bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of climate on malaria transmission depends on daily temperature variation
Authors: Paaijmans Krijn P. , Blanford Simon , Bell Andrew S. , Blanford Justine I. , Read Andrew F. , Thomas Matthew B.
Published: August 2010

Malaria transmission is strongly influenced by environmental temperature, but the biological drivers remain poorly quantified. Most studies analyzing malaria–temperature relations, including those investigating malaria risk and the possible impacts of climate change, are based solely on mean temperatures and extrapolate from functions determined under unrealistic laboratory conditions. Here, we present empirical evidence to show that, in addition to mean temperatures, daily fluctuations in temperature affect parasite infection, the rate of parasite development, and the essential elements of mosquito biology that combine to determine malaria transmission intensity. In general, we find that, compared with rates at equivalent constant mean temperatures, temperature fluctuation around low mean temperatures acts to speed up rate processes, whereas fluctuation around high mean temperatures acts to slow processes down. At the extremes (conditions representative of the fringes of malaria transmission, where range expansions or contractions will occur), fluctuation makes transmission possible at lower mean temperatures than currently predicted and can potentially block transmission at higher mean temperatures. If we are to optimize control efforts and develop appropriate adaptation or mitigation strategies for future climates, we need to incorporate into predictive models the effects of daily temperature variation and how that variation is altered by climate change.
Aspartate-glutamate-alanine-histidine box motif (DEAH)/RNA helicase A helicases sense microbial DNA in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Taeil , Pazhoor Shwetha , Bao Musheng , Zhang Zhiqiang , Hanabuchi Shino , Facchinetti Valeria , Bover Laura , Plumas Joel , Chaperot Laurence , Qin Jun , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: August 2010

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) senses microbial DNA and triggers type I IFN responses in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Previous studies suggest the presence of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-dependent DNA sensors other than TLR9 in pDCs. Using MS, we investigated C-phosphate-G (CpG)-binding proteins from human pDCs, pDC-cell lines, and interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7)-expressing B-cell lines. CpG-A selectively bound the aspartate-glutamate-any amino acid-aspartate/histidine (DExD/H)-box helicase 36 (DHX36), whereas CpG-B selectively bound DExD/H-box helicase 9 (DHX9). Although the aspartate-glutamate-alanine-histidine box motif (DEAH) domain of DHX36 was essential for CpG-A binding, the domain of unknown function 1605 (DUF1605 domain) of DHX9 was required for CpG-B binding. DHX36 is associated with IFN-α production and IRF7 nuclear translocation in response to CpG-A, but DHX9 is important for TNF-α and IL-6 production and NF-κB activation in response to CpG-B. Knocking down DHX9 or DHX36 significantly reduced the cytokine responses of pDCs to a DNA virus but had no effect on the cytokine responses to an RNA virus. We further showed that both DHX9 and DHX36 are localized within the cytosol and are directly bound to the Toll-interleukin receptor domain of MyD88 via their helicase-associated domain 2 and DUF domains. This study demonstrates that DHX9/DHX36 represent the MyD88-dependent DNA sensors in the cytosol of pDCs and suggests a much broader role for DHX helicases in viral sensing.
Analysis of proteome dynamics in the mouse brain
Authors: Price John C. , Guan Shenheng , Burlingame Alma , Prusiner Stanley B. , Ghaemmaghami Sina
Published: August 2010

Advances in systems biology have allowed for global analyses of mRNA and protein expression, but large-scale studies of protein dynamics and turnover have not been conducted in vivo. Protein turnover is an important metabolic and regulatory mechanism in establishing proteome homeostasis, impacting many physiological and pathological processes. Here, we have used organism-wide isotopic labeling to measure the turnover rates of ~2,500 proteins in multiple mouse tissues, spanning four orders of magnitude. Through comparison of the brain with the liver and blood, we show that within the respective tissues, proteins performing similar functions often have similar turnover rates. Proteins in the brain have significantly slower turnover (average lifetime of 9.0 d) compared with those of the liver (3.0 d) and blood (3.5 d). Within some organelles (such as mitochondria), proteins have a narrow range of lifetimes, suggesting a synchronized turnover mechanism. Protein subunits within complexes of variable composition have a wide range of lifetimes, whereas those within well-defined complexes turn over in a coordinated manner. Together, the data represent the most comprehensive in vivo analysis of mammalian proteome turnover to date. The developed methodology can be adapted to assess in vivo proteome homeostasis in any model organism that will tolerate a labeled diet and may be particularly useful in the analysis of neurodegenerative diseases in vivo.
CULLIN 4-RING FINGER-LIGASE plays a key role in the control of endoreplication cycles in Arabidopsis trichomes
Authors: Roodbarkelari Farshad , Bramsiepe Jonathan , Weinl Christina , Marquardt Sebastian , Novák Béla , Jakoby Marc J. , Lechner Esther , Genschik Pascal , Schnittger Arp
Published: August 2010

