoorsake hiervan die onvoldoende dokumentasie van die pasiënt of die geval se geskiedenis of nalating om te dokumenteer, is. Die gesondheidsorgverskaffer (GSV) moet toegerus word om die gehalte van gesondheidsorg te verbeter en leiding te neem om die verknorsing te hanteer.Hierdie studie het die korrelasie tussen asmabeheer en pasiëntgeskiedenis, soos genoteer deur 'n GSV, ondersoek. Dié data is retrospektief van die klinieknotas van alle asmapasiënte (kinders en swanger vroue ingesluit) verkry wat die ses klinieke in Noordwes Provinsie, Suid-Afrika (Dr. Kenneth Kaunda Munisipale Distrik), besoek het.Die analise van die data wat uit pasiënte se kliniekboekies versamel is, het die vermoede oor die swak gehalte van dokumentasie bevestig, alhoewel daar positiewe uitkomste was in sekere kategorieë se dokumentasie. Wanneer die dokumentasie met die GINA®-riglyne vergelyk word, is dit duidelik dat geen van die pasiënte optimaal bestuur is nie en slegs 'n klein groepie (18.4%) gedeeltelik bestuur is (GINA 2008). Asmabeheer sou kon verbeter deur 'n standaard templaat te ontwikkel wat die GSV kan voltooi. Daar word voorsien dat dit die dokumentering van die nodige inligting oor asmabeheer sal verseker en sodoende kan bydra tot die bevredigende bestuur van kroniese siektes.
Selective Electrochemical Etching of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wei Dacheng , Liu Yunqi , Cao Lingchao , Zhang Hongliang , Huang Liping , Yu Gui , Kajiura Hisashi , Li Yongming
Published: October 2009

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are a promising material for future nanotechnology. However, their applications are still limited in success because of the co‐existence of metallic SWNTs and semiconducting SWNTs produced samples. Here, electrochemical etching, which shows both diameter and electrical selectivity, is demonstrated to remove SWNTs. With the aid of a back‐gate electric field, selective removal of metallic SWNTs is realized, resulting in high‐performance SWNT field‐effect transistors with pure semiconducting SWNT channels. Moreover, electrochemical etching is realized on a selective area. These findings would be valuable for research and the application of SWNTs in electrochemistry and in electronic devices.
Generic Strategy of Preparing Fluorescent Conjugated‐Polymer‐Loaded Poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐Glycolide) Nanoparticles for Targeted Cell Imaging
Authors: Li Kai , Pan Jie , Feng Si‐Shen , Wu Arthur Wenqing , Pu Kan‐Yi , Liu Yutao , Liu Bin
Published: October 2009

A general strategy for the preparation of highly fluorescent poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with conjugated polymers (CPs) is reported. The process involves encapsulation of organic‐soluble CPs with PLGA using a modified solvent extraction/evaporation technique. The obtained NPs are stable in aqueous media with biocompatible and functionalizable surfaces. In addition, fluorescent properties of the CP‐loaded PLGA NPs (CPL NPs) could be fine‐tuned by loading different types of CPs into the PLGA matrix. Four types of CPL NPs are prepared with a volume‐average hydrodynamic diameter ranging from 243 to 272 nm. The application of CPL NPs for bio‐imaging is demonstrated through incubation with MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy studies reveal that the CPL NPs are internalized in cytoplasm around the nuclei with intense fluorescence. After conjugation with folic acid, cellular uptake of the surface‐functionalized CPL NPs is greatly enhanced via receptor‐mediated endocytosis by MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, as compared to that for NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, which indicates a selective targeting effect of the folate‐functionalized CPL NPs in cellular imaging. The merits of CPL NPs, such as low cytotoxicity, high fluorescence, good photostability, and feasible surface functionalization, will inspire extensive study of CPL NPs as a new generation of probes for specific biological imaging and detection.
Brainstem disconnection associated with nodular heterotopia and proatlantal arteries
Authors: Okumura Akihisa , Lee Tsubasa , Shimojima Keiko , Hisata Ken , Shoji Hiromichi , Takanashi Jun‐ichi , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Shimizu Toshiaki , Barkovich A. James
Published: October 2009

