bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of the renal Na
+
:Cl
−
cotransporter by angiotensin II is a WNK4-dependent process
Authors: Castañeda-Bueno María , Cervantes-Pérez Luz Graciela , Vázquez Norma , Uribe Norma , Kantesaria Sheila , Morla Luciana , Bobadilla Norma A. , Doucet Alain , Alessi Dario R. , Gamba Gerardo
Published: May 2012

Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II is a salt-sensitive form of hypertension with hyperkalemia in humans caused by mutations in the with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4). Several studies have shown that WNK4 modulates the activity of the renal Na
+
Cl
−
cotransporter, NCC. Because the renal consequences of WNK4 carrying pseudoaldosteronism type II mutations resemble the response to intravascular volume depletion (promotion of salt reabsorption without K
+
secretion), a condition that is associated with high angiotensin II (AngII) levels, it has been proposed that AngII signaling might affect WNK4 modulation of the NCC. In
Xenopus laevis
oocytes, WNK4 is required for modulation of NCC activity by AngII. To demonstrate that WNK4 is required in the AngII-mediated regulation of NCC in vivo, we used a total WNK4-knockout mouse strain (WNK4
−/−
). WNK4 mRNA and protein expression were absent in WNK4
−/−
mice, which exhibited a mild Gitelman-like syndrome, with normal blood pressure, increased plasma renin activity, and reduced NCC expression and phosphorylation at T-58. Immunohistochemistry revealed normal morphology of the distal convoluted tubule with reduced NCC expression. Low-salt diet or infusion of AngII for 4 d induced phosphorylation of STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and of NCC at S-383 and T-58, respectively, in WNK4
+/+
but not WNK4
−/−
mice. Thus, the absence of WNK4 in vivo precludes NCC and SPAK phosphorylation promoted by a low-salt diet or AngII infusion, suggesting that AngII action on the NCC occurs via a WNK4-SPAK–dependent signaling pathway. Additionally, stimulation of aldosterone secretion by AngII, but not by a high-K
+
diet, was impaired in WNK4
−/−
mice.
Structure and stoichiometry of an accessory subunit TRIP8b interaction with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels
Authors: Bankston John R. , Camp Stacey S. , DiMaio Frank , Lewis Alan S. , Chetkovich Dane M. , Zagotta William N.
Published: May 2012

Ion channels operate in intact tissues as part of large macromolecular complexes that can include cytoskeletal proteins, scaffolding proteins, signaling molecules, and a litany of other molecules. The proteins that make up these complexes can influence the trafficking, localization, and biophysical properties of the channel. TRIP8b (tetratricopetide repeat-containing Rab8b-interacting protein) is a recently discovered accessory subunit of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels that contributes to the substantial dendritic localization of HCN channels in many types of neurons. TRIP8b interacts with the carboxyl-terminal region of HCN channels and regulates their cell-surface expression level and cyclic nucleotide dependence. Here we examine the molecular determinants of TRIP8b binding to HCN2 channels. Using a single-molecule fluorescence bleaching method, we found that TRIP8b and HCN2 form an obligate 4:4 complex in intact channels. Fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography and fluorescence anisotropy allowed us to confirm that two different domains in the carboxyl-terminal portion of TRIP8b—the tetratricopepide repeat region and the TRIP8b conserved region—interact with two different regions of the HCN carboxyl-terminal region: the carboxyl-terminal three amino acids (SNL) and the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain, respectively. And finally, using X-ray crystallography, we determined the atomic structure of the tetratricopepide region of TRIP8b in complex with a peptide of the carboxy-terminus of HCN2. Together, these experiments begin to uncover the mechanism for TRIP8b binding and regulation of HCN channels.
Immortalized clones of fibroblastic reticular cells activate virus-specific T cells during virus infection
Authors: Ng Cherie T. , Nayak Bishnu P. , Schmedt Christian , Oldstone Michael B. A.
Published: May 2012

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are lymphoid stromal cells essential to T-cell migration and survival. Although FRCs are targets of multiple viral infections, little is known about their role during infection due to the cells’ scarcity and difficulty in isolating in vivo. To initiate studies of interactions among FRCs, viruses, and immune cells, we isolated and immortalized CD45−gp38+CD35−CD31−CD44+VCAM1+cell lines from C57BL/6 mice designated as immortalized FRC. Using these cloned cell lines, we have established that FRCs express the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II molecule, a factor necessary for stimulation of CD4+T cells thought to be expressed primarily by antigen-presenting cells, along with other T-cell stimulatory ligands in an IFN-γ–dependent manner. In this environment, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-infected iFRCs activated naive LCMV-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells while limiting expansion of effector LCMV-specific T cells. Thus, FRCs effectively presented antigen along with activating signals during viral infection using both MHC I and MHC II molecules, illustrating a previously undescribed interaction with CD4+T cells and indicating a unique role for FRCs.
Teacher misbehaviour: an analysis of disciplinary orders by the General Teaching Council for England
Authors: Page Damien
Published: May 2012