One of the predominant cell-cycle programs found in mature tissues is endoreplication, also known as endoreduplication, that leads to cellular polyploidy. A key question for the understanding of endoreplication cycles is how oscillating levels of cyclin-dependent kinase activity are generated that control repeated rounds of DNA replication. The APC/C performs a pivotal function in the mitotic cell cycle by promoting anaphase and paving the road for a new round of DNA replication. However, using marker lines and plants in which APC/C components are knocked down, we show here that outgrowing and endoreplicating Arabidopsis leaf hairs display no or very little APC/C activity. Instead we find that RBX1-containing Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin-Ligases (CRLs) are of central importance for the progression through endoreplication cycles; in particular, we have identified CULLIN4 as a major regulator of endoreplication in Arabidopsis trichomes. We have incorporated our findings into a bio-mathematical simulation presenting a robust two-step model of endoreplication control with one type of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor function for entry and a CRL-dependent oscillation of cyclin-dependent kinase activity via degradation of a second type of CDK inhibitor during endoreplication cycles.
Quantifying uncertainty in climate change science through empirical information theory
Authors: Majda Andrew J. , Gershgorin Boris
Published: August 2010

Quantifying the uncertainty for the present climate and the predictions of climate change in the suite of imperfect Atmosphere Ocean Science (AOS) computer models is a central issue in climate change science. Here, a systematic approach to these issues with firm mathematical underpinning is developed through empirical information theory. An information metric to quantify AOS model errors in the climate is proposed here which incorporates both coarse-grained mean model errors as well as covariance ratios in a transformation invariant fashion. The subtle behavior of model errors with this information metric is quantified in an instructive statistically exactly solvable test model with direct relevance to climate change science including the prototype behavior of tracer gases such as CO
2
. Formulas for identifying the most sensitive climate change directions using statistics of the present climate or an AOS model approximation are developed here; these formulas just involve finding the eigenvector associated with the largest eigenvalue of a quadratic form computed through suitable unperturbed climate statistics. These climate change concepts are illustrated on a statistically exactly solvable one-dimensional stochastic model with relevance for low frequency variability of the atmosphere. Viable algorithms for implementation of these concepts are discussed throughout the paper.
A small RNA promotes siderophore production through transcriptional and metabolic remodeling
Authors: Salvail Hubert , Lanthier-Bourbonnais Pascale , Sobota Jason Michael , Caza Mélissa , Benjamin Julie-Anna M. , Mendieta Martha Eugènia Sequeira , Lépine François , Dozois Charles M. , Imlay James , Massé Eric
Published: August 2010

Siderophores are essential factors for iron (Fe) acquisition in bacteria during colonization and infection of eukaryotic hosts, which restrain iron access through iron-binding protein, such as lactoferrin and transferrin. The synthesis of siderophores by
Escherichia coli
is considered to be fully regulated at the transcriptional level by the Fe-responsive transcriptional repressor Fur. Here we characterized two different pathways that promote the production of the siderophore enterobactin via the action of the small RNA RyhB. First, RyhB is required for normal expression of an important enterobactin biosynthesis polycistron, entCEBAH. Second, RyhB directly represses the translation of cysE, which encodes a serine acetyltransferase that uses serine as a substrate for cysteine biosynthesis. Reduction of CysE activity by RyhB allows serine to be used as building blocks for enterobactin synthesis through the nonribosomal peptide synthesis pathway. Thus, RyhB plays an essential role in siderophore production and may modulate bacterial virulence through optimization of siderophore production.
Scanning ultrafast electron microscopy
Authors: Yang Ding-Shyue , Mohammed Omar F. , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: August 2010

Progress has been made in the development of four-dimensional ultrafast electron microscopy, which enables space-time imaging of structural dynamics in the condensed phase. In ultrafast electron microscopy, the electrons are accelerated, typically to 200 keV, and the microscope operates in the transmission mode. Here, we report the development of scanning ultrafast electron microscopy using a field-emission-source configuration. Scanning of pulses is made in the single-electron mode, for which the pulse contains at most one or a few electrons, thus achieving imaging without the space-charge effect between electrons, and still in ten(s) of seconds. For imaging, the secondary electrons from surface structures are detected, as demonstrated here for material surfaces and biological specimens. By recording backscattered electrons, diffraction patterns from single crystals were also obtained. Scanning pulsed-electron microscopy with the acquired spatiotemporal resolutions, and its efficient heat-dissipation feature, is now poised to provide in situ 4D imaging and with environmental capability.
Mechanisms of estrogen receptor antagonism toward p53 and its implications in breast cancer therapeutic response and stem cell regulation
Authors: Konduri Santhi D. , Medisetty Rajesh , Liu Wensheng , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham , Srivastava Pratima , Brauch Hiltrud , Fritz Peter , Swetzig Wendy M. , Gardner Amanda E. , Khan Sohaib A. , Das Gokul M.
Published: August 2010

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays an important role in the onset and progression of breast cancer, whereas p53 functions as a major tumor suppressor. We previously reported that ERα binds to p53, resulting in inhibition of transcriptional regulation by p53. Here, we report on the molecular mechanisms by which ERα suppresses p53’s transactivation function. Sequential ChIP assays demonstrated that ERα represses p53-mediated transcriptional activation in human breast cancer cells by recruiting nuclear receptor corepressors (NCoR and SMRT) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). RNAi-mediated down-regulation of NCoR resulted in increased endogenous expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-inhibitor p21
Waf1/Cip1
(
CDKN1A
) gene, a prototypic transcriptional target of p53. While 17β-estradiol (E2) enhanced ERα binding to p53 and inhibited p21 transcription, antiestrogens decreased ERα recruitment and induced transcription. The effects of estrogen and antiestrogens on p21 transcription were diametrically opposite to their known effects on the conventional ERE-containing ERα target gene, pS2/TFF1. These results suggest that ERα uses dual strategies to promote abnormal cellular proliferation: enhancing the transcription of ERE-containing proproliferative genes and repressing the transcription of p53-responsive antiproliferative genes. Importantly, ERα binds to p53 and inhibits transcriptional activation by p53 in stem/progenitor cell-containing murine mammospheres, suggesting a potential role for the ER–p53 interaction in mammary tissue homeostasis and cancer formation. Furthermore, retrospective studies analyzing response to tamoxifen therapy in a subset of patients with ER-positive breast cancer expressing either wild-type or mutant p53 suggest that the presence of wild-type p53 is an important determinant of positive therapeutic response.
Helicobacter pylori infection in Asia.
Authors: Fock K. M.
Published: August 2010

