bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei is not the cause of white feces syndrome in whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei
Authors: Tangprasittipap Amornrat , Srisala Jiraporn , Chouwdee Saisunee , Somboon Montagan , Chuchird Niti , Limsuwan Chalor , Srisuvan Thinnarat , Flegel Timothy W , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya
Published: July 2013

Background

The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei was first described from Thailand in 2009 in farmed, indigenous giant tiger shrimp Penaeus (Penaeus) monodon. The natural reservoir for the parasite is still unknown. More recently, a microsporidian closely resembling it in morphology and tissue preference was found in Thai-farmed, exotic, whiteleg shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei exhibiting white feces syndrome (WFS). Our objective was to compare the newly found pathogen with E. hepatopenaei and to determine its causal relationship with WFS.

Results

Generic primers used to amplify a fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene for cloning and sequencing revealed that the new parasite from WFS ponds had 99% sequence identity to that of E. hepatopenaei, suggesting it was conspecific. Normal histological analysis using tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) revealed that relatively few tubule epithelial cells exhibited spores, suggesting that the infections were light. However, the H&E results were deceptive since nested PCR and in situ hybridization analysis based on the cloned ssu rRNA gene fragment revealed very heavy infections in tubule epithelial cells in the central region of the hepatopancreas in the absence of spores. Despite these results, high prevalence of E. hepatopenaei in shrimp from ponds not exhibiting WFS and a pond that had recovered from WFS indicated no direct causal association between these infections and WFS. This was supported by laboratory oral challenge trials that revealed direct horizontal transmission to uninfected shrimp but no signs of WFS.

Conclusions

The microsporidian newly found in P. vannamei is conspecific with previously described E. hepatopenaei and it is not causally associated with WFS. However, the deceptive severity of infections (much greater than previously reported in P. monodon) would undoubtedly have a negative effect on whiteleg shrimp growth and production efficiency and this could be exacerbated by the possibility of horizontal transmission revealed by laboratory challenge tests. Thus, it is recommended that the PCR and in situ hybridization methods developed herein be used to identify the natural reservoir species so they can be eliminated from the shrimp rearing system.
A case of eosinophilic esophagitis discovered with positron emission tomography imaging: a case report
Authors: Haslem Bryce D. , Samuelson Megan I. , Schey Ron
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Eosinophilic esophagitis was first reported in 1978, and since then it has been increasingly recognized as one of the major etiologies for dysphagia, food impaction, and food regurgitation. To the best of our knowledge, no case of eosinophilic esophagitis (excluding esophageal eosinophilia not responsive to proton pump inhibitor treatment) has previously been demonstrated on the basis of positron emission tomography imaging.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old Caucasian man presented with dysphagia to solids with recurrent regurgitation and weight loss of 7lb within the preceding 2 months. The patient attributed these symptoms to radiation therapy he had received 1 year earlier for squamous cell cancer of the lung. The patient underwent routine follow-up positron emission tomography imaging, which showed a hypermetabolic lesion in the posterior mediastinum and was increased at the level of the midesophagus.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of eosinophilic esophagitis demonstrated by positron emission tomography imaging and confirmed with endoscopic evaluation and biopsies both after positron emission tomography imaging and a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy. This could have an impact on the diagnostic evaluation of esophageal eosinophilic inflammation as well as eosinophilic infiltration of other gastrointestinal organs.
US in the assessment of acute scrotum
Authors: D’Andrea Alfredo , Coppolino Francesco , Cesarano Elviro , Russo Anna , Cappabianca Salvatore , Genovese Eugenio Annibale , Fonio Paolo , Macarini Luca
Published: July 2013

Background

The acute scrotum is a medical emergency . The acute scrotum is defined as scrotal pain, swelling, and redness of acute onset. Scrotal abnormalities can be divided into three groups , which are extra-testicular lesion, intra-testicular lesion and trauma. This is a retrospective analysis of 164 ultrasound examination performed in patient arriving in the emergency room for scrotal pain.

The objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with the US features of the most common and some of the least common scrotal lesions.

Methods

Between January 2008 and January 2010, 164 patients aged few month and older with scrotal symptoms, who underwent scrotal ultrasonography (US), were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical presentation, outcome, and US results were analyzed. The presentation symptoms including scrotal pain, painless scrotal mass or swelling, and trauma.

Results

Of 164 patients, 125 (76%) presented with scrotal pain, 31 (19%) had painless scrotal mass or swelling and 8 (5%) had trauma. Of the 125 patients with scrotal pain, 72 had infection,10 had testicular torsion, 8 had testicular trauma, 18 had varicocele, 20 had hydrocele, 5 had cryptorchidism, 5 had scrotal sac and groin metastases, and 2 had unremarkable results. In the 8 patients who had history of scrotal trauma, US detected testicular rupture in 1 patients, scrotal haematomas in 2 patients .