This article presents findings from a documentary analysis of 300 disciplinary orders against teachers from the General Teaching Council (GTC) for England. While the extant literature concerning teacher misbehaviour focuses primarily on pedagogical practice, this article draws on the wider organisational misbehaviour paradigm and views teachers as professional employees rather than just classroom practitioners. As such, teachers are embedded within the complexity of organisational systems, procedures and interrelationships as well as being regulated by professional standards. The analysis found that teachers were disciplined for misbehaviours both internal to the employing school and also activities, primarily criminal, that were external to their employment. The article argues that the professional regulation of teaching, being accountable inside and outside of work and the emotional labour of teaching should define teacher misbehaviour as separate from generic organisational misbehaviour frameworks. Furthermore, it argues that, while the GTC viewed teacher misbehaviour as a product of the individual, organisational contexts are also important antecedents of activities that are considered deviant.
Educational capital as a catalyst for upward social mobility amongst British Asians: a three‐generational analysis
Authors: Basit Tehmina N.
Published: May 2012

This paper is based on research that examined intergenerational dynamics amongst British South Asians regarding education and family life. The study investigated the perspectives of grandparents, parents and young people to establish how family attributes and education were perceived by these three groups. The methods used to gather data were focus groups and individual interviews. These were complemented by digital ethnography, which involved using photographs taken by the young people for reflection during interviews. Drawing on Bourdieu, Putnam and Coleman's theses of cultural and social capitals, the paper forwards the concept of educational capital, as the findings suggest a high emphasis on the acquisition of educational capital for upward social mobility amongst all groups.
Cofilin-mediated sorting and export of specific cargo from the Golgi apparatus in yeast
Authors: Curwin Amy J. , von Blume Julia , Malhotra Vivek
Published: May 2012

The mechanism of cargo sorting at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) for secretion is poorly understood. We previously reported the involvement of the actin-severing protein cofilin and the Ca2+ATPase secretory pathway calcium ATPase 1 (SPCA1) in the sorting of soluble secretory cargo at the TGN in mammalian cells. Now we report that cofilin in yeast is required for export of selective secretory cargo at the late Golgi membranes. In cofilin mutant (cof1-8) cells, the cell wall protein Bgl2 was secreted at a reduced rate and retained in a late Golgi compartment, whereas the plasma membrane H+ATPase Pma1, which is transported in the same class of carriers, reached the cell surface. In addition, sorting of carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) to the vacuole was delayed, and CPY was secreted from cof1-8 cells. Loss of the yeast orthologue of SPCA1 (Pmr1) exhibited similar sorting defects and displayed synthetic sickness with cof1-8. In addition, overexpression of PMR1 restored Bgl2 secretion in cof1-8 cells. These findings highlight the conserved role of cofilin and SPCA1/Pmr1 in sorting of the soluble secretory proteins at the TGN/late Golgi membranes in eukaryotes.
Evidence for bottom–up trophic effects on return rates to a second spawning for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from the Miramichi River, Canada
Authors: Chaput Gérald , Benoît Hugues P.
Published: May 2012

Chaput, G., and Benoît, H. P. 2012. Evidence for bottom–up trophic effects on return rates to a second spawning for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from the Miramichi River, Canada. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1656–1667. Increased return rates of consecutive repeat-spawning Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) have been noted in the Miramichi River during the past two decades, and the short period for their reconditioning at sea suggests that they occupy the southern Gulf of St Lawrence ecosystem. A 40-year time-series of observations was used to examine linkages between return rates to a second spawning for Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River and changes in the small fish community of the southern Gulf of St Lawrence that is potential prey for adult salmon. The positive association between the variations in the return rates of repeat spawners and the variations in the small fish biomass index early in the reconditioning year at sea provides evidence that abundant food supplies after return to sea following first spawning may be beneficial for the survival of Atlantic salmon to a second consecutive spawning. In contrast, no association was found between prey availability and return rates of alternate repeat spawners that presumably recondition outside the Gulf of St Lawrence.
Dynamics of
Salmonella
infection of macrophages at the single cell level
Authors: Gog Julia R. , Murcia Alicia , Osterman Natan , Restif Olivier , McKinley Trevelyan J. , Sheppard Mark , Achouri Sarra , Wei Bin , Mastroeni Pietro , Wood James L. N. , Maskell Duncan J. , Cicuta Pietro , Bryant Clare E.
Published: May 2012

Salmonella enterica
causes a range of diseases. Salmonellae are intracellular parasites of macrophages, and the control of bacteria within these cells is critical to surviving an infection. The dynamics of the bacteria invading, surviving, proliferating in and killing macrophages are central to disease pathogenesis. Fundamentally important parameters, however, such as the cellular infection rate, have not previously been calculated. We used two independent approaches to calculate the macrophage infection rate: mathematical modelling of
Salmonella
infection experiments, and analysis of real-time video microscopy of infection events. Cells repeatedly encounter salmonellae, with the bacteria often remain associated with the macrophage for more than ten seconds. Once
Salmonella
encounters a macrophage, the probability of that bacterium infecting the cell is remarkably low: less than 5%. The macrophage population is heterogeneous in terms of its susceptibility to the first infection event. Once infected, a macrophage can undergo further infection events, but these reinfection events occur at a lower rate than that of the primary infection.
Preservation of 5300 year old red blood cells in the Iceman
Authors: Janko Marek , Stark Robert W. , Zink Albert
Published: May 2012