We report on a patient with brainstem disconnection associated with periventricular nodular heterotopia and bilateral proatlantal intersegmental arteries. The patient was a girl born after 37 weeks of gestation with birth weight of 1,938 g. Polyhydroamnios and lack of swallowing movement were noted on fetal ultrasonography. No spontaneous body movement or respiration was observed after birth, whereas facial movement was preserved. She had marked generalized weakness and absent deep tendon reflexes. She remains alive and hospitalized at 4 years of age but requires mechanical ventilation and feeding through a gastrostomy tube. MRI showed absence of the lower pons and the medulla oblongata associated with hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis and hemispheres. In addition, ventriculomegaly and periventricular nodular heterotopia were observed in the cerebrum. MR angiography demonstrated the absence of vertebral arteries and presence of bilateral proatlantal intersegmental arteries arising from the external carotid arteries. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization analysis did not show any genomic copy number aberrations. No mutation was found in the FLNA gene or the EN2 gene. The constellation of the malformations of our patient suggested that genes related to the development of the central nervous and vascular system may be involved in the pathogenesis of brainstem disconnection. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autosomal recessive diseases among the Athabaskans of the Southwestern United States: Recent advances and implications for the future
Authors: Erickson Robert P.
Published: October 2009

Genetic and linguistic data suggest that the Na‐Dene, of which the Athabaskans are the largest group, are part of a later immigration into the Americas than the first Amerind immigration. Whether a second and third immigration can be separated seems unlikely but continued cross‐Bering Strait exchanges may have masked what was a greater separation in the past. The movement of tribes into Siberia appears to have involved a genetic bottleneck leading to at least one disease allele shared by Eskimo/Aleuts and Navajos and a second possibly shared by the Navajo and a Siberian population, but not the same Siberian population that share deep linguistic affinities with the Navajo. A second bottleneck appears to have occurred with the migration of Athabaskans from Northwest North America to the Southwestern United States along the Rocky Mountains. This bottleneck is reflected in several rare recessive diseases shared by the Navajo and Apache. Finally, the Navajo were captured and imprisoned under conditions which led to severe population loss. This, and the “hiding away” of a small number of Navajos in what is now the Western portion of the reservation, led to a Navajo‐specific bottleneck(s) resulting in an increased frequency of several rare recessive diseases among the Navajo. Prejudice against human genetic research is high among the Southwestern Athabaskans but attempts to bridge the gap are now occurring. The involvement of Navajo scientists in this process is especially encouraging. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a de novo complex chromosomal rearrangement in a patient with cri‐du‐chat and trisomy 5p syndromes
Authors: Vera‐Carbonell Ascensión , Bafalliu Juan Antonio , Guillén‐Navarro Encarna , Escalona Ariadna , Ballesta‐Martínez María J. , Fuster Carme , Fernández Asunción , López‐Expósito Isabel
Published: October 2009

Two syndromes with abnormalities of the short arm of chromosome 5 have been described: cri‐du‐chat (resulting from 5p deletion) and trisomy 5p. We report for the first time a patient with both syndromes, resulting from a complex chromosomal rearrangement with an inverted duplication of 5p13.1‐p14.2, a deletion of 5p14.2‐pter, and a duplication of 5p12, characterized by array‐CGH and BAC clones. The patient showed phenotypic characteristics of both syndromes and died at 3 months of age as a result of cardiorespiratory failure, probably associated with the clinical severity of the trisomy 5p syndrome. We propose a potential causative mechanism for this rearrangement. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fukutin gene retrotransposal insertion in a non‐Japanese Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) patient
Authors: Xiong Hui , Wang Shuo , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Jiang Yuwu , Wang Jingmin , Chang Xingzhi , Yuan Yun , Liu Jieyu , Toda Tatsushi , Fukuyama Yukio , Wu Xiru
Published: October 2009

Fukuyama‐type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by severe muscular dystrophy associated with brain malformation. FCMD is the second most common form of muscular dystrophy and one of the most common autosomal recessive diseases among the Japanese population; however, no typical FCMD cases have been reported in any other population. In this study, we report on the first identification of a Chinese FCMD patient; our findings are supported by clinical, histological, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence, as well as fukutin gene mutational analyses. The patient presented with neonatal hypotonia, seizures, and delayed motor and speech development. Additional testing revealed cerebral and cerebellar gyrus abnormalities with white matter signal intensity changes, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and dystrophic skeletal muscle with α‐dystroglycan hypoglycosylation, and normal β‐dystroglycan and merosin expression. Genetic analysis of the fukutin gene showed one copy with a Japanese founder 3‐kilobase (kb) retrotransposal insertion in the 3′‐non‐coding region and the other copy with a known c.139C>T mutation. This is the first FCMD case reported in the Chinese population and the first case in which the 3‐kb insertion has been found outside of the Japanese population. This report emphasizes the importance of considering the fukutin founder mutation for diagnostic purposes outside of Japan. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Essentially” pure trisomy 3q27 → qter: Further delineation of the partial trisomy 3q phenotype
Authors: Grossmann Vera , Müller Doris , Müller Wilfried , Fresser Friedrich , Erdel Martin , Janecke Andreas R. , Zschocke Johannes , Utermann Gerd , Kotzot Dieter
Published: October 2009