This chapter focuses on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer in Asia. The host factors in gastric cancer pathogenesis are described. H. pylori eradication as a strategy for primary prevention of gastric cancer and the treatment regimens used in Asia are discussed.
Gastric adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Correa P. , Piazuelo M. B.
Published: August 2010

This chapter reviews the risk factors and pathology of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric adenocarcinoma. The possible reasons regarding the discrepancy between gastric cancer rates and H. pylori infection prevalence are discussed. The mechanisms of H. pylori-related gastric carcinogenesis and cancer control are described.
Antimicrobial resistance and approaches to treatment.
Authors: Mégraud F.
Published: August 2010

This chapter presents the rationale to use antisecretory drugs, absorbable antibiotics and combination of antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infection. The currently recommended treatment regimes and the problems linked to antimicrobial resistance are discussed.
Host genetic factors in susceptibility and resistance to Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis.
Authors: Sutton P. , Every A. L. , Harbour S. N.
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses the association between host variability in immune-related genes (cytokines, pathogen recognition receptors, mucins) and susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori-associated pathologies (peptic ulcer, gastritis and gastric cancer). The effect of gender on H. pylori infection and its pathological consequences are described.
Lipopolysaccharides of Helicobacter pylori: importance in gastric adaptation and pathogenesis.
Authors: Moran A. P.
Published: August 2010

This chapter discusses how the structure and properties of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are adapted and modelled to fit the environmental niche of this bacterium and the pathogenic consequences of these structures, focusing on the lipid A moiety and O-antigen of this molecule. The low immunological activity of H. pylori LPS, the fine structure and biosynthesis of H. pylori lipid A, and the relevance of low LPS and lipid A immunoactivities to H. pylori pathogenesis are described. The role of H. pylori-expressed Lewis antigens in gastric adaptation and modulation of the inflammatory response is discussed.
Do the effects of subjective frequency and age of acquisition survive better word frequency norms?
Authors: Brysbaert Marc , Cortese Michael J.
Published: August 2010

Megastudies with processing efficiency measures for thousands of words allow researchers to assess the quality of the word features they are using. In this article, we analyse reading aloud and lexical decision reaction times and accuracy rates for 2,336 words to assess the influence of subjective frequency and age of acquisition on performance. Specifically, we compare newly presented word frequency measures with the existing frequency norms of Kučera and Francis (1967), HAL (Burgess & Livesay, 1998), Brysbaert and New (2009), and Zeno, Ivens, Millard, and Duvvuri (1995). We show that the use of the Kučera and Francis word frequency measure accounts for much less variance than the other word frequencies, which leaves more variance to be “explained” by familiarity ratings and age-of-acquisition ratings. We argue that subjective frequency ratings are no longer needed if researchers have good objective word frequency counts. The effect of age of acquisition remains significant and has an effect size that is of practical relevance, although it is substantially smaller than that of the first phoneme in naming and the objective word frequency in lexical decision. Thus, our results suggest that models of word processing need to utilize these recently developed frequency estimates during training or setting baseline activation levels in the lexicon.
ER sliding dynamics and ER–mitochondrial contacts occur on acetylated microtubules
Authors: Friedman Jonathan R. , Webster Brant M. , Mastronarde David N. , Verhey Kristen J. , Voeltz Gia K.
Published: August 2010

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network is extremely dynamic in animal cells, yet little is known about the mechanism and function of its movements. The most common ER dynamic, termed ER sliding, involves ER tubule extension along stable microtubules (MTs). In this study, we show that ER sliding occurs on nocodazole-resistant MTs that are posttranslationally modified by acetylation. We demonstrate that high MT curvature is a good indicator of MT acetylation and show in live cells that ER sliding occurs predominantly on these curved, acetylated MTs. Furthermore, increasing MT acetylation by drug treatment increases the frequency of ER sliding. One purpose of the ER sliding on modified MT tracts could be to regulate its interorganelle contacts. We find that all mitochondria and many endosomes maintain contact with the ER despite the movements of each. However, mitochondria, but not endosomes, preferentially localize to acetylated MTs. Thus, different ER dynamics may occur on distinct MT populations to establish or maintain contacts with different organelles.
Double large Barkhausen jump in soft/soft composite microwires
Authors: Infante G , Badini-Confalonieri G A , Real R P del , Vázquez M
Published: August 2010

The magnetic properties of double layer microwires consisting of a soft FeSiBP amorphous core, an intermediate non-magnetic glass spacer and a softer FeNi outer shell have been investigated. As in the case of other magnetostatically coupled two-phase systems, the hysteresis loops are characterized by two well-defined Barkhausen jumps corresponding each to the magnetization reversal of the individual phases, separated by a plateau. The strong dipolar interaction that leads to the appearance of the plateau is investigated in terms of the microwire geometry. It is shown that this source of coupling is capable of increasing up to one order of magnitude the switching field of the Fe-rich core. Thus, magnetic bistability can be effectively controlled in these kinds of composite wires.
Tunable electric and magnetic resonances in multilayered metal/dielectric nanoplates at optical frequencies
Authors: Li De , Qin Ling , Qi Dong-Xiang , Gao Feng , Peng Ru-Wen , Zou Jin , Wang Qian-Jin , Wang Mu
Published: August 2010

