bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tertiary architecture of theOceanobacillus iheyensisgroup II intron
Authors: Toor Navtej , Keating Kevin S. , Fedorova Olga , Rajashankar Kanagalaghatta , Wang Jimin , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: December 2009

Group II introns are large ribozymes that act as self-splicing and retrotransposable RNA molecules. They are of great interest because of their potential evolutionary relationship to the eukaryotic spliceosome, their continued influence on the organization of many genomes in bacteria and eukaryotes, and their potential utility as tools for gene therapy and biotechnology. One of the most interesting features of group II introns is their relative lack of nucleobase conservation and covariation, which has long suggested that group II intron structures are stabilized by numerous unusual tertiary interactions and backbone-mediated contacts. Here, we provide a detailed description of the tertiary interaction networks within theOceanobacillus iheyensisgroup IIC intron, for which a crystal structure was recently solved to 3.1 Å resolution. The structure can be described as a set of several intricately constructed tertiary interaction nodes, each of which contains a core of extended stacking networks and elaborate motifs. Many of these nodes are surrounded by a web of ribose zippers, which appear to further stabilize local structure. As predicted from biochemical and genetic studies, the group II intron provides a wealth of new information on strategies for RNA folding and tertiary structural organization.
Why Bundle Discounts Can Be a Profitable Alternative to Competing on Price Promotions
Authors: Balachander Subramanian , Ghosh Bikram , Stock Axel
Published: December 2009

Price promotions and bundling have been two of the most widely used marketing tools in industry practice. Past literature has assumed that firms respond to price promotions by promoting a product in the same category. In this paper, we extend this literature as well as the bundling literature by considering the possibility that a firm may respond to a competitor's price promotions by also offering a cross-buying or bundling discount. Using a game-theoretic model, we show that bundle discounts can help increase profits in a competitive market by creating endogenous loyalty, thereby reducing the intensity of promotional competition. We also find that bundle discounts can be used as an effective defensive marketing tool to prevent customer defection to the competition.
Response-Dependent Contributions of Human Primary Motor Cortex and Angular Gyrus to Manual and Perceptual Sequence Learning
Authors: Rosenthal Clive R. , Roche-Kelly Emma E. , Husain Masud , Kennard Christopher
Published: December 2009

Motor sequence learning on the serial reaction time task involves the integration of response-, stimulus-, and effector-based information. Human primary motor cortex (M1) and the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) have been identified with supporting the learning of effector-dependent and -independent information, respectively. Current neurocognitive data are, however, exclusively based on learning complex sequence information via perceptual-motor responses. Here, we investigated the effects of continuous theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS)-induced disruption of M1 and the angular gyrus (AG) of the IPL on learning a probabilistic sequence via sequential perceptual-motor responses (experiment 1) or covert orienting of visuospatial attention (experiment 2). Functional effects on manual sequence learning were evident during 75% of training trials in the cTBS M1 condition, whereas cTBS over the AG resulted in interference confined to a midpoint during the training phase. Posttraining direct (declarative) tests of sequence knowledge revealed that cTBS over M1 modulated the availability of newly acquired sequence knowledge, whereby sequence knowledge was implicit in the cTBS M1 condition but was available to conscious awareness in the cTBS AG and control conditions. In contrast, perceptual sequence learning was abolished in the perceptual cTBS AG condition, whereas learning was intact and available to conscious awareness in the cTBS M1 and control conditions. These results show that the right AG had a critical role in perceptual sequence learning, whereas M1 had a causal role in developing experience-dependent functional attributes relevant to conscious knowledge on manual but not perceptual sequence learning.
Early Synapse Formation in Developing Interneurons of the Adult Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Panzanelli Patrizia , Bardy Cedric , Nissant Antoine , Pallotto Marta , Sassoè-Pognetto Marco , Lledo Pierre-Marie , Fritschy Jean-Marc
Published: December 2009

New olfactory bulb granule cells (GCs) are GABAergic interneurons continuously arising from neuronal progenitors and integrating into preexisting bulbar circuits. They receive both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs from olfactory bulb intrinsic neurons and centrifugal afferents. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal dynamic of newborn GC synaptogenesis in adult mouse olfactory bulb. First, we established that GABAergic synapses onto mature GC dendrites contain the GABAAreceptor α2 subunit along with the postsynaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin. Next, we characterized morphologically and electrophysiologically the development of GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs onto newborn GCs labeled with eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) using lentiviral vectors. Already when reaching the GC layer (GCL), at 3 d post-vector injection (dpi), newborn GCs exhibited tiny voltage-dependent sodium currents and received functional GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses, recognized immunohistochemically by apposition of specific presynaptic and postsynaptic markers. Thereafter, GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic contacts increased differentially in the GCL, and at 7 dpi, PSD-95 clusters outnumbered gephyrin clusters. Thus, the weight of GABAergic input was predominant at early stages of GC maturation, but not later. Newborn GC dendrites first reached the external plexiform layer at 4 dpi, where they received functional GABAergic contacts at 5 dpi. Reciprocal synapses initially were formed on GC dendritic shafts, where they might contribute to spine formation. Their presence was confirmed ultrastructurally at 7 dpi. Together, our findings unravel rapid synaptic integration of newborn GCs in adult mouse olfactory bulb, with GABAergic and glutamatergic influences being established proximally before formation of output synapses by apical GC dendrites onto mitral/tufted cells.
Dopaminergic Drugs Modulate Learning Rates and Perseveration in Parkinson's Patients in a Dynamic Foraging Task
Authors: Rutledge Robb B. , Lazzaro Stephanie C. , Lau Brian , Myers Catherine E. , Gluck Mark A. , Glimcher Paul W.
Published: December 2009

