bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L‐Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway and Interaction with Lead Acetate on Rat Submandibular Gland Function
Authors: Abdollahi Mohammad , Dehpour Ahmadreza , Shafayee Fatemeh
Published: August 2010

The effects of lead acetate, L‐arginine (nitric oxide precursor) and L‐NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor) on rat submandibular secretory function were studied. Pure submandibular saliva was collected intraorally from anaesthetized rats by a micro polyethylene cannula using pilocarpine as secretagogue. Treatment for twenty‐eight days with three doses of lead acetate (0.01%, 0.04%, 0.05% w/v) in drinking water caused significant alterations on salivary function. Salivary flow rate was decreased by lead at all doses used. The total protein concentration and amylase activity of saliva were both decreased by lead (0.04% and 0.05%). All doses of lead decreased saliva calcium concentrations. Two weeks' treatment of rats by L‐arginine (2.25% w/v) and L‐NAME (0.7% w/v) in drinking water also affected the saliva secretory function. L‐Arginine caused increase in submandibular gland weight. The saliva flow rate was reduced by L‐NAME. The total protein concentration of saliva was increased by L‐arginine and decreased by L‐NAME. Amylase activity was reduced by L‐arginine treatment. Calcium concentration was reduced by L‐arginine and increased by L‐NAME. Concurrent L‐arginine treatment with lead acetate recovered lead‐induced reduction of flow rate but L‐NAME potentiated it. Concurrent therapy of lead and L‐NAME resulted in greater reduction of protein concentration when compared to that of lead. L‐Arginine showed a preventive effect on lead‐induced decrease of protein concentration. Both L‐arginine and L‐NAME prevented lead‐induced reduction in calcium concentration. It is concluded that nitric oxide plays a role in salivary gland function. Also lead acetate inhibitory effect on submandibular function is somewhat diminished by L‐arginine and partially increased by L‐NAME. It seems that lead acetate interacts with nitric oxide modulatory role in salivary gland.
Aloe‐Emodin Quinone Pretreatment Reduces Acute Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Arosio Beatrice , Gagliano Nicoletta , Fusaro Lorena Maria Pia , Parmeggiani Luciano , Tagliabue Jacopo , Galetti Paola , De Castri Diego , Moscheni Claudia , Annoni Giorgio
Published: August 2010

Aloe contains several active compounds including aloin, a C‐glycoside that can be hydrolyzed in the gut to form aloe‐emodin anthrone which, in turn, is auto‐oxidized to the quinone aloe‐emodin. On the basis of the claimed hepatoprotective activity of some antraquinones, we studied aloe‐emodin in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxication, since this xenobiotic induces acute liver damage by lipid peroxidation subsequent to free radical production. Twelve rats were treated with CCl4 (3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and six were protected with two intraperitoneally injections of aloe‐emodin (50 mg/kg; CCl4+aloe‐emodin); six other rats were only aloe‐emodin injected (aloe‐emodin) and six were untreated (control). Histological examination of the livers showed less marked lesions in the CCl4+aloe‐emodin rats than in those treated with CCl4 alone, and this was confirmed by the serum levels of L‐aspartate‐2‐oxoglutate‐aminotransferase (394±38.6 UI/l in CCl4, 280±24.47 UI/l in CCl4+aloe‐emodin rats; P<0.05). We also quantified changes in hepatic albumin and tumour necrosis factor‐α mRNAs. Albumin mRNA expression was significantly lower only in the liver of CCl4 rats (P<0.05 versus control) and was only slightly reduced in the CCl4+aloe‐emodin rats. In contrast tumour necrosis factor‐α mRNA was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the CCl4 than the control rats and almost equal in the CCl4+aloe‐emodin, aloe‐emodin and control groups. In conclusion, aloe‐emodin appears to have some protective effect not only against hepatocyte death but also on the inflammatory response subsequent to lipid peroxidation.
MAO‐B Inhibition by a Single Dose of l‐Deprenyl or Lazabemide Does Not Prevent Neuronal Damage Following Focal Cerebral Ischaemia in Rats
Authors: Jolkkonen Jukka , Kauppinen Risto , Nyman Leena , Haapalinna Antti , Sivenius Juhani
Published: August 2010

The present study investigated the effect of postischaemic infusion of an irreversible monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) inhibitor, l‐deprenyl, an equipotent dose of a reversible MAO‐B inhibitor, lazabemide, or 0.9% NaCl on infarct volumes following focal cerebral ischaemia in rats. The drug doses (0.3 mg/kg) were selected to induce selective MAO‐B inhibition (45–55%), but not MAO‐A inhibition. The infarct volumes in the cortex or in the striatum did not differ between the experimental groups 72 hr after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, which suggests that during ischaemia/reperfusion, suppressed oxidative stress by partial MAO‐B inhibition or MAO‐B independent mechanisms such as induction of trophic factors, does not protect against ischaemia/reperfusion damage.
Equilibrium evolution in oscillating-field current-drive experiments
Authors: McCollam K. J. , Anderson J. K. , Blair A. P. , Craig D. , Den Hartog D. J. , Ebrahimi F. , O’Connell R. , Reusch J. A. , Sarff J. S. , Stephens H. D. , Stone D. R. , Brower D. L. , Deng B. H. , Ding W. X.
Published: August 2010

