bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coincident light and clock regulation of
pseudoresponse regulator protein 37
(
PRR37
) controls photoperiodic flowering in sorghum
Authors: Murphy Rebecca L. , Klein Robert R. , Morishige Daryl T. , Brady Jeff A. , Rooney William L. , Miller Frederick R. , Dugas Diana V. , Klein Patricia E. , Mullet John E.
Published: September 2011

Optimal flowering time is critical to the success of modern agriculture. Sorghum is a short-day tropical species that exhibits substantial photoperiod sensitivity and delayed flowering in long days. Genotypes with reduced photoperiod sensitivity enabled sorghum's utilization as a grain crop in temperate zones worldwide. In the present study,

Ma
1

, the major repressor of sorghum flowering in long days, was identified as the pseudoresponse regulator protein 37 (PRR37) through positional cloning and analysis of
SbPRR37
alleles that modulate flowering time in grain and energy sorghum. Several allelic variants of
SbPRR37
were identified in early flowering grain sorghum germplasm that contain unique loss-of-function mutations. We show that in long days
SbPRR37
activates expression of the floral inhibitor
CONSTANS
and represses expression of the floral activators
Early Heading Date 1
,
FLOWERING LOCUS T
,
Zea mays CENTRORADIALIS 8
, and floral induction. Expression of
SbPRR37
is light dependent and regulated by the circadian clock, with peaks of RNA abundance in the morning and evening in long days. In short days, the evening-phase expression of
SbPRR37
does not occur due to darkness, allowing sorghum to flower in this photoperiod. This study provides insight into an external coincidence mechanism of photoperiodic regulation of flowering time mediated by PRR37 in the short-day grass sorghum and identifies important alleles of
SbPRR37
that are critical for the utilization of this tropical grass in temperate zone grain and bioenergy production.
GTP-dependent packing of a three-helix bundle is required for atlastin-mediated fusion
Authors: Pendin Diana , Tosetto Jessica , Moss Tyler J. , Andreazza Camilla , Moro Stefano , McNew James A. , Daga Andrea
Published: September 2011

The mechanisms governing atlastin-mediated membrane fusion are unknown. Here we demonstrate that a three-helix bundle (3HB) within the middle domain is required for oligomerization. Mutation of core hydrophobic residues within these helices inactivates atlastin function by preventing membrane tethering and the subsequent fusion. GTP binding induces a conformational change that reorients the GTPase domain relative to the 3HB to permit self-association, but the ability to hydrolyze GTP is required for full fusion, indicating that nucleotide binding and hydrolysis play distinct roles. Oligomerization of atlastin stimulates its ability to hydrolyze GTP, and the energy released drives lipid bilayer merger. Mutations that prevent atlastin self-association also abolish oligomerization-dependent stimulation of GTPase activity. Furthermore, increasing the distance of atlastin complex formation from the membrane inhibits fusion, suggesting that this distance is crucial for atlastin to promote fusion.
A homing endonuclease and the 50-nt ribosomal bypass sequence of phage T4 constitute a mobile DNA cassette
Authors: Bonocora Richard P. , Zeng Qinglu , Abel Ethan V. , Shub David A.
Published: September 2011

Since its initial description more than two decades ago, the ribosome bypass (or “hop”) sequence of phage T4 stands out as a uniquely extreme example of programmed translational frameshifting. The gene for a DNA topoisomerase subunit of T4 has been split by a 1-kb insertion into two genes that retain topoisomerase function. A second 50-nt insertion, beginning with an in-phase stop codon, is inserted near the start of the newly created downstream gene
60
. Instead of terminating at this stop codon, approximately half of the ribosomes skip 50 nucleotides and continue translation in a new reading frame. However, no functions, regulatory or otherwise, have been imputed for the truncated peptide that results from termination at codon 46 or for the bypass sequence itself. Moreover, how this unusual mRNA organization arose and why it is maintained have never been explained. We show here that a homing endonuclease (MobA) is encoded in the insertion that created gene
60
, and the
mobA
gene together with the bypass sequence constitute a mobile DNA cassette. The bypass sequence provides protection against self-cleavage by the nuclease, whereas the nuclease promotes horizontal spread of the entire cassette to related bacteriophages. Group I introns frequently provide protection against self-cleavage by associated homing endonucleases. We present a scenario by which the bypass sequence, which is otherwise a unique genetic element, might have been derived from a degenerate group I intron.
Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) contributes to cytosolic translocation of extracellular antigen for cross-presentation by dendritic cells
Authors: Imai Takashi , Kato Yu , Kajiwara Chiaki , Mizukami Shusaku , Ishige Ikuo , Ichiyanagi Tomoko , Hikida Masaki , Wang Ji-Yang , Udono Heiichiro
Published: September 2011