In this work, we investigate electromagnetic responses in multilayered Ag/SiO2 nanoplates at optical frequencies. Electric and magnetic resonances, which originate from localized surface plasmons, are demonstrated by the effective permeability and permittivity, electric and magnetic field distributions, and measured transmission at oblique incidence. Furthermore, electric and magnetic resonances can be tailored by the geometrical parameters of the nanoplates. In a rectangular nanoplate, magnetic resonance only shifts with the width along the incident polarization, and electric resonance shifts obviously as the aspect ratio of the nanoplate changes. The investigation may provide a tunable building block for optical metamaterials.
The importance of predator–prey overlap: predicting North Sea cod recovery with a multispecies assessment model
Authors: Kempf Alexander , Dingsør Gjert Endre , Huse Geir , Vinther Morten , Floeter Jens , Temming Axel
Published: August 2010

Kempf, A., Dingsør, G. E., Huse, G., Vinther, M., Floeter, J., and Temming, A. 2010. The importance of predator–prey overlap: predicting North Sea cod recovery with a multispecies assessment model. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1989–1997. The overlap between predator and prey is known as a sensitive parameter in multispecies assessment models for fish, and its parameterization is notoriously difficult. Overlap indices were derived from trawl surveys and used to parametrize the North Sea stochastic multispecies model. The effect of time-invariant and year- and quarter-specific overlap estimates on the historical (1991–2007) and predicted trophic interactions, as well as the development of predator and prey stocks, was investigated. The focus was set on a general comparison between single-species and multispecies forecasts and the sensitivity of the predicted development of North Sea cod for the two types of overlap implementation. The spatial–temporal overlap between cod and its predators increased with increasing temperature, indicating that foodweb processes might reduce the recovery potential of cod during warm periods. Multispecies scenarios were highly influenced by assumptions on future spatial overlap, but they predicted a considerably lower recovery potential than single-species predictions did. In addition, a recovery of North Sea cod had strong negative effects on its prey stocks. The consequences of these findings for management are discussed.
Choke Disease Caused by Epichloë bromicola in the Grass Agropyron repens in Poland
Authors: Lembicz M. , Górzyńska K. , Leuchtmann A.
Published: August 2010

Agropyron repens (synonym Elymus repens, couch grass) is a species native to Europe and Asia. In Poland, it is a common weed of crop fields. In May 2008, we noticed for the first time symptoms of choke disease (caused by Epichloë spp.) on A. repens at two localities in central Poland. The localities, Pakość (52°47.531′N, 18°06.118′E) and Dulsk (52°45.329′N, 18°20.518′E), are located 16 km apart from each other. The following year, we confirmed the occurrence of choke disease on couch grass at these localities. Stromata were formed on reproductive stems that did not produce inflorescences. They ranged from 16 to 31 mm long and were covered with perithecia 520 to 560 × 160 to 250 μm at a density of 35 to 45 per mm2. Asci measured 270 to 310 × 5.2 to 6.5 μm and ascospores were 225 to 275 × 1.5 to 1.7 μm (specimen deposited in ZT). Morphological characters match with the original description of Epichloë bromicola (4). One strain was isolated from stromatal tissue and the partial DNA sequence of tubB including introns 1 to 3 was obtained as previously described (2). In a phylogenetic analysis, the isolate (GenBank Accession No. GU325782) grouped with Epichloë isolates from other Agropyron spp. from Poland (A. intermedium) and Japan (A. ciliare and A. tsukushiense) and with an isolate from a Roegneria sp. (from China). Experimental mating tests involving isolates from A. intermedium and a Roegneria sp. indicated that these isolates were sexually compatible with Epichloë bromicola from Bromus erectus. Similarly, E. yangsii was compatible with E. bromicola. This suggests that Epichloë isolates from Agropyron, Roegneria, and Bromus hosts form a common mating population, and implies that under a biological species concept the phylogenetic definition of E. bromicola has to be broadened. Epichloë on A. repens has been previously found in Poland (1), Germany (3), Hungary, and Romania (specimen deposited in herbarium of ETH Zurich, ZT) based on incidental records or on herbarium specimens that have been listed under E. typhina. Our study, based on morphology, tubB sequence similarity, and mating compatibility, suggests that the fungus infecting A. repens in Poland is E. bromicola.