Oscillating-field current drive (OFCD) is a proposed method of steady-state toroidal plasma sustainment in which ac poloidal and toroidal loop voltages are applied to produce a dc plasma current. OFCD is added to standard, inductively sustained reversed-field pinch plasmas in the Madison Symmetric Torus [R. N. Dexter et al., Fusion Technol. 19, 131 (1991)]. Equilibrium profiles and fluctuations during a single cycle are measured and analyzed for different relative phases between the two OFCD voltages and for OFCD off. For OFCD phases leading to the most added plasma current, the measured energy confinement is slightly better than that for OFCD off. By contrast, the phase of the maximum OFCD helicity-injection rate also has the maximum decay rate, which is ascribed to transport losses during discrete magnetic-fluctuation events induced by OFCD. Resistive-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the experiments reproduce the observed phase dependence of the added current.
A kinetics model for Tb3+ recombinations in low doped Tb:Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5 crystals
Authors: Ricci P. C. , Salis M. , Corpino R. , Carbonaro C. M. , Fortin E. , Anedda A.
Published: August 2010

The detailed characterization of the terbium related optical properties of low doped oxyorthosilicates of lutetium and yttrium is reported. The introduction of terbium ions generates an ultraviolet absorption band peaked at about 242 nm and line shaped emissions in the 350–600 nm range. The transitions are related to the D53 and D54 levels and the analysis of the decay time measurements allows to individuate a cross relaxation mechanism among Terbium ions. We propose a three level kinetic model which is able to reproduce the experimental data allowing to discriminate among the radiative and nonradiative contributions to the transitions in the case of low content of Tb ions (nominal content 10 ppm). The reported study addresses two important goals, providing, from one side, a detailed characterization of possible inorganic phosphors, and from the other side, since traces of unwanted elements were identified in numerous commercial samples of cerium doped oxyorthosilicates, it can contribute to increase the performance of scintillator devices by revealing the optical features of one of the more diffuse and critical impurities.
Characterisation of structural and surface speciation of representative commercially available cerium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Baalousha M. , Le Coustumer P. , Jones I. , Lead J. R.
Published: August 2010

Environmental context.Manufactured nanoparticles, increasingly used in a wide range of products, can be released into the natural environment where they might pose a risk to environmental and human health. The nanoparticle characteristics that induce toxic effects, however, are not yet well-known. Understanding the toxicity and the fate and behaviour of nanoparticles in the environment requires precise characterisation of their properties at the nanoscale and the individual particle level.
Abstract.The shape, morphology, crystallography, and oxidation state of commercially available cerium oxide nanoparticles as compared with bulk particles were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled to electron energy loss spectroscopy, along with scanning electron microscopy. Nano and bulk particles have the same crystalline structure and morphology as the fluorite-type structure with a mainly octahedral shape enclosed by eight {111} facets, or a truncated octahedral shape enclosed by eight {111} facets and two {002} facets, or eight {111} and two {002} and four {220} facets. Some defects, including twin boundaries and steps and kinks, were observed. Bulk ceria particles contain mainly CeIV, whereas ceria nanoparticles contain a large fraction of CeIII, which decreases after interaction with humic acid and biological media. These properties are likely to play an essential role in the environmental and toxicological behaviour of nanoparticles.
Polyubiquitin conjugation to NEMO by triparite motif protein 23 (TRIM23) is critical in antiviral defense
Authors: Arimoto Kei-ichiro , Funami Kenji , Saeki Yasushi , Tanaka Keiji , Okawa Katsuya , Takeuchi Osamu , Akira Shizuo , Murakami Yoshiki , Shimotohno Kunitada
Published: August 2010

The rapid induction of type I IFN is a central event of the innate defense against viral infections and is tightly regulated by a number of cellular molecules. Viral components induce strong type I IFN responses through the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and intracellular cytoplasmic receptors such as an RNA helicase RIG-I and/or MDA5. According to recent studies, the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO, also called IKKγ) is crucial for this virus-induced antiviral response. However, the precise roles of signal activation by NEMO adaptor have not been elucidated. Here, we show that virus-induced IRF3 and NF-κB activation depends on the K(lys)-27-linked polyubiquitination to NEMO by the novel ubiquitin E3 ligase triparite motif protein 23 (TRIM23). Virus-induced IRF3 and NF-κB activation, as well as K27-linked NEMO polyubiquitination, were abrogated in TRIM23 knockdown cells, whereas TRIM23 knockdown had no effect on TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation. Furthermore, in NEMO-deficient mouse embryo fibroblast cells, IFN-stimulated response element-driven reporter activity was restored by ectopic expression of WT NEMO, as expected, but only partial recovery by NEMO K165/309/325/326/344R multipoints mutant on which TRIM23-mediated ubiquitin conjugation was substantially reduced. Thus, we conclude that TRIM23-mediated ubiquitin conjugation to NEMO is essential for TLR3- and RIG-I/MDA5-mediated antiviral innate and inflammatory responses.
Culture, distress, and oxytocin receptor polymorphism (OXTR) interact to influence emotional support seeking
Authors: Kim Heejung S. , Sherman David K. , Sasaki Joni Y. , Xu Jun , Chu Thai Q. , Ryu Chorong , Suh Eunkook M. , Graham Kelsey , Taylor Shelley E.
Published: August 2010