Changes in elasticity and structures of red blood cells (RBCs) are important indicators of disease, and this makes them interesting for medical studies. In forensics, blood analyses represent a crucial part of crime scene investigations. For these reasons, the recovery and analysis of blood cells from ancient tissues is of major interest. In this study, we show that RBCs were preserved in Iceman tissue samples for more than 5000 years. The morphological and molecular composition of the blood corpuscle is verified by atomic force microscope and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The cell size and shape approximated those of healthy, dried, recent RBCs. Raman spectra of the ancient corpuscle revealed bands that are characteristic of haemoglobin. Additional vibrational modes typical for other proteinaceous fragments, possibly fibrin, suggested the formation of a blood clot. The band intensities, however, were approximately an order of magnitude weaker than those of recent RBCs. This fact points to a decrease in the RBC-specific metalloprotein haemoglobin and, thus, to a degradation of the cells. Together, the results show the preservation of RBCs in the 5000 year old mummy tissue and give the first insights into their degradation.
Graph spectral analysis of protein interaction network evolution
Authors: Thorne Thomas , Stumpf Michael P. H.
Published: May 2012

We present an analysis of protein interaction network data via the comparison of models of network evolution to the observed data. We take a Bayesian approach and perform posterior density estimation using an approximate Bayesian computation with sequential Monte Carlo method. Our approach allows us to perform model selection over a selection of potential network growth models. The methodology we apply uses a distance defined in terms of graph spectra which captures the network data more naturally than previously used summary statistics such as the degree distribution. Furthermore, we include the effects of sampling into the analysis, to properly correct for the incompleteness of existing datasets, and have analysed the performance of our method under various degrees of sampling. We consider a number of models focusing not only on the biologically relevant class of duplication models, but also including models of scale-free network growth that have previously been claimed to describe such data. We find a preference for a duplication-divergence with linear preferential attachment model in the majority of the interaction datasets considered. We also illustrate how our method can be used to perform multi-model inference of network parameters to estimate properties of the full network from sampled data.
Generalized enthalpy model of a high-pressure shift freezing process
Authors: Smith Nadia A. S. , Peppin Stephen S. L. , Ramos Ángel M.
Published: May 2012

High-pressure freezing processes are a novel emerging technology in food processing, offering significant improvements to the quality of frozen foods. To be able to simulate plateau times and thermal history under different conditions, in this work, we present a generalized enthalpy model of the high-pressure shift freezing process. The model includes the effects of pressure on conservation of enthalpy and incorporates the freezing point depression of non-dilute food samples. In addition, the significant heat-transfer effects of convection in the pressurizing medium are accounted for by solving the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. We run the model for several numerical tests where the food sample is agar gel, and find good agreement with experimental data from the literature.
A model of sexual selection and female use of refuge in a coercive mating system
Authors: Bokides Dessa , Lou Yuan , Hamilton Ian M.
Published: May 2012

In many non-monogamous systems, males invest less in progeny than do females. This leaves males with higher potential rates of reproduction, and a likelihood of sexual conflict, including, in some systems, coercive matings. If coercive matings are costly, the best female strategy may be to avoid male interaction. We present a model that demonstrates female movement in response to male harassment as a mechanism to lower the costs associated with male coercion, and the effect that female movement has on selection in males for male harassment. We found that, when females can move from a habitat patch to a refuge to which males do not have access, there may be a selection for either high, or low harassment male phenotype, or both, depending on the relationship between the harassment level of male types in the population and a threshold level of male harassment. This threshold harassment level depends on the relative number of males and females in the population, and the relative resource values of the habitat; the threshold increases as the sex ratio favours females, and decreases with the value of the refuge patch or total population. Our model predicts that selection will favour the harassment level that lies closest to this threshold level of harassment, and differing harassment levels will coexist within the population only if they lie on the opposite sides of the threshold harassment. Our model is consistent with empirical results suggesting that an intermediate harassment level provides maximum reproductive fitness to males when females are mobile.
Is there evidence for automatic imitation in a strategic context?
Authors: Aczel Balazs , Bago Bence , Foldes Andrei
Published: May 2012

Over the past decade, a compelling number of studies reported that observing an action makes the imitation of that action more likely. The automatic character of human imitative behaviour was often claimed, but rarely tested. The demonstration of the absence of conscious control has been attempted in a recent report claiming that imitation can occur in the rock–paper–scissors (RPS) game, where strategic players should avoid imitating their opponents. This surprising result could serve as strong evidence that humans imitate each other unconsciously. We find, however, that this conclusion is problematic. In addition to reviewing the original methods, in this work, we also replicated the experiment with double the sample size. Thorough examination of the original analyses and the results of the present replication do not support the original conclusion. In our view, testing the theory of automatic imitation in RPS games is a potentially promising avenue of exploration, yet the interpretation of the data requires further understanding of the subsidiary effects controlling the behaviour of the players.
Transgenic banana plants expressing small interfering RNAs targeted against viral replication initiation gene display high-level resistance to banana bunchy top virus infection
Authors: Shekhawat Upendra K. S. , Ganapathi Thumballi R. , Hadapad Ashok B.
Published: May 2012

