bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wheat Production in the High Winter Stress Climate of the Great Plains of North America—An Experiment in Crop Adaptation
Authors: Fowler D. Brian
Published: December 2011

The traditional winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production area on the North American Great Plains extended as far north as southern Alberta, Canada. This paper reviews a research and development program initiated with the objective of expanding production north and east into higher winter stress areas of the Canadian prairies. Winter survival was considered the main limitation to production in this region. However, the widespread adoption of no‐till seeding into standing stubble for snow trapping has proven to be a successful method of overwintering wheat if cold hardy cultivars are grown using recommended management practices. Plant breeding improvements have increased production potential and winter wheat has become western Canada's third largest wheat class. Average commercial yields of 149, 125, and 118% of spring wheat in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, respectively, have demonstrated the high yield potential that can be realized while employing environmentally sustainable crop management practices. In light of current environmental concerns, changing weather patterns, diminishing world wheat reserves, and an ever increasing global population to feed, one would assume that winter wheat production in western Canada would be widely embraced. However, marketing obstacles and difficulties inserting winter wheat into rotations, both of which have a direct influence on farmers’ net returns, remain to be overcome for this potential to be fully realized.
Big Bluestem Gene Pools in the Central and Northeastern United States
Authors: Price David L. , Salon Paul R. , Casler Michael D.
Published: December 2011

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) is a native grass of the North American tallgrass prairie, used as a forage crop and as a possible biofuel feedstock. Understanding the genetic diversity of big bluestem can enable better classification of accessions and increase the ability to recognize unique genetic variation for use within breeding programs. Previous studies of the genetic diversity of big bluestem have generated mixed conclusions; further study is warranted to provide clarification of the genetic structure. Genetic diversity was measured both among and within three groups of big bluestem populations: natural populations collected in Wisconsin, natural populations from the northeastern United States, and cultivars or accessions available through various gene banks (mostly originating in the Great Plains). A total of 417 amplified fragment length polymorphism loci were used for principal coordinate analysis, analysis of molecular variance, and Mantel tests. Results indicate that germplasm groups represent three distinct genetic pools with overlapping regions. Partitioning of genetic variance for each of the three groups revealed significant variance among ecoregions and hardiness zones and among populations within ecoregions and hardiness zones. Unique big bluestem germplasm is present outside of the Great Plains, providing opportunities to increase genetic variation within breeding germplasm. Efforts should be made to preserve these genetic resources.
QSAR study on the histamine (H3) receptor antagonists using the genetic algorithm: Multi parameter linear regression
Authors: Adimi Maryam , Salimi Mahmoud , Nekoei Mehdi
Published: December 2011

A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model has been produced
for predicting antagonist potency of biphenyl derivatives as human histamine
(H3) receptors. The molecular structures of the compounds are numerically
represented by various kinds of molecular descriptors. The whole data set
was divided into training and test sets. Genetic algorithm based multiple
linear regression is used to select most statistically effective
descriptors. The final QSAR model (N =24, R2=0.916, F = 51.771, Q2 LOO =
0.872, Q2 LGO = 0.847, Q2 BOOT = 0.857) was fully validated employing
leaveone- out (LOO) cross-validation approach, Fischer statistics (F),
Yrandomisation test, and predictions based on the test data set. The test
set presented an external prediction power of R2 test=0.855. In conclusion,
the QSAR model generated can be used as a valuable tool for designing
similar groups of new antagonists of histamine (H3) receptors.
The Development of a Strategy for Vocational Education and Training: Experiences from Montenegro
Authors: Hoppe Melanie , Burmester Jeanette , Ebben Jan
Published: December 2011

This article addresses the problem that many countries lack a strategic orientation in reforming their vocational education and training (VET) systems, and therefore refers to the added value of a distinct VET strategy within an overall education sector strategy. To start with, the authors provide an answer to the questions ‘What is strategy?’ and ‘What is strategy in education?’ They argue that the ‘resource-based view of strategy’ is a suitable understanding of strategy because it has a developmental perspective and underpins the building of capacity and systems while making the most of core competences by stretching and leveraging them. Using core competences of social partners and other stakeholders is of crucial importance in VET development. By describing the process of developing a VET strategy in Montenegro, the authors provide a case study of putting strategy theory into practice. Concluding with lessons learned, they formulate recommendations.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Students
Authors: Pang Valerie Ooka , Han Peggy P. , Pang Jennifer M.
Published: December 2011

The authors studied more than 1 million Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and White seventh graders in a statewide California testing program between 2003 and 2008, examining their reading and math achievement. AAPI student performance is often reported as an aggregate in discussions of the success of schoolchildren and issues of racial and ethnic achievement gaps. The authors disaggregated the performance of 13 AAPI subgroups and found significant achievement gaps between White Americans and their AAPI peers in reading and math. The data refuted the premise of the model minority myth. The evidence indicated that AAPI students are diverse in their achievements and demonstrate a continuum of academic performance.
Correlation of the Rates of Solvolysis of 3,4,5-trimethoxy- and 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chlorides
Authors: Park Kyoung-Ho , Kevill Dennis N.
Published: December 2011