Research has demonstrated that certain genotypes are expressed in different forms, depending on input from the social environment. To examine sensitivity to cultural norms regarding emotional support seeking as a type of social environment, we explored the behavioral expression of oxytocin receptor polymorphism (
OXTR
) rs53576, a gene previously related to socio-emotional sensitivity. Seeking emotional support in times of distress is normative in American culture but not in Korean culture. Consequently, we predicted a three-way interaction of culture, distress, and
OXTR
genotype on emotional support seeking. Korean and American participants (
n
= 274) completed assessments of psychological distress and emotional support seeking and were genotyped for
OXTR
. We found the predicted three-way interaction: among distressed American participants, those with the GG/AG genotypes reported seeking more emotional social support, compared with those with the AA genotype, whereas Korean participants did not differ significantly by genotype; under conditions of low distress,
OXTR
groups did not differ significantly in either cultural group. These findings suggest that
OXTR
rs53576 is sensitive to input from the social environment, specifically cultural norms regarding emotional social support seeking. These findings also indicate that psychological distress and culture are important moderators that shape behavioral outcomes associated with
OXTR
genotypes.
Cooperation and competition in apes and humans
Authors: Reboul Anne
Published: August 2010

In Why We Cooperate (2009), Tomasello addresses the problem of human uniqueness, which has become the focus for a lot of recent research at the frontier between the Humanities and the Life Sciences. Being both a developmental psychologist and a primatologist, Tomasello is especially well suited to tackle the subject, and the present book is the most recent one in a series of books and papers by himself and his colleagues (see below). Tomasello’s basic position is squarely a dual-inheritance account, in which human uniqueness is explained both through genetics and through culture (in other words, both through natural and through cultural evolution). The main idea is that the phylogenetic specificity of humankind rests in its species-specific adaptation for sociability. The account offered by Tomasello contrasts human cooperation and altruism with nonhuman primate competition, and proposes that human altruism leads to shared intentionality (the ability to share attention to a third object and, more generally, to share beliefs and intentions). The evolutionary explanation Tomasello offers is that human ancestors were led through some kind of selection pressure to common foraging leading to collaboration and sharing. After outlining Tomasello’s position as it is described in the book, as well as the comments by Dweck, Spelke, Silk, and Skyrms which follow, I discuss Tomasello’s thesis, noting a few problems with his approach. These criticisms are based on his own work and on a number of his own other books and papers, as well as on other relevant work in the domain.
Soybean yield physiology: principles and processes of yield production.
Authors: Egli D. B.
Published: August 2010

The yield production process in soyabean, highlighting the processes and characteristics of the plant that play important roles in determining yield are discuused. It includes leaf area and interception of solar radiation, canopy photosynthesis, flowering profiles, fruit number, seed growth rate, leaf senescence, seed-fill duration, seed number, source-sink limitations, and partitioning.
Nutrient management in soybean.
Authors: Rao A. S. , Reddy K. S.
Published: August 2010

This chapter describes the soil, climate and nutrient requirements for growing soyabeans (Glycine max) as well as the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in soyabeans. The nutritional constraints of soils supporting soyabean-based cropping systems, the efficient use of applied nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients) and biological systems, and the balanced and integrated nutrient management in soyabean-based cropping systems are reviewed. The soil test-based fertilizer recommendations, the integrated fertilizer-water management under dryland conditions, and the economics of fertilizer use are discussed.
Weed management in soybean.
Authors: Mishra J. S.
Published: August 2010

The major weeds, losses due to weeds, critical period of crop-weed competition, weed management practices (weed prevention, cultural, mechanical, chemical control methods, and integrated weed management), effect of herbicides on soil microflora, herbicide residues in soil and food chain, herbicide-resistance, and economics of weed management of soyabeans are discussed.
Biological nitrogen fixation in soybean.
Authors: McNeil D. L.
Published: August 2010

The nature and the interactions with other environmental and biological factors of nitogen fixation in soyabean is discussed. Topics include plant and microbial components, breeding for increased nitrogen fixation, and cropping system components.
Storage of soybean.
Authors: Ghosh P. K. , Jayas D. S.
Published: August 2010

Harvesting, storage, drying methods, quality changes during drying and storage (breaking and discolouration), insect infestation, and some recommended storage practices of soyabeans are discussed.
Nematodes of soybean and their management.
Authors: Oyekanmi E. O. , Fawole B.
Published: August 2010