The banana aphid-transmittedBanana bunchy top virus(BBTV) is the most destructive viral pathogen of bananas and plantains worldwide. Lack of natural sources of resistance to BBTV has necessitated the exploitation of proven transgenic technologies for obtaining BBTV-resistant banana cultivars. In this study, we have explored the concept of using intron-hairpin-RNA (ihpRNA) transcripts corresponding to viral master replication initiation protein (Rep) to generate BBTV-resistant transgenic banana plants. Two ihpRNA constructs namely ihpRNA-Rep and ihpRNA-ProRep generated using Rep full coding sequence or Rep partial coding sequence together with its 5′ upstream regulatory region, respectively, and castor bean catalase intron were successfully transformed into banana embryogenic cells. ihpRNA-Rep- and ihpRNA-ProRep-derived transgenic banana plants, selected based on preliminary screening for efficient reporter gene expression, were completely resistant to BBTV infection as indicated by the absence of disease symptoms after 6 months of viruliferous aphid inoculation. The resistance to BBTV infection was also evident by the inability to detect cDNAs coding for viral coat protein, movement protein and Rep protein by RT-PCR from inoculated transgenic leaf extracts. Southern analysis of the two groups of transgenics showed that ihpRNA transgene was stably integrated into the banana genome. The detection of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) derived from the ihpRNA transgene sequence in transformed BBTV-resistant plants positively established RNA interference as the mechanism underlying the observed resistance to BBTV. Efficient screening of optimal transformants in this vegetatively propagated non-segregating fruit crop ensured that all the transgenic plants assayed were resistant to BBTV infection.
Enhanced Removal of Lead by Chemically and Biologically Treated Carbonaceous Materials
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Osman Maher M. , Ahmed Somia B. , Abdel-Fattah Tarek M.
Published: May 2012

Hybrid sorbents and biosorbents were synthesized via chemical and biological treatment of active carbon by simple and direct redox reaction followed by surface loading of baker’s yeast. Surface functionality and morphology of chemically and biologically modified sorbents and biosorbents were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis and scanning electron microscope imaging. Hybrid carbonaceous sorbents and biosorbents were characterized by excellent efficiency and superiority toward lead(II) sorption compared to blank active carbon providing a maximum sorption capacity of lead(II) ion as 500 μmol g−1. Sorption processes of lead(II) by these hybrid materials were investigated under the influence of several controlling parameters such as pH, contact time, mass of sorbent and biosorbent, lead(II) concentration, and foreign ions. Lead(II) sorption mechanisms were found to obey the Langmuir and BET isotherm models. The potential applications of chemically and biologically modified-active carbonaceous materials for removal and extraction of lead from real water matrices were also studied via a double-stage microcolumn technique. The results of this study were found to denote to superior recovery values of lead (95.0–99.0±3.0–5.0%) by various carbonaceous-modified-bakers yeast biosorbents.
Asthma Mortality Inequalities in Brazil: Tolerating the Unbearable
Authors: Souza-Machado Carolina de , Souza-Machado Adelmir , Cruz Alvaro A.
Published: May 2012

Asthma is responsible for a high morbidity, resulting in hospitalizations, recurrent asphyxiation, and eventually death. In Brazil, where asthma is the third cause of hospitalizations for clinical illnesses and the fourth cause of death from respiratory diseases, some 20% of the population present wheezing. We evaluated the asthma mortality rates in the period between 1998 and 2009, using linear regressions, using the National Mortality Database (Ministry of Health of Brazil). The annual mortality rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) ranged from 1.68 in 1998 to 1.32 in 2009 (mean : 1.49). Brazil presents a slight tendency of reduction in asthma mortality. Asthma mortality rates trends declined in the most developed regions of the country:  Midwest, South, and Southeast, but it increased in the underprivileged regions: North (not statistically significant) and Northeast. This terrible sort of inequality requires urgent reaction from the public health authorities.
Novel Ecdysteroids fromSerratula wolffii
Authors: Ványolós Attila , Béni Zoltán , Dékány Miklós , Simon András , Báthori Mária
Published: May 2012

Two new and one known ecdysteroids were identified in the methanolic extract of the roots ofSerratula wolffii. The new compounds isolated were ponasterone A-22-apioside (1) and 3-epi-shidasterone (3), together with the known 3-epi-22-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone (2). The structures of compounds1–3were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including one- and two-dimensional NMR methods.
Evolutionary Relationship between Two Firefly Species,Curtos costipennisandC. okinawanus(Coleoptera, Lampyridae), in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan Revealed by the Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Sequences
Authors: Muraji Masahiko , Arakaki Norio , Tanizaki Shigeo
Published: May 2012