Making appropriate choices often requires the ability to learn the value of available options from experience. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, neurons hypothesized to play a role in reinforcement learning. Although previous studies have shown that Parkinson's patients are impaired in tasks involving learning from feedback, they have not directly tested the widely held hypothesis that dopamine neuron activity specifically encodes the reward prediction error signal used in reinforcement learning models. To test a key prediction of this hypothesis, we fit choice behavior from a dynamic foraging task with reinforcement learning models and show that treatment with dopaminergic drugs alters choice behavior in a manner consistent with the theory. More specifically, we found that dopaminergic drugs selectively modulate learning from positive outcomes. We observed no effect of dopaminergic drugs on learning from negative outcomes. We also found a novel dopamine-dependent effect on decision making that is not accounted for by reinforcement learning models: perseveration in choice, independent of reward history, increases with Parkinson's disease and decreases with dopamine therapy.
Characterization of Rhythmic Ca2+Transients in Early Embryonic Chick Motoneurons: Ca2+Sources and Effects of Altered Activation of Transmitter Receptors
Authors: Wang Sheng , Polo-Parada Luis , Landmesser Lynn T.
Published: December 2009

In the nervous system, spontaneous Ca2+transients play important roles in many developmental processes. We previously found that altering the frequency of electrically recorded rhythmic spontaneous bursting episodes in embryonic chick spinal cords differentially perturbed the two main pathfinding decisions made by motoneurons, dorsal–ventral and pool-specific, depending on the sign of the frequency alteration. Here, we characterized the Ca2+transients associated with these bursts and showed that at early stages while motoneurons are still migrating and extending axons to the base of the limb bud, they display spontaneous, highly rhythmic, and synchronized Ca2+transients. Some precursor cells in the ependymal layer displayed similar transients. T-type Ca2+channels and a persistent Na+current were essential to initiate spontaneous bursts and associated transients. However, subsequent propagation of activity throughout the cord resulted from network-driven chemical transmission mediated presynaptically by Ca2+entry through N-type Ca2+channels and postsynaptically by acetylcholine acting on nicotinic receptors. The increased [Ca2+]iduring transients depended primarily on L-type and T-type channels with a modest contribution from TRP (transient receptor potential) channels and ryanodine-sensitive internal stores. Significantly, the drugs used previously to produce pathfinding errors altered transient frequency but not duration or amplitude. These observations imply that different transient frequencies may differentially modulate motoneuron pathfinding. However, the duration of the Ca2+transients differed significantly between pools, potentially enabling additional distinct pool-specific downstream signaling. Many early events in spinal motor circuit formation are thus potentially sensitive to the rhythmic Ca2+transients we have characterized and to any drugs that perturb them.
A Selective Glial Barrier at Motor Axon Exit Points Prevents Oligodendrocyte Migration from the Spinal Cord
Authors: Kucenas Sarah , Wang Wen-Der , Knapik Ela W. , Appel Bruce
Published: December 2009

Nerve roots have specialized transition zones that permit axon extension but limit cell movement between the CNS and PNS. Boundary cap cells prevent motor neuron soma from following their axons into the periphery, thereby contributing to a selective barrier. Transition zones also restrict movement of glial cells. Consequently, axons that cross the CNS–PNS interface are insulated by central and peripheral myelin. The mechanisms that prevent the migratory progenitors of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, the myelinating cells of the CNS and PNS, respectively, from crossing transition zones are not known. Here, we show that interactions between myelinating glial cells prevent their movements across the interface. Usingin vivotime-lapse imaging in zebrafish we found that, in the absence of Schwann cells, oligodendrocyte progenitors cross ventral root transition zones and myelinate motor axons. These studies reveal that distinct mechanisms regulate the movement of axons, neurons, and glial cells across the CNS–PNS interface.
Enhanced Excitatory Input to Melanin Concentrating Hormone Neurons during Developmental Period of High Food Intake Is Mediated by GABA
Authors: Li Ying , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: December 2009