Partial duplication 3q is a well defined clinical entity characterized by growth retardation, cryptorchism, microcephaly, and characteristic dysmorphisms. Most patients present with large duplications or are associated with a second chromosomal imbalance, which makes the definition of the phenotype difficult. Here, we report on a 4‐year and 8‐month‐old girl with pre‐ and postnatal measurements in the high normal range, developmental delay, minor dysmorphic features, and a de novo unbalanced 3/4 translocation with trisomy 3q27 → qter and monosomy of the subtelomeric region of 4p. Conventional karyotyping, FISH with probes from the Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome critical region and chromosome 4p locus‐specific probes, microsatellite marker‐based haplotyping, and SNP microarray copy number analysis revealed a terminal 4p deletion of less than 500 kb with a breakpoint distal to the Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome critical region, a chromosome 3q duplication of around 15.3 Mb, with origin of the rearrangement in paternal meiosis. Thus, our case clearly characterizes the phenotype of pure partial duplication 3q more exactly, and moreover, indicates that small chromosome rearrangements might lead to growth in the upper normal range or even cause overgrowth. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ComprehensiveZEB2gene analysis for Mowat–Wilson syndrome in a North American cohort: A suggested approach to molecular diagnostics
Authors: Saunders Carol J. , Zhao Weiwei , Ardinger Holly H.
Published: October 2009

Mowat–Wilson syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by a recognizable facial phenotype in addition to moderate to severe cognitive disability with severe speech impairment and variable multiple congenital anomalies. The anomalies may include Hirschsprung disease, heart defects, structural eye anomalies including microphthalmia, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and urogenital anomalies. Microcephaly, seizure disorder and constipation are common. All typical cases result from haploinsufficiency of theZEB2(also known asZFHX1BorSIP‐1) gene, with over 100 distinct mutations now described. Approximately 80% of patients have a nonsense or frameshift mutation detectable by sequencing, with the rest having gross deletions necessitating a dosage sensitive assay. Here we report on the results of comprehensive molecular testing for 27 patients testing positive for MWS. Twenty‐one patients had a nonsense, frameshift, or splice site mutation identified by sequencing; 14 of which localized to exon 8 and 17 of which are novel. Six patients had deletions in theZEB2gene, including two novel partial gene deletions. This report, the first such analysis in North American patients, adds to the growing list of both novel pathogenic mutations associated with MWS, as well as other variants in theZEB2gene. In addition, we suggest an economical testing strategy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a new X‐linked mental retardation syndrome with microcephaly, cortical malformation, and thin habitus
Authors: du Souich Christèle , Chou Athena , Yin Jingyi , Oh Tracey , Nelson Tanya N. , Hurlburt Jane , Arbour Laura , Friedlander Robin , McGillivray Barbara C. , Tyshchenko Nataliya , Rump Andreas , Poskitt Kenneth J. , Demos Michelle K. , Van Allen Margot I. , Boerkoel Cornelius F.
Published: October 2009

X‐linked mental retardation (XLMR) affects 1–2/1,000 males and accounts for ∼10% of all mental retardation (MR). We have ascertained a syndromic form of XLMR segregating within a five‐generation family with seven affected males. Prominent characteristics include mild to severe MR, cortical malformation, microcephaly, seizures, thin build with distinct facial features including a long and thin face, epicanthic folds, almond‐shaped eyes, upslanting palpebral fissures and micrognathia and behavioral problems. Carrier females have normal physical appearance and intelligence. This combination of features is unreported and distinct from Lujan–Fryns syndrome, Snyder–Robinson syndrome, and zinc finger DHHC domain‐containing 9‐associated MR. We propose the name of this new syndrome to be CK syndrome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Untersuchungen zum Einfluss von Temperatur und Holzfeuchte auf das Versagensverhalten von ausgewählten Klebstoffen bei Zugscherbeanspruchung
Authors: Niemz Peter , Allenspach Karin
Published: October 2009