In antigen (Ag) cross-presentation, dendritic cells (DCs) take up extracellular Ag and translocate them from the endosome to the cytosol for proteasomal degradation. The processed peptides can enter the conventional MHC I pathway. The molecules responsible for the translocation of Ag across the endosomal membrane into the cytosol are unknown. Here we demonstrate that heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is critical for this step. Cross-presentation and -priming were decreased in both HSP90α-null DCs and mice. CD8α+DC apoptosis mediated by translocation of exogenous cytochromecto the cytosol was also eliminated in HSP90α-null mice. Ag translocation into the cytosol was diminished in HSP90α-null DCs and in DCs treated with an HSP90 inhibitor. Internalized Ag was associated with HSP90 and translocated to the cytosol, a process abrogated by the HSP90 inhibitor. Ag within purified phagosomes was released in an HSP90-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the important role of HSP90 in cross-presentation by pulling endosomal Ag out into the cytosol.
A virus capsid component mediates virion retention and transmission by its insect vector
Authors: Chen Angel Y. S. , Walker Gregory P. , Carter David , Ng James C. K.
Published: September 2011

Numerous pathogens of humans, animals, and plants are transmitted by specific arthropod vectors. However, understanding the mechanisms governing these pathogen–vector interactions is hampered, in part, by the lack of easy-to-use analytical tools. We investigated whitefly transmission of
Lettuce infectious yellows virus
(LIYV) by using a unique immunofluorescent localization approach in which we fed virions or recombinant virus capsid components to whiteflies, followed by feeding them antibodies to the virions or capsid components, respectively. Fluorescent signals, indicating the retention of virions, were localized in the anterior foregut or cibarium of a whitefly vector biotype but not within those of a whitefly nonvector biotype. Retention of virions in these locations strongly corresponded with the whitefly vector transmission of LIYV. When four recombinant LIYV capsid components were individually fed to whitefly vectors, significantly more whiteflies retained the recombinant minor coat protein (CPm). As demonstrated previously and in the present study, whitefly vectors failed to transmit virions preincubated with anti-CPm antibodies but transmitted virions preincubated with antibodies recognizing the major coat protein (CP). Correspondingly, the number of insects that specifically retained virions preincubated with anti-CPm antibodies were significantly reduced compared with those that specifically retained virions preincubated with anti-CP antibodies. Notably, a transmission-defective CPm mutant was deficient in specific virion retention, whereas the CPm-restored virus showed WT levels of specific virion retention and transmission. These data provide strong evidence that transmission of LIYV is determined by a CPm-mediated virion retention mechanism in the anterior foregut or cibarium of whitefly vectors.
Cellular mechanism of insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kumashiro Naoki , Erion Derek M. , Zhang Dongyan , Kahn Mario , Beddow Sara A. , Chu Xin , Still Christopher D. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Han Xianlin , Dziura James , Petersen Kitt Falk , Samuel Varman T. , Shulman Gerald I.
Published: September 2011

Insulin resistance is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is a major factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The development of hepatic insulin resistance has been ascribed to multiple causes, including inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and accumulation of hepatocellular lipids in animal models of NAFLD. However, it is unknown whether these same cellular mechanisms link insulin resistance to hepatic steatosis in humans. To examine the cellular mechanisms that link hepatic steatosis to insulin resistance, we comprehensively assessed each of these pathways by using flash-frozen liver biopsies obtained from 37 obese, nondiabetic individuals and correlating key hepatic and plasma markers of inflammation, ER stress, and lipids with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index. We found that hepatic diacylglycerol (DAG) content in cytoplasmic lipid droplets was the best predictor of insulin resistance (
R
= 0.80,
P
< 0.001), and it was responsible for 64% of the variability in insulin sensitivity. Hepatic DAG content was also strongly correlated with activation of hepatic PKCε (
R
= 0.67,
P
< 0.001), which impairs insulin signaling. In contrast, there was no significant association between insulin resistance and other putative lipid metabolites or plasma or hepatic markers of inflammation. ER stress markers were only partly correlated with insulin resistance. In conclusion, these data show that hepatic DAG content in lipid droplets is the best predictor of insulin resistance in humans, and they support the hypothesis that NAFLD-associated hepatic insulin resistance is caused by an increase in hepatic DAG content, which results in activation of PKCε.
“Is Our Name Remembered?”: Writing the History of Iranian Constitutionalism As If Women and Gender Mattered
Authors: Najmabadi Afsaneh
Published: September 2011

Current histories of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1905-1909) frequently begin the story of the revolutionary years with 11 December 1905. On that day the bastinado was inflicted on three Tehrani merchants, Sayyid Hashim Qandfurush, Hajj Ahmad Qaysariyah, and Sayyid Isma'il Charmfurush, on orders from ‘Ala’ al-Dawlah, governor of Tehran. This incident, we are told, led the two leading Tehran clerics, Sayyid Muhammad Tabataba'i and Sayyid ‘Abdallah Bihbihani, to stage a protest sit-in with their supporters in the Shah ‘Abd al-'Azim shrine and demand the dismissal of ‘Ala’ al-Dawlah and premier ‘Ayn al-Dawlah, as well as the institution of a house of justice. A month later, the sit-in ended successfully: though ‘Ayn al-Dawlah remained premier, ‘Ala’ al-Dawlah was dismissed and a royal decree to establish a house of justice was issued. Some months later another incident set off the next round of the contest.
Contending Discourses in Shiᶜi Law on the Doctrine ofWilāyat al-Faqīh
Authors: Akhavi Shahrough
Published: September 2011