Of the 19 patients who presented with painless scrotal mass or swelling, 1 6 had extra-testicular lesions and 3 had intra-testicular lesions. All the extra-testicular lesions were benign. Of the 3 intra-testicular lesions, one was due to tuberculosis epididymo-orchitis, one was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and one was metastasis from liposarcoma

Conclusions

US provides excellent anatomic detail; when color Doppler and Power Doppler imaging are added, testicular perfusion can be assessed
Calreticulin and other components of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat and human inflammatory demyelination
Authors: Ní Fhlathartaigh Mary , McMahon Jill , Reynolds Richard , Connolly David , Higgins Eibhlín , Counihan Timothy , FitzGerald Una
Published: July 2013

Background

Calreticulin (CRT) is a chaperone protein, which aids correct folding of glycosylated proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Under conditions of ER stress, CRT is upregulated and may be displayed on the surface of cells or be secreted. This ‘ecto-CRT’ may activate the innate immune response or it may aid clearance of apoptotic cells. Our and other studies have demonstrated upregulation of ER stress markers CHOP, BiP, ATF4, XBP1 and phosphorylated e-IF2 alpha (p-eIF2 alpha) in biopsy and post-mortem human multiple sclerosis (MS) samples. We extend this work by analysing changes in expression of CRT, BiP, CHOP, XBP1 and p-eIF2 alpha in a rat model of inflammatory demyelination. Demyelination was induced in the spinal cord by intradermal injection of recombinant mouse MOG mixed with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) at the base of the tail. Tissue samples were analysed by semi-quantitative scoring of immunohistochemically stained frozen tissue sections. Data generated following sampling of tissue from animals with spinal cord lesions, was compared to that obtained using tissue derived from IFA- or saline-injected controls. CRT present in rat serum and in a cohort of human serum derived from 14 multiple sclerosis patients and 11 healthy controls was measured by ELISA.

Results

Stained tissue scores revealed significantly (p<0.05) increased amounts of CRT, CHOP and p-eIF2 alpha in the lesion, lesion edge and normal-appearing white matter when compared to controls. CHOP and p-eIF2 alpha were also significantly raised in regions of grey matter and the central canal (p<0.05). Immunofluorescent dual-label staining confirmed expression of these markers in astrocytes, microglia or neurons. Dual staining of rat and human spinal cord lesions with Oil Red O and CRT antibody showed co-localisation of CRT with the rim of myelin fragments. ELISA testing of sera from control and EAE rats demonstrated significant down-regulation (p<0.05) of CRT in the serum of EAE animals, compared to saline and IFA controls. This contrasted with significantly increased amounts of CRT detected in the sera of MS patients (p<0.05), compared to controls.

Conclusion

This data highlights the potential importance of CRT and other ER stress proteins in inflammatory demyelination.
Fixed-bed adsorption dynamics of Pb (II) adsorption from aqueous solution using nanostructured γ-alumina
Authors: Saadi Zahra , Saadi Reyhane , Fazaeli Reza
Published: July 2013

In the present study, removal of metal ions Pb (II) using nanostructured γ-alumina was investigated in a fixed-bed column. Comparison of Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adams-Bohart models with experimental kinetic results was done, and model parameters were evaluated by linear regression analysis for Pb
2+ adsorption in different bed heights, initial concentrations, and flow rates. The obtained experimental data are in good agreement with Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models, but in the case of Adams-Bohart model, low correlation coefficient is observed.
Emerging applications of nanoparticles for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Sukumar Uday Kumar , Bhushan Bharat , Dubey Poornima , Matai Ishita , Sachdev Abhay , Packirisamy Gopinath
Published: July 2013

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, most of them being active tobacco smokers. Non small cell lung cancer accounts for around 85% to 90% of deaths, whereas the rest is contributed by small cell lung cancer. The extreme lethality of lung cancer arises due to lack of suitable diagnostic procedures for early detection of lung cancer and ineffective conventional therapeutic strategies. In course with desperate attempts to address these issues independently, a multifunctional nanotherapeutic or diagnostic system is being sought as a favorable solution. The manifestation of physiochemical properties of such nanoscale systems is tuned favorably to come up with a versatile cancer cell targeted diagnostic and therapeutic system. Apart from this, the aspect of being at nanoscale by itself confers the system with an advantage of passive accumulation at the site of tumor. This review provides a broad perspective of three major subclasses of such nanoscale therapeutic and diagnostic systems which include polymeric nanoparticles-based approaches, metal nanoparticles-based approaches, and bio-nanoparticles-based approaches. This review work also serves the purpose of gaining an insight into the pros and cons of each of these approaches with a prospective improvement in lung cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
When Raters Talk, Rubrics Fall Silent
Authors: Shirazi Masoumeh Ahmadi
Published: July 2013

The research reported here suggests that raters, when involved in writing assessment, are more concerned with their own criteria to set a basis for their judgment rather than the standards provided by scale descriptors. This study sampled think aloud of eight raters who scored 15 essays in accord with Test of Written English (TWE) holistic scoring guide. Verbal report data indicated that just less than five percent of the statements made by the raters are related to the issues assessed in TWE. These findings background the utility of holistic rating scale descriptors, foregrounding the raters' descriptors-independent judgments.
Modeling the effect of extrusion parameters on density of biomass pellet using artificial neural network
Authors: Zafari Abedin , Kianmehr Mohammad Hossein , Abdolahzadeh Rahman
Published: July 2013

Background

The relationships between the density of the biomass pellet and the related variables are very complicated and highly nonlinear, which make developing a single, general, and accurate mathematical model almost impossible. One of the most appropriate methods to solve these problems is the intelligent method. Shankar and Bandyopadhyay and Shankar et al. successfully used genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks to understand and optimize an extrusion process.