An drei verschiedenen Klebstoffen wurde der Einfluss von Temperatur und relativer Luftfeuchte auf die Scherfestigkeit im Zugscherversuch geprüft. Es wurden zwei handelsübliche Klebstoffe (PVAc, Harnstoffharz) und ein labortechnisch hergestellter 1KPUR bei erhöhter Temperatur und relativer Luftfeuchte geprüft. Ergänzend wurde mittels Video Image Correlation die Verzerrung im Bereich der Klebfuge ermittelt und daraus ein Schubmodul der Klebfuge berechnet.

Studies on the influence of temperature and timber moisture on the failure behaviour of selected adhesives under tensile shear load.

The influence of temperature and relative humidity on shear strength was tested in a tensile shear test with three different adhesives. Two standard adhesives (PVAc, urea resin) and a 1KPUR (one‐component polyurethane adhesive) produced in the laboratory were tested at a high temperature along with relative humidity. In addition distortion around the glue joint was measured by means of video image correlation and a shear modulus of the glue joint calculated from this.
Regelung und Steuerung von thermoaktiven Bauteilsystemen (TABS)
Authors: Tödtli Jürg , Gwerder Markus , Renggli Franz , Güntensperger Werner , Lehmann Beat , Dorer Viktor , Hildebrand Kurt
Published: October 2009

Thermoaktive Bauteilsysteme (TABS) haben eine zunehmende Bedeutung bei der energieeffizienten Kühlung und Heizung von Gebäuden, doch ihre Regelung/Steuerung führt in der Praxis oft zu Problemen. Mit dem Ziel, diese Probleme in den Griff zu bekommen, wurde vor fünf Jahren das Forschungsprojekt TABS‐Control gestartet, das zu Beginnd des Jahres 2009 abgeschlossen wurde. Es wurden folgende wesentliche Resultate erarbeitet: Modelle und Simulationsprogramme für TABS; Performance‐Bound‐Berechnungen für die Zonenregelung; eine Auswahl von Regel‐/ Steuer‐Strategien für die Zonenregelung, u. a. mit Lösungen für das automatische Umschalten zwischen Heizen und Kühlen, für den Taktbetrieb der Zonenpumpe und für eine Raumtemperaturregelung; Implementierung von Standardlösungen in einem Gebäudeautomationssystem; Labortests; das neue UBB‐Planungsverfahren (Unknown‐But‐Bounded) zur integrierten Planung von TABS und ihrer Regelung/Steuerung; ein Excel‐Planungstool; Richtlinien zur Wahl der Topologie der hydraulischen Schaltung; eine Methode zur Betriebsoptimierung; eine theoretische Grundlage (UBB‐Ansatz) für das neue integrierte Planungsverfahren und die neuen Regel‐/Steuer‐Strategien; eine Patentanmeldung.

Regulation and control of thermally activated building systems (TABS).

Thermally activated building systems (TABS) are becoming increasingly important in terms of energy efficient cooling and heating of buildings. In practice, however, regulation and control of such systems often causes problems. Started five years ago with the aim of getting to grips with these problems, the TABS Control research project was completed in early 2009. The project yielded the following results: various models and simulation programs for TABS; performance‐bound calculations for regulating zones; a range of zone regulation/control strategies for planners to choose from, including good solutions for automatic switching between heating and cooling, for pulsed operation of the zone pump and for room temperature control; the implementation of a subset of these strategies as standard solutions in a Siemens building automation system; laboratory tests on these strategies; a new procedure for the integrated planning of TABS and their regulation/control (referred to as UBB planning procedure – Unknown But Bounded); an Excel planning tool; guidelines on selecting the hydraulic switching topology; a method for operation optimization; the theoretical basis for the new integrated planning procedure and the new regulation/ control strategies; a patent application.
Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Extract from Agrimonia pilosaLedeb and Its Fractions
Authors: Zhu Liancai , Tan Jun , Wang Bochu , He Rui , Liu Yuping , Zheng Chao
Published: October 2009

Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb is used as the tonic for asthenia and fatigue in China. Considering that the energizing effect might be correlated with antioxidant properties, we investigated the antioxidant activities of aqueous extract (AE) from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb by assessing radical‐scavenging and anti‐lipid‐peroxidation abilities. We found that AE shows a moderate antioxidant activity to scavenge DPPH., O$\rm{ {_{2}^{-{^\cdot} }}}$, and .OH and inhibit β‐carotene bleaching with IC50 values of 13.0, 33.2, 351, and 11.9 μg/ml, respectively, while its AcOEt‐soluble fraction (ESF) and BuOH soluble fraction (BSF) exhibit remarkable efficiencies. The ESF's IC50 values of scavenging DPPH., O$\rm{ {_{2}^{-{^\cdot} }}}$, and .OH, and inhibiting β‐carotene bleaching are 5.6, 5.8, 171, and 7.6 μg/ml, respectively, and those of BSF are 7.5, 8.4, 82.0, and 6.2 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, we found that there is a significant correlation between total phenol content and the antioxidant activity determined by O$\rm{ {_{2}^{-{^\cdot} }}}$ and .OH scavenging, and β‐carotene‐bleaching assays. Furthermore, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin, hyperoside, quercitrin, taxifoliol, luteolin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, and rutin in Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Thus, we suggest that the extracts from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, could be considered as natural antioxidant sources and dietary nutritional supplements to prevent oxidation‐related diseases.
Synthesis and Na+/H+ Exchanger‐1 Inhibitory Activity of Substituted (Quinolinecarbonyl)guanidine Derivatives
Authors: Mao Dan , Xu Yungen , Hu Xiaoping , Zhang Guomin , Dong Jin , Gong Guoqing
Published: October 2009

The Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is a protein expressed in many mammalian cell types. It is involved in intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis by exchanging extracellular Na+ for intracellular H+. To date, nine NHE isoforms (NHE1–NHE9) have been identified. NHE1 is the most predominant isoform expressed in mammalian cardiac muscle. A novel series of substituted (quinolinecarbonyl)guanidine derivatives were designed and synthesized as NHE inhibitors. Most compounds can inhibit NHE1‐mediated platelet swelling in a concentration‐dependent manner, among which compound 7f was the most active and more potent than cariporide. Furthermore, compound 7f has also been demonstrated to exhibit the in vivo cardioprotective effects against SD rat myocardial ischemic‐reperfusion injury superior to those of cariporide.
Chemical Constituents from the Whole Plant of Gaultheria itoanaHayata
Authors: Chen Chung‐Yi , Lin Rong‐Jyh , Huang Jin‐Cherng , Wu Yi‐Hung , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Hung His‐Chou , Lo Wen‐Li
Published: October 2009

Two new diterpenoids, 14,18‐dihydroxyabieta‐8,11,13‐trien‐7‐one (1) and 13‐acetyl‐14,18‐dihydroxy‐podocarpa‐8,11,13‐triene (2), together with eight known compounds, i.e., gaultheric acid (3), vanillic acid (4), 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (5), cinnamic acid (6), stearic acid (7), palmitic acid (8), β‐sitosterol (9), and stigmasterol (10), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Gaultheria itoana Hayata (Ericaceae). The structures of the new constituents were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) and by mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS). Among them, 1 and 2 were demonstrated to exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against the LNCaP cell line.
Chemical Constituents of Crinum asiaticum L. var. sinicumBaker and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Sun Qian , Shen Yun‐Heng , Tian Jun‐Mian , Tang Jian , Su Juan , Liu Run‐Hui , Li Hui‐Liang , Xu Xi‐Ke , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: October 2009

A phytochemical investigation of the bulbs of Crinum asiaticum L. var. sinicum Baker resulted in the isolation of two new alkaloids, asiaticumines A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with 21 known compounds, including nine alkaloids, four amides, five phenolic compounds, and three flavonoids. All 23 compounds were isolated for the first time from Crinum asiaticum L. var. sinicum Baker. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In addition, ten alkaloids, 1–10, were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human tumor cell lines A549, LOVO, HL‐60, and 6T‐CEM. Compounds 3, 4, and 7–10 selectively showed remarkable inhibition against one or more of the tested cell lines.
Further Daphniphyllum Alkaloids with Insecticidal Activity from the Bark of Daphniphyllum macropodumMiq.
Authors: Li Zhen‐Yu , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Irwin Dianne , Sheridan Jacqueline , Clough John , Chen Ping , Peng Shu‐Ying , Yang Yi‐Ming , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: October 2009