The epidemiology and biology, damage threshold, and management measures of soyabean root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, and M. javanica), soyabean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus agilus, P. alleni, P. brachyurus, P. coffeae, P. crenatus, P. hexincisus, P. neglectus, P. penetrans, P. sefaensis, P. scribneri, P. vulnus, and P. zeae), and reniform nematodes (Rotylenchus reniformis) are discussed.
Soybean processing and utilization.
Authors: Ali N.
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses the production, productivity, dietary/nutritive value and economic benefits of soyabeans (Glycine max). The processing of different soyabean products (soya nuts, soya milk, tofu, texturized soya protein, soyabean oil) and the various soyabean-based non-food products and soyabean processing byproducts and their potential uses are described. The extraction, refining, physicochemical properties, use and enhancing the quality of soyabean oil are discussed, as well as soyabean oil plant and environment safety. The soyabean oil and soya food industries and market in India are described. The emerging trends and future of soyabeans are presented.
Nutritional value of soybean.
Authors: Vineet Kumar Vineet Kumar , Anita Rani Anita Rani , Chauhan G. S.
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses the nutritional value, health benefits and nutraceutical significance of the basic (proteins, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins) and functional (isoflavones, biopeptides, tocopherols, lecithin, saponins, phytosterols, oligosaccharides such as stachyose and raffinose, and oligomeric proanthocyanidin) components of soyabeans (Glycine max). The use of soya milk as substitute for people with lactose intolerance and the use soyabeans in weight management and cosmetics are described. The efforts made through conventional breeding, mutation and biotechnological approaches to develop specialty soyabeans with improved nutritive value to address the needs of the soya food and feed industries are reviewed.
Vegetable soybean.
Authors: Shanmugasundaram S. , Yan M. R.
Published: August 2010

The distinction from grain soyabean, nutritional value, production, cultural practices (location, season, cropping system, temperature and soil type requirements, land preparation, sowing, fertilization, weeding, irrigation, insect pest and disease control, harvesting, and seed production), genetic improvement, processing and utilization, and international trade of vegetable soyabean cultivation are discussed.
White light emitting diodes with super-high luminous efficacy
Authors: Narukawa Yukio , Ichikawa Masatsugu , Sanga Daisuke , Sano Masahiko , Mukai Takashi
Published: August 2010

We fabricated three types of high luminous efficacy white light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first was a white LED with a high luminous efficacy (ηL) of 249 lm W−1 and a high luminous flux (ϕv) of 14.4 lm at a forward-bias current of 20 mA. This ηL was approximately triple that of a tri-phosphor fluorescent lamp (90 lm W−1). The blue LED used as the excitation source in this white LED had a high output power (ϕe) of 47.1 mW and a high external quantum efficiency (ηex) of 84.3%. The second was a high-power white LED, fabricated from the above high-power blue LED, and had a high ϕe of 756 mW at 350 mA. ϕv and ηL of the high-power white LED were 203 lm and 183 lm W−1 at 350 mA, respectively. The third was a high-power white LED fabricated from four high-power blue LED dies. ϕv and ηL of the high-power white LED were 1913 lm and 135 lm W−1 at 1 A, respectively. The white LED had a higher flux than a 20 W-class fluorescent lamp and 1.5 times the luminous efficacy of a tri-phosphor fluorescent lamp (90 lm W−1).
Improvement of efficiency droop in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light-emitting diodes with trapezoidal wells
Authors: Han Sang-Heon , Lee Dong-Yul , Shim Hyun-Wook , Kim Gwon-Chul , Kim Young Sun , Kim Sung-Tae , Lee Sang-Jun , Cho Chu-Young , Park Seong-Ju
Published: August 2010

We investigated InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with trapezoidal wells to improve the efficiency droop. MQW LEDs with trapezoidal wells showed a lower operating voltage and an improved efficiency droop with a low crossover current density of 5 A cm−2, which was a significant improvement over conventional LEDs that use rectangular wells. The external quantum efficiency was increased by 20% at a current density of 70 A cm−2. The improvement in efficiency droop of the MQWs with trapezoidal wells can be attributed to an increased internal quantum efficiency due to the enhanced overlap of the electron and hole wave functions at high current densities.
Colour-rendition properties of solid-state lamps
Authors: Žukauskas A , Vaicekauskas R , Shur M S
Published: August 2010

The applicability of colour-quality metrics to solid-state light sources is validated and the results of the assessment of colour-rendition characteristics of various lamps are presented. The standard colour-rendering index metric or a refined colour-quality scale metric fails to distinguish between two principle colour-rendition properties of illumination: the ability to render object colours with high fidelity and the ability to increase chromatic contrast, especially when the spectra of light sources contain a few narrow-band electroluminescence components. Supplementing these metrics by the known figures of merit that measure the gamut area of a small number of test colour samples does not completely resolve this issue. In contrast, the statistical approach, which is based on sorting a very large number of test colour samples in respect of just-perceivable colour distortions of several kinds, offers a comprehensive assessment of colour-rendition properties of solid-state light sources. In particular, two statistical indices, colour-fidelity index (CFI) and colour-saturation index (CSI), which are the relative numbers of object colours rendered with high fidelity and increased saturation, respectively, are sufficient to reveal and assess three distinct types of solid-state light sources. These are (i) high-fidelity lamps, which cover the entire spectrum with the spectral components present in the wavelength ranges of both 530–610 nm and beyond 610 nm (e.g. trichromatic warm white phosphor-converted (pc) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), red–amber–green–blue LED clusters, complementary clusters of white and coloured LEDs); (ii) colour-saturating lamps, which lack power in the 530–610 nm wavelength range (e.g. red–green–blue or red–cyan–blue LED clusters) and (iii) colour-dulling lamps, which lack power for wavelengths longer than 610 nm (dichromatic daylight pc LEDs and amber–green–blue LED clusters). Owing to a single statistical format, CSI and CFI can be used for design and optimization of multiwavelength LED clusters providing ‘smart’ illumination with a trade-off between different colour-rendition characteristics.
Recent results on the degradation of white LEDs for lighting
Authors: Meneghesso G , Meneghini M , Zanoni E
Published: August 2010