The phylogenetic relationship, biogeography, and evolutionary history of closely related two firefly species,Curtos costipennisandC. okinawanus, distributed in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan were examined based on nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial (2.2 kb long) and nuclear (1.1-1.2 kb long) DNAs. In these analyses, individuals were divided among three genetically distinct local groups,C. costipennisin the Amami region,C. okinawanusin the Okinawa region, andC. costipennisin the Sakishima region. Their mtDNA sequences suggested that ancestralC. costipennispopulation was first separated between the Central and Southern Ryukyu areas, and the northern half was then subdivided betweenC. costipennisin the Amami andC. okinawanusin the Okinawa. The application of the molecular evolutionary clocks of coleopteran insects indicated that their vicariance occurred 1.0–1.4 million years ago, suggesting the influence of submergence and subdivision of a paleopeninsula extending between the Ryukyu Islands and continental China through Taiwan in the early Pleistocene.
The Effect of High Concentrations of Glufosinate Ammonium on the Yield Components of Transgenic Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) Constitutively Expressing thebarGene
Authors: Áy Zoltán , Mihály Róbert , Cserháti Mátyás , Kótai Éva , Pauk János
Published: May 2012

We present an experiment done on abar+wheat line treated with 14 different concentrations of glufosinate ammonium—an effective component of nonselective herbicides—during seed germination in a closed experimental system. Yield components as number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spike, thousand kernel weight, and yield per plant were thoroughly analysed and statistically evaluated after harvesting. We found that a concentration of glufosinate ammonium 5000 times the lethal dose was not enough to inhibit the germination of transgenic plants expressing thebargene. Extremely high concentrations of glufosinate ammonium caused a bushy phenotype, significantly lower numbers of grains per spike, and thousand kernel weights. Concerning the productivity, we observed that concentrations of glufosinate ammonium 64 times the lethal dose did not lead to yield depression. Our results draw attention to the possibilities implied in the transgenic approaches.
Glycerol Carbonate: A Novel Biosolvent with Strong Ionizing and Dissociating Powers
Authors: Ou Guangnan , He Biyan , Li Xuejing , Lei Jianhui
Published: May 2012

The activity of biocatalysts in nonaqueous solvents is related to the interaction of organic solvents with cells or enzymes. The behavior of proteins is strongly dependent on the protonation state of their ionizable groups, which ionization constants are greatly affected by the solvent. Due to the weak ionizing and dissociating powers of common organic solvents, the charge of the protein will change significantly when the protein is transferred from water to common organic solvents, resulting in protein denaturation. In this work, glycerol carbonate (GC) was synthesized, which ionizing and dissociating abilities were very close to those of water. Transesterification activities ofCandida antarcticalipase B (CALB) in GC were comparable to those in water and remained constant during 4-week storage.Bacillus subtilisandSaccharomyecs cerevisiaewere cultured in liquid media containing GC with test tubes. In the medium containing low GC concentration,Bacillus subtilisandSaccharomyecs cerevisiaegrew well as in a medium containing no organic solvent, but, in the medium containing high GC concentration, the growth ofBacillus subtilisandSaccharomyecs cerevisiaewas suppressed. The results suggested that GC is a potential biosolvent, which has great significance to biocatalysis in nonaqueous solvents.
Characterisation of Particulate Matter Emitted from Cofiring of Lignite and Agricultural Residues in a Fixed-Bed Combustor
Authors: Mantananont Nattasut , Garivait Savitri , Patumsawad Suthum
Published: May 2012

This study is focused on the emission of fixed bed combustor batch operated. Real-time analyser ELPI (electrical low-pressure impactor) system was used to size-segregated particulate matter emission ranging from 40 nm to 10 μm. The results show that total number concentration were3.4×103,1.6×104, and1.5×105 particles/cm3⋅kgfuel, while total mass of particles were 12.2, 8.0, and 6.5 mg/Nm3⋅kgfuelfor combustion of lignite, rice husk and bagasse, respectively. But it can be noticed that cofiring released more particulate matter. Meanwhile it was found that the effect of ratio of over-fired air to total air supply is more pronounced, since decrease in this ratio, the amount of particles are decreased significantly. For particle size distribution, it can be observed that submicron-sized particles dominate and the most prevailing size is in the range: 50 nm<Dp<100 nm, for lignite and agricultural residues. However, during cofiring of fuel mixture at 70% rice husk mass concentration, it is found that there are two major fractions of particle size; 40 nm<Dp<70 nm and 0.2 μm<Dp<0.5 μm. The analysis of particle morphology showed that the isolate shape of submicron particle produced during lignite combustion is characterised by different geometries such as round, capsule, rod, flake-like, whereas the spherical shape is obtained with combustion of rice husk.
Synthesis and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Some Novel Quinoxaline 2, 3-Dione Derivatives
Authors: Jubie Selvaraj , Gayathri Rajamanickam , Kalirajan Rajagopal
Published: May 2012

Quinoxaline-2, 3-dione obtained from cyclocondensation reaction of o-phenylene diamine with oxalic acid was reacted with three different ketones and formaldehyde to give the corresponding Mannich bases in satisfactory yield. Their structures were confirmed by using1H NMR, IR, and mass analysis. In pharmacological evaluation, the synthesized compounds showed its curative effect against ethidium-bromide-induced demyelination in rats. For the purpose, different screening methods such as open field exploratory behavior test, rota rod test, grip strength test, beam walk test, and photo actometer test were performed. Ethidium bromide induction showed muscle weakness; muscle discoordination; loss of locomotor activity, and so forth, the synthesized drugs reversed all the above-mentioned neuromuscular disorders caused by ethidium bromide administration.
The Influence of Wildfires on Aerosol Size Distributions in Rural Areas
Authors: Alonso-Blanco E. , Calvo A. I. , Fraile R. , Castro A.
Published: May 2012