The concept known in Shiᶜite jurisprudence aswilāYat al-faqīhhas been interpreted in various and contending ways over the course of time. In order for us to examine these differences, we need to establish a few points. First, although the Qurᵓanic revelation bears principally on issues of morality and piety, early Muslims deemed it essential to relate these issues to practical matters in the exercise of authority. Second, rulership in the Islamic community(ummah)was a prerogative of the Prophet, whose mode of governance was to blend the approximately six hundred verses of the scripture that dealt with social affairs with the customary law(ᶜurf)of Western Arabia. After the Prophet's death, it was necessary to add to this mix a third ingredient, namely, the interpretation, by those knowledgable in the law, of how the Prophet would have met unanticipated contingencies.
Spaces and Moments of Exile: Three Poems
Authors: Sepand Massoud , Kalbasi Khalil , Mokhtari Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Poems where a specifically iranian articulation of exile is expressed range over all the traditional genres and forms of Persian literature. Here, a ghazal, the most central lyrical genre, has been selected as the vehicle for such an articulation. Traditionally, the ghazal derives much of its unity from the mono-rhyme reflected in its form, often accompanied by a unique mood depicted through diverse and variegated images. Massoud Sepand's “The Air at Home” is one such poem, where the form has been utilized to communicate the poet's feelings about his homeland. While it opens with the image of the stifling air at home, the poem quickly turns to positing love for the country as a force that limits the ability of the speaker to overcome the exilic conditions.
The Encyclopaedia Iranica and the Encyclopedic Tradition
Authors: Daniel Elton L.
Published: September 2011

Encyclopedias, with their Pretensions to Comprehensive or Universal knowledge, are by their very nature audacious undertakings. That such exercises in intellectual hubris sometimes fail is not surprising; it is more astonishing how well some of them accomplish their goal. As evidenced by the volumes published to date, the Encyclopaedia Iranica is clearly another such success in the making. One way to appreciate its achievement is to take stock of its place within the encyclopedic tradition by examining the story of its inception and preparation, its vision and purpose, and its general features and strengths as an encyclopedia.
Geography
Authors: Ehlers Eckart
Published: September 2011

By Definition, an Encyclopaedia is “A Work that Aims at Giving a comprehensive summary of all branches of knowledge… Encyclopaedias usually consist of articles on separate subjects arranged in dictionary or alphabetical order to facilitate use… .” A more differentiated view is given by the New Encyclopaedia Britannica, which describes encyclopaedias as follows: “Today most people think of an encyclopaedia as a multivolume compendium of all available knowledge, complete with maps and a detailed index, as well as numerous adjuncts such as bibliographies, illustrations, list of abbreviations and foreign expressions, gazetteers, and so on…”

Unlike the Encyclopaedia Americana or the Encyclopaedia Britannica, whose primary goals have been and still are to serve as comprehensive and always up-to-date works of reference of general knowledge, the Encyclopaedia Iranica would fall under the category of specialized encyclopaedias “that have deliberately been planned for a special purpose” or even better: encyclopaedias of countries and regions “dealing with a single country and region.”
Iranian History in Pre‐Islamic Times
Authors: Huyse Philip
Published: September 2011

Some Fifteen Years Ago, The First Fascicle of What Seemed to be an almost megalomaniacal undertaking was published; since 1982 the Encyclopaedia Iranica (EIr) has not stopped growing slowly but steadily, and one can not imagine Iranian studies anymore without it. In the course of a decade and a half, in which eight impressive volumes have left the editorial rooms of the Center for Iranian Studies at Columbia University in New York, its wealth of learned information has made it an indispensable multidisciplinary tool for non-specialists and specialists alike interested in just about any aspect of Iranian civilization. Meanwhile it can easily bear comparison to that other major enterprise called Paulys Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft (RE), which is all the more astonishing in view of the fact that even fewer scholars are working in the field of Iranian studies than in that of Classical studies. Were it not for the exemplary international cooperation between scholars of four continents, this monumental encyclopaedia would probably have remained just a concept.
History: from the Saljuqs to the Aq Qoyunlu (ca. 1000–1500 C.E.)
Authors: Melville Charles
Published: September 2011

The Half-Millennium of Persian History Between The Coming of the Saljuqs and the establishment of the Safavid dynasty is one of repeated upheaval and largely alien rule. The arrival of the Ghuzz tribes in the early 11th century was not an entirely peaceful affair—the author of the Tārīkh-i Sīstān regards it as a calamity for that formerly prosperous province—and much worse was to follow, with the Mongol invasions of the 13th century and Timur's campaigns in the late 14th, all of which caused enormous destruction, while leaving a profound impression on Persian society, culture, and political life.

This long and eventful period is seldom treated as a whole; volume 2 of Marshall Hodgson's The Venture of Islam is still perhaps the nearest approach to a united vision of the “Middle Periods” of Islamic history, but of course his view is not confined to Iran. Traditionally, the Mongol sack of Baghdad in 1258 and the end of the Abbasid caliphate is taken as the defining turning point in medieval Persian history, an event that falls almost exactly in the middle of the period under review and which to some extent destroys its unity.
Letter from the Editors (2)
Authors: Vaughan-Eden Viola , Butters Rob
Published: September 2011

Letter from the Editors
Host type I IFN signals are required for antitumor CD8+ T cell responses through CD8α+ dendritic cells
Authors: Fuertes Mercedes B. , Kacha Aalok K. , Kline Justin , Woo Seng-Ryong , Kranz David M. , Murphy Kenneth M. , Gajewski Thomas F.
Published: September 2011