Over the last years, GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been shown to be excellent candidates for the realization of high-efficiency light sources. White LEDs based on phosphor conversion can reach record efficiencies in excess of 150 lm W−1, as demonstrated by several manufacturers and research groups. However, the reliability of white LEDs is still limited by a number of issues that must be addressed before these devices can find wide application in the market. This paper gives an overview on the most important physical mechanisms that limit the reliability of GaN-based LEDs for application in solid-state lighting. Starting from general considerations on the reliability of state-of-the-art white LEDs, the following degradation mechanisms are described in detail: (i) the degradation of the active layer of LEDs due to increased non-radiative recombination and reverse-bias stress; (ii) the degradation of the package/phosphor system, with subsequent worsening in the chromatic properties of the LEDs; (iii) the failure of GaN-based LEDs submitted to electrostatic discharge events. The data presented in this paper are critically compared with those reported in the literature.
High performance InGaN LEDs on Si (1 1 1) substrates grown by MOCVD
Authors: Egawa Takashi , Shuhaimi Bin Abu Bakar Ahmad
Published: August 2010

We report high performance InGaN multiple-quantum well (MQW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on Si (1 1 1) substrates using metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD). A high-temperature thin AlN layer and AlN/GaN multilayers have been used for the growth of a high-quality GaN-based LED structure on Si substrates. Reduction of the high-temperature AlN layer thickness promotes the formation of a tunnel junction at the AlN/Si interface which reduces the LED operating voltage. Optical output power of the LED on Si saturates at a higher injected current density due to higher thermal conductivity of Si than that of a sapphire substrate. At a high injection current, output power of the LED on Si is higher than that of the LED on sapphire. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicates that the active layer of these LEDs consists of a dislocation-free pyramid-shaped (quantum-dot-like) structure. Additionally, the crack-free thin-film LED epilayer region was transferred onto a copper carrier using metal-to-metal bonding and the selective lift-off technique. A LED with high output power, low operating voltage and low series resistance was realized by this technique. Furthermore, optimization of LED on Si by insertion of an Al0.06Ga0.94N/GaN strained-layer superlattice underlayer into the structure exhibits improved internal quantum efficiency (ηiqe) in the MQW, higher optical emission intensity with higher saturation current, lower operation voltage of 3.2 V at 20 mA and a series resistance of 16 Ω, as well as narrower electroluminescence spectra.
Review of Particle Physics
Authors: Nakamura K
Published: August 2010

This biennial Review summarizes much of particle physics. Using data from previous editions, plus 2158 new measurements from 551 papers, we list, evaluate, and average measured properties of gauge bosons, leptons, quarks, mesons, and baryons. We also summarize searches for hypothetical particles such as Higgs bosons, heavy neutrinos, and supersymmetric particles. All the particle properties and search limits are listed in Summary Tables. We also give numerous tables, figures, formulae, and reviews of topics such as the Standard Model, particle detectors, probability, and statistics. Among the 108 reviews are many that are new or heavily revised including those on
neutrino mass, mixing, and oscillations, QCD, top quark,
CKM quark-mixing matrix, Vud
& Vus
, Vcb
& Vub
,
fragmentation functions, particle detectors for accelerator and non-accelerator physics, magnetic monopoles,
cosmological parameters, and big bang cosmology.

A booklet is available containing the Summary Tables and abbreviated versions of some of the other sections of this full Review. All tables, listings, and reviews (and errata) are also available on the Particle Data Group website: pdg.lbl.gov.
Serological diagnosis of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection: limitations and perspectives
Authors: Villegas Enrique , Sorlózano Antonio , Gutiérrez José
Published: August 2010

Chlamydia pneumoniaeis an obligate intracellular human pathogen responsible for a wide range of acute and chronic human diseases, including pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Serological methods for the diagnosis ofC. pneumoniaeinfection vary widely, and several authors have reported significant inter- and intra-laboratory variability in diagnostic methods and criteria. Over the past 10 years, numerous studies have focused on the identification of specific antigens for application in serodiagnosis, including the diagnosis of persistent infections. The use of proteomics may enable the development of serological diagnosis kits that offer reliable sensitivity and specificity and might even differentiate between the various stages of infection with this pathogen.
Immunological efficacy of glycoconjugates derived from Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa detoxified LPS in mice
Authors: Paulovičová Ema , Korcová Jana , Farkaš Pavol , Bystrický Slavomír
Published: August 2010