References: (1) I. Adamska. Acta Mycol. 36:31, 2001. (2) D. Brem and A. Leuchtmann. Evolution 57:37, 2003. (3) J. Kohlmeyer and E. Kohlmeyer. Mycologia 66:77, 1974. (4) A. Leuchtmann and C. L. Schardl. Mycol. Res. 102:1169, 1998.
Production of Macrophomina phaseolina Conidia by Multiple Soybean Isolates in Culture
Authors: Ma J. , Hill C. B. , Hartman G. L.
Published: August 2010

Macrophomina phaseolina is the cause of charcoal rot of soybean (Glycine max). Resistance to M. phaseolina in commercial soybean cultivars is not common but is needed in locations where the disease is chronic and severe. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable method to produce sufficient M. phaseolina conidia that can be used to inoculate soybean plants in a high-throughput resistance-screening program. Production of pycnidia is not common on most culture media, such as potato dextrose agar, but can be produced on media containing plant parts or oilseed extracts. Seven semi-defined media were tested to induce pycnidia production. Results indicated that the number of pycnidia that were produced by eight M. phaseolina isolates was dependent on induction medium; however, peanut butter extract-saturated filter paper placed over soynut butter extract agar (PESEA) allowed for greater pycnidia and conidia production than the other media tested. Production of pycnidia on PESEA ranged from 269 to 1,082 per plate. There were no differences among isolates in germination of conidia produced on PESEA, which averaged 83 ± 2% germination. A conidial suspension from one M. phaseolina isolate produced on PESEA and inoculated onto soybean radicles significantly distinguished (P < 0.01) ‘DT97-4290’, a soybean genotype with partial resistance to charcoal rot, from a susceptible genotype, ‘LS98-0358’. Results of this study indicated that multiple isolates of M. phaseolina from soybean produced sufficient amounts of conidia on PESEA to use as inoculum. This conidia inoculum production method will facilitate soybean charcoal rot resistance screening evaluation with different soybean isolates.
A New Potyvirus sp. Infects Verbena Exhibiting Leaf Mottling Symptoms
Authors: Kraus Jennifer , Cleveland Stephanie , Putnam Melodie L. , Keller Karen E. , Martin Robert R. , Tzanetakis Ioannis E.
Published: August 2010

Verbena ‘Taylortown Red’ plants showed virus-like mottling symptoms. Virus purifications disclosed the presence of elongated and spherical particles, evidence of mixed virus infections, whereas double-stranded RNA analysis revealed the presence of several bands absent in healthy plants. After shotgun cloning, three viruses were identified in ‘Taylortown Red’: Broad bean wilt virus-1, Coleus vein necrosis virus, and a previously undescribed potyvirus. Given the importance of verbena to the ornamental industry, we studied the viruses found in ‘Taylortown Red’ and, in this article, we present our findings on the new potyvirus, provisionally named Verbena virus Y (VVY). VVY belongs to the Potato virus Y subgroup in the genus Potyvirus, has solanaceous plants, including potato, as alternative hosts, and can be transmitted by a ubiquitous pest in the ornamental industry, the green peach aphid.
First Detection of Virulence in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in China to Resistance Genes Yr24 (=Yr26) Present in Wheat Cultivar Chuanmai 42
Authors: Liu T. G. , Peng Y. L. , Chen W. Q. , Zhang Z. Y.
Published: August 2010

Stripe rust disease of wheat caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici was observed on previously resistant bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Chuanmai 42 during the 2008–2009 crop season in Pi County, Sichuan Province, China. More than 10 single pustules were isolated from the diseased leaf samples collected in the field and inoculated on 7-day-old susceptible wheat seedlings cv. Mingxian 169. After 18 to 24 h of incubation at 100% relative humidity in darkness, the plants were moved into the greenhouse, maintained at 15 to 18°C, and supplemented with 10,000 lx of fluorescent light for 10 h per day. The second leaves were clipped when chlorotic spots appeared on leaves (~7 days postinoculation), and plants were covered with glass cylinders to prevent cross contamination. Urediniospores of each isolate were collected 16 days after inoculation and temporarily kept in a dryer at low temperature (3 to 4°C). The virulence spectra of the isolates were tested on Chinese differentials and wheat lines with known Yr genes at the seedling stage (1). A new Yr24 (=Yr26) virulent pathotype, different from currently known pathotypes in China, was identified. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of Yr24 virulence in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici populations on Chuanmai 42. In addition, the new pathotype was also virulent to Lantian 17, Guinong 22 (Chinese differential), and 92R137 derived wheat lines Nannong 04Y10 and Nannong 05Y628, known to carry Yr24 (2,3). The avirulence/virulence formula of the new pathotype is Yr1, 3, 4, H46, 5, 6, 15, 17, 18, 32, Sp, Sd/Yr2, 8, 9, 10, 12, 24 (=26), 31, and Su. Wheat cultivars and breeding materials, previously protected by Yr24 gene, are now vulnerable to stripe rust epidemics in the region. Pure isolates of the new pathotype (Accession No. 09-6-16-3) are stored in the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS; Beijing) stripe rust collection.

References: (1) W. Q. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 93:1093, 2009. (2) G. Q. Li et al. Theor. Appl. Genet. 112:1434, 2006. (3) Z. F. Li et al. Plant Dis. 90:1302, 2006.
Plant Height Affects Fusarium Crown Rot Severity in Wheat
Authors: Liu Y. X. , Yang X. M. , Ma J. , Wei Y. M. , Zheng Y. L. , Ma H. X. , Yao J. B. , Yan G. J. , Wang Y. G. , Manners J. M. , Liu C. J.
Published: August 2010

Effects of plant height on Fusarium crown rot (FCR) disease severity were investigated using 12 pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs) for six different reduced height (Rht) genes in wheat. The dwarf isolines all gave better FCR resistance when compared with their respective tall counterparts, although the Rht genes involved in these NILs are located on several different chromosomes. Treating plants with exogenous gibberellin increased FCR severity as well as seedling lengths in all of the isolines tested. Analysis of the expression of several defense genes with known correlation with resistance to FCR pathogens between the Rht isolines following FCR inoculation indicated that the better resistance of the dwarf isolines was not due to enhanced defense gene induction. These results suggested that the difference in FCR severity between the tall and dwarf isolines is likely due to their height difference per se or to some physiological and structural consequences of reduced height. Thus, caution should be taken when considering to exploit any FCR locus located near a height gene.
Epilepsy and Mortality in Africa: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Diop A. G. , Hesdorffer D. C. , Logroscino G. , Hauser W. A.
Published: August 2010