In contrast to the local axons of GABA neurons of the cortex and hippocampus, lateral hypothalamic neurons containing melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) and GABA send long axons throughout the brain and play key roles in energy homeostasis and mental status. In adults, MCH neurons maintain a hyperpolarized membrane potential and most of the synaptic input is inhibitory. In contrast, we found that developing MCH neurons received substantially more excitatory synaptic input. Based on gramicidin-perforated patch recordings in hypothalamic slices from MCH-green fluorescent protein transgenic mice, we found that GABA was the primary excitatory synaptic transmitter in embryonic and neonatal ages up to postnatal day 10. Surprisingly, glutamate assumed only a minor excitatory role, if any. GABA plays a complex role in developing MCH neurons, with its actions conditionally dependent on a number of factors. GABA depolarization could lead to an increase in spikes either independently or in summation with other depolarizing stimuli, or alternately, depending on the relative timing of other depolarizing events, could lead to shunting inhibition. The developmental shift from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing occurred later in the dendrites than in the cell body. Early GABA depolarization was based on a Cl−-dependent inward current. An interesting secondary depolarization in mature neurons that followed an initial hyperpolarization was based on a bicarbonate mechanism. Thus during the early developmental period when food consumption is high, MCH neurons are more depolarized than in the adult, and an increased level of excitatory synaptic input to these orexigenic cells is mediated by GABA.
Genetic Deletion of A2AAdenosine Receptors in the Striatum Selectively Impairs Habit Formation: Figure 1.
Authors: Yu Chunxiu , Gupta Jay , Chen Jiang-Fan , Yin Henry H.
Published: December 2009

A2Areceptors are a major class of G-protein-coupled receptors for adenosine. Highly expressed in the striatum, on the projection neurons giving rise to the striatopallidal or “indirect” pathway, they have been implicated in sleep, addiction, and other processes, yet their role in the control of striatal circuits and behavior remains unclear. Using established assays from the instrumental learning paradigm, we showed that mice with striatum-specific deletion of A2Areceptors were selectively impaired in habit formation. After training that generated habitual lever pressing in wild-type controls, the performance of striatum-specific A2Aknock-out mice remained goal directed, being highly sensitive to outcome devaluation and reversal of the action–outcome contingency. These data demonstrate a critical role for A2Areceptors on striatopallidal medium spiny projection neurons in shaping behavior and decision making, providing the first instance of a selective alteration in instrumental learning after striatum-specific genetic manipulations.
The Role of Rhodopsin Glycosylation in Protein Folding, Trafficking, and Light-Sensitive Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Tam Beatrice M. , Moritz Orson L.
Published: December 2009

Several mutations in the N terminus of the G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin disrupt NXS/T consensus sequences for N-linked glycosylation (located at N2 and N15) and cause sector retinitis pigmentosa in which the inferior retina preferentially degenerates. Here we examined the role of rhodopsin glycosylation in biosynthesis, trafficking, and retinal degeneration (RD) using transgenicXenopus laevisexpressing glycosylation-defective human rhodopsin mutants. Although mutations T4K and T4N caused RD, N2S and T4V did not, demonstrating that glycosylation at N2 was not required for photoreceptor viability. In contrast, similar mutations eliminating glycosylation at N15 (N15S and T17M) caused rod death. Expression of T17M was more toxic than T4K to transgenic photoreceptors, further suggesting that glycosylation at N15 plays a more important physiological role than glycosylation at N2. Together, these results indicate that the structure of the rhodopsin N terminus must be maintained by an appropriate amino acid sequence surrounding N2 and may require a carbohydrate moiety at N15. The mutant rhodopsins were rendered less toxic in their dark inactive states, because RD was abolished or significantly reduced when transgenic tadpoles expressing T4K, T17M, and N2S/N15S were protected from light exposure. Regardless of their effect on rod viability, all of the mutants primarily localized to the outer segment and Golgi and showed little or no endoplasmic reticulum accumulation. Thus, glycosylation was not crucial for rhodopsin biosynthesis or trafficking. Interestingly, expression of similar bovine rhodopsin mutants did not cause rod cell death, possibly attributable to greater stability of bovine rhodopsin.
Posttranslational Modification of Ataxin-7 at Lysine 257 Prevents Autophagy-Mediated Turnover of an N-Terminal Caspase-7 Cleavage Fragment
Authors: Mookerjee Shona , Papanikolaou Theodora , Guyenet Stephan J. , Sampath Vanitha , Lin Amy , Vitelli Cathy , DeGiacomo Francesco , Sopher Bryce L. , Chen Sylvia F. , La Spada Albert R. , Ellerby Lisa M.
Published: December 2009

Polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion within the ataxin-7 protein, a member of the STAGA [SPT3-TAF(II)31-GCN5L acetylase] and TFTC (GCN5 and TRRAP) chromatin remodeling complexes, causes the neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7). Proteolytic processing of ataxin-7 by caspase-7 generates N-terminal toxic polyQ-containing fragments that accumulate with disease progression and play an important role in SCA7 pathogenesis. To elucidate the basis for the toxicity of these fragments, we evaluated which posttranslational modifications of the N-terminal fragment of ataxin-7 modulate turnover and toxicity. Here, we show that mutating lysine 257 (K257), an amino acid adjacent to the caspase-7 cleavage site of ataxin-7 regulates turnover of the truncation product in a repeat-dependent manner. Modification of ataxin-7 K257 by acetylation promotes accumulation of the fragment, while unmodified ataxin-7 is degraded. The degradation of the caspase-7 cleavage product is mediated by macroautophagy in cell culture and primary neuron models of SCA7. Consistent with this, the fragment colocalizes with autophagic vesicle markers, and enhanced fragment accumulation increases in these lysosomal structures. We suggest that the levels of fragment accumulation within the cell is a key event in SCA7 neurodegeneration, and enhancing clearance of polyQ-containing fragments may be an effective target to reduce neurotoxicity in SCA7.
Sonic Hedgehog Is a Polarized Signal for Motor Neuron Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Reimer Michell M. , Kuscha Veronika , Wyatt Cameron , Sörensen Inga , Frank Rebecca E. , Knüwer Martin , Becker Thomas , Becker Catherina G.
Published: December 2009