This study focused on changes in selected parameters of humoral and cellular immunity following vaccination of mice with uniqueVibrio choleraeLPS–protein-complexed conjugates. TheV. choleraedetoxified LPS (dLPS)-derived antigenic structures O-specific polysaccharide (O-SP) and de-O-acylated LPS (DeOAc-LPS) were used to prepare glycoconjugates by linking both dLPSs to glucan, the immunomodulating matrix, and then to BSA carrier. Animals were given a primary vaccination and boosted at 2-week intervals with a dose of 4.5 μg saccharide antigen. The last boost was given either subcutaneously or intraperitoneally (i.p.) to compare the boosting effect and to optimize the effective immunization route. Both conjugates (O-SP–BSA and DeOAc-LPS–BSA) induced significant levels of antigen-specific Ig isotypes, especially IgG and IgM. The i.p. booster route was more effective. A T helper 1 response was achieved only by immunization with O-SP–BSA conjugate administered i.p. Significant acceleration of phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst of neutrophils was demonstrated by both immunogenic formulations. Activation of T- and B-cell adaptive immunities was exhibited as specific changes in CD3 : CD19 and CD4 : CD8 ratios, B-cell low-affinity FcγII and III receptor expression and induction of CD45R antigen.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus terreus: value of DNA, galactomannan and (1→3)-β-d-glucan detection in serum samples as an adjunct to diagnosis
Authors: Mokaddas E. , Burhamah M. H. A. , Ahmad S. , Khan Z. U.
Published: August 2010

A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus terreus is described. The diagnosis was based on demonstration of branched septate hyphae in a sputum specimen and isolation of the fungus in culture. The diagnosis was further supported by detection of A. terreus-specific DNA, galactomannan (GM) and (1→3)-β-d-glucan (BDG) in consecutive serum specimens. The patient was treated for about 10 weeks with voriconazole. The decreasing levels of GM and BDG in serum samples were accompanied by symptomatic and radiological improvement. The report highlights the value of surrogate markers in the diagnosis and for monitoring the course of invasive aspergillosis during therapy.
Recurrent infective endocarditis due to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: reinfection or relapse?
Authors: Potron Anais , Mainardi Jean-Luc , Podglajen Isabelle , Meunier Fabienne , Sanson-le Pors Marie-José , Berçot Béatrice
Published: August 2010

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is commonly part of the normal microflora of the human upper respiratory tract. It has been implicated in periodontal disease and various infections, particularly endocarditis. We report here what we believe to be the first case of recurrent infective endocarditis due to A. actinomycetemcomitans in a 44-year-old woman occurring 5 years after the initial episode. Genomic analysis proved that the strains were closely related. Despite efficient antibiotic treatment, surgery was necessary for recovery.
Telomere position effect is regulated by heterochromatin-associated proteins and NkuA in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Palmer Jonathan M. , Mallaredy Sandeep , Perry Dustin W. , Sanchez James F. , Theisen Jeffrey M. , Szewczyk Edyta , Oakley Berl R. , Wang Clay C. C. , Keller Nancy P. , Mirabito Peter M.
Published: August 2010

Gene-silencing mechanisms are being shown to be associated with an increasing number of fungal developmental processes. Telomere position effect (TPE) is a eukaryotic phenomenon resulting in gene repression in areas immediately adjacent to telomere caps. Here, TPE is shown to regulate expression of transgenes on the left arm of chromosome III and the right arm of chromosome VI inAspergillus nidulans. Phenotypes found to be associated with transgene repression included reduction in radial growth and the absence of sexual spores; however, these pleiotropic phenotypes were remedied when cultures were grown on media with appropriate supplementation. Simple radial growth and ascosporogenesis assays provided insights into the mechanism of TPE, including a means to determine its extent. These experiments revealed that the KU70 homologue (NkuA) and the heterochromatin-associated proteins HepA, ClrD and HdaA were partially required for transgene silencing. This study indicates that TPE extends at least 30 kb on chromosome III, suggesting that this phenomenon may be important for gene regulation in subtelomeric regions ofA. nidulans.
Transcriptional autoregulation of the RcsCDB phosphorelay system in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Pescaretti María de las Mercedes , López Fabián E. , Morero Roberto D. , Delgado Mónica A.
Published: August 2010

The RcsCDB (Rcs) phosphorelay system is involved in the regulation of many envelope genes, such as those responsible for capsule synthesis, flagella production and O-antigen chain length, as well as in other cellular activities of several enteric bacteria. The system is composed of three proteins: the sensor RcsC, the response regulator RcsB, and the phospho-transfer intermediary protein RcsD. Previously, we reported two important aspects of this system: (a)rcsBgene expression is under the control of PrcsDBand PrcsBpromoters, and (b)rcsDgene transcription decreases when the bacteria reach high levels of the RcsB regulator. In the present work, we demonstrate that the RcsB protein repressesrcsDgene expression by binding directly to the PrcsDBpromoter, negatively autoregulating the Rcs system. Furthermore, we report the physiological role of the RcsB regulator, which is able to modify bacterial swarming behaviour when expressed under the control of the PrcsBpromoter.
A new macrocyclic antibiotic, fidaxomicin (OPT-80), causes less alteration to the bowel microbiota of Clostridium difficile-infected patients than does vancomycin
Authors: Tannock Gerald W. , Munro Karen , Taylor Corinda , Lawley Blair , Young Wayne , Byrne Brendan , Emery Judy , Louie Thomas
Published: August 2010