Despite lack of tumor control in many models, spontaneous T cell priming occurs frequently in response to a growing tumor. However, the innate immune mechanisms that promote natural antitumor T cell responses are undefined. In human metastatic melanoma, there was a correlation between a type I interferon (IFN) transcriptional profile and T cell markers in metastatic tumor tissue. In mice, IFN-β was produced by CD11c+ cells after tumor implantation, and tumor-induced T cell priming was defective in mice lacking IFN-α/βR or Stat1. IFN signaling was required in the hematopoietic compartment at the level of host antigen-presenting cells, and selectively for intratumoral accumulation of CD8α+ dendritic cells, which were demonstrated to be essential using Batf3−/− mice. Thus, host type I IFNs are critical for the innate immune recognition of a growing tumor through signaling on CD8α+ DCs.
Descartes's ‘morale par provision’: A Re-evaluation
Authors: Gilby Emma
Published: September 2011

This article takes as its starting point Descartes's statement in his
Discours de la méthode
, ‘Je me formai une morale par provision, qui ne consistait qu'en trois ou quatre maximes’. It offers an overview of criticism on Descartes as ethical thinker, revisiting in particular Michèle Le Dœuff's thoughts on Descartes in her
L'Imaginaire philosophique
(1980), and gives a reconsideration of the ethical content of Descartes's work. Notably, it considers previous early modern uses of the term
par provision
, with special reference to the correspondence of Nicolas Peiresc. Analysing these earlier occurrences of the term can give us a more precise understanding of what Descartes sought to communicate in the maxims of the
morale par provision
, and of how the maxims may connect with his later work. The article concludes by suggesting that
par provision
can best be understood as relating to informality. The
morale par provision
grants this quality an ethical significance, as Descartes shows an enduring interest in retrospective justifications and informal adjustments.
Development of a soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission system applicable to 100 µm crystals
Authors: Muro Takayuki , Kato Yukako , Matsushita Tomohiro , Kinoshita Toyohiko , Watanabe Yoshio , Okazaki Hiroyuki , Yokoya Takayoshi , Sekiyama Akira , Suga Shigemasa
Published: September 2011

A system for angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) of small single crystals with sizes down to 100 µm has been developed. Soft X-ray synchrotron radiation with a spot size of ∼40 µm × 65 µm at the sample position is used for the excitation. Using this system an ARPES measurement has been performed on a Si crystal of size 120 µm × 100 µm × 80 µm. The crystal was properly oriented on a sample stage by measuring the Laue spots. The crystal was cleavedin situwith a microcleaver at 100 K. The cleaved surface was adjusted to the beam spot using an optical microscope. Consequently, clear band dispersions along the Γ–Xdirection reflecting the bulk electronic states were observed with a photon energy of 879 eV.
Residue incorporation depth is a controlling factor of earthworm‐induced nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Paul Birthe K. , Lubbers Ingrid M. , van Groenigen Jan Willem
Published: September 2011

Earthworms can increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, particularly in no‐tillage systems where earthworms are abundant. Here, we study the effect of residue incorporation depth on earthworm‐induced N2O emissions. We hypothesized that cumulative N2O emissions decrease with residue incorporation depth, because (i) increased water filled pore space (WFPS) in deeper soil layers leads to higher denitrification rates as well as more complete denitrification; and (ii) the longer upward diffusion path increases N2O reduction to N2. Two 84‐day laboratory mesocosm experiments were conducted. First, we manually incorporated maize (Zea mays L.) residue at different soil depths (incorporation experiment). Second, 13C‐enriched maize residue was applied to the soil surface and anecic species Lumbricus terrestris (L.) and epigeic species Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffmeister) were confined to different soil depths (earthworm experiment). Residue incorporation depth affected cumulative N2O emissions in both experiments (P < 0.001). In the incorporation experiment, N2O emissions decreased from 4.91 mg N2O–N kg−1 soil (surface application) to 2.71 mg N2O–N kg−1 soil (40–50 cm incorporation). In the earthworm experiment, N2O emissions from L. terrestris decreased from 3.87 mg N2O–N kg−1 soil (confined to 0–10 cm) to 2.01 mg N2O–N kg−1 soil (confined to 0–30 cm). Both experimental setups resulted in dissimilar WFPS profiles that affected N2O dynamics. We also found significant differences in residue C recovery in soil organic matter between L. terrestris (28–41%) and L. rubellus (56%). We conclude that (i) N2O emissions decrease with residue incorporation depth, although this effect was complicated by dissimilar WFPS profiles; and (ii) larger residue C incorporation by L. rubellus than L. terrestris indicates that earthworm species differ in their C stabilization potential. Our findings underline the importance of studying earthworm diversity in the context of greenhouse gas emissions from agro‐ecosystems.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism confirms reciprocal monophyly in Chrysomya putoria and Chrysomya chloropyga: a correction of reported shared mtDNA haplotypes
Authors: PICARD C. J. , VILLET M. H. , WELLS J. D.
Published: September 2011