The number of particles and their size distributions were measured in a rural area, during the summer, using a PCASP-X. The aim was to study the influence of wildfires on particle size distributions. The comparative studies carried out reveal an average increase of around ten times in the number of particles in the fine mode, especially in sizes between 0.10 and 0.14 μm, where the increase is of nearly 20 times. An analysis carried out at three different points in time—before, during, and after the passing of the smoke plume from the wildfires—shows that the mean geometric diameter of the fine mode in the measurements affected by the fire is smaller than the one obtained in the measurements carried out immediately before and after (0.14 μm) and presents average values of 0.11 μm.
Elevation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Different Areas of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms in Patients with Bicuspid and Tricuspid Aortic Valves
Authors: Mohamed Salah A. , Noack Frank , Schoellermann Kerstin , Karluss Anje , Radtke Arlo , Schult-Badusche Detlev , Radke Peter W. , Wenzel Bjoern E. , Sievers Hans H.
Published: May 2012

Our aim is to investigate the elevation of matrix proteins in tissues obtained from distal, above the sinotubular junction (proximal), concave, and convex sites of aneurysms in the ascending aorta using a simultaneous multiplex protein detection system. Tissues were collected from 41 patients with ascending aortic aneurysms. A total of 31 patients had a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), whereas 10 had a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Concave and convex aortic site samples were collected from all patients, whereas proximal and distal convexity samples were obtained from 19 patients with BAV and 7 patients with TAV. Simultaneous detection of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) was performed at each of the four aortic sites. MMP-2 levels were higher in the concave aortic sites than in the convex aortic sites. In contrast, MMP-8 levels were higher in the convex sites than in the concave sites, as were MMP-9 levels. In both BAV and TAV patients, TIMP-3 levels were higher in the concave sites than in the convex sites. However, TIMP-2 and TIMP-4 levels were significantly elevated in the sinotubular proximal aorta of BAV patients. Simultaneous detection of MMPs and TIMPs revealed different levels at different aortic sites in the same patient.
Ferrous versus Ferric Oral Iron Formulations for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency: A Clinical Overview
Authors: Santiago Palacios
Published: May 2012

Iron deficiency anaemia represents a major public health problem, particularly in infants, young children, pregnant women, and females with heavy menses. Oral iron supplementation is a cheap, safe, and effective means of increasing haemoglobin levels and restoring iron stores to prevent and correct iron deficiency. Many preparations are available, varying widely in dosage, formulation (quick or prolonged release), and chemical state (ferrous or ferric form). The debate over the advantages of ferrous versus ferric formulations is ongoing. In this literature review, the tolerability and efficacy of ferrous versus ferric iron formulations are evaluated. We focused on studies comparing ferrous sulphate preparations with ferric iron polymaltose complex preparations, the two predominant forms of iron used. Current data show that slow-release ferrous sulphate preparations remain the established and standard treatment of iron deficiency, irrespective of the indication, given their good bioavailability, efficacy, and acceptable tolerability demonstrated in several large clinical studies.
Relationship of Body Mass Index to Alcohol Consumption in College Freshmen
Authors: Nies Mary A. , Sun Linman , Kazemi Donna , Carriker Amy , Dmochowski Jacek
Published: May 2012

Objective. Assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and drinking in college freshman.Method. College freshman (N=199) at a university completed the drinking questionnaires. Drinking amount and the alcohol problem index (RAPI) served as outcomes, and BMI was the independent variable.Results. RAPI scores were associated with gender, amount of drinking, and BMI (P<0.001,F=13.44). Increase of RAPI with drinking amount was larger for females (slope=0.06) than for males (slope=0.03).Conclusion. This information can be helpful when providing health promotion strategies to college students regarding nutrition modifications that would be most beneficial for their health.
Algorithms and Results of Eye Tissues Differentiation Based on RF Ultrasound
Authors: Jurkonis R. , Janušauskas A. , Marozas V. , Jegelevičius D. , Daukantas S. , Patašius M. , Paunksnis A. , Lukoševičius A.
Published: May 2012