Results

The results showed that a four-layer perceptron network with training algorithm of back propagation, hyperbolic tangential activation function, and Delta training rule with ten neurons in the first hidden layer and four neurons in the second hidden layer had the best performance for the prediction of pellet density. The minimum root mean square error and coefficient of determination for the multilayer perceptron network were 0.01732 and 0.972, respectively. Also, the results of statistical analysis indicate that moisture content, speed of piston, and particle size significantly affected (P < 0.01) the density of pellets while the influence of die length was negligible (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results indicate that a properly trained neural network can be used to predict effect of input variable on pellet density. The ANN model was found to have higher predictive capability than the statistical model.
An experimental study of acoustic responses on the injection of supercritical CO2 into sandstones from the Otway Basin
Authors: Lebedev Maxim , Pervukhina Marina , Mikhaltsevitch Vassili , Dance Tess , Bilenko Olga , Gurevich Boris
Published: July 2013

Quantitative knowledge of the acoustic response of rock from an injection site on supercritical [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) saturation is crucial for understanding the feasibility of time-lapse seismic monitoring of [Formula: see text] plume migration. A suite of shaley sandstones from the injection interval of the CRC-2 well, Otway Basin, Australia is tested to reveal the effects of supercritical [Formula: see text] injection on acoustic responses. [Formula: see text] is first injected into dry samples, flushed out with brine and then injected again into brine-saturated samples. Such a suite of experiments allows us to obtain acoustic velocities of the samples for a wide range of [Formula: see text]/brine saturations from 0% to 100%. On injection of [Formula: see text] into brine-saturated samples, the rocks exhibit a decrease of compressional velocities by about 7% with the increase of [Formula: see text] saturation from 0% to a maximum of about 50%. Anisotropy of the shaley sandstones from the Otway Basin must be taken into account as the difference in the velocities normal and parallel to bedding is comparable with the perturbation due to [Formula: see text] injection and the samples of different orientations exhibit transition from Gassmann-Hill to Gassmann-Wood bound at different [Formula: see text] saturations. Changes of the dry samples before and after the [Formula: see text] injection (if any) are not traceable by acoustic methods.
Ku70 and non-homologous end joining protect testicular cells from DNA damage
Authors: Ahmed Emad A. , Sfeir Agnel , Takai Hiroyuki , Scherthan Harry
Published: July 2013

Spermatogenesis is a complex process that generates haploid germ cells or spores and implements meiosis, a succession of two special cell divisions that are required for homologous chromosome segregation. During prophase to the first meiotic division, homologous recombination (HR) repairs Spo11-dependent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the presence of telomere movements to allow for chromosome pairing and segregation at the meiosis I division. In contrast to HR, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), the major DSB repair mechanism during the G1 cell cycle phase, is downregulated during early meiotic prophase. At somatic mammalian telomeres, the NHEJ factor Ku70/80 inhibits HR, as does the Rap1 component of the shelterin complex. Here, we investigated the role of Ku70 and Rap1 in meiotic telomere redistribution and genome protection in spermatogenesis by studying single and double knockout mice. Ku70−/− mice display reduced testis size and compromised spermatogenesis, whereas meiotic telomere dynamics and chromosomal bouquet formation occurred normally in Ku70−/− and Ku70−/−Rap1Δ/Δ knockout spermatocytes. Elevated mid-preleptotene frequencies were associated with significantly increased DNA damage in Ku-deficient B spermatogonia, and in differentiated Sertoli cells. Significantly elevated levels of γH2AX foci in Ku70−/− diplotene spermatocytes suggest compromised progression of DNA repair at a subset of DSBs. This might explain the elevated meiotic metaphase apoptosis that is present in Ku70-deficient stage XII testis tubules, indicating spindle assembly checkpoint activation. In summary, our data indicate that Ku70 is important for repairing DSBs in somatic cells and in late spermatocytes of the testis, thereby assuring the fidelity of spermatogenesis.
From dabbler to serious amateur musician and beyond: Clarifying a crucial step
Authors: Stebbins Robert A.
Published: July 2013

Dabbling is casual leisure, a hedonic activity common in music as well as in a number of other free-time interests. In the past, dabbling has been inadequately conceptualized, one result being some misunderstanding about its nature and its contribution to leisure and even to professional work. By way of clarification we look first at the contemporary explanation of dabbling as set out according to the serious leisure perspective, a main analytic framework in the field of leisure studies. This explanation proceeds from two related articles written by Gates and Jorgensen. Next, dabbling as a leisure activity in music is considered in detail, particularly as it relates to children. This includes an examination of its nature and its role in initiating a leisure/work career in music, as experienced in the passage from dabbler to neophyte amateur and on possibly to professional.
They came for the kids and stayed for the teacher: The Desert Winds Community Steel Orchestra
Authors: Haskett Brandon L.
Published: July 2013