In contrast to mammals, the spinal cord of adult zebrafish has the capacity to reinitiate generation of motor neurons after a lesion. Here we show that genes involved in motor neuron development, i.e., the ventral morphogensonic hedgehog a(shha), as well as the transcription factorsnkx6.1andpax6, together with aTg(olig2:egfp) transgene, are expressed in the unlesioned spinal cord of adult zebrafish. Expression is found in ependymoradial glial cells lining the central canal in ventrodorsal positions that match expression domains of these genes in the developing neural tube. Specifically,Tg(olig2:egfp)+ependymoradial glial cells, the adult motor neuron progenitors (pMNs), coexpress Nkx6.1 and Pax6, thus defining an adult pMN-like zone.shhais expressed in distinct ventral ependymoradial glial cells. After a lesion, expression of all these genes is strongly increased, while relative spatial expression domains are maintained. In addition, expression of the hedgehog (hh) receptorspatched1andsmoothenedbecomes detectable in ependymoradial glial cells including those of the pMN-like zone. Cyclopamine-induced knock down of hh signaling significantly reduces ventricular proliferation and motor neuron regeneration. Expression of indicator genes for the FGF and retinoic acid signaling pathways was also increased in the lesioned spinal cord. This suggests that a subclass of ependymoradial glial cells retain their identity as motor neuron progenitors into adulthood and are capable of reacting to a sonic hedgehog signal and potentially other developmental signals with motor neuron regeneration after a spinal lesion.
The Neuronal MicroRNA miR-326 Acts in a Feedback Loop with Notch and Has Therapeutic Potential against Brain Tumors
Authors: Kefas Benjamin , Comeau Laurey , Floyd Desiree H. , Seleverstov Oleksandr , Godlewski Jakub , Schmittgen Tom , Jiang Jinmai , diPierro Charles G. , Li Yunqing , Chiocca E. Antonio , Lee Jeongwu , Fine Howard , Abounader Roger , Lawler Sean , Purow Benjamin
Published: December 2009

Little is known of microRNA interactions with cellular pathways. Few reports have associated microRNAs with the Notch pathway, which plays key roles in nervous system development and in brain tumors. We previously implicated the Notch pathway in gliomas, the most common and aggressive brain tumors. While investigating Notch mediators, we noted microRNA-326 was upregulated following Notch-1 knockdown. This neuronally expressed microRNA was not only suppressed by Notch but also inhibited Notch proteins and activity, indicating a feedback loop. MicroRNA-326 was downregulated in gliomas via decreased expression of its host gene. Transfection of microRNA-326 into both established and stem cell-like glioma lines was cytotoxic, and rescue was obtained with Notch restoration. Furthermore, miR-326 transfection reduced glioma cell tumorigenicityin vivo. Additionally, we found microRNA-326 partially mediated the toxic effects of Notch knockdown. This work demonstrates a microRNA-326/Notch axis, shedding light on the biology of Notch and suggesting microRNA-326 delivery as a therapy.
Circulating vaspin is unrelated to insulin sensitivity in a cohort of nondiabetic humans
Authors: Loeffelholz Christian von , Möhlig Matthias , Arafat Ayman M , Isken Frank , Spranger Joachim , Mai Knut , Randeva Harpal S , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Weickert Martin O
Published: December 2009

Objective

To study the association of vaspin with glucose metabolism.

Design

Cross-sectional and intervention study.

Subjects and methods

The association of serum vaspin with metabolic and anthropometric characteristics was investigated in 108 volunteers. Euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamps (EHC) were performed in 83 of the participants. Changes of circulating vaspin levels were additionally studied in a crossover study using 300 min EHC with lipid versus saline infusion (n=10).

Results

Neither glucose tolerance status nor insulin sensitivity, both as measured using EHCs and using homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), was significantly associated with serum vaspin in the cross-sectional study. Furthermore, there was no effect of short-term lipid-induced insulin resistance due to a 300 min intravenous lipid challenge on circulating vaspin. However, circulating vaspin levels were significantly elevated in women using oral contraceptives (OC), both compared to women without OC intake (1.17±0.26 vs 0.52±0.09 ng/ml, P=0.02) and males (1.17±0.26 vs 0.29±0.04 ng/ml, P=0.01). After exclusion of OC using females and stratification according to body mass index (BMI), a significant sexual dimorphism in subjects with a BMI <25 kg/m2 was observed (males 0.21±0.04 ng/ml versus females 0.70±0.16 ng/ml, P=0.009).