Reinvestigation of mitochondrial haplotypes previously reported to be shared between the Afrotropical blowflies Chrysomya putoria Weidemann and Chrysomya chloropyga Weidemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae) revealed an error resulting from the misidentification of specimens. Preliminary amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis of the original and additional individuals again failed to find reciprocal monophyly, leading to a re‐examination of the specimens for diagnostic male genitalic characters that were first described following the earlier study. Four of the original study specimens were found to have been misidentified, and definitive analysis of both mtDNA and AFLP genotypes using phylogenetic analysis and genetic assignment showed that each species was indeed reciprocally monophyletic. In addition to correcting the earlier error, this study illustrates how AFLP analysis can be used for efficient and effective specimen identification through both phylogenetic analysis and genetic assignment, and suggests that the latter method has special advantages for identification when no conspecific specimens are represented in the reference database.
TRIM5 allelic polymorphism in macaque species/populations of different geographic origins: its impact on SIV vaccine studies
Authors: de Groot N. G. , Heijmans C. M. C. , Koopman G. , Verschoor E. J. , Bogers W. M. , Bontrop R. E.
Published: September 2011

Tripartite motif 5α (TRIM5α) is a potent antiretroviral immune factor present in the cytoplasm of cells of most tissue types. The rhesus macaque TRIM5 gene has been shown to display polymorphism, with different variants being divided into three groups (TRIM5TFP, TRIM5Q, and TRIM5CypA), which may have divergent retroviral effects on infection. Along with rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques are also used in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection studies. As a consequence, TRIM5 genotyping of these animals will contribute to interpreting the outcome of such studies. The present communication covers Burmese, Chinese, and a large cohort of Indian‐origin rhesus macaques, and describes the first large cohort study on TRIM5 polymorphism in outbred cynomolgus macaques. We demonstrate the presence of the TRIM5TFP group in cynomolgus macaques. In addition, we have re‐evaluated historical samples of rhesus macaques challenged with SIVmac251, a virus that has been reported to be partially suppressed by particular rhesus macaque TRIM5 variants.
Direct comparison between continuous and coseasonal regimen for sublingual immunotherapy in children with grass allergy: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Pajno Giovanni B. , Caminiti Lucia , Crisafulli Giuseppe , Vita Daniela , Valenzise Mariella , De Luca Raffaele , Passalacqua Giovanni
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Pajno GB, Caminiti L, Crisafulli G, Vita D, Valenzise M, De Luca R, Passalacqua G. Direct comparison between continuous and coseasonal regimen for sublingual immunotherapy in children with grass allergy: A randomized controlled study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 803–807.

Background:  Pre‐seasonal, pre‐coseasonal and continuous regimens of immunotherapy have been proposed, but their efficacy was never compared. This phase IV open study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy of a continuous and a coseasonal sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for grass allergy over 3 years.

Methods:  Children with rhinitis/asthma because of grass were randomized to SLIT given continuously (all year long) or coseasonally. The treatment started in October 2005 in the continuous SLIT group and in March 2006 in the coseasonal group Diary cards for clinical symptoms (from 0 = none to 3 = severe), and drug intake were recorded form March to June in 2005 (baseline), 2006 2007, and 2008. Specific IgE and IgG4 were evaluated every year.

Results:  Eighty children (age range 8–16) were randomized and 72 completed the study. In the first year, the symptom + medication score improved by 44% in the continuous group and by 20% in the coseasonal group (p = 0.04). Symptoms, chest symptoms, and drug intake separately showed a greater decrease vs. baseline in the continuous group. In the second year, the global score decreased in both groups with no significant difference, whereas symptom score decreased more in the continuous group. In the 3rd year, there was no difference in clinical parameters between the two groups. Specific IgG4 were significantly higher vs. baseline since the 1st year in the continuous group and since the 2nd in the coseasonal group.

Conclusion:  In grass pollen allergy, the continuous regimen performs better than the coseasonal in the first season, whereas in the subsequent years, the two regimens are nearly equivalent.
Protocadherin‐1 polymorphisms are associated with eczema in two Dutch birth cohorts
Authors: Koning Henk , Postma Dirkje S. , Brunekreef Bert , Duiverman Eric J. , Smit Henriette A. , Thijs Carel , Penders John , Kerkhof Marjan , Koppelman Gerard H.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Koning H, Postma DS, Brunekreef B, Duiverman EJ, Smit HA, Thijs C, Penders J, Kerkhof M, Koppelman GH. Protocadherin‐1 polymorphisms are associated with eczema in two Dutch birth cohorts. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 270–277.

Background:  Eczema and asthma share a common genetic background and show linkage to chromosome 5q31‐33. Protocadherin‐1 (PCDH1) is located in this region and was identified as a susceptibility gene for bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR), a hallmark of asthma. PCDH1 encodes an adhesion molecule, expressed in airway and skin epithelium. We determined whether PCDH1 polymorphisms, previously associated with asthma or BHR, also associated with questionnaire and UK Working Party (UKWP) defined eczema.