This descriptive report examines the motivations of adult beginners’ participation in a leisure activity, the Desert Winds Community Steel Orchestra (DWCSO) based in Phoenix, Arizona. The initial adult ensemble was formed in 1983 based on interest created through the Desert Winds Steel Orchestra, a sixth grade steel band. This study examines the second iteration of this ensemble that began in 1997. Motivational factors are divided into factors that contributed to joining the group and those that motivated members to continue participation. DWCSO participants noted children’s influence and musical curiosity as their impetus for joining the ensemble. They continued participating due to a desirable curriculum and methodology, socialization and enhanced sense of well-being.
Finding healing through songwriting: A song for Nicolette
Authors: Kumm Brian E.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this article is to outline one person’s lived-experience of songwriting. Using data from an individual participant as an archetype of a larger Post-Intentional Phenomenological project, this songwriter’s experience is understood as both cathartic and transcendent. Illuminated by the phenomenological description of ‘gravitating-levitating’, songwriting served as a form of healing for both the participating songwriter and listeners of the resulting music. Salient intersections of community music and leisure are explored. Findings offer a glimpse into the complexities and insights of these phenomena as a lived-experience.
Community music and urban leisure: The Liverpool One Project
Authors: Lashua Brett D.
Published: July 2013

This article reports on research that aimed to understand, through a collaborative music-making studio project, how young urban musicians might build a community that could transgress perceived cultural and racialized boundaries and ‘reclaim’ the city centre through their lyrics and performances. The Liverpool One Project involved sixteen weeks of studio-based activities with 23 young people (ages 18–25) to create an urban music (e.g., rap, hip hop, soul, R&B, grime and dubstep genres) digital mixtape. Drawing from participants’ lyrics and my ethnographic descriptions of studio conversations, I highlight the participants’ grasp of their sociological imaginations (Mills 1959): their ability to locate music and leisure at the intersections of biography, history and society. The sociological imagination further allows the crucial differentiation between individual ‘personal troubles’ and broader, structural ‘public issues’. The Liverpool One Project illustrated this critical ability, as participants (re)constructed and contested where they and urban music more generally ‘belong’ in Liverpool’s newly regenerated city centre.
Prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia: our experience of 44 cases
Authors: Zarrilli Federica , Sanna Veronica , Ingino Rosaria , Santamaria Rita , Rocino Angiola , Coppola Antonio , Di Minno Giovanni , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Background: Haemophilia A and B (HA, HB) are the most frequent X-linked bleeding diseases; two-thirds of cases are severe.

Methods: We counselled 51 couples for prenatal diagnosis (PD) of haemophilia. In 7/51 (13.7%) cases, the couple decided not to undergo PD because counselling revealed that they were carriers of a mild form of the disease, while we performed 44 PD for severe HA (36 cases) or HB (8 cases). The indication for PD was a haemophilic child (30/44, 68.2%) or an affected family member (12/44, 27.3%); in two cases the non-carrier mother of isolated haemophilic patients requested PD because of the risk of mosaicism.

Results: We completed PD in 43/44 cases; in one case, the prenatal sample was contaminated by maternal DNA; however, molecular analysis revealed the female sex of the foetus. We performed PD for 16 of the 36 couples at risk of HA (44.4%) by analysing the intron (IVS)22 inversion; in 1/36 cases (2.8%) the mother had the IVS1 inversion, and in 8/36 (22.2%) the family mutation was identified by sequencing; in 11/36 (30.6%) cases the family mutation was unknown, and PD was performed by linkage (no recombination nor uninformative cases occurred). For HB, in 6/8 (75.0%) cases, PD was performed by DHPLC or by sequencing; in 2/8 cases we tested intragenic markers (again with no cases of recombination or uninformative families).

Conclusions: PD in well-equipped laboratories, and multidisciplinary counselling are an aid to planning reproductive and early therapeutic strategies in families with severe haemophilia.
Circle-valued Morse theory for complex hyperplane arrangements
Authors: Kohno Toshitake , Pajitnov Andrei
Published: July 2013

Let 𝒜 be an essential complex hyperplane arrangement
in

ℂ

n

${\mathbb {C}}^n$

, and H denote the union of the hyperplanes.
We develop the real-valued and circle-valued Morse theory
on the space

M
=

ℂ

n

∖
H

$M={\mathbb {C}}^n\setminus H$

and prove, in particular, that
M has the homotopy type of a space
obtained from a manifold V fibered over a circle,
by attaching

|
χ
(
M
)
|

$\vert \chi (M)\vert $

cells of dimension n.
We compute the Novikov homology

H
^

*

(
M
,
ξ
)

$\hat{H}_*(M,\xi )$

for
a large class of homomorphisms

ξ
:

π
1

(
M
)

→
ℝ

$\xi :\pi _1(M)\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$

.
LCL Filter with Active Damping using PI and SSI Regulators in Synchronous Rotating Reference Frame Current Controller for DSTATCOM
Authors: Geddada Nagesh , Mishra Mahesh Kumar
Published: July 2013