Conclusion

Our results support the existence of a sexual dimorphism regarding circulating vaspin. The lack of an association of serum vaspin with HOMA-IR and M value indicates, however, no major role for vaspin concerning insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic humans.
Performance evaluation and genetic analysis of maize populations and diallel crosses under irrigated and drought-stressed conditions
Authors: Evgenidis G. , Mellidis V. , Karamaligkas C. , Koutsika-Sotiriou M.
Published: December 2009

This study aimed to assess the response of eight maize populations and their 28 diallel crosses to water stress and conventional irrigation. The source populations consisted of maize germplasm from CIMMYT and the F
2
generation of commercial single-cross hybrids. The trials were conducted at three locations in two successive years. Six characteristics relevant to drought stress were recorded. On average, water stress reduced the plant height and ear attachment height, and increased the number of days to silking and the anthesis to silking interval (ASI). The reductions were greater in the diallel crosses, and the increases in the parental populations. At one location, where irrigated and drought-stressed treatments were established side by side, diallel analysis for yield revealed that: (i) the control (B73 × Mo17) and the commercial hybrid
Costanza
had significantly reduced yield under drought stress; (ii) the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability were significantly higher in the irrigated experiments; and (iii) populations derived from the F
2
generation showed higher GCA.
Varietal cross diallel analysis for seed yield and its components in fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare mill)
Authors: Dashora A. , Sharma R. , Sastry E. , Singh D.
Published: December 2009

A half diallel of nine genetically diverse varieties was made and the resulting 36 F
1
populations were evaluated along with the parents. The analysis of variance indicated that heterosis was significant for all the characters, except test weight. The heterosis components were also significant for most of the traits studied. The specific heterosis component accounted for more than 80% of the overall heterosis, indicating a complex type of inheritance for seed yield and its component traits. The crosses JF 29 × Local, RF 125 × JF 29 and UF (M)-1 × RF 101 exhibited significant positive heterobeltiosis for seed yield per plant. The parents RF125 and JF 29 merit attention as parents in the development of hybrids. The use of recurrent selection and the development of composites are suggested as ways to improve yielding ability in fennel.
Long-term influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nutrient build-up and their relationship with microbial properties under a rice-wheat cropping sequence in an acid alfisol
Authors: Bedi P. , Dubey Y.
Published: December 2009

The long-term effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on nutrient build-up and their relationship with microbial properties in a rice-wheat cropping sequence were studied in surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soil samples. This experiment has been in progress since 1990 in the Department of Agronomy, CSK, Palampur with twelve treatments involving combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. In these treatment combinations, 25 and 50% of the recommended nitrogen levels were supplemented with organic sources, i.e. FYM (farm yard manure), green manure and wheat straw. The buildup of organic matter, and the total and available pools of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur were determined in surface (0–15 cm) and subsurface (15–30 cm) soil samples. The substitution of 25 and 50% nitrogen through organic fertilizers proved to be better than inorganic fertilizers alone. Amongst the organic sources, the substitution of FYM resulted in higher organic carbon, total and available nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur than green manure or wheat straw. The substitution of 50% nitrogen through organic fertilizer was more effective than the substitution of 25% nitrogen. The relationships between the total and available pools of nutrients and the total microbial count, biomass carbon, microbial respiration, and the dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzymes were studied. The total pool of nutrients showed a high, positive, significant relationship with all these parameters.
Growth, nodulation and N 2 fixation of Sesbania aculeata grown on soil amended with phosphogypsum
Authors: Kurdali F. , Alshamma’a M.
Published: December 2009

The impact of five rates of phosphogypsum (PG) (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 t/ha) on the growth, nodulation and N
2
fixation of dhaincha (
Sesbania aculeata
Pers.) was evaluated in a pot experiment, using sorghum (
Sorghum bicolor
L.) as a reference crop. N
2
fixation by the legume crop was measured using the
15
N isotope dilution method. The dry matter content of sorghum doubled when the soil was supplied with the lowest rate of PG (5 t/ha). For sesbania, the highest rate of PG (40 t/ha) was found to have a significant effect on the dry matter yield. PG had a beneficial effect on phosphorus (P) accumulation in both plant species, particularly in the nodules of sesbania. The beneficial effect of PG on nodulation and N
2
fixation was more pronounced than on the host plant growth. The highest value of N
2
fixation (67%) was obtained following the addition of 10 t PG/ha, whereas it was only 35% in the control treatment (PG0). The amount of fixed N
2
doubled when the soil was supplied with PG, particularly in the PG10 treatment. The concentration of fluoride (F
−
) in the shoots of both plant species was less than 10 mg/kg. In conclusion, PG improved nodulation, N
2
fixation and P availability in the legume species
S. aculeata
with minimal soil N uptake.
Effect of sowing date on the yield and quality of maize hybrids with different growing seasons
Authors: Nagy J.
Published: December 2009