Two new Daphniphyllum alkaloids, macropodumines J and K (1 and 2, resp.), together with six known structurally related alkaloids, 3–8, were isolated from the bark of Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq. The structures of the new compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic and chemical data. Macropodumine J (1) contains a CN group which is relatively rare in naturally occurring alkaloids. All isolated compounds were tested for their insecticidal activities against a number of insect species. Daphtenidine C (5) is the most active compound against Plutella xylostella. This is the first report of insecticidal properties of Daphniphyllum alkaloids.
Iteratively reweighted least squares minimization for sparse recovery
Authors: Daubechies Ingrid , DeVore Ronald , Fornasier Massimo , Güntürk C. Si̇nan
Published: October 2009

Under certain conditions (known as therestricted isometry property, or RIP) on them×Nmatrix Φ (wherem<N), vectorsx∈ ℝNthat are sparse (i.e., have most of their entries equal to 0) can be recovered exactly fromy:= Φxeven though Φ−1(y) is typically an (N−m)—dimensional hyperplane; in addition,xis then equal to the element in Φ−1(y) of minimal 𝓁1‐norm. This minimal element can be identified via linear programming algorithms. We study an alternative method of determiningx, as the limit of aniteratively reweighted least squares(IRLS) algorithm. The main step of this IRLS finds, for a given weight vectorw, the element in Φ−1(y) with smallest 𝓁2(w)‐norm. Ifx(n)is the solution at iteration stepn, then the new weightw(n)is defined byw:= [|x|2+ ε]−1/2,i= 1, …,N, for a decreasing sequence of adaptively defined εn; this updated weight is then used to obtainx(n+ 1)and the process is repeated. We prove that when Φ satisfies the RIP conditions, the sequencex(n)converges for ally, regardless of whether Φ−1(y) contains a sparse vector. If there is a sparse vector in Φ−1(y), then the limit is this sparse vector, and whenx(n)is sufficiently close to the limit, the remaining steps of the algorithm converge exponentially fast (linear convergencein the terminology of numerical optimization). The same algorithm with the “heavier” weightw= [|x|2+ ε]−1+τ/2,i= 1, …,N, where 0 < τ < 1, can recover sparse solutions as well; more importantly, we show its local convergence is superlinear and approaches aquadraticrate for τ approaching 0. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dopamine receptors modulate ethanol's locomotor‐activating effects in preweanling rats
Authors: Arias Carlos , Mlewski Estela C. , Hansen Cristian , Molina Juan Carlos , Paglini Maria Gabriela , Spear Norman E.
Published: October 2009

Near the end of the second postnatal week motor activity is increased soon after ethanol administration (2.5 g/kg) while sedation‐like effects prevail when blood ethanol levels reach peak values. This time course coincides with biphasic reinforcement (appetitive and aversive) effects of ethanol determined at the same age. The present experiments tested the hypothesis that ethanol‐induced activity during early development in the rat depends on the dopamine system, which is functional in modulating motor activity early in ontogeny. Experiments 1a and 1b tested ethanol‐induced activity (0 or 2.5 g/kg) after a D1‐like (SCH23390; 0, .015, .030, or .060 mg/kg) or a D2‐like (sulpiride; 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) receptor antagonist, respectively. Ethanol‐induced stimulation was suppressed by SCH23390 or sulpiride. The dopaminergic antagonists had no effect on blood ethanol concentration (Experiments 2a and 2b). In Experiment 3, 2.5 g/kg ethanol increased dopamine concentration in striatal tissue as well as locomotor activity in infant Wistar rats. Adding to our previous results showing a reduction in ethanol induced activity by a GABA B agonist or a nonspecific opioid antagonist, the present experiments implicate both D1‐like and D2‐like dopamine receptors in ethanol‐induced locomotor stimulation during early development. According to these results, the same mechanisms that modulate ethanol‐mediated locomotor stimulation in adult rodents seem to regulate this particular ethanol effect in the infant rat. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 13–23, 2010
Role of VEGF and tissue hypoxia in patterning of neural and vascular cells recruited to the embryonic heart
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Yang Qiwei , Radhakrishnan Krishnan , Whitfield Dedra E. , Everhart Camille L. M. , Parsons‐Wingerter Patricia , Fisher Steven A.
Published: October 2009