This article proposes a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) with interface LCL (inductor-capacitor-inductor) filter for load compensation in three-phase four-wire distribution system. DSTATCOM, consisting of voltage source inverter (VSI), is connected in parallel to the load and injects currents corresponding to load reactive, harmonic powers. But this injected current consists of unnecessary high-frequency switching ripple generated by VSI. This LCL filter has superior switching ripple attenuation capability compared to L filter. Moreover, this can be achieved with small value of overall LCL filter inductance than L filter. Thus providing high slew rate for output current to track the desired reference current closely, reducing voltage drop across it, as well as cost and size of filter. However, one major concern with LCL filter is its resonating frequency (determined from its L, C, L values), which can create high-resonance oscillating currents and results in improper load compensation. Therefore, in this study, proper design of LCL filter with high switching ripple attenuation and a current controller with proportional integral (PI) plus harmonic compensation (HC) regulators along with active damping feature of LCL filter in synchronous rotating reference (dq0) frame are presented. HC regulator minimizes the steady-state error in the non-sinusoidal filter currents (fundamental and harmonic) which are tracked by the VSI. Active damping feature (obtained by capacitor current feedback control of LCL filter) is used to overcome resonance oscillations and provides proper control, operation of DSTATCOM under steady-state and dynamic load conditions. Stability studies for designed LCL filter and current controller using Bode and root locus plots are also performed and presented. Extensive simulation study, to understand the compensation performance of LCL filter DSTATCOM with two types of current controllers (PI and PI plus HC) under steady-state and dynamic load conditions, is carried out in PSCAD simulator and the corresponding results along with THDs of various parameters are presented.
High Fidelity Simulation Effectiveness in Nursing Students’ Transfer of Learning
Authors: Kirkman Tera R.
Published: July 2013

Background: Members of nursing faculty are utilizing interactive teaching tools to improve nursing student’s clinical judgment; one method that has been found to be potentially effective is high fidelity simulation (HFS). The purpose of this time series design study was to determine whether undergraduate nursing students were able to transfer knowledge and skills learned from classroom lecture and a HFS clinical to the traditional clinical setting.Method: Students (n=42) were observed and rated on their ability to perform a respiratory assessment. The observations and ratings took place at the bedside, prior to a respiratory lecture, following the respiratory lecture, and following simulation clinical.Results: The findings indicated that there was a significant difference (p=0.000) in transfer of learning demonstrated over time. Conclusions: Transfer of learning was demonstrated and the use of HFS was found to be an effective learning and teaching method. Implications of results are discussed.
Solvent extraction of Zr and Hf from hydrochloric acid using tributylphosphate for the extraction of element 104, rutherfordium
Authors: Kasamatsu Y. , Kikutani Y. , Kino A. , Komori Y. , Yokokita T. , Yoshimura T. , Takahashi N. , Shinohara A.
Published: July 2013

For the solvent extraction experiment on element 104 (Rf), solvent extraction of Zr and Hf as its homologues was performed in tributylphosphate (TBP)/hydrochloric acid (HCl) system using the carrier-free radiotracers88Zr and175Hf. Time dependences of the distribution ratios of Zr and Hf were investigated using 6.1 and 10.0M HCl and 0.5 and 2.0M TBP benzene solutions. The distribution ratios in equilibrium were determined for these elements as a function of HCl concentrations in the range of 4.1-10.2M. We found that the neutral chloride complexes of Zr and Hf were formed and extracted into the organic phase within 20 min in HCl with a concentration higher than 6 M. From the results, we propose that solvent extraction of Rf from 4-8M HCl into 2.0M TBP benzene is suitable for investigating the chloride complexation properties of Rf. In addition, for the development of the rapid liquid-liquid extraction apparatus, three types of microchannel devices, namely, a micro reactor, capillary tube and micro-chemical chip, were tested as a mixing-solution part in the apparatus. The chemical reactions of Zr and Hf in the extraction were found to be fast only when using the microchemical chip, which is important for investigations with the 68-s261Rf.
New trends in nuclear data research for medical radionuclide production
Authors: Qaim S. M.
Published: July 2013

Nuclear reaction cross section data are of great significance in optimisation of production routes of radionuclides. This article deals with some newer aspects of data research related to production of both standard and novel radionuclides. The recent work to standardise the known data is discussed and new measurements with regard to further optimisation of production routes of some commonly used radionuclides are mentioned. Attempts to increase the specific activity of some reactor-produced radionuclides through the use of charged-particle induced reactions are outlined. The jeopardy in the supply of99mTcviaa fission-produced99Mo/99mTc generator is considered and its possible direct production at a cyclotron is briefly discussed. Regarding the novel radionuclides, development work is presently focussed on non-standard positron emitters for diagnosis and on low-range highly ionising radiation emitters for internal radiotherapy. Recent nuclear reaction cross section measurements related to the production of the two types of radionuclides are briefly reviewed and some anticipated trends in nuclear data research are considered.
Sequence Diversity in Coding Regions of Candidate Genes in the Glycoalkaloid Biosynthetic Pathway of Wild Potato Species
Authors: Manrique-Carpintero Norma C , Tokuhisa James G , Ginzberg Idit , Holliday Jason A , Veilleux Richard E
Published: July 2013