The introduction of methoxy groups into the 3- and 5-positions of 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride leads to a reduction in specific rates of solvolysis. An extended Grunwald–Winstein equation correlation for the specific rates of solvolysis of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl chloride gives sensitivities towards changes in solvent nucleophilicity (/ value) of 0.29 and towards changes in solvent ionising power ( m value) of 0.54. The low m value allows specific rates to be determined in highly ionising fluoroalcohol-H2O mixtures. A parallel correlation of the specific rates of solvolysis of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride reveals that solvolyses in 100% and 90% ethanol or methanol do not appreciably follow the ionisation pathway indicated for solvolyses in the other solvents and it is proposed that, despite the two ortho-substituents, the addition–elimination pathway has become dominant.
Novel Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)-α,β-Unsaturated Esters by Hydrostannylation-Stille Tandem Reaction of Alkynyl Esters with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Li Jianying , Yu Yan , Cheng Mingzhu , Cai Mingzhong
Published: December 2011

( Z)-α,β-Unsaturated esters can be stereoselectively synthesised in one pot under mild conditions and in good yields, by the hydrostannylation of alkynyl esters followed by Stille cross-coupling with aryl iodides.
An improved Synthesis of a β-Blocker Celiprolol Hydrochloride
Authors: Ji Li , Mao Xiao-yuan , Qian Chao , Chen Xin-zhi
Published: December 2011

Celiprolol hydrochloride, a β-blocker drug, has been synthesised from 4-chloronitrobenzene. The route involved hydrolysis of the chloride and acetylation of the phenol, reduction of the nitro group, and acylation of theamine. This was followed by Fries rearrangement of the acetyl group, Williamson etherification with epichlorohydrin, followed by opening of the epoxide ring and salt formation. The overall yield of celipropol was 39.1% on the basis of 4-chloronitrobenzene. The Fries rearrangement was substantially improved. The process is suitable for industrial application because of its convenient and environmentally friendly reaction conditions.
Three-Component Reaction between Alkyl Isocyanides, Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates, and Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Mosslemin Mohammad H. , Singh Sonia , Shaterchi Seyyed Ali
Published: December 2011

Protonation of the reactive intermediates produced in the reaction between alkyl isocyanides and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates by carboxylic acids leads to vinylnitrilium cations which then undergo nucleophilic addition of the conjugate bases of the carboxylic acids. This intermediate rearranges to produce dialkyl ( E)2-{[(aryl)acetyl(alkyl-amino)]carbonyl}-2-butenedioate derivatives.
Nachhaltiger Umgang mit natürlichen Risiken: antizipativ, integrativ und interdisziplinär
Authors: Klinke Andreas , Renn Ortwin
Published: December 2011

Sustainable management of natural risks: anticipative, integrative and interdisciplinary

The endangerment through natural risks is globally increasing, despite the efforts to mitigate the effects. Therefore, society needs appropriate methods in order to better anticipate as well as interdisciplinarily assess and estimate natural risks and provide effective and efficient management options. The article proposes a procedural model comprising the four phases of risk anticipation, interdisciplinary risk estimation, standardization of risk types and risk management. Risk communication as dialogue between society, authorities and experts accompanies all phases.
Neue, integrierte Sichtweise zum Umgang mit Klimarisiken und deren Versicherung
Authors: Bresch David , Schraft Andreas
Published: December 2011

A new integrated perspective on dealing with climatic risks and their insurance

Today's action changes future risks, just as much as a failure to take action. The article explains an integrated procedure developed by the “Economics of Climate Adaptation” team, which helps to quantify future costs and the future benefit of present-day actions. The procedure includes an estimation of future climatic risks, and a cost-benefit analysis to determine the most cost-efficient measures of adaptation to climate change. It turns out that in the case of the Indian State of Maharashtra, taken as an example, approximately half the drought damage expected by 2030 can be avoided in a cost-efficient manner with suitable measures of adaptation. Moreover, a part of the remaining risk can be dealt with through insurances.
Registration of ‘UI SRG’ Wheat
Authors: Chen J. , Souza E. J. , Guttieri M. J. , O'Brien K. , Wheeler J. , Sorensen L. , Clayton J. , Chen X. M. , Goates B. J. , Hole D. , Brown B. D. , Marshall J. M. , Zemetra R.
Published: December 2011

Developing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with high yield, desirable end‐use quality, and resistance to prevalent diseases are the major goals for the breeding programs in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and the world. ‘UI SRG’ (Reg. No. CV‐1066, PI 660546) hard red winter wheat was developed by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station using a modified backcross breeding procedure. UI SRG was derived from a BC1F7 line from the backcross ‘Utah 100’*2/‘Boundary’ and tested under experimental numbers A971065W‐J‐4 and IDO656. UI SRG was released in 2010 for its improved resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici) combined with superior yield and resistance to dwarf bunt (caused by Tilletia contraversa Kühn) and stem rust (caused by P. graminis Pers: Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn) (local and TTKS races). UI SRG is best adapted to rainfed production in the intermountain zone of the western United States and is targeted to replace the stripe rust–susceptible cultivar ‘Deloris’ and the lower‐yielding older cultivars Utah 100 and ‘Finley’. Milling and baking quality of UI SRG is not significantly different from that of the best‐quality check cultivars ‘DW’ and Deloris.
The Otherness of Heroes: The Shonen as Outsider and Altruist in Oda Eiichiro's One Piece
Authors: Sasada Hiroko
Published: December 2011