Summary:  Problem: The prevalence of epilepsy is high in many areas of Africa. This condition is stigmatized, and there are limited health personnel and facilities for diagnosis and treatment. A huge treatment gap is suspected for epilepsy, and data suggest that nearly 80–85% of people with epilepsy have never been diagnosed or treated. It is reported worldwide that the mortality among people with epilepsy is two‐ to threefold higher than in general population. An increase of at least this magnitude is suspected in Africa, but there are very few data. Verbal autopsy studies may be one way of carrying out studies of mortality for epilepsy in Africa because these methods do not rely on autopsies, which are rare, or upon death certificates, which are a poor source of information on death in Africa.

Methods: This paper presents the literature on mortality after seizures in Africa, although there are few studies of mortality among people with epilepsy in Africa.

Results: The existing studies suggest an increased risk of dying and a greater proportion of deaths that are epilepsy‐related. One study reports a sixfold increase in mortality in people with epilepsy. This is higher than the two‐ to threefold increase reported in developed countries.

Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of this condition, the public health impact of epilepsy mortality is likely to be enormous.
Serum gastrin levels during long‐term omeprazole treatment
Authors: KOOP H. , KLEIN M. , ARNOLD R.
Published: August 2010

Serum gastrin was determined in 33 patients during treatment with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. After 4 weeks of therapy, gastrin levels increased to a median of 55 pg/ml compared to 15 pg/ml prior to omeprazole (P < 0.001). There was a close correlation (r= 0.939; P < 0.001) between pre‐treatment gastrin and levels at 4 weeks. Comparison of serum gastrin concentrations at I month of omeprazole with levels at 6 (n= 21) and 12 months (n= 12) continuous therapy revealed a close correlation (r= 0.961 and r= 0.882, respectively; P < 0.001) despite dose adjustment. In marked hypochlorhydria documented by continuous pH monitoring, serum gastrin varied from normal up to profound hypergastrinaemia. These results demonstrate that the serum gastrin increase under powerful acid‐inhibitory drug therapy depends upon a number of variables. (a) Only in patients with elevated gastrin levels, prior to omeprazole treatment, can moderate to marked hypergastrinaemia during omperazole be expected. (b) Gastrin increases reached during the initial period of omeprazole treatment remain constant during long‐term therapy. (c) Acid inhibition itself is not necessarily associated with an increase in serum gastrin in every patient, which suggests that the individual sensitivity of the gastrin cell to acid inhibition is more important for serum gastrin changes than the degree of acid inhibition itself.
Review article: functional dyspepsia—should treatment be targeted on disturbed physiology?
Authors: TALLEY N. J.
Published: August 2010

In patients who present with chronic unexplained upper abdominal pain or discomfort (functional dyspepsia), therapy should ideally be targeted on correcting the individual's disturbed pathophysiology. Here, putative mechanisms implicated in functional dyspepsia and potential approaches to therapy are critically reviewed in order to determine if targeting treatment is of value. Pharmacological therapies reviewed include those that aim to correct disordered gastric emptying (e.g. cisapride, dopaminergic receptor antagonists, macrolides), reduce visceral hypersensitivity (e.g. somatostatin analogues, cholecystokinin antagonists, opioid agonists, serotonin type 3 receptor antagonists), reduce gastric acid secretion (e.g. H2‐blockers, acid pump inhibitors), cure Helicobacter pylori infection, enhance muscosal defence (e.g. sucralfate, bismuth) or modify central nervous system processes. It is concluded that the imperfectly understood pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia contributes to the paucity of established efficacious therapies.
Screening for liver disease using non‐invasive biomarkers (FibroTest, SteatoTest and NashTest) in patients with hyperlipidaemia
Authors: RATZIU V. , GIRAL P. , MUNTEANU M. , MESSOUS D. , MERCADIER A. , BERNARD M. , MORRA R. , IMBERT‐BISMUT F. , BRUCKERT E. , POYNARD T.
Published: August 2010

Background

Mortality related to complications of cirrhosis is increasing in patients with insulin‐resistance factors. Hyperlipidaemic patients have multiple risk factors of insulin resistance. It is impossible to perform liver biopsy in such a large number of hyperlipidaemic patients to identify patients with advanced liver fibrosis or with steatohepatitis (non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH).

Aims

To use the non‐invasive biomarkers, FibroTest (FT), SteatoTest and NashTest, and to assess the prevalence of advanced liver disease in a large population of hyperlipidaemic patients.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of hyperlipidaemic patients was followed prospectively in a lipid centre and the sera were analysed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 2834 subjects were included: 1909 hyperlipidaemic patients and 925 blood donors (BD). Advanced fibrosis was identified by FT in 53/1909 (2.8%) hyperlipidaemic patients vs. 0/925 BD (0%) (P < 0.0001); advanced steatosis in 569/1893 hyperlipidaemic patients (30.1%) vs. 8/164 (4.9%) BD (P < 0.0001) and NASH in 132/1893 (7%) vs. 0/164 (0%), respectively (P < 0.0001). There was a highly significant and linear association between the number of metabolic syndrome factors and liver disease prevalence – the highest being for type 2 diabetics: advanced steatosis 66%, NASH 24% and advanced fibrosis 6%.