Natural variation in five candidate genes of the steroidal glycoalkaloid (SGA) metabolic pathway and whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping were studied in six wild [Solanum chacoense (chc 80-1), S. commersonii, S. demissum, S. sparsipilum, S. spegazzinii, S. stoloniferum] and cultivated S. tuberosum Group Phureja (phu DH) potato species with contrasting levels of SGAs. Amplicons were sequenced for five candidate genes: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase 1 and 2 (HMG1, HMG2) and 2.3-squalene epoxidase (SQE) of primary metabolism, and solanidine galactosyltransferase (SGT1), and glucosyltransferase (SGT2) of secondary metabolism. SNPs (n = 337) producing 354 variations were detected within 3.7 kb of sequenced DNA. More polymorphisms were found in introns than exons and in genes of secondary compared to primary metabolism. Although no significant deviation from neutrality was found, dN/dS ratios < 1 and negative values of Tajima’s D test suggested purifying selection and genetic hitchhiking in the gene fragments. In addition, patterns of dN/dS ratios across the SGA pathway suggested constraint by natural selection. Comparison of nucleotide diversity estimates and dN/dS ratios showed stronger selective constraints for genes of primary rather than secondary metabolism. SNPs (n = 24) with an exclusive genotype for either phu DH (low SGA) or chc 80-1 (high SGA) were identified for HMG2, SQE, SGT1 and SGT2. The SolCAP 8303 Illumina Potato SNP chip genotyping revealed eight informative SNPs on six pseudochromosomes, with homozygous and heterozygous genotypes that discriminated high, intermediate and low levels of SGA accumulation. These results can be used to evaluate SGA accumulation in segregating or association mapping populations.
Mitochondrial DNA with a Large-Scale Deletion Causes Two Distinct Mitochondrial Disease Phenotypes in Mice
Authors: Katada Shun , Mito Takayuki , Ogasawara Emi , Hayashi Jun-Ichi , Nakada Kazuto
Published: July 2013

Studies in patients have suggested that the clinical phenotypes of some mitochondrial diseases might transit from one disease to another (e.g., Pearson syndrome [PS] to Kearns-Sayre syndrome) in single individuals carrying mitochondrial (mt) DNA with a common deletion (∆mtDNA), but there is no direct experimental evidence for this. To determine whether ∆mtDNA has the pathologic potential to induce multiple mitochondrial disease phenotypes, we used trans-mitochondrial mice with a heteroplasmic state of wild-type mtDNA and ∆mtDNA (mito-mice∆). Late-stage embryos carrying ≥50% ∆mtDNA showed abnormal hematopoiesis and iron metabolism in livers that were partly similar to PS (PS-like phenotypes), although they did not express sideroblastic anemia that is a typical symptom of PS. More than half of the neonates with PS-like phenotypes died by 1 month after birth, whereas the rest showed a decrease of ∆mtDNA load in the affected tissues, peripheral blood and liver, and they recovered from PS-like phenotypes. The proportion of ∆mtDNA in various tissues of the surviving mito-mice∆ increased with time, and Kearns-Sayre syndrome−like phenotypes were expressed when the proportion of ∆mtDNA in various tissues reached >70–80%. Our model mouse study clearly showed that a single ∆mtDNA was responsible for at least two distinct disease phenotypes at different ages and suggested that the level and dynamics of ∆mtDNA load in affected tissues would be important for the onset and transition of mitochondrial disease phenotypes in mice.
New drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and interdisciplinary aspects of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Horváth Gábor
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis B virus infection is a significant health problem worldwide. The prevalence of HBsAg positivity is about 0.5–0.7% in Hungary. Liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma develops in 15–40% of chronic hepatitis B virus infected patients without treatment. The ultimate goal of treatment would be to clear the virus from the infected subject; however, in practice, we can usually achieve long term suppression of viral replicaton with consequent prevention of the progression of liver disease, and reduction of the risk of the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are two different treatment strategies for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: therapy of finite duration with interferon or long-term treatment with nucleot(s)ide analogues. Entecavir and tenofovir are the two most effective nucleot(s)ide analogues with high barrier to resistance, thus, they can be confidently used as first-line treatments. Lamivudine engenders very high rates of resistance; adefovir is less efficacious than entecavir or tenofovir, and also engendering higher rates of resistance, thus none of them are recommended for initiation of a new treatment. Tenofovir is the treatment option in cases with lamivudine resistance, because entecavir has an unfavourable resistance-profile in this group of patients. Interferon is contraindicated during pregnancy. Should treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection be necessary during pregnancy, tenofovir, listed by the FDA as pregnancy category B drug, is to be preferred. Nucleot(s)ide analogues may be used to reduce the risk of intra-uterine and perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus, which may occur in a proportion of newborns from highly viremic mothers, despite active and passive immunization. Similarly, tenofovir is recommended in the last trimester of pregnancy for women with high viremia. The risk of reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection is high in HBsAg positive patients, and in patients with occult hepatitis B virus infection during and after chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment, including biological response modifiers (particularly related to rituximab therapy). Therefore, all candidates for these treatments should be screened for HBsAg and anti-HBc. Pre-emptive nucleot(s)ide analogues therapy should be initiated in patients with HBsAg positivity, and patients with occult hepatitis B virus infection. The role of general practitioners and occupational health physicians in the identification and the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection is stressed. Issues of high risk population groups, candidacy for vaccination, and methodology of active and passive immunisation are also reviewed in this paper. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1142–1150.
Toxicity of organic farming‑compatible products to the coffee leaf miner
Authors: Venzon Madelaine , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira , Soto Alberto , Tuelher Edmar de Souza , Bonomo Italo Santos , Fadini Marcos Antonio Matiello , Fonseca Maira Christina Marques
Published: July 2013