The yield, protein and starch content of Martonvásár maize hybrids belonging to different FAO groups were examined in experiments involving early, optimal and late sowing dates in two different years (drought — 2007, favourable water supplies — 2008) on a calcareous chernozem soil with loam texture at the Látókép Experimental Station of the Centre of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, University of Debrecen.Sowing date had a significant effect on maize grain yield in the dry year. The grain yields of hybrids with longer growing periods were significantly higher than those with shorter growing periods in both years, but they reacted sensitively to the change in sowing date in the dry year. Due to the rainfall distribution in the growing season, sowing date did not modify the performance of the hybrids in the year with favourable water supplies. Sowing date had a significant effect on the grain protein content in the dry year, with significantly higher values after late sowing than after early or optimal sowing. Averaged over the sowing dates, the protein content of the FAO 200 hybrid was significantly higher in both years than that of hybrids in other FAO groups. In the dry year, the greatest difference in protein content could be observed between the early and late sowing dates for hybrids in all four FAO groups. A negative correlation was found between yield and protein content. Sowing date significantly increased the starch content of maize in the favourable year, with a significant difference between early and late sowing dates.In the dry year higher starch contents were recorded for all the hybrids and for all the sowing dates than in the favourable year. In the dry year, sowing date only caused a significant difference in the starch content in the case of FAO 200 sown at optimal and late sowing dates. In the favourable year, a significant difference was only obtained for the starch content of the FAO 400 hybrid sown at early and late sowing dates. Satisfactory quality can only be achieved if suitable genotypes are grown with appropriate technologies.
Use of genetic markers in the investigation of starch content in maize
Authors: Nagy E. , Timár I. , Hegyi Z. , Spitkó T. , Marton L.
Published: December 2009

The chemical composition of maize makes it suitable for a wide range of nonconventional uses, including utilisation as a new source of energy for the 21st century as a raw material for biofuel. The aim of the experiments was to amalgamate the application of genetic markers with conventional breeding methods to produce maize hybrids whose starch content and ecostability satisfied the demands of industrial use, while having yield potential and agronomic traits on a par with those of hybrids currently cultivated. The chemical quality of 220 lines was evaluated using the NIR spectrometric technique, and the five maize inbred lines with the lowest and highest starch contents were selected for genetic marker studies. The variety identification of the lines was carried out using the isoenzymes stipulated by UPOV. The following SSR (simple sequences repeat) markers were tested: phi 095, umc 1057, nc 004, phi 096, nc 007, umc 1564, phi 85, y1 SSR, umc 1178, nc 009, phi 070, umc 1066, umc 1741, umc 1069, phi 033, phi 061, wx, phi 032, phi 084 and phi 062. The analysis of the fragment patterns revealed three SSR markers that appeared to be correlated with the starch content of the maize lines. These were the primer pairs
y1 SSR, umc 1069
and
phi 062
. These results are only of a preliminary nature, however, as the incorporation of starch is probably regulated by several genes, and the studies suggest it is also influenced by several environmental factors. It also appears likely that the bioethanol yield is determined not only by the starch content, but also by other parameters. Further research should thus be expanded to include investigations into the structural and fermentability traits of starch molecules, including the characterisation of these traits using genetic markers.
Combining ability and gene action studies for yield-contributing traits in crosses involving winter and spring wheat genotypes
Authors: Sharma S. , Chaudhary H.
Published: December 2009

The success of winter × spring wheat hybridization programmes depends upon the ability of the genotypes of these two physiologically distinct ecotypes to combine well with each other. Hence the present investigation was undertaken to study the combining ability and nature of gene action for various morpho-physiological and yield-contributing traits in crosses involving winter and spring wheat genotypes. Five elite and diverse genotypes each of winter and spring wheat ecotypes and their F
1
(spring × spring, winter × winter and winter × spring) hybrids, generated in a diallel mating design excluding reciprocals, were evaluated in a random block design with three replications. Considerable variability was observed among the spring and winter wheat genotypes for all the traits under study. Furthermore, these traits were highly influenced by the winter and spring wheat genetic backgrounds, resulting in significant differences between the spring × spring, winter × winter and winter × spring wheat hybrids for some of the traits. The winter × spring wheat hybrids were observed to be the best with respect to yieldcontributing traits. On the basis of GCA effects, the spring wheat parents HPW 42, HPW 89, HW 3024, PW 552 and UP 2418 and the winter wheat parents Saptdhara, VWFW 452, W 10 and WW 24 were found to be good combiners for the majority of traits. These spring and winter wheat parents could be effectively utilized in future hybridization programmes for wheat improvement. Superior hybrid combinations for one or more traits were identified, all of which involved at least one good general combiner for one or more traits in their parentage, and can thus be exploited in successive generations to develop potential recombinants through various breeding strategies. Genetic studies revealed the preponderance of additive gene action for days to flowering, days to maturity and harvest index, and non-additive gene action for the remaining six traits.
Relationship between S-methylmethionine treatment and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in maize ( Zea mays L.) leaves at chilling temperatures
Authors: Kósa E. , Szegő D. , Horváth E.
Published: December 2009

S-methylmethionine (SMM) is an important intermediary compound in the sulphur metabolism and has been shown to play a possible role in moderating the damaging effects of low temperature stress. The present work investigated the extent to which SMM is capable of influencing the activity of antioxidant enzymes when the subtropical species maize is exposed to chilling temperatures during the early developmental phase. SMM was found to contribute to the protection of maize seedlings against low (<14°C) temperature stress by enhancing the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes to varying extents, and thus helping to neutralise the reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed at this temperature. Results obtained in a gradient plant growth chamber revealed that, with the exception of catalase, SMM increased the activity of all the antioxidants studied (glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase), particularly in the lower ranges of the temperature gradient (6–14°C).
Nearly ten years in the R&D service for food industrial environment protection
Authors: PÁndi F.
Published: December 2009