The shonen hero in One Piece, a popular fantasy battle manga for boys, is described as a complete altruist although he longs to be the King of Pirates, that is, the top of ‘others’ in the social mainstream. Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, called the ‘Straw Hat Pirates’, seem to be derived from traditional Japanese heroes in period films or from the manly virtue called otoko-date in the Edo period: the outsiders who carry out ‘poetic justice’ by assisting the weak and resisting the strong, even at risk to their own lives. To be more powerful than those whose right and status is determined by birth and nature in this fictional world, others, who are usually adventurers, have a special opportunity to find and eat ‘Devil Fruit’ and thus obtain superhuman power and become others within others. Moreover, there are other means whereby Luffy may become a genuine hero, not by luck but through effort: King's Ambition, and Conqueror's Power. The latter can be attained by genius only, by one person in a million. In this article, the gifted shonen hero with the superhuman power of One Piece is analysed in terms of otherness and altruism.
Mindfulness, cancer, and pain
Authors: Tacon Anna M.
Published: December 2011

Pain is the most distressing and incapacitating symptom experienced by cancer patients. While mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions have been conducted with cancer patients, no study has explored psychological and pain- related factors in patients with cancer-related pain. The effects of an eight-week MBSR intervention were investigated on pre- post scores for pain catastrophizing, pain-related anxiety, pain intensity ratings, and mental adjustment to cancer in breast cancer patients with pa in. Forty-one women diagnosed withcancer-related pain participated in the study. The MBSR was conducted for 1.5 hours/week for eight-weeks; participants were trained in the body scan, sitting meditation, and hatha yoga. Results showed significant reduction in scores for pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, and painratings; also significant positive changes occurred for mental adjustment to cancer. This study is the first to investigate MBSR effects for psychological factors in patients with cancer pain. Much more research is needed in this area.
Antimetastatic therapy targeting aberrant sialylation profiles in cancer cells
Authors: Lu Da Yong , Lu Ting Ren , Wu Hong-Ying
Published: December 2011

Neoplasm metastases involve a fixed cascade of pathological processes, and are responsible for more than 60% cancer deaths worldwide and can only be controlled or inhibited by drugs now. Antimetastatic drugs targeting aberrantly sialylated in tumors have involved about a quarter of a century and might be a future therapeutic option apart from currently utilized antimetastatic drugs, such as antivascular and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors. Since neoplasm tissues often manifest high levels of sialic acids and sialyl antigens or glycoligands, and some types of sialic acid analogue, such as N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Nau5Gc) occurred in most tumor tissues, is absent in common humans, more attentions are needed to work with new therapeutic approaches to target these changes. Previously preliminary data have shown some compounds that inhibit some pathways of sialic acids can inhibit the tumor metastasis in vitro and tumor metastasis in experimental animal models. This type of pharmacological work can be helped by glycome investigations in order to deep understanding their mechanisms. As the central dogma of glycobiology is still unknown, some fundamental questions related to carbohydrate itself are even more welcoming and decisive to our understanding to nature of cancer. These types of work also need mathematical analysis of data. In this review, we will document and discuss the latest experimental therapeutic data and their clinical significance between cancer pathological profiles and therapeutics benefits.
Dendritic cell dysfunction and implications for dendritic cell-based therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Vallop Josiassen Michael , Paulsson Kajsa
Published: December 2011

Clinical trials and experimental models indicate that dendritic-cell-based immunotherapy is promising for treatment of different types of cancer. However, dendritic cells (DCs) have strong immune-regulatory capacities and can not only stimulate but also dampen immune responses. It is also well known that the different DC subsets strongly influence the magnitude and quality of adaptive immune responses. In this review, to improve understanding of the DC-based immunotherapy approach, we briefly describe different DC subsets and the differentiation, maturation, and activation of these cells. One form of cancer for which there is a strong need to find, establish, and standardize new, alternative therapies is colorectal cancer. This review discusses some of the factors, including those involved in DC dysfunction, that we believe to be of major influence in DC therapy in colorectal cancer.
Novel anti-tuberculosis drug designs by data mining for similarity in substituent substitution and structure modification
Authors: Bartzatt Ronald Lee
Published: December 2011