Methods:  Four PCDH1 polymorphisms were genotyped in two Dutch birth cohorts, PIAMA (n = 967) and KOALA Birth Cohort Study (n = 1560). Association with eczema was determined by chi‐square tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results:  Insertion deletion IVS3‐116 was associated with development of UKWP eczema in PIAMA [age 4, OR = 1.90 (1.14–3.18)] and borderline with questionnaire‐reported eczema in PIAMA [GEE, OR = 1.33 (0.98–1.81)]. Furthermore, IVS3‐116 was associated with questionnaire‐reported eczema in KOALA [age 1, OR = 1.44 (1.00–2.07)]. Pooled analysis of questionnaire‐reported eczema of both cohorts resulted in a significant association of IVS3‐116 with eczema [OR = 1.26 (1.01–1.58)]. Rs3822357 (A‐allele) associated with protection for eczema in PIAMA only [questionnaires, OR = 0.19 (0.06–0.63)].

Conclusion:  PCDH1 gene variant IVS3‐116 associates with eczema in two independent birth cohorts. Combined with previous observations, this indicates a shared genetic susceptibility to BHR, asthma and eczema.
Pregnancy exposures and risk of childhood asthma admission in a population birth cohort
Authors: Algert Charles S. , Bowen Jennifer R. , Lain Samantha L. , Allen Hugh D. , Vivian‐Taylor Josephine M. , Roberts Christine L.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Algert CS, Bowen JR, Lain SL, Allen HD, Vivian‐Taylor JM, Roberts CL. Pregnancy exposures and risk of childhood asthma admission in a population birth cohort. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 836–842.

Background:  There is increasing interest in the potential for in utero exposures to affect the risk of asthma. We used population data to explore the associations between perinatal conditions and the risk of hospital admission with asthma between the 2nd and 5th birthday.

Methods:  The study population was 240,511 singleton infants born during 2001–2003. Birth records and longitudinally linked hospital admissions were used to identify asthma admissions and to model potential risk factors.

Results:  A total of 7245 children (3.0%) had one or more childhood admissions with asthma. In utero infectious exposures associated with childhood asthma were maternal antenatal admission with a urinary tract infection (UTI) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (1.23–1.79)] and pre‐term pre‐labor rupture of membranes (PROM) [aOR = 1.23 (1.04–1.45)]. There was no evidence that gestational age at time of first antenatal UTI admission (<28, ≥28 wks) affected the risk of asthma (homogeneity test p = 0.6). Pre‐term birth was a risk factor for asthma admission, with the risk decreasing by 5.3% with each extra week of gestation. Autumn and winter conceptions were associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma admission: winter aOR = 1.15 (1.08–1.23), autumn aOR = 1.09 (1.02–1.16).

Conclusions:  As in utero exposure to both UTI and PROM carry an increased risk of childhood asthma admission, this suggests that the immune system response generally is the relevant factor rather than a specific organism. The season‐associated risk is consistent with early pregnancy exposures such as the winter flu season or low vitamin D.
Histological predictors for renal prognosis in diabetic nephropathy in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with overt proteinuria
Authors: OKADA TOMONARI , NAGAO TOSHITAKA , MATSUMOTO HIROSHI , NAGAOKA YUME , WADA TOSHIKAZU , NAKAO TOSHIYUKI
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Although several clinical risk factors for end‐stage renal disease in diabetic nephropathy are known, the pathological findings that may help predict renal prognosis have not yet been defined.

Methods:  We enrolled 69 diabetes mellitus type 2 patients with overt proteinuria and biopsy‐confirmed diabetic nephropathy with mesangial expansion, and retrospectively examined the association of histological and clinical findings with renal outcome. The median follow‐up duration was 52 months. Histological scoring was made according to that of Tervaert et al. Patients were divided into four groups according to glomerular classification (class 2a, mild mesangial expansion, n = 11; class 2b, severe mesangial expansion without nodular sclerosis, n = 15; class 3, nodular sclerosis, n = 36; class 4, global glomerulosclerosis observed in more than 50% of glomeruli, n = 7). Interstitial and vascular lesions were scored for each patient. A renal event was defined as a condition requiring the initiation of chronic dialysis or doubling of the serum creatinine level.

Results:  Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that the glomerular classes were not significant variables, while interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation were independent variables associated with renal end‐point (HR: 3.36 (95% confidence interval: 1.21–9.32), 4.74 (1.26–17.91)). There were no significant differences in the renal survival rates between the glomerular classes 2a and 2b combined group and the glomerular class 3 group (P = 0.17, log‐rank test).

Conclusion:  Interstitial lesions but not glomerular lesions were a significant predictor for renal prognosis in diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes patients with overt proteinuria.
Production of plant growth modulating volatiles is widespread among rhizosphere bacteria and strongly depends on culture conditions
Authors: Blom D. , Fabbri C. , Connor E. C. , Schiestl F. P. , Klauser D. R. , Boller T. , Eberl L. , Weisskopf L.
Published: September 2011

Recent studies have suggested that bacterial volatiles play an important role in bacterial–plant interactions. However, few reports of bacterial species that produce plant growth modulating volatiles have been published, raising the question whether this is just an anecdotal phenomenon. To address this question, we performed a large screen of strains originating from the soil for volatile‐mediated effects on Arabidopsis thaliana. All of the 42 strains tested showed significant volatile‐mediated plant growth modulation, with effects ranging from plant death to a sixfold increase in plant biomass. The effects of bacterial volatiles were highly dependent on the cultivation medium and the inoculum quantity. GC‐MS analysis of the tested strains revealed over 130 bacterial volatile compounds. Indole, 1‐hexanol and pentadecane were selected for further studies because they appeared to promote plant growth. None of these compounds triggered a typical defence response, using production of ethylene and of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as read‐outs. However, when plants were challenged with the flg‐22 epitope of bacterial flagellin, a prototypical elicitor of defence responses, additional exposure to the volatiles reduced the flg‐22‐induced production of ethylene and ROS in a dose‐dependent manner, suggesting that bacterial volatiles may act as effectors to inhibit the plant's defence response.
Morphology of the cranial skeleton and musculature in the obligate carnivorous tadpole of Lepidobatrachus laevis (Anura: Ceratophryidae)
Authors: Ziermann Janine M. , Infante Carlos , Hanken James , Olsson Lennart
Published: September 2011