In our paper we pointed out that environment protection cannot be treated in an isolated way from running the economy and that environment protection is an integral part of the prevailing sector policies.In this context, some timely issues of food industrial environment protection and the related R&D activities were reviewed. Some elements of environment load by the Hungarian food industry are also analysed and it is scrutinized how the emerging requirements to be fulfilled can be supported by the Central Food Research Institute.
Selected achievements of the Central Food Research Institute, Budapest, from its establishment until the turn of the 21 st century
Authors: Farkas J.
Published: December 2009

The treatise provides selected examples on the activities and main results of the research and development work during the first forty years of history of the Central Food Research Institute, Budapest.
Novel research strategy for safe use of legume proteins in human nutrition
Authors: Gelencsér É.
Published: December 2009

Earlier studies on protein antinutrients and allergens naturally present in legume seeds have shown that these compounds are responsible for the impaired performance of experimental animals when exposed for a long term. These reactions were characterized by lowered nutritional performance, reduced growth, pure digestion and absorption, changes in gut motility, structural damage in small intestine and diarrhoea. A lot of efforts were made for gathering data on heat stability and resistance to chemical or enzyme treatments of these compounds to reduce or eliminate these harmful effects.A novel research approach has described that these compounds have a special regulatory role in the gut metabolism and modulate hormone and immune responses which resulted in a novel concept of “nonnutritive biologically active compound”. These studies revealed that the chemical structure of these compounds was responsible for the induction of such physiological reactions as increased endogen N-loss, change in the plasma amino acid concentration or plasma lipid composition with reduction of total cholesterol level or developing of harmful immune responses to luminal antigens resistant to the gut digestion. Resent studies were therefore related to the description of their interaction with the gut metabolism and understanding of the modulation of gut immune responses to luminal antigens.This review was inspired to summarise the research efforts on the above field performed by the Nutritional and Biological Units of the Central Food Research Institute.
Microbiology of plant foods and related aspects
Authors: Beczner J. , Bata-Vidács I.
Published: December 2009

Vegetables and fruits are staple food for the human mankind, and they are also considered as the symbol of healthy nutrition. They are consumed fresh and cooked, in salad mixes, freshly pressed, fermented, minimally processed form, stored under different conditions, etc. Since they are in close contact with the environment, natural or artificial, and have a natural microbiota on their surface highly variable as a function of the surrounding, they are prone to get contaminated with human pathogens, too. More attention is paid to the food-borne outbreaks in the last 10 years related to the consumption of contaminated plant foods, and it is also in the focus of our interest. The main activities of the Unit cover the following areas: microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables, also in relation to the soil, the methods of cell count reduction using also non-thermal methods, the biofilm formation and the response ofBacillus cereusto the technological stresses.
From the food economy research to the consumer sciences
Authors: Szabó E.
Published: December 2009

Socio-economic analyses appeared among the research subjects of the Central Food Research Institute for the first time in 1982 with reference to the institutional reorganization. In addition to the earlier issues supported by economic calculations, activities of the unit involved in food economics had been more and more featured by turning to topics serving for quality products manufacture (implementation of quality management systems, labelling, the population’s food consumption etc.), as well as by joining the research work of the associated departments making their activities more complex. Also the socioeconomic regime change in 1989 made substantial impact on the activities performed at the unit. For the time being, consumer scientific studies provide main direction of the research with special regard to consumer perception of food safety risks and food safety risk communication.Possibilities for dynamic development in the pioneered way seem to be sure with reflection to healthy nutrition as well as environmental and ethical issues.
Intraluminalis duodenum-diverticulum okozta acut pancreatitisr
Authors: Szabó Melinda , Horváth Örs Péter
Published: December 2009

Absztrakt

Az intraluminalis duodenum-diverticulum egy meglehetősen ritka kongenitális rendellenesség, mely általában csak felnőttkorban kezd panaszokat okozni. Esetünkben egy 26 éves nőbetegnél visszatérő acut pancreatitisek miatti kivizsgálás során igazolódott a háttérben. A diagnózist hasi CT segítségével állították fel, majd endoscopos lokalizációt követően műtétet végeztünk. Az operáció során intraluminalis diverticulumot találtunk, melyet duodenotomiából resecáltunk, és az extrémen tágult epehólyagot eltávolítottuk. Mellékleletként pancreas anularét találtunk. Esetünkkel bemutathattunk egy olyan ritka kombinációt, ahol az intraluminalis duodenum-diverticulum egy másik fejlődési rendellenességgel társult, és acut pancreatitist okozott.
Endoszkóposan eltávolított vastagbéllipoma eseter
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammed Rafay Sameem , Azeez Azeem , Gyanti Rita , Zaborsky Andras , Hasan Fazal
Published: December 2009