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is among the most common of infectious diseases that cause death, and as many as one-third of the world’s population may be infected. This work presents 17 novel hydrazide agents formed by focused in silico data mining utilizing search parameters restricted to substituent replacement only. Substituent substitution has been highly successful in design of novel antibacterial and antiviral drugs. This diverse set of hydrazide constructs possess molecular properties indicating favorable bioavailability with excellent intestinal absorption for oral administration. All agents have zero violations of the Rule of 5, indicating favorable druglikeness. Important pharmaceutical properties including polar surface area, Log P, and formula weight were determined and compared to that of the parent structure of isoniazid by hierarchical cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. The average Log P with range is -0.258 and -2.165 to 1.373, respectively. The average polar surface area (PSA) with range is 75.19 A2 and 55.121 A2 to 94.036 A2, respectively. The diverse range of PSA and Log P, with other descriptors, portend a versatile group of hydrazide drugs having substantial potential to expand the application and effectiveness for clinical treatment of multi-organ infected TB patients. Analysis of similarity indicated that all 17 agents are significantly similar to isoniazid, however discriminant analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis are able to differentiate isoniazid based upon molecular properties. Molecular weight and number of atoms were highly correlated by Pearson r (r > 0.9000), with Log P moderately correlated (r > 0.5500) to number of atoms, molecular weight, and volume. Seventeen hydrazide compounds (success rate of approximately 38%) having diverse pharmaceutical properties resulted from substituent data mining with potential for clinical application.
Benign fasciculations and Corticosteroid use: possible association? An update
Authors: Orsini Marco , Sztajnbok Flavio R. , Oliveira Acary Bulle , Araújo Leite Marco Antonio , Salem Júnior Peter , De Freitas Marcos R.G. , Nascimento Osvaldo J.M. , Silva Júlio Guilherme , Puccioni Sholer Marzia , Silva Guimarães Fernando , Cardoso Pereira Alessandra , Silveira de Menezes Sara Lúcia , Da Silva Catharino Antonio Marcos , Bino Fabrício
Published: December 2011

Fasciculations are characterized by visible subtle and fast contractions of muscle, even wormlike in movement, by the contraction of a fascicle of muscle fibers. The authors present the case study of a 28-year-old patient with the appearance of migratory and diffuse fasciculations with an onset after partial tapering off of oral corticosteroides (60 mg total dose) indicated for treatment of Minimal change Glomerulopathy. Clinical Neurological physical exam allied with an ENMG, besides other complementary laboratory exams were used for screening the above-mentioned patient. Afterwards, current research relating to the topic at hand was made in order to update the data available in the Bireme, Scielo and PubMed Data Banks using the following key words: Fasciculation’s, motor neuron disease, and benign fasciculations in the Portuguese, English as well as Spanish language. Although fasciculation’s are most commonly associated with Motor neuron disease as well as with certain metabolic disorders, they may also be present in individuals with absolutely no underlying pathological disorders. In our case, fasciculation potentials that have been present for six months, with no other signs of a neurogenic disorder as well as absence of laboratory findings, the patient received a diagnosis of Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS).We believe that the use of corticosteroides in high doses with subsequent tapering contributed to the fasciculation’s, especially due to the changes that this causes on the ionic channels. Fasciculation’s are symptoms seen in a large range of conditions, and also being the main symptom of the so-called Benign Fasciculation Syndrome. We have presented an example of this clinical syndrome in a patient whose complaint was fasciculation’s, with complete clinical remission of symptoms following complete tapering off of corticosteroid six months previously.
Novel mutation of the NOTCH3 gene in Arabic family with CADASIL
Authors: Bohlega Saeed
Published: December 2011

Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene are responsible for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), an adult onset hereditary angiopathy leading to ischemic stroke, vascular dementia and psychiatric disorders. All mutation of NOTCH3 described so far are striking stereotyped leading to the gain or loss of cystiene residue in a given epidermal growth factor (EGF), like repeat. We report an Arabic family affected with CADASIL mutation, G1790 C, in Exon 11 of the NOTCH3 gene. This is the first novel mutation reported in Arabic CADASIL patients. This finding confirms that mutations in NOTCH3 are associated with the pathogenesis of CADASIL across different ethnic background.
Characterization of Novel Leishmania infantum Recombinant Proteins Encoded by Genes from Five Families with Distinct Capacities for Serodiagnosis of Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Oliveira Geraldo G. S. , Magalhães Franklin B. , Teixeira Márcia C. A. , Pereira Andrea M. , Pinheiro Cristiane G. M. , Santos Lenita R. , Nascimento Marília B. , Bedor Cheila N. G. , Albuquerque Alessandra L. , dos-Santos Washington L. C. , Gomes Yara M. , Moreira Edson D. , Brito Maria E. F. , Pontes de Carvalho Lain C. , de Melo Neto Osvaldo P.
Published: December 2011

To expand the available panel of recombinant proteins that can be useful for identifying Leishmania-infected dogs and for diagnosing human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), we selected recombinant antigens from L. infantum, cDNA, and genomic libraries by using pools of serum samples from infected dogs and humans. The selected DNA fragments encoded homologs of a cytoplasmic heat-shock protein 70, a kinesin, a polyubiquitin, and two novel hypothetical proteins. Histidine-tagged recombinant proteins were produced after subcloning these DNA fragments and evaluated by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with panels of canine and human serum samples. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with different recombinant proteins had different sensitivities (67.4–93.0% and 36.4–97.2%) and specificities (76.1–100% and 90.4–97.3%) when tested with serum samples from Leishmania-infected dogs and human patients with VL. Overall, no single recombinant antigen was sufficient to serodiagnosis all canine or human VL cases.
HIV Target Cells in Schistosoma haematobium-Infected Female Genital Mucosa
Authors: Jourdan Peter Mark , Holmen Sigve Dhondup , Gundersen Svein Gunnar , Roald Borghild , Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke
Published: December 2011