The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of organic farming‑compatible products to the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella. Lime sulphur, enriched Bordeaux mixture (Viça Café Plus), and the "supermagro" biofertilizer were first tested in laboratory. The most promising product was tested afterwards under field conditions. In laboratory, different concentrations of each product were applied on L. coffeella eggs and on infested coffee‑mined leaves. Only lime sulphur had ovicidal effects at an acceptable concentration (1.6%) for field applications, but no significant effect on larvae mortality was found. Enriched Bordeaux mixture and the "supermagro" biofertilizer had no effect on L. coffeella eggs and larvae. In the field trial, biweekly or monthly sprayings of lime sulphur at different concentrations caused population decrease after 30 days; however, this effect was not significant after 60 or 90 days.
Produtividade e bienalidade da produção de cafezais adensados, sob diferentes doses de N e K
Authors: Valadares Samuel Vasconcelos , Neves Júlio César Lima , Rosa Gustavo Nogueira Guedes Pereira , Martinez Hermínia Emília Prieto , Venegas Víctor Hugo Alvarez , Lima Paulo César de
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação com N e K sobre a produtividade e a bienalidade de produção de cafeeiros em plantio adensado, em estudo de longa duração. Foram avaliados dois experimentos, na região da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, conduzidos em blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo. No primeiro experimento, realizado no espaçamento de 1,5x0,7 m (9.523 plantas por hectare), foram avaliados os efeitos de sete doses de N + K2O na proporção 1:1 (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1.000 e 1.200 kg ha‑1 por ano), durante oito safras (2001/2002 a 2008/2009). Como o fertilizante utilizado tinha proporção 1:1, para obter a dose utilizada de cada elemento (N ou K2O), deve-se dividir a dose total por dois. O segundo experimento foi conduzido no espaçamento de 2,5x0,6 m (6.666 plantas por hectare), em arranjo fatorial, com cinco doses de N (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600 kg ha‑1 por ano) e cinco doses de K2O (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600 kg ha‑1 por ano), durante seis safras (2005/2006 a 2010/2011). As doses associadas à máxima produtividade de café beneficiado variaram de 424 a 560 kg ha‑1, para N, e de 21 a 338 kg ha‑1, para K2O. A adubação com N reduz os efeitos da bienalidade da produção do cafeeiro, e a adubação com K, em anos de baixa produtividade, favorece a recuperação da produtividade do cafeeiro no ano seguinte.
Dissimilaridade genética entre cultivares de mamoneira por meio de marcadores RAPD
Authors: Machado Edna Lôbo , Silva Simone Alves , Santos Agenildo de Sousa , Bastos Leila Andrade , Pestana Camila Nogueira , Santos Keylla Souza dos , Ferreira Cláudia Fortes , Diamantino Maria Selma Alves Silva
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar cultivares geneticamente divergentes de mamoneira (Ricinus communis) com uso de marcadores RAPD. Um total de 58 iniciadores RAPD foi usado na genotipagem de 15 cultivares. A dissimilaridade genética entre as cultivares foi calculada a partir do índice de Jaccard, tendo-se utilizado o método da média aritmética não ponderada (UPGMA). Foram identificados 552 fragmentos, sendo 311 polimórficos (56,3%). As cultivares foram agrupadas em cinco grupos, evidência de que há divergência genética entre elas. Os marcadores moleculares do tipo RAPD são eficientes no estudo da dissimilaridade em mamoneira.
Danos do complexo broca-podridão à produtividade e à qualidade da cana-de-açúcar fertirrigada com doses de nitrogênio
Authors: Pannuti Luiz Eduardo da Rocha , Baldin Edson Luiz Lopes , Gava Glauber José de Castro , Kölln Oriel Tiago , Cruz Juliana Cristina Sodário
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da fertirrigação nitrogenada sobre os danos causados pelo complexo broca-podridão à produtividade e à qualidade da cana-de-açúcar. O experimento foi realizado em campo, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e cinco doses de N (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg ha-1), aplicadas por irrigação por gotejamento. Quantificaram-se as seguintes variáveis: número de orifícios causados por Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae); número de internódios infectados com a podridão-vermelha; percentagem de incidência de podridão-vermelha; produtividade de colmos; e teor de açúcar. Em laboratório, foram avaliados a atratividade e o consumo de fragmentos de colmos por lagartas de quarto instar, em testes com ou sem chance de escolha. A irrigação nitrogenada aumentou a incidência de D. saccharalis e de podridão-vermelha. O número de orifícios causados pelas lagartas correlacionou-se à ocorrência de podridão-vermelha. A percentagem de açúcar diminuiu com o aumento do número de internódios danificados pela podridão-vermelha. As doses de N não afetaram a atratividade dos fragmentos de colmos de cana-de-açúcar; no entanto, maiores doses de N fertilizante aumentaram o consumo destes fragmentos por lagartas de D. saccharalis. Apesar dos danos à qualidade, a adubação nitrogenada aumentou expressivamente a produtividade de colmos e de açúcar.
Genetic parameters and estimated genetic gains in young rubber tree progenies
Authors: Verardi Cecília Khusala , Scaloppi Junior Erivaldo José , Silva Guilherme Augusto Peres , Gouvêa Lígia Regina Lima , Gonçalves Paulo de Souza
Published: July 2013