Conclusions

The prevalence of fibrosis, steatosis and NASH in hyperlipidaemic patients appears to be high (3%, 30% and 7%, respectively). Biomarkers could be useful for screening of advanced fibrosis and NASH in patients with several metabolic syndrome factors, to prevent liver mortality.
Tenderness and Associated Characteristics of Stretched and Contracted Bovine Muscles
Authors: HERRING H. K. , CASSENS R. G. , SUESS G. G. , BRUNGARDT V. H. , BRISKEY E. J.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY—

The effects of muscle contraction state, carcass maturity, and post‐mortem aging (4°C) on tenderness were studied on excised semitendinosus muscles of six A‐ and six E‐maturity bovine carcasses. Fiber diameter was shown to be curvilinearly related with sarcomere length (R = .95 and .87 for A‐ and E‐maturity groups, respectively). As muscles were shortened they had a larger percent area of fibers and a smaller percent area of both edomysial and perimysial material. Muscles of the A‐maturity group were more tender (P < .01) than those of the E‐maturity group. Post‐mortem aging resulted in tenderization in both A‐ and E‐maturity groups at all states of contraction f‐48 to +48% of the preexcised length); however, tenderness of contracted muscles did not reach acceptable levels even in 240 hr of aging. Tenderness was shown to be linearly related to fiber diameter (R = .82 and .87 for A‐ and E‐maturity groups, respectively); however, the relationship with sarcomere length was curvilinear (R = .90 and .75 for A and E maturities, respectively). Post‐mortem contraction of muscles was very effective in causing decreased tenderness, whereas the magnitude of tenderness increase was smaller than normal when muscles were stretched.
A Study of the True Taste of Saccharin
Authors: RADER CHARLES P. , TIHANYI SZILARD G. , ZIENTY FERDINAND B.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY—

When samples of saccharin were highly purified, bitterness and aftertaste were not significantly diminished. Numerous purification methods failed to remove these undesirable flavor notes. The presence of sequestering agents also failed to diminish bitterness and aftertaste. While the undesirable flavor notes of saccharin cannot be proven to be intrinsic, the hypothesis that they are due to impurities is most untenable. Conclusive evidence shows that the bitterness and aftertaste are at least in part a true property of saccharin.
INFLUENCE OF SKIN CONTENT ON COMPOSITION OF MECHANICALLY DEBONED POULTRY MEAT
Authors: SATTERLEE L. D. , FRONING G. W. , JANKY D. M.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY —When chicken broiler backs containing varying amounts of skin were mechanically deboned, the product obtained was shown to be directly affected by skin content. As the skin content on the backs increased in relation to muscle and bone content, the fat content of the deboned meat increased and the moisture and protein contents decreased. The connective tissue protein content of the meat was not affected by increasing skin content on the backs. Data obtained from passing backs as well as isolated poultry skin through the deboner indicate that the fat from the skin was expressed through the screen along with the meat. The majority of the skin protein, collagen, did not pass through the screen but was passed out in the residue along with the bone. The meat from the backs containing large amounts of skin may have poor emulsifying characteristics because of its high fat and low protein content.
HYDRATION CAPACITY AS AN INNDEX OF SHRIMP MICROBIAL QUALITY
Authors: SHELEF LEORA A. , JAY JAMES M.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY –The hydration capacity of shrimp undergoing microbial spoilage at low temperatures was followed by means of water‐holding capacity (WHC), extract‐release volume (ERV), viscosity and swelling measurements. All four techniques showed marked changes in hydration capacity from shrimp freshness to frank spoilage, with significant decreases in ERV, and increases in WHC, and swelling. Of these, the ERV technique was found most suitable for detecting incipient spoilage. Employing a low pH buffer (phthalate, pH 4.6), the pH of fresh or freshly thawed shrimp homogenates was lowered towards the isoelectric range of shrimp proteins, resulting in low hydration and large amounts of extracts. When first signs of microbial spoilag were noted, these amounts decreased by 33%. The ERV test is simple to perform, fast and reproducible. On further extensive testing, it holds promise as an index of spoilage for shrimp.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF FURTHER‐PROCESSED TURKEY PRODUCTS
Authors: ZOTTOLA EDMUND A. , BUSTA F. F.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY —The increased production and consumption of frozen, further‐processed turkey products has created a need for more information on their microbiological quality. Samples of frozen, further‐processed turkey products including roasts, rolls, turkey in gravy and turkey with stuffing and gravy were purchased either in a retail market or directly from the processor. Numbers of aerobic and anaerobic organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and coliform bacteria in each product were determined. Conventional agar plate count and multiple‐tube dilution‐to‐extinction techniques were employed. In addition, enrichment techniques were used to ascertain the presence of salmonellae and C. perfringens. More than one procedure was utilized in each analysis for comparisons of methodology. Results of analyses carried out on these products show a wide range in total numbers of microorganisms present. In the 35 raw products examined, all were found to contain coliform types, 19 E. coli, 25 S. aureus, 7 C. perfringens; salmonellae were found in only 3 samples. In the 38 cooked products analyzed, the incidence of these types of organisms was lower. Neither salmonellae nor E. coli were found, whereas, 16 of 38 contained coliform types, 6 of 38 contained C. perfringens and only one of 38 was positive for S. aureus.
THE AMINO ACIDS CONTENT OF SOME IRAQI DATES
Authors: AL‐ASWAD MAJID B.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY –Amino acid content and nutritive value of three varieties of Iraqi dates was studied. Protein of the date was acid hydrolyzed for 24 hr and the amino acid content determined in a Phoenix automatic analyzer. The protein content on a fresh weight basis was 1.96% for Zahdi, 1.89% for Hillawi and 2.38% for Sayer. The following amino acids were present in these varieties: lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, glutamic acid, serine, prolin, glycine, alanine, cystine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine. Glutamic acid was present in highest concentration and Sayer variety contained more amino acids than Hillawi and Zahdi. Tryptophan and half‐cystine may have been destroyed during acid hydrolysis.
AN ANTHOCYANIN COMPLEX ISOLATED FROM THE SYRUP OF CANNED BLUEBERRIES
Authors: VAN TEELING C. G. , CANSFIELD P. E. , GALLOP R. A.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY ‐The addition of 5 vol ethanol to syrup from canned blueberries caused the precipitation of a blue‐colored anthocyanin complex. The complex, which readily redissolved in water, was decomposed under strongly acid conditions. The complex contained glycosides of the antho‐cyanidins, delphinidin and petunidin. It also contained a high proportion of a polysaccharide resembling pectin and a small proportion of proteinaceous material. Cations detected by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy included: aluminum (0.13%), calcium (0.13%), iron (0.12%) and potassium (0.67%). Tin was not detected in the complex. There was some evidence that the complex also contained leucoanthocyanins. The results of ultracentrifugation studies suggested that the molecular weight was between 77,000,000 and 490,000,000.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF ACYLATED GLANDLESS COTTONSEED FLOUR
Authors: CHILDS E. A. , PARK K. K.
Published: August 2010