The parasite Schistosoma haematobium frequently causes genital lesions in women and could increase the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. This study quantifies the HIV target cells in schistosome-infected female genital mucosa. Cervicovaginal biopsies with and without schistosomiasis were immunostained for quantification of CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD3, CD8), macrophages (CD68), and dendritic Langerhans cells (S100 protein). We found significantly higher densities of genital mucosal CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages surrounding schistosome ova compared with cervicovaginal mucosa without ova (P = 0.034 and P = 0.018, respectively). We found no increased density of Langerhans cells (P = 0.25). This study indicates that S. haematobium may significantly increase the density of HIV target cells (CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages) in the female genitals, creating a beneficial setting for HIV transmission. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to evaluate the effect of anti-schistosomal treatment on female genital schistosomiasis.
The Effect of Preservation Methods on Predicting Mosquito Age by Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Dowell Floyd E. , Noutcha Aline E. M. , Michel Kristin
Published: December 2011

Determining mosquito age is important to evaluate vector control programs because the ability to transmit diseases is age dependent. Current age-grading techniques require dissection or RNA extraction. Near infrared spectroscopy has been used to rapidly and nondestructively determine the age of fresh mosquitoes and specimens stored in RNAlater, but other preservation techniques have not been examined. Thus, in this study, we investigate whether age can be predicted from insects preserved by various common methods. Results from this study show that age can be predicted from mosquitoes preserved with desiccants, ethanol, Carnoy, RNAlater, or refrigeration with confidence intervals < 1.4 days. The best results were generally obtained from mosquitoes stored using desiccants, RNAlater, or refrigeration.
Seroprevalence of Human Leptospirosis in Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) Assessed by Microscopic Agglutination Test on Paper Disc-Absorbed Whole Blood
Authors: Desvars Amélie , Gigan Jimmy , Hoarau Géraldine , Gérardin Patrick , Favier François , Michault Alain
Published: December 2011

In the last decade, leptospirosis has emerged as a globally important infectious disease. Humans most commonly become infected through occupational, recreational, or domestic contact with the urine of carrier animals, either directly or through contaminated water or soil. The disease occurs in urban areas of industrialized and developing countries as well as rural regions worldwide. We present a retrospective study conducted in 2006 on 2,269 randomly selected Reunion Island inhabitants. Blood sampling was performed on individual blotting papers, and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was conducted on paper disc-absorbed (PDA) blood. We showed that seroprevalence of leptospirosis was 0.66% ± 0.34 in the global population of Reunion Island, which is 1.78 lower than the seroprevalence estimated 20 years before. The serological method is described, and the results discussion focuses on methodology and socio-economic factors.
Anomalous pre-seismic behavior of the electromagnetic normalized functions related to the intermediate depth earthquakes occurred in Vrancea zone, Romania
Authors: Stanica D. , Stanica D. A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In this paper the electromagnetic normalized functions (ENF), carried out in ULF band, have been analyzed in correlation with intermediate depth seismic events occurring in Vrancea zone. To confirm the relationship between anomalous, pre-seismic behavior and an imminent earthquake, a methodology based on the temporal invariability criterion of ENF for a 2-D structure, in non-geodynamic conditions, has been used. The electromagnetic data were collected at the Geodynamic Observatory Provita de Sus (GOPS), placed on the Carpathian electrical conductivity anomaly where the epicentral distance is about 100 km, and the National Geophysical Observatory Surlari (NGOS) taken as a reference and located 140 km from the Vrancea zone. The daily mean distributions of the ENF over a span of several months in 2009, carried out at GOPS, exhibit significant enhancements from the normal trend before all the earthquakes with magnitudes higher than 4. Two correlations between the magnitudes of seismic events and Bzn have to be highlighted: (i) an earthquake of M ≥ 4 is expected to occur when Bzn ≥ 1.846; (ii) meanwhile, the anomalous behaviour of Bzn ≥ 1.851 may be use as pre- seismic value for an earthquake of M ≥ 5. The lead time is closed on 7–15 days before earthquakes occurrence.
Patient Weight more than Body Mass Index Influences Total Hip Arthroplasty Long Term Survival
Authors: Traina Francesco , Bordini Barbara , De Fine Marcello , Toni Aldo
Published: December 2011

The effect of obesity on the long-term survival of total hip arthroplasty remains under discussion. Reviewing meta-analyses of large cohort studies a high body mass index has been correlated with a higher incidence of complications but not univocally with a lower implant survival rate. It has been suggested that body weight rather than body mass index might be a better parameter to evaluate prosthesis outcome.