We hypothesized that oxygen gradients and hypoxia‐responsive signaling may play a role in the patterning of neural or vascular cells recruited to the developing heart. Endothelial progenitor and neural cells are recruited to and form branched structures adjacent to the relatively hypoxic outflow tract (OFT) myocardium from stages 27–32 (ED6.5–7.5) of chick development. As determined by whole mount confocal microscopy, the neural and vascular structures were not anatomically associated. Adenoviral delivery of a VEGF trap dramatically affected the remodeling of the vascular plexus into a coronary tree while neuronal branching was normal. Both neuronal and vascular branching was diminished in the hearts of embryos incubated under hyperoxic conditions. Quantitative analysis of the vascular defects using our recently developed VESGEN program demonstrated reduced small vessel branching and increased vessel diameters. We propose that vascular and neural patterning in the developing heart share dependence on tissue oxygen gradients but are not interdependent. Developmental Dynamics 238:2760–2769, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional characterization of cardiac progenitor cells and their derivatives in the embryonic heart post‐chamber formation
Authors: McMullen Nichole M. , Zhang Feixiong , Hotchkiss Adam , Bretzner Frederic , Wilson Jennifer M. , Ma Hong , Wafa Karim , Brownstone Robert M. , Pasumarthi Kishore B.S.
Published: October 2009

There is scant information on the fate of cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) in the embryonic heart after chamber specification. Here we simultaneously tracked three lineage‐specific markers (Nkx2.5, MLC2v, and ANF) and confirmed that CPCs with an Nkx2.5+MLC2v−ANF− phenotype are present in the embryonic (E) day 11.5 mouse ventricular myocardium. We demonstrated that these CPCs could give rise to working cardiomyocytes and conduction system cells. Using a two‐photon imaging analysis, we found that the majority of CPCs are not capable of developing Ca2+ transients in response to β‐adrenergic receptor stimulation. In contrast, Nkx2.5+ cells expressing MLC2v but not ANF are capable of developing functional Ca2+ transients. We showed that Ca2+ transients could be invoked in Nkx2.5+MLC2v+ANF+ cells only upon inhibition of Gi, muscarinic receptors, or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) signaling pathways. Our data suggest that these inhibitory pathways may delay functional specification in a subset of developing ventricular cells. Developmental Dynamics 238:2787–2799, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A developmental study of enteric neuron migration in the grasshopper using immunological probes
Authors: Knipp Sabine , Bicker Gerd
Published: October 2009

Motility of enteric plexus neurons in the grasshopper Locusta migratoria depends critically on the NO/cGMP signaling cascade. This is reflected in a strong NO‐dependent cGMP staining in migrating enteric midgut neurons. In contrast, first cGMP immunoreactivity (cGMP‐IR) in the foregut enteric ganglia was detected clearly after the main migratory processes have taken place. Thus, expression of cGMP‐IR in migrating neurons is a distinct phenomenon restricted to neurons forming midgut and foregut plexus, that does not occur during convergence of neurons forming the enteric ganglia. Analysis of time lapse video microscopy of migrating midgut neurons together with an immunofluorescence study of midgut cellular structures suggests a contribution of the midgut musculature to enteric neuron guidance. Additionally, during midgut plexus formation a fasciculating signal for enteric neuron neurites appears to be provided by the cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin I. Developmental Dynamics 238:2837–2849, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosomal position mediates spinal cord expression of a dbx1a enhancer
Authors: Gribble Suzanna L. , Nikolaus O. Brant , Carver M. Scott , Hoshijima Kazuyuki , Dorsky Richard I.
Published: October 2009

Dbx homeodomain proteins are important for the production of multiple spinal cord cell types. To examine the regulation of Dbx genes in more detail, we have generated transgenic zebrafish in which fluorescent protein expression is driven by predicted dbx1a enhancers. We identified three areas of sequence conservation upstream of the dbx1a coding sequence and generated fluorescent reporter constructs driven by these predicted enhancer elements and the endogenous dbx1a promoter. In multiple stable insertions of a 3.5‐kb enhancer fragment, we observed that there was additional reporter expression in the dorsal spinal cord not normally observed by dbx1a in situ hybridization. In addition, these lines exhibited only transient reporter expression, unlike the endogenous gene. Surprisingly, a single insertion line expressed the reporter in the endogenous pattern, indicating that other local regulatory elements modulate gene expression through the 3.5‐kb enhancer. Developmental Dynamics 238:2929–2935, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.