Glandless cottonseed flour was acylated with succinic and acetic anhydride. Acylation caused an increase in the specific viscosity of the flour and an increase in its functionality. Water‐holding, oil‐holding, emulsifying, and foam capacities were increased from 1.2 to tenfold over nonacylated flour.
MONO‐ AND OLIGOSACCHARIDE COMPOSITION OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogea)
Authors: THARANATHAN R. N. , WANKHEDE D. B. , RAO M. R. RAGHAVENDRA
Published: August 2010

The mono‐ and oligosaccharide composition of two different varieties of groundnuts has been determined. 70% alcohol was used for the extraction of mono‐ and oligosaccharides. The total monosaccharides constituted 5.08 and 5.00%, and were identified as D‐glucose (2.89 and 2.88%) and D‐fructose (2.19 and 2.11%); while the total oligosaccharides amounted only to 3.23 and 3.38% of the flour solids, respectively for the two varieties, and were identified as sucrose, 0.91 and 0.95%; raffinose, 0.94 and 1.06%; stachyose, 1.04 and 0.51%; and verbascoy, 0.2 and 0.38%. Final identification of the sugars was achieved by gas liquid chromatographic analysis as their trimethylsilyl derivatives. In addition, one of the varieties “Nambyquarae” (hybrid peanut) also contained ajugose, 0.48%. These groundnuts are unusual in that they contain a high proportion of free monosaccharides.
NUTRITIVE VALUE OF SPROUTED WHEAT FLOUR
Authors: LEMAR LINDA E. , SWANSON BARRY G.
Published: August 2010

Proximate analyses and determinations of ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin were made on four flours prepared from sprouted Wanser wheat and on a control flour prepared from unsprouted wheat. The four sprouted flours were prepared from l/4 and 1 in. sprouts dried by two methods: convection or vacuum oven. Sprouted flours were found to have significantly higher crude protein, crude fat, thiamine and riboflavin concentrations than the control flour. For both sprout lengths higher thiamine concentrations were obtained by drying under vacuum.
TRIMETHYLAMINE‐SPECIFIC ELECTRODE FOR FISH QUALITY CONTROL
Authors: CHANG GEORGE W. , CHANG WAI LIN , LEW KITTY B. K.
Published: August 2010

Trimethylamine (TMA) is one of the major components of the smell of spoiled marine fish. An increased TMA level is so characteristic of spoilage that the TMA levels have been used as an objective index of fish quality. A specific electrode was developed in order to simplify the measurement of TMA. The Orion ammonia electrode was made specific for TMA by replacing the inner filling solution with 0.01M TMA · HCl in 0.04M KCl and by adding enough formaldehyde to the sample solution to obtain a concentration of 0.22% (0.075M). The electrode is suitable for the measurement of TMA in aqueous solutions and in homogenates of fish muscle. The use of this electrode is much simpler than the methods now used for TMA analysis and it may be applicable in commercial practice.
MECHANICALLY DESINEWED MEAT: ITS YIELD, COMPOSITION AND EFFECT ON PALATABILITY OF COOKED SALAMI
Authors: GILLETT T. A. , TANTlKARNJATHEP KAMCHORN , ANDREW S. J.
Published: August 2010

The effects of mechanical desinewing on yield, proximate analysis and connective tissue content of meat have been examined and its influence on the processing and palatability of cooked salami was evaluated. Mechanical desinewing removed approximately half the connective tissue and reduced the tendency for formation of gelatin pockets in cooked salami. Yields from the desinewer ranged from 71‐87% and correspondingly higher cooking yields were obtained from desinewed meat. Protein and moisture increases were non‐significant whereas the 2.39% change in fat content was, representing a 12.8% decrease. Tenderness and texture of cooked salami were improved by desinewing.