We reviewed 27,571 patients retrospectively with primary arthritis as a preoperative diagnosis. Patients were divided into 4 categories based on their body mass index, or into two groups based on the body weight (<80 kg and 80 kg). Implant survivorship was estimated with use of the Cox proportional hazards model with revision for aseptic loosening as the end point. Results were stratified for sex and implant tribology. When body mass index was used the 10 years implant survival in obese versus non-obese patients was not statistically different (p=0.058), but when body weight was used a statistically different implant survivorship was found for men (p=0.009). Therefore, weight rather than than body mass index influences survival of hip prostheses, and should be used as the discriminant parameter for further studies.
An Evaluation of the Spontaneous Proliferation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in HTLV-1-Infected Individuals Using Flow Cytometry
Authors: Pinto Lorena Ana , Galvão Castro Bernardo , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira , Grassi Maria Fernanda Rios
Published: December 2011

The spontaneous proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a hallmark of the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type-1. Cell proliferation is usually measured using a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay. This study aims to quantify the spontaneous proliferation of PBMCs using flow cytometry. PBMCs were cultured for 24 to 120 hours in the presence of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE). For comparison, PBMCs were also cultured with [3H]thymidine. The cutoff values for spontaneous proliferation were >0.06 for the division index and >5.8% for the percentage of divided cells. Sixty-two percent of HTLV-1-infected individuals presented spontaneous proliferation of PBMCs, which was detected in the first 24 hours. Moreover, proliferation was detected in CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte subsets. A positive correlation was found between the division index and [3H]thymidine incorporation. This method may prove useful to better understand the phenomenon of spontaneous proliferation of PBMC of patients infected with HTLV-1.
Meta‐analysis of Parkinson's Disease: Identification of a novel locus, RIT2
Authors: Pankratz Nathan , Beecham Gary W. , DeStefano Anita L. , Dawson Ted M. , Doheny Kimberly F. , Factor Stewart A. , Hamza Taye H. , Hung Albert Y. , Hyman Bradley T. , Ivinson Adrian J. , Krainc Dmitri , Latourelle Jeanne C. , Clark Lorraine N. , Marder Karen , Martin Eden R. , Mayeux Richard , Ross Owen A. , Scherzer Clemens R. , Simon David K. , Tanner Caroline , Vance Jeffery M. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Myers Richard H. , Payami Haydeh , Scott William K. , Foroud Tatiana ,   and the PD GWAS Consortium
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Genome‐wide association (GWAS) methods have identified genes contributing to Parkinson's disease (PD); we sought to identify additional genes associated with PD susceptibility.

Methods:

A 2‐stage design was used. First, individual level genotypic data from 5 recent PD GWAS (Discovery Sample: 4,238 PD cases and 4,239 controls) were combined. Following imputation, a logistic regression model was employed in each dataset to test for association with PD susceptibility and results from each dataset were meta‐analyzed. Second, 768 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in an independent Replication Sample (3,738 cases and 2,111 controls).

Results:

Genome‐wide significance was reached for SNPs in SNCA (rs356165; G: odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; p = 9.3 × 10−21), MAPT (rs242559; C: OR = 0.78; p = 1.5 × 10−10), GAK/DGKQ (rs11248051; T: OR = 1.35; p = 8.2 × 10−9/rs11248060; T: OR = 1.35; p = 2.0 × 10−9), and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region (rs3129882; A: OR = 0.83; p = 1.2 × 10−8), which were previously reported. The Replication Sample confirmed the associations with SNCA, MAPT, and the HLA region and also with GBA (E326K; OR = 1.71; p = 5 × 10−8 Combined Sample) (N370; OR = 3.08; p = 7 × 10−5 Replication sample). A novel PD susceptibility locus, RIT2, on chromosome 18 (rs12456492; p = 5 × 10−5 Discovery Sample; p = 1.52 × 10−7 Replication sample; p = 2 × 10−10 Combined Sample) was replicated. Conditional analyses within each of the replicated regions identified distinct SNP associations within GBA and SNCA, suggesting that there may be multiple risk alleles within these genes.

Interpretation:

We identified a novel PD susceptibility locus, RIT2, replicated several previously identified loci, and identified more than 1 risk allele within SNCA and GBA.ANN NEUROL 2012;
Sprouting of Nervous Fibers and Upregulation of C‐X‐C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Expression in Hippocampal Formation of Rats with Enhanced Spatial Learning and Memory
Authors: Su Baogui , Pan Sanqiang , He Xin , Li Peng , Liang Yinji
Published: December 2011

Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting following training in the Morris water maze (MWM) is associated with spatial learning, memory and neural plasticity. The C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is the main receptor for stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1), which is a chemokine that can regulate axonal elongation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the morphological plasticity of hippocampal formation and CXCR4 expression. A model of spatial learning and memory was established in rats by training using the MWM. Mossy fiber sprouting in the striatum oriens of the CA3 area of the hippocampus was found in trained rats by Neo‐Timm's method. As shown by immunohistochemistry, the CXCR4 immunopositive neurons were distributed in all layers and areas of hippocampal formation. There were no differences among groups regarding the distribution or shape of the immunopositive neurons. However, the immunoreactive staining intensity was increased in trained rats as compared with the control rats. Both CXCR4 gene transcription and translation were significantly upregulated in the trained group as compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Morphological plasticity in the form of axonal sprouting in the hippocampal formation can be induced by enhanced spatial learning and memory activity, and CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression is upregulated, indicating a positive correlation between CXCR4 expression and axonal sprouting. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanistic Aspects and Elementary Steps of NH Bond Activation of Ammonia and CN Coupling Induced by Gas‐Phase Ions: A Combined Experimental/Computational Exercise
Authors: Kretschmer Robert , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: December 2011