Ziermann, J.M., Infante, C., Hanken, J. and Olsson, L. 2011. Morphology of the cranial skeleton and musculature in the obligate carnivorous tadpole of Lepidobatrachus laevis (Anura: Ceratophryidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00:1–12.

Lepidobatrachus laevis (Ceratophryidae: Ceratophryinae) is a bizarre frog endemic to the Chacoan desert of central South America. Its tadpole is an obligate carnivore that can catch and consume live prey nearly its own size. Morphological adaptations associated with this unique feeding mode, including the larval skull anatomy and associated cranial musculature, have only been partly described. We studied the head of Stages 26–27 larvae using gross dissection, immunohistochemistry, and standard histology. Derived features of this tadpole compared to the microphagous, herbivorous larvae of most other anurans include simplified chondrocranial cartilages and very robust jaw muscles. The mm. suspensorio‐ et quadratoangularis do not take their origin from the processus muscularis of the palatoquadrate, as in most other tadpoles, but instead originate from the corpus of the palatoquadrate caudal to this process. The jaw levators are unusually large. The tadpole of Ceratophrys, another member of the ceratophryine clade, also consumes large animal prey, but its morphology is very different. It probably has evolved independently from a generalized, mainly herbivorous tadpole similar to the larva of Chacophrys, the third ceratophryine genus. Most specialized features of the larval head of Lepidobatrachus laevis are adaptations for ‘megalophagy’—ingestion of whole, very large animal prey.
High Brachial Artery Bifurcation: Clinical Considerations and Practical Implications for an Arteriovenous Access
Authors: Kian Kaveh , Shapiro Joshua A. , Salman Loay , Khan Rao Ali Hashim , Merrill Donna , Garcia Leonel , Eid Nadia , Asif Arif , Aldahan Adam , Beathard Gerald
Published: September 2011

High brachial artery bifurcation (HiBAB) is not a rare occurrence. Recent data have emphasized that HiBAB can have major clinical implications including high failure rate and decreased functional patency of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. In this retrospective study, we investigated the incidence of HiBAB. Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis undergoing preoperative vascular mapping for the creation of an AV access were included in this analysis. Ultrasound examination was used to map the arteries of the upper extremities. Four hundred and eighty‐one arms in 340 patients were examined (right arm = 181, left arm = 300). Sixty‐nine of the 481 (12.3%) demonstrated HiBAB. The internal diameter of the radial and ulnar arteries measured at the elbow region was found to be 2.9 ± 0.8 and 3.6 ± 1.0 mm, respectively (p = 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of race, gender, and right versus left arms regarding the incidence of HiBAB. As HiBAB can be present in a significant number of patients and have an impact on the AV access, its presence should be evaluated during vascular mapping prior to an AV access creation.
A Limited Access Mouse Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure that Produces Long‐Lasting Deficits in Hippocampal‐Dependent Learning and Memory
Authors: Brady Megan L. , Allan Andrea M. , Caldwell Kevin K.
Published: September 2011

Background: It has been estimated that approximately 12% of women consume alcohol at some time during their pregnancy, and as many as 5% of children born in the United States are impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The range of physical, behavioral, emotional, and social dysfunctions that are associated with PAE are collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

Methods: Using a saccharin‐sweetened ethanol solution, we developed a limited access model of PAE. C57BL/6J mice were provided access to a solution of either 10% (w/v) ethanol and 0.066% (w/v) saccharin or 0.066% (w/v) saccharin (control) for 4 h/d. After establishing consistent drinking, mice were mated and continued drinking during gestation. Following parturition, solutions were decreased to 0% in a stepwise fashion over a period of 6 days. Characterization of the model included measurements of maternal consumption patterns, blood ethanol levels, litter size, pup weight, maternal care, and the effects of PAE on fear‐conditioned and spatial learning, and locomotor activity.

Results: Mothers had mean daily ethanol intake of 7.17 ± 0.17 g ethanol/kg body weight per day, with average blood ethanol concentrations of 68.5 ± 9.2 mg/dl after 2 hours of drinking and 88.3 ± 11.5 mg/dl after 4 hours of drinking. Food and water consumption, maternal weight gain, litter size, pup weight, pup retrieval times, and time on nest did not differ between the alcohol‐exposed and control animals. Compared with control offspring, mice that were exposed to ethanol prenatally displayed no difference in spontaneous locomotor activity but demonstrated learning deficits in 3 hippocampal‐dependent tasks: delay fear conditioning, trace fear conditioning, and the delay nonmatch to place radial‐arm maze task.