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common identifiable cause of diarrhoea in hospitalized patients. Current therapies rely on the administration of metronidazole or vancomycin, which reduce vegetative populations of C. difficile in the bowel. Recurrence of the disease when treatment with these antibiotics ceases indicates that metronidazole and vancomycin affect not only C. difficile but also commensal populations that normally mediate competitive exclusion. Fidaxomicin is a new antibiotic that inhibits C. difficile. Our study shows that fidaxomicin had little effect on the composition of the faecal microbiota in terms of its major phylogenetic clusters. Notably, clostridial clusters XIVa and IV, and Bifidobacterium, were much less affected by fidaxomicin compared to vancomycin treatment. These findings help to explain the substantially reduced rates of relapse following treatment of CDI with fidaxomicin in recent clinical trials.
Novel approaches for analysing gut microbes and dietary polyphenols: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kemperman R. A. , Bolca S. , Roger L. C. , Vaughan E. E.
Published: August 2010

Polyphenols, ubiquitously present in the food we consume, may modify the gut microbial composition and/or activity, and moreover, may be converted by the colonic microbiota to bioactive compounds that influence host health. The polyphenol content of fruit and vegetables and derived products is implicated in some of the health benefits bestowed on eating fruit and vegetables. Elucidating the mechanisms behind polyphenol metabolism is an important step in understanding their health effects. Yet, this is no trivial assignment due to the diversity encountered in both polyphenols and the gut microbial composition, which is further confounded by the interactions with the host. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of dietary polyphenols on the complex human gut microbiota and these were mainly focused on single polyphenol molecules and selected bacterial populations. Our knowledge of gut microbial genes and pathways for polyphenol bioconversion and interactions is poor. Application of specific in vitro or in vivo models mimicking the human gut environment is required to analyse these diverse interactions. A particular benefit can now be gained from next-generation analytical tools such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics allowing a wider, more holistic approach to the analysis of polyphenol metabolism. Understanding the polyphenol–gut microbiota interactions and gut microbial bioconversion capacity will facilitate studies on bioavailability of polyphenols in the host, provide more insight into the health effects of polyphenols and potentially open avenues for modulation of polyphenol bioactivity for host health.
HrcA and DnaK are important for static and continuous-flow biofilm formation and disinfectant resistance in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: van der Veen Stijn , Abee Tjakko
Published: August 2010

The food-borne pathogenListeria monocytogenesis able to form biofilms in food processing environments. Since biofilms are generally difficult to eradicate during clean-up procedures, they pose a major risk for the food industry. Stress resistance mechanisms involved inL. monocytogenesbiofilm formation and disinfectant resistance have, to our knowledge, not been identified thus far. In this study, we investigated the role ofhrcA, which encodes the transcriptional regulator of the class I heat-shock response, anddnaK, which encodes a class I heat-shock response chaperone protein, in static and continuous-flow biofilm formation and resistance against benzalkonium chloride and peracetic acid. Induction of bothhrcAanddnaKduring continuous-flow biofilm formation was observed using quantitative real-time PCR and promoter reporters. Furthermore, in-frame deletion and complementation mutants ofhrcAanddnaKrevealed that HrcA and DnaK are required to reach wild-type levels of both static and continuous-flow biofilms. Finally, disinfection treatments of planktonic-grown cells and suspended static and continuous-flow biofilm cells of wild-type and mutants showed that HrcA and DnaK are important for resistance against benzalkonium chloride and peracetic acid. In conclusion, our study revealed that HrcA and DnaK are important forL. monocytogenesbiofilm formation and disinfectant resistance.
Structure of a 14-3-3σ–YAP phosphopeptide complex at 1.15 Å resolution
Authors: Schumacher Benjamin , Skwarczynska Malgorzata , Rose Rolf , Ottmann Christian
Published: August 2010

The 14-3-3 proteins are a class of eukaryotic acidic adapter proteins, with seven isoforms in humans. 14-3-3 proteins mediate their biological function by binding to target proteins and influencing their activity. They are involved in pivotal pathways in the cell such as signal transduction, gene expression, enzyme activation, cell division and apoptosis. The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a WW-domain protein that exists in two transcript variants of 48 and 54 kDa in humans. By transducing signals from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, YAP is important for transcriptional regulation. In both variants, interaction with 14-3-3 proteins after phosphorylation of Ser127 is important for nucleocytoplasmic trafficking,viawhich the localization of YAP is controlled. In this study, 14-3-3σ has been cloned, purified and crystallized in complex with a phosphopeptide from the YAP 14-3-3-binding domain, which led to a crystal that diffracted to 1.15 Å resolution. The crystals belonged to space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 82.3,b= 112.1,c= 62.9 Å.
The structure of a family GH25 lysozyme fromAspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Korczynska Justyna E. , Danielsen Steffen , Schagerlöf Ulrika , Turkenburg Johan P. , Davies Gideon J. , Wilson Keith S. , Taylor Edward J.
Published: August 2010

Lysins are important biomolecules which cleave the bacterial cell-wall polymer peptidoglycan. They are finding increasing commercial and medical application. In order to gain an insight into the mechanism by which these enzymes operate, the X-ray structure of a CAZy family GH25 `lysozyme' fromAspergillus fumigatuswas determined. This is the first fungal structure from the family and reveals a modified α/β-barrel-like fold in which an eight-stranded β-barrel is flanked by three α-helices. The active site lies toward the bottom of a negatively charged pocket and its layout has much in common with other solved members of the GH25 and related GH families. A conserved active-site DXE motif may be implicated in catalysis, lending further weight to the argument that this glycoside hydrolase family operatesviaa `substrate-assisted' catalytic mechanism.
Near-atomic resolution analysis of BipD, a component of the type III secretion system ofBurkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Pal M. , Erskine P. T. , Gill R. S. , Wood S. P. , Cooper J. B.
Published: August 2010