Absztrakt

Vastagbélben elhelyezkedő lipomák kezelése vitatott, mert ritka kórképről van szó és kevés hosszú távú adat áll rendelkezésünkre ezek megbízható kezeléséről. A szerzők vastagbéllipoma polypectomiával egybekötött endoszkópos eltávolításának esetét tárgyalják közleményükben, majd ezt követően részletesen áttekintik az ide vonatkozó irodalmat. Véleményük szerint a 2 cm-nél nagyobb lipomáknál a sebészi úton történő eltávolítás a leggyakoribb, ugyanakkor ennél nagyobb lipomák is eltávolíthatóak endoszkópos módszerrel megfelelő betegkiválasztás után.
Differential diagnosis of child sexual abuse
Authors: Csorba Roland , Lampé Rudolf , Póka Róbert
Published: December 2009

Anogenitális panasszal jelentkező fiatalkorú beteg kivizsgálása gyakran kihívást jelent a gyakorló klinikusnak. A szexuális bántalmazás gyanúja miatt végzett vizsgálatok során mindig gondolni kell arra, hogy az észlelt elváltozások hátterében anatómiai eltérések és egyéb megbetegedések is állhatnak. Ezekhez csatlakoznak a nemi szervek olyan sérülései, amelyek nem bántalmazás következtében alakulnak ki. Idetartoznak azok a betegségek, amelyek nemi szervi megjelenései utánozzák a bántalmazás képét. A legtöbb háziorvos nem jártas a szexuális bántalmazás felismerésében. A vizsgáló klinikusnak tisztában kell lennie azokkal a lehetőségekkel, amelyek utánozzák a szexuális bántalmazás okozta elváltozásokat. Csak abban az esetben szabad kimondani a szexuális bántalmazás gyanúját vagy bizonyosságát, ha a lehetséges egyéb okokat kizártuk. Cikkünkben kísérletet teszünk arra, hogy átfogó képet nyújtsunk a szexuális bántalmazást utánzó kórképekről.
Treatment of “kissing surface” injury with mosaicplasty
Authors: Biró Csaba , Szilágyi Zoltán
Published: December 2009

Kissing surface type defects of the cartilage represent a special category in cartilage diseases. They are characteristics for more difficult treatment, more compromises and moderate results. The authors adopted mosaicplasty technique for full thickness cartilage defects. According to their early experiences, this technique can provide capable healing type resurfacement and quick rehabilitation. There is a separate injury on cartilage surface, so called “kissing surface” injury (patellofemoral injury on both surfaces at the same time). The treatment possibility is much more difficult, more compromising and the results are moderate. Mosaicplasty was the choice of treatment by authors. This method provides better results than other methods, mainly because of the high quality and better rehabilitation.
Role of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) and pattern recognition receptors (PRR) in the intestinal mucosa homeostasis
Authors: Lapis Károly
Published: December 2009

Homeostasis and integrity of bowel mucosa is assured by well controlled mechanical, biochemical and immunological mechanisms. First line of defense is presented by the antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which form a continuous layer on the bowel surface, produced by intestinal specific (Paneth) and non-specific epithelial cells. AMPs have a significant antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral, as well as immunomodulatory effects. Next line of defense is the pattern recognition receptors (PRR), which allows identifying conservative molecular patterns of different pathogens, and starts antimicrobial and inflammatory mechanisms through gene-expression induction. We review the most recent knowledge and studies concerning these mechanisms.
The role of marginal donors in liver transplantation. The Hungarian experience
Authors: Nemes Balázs , Gelley Fanni , Zádori Gergely , Görög Dénes , Fehérvári Imre , Jakab Katalin , Fazakas János , Mándli Tamás , Gerlei Zsuzsa , Sárváry Enikő , Doros Attila , Kóbori László
Published: December 2009

A májátültetések számát korlátozza a beültetésre alkalmas donorszervek mennyisége. A szervhiány megoldására az egyik lehetőség az úgynevezett marginális donorok (extended donor criteria) elfogadása a májátültetési programban.Célkitűzés:A magyar májátültetési program szervdonációs jellemzőinek vizsgálata, különös tekintettel a marginális donorokra.Módszer:Donor- és recipiensadatok retrospektív feldolgozása 2003. január és 2008. december között. A marginálisdonor-kritériumrendszert nemzetközi ajánlások alapján állítottuk fel.Eredmények:A vizsgált periódus alatt összesen 1078 donort jelentettek a klinikán. Nyolcszázharmincöt esetben (77,4%) alkalmatlannak ítélték a donormájat a transzplantációra, 243 esetben (22,6%) volt beültetésre alkalmas a donormáj. A beültetett májgraftok közül 40 (16%) származott marginális, 203 (84%) nem marginális donorból. Marginális májgraftok beültetése esetén nem volt különbség a beteg- és grafttúlélésben, a posztoperatív graftfunkciót jelző paraméterekben és az általános szövődmények gyakoriságában. A korai hepatitis C-rekurrencia gyakoribb volt marginális graft beültetése esetén.Következtetések:A májátültetésre váró betegek száma hazánkban is folyamatosan növekszik. Marginális májgraftok alkalmazása esetén a betegek morbiditása és mortalitása nem különbözik számottevően a standard donorokból származó májgraftok beültetése után tapasztalt eredményektől. Hepatitis C-vírus esetén nem javasolt marginális májgraft beültetése. A donorok felső életkori határának kiterjesztése megfontolandó.