In the last decades, NH bond activation of ammonia and CN coupling processes have formed the focus of broad research activities. More recently, gas‐phase experiments combined with computational studies have provided rather detailed insights into the mechanisms and the elementary steps of these two reaction types. Some of the multifarious observations made and results obtained for these two processes mediated by gaseous “bare” or ligated ions are outlined in this review article.
4‐1BB ligand modulates direct and Rituximab‐induced NK‐cell reactivity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Buechele Corina , Baessler Tina , Schmiedel Benjamin J. , Schumacher Carla E. , Grosse‐Hovest Ludger , Rittig Kilian , Salih Helmut R.
Published: December 2011

NK cells play an important role in tumor immunosurveillance and largely contribute to the therapeutic success of anti‐tumor antibodies like Rituximab. Here, we studied the role of the TNF family member 4‐1BB ligand (4‐1BBL) during the interaction of NK cells with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. 4‐1BBL was highly expressed on patient B‐CLL cells in all 56 investigated cases. Signaling via 4‐1BBL following interaction with 4‐1BB, which was detected on NK cells of CLL patients but not healthy individuals, led to the release of immunoregulatory cytokines including TNF by CLL cells. CLL patient sera contained elevated levels of TNF and induced 4‐1BB upregulation on NK cells, which in turn impaired direct and Rituximab‐induced NK‐cell reactivity against 4‐1BBL‐expressing targets. NK‐cell reactivity was not only enhanced by blocking the interaction of NK cell‐expressed 4‐1BB with 4‐1BBL expressed by CLL cells, but also by preventing 4‐1BB upregulation on NK cells via neutralization of TNF in patient serum with Infliximab. Our data indicate that 4‐1BBL mediates NK‐cell immunosubversion in CLL, and thus might contribute to the reportedly compromised efficacy of Rituximab to induce NK‐cell reactivity in the disease, and that TNF neutralization may serve to enhance the efficacy of Rituximab treatment in CLL.
Expression of IL‐1Rrp2 by human myelomonocytic cells is unique to DCs and facilitates DC maturation by IL‐1F8 and IL‐1F9
Authors: Mutamba Shilla , Allison Asher , Mahida Yashwant , Barrow Paul , Foster Neil
Published: December 2011

We report for the first time that expression of the novel IL‐1 cytokine receptor IL‐1Rrp2 (IL‐1R6) is unique to DCs within the human myelomonocytic lineage. IL‐1Rrp2 was expressed by monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) which was dose‐dependently increased by IL‐4 and correlated with increased numbers of differentiated MDDCs. Human plasmacytoid DCs also express IL‐1Rrp2 but the receptor is not expressed by either myeloid DC type 1 (mDC1) or mDC2 cells. We also show that IL‐1F8 or IL‐1F9 cytokines, which signal through IL‐1Rrp2, induce maturation of MDDCs, as measured by increased expression of HLA‐DR and CD83 and decreased expression of CD1a. Furthermore, IL‐1F8 stimulated increased CD40 and CD80 expression and IL‐18 and IL‐12 p70 production by MDDCs, which induced proliferation of IFN‐γ‐producing CD3+ lymphocytes (indicative of inflammatory Th1 subsets). IL‐1F8 and IL‐1F2 were equipotent in their ability to stimulate IL‐18 secretion from MDDCs but IL‐1F8 was not as potent as IL‐1F2 in stimulating secretion of IL‐12p70 from MDDCs or inducing lymphocyte proliferation Therefore, IL‐1Rrp2 expression by some DC subsets may have an important function in the human immune response in vivo via its role in differentiation of inflammatory Th1 lymphocytes.
Emergence of central nervous system myeloma in the era of novel agents
Authors: Gangatharan Shane A , Carney Dennis A , Prince H Miles , Wolf Max M , Januszewicz E Henry , Ritchie David S , Harrison Simon J
Published: December 2011

Although multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease, considerable improvements in survival have been made with the introduction of autologous stem cell transplantation and new drugs. Central nervous system (CNS) MM is a rare complication associated with poor survival. Historically, CNS disease developed early in the course of MM; however recently, patients often present with CNS disease following multiple lines of therapy. It is hypothesized that exposure to novel agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib) changes the natural history of MM, increasing the lifetime risk of CNS disease. We analysed the baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome data of patients who presented with CNS MM at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre between 2001 and 2010. Seven patients were identified, from 2005 onwards. All patients were Durie–Salmon stage IIIA or IIIB and International Staging System Scores I to III at baseline. All had received at least three lines of therapy, including high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and a novel agent, prior to developing CNS MM. Median time from diagnosis to CNS disease was 24 months (range 10–42). All patients died after developing CNS disease with median survival post‐CNS disease of 2 months (range 1–23). The incidence of CNS MM is increasing, and time to development of CNS manifestations is prolonging, associated with increased use of high‐dose chemotherapy and novel agents. Whether this is due to improved overall survival or specific characteristics of these therapies is not clear. Despite the availability of novel agents, survival after CNS MM remains poor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of ampicillin sodium in solution using activated carbon adsorption integrated with H2O2 oxidation
Authors: Wang Guopeng , Wu Tao , Li Yujiang , Sun Dejun , Wang Yan , Huang Xinghai , Zhang Guochen , Liu Ruihong
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The removal of antibiotic ampicillin sodium using H2O2 and modified granular activated carbon (GAC) is discussed. Two types of modified activated carbons were used in experiment to catalyze ·OH production from H2O2. One was modified with base (NaOH; called B‐GAC), the other was modified with Fe(NO3)3 (Fe‐GAC) and the nominal Fe metal loading was 5 wt%. In the experiment, pH, contact time, dosage of activated carbon and H2O2 and initial concentration of ampicillin sodium were investigated to determine their influence on the removal efficiency. The stability of Fe‐GAC was also evaluated.