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, possesses a type III protein secretion apparatus that is similar to those found inSalmonellaandShigella. A major function of these secretion systems is to inject virulence-associated proteins into target cells of the host organism. ThebipDgene ofB. pseudomalleiencodes a secreted virulence factor that is similar in sequence and is most likely to be functionally analogous to IpaD fromShigellaand SipD fromSalmonella. Proteins in this family are thought to act as extracellular chaperones at the tip of the secretion needle to help the hydrophobic translocator proteins enter the target cell membrane, where they form a pore and may also link the translocon pore with the secretion needle. BipD has been crystallized in a monoclinic crystal form that diffracted X-rays to 1.5 Å resolution and the structure was refined to anRfactor of 16.1% and anRfreeof 19.8% at this resolution. The putative dimer interface that was observed in previous crystal structures was retained and a larger surface area was buried in the new crystal form.
An inhibited conformation for the protein kinase domain of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeAMPK homolog Snf1
Authors: Rudolph Michael J. , Amodeo Gabriele A. , Tong Liang
Published: August 2010

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master metabolic regulator for controlling cellular energy homeostasis. Its homolog in yeast, SNF1, is activated in response to glucose depletion and other stresses. The catalytic (α) subunit of AMPK/SNF1 in yeast (Snf1) contains a protein Ser/Thr kinase domain (KD), an auto-inhibitory domain (AID) and a region that mediates interactions with the two regulatory (β and γ) subunits. Here, the crystal structure of residues 41–440 of Snf1, which include the KD and AID, is reported at 2.4 Å resolution. The AID is completely disordered in the crystal. A new inhibited conformation of the KD is observed in a DFG-out conformation and with the glycine-rich loop adopting a structure that blocks ATP binding to the active site.
Metal-ion dependence of the active-site conformation of the translesion DNA polymerase Dpo4 fromSulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Irimia Adriana , Loukachevitch Lioudmila V. , Eoff Robert L. , Guengerich F. Peter , Egli Martin
Published: August 2010

Crystal structures of a binary Mg2+-form Dpo4–DNA complex with 1,N2-etheno-dG in the template strand as well as of ternary Mg2+-form Dpo4–DNA–dCTP/dGTP complexes with 8-oxoG in the template strand have been determined. Comparison of their conformations and active-site geometries with those of the corresponding Ca2+-form complexes revealed that the DNA and polymerase undergo subtle changes as a result of the catalytically more active Mg2+occupying both the A and B sites.
High-resolution structure of an α-spectrin SH3-domain mutant with a redesigned hydrophobic core
Authors: Cámara-Artigas Ana , Andújar-Sánchez Monserrat , Ortiz-Salmerón Emilia , Cuadri Celia , Cobos Eva S. , Martin-Garcia Jose Manuel
Published: August 2010

The α-spectrin SH3 domain (Spc-SH3) is a small modular domain which has been broadly used as a model protein in folding studies and these studies have sometimes been supported by structural information obtained from the coordinates of Spc-SH3 mutants. The structure of B5/D48G, a multiple mutant designed to improve the hydrophobic core and as a consequence the protein stability, has been solved at 1 Å resolution. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 24.79,b= 37.23,c= 62.95 Å. This mutant also bears a D48G substitution in the distal loop and this mutation has also been reported to increase the stability of the protein by itself. The structure of the B5/D48G mutant shows a highly packed hydrophobic core and a more ordered distal loop compared with previous Spc-SH3 structures.
Creating Civil Society? The Emergence of NGOs in Vietnam
Authors: Gray Michael L.
Published: August 2010

Based on recent research in Hanoi, this article examines the emergence of NGOs in Vietnam, and relates their development to the civil society discourse which is used by elements of the international donor community to predict the growth of pluralism and democracy. After examining the social and political environment of post‐reform Vietnam, it does not appear evident that these organizations fit into any definition of civil society which stresses independence from the state and opposition to state ideology.
Over‐Reaction by Security Market Analysts: The Impact of Broker Status and Firm Size
Authors: Hussain Simon
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study is to provide an examination of short‐term earnings forecasts for evidence of systematic over‐reaction. Analysts' predicted changes in earnings are compared with the realised changes to identify the contribution of systematic error (bias and generalised over‐reaction) to the mean square error. A second analysis investigates whether analysts over‐react to prior earnings changes. For both analyses, the impact of firm size and analysts' broker status are investigated.
Industry Information Transfers: The Effect of Information Environment
Authors: Graham Roger C. , King Raymond D.
Published: August 2010

This study extends the information environment theory of Atiase (1985) that suggests an inverse relation between the information available about a firm and the security price reaction to its release of earnings. Non‐announcing firms' security price responses are found to be inversely related to their market value but directly related to the number of peer firm articles appearing in the Wall Street Journal and the historical earnings correlations within their industry. The results suggest that information environment affects the security price relevance of a firm's own and its peer firms' earnings.