Algorithms and software were developed for analysis of B-scan ultrasonic signals acquired from commercial diagnostic ultrasound system. The algorithms process raw ultrasonic signals in backscattered spectrum domain, which is obtained using two time-frequency methods: short-time Fourier and Hilbert-Huang transformations. The signals from selected regions of eye tissues are characterized by parameters: B-scan envelope amplitude, approximated spectral slope, approximated spectral intercept, mean instantaneous frequency, mean instantaneous bandwidth, and parameters of Nakagami distribution characterizing Hilbert-Huang transformation output. The backscattered ultrasound signal parameters characterizing intraocular and orbit tissues were processed by decision tree data mining algorithm. The pilot trial proved that applied methods are able to correctly classify signals fromcorpus vitreumblood, extraocular muscle, and orbit tissues. In 26 cases of ocular tissues classification, one error occurred, when tissues were classified into classes ofcorpus vitreumblood, extraocular muscle, and orbit tissue. In this pilot classification parameters of spectral intercept and Nakagami parameter for instantaneous frequencies distribution of the 1st intrinsic mode function were found specific forcorpus vitreumblood, orbit and extraocular muscle tissues. We conclude that ultrasound data should be further collected in clinical database to establish background for decision support system for ocular tissue noninvasive differentiation.
Covering Materials Incorporating Radiation-Preventing Techniques to Meet Greenhouse Cooling Challenges in Arid Regions: A Review
Authors: Abdel-Ghany Ahmed M. , Al-Helal Ibrahim M. , Alzahrani Saeed M. , Alsadon Abdullah A. , Ali Ilias M. , Elleithy Rabeh M.
Published: May 2012

Cooling greenhouses is essential to provide a suitable environment for plant growth in arid regions characterized by brackish water resources. However, using conventional cooling methods are facing many challenges. Filtering out near infra-red radiation (NIR) at the greenhouse cover can significantly reduce the heating load and can solve the overheating problem of the greenhouse air. This paper is to review (i) the problems of using conventional cooling methods and (ii) the advantages of greenhouse covers that incorporate NIR reflectors. This survey focuses on how the cover type affects the transmittance of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the reflectance or absorptance of NIR and the greenhouse air temperature. NIR-reflecting plastic films seem to be the most suitable, low cost and simple cover for greenhouses under arid conditions. Therefore, this review discusses how various additives should be incorporated in plastic film to increase its mechanical properties, durability and ability to stand up to extremely harsh weather. Presently, NIR-reflecting covers are able to reduce greenhouse air temperature by no more than 5°C. This reduction is not enough in regions where the ambient temperature may exceed 45°C in summer. There is a need to develop improved NIR-reflecting plastic film covers.
Morphostructural Characterization of Rice Grain (Oryza sativaL.) Variety Morelos A-98 during Filling Stages
Authors: Espinosa-Mendoza Rosa Elena , Solorza-Feria Javier , Arenas-Ocampo Martha Lucía , Camacho-Díaz Brenda Hildeliza , Del Villar-Martínez Alma Angélica , Vanegas-Espinoza Pablo Emilio , Jiménez-Aparicio Antonio Ruperto
Published: May 2012

The morphostructure of grain rice Morelos A-98 was characterized in five stages of physiological maturation, in order to generate morphometric information during the filling process. Micrographic images from optical and scanning electron microscopy coupled to a digital capture system were used. Images were digitally processed to measure different descriptors such as shape, fractal dimension, and surface texture. Results showed that, two weeks after anthesis, an accelerated grain filling was observed, particularly on those grains positioned in the distal panicle zone, compared to those located in the base of this one. As deposition of assimilates in the grain increased, the area and perimeter of the transversal cut of the grains also increased (P≤0.05); meanwhile, the rounded shape factor tended to increase as well (P≤0.05), while the elliptic shape factor decreased. As the dehydrated endosperm passed from “milky” to “doughy” stages, values of fractal dimension area and endosperm perimeter as well as surface texture values showed that grain borders tended to become smoother and that there was a greater structured endosperm area (P≤0.05).
Mycoflora and Natural Incidence of Selected Mycotoxins in Rabbit and Chinchilla Feeds
Authors: Greco Mariana Vanesa , Pardo Alejandro Guillermo , Ludemann Vanesa , Martino Pablo Eduardo , Pose Graciela Noemí
Published: May 2012

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that cause a toxic response when ingested by animals or man. Demand of natural fur, such as those from rabbit and chinchilla, produced under controlled conditions, has increased worldwide. The toxicogenic mycoflora contaminating feeds for these animals was enumerated and identified. Six of the major mycotoxins implicated in animal mycotoxicosis were detected and quantified. Moulds count ranged from<10 to4.7×105CFU g-1; 14% of the samples exceeded the limit that determines hygienic feed quality. More than twenty species belonging to the five most important mycotoxigenic mould genera were recovered. Among the analyzed mycotoxins, aflatoxins were recovered in 100% of the examined samples, deoxynivalenol in 95%, fumonisins in 100%, ochratoxin A in 98%, T2 toxin in 98%, and zearalenone in 100%. Cooccurrence of mycotoxins was observed in 100% of the samples analyzed. Exposure to multiple mycotoxins was thus demonstrated for these animals.
Zinc Affects Differently Growth, Photosynthesis, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Phytochelatin Synthase Expression of Four Marine Diatoms
Authors: Nguyen-Deroche Thi Le Nhung , Caruso Aurore , Le Thi Trung , Bui Trang Viet , Schoefs Benoît , Tremblin Gérard , Morant-Manceau Annick
Published: May 2012