RESULTS: With an initial ampicillin sodium concentration of 200 mg L−1, 85.2% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 76.4% of total organic carbon (TOC) can be removed with 8.0 g L−1 of B‐GAC and 80 mg L−1 of H2O2 (at pH 5.0). For the Fe‐GAC/H2O2 process, with 5.0 g L−1 of activated carbon and 80 mg L−1 of H2O2, COD and TOC removal can be elevated to 91.2% and 79.5% (at pH 3.0), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The integration of activated carbon and H2O2 treatment was more effective for the removal of ampicillin from aqueous solution than using activated carbon alone. In the process, adsorption played a dominant role and the addition of a small amount of H2O2 accelerated the reaction rate and improved the removal efficiency. pH also greatly affected removal efficiency. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biofilm formation in moderately halophilic bacteria is influenced by varying salinity levels
Authors: Qurashi Aisha Waheed , Sabri Anjum Nasim
Published: December 2011

Bacteria in a biofilm have a co‐dependent lifestyle resulting in a harmonized and complex coordination of the bacterial cells within an exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix. We hypothesized that biofilm formation and EPS production in salt‐tolerant bacteria are helpful for plant growth improvement in saline soil, but that they are influenced differently. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested the effect of different salinity levels on the biofilm formation of the bacterial strains PAa6 (Halomonas meridiana), HT2 (Kushneria indalinina) and ST2 (Halomonas aquamarina) on different abiotic and biotic surfaces. Maximum biofilm formation was established at 1 M salt concentration. However, EPS production was maximal at 0–1 M NaCl stress. We also studied the effect of salt stress on EPS produced by the bacterial strains and confirmed the presence of EPS on Cicer arietinum var. CM 98 roots and in soil at different salinity levels, using Alcian blue staining. Overall, the strain PAa6 was more effective in biofilm formation and EPS production. Under saline and non‐saline conditions, this strain also colonized the plant roots more efficiently as compared to the other two strains. We conclude that the strain PAa6 has the potential of biofilm formation and EPS production at different salinity levels. The presence of EPS in the biofilm helped the bacterial strains to better colonize the roots. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of different process variables for the production of an indolizidine alkaloid, swainsonine from Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Singh Digar , Kaur Gurvinder
Published: December 2011

Swainsonine is a polyhydroxylated indolizidine alkaloid having anticancer, antimetastatic, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities and also potential therapeutic applications against AIDS. In the present study, ten isolates of M. anisopliae were screened and enzyme assayed for the production of swainsonine in different media (Complex oatmeal, Czapekdox media with and without lysine (8% w/v) and Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB)). Among these strains, ARSEF 1724 (UM8) was found to produce highest amount of swainsonine (1.34 μg/l) after 72 h of incubation under shake flask conditions at 180 rpm and 28 °C in complex oatmeal media. In order to maximize the yield of swainsonine the media composition including macro and micronutrients were optimized. The process variables including the chemical factors like carbon sources, nitrogen sources of both organic and inorganic nature and pH with constant inoculum size (1 × 108 spores/ml) were screened using classical one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFAT) approach to find their optimum levels. The present study shows that the nutrient requirement is specific for each strain of Metarhizium. Oatmeal extract (6%) was found to be the best supporting media along with nitrogen source, glucose (2%) as best carbon source and pH (∼5) as the best for swainsonine production. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Proton pumping ATPase mediated fungicidal activity of two essential oil components
Authors: Bhatia Rimple , Shreaz Sheikh , Khan Neelofar , Muralidhar Sumathi , Basir Seemi F , Manzoor Nikhat , Khan Luqman A
Published: December 2011

This work evaluates the antifungal activity of two essential oil components against 28 clinical isolates (17 sensitive, 11 resistant) and 3 standard laboratory strains of Candida. Growth of the organisms was significantly effected in both solid and liquid media at different test compound concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Isoeugenol (compound 1) against 31 strains of Candida ranged 100–250 μg/ml and those of o ‐methoxy cinnamaldehyde (compound 2) ranged 200–500 μg/ml, respectively. Insight studies to mechanism suggested that these compounds exert antifungal activity by targeting H+‐ATPase located in the membranes of pathogenic Candida species. At their respective MIC90 average inhibition of H+‐efflux for standard, clinical and resistant isolates caused by compound 1 and compound 2 was 70%, 74%, 82% and 42%, 42% and 43%. Respective inhibition of H+‐efflux by fluconazole (5 μg/ml) was 94%, 92% and 10%. Inhibition of H+‐ATPase leads to intracellular acidification and cell death. SEM analysis of Candida cells showed cell membrane breakage and alterations in morphology. Haemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was studied to exclude the possibility of further associated cytotoxicity. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)