The objective of this work was to assess the genetic parameters and to estimate genetic gains in young rubber tree progenies. The experiments were carried out during three years, in a randomized block design, with six replicates and ten plants per plot, in three representative Hevea crop regions of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Twenty-two progenies were evaluated, from three to five years old, for rubber yield and annual girth growth. Genetic gain was estimated with the multi-effect index (MEI). Selection by progenies means provided greater estimated genetic gain than selection based on individuals, since heritability values of progeny means were greater than the ones of individual heritability, for both evaluated variables, in all the assessment years. The selection of the three best progenies for rubber yield provided a selection gain of 1.28 g per plant. The genetic gains estimated with MEI using data from early assessments (from 3 to 5-year-old) were generally high for annual girth growth and rubber yield. The high genetic gains for annual girth growth in the first year of assessment indicate that progenies can be selected at the beginning of the breeding program. Population effective size was consistent with the three progenies selected, showing that they were not related and that the population genetic variability is ensured. Early selection with the genetic gains estimated by MEI can be made on rubber tree progenies.
Potencial de caracteres na avaliação da arquitetura de plantas de feijão
Authors: Moura Monique Maculan , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza , Carneiro José Eustáquio de Souza , Cruz Cosme Damião
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar indicadores efetivos da arquitetura de plantas em feijoeiro, para subsidiar, ou substituir, a avaliação por notas. Trinta e seis linhagens de feijão foram avaliadas quanto aos principais caracteres relacionados à arquitetura de plantas e a caracteres agronômicos, em duas safras. Os experimentos foram realizados em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, em Coimbra, MG. A análise de trilha indicou que o ângulo de inserção dos ramos, a altura das plantas na colheita e o diâmetro do hipocótilo foram os principais caracteres determinantes da arquitetura de plantas do feijoeiro. O diâmetro do hipocótilo esteve fortemente associado com a nota de arquitetura e possibilitou elevada acurácia e precisão de mensuração. Essa característica é facilmente mensurada e é indicador efetivo da arquitetura de plantas do feijoeiro.
Desempenho de cordeiros confinados, alimentados com dietas à base de torta de girassol
Authors: Rodrigues Deivison Novaes , Cabral Luciano da Silva , Lima Leni Rodrigues , Zervoudakis Joanis Tilemahos , Galati Rosemary Laís , Oliveira André Soares de , Costa Dorival Pereira Borges da , Geron Luiz Juliano Valério
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da torta de girassol na dieta de cordeiros em confinamento sobre o desempenho produtivo dos animais. Utilizaram-se 40 cordeiros sem raça definida, não castrados, com peso médio inicial de 20,17±2,66 kg, alimentados com 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28% de torta de girassol na dieta (base seca). O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso. A inclusão de torta de girassol na dieta não alterou o consumo médio de matéria seca (883,58 g por dia), a conversão alimentar (4,40) e o consumo médio de água (2,59 L por dia). O aumento dos níveis de torta de girassol diminuiu linearmente o peso final, o ganho de peso total, o ganho de peso diário e a área de olho de lombo. O nível de inclusão de até 28% não afeta o consumo médio de matéria seca e de água, mas reduz o desempenho e a área de olho de lombo. Para obter o menor custo com a dieta, o nível de inclusão da torta de girassol pode atingir até 28% da matéria seca, quando o seu preço representar até 40% do preço da mistura entre milho e farelo de soja.
Rapid ecological replacement of a native bumble bee by invasive species
Authors: Morales Carolina L , Arbetman Marina P , Cameron Sydney A , Aizen Marcelo A
Published: July 2013

Despite rising global concerns over the potential impacts of non‐native bumble bee (Bombus spp) introductions on native species, large‐scale and long‐term assessments of the consequences of such introductions are lacking. Bombus ruderatus and Bombus terrestris were sequentially introduced into Chile and later entered Argentina's Patagonian region. A large‐scale survey in Patagonia reveals that, in 5 years post‐arrival, the highly invasive B terrestris has become the most abundant and widespread Bombus species, and its southward spread is concurrent with the geographic retraction of the only native species, Bombus dahlbomii. Furthermore, a 20‐year survey of pollinators of the endemic herb Alstroemeria aurea in northern Patagonia indicates that B ruderatus and B terrestris have replaced B dahlbomii, formerly the most abundant pollinator. Although the decline's underlying mechanisms remain unknown, the potential roles of exploitative competition and pathogen co‐introduction cannot be ruled out. Given that invasive bumble bees can rapidly extirpate native congeners, further introductions should be discouraged.