Zinc-supplementation (20 μM) effects on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase), and the expression of phytochelatin synthase gene were investigated in four marine diatoms (Amphora acutiuscula,Nitzschia palea,Amphora coffeaeformisandEntomoneis paludosa). Zn-supplementation reduced the maximum cell density. A linear relationship was found between the evolution of gross photosynthesis and total chlorophyll content. The Zn treatment decreased the electron transport rate except inA. coffeaeformisand inE. paludosaat high irradiance. A linear relationship was found between the efficiency of light to evolve oxygen and the size of the light-harvesting antenna. The external carbonic anhydrase activity was stimulated in Zn-supplementedE. paludosabut was not correlated with an increase of photosynthesis. The total activity of the antioxidant enzymes did not display any clear increase except in ascorbate peroxidase activity inN. palea. The phytochelatin synthase gene was identified in the four diatoms, but its expression was only revealed inN. palea, without a clear difference between control and Zn-supplemented cells. Among the four species,A. paludosawas the most sensitive andA. coffeaeformis, the most tolerant.A. acutiusculaseemed to be under metal starvation, whereas, to survive, onlyN. paleadeveloped several stress responses.
Evidence for Directed Evolution of Larger Size Motif inArabidopsis thalianaGenome
Authors: Mehrotra Rajesh , Yadav Amit , Bhalothia Purva , Karan Ratna , Mehrotra Sandhya
Published: May 2012

Transcription control of gene expression depends on a variety of interactions mediated by the core promoter region, sequence specific DNA-binding proteins, and their cognate promoter elements. The prominent group ofcisacting elements in plants contains an ACGT core. Theciselement with this core has been shown to be involved in abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and light response. In this study, genome-wide comparison of the frequency of occurrence of two ACGT elements without any spacers as well as those separated by spacers of different length was carried out. In the first step, the frequency of occurrence of theciselement sequences across the whole genome was determined by using BLAST tool. In another approach the spacer sequence was randomized before making the query. As expected, the sequence ACGTACGT had maximum occurrence inArabidopsis thalianagenome. As we increased the spacer length, one nucleotide at a time, the probability of its occurrence in genome decreased. This trend continued until an unexpectedly sharp rise in frequency of (ACGT)N25(ACGT). The observation of higher probability of bigger size motif suggests its directed evolution inArabidopsis thalianagenome.
PRORP proteins support RNase P activity in both organelles and the nucleus in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gutmann Bernard , Gobert Anthony , Giegé Philippe
Published: May 2012

RNase P is an essential enzyme that cleaves the 5′ leader sequence of tRNA precursors. RNase Ps were believed until now to occur universally as ribonucleoproteins in organisms performing RNase P activity. Here we find that protein-only RNase P enzymes called PRORP (for proteinaceous RNase P) support RNase P activity in vivo in both organelles and the nucleus in Arabidopsis. Beyond tRNA, PRORP proteins are involved in the maturation of small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) and mRNA. Finally, ribonucleoprotein RNase MRP is not involved in tRNA maturation in plants. Altogether, our results indicate that ribonucleoprotein enzymes have been entirely replaced by proteins for RNase P activity in plants.
XDSAPP: a graphical user interface for the convenient processing of diffraction data usingXDS
Authors: Krug Michael , Weiss Manfred S. , Heinemann Udo , Mueller Uwe
Published: May 2012

XDSAPPis a Tcl/Tk-based graphical user interface for the easy and convenient processing of diffraction data sets usingXDS. It provides easy access to allXDSfunctionalities, automates the data processing and generates graphical plots of various data set statistics provided byXDS. By incorporating additional software, further information on certain features of the data set, such as radiation decay during data collection or the presence of pseudo-translational symmetry and/or twinning, can be obtained. Intensity files suitable forCCP4,CNSandSHELXare generated.
BayesApp: a web site for indirect transformation of small-angle scattering data
Authors: Hansen Steen
Published: May 2012

A web site (http://www.bayesapp.org) for indirect transformation of small-angle scattering data is presented. When experimental data are uploaded to the server, they are processed in a few seconds and the result of the indirect information is displayed on the screen in the form of a distribution, together with the experimental data and the fit to the data. No other user input than the experimental data is necessary, but various options for the analysis may be selected. The results of the analysis can be downloaded from the web site in the form of ASCII files.
Relation between photochromic properties and molecular structures in salicylideneaniline crystals
Authors: Johmoto Kohei , Ishida Takashi , Sekine Akiko , Uekusa Hidehiro , Ohashi Yuji
Published: May 2012

The crystal structures of the salicylideneaniline derivatives N-salicylidene-4-tert-butyl-aniline (1), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-3-methoxyaniline (2), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-3-bromoaniline (3), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-3-chloroaniline (4), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-4-bromoaniline (5), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-aniline (6), N-3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene-4-carboxyaniline (7) and N-salicylidene-2-chloroaniline (8) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis at ambient temperature to investigate the relationship between their photochromic properties and molecular structures. A clear correlation between photochromism and the dihedral angle of the two benzene rings in the salicylideneaniline derivatives was observed. Crystals with dihedral angles less than 20° were non-photochromic, whereas those with dihedral angles greater than 30° were photochromic. Crystals with dihedral angles between 20 and 30° could be either photochromic or non-photochromic. Inhibition of the pedal motion by intra- or intermolecular steric hindrance, however, can result in non-photochromic behaviour even if the dihedral angle is larger than 30°.