Conclusions: These results indicate that this model appropriately mimics the human condition of PAE and will be a useful tool in studying the learning deficits seen in FASD.
EDUCATION AND “THICK” EPISTEMOLOGY
Authors: Kotzee Ben
Published: September 2011

In this essay Ben Kotzee addresses the implications of Bernard Williams's distinction between “thick” and “thin” concepts in ethics for epistemology and for education. Kotzee holds that, as in the case of ethics, one may distinguish between “thick” and “thin” concepts of epistemology and, further, that this distinction points to the importance of the study of the intellectual virtues in epistemology. Following Harvey Siegel, Kotzee contends that “educated” is a thick epistemic concept, and he explores the consequences of this for the subjects of epistemology and philosophy of education. Ultimately, Kotzee argues that its nature as a “thick” concept makes education suited to play an important role in explaining how the intellectual virtues can be acquired.
Microsatellites and Alu elements from the human MHC in Valencia (Spain): analysis of genetic relationships and linkage disequilibrium
Authors: García‐Obregón S. , Alfonso‐Sánchez M. A. , Gómez‐Pérez L. , Pérez‐Miranda A. M. , Arroyo D. , de Pancorbo M. M. , Peña J. A.
Published: September 2011

Two different sets of noncoding markers (microsatellites and Alu elements) from the human chromosome six were analysed in 106 individuals from Valencia (Spain), with the aim of exploring the effect of evolutionary forces on the genetic variability of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and assessing the potential usefulness of these genetic loci in phylogenetic studies. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses revealed statistically significant associations among markers located in the MHC class I region, and also between the microsatellite D6S2792 and several genetic loci from MHC class I, II and III regions. Results of the Ewens‐Watterson test indicated that only D6S2792 showed significant departure from selective neutrality. Despite the paucity of haplotype data in the literature, results of the phylogenetic analyses at world scale (Alu elements) showed that the genetic relationships of Valencia were mainly determined by the ethnic ancestry of the populations considered, whereas at European scale (microsatellites) population affinities were strongly influenced by geography. Our findings suggest that noncoding markers from the MHC such as Alu and microsatellite loci might have a potential value as lineage (ancestry) markers in investigations into evolutionary, medical and forensic perspectives.
Multiple human pressures and their spatial patterns in European running waters
Authors: Schinegger Rafaela , Trautwein Clemens , Melcher Andreas , Schmutz Stefan
Published: September 2011

Running water ecosystems of Europe are affected by various human pressures. However, little is known about the prevalence, spatial patterns, interactions with natural environment and co‐occurrence of pressures. This study represents the first high‐resolution data analysis of human pressures at the European scale, where important pressure criteria for 9330 sampling sites in 14 European countries were analysed. We identified 15 criteria describing major anthropogenic degradation and combined these into a global pressure index by taking additive effects of multiple pressures into account. Rivers are affected by alterations of water quality (59%), hydrology (41%) and morphology (38%). Connectivity is disrupted at the catchment level in 85% and 35% at the river segment level. Approximately 31% of all sites are affected by one, 29% by two, 28% by three and 12% by four pressure groups; only 21% are unaffected. In total, 47% of the sites are multi‐impacted. Approximately 90% of lowland rivers are impacted by a combination of all four pressure groups.
Chemical Stability of Extra‐Virgin Olive Oil Added with Oregano Essential Oil
Authors: Asensio Claudia M. , Nepote Valeria , Grosso Nelson R.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Extra virgin olive oil is highly consumed and well known for its nutritional and health benefits. However, it is fatty food highly susceptible to lipid oxidation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preserving effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L. spp vulgare called “oregano compacto”) essential oil on physical and chemical properties in extra virgin olive oil during storage. Oregano essential oil composition was analyzed by GC‐MS. This essential oil was added into extra virgin olive oil at 0.05%. The samples were stored in 3 different conditions: darkness, light exposure, and temperature (60 °C). Chemical indicators of lipid oxidation (peroxide value, p‐anisidine value, conjugated dienes, free fatty acidity, and carotenoid and chlorophyll contents) were measured. High content in carvomenthol (22.52%), terpinolene (19.77%), thymol (13.51%), and γ‐terpinene (10.30%) were detected in oregano essential oil. Olive oil samples without oregano essential oil stored at 60 °C and exposure at artificial light had the highest peroxide values during storage. Higher p‐anisidine and K232 values after day 7 of storage were detected in temperature, darkness, and light exposure treatments. Light treatment was the main factor that degraded chlorophyll causing loss of color. The highest chlorophyll content (3.87 mg/kg) was observed in olive oil with essential oil at the end of storage. In general, olive oil samples added with oregano essential oil had lower peroxide, conjugated dienes, and p‐anisidine values and higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents during storage. Oregano essential oil retards lipid oxidation process in olive oil prolonging its shelf life.

Practical Application:  Oregano essential oil was and is used with the purpose of flavoring and aromatizing food. This essential oil due to its composition has shown antioxidant activity. Synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are thought to be promoters of carcinogenesis. Extra virgin olive oil is widely consumed because of its nutritional benefits and sensory properties which are very important to be preserved in the product. In this study, the oregano essential oil showed remarkable antioxidant activity in olive oil. Therefore, this essential oil could be considered for the industry as natural antioxidant not only to be used in olive oil but also in other fatty food products to substitute synthetic ones.