bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted deletion of Hand2 in enteric neural precursor cells affects its functions in neurogenesis, neurotransmitter specification and gangliogenesis, causing functional aganglionosis
Authors: Lei Jun , Howard Marthe J.
Published: October 2011

Targeted deletion of the bHLH DNA-binding protein Hand2 in the neural crest, impacts development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), possibly by regulating the transition from neural precursor cell to neuron. We tested this hypothesis by targeting Hand2 deletion in nestin-expressing neural precursor (NEP) cells. The mutant mice showed abnormal ENS development, resulting in lethal neurogenic pseudo-obstruction. Neurogenesis of neurons derived from NEP cells identified a second nestin non-expressing neural precursor (NNEP) cell in the ENS. There was substantial compensation for the loss of neurons derived from the NEP pool by the NNEP pool but this was insufficient to abrogate the negative impact of Hand2 deletion. Hand2-mediated regulation of proliferation affected both neural precursor and neuron numbers. Differentiation of glial cells derived from the NEP cells was significantly decreased with no compensation from the NNEP pool of cells. Our data indicate differential developmental potential of NEPs and NNEPs; NNEPs preferentially differentiate as neurons, whereas NEPs give rise to both neurons and glial cells. Deletion of Hand2 also resulted in complete loss of NOS and VIP and a significant decrease in expression of choline acetyltransferase and calretinin, demonstrating a role for Hand2 in neurotransmitter specification and/or expression. Loss of Hand2 resulted in a marked disruption of the developing neural network, exemplified by lack of a myenteric plexus and extensive overgrowth of fibers. Thus, Hand2 is essential for neurogenesis, neurotransmitter specification and neural network patterning in the developing ENS.
The heart endocardium is derived from vascular endothelial progenitors
Authors: Milgrom-Hoffman Michal , Harrelson Zachary , Ferrara Napoleone , Zelzer Elazar , Evans Sylvia M. , Tzahor Eldad
Published: October 2011

The embryonic heart is composed of two cell layers: the myocardium, which contributes to cardiac muscle tissue, and the endocardium, which covers the inner lumen of the heart. Whereas significant progress has been made toward elucidating the embryonic origins of the myocardium, the origins of the endocardium remain unclear. Here, we have identified an endocardium-forming field medial to the cardiac crescent, in a continuum with the endothelial plexus. In vivo live imaging of quail embryos revealed that endothelial progenitors, like second/anterior heart field progenitors, migrate to, and enter, the heart from the arterial pole. Furthermore, embryonic endothelial cells implanted into the cardiac crescent contribute to the endocardium, but not to the myocardium. In mouse, lineage analysis focusing on endocardial cells revealed an unexpected heterogeneity in the origins of the endocardium. To gain deeper insight into this heterogeneity, we conditionally ablated Flk1 in distinct cardiovascular progenitor populations; FLK1 is required in vivo for formation of the endocardium in the Mesp1 and Tie2 lineages, but not in the Isl1 lineage. Ablation of Flk1 coupled with lineage analysis in the Isl1 lineage revealed that endothelium-derived Isl1– endocardial cells were significantly increased, whereas Isl1+ endocardial cells were reduced, suggesting that the endocardium is capable of undergoing regulative compensatory growth. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the second heart field contains distinct myocardial and endocardial progenitor populations. We suggest that the endocardium derives, at least in part, from vascular endothelial cells.
Vascular endothelial and endocardial progenitors differentiate as cardiomyocytes in the absence of Etsrp/Etv2 function
Authors: Palencia-Desai Sharina , Kohli Vikram , Kang Jione , Chi Neil C. , Black Brian L. , Sumanas Saulius
Published: October 2011

Previous studies have suggested that embryonic vascular endothelial, endocardial and myocardial lineages originate from multipotential cardiovascular progenitors. However, their existence in vivo has been debated and molecular mechanisms that regulate specification of different cardiovascular lineages are poorly understood. An ETS domain transcription factor Etv2/Etsrp/ER71 has been recently established as a crucial regulator of vascular endothelial differentiation in zebrafish and mouse embryos. In this study, we show that etsrp-expressing vascular endothelial/endocardial progenitors differentiate as cardiomyocytes in the absence of Etsrp function during zebrafish embryonic development. Expression of multiple endocardial specific markers is absent or greatly reduced in Etsrp knockdown or mutant embryos. We show that Etsrp regulates endocardial differentiation by directly inducing endocardial nfatc1 expression. In addition, Etsrp function is required to inhibit myocardial differentiation. In the absence of Etsrp function, etsrp-expressing endothelial and endocardial progenitors initiate myocardial marker hand2 and cmlc2 expression. Furthermore, Foxc1a function and interaction between Foxc1a and Etsrp is required to initiate endocardial development, but is dispensable for the inhibition of myocardial differentiation. These results argue that Etsrp initiates endothelial and endocardial, and inhibits myocardial, differentiation by two distinct mechanisms. Our findings are important for the understanding of genetic pathways that control cardiovascular differentiation during normal vertebrate development and will also greatly contribute to the stem cell research aimed at regenerating heart tissues.
Joint morphology in the insect leg: evolutionary history inferred from Notch loss-of-function phenotypes in Drosophila
Authors: Tajiri Reiko , Misaki Kazuyo , Yonemura Shigenobu , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: October 2011

Joints permit efficient locomotion, especially among animals with a rigid skeleton. Joint morphologies vary in the body of individual animals, and the shapes of homologous joints often differ across species. The diverse locomotive behaviors of animals are based, in part, on the developmental and evolutionary history of joint morphogenesis. We showed previously that strictly coordinated cell-differentiation and cell-movement events within the epidermis sculpt the interlocking ball-and-socket joints in the adult Drosophila tarsus (distal leg). Here, we show that the tarsal joints of various insect species can be classified into three types: ball-and-socket, side-by-side and uniform. The last two probably result from joint formation without the cell-differentiation step, the cell-movement step, or both. Similar morphological variations were observed in Drosophila legs when Notch function was temporarily blocked during joint formation, implying that the independent acquisition of cell differentiation and cell movement underlay the elaboration of tarsal joint morphologies during insect evolution. These results provide a framework for understanding how the seemingly complex morphology of the interlocking joint could have developed during evolution by the addition of simple developmental modules: cell differentiation and cell movement.
Drosophila javelin-like encodes a novel microtubule-associated protein and is required for mRNA localization during oogenesis
Authors: Dubin-Bar Dikla , Bitan Amir , Bakhrat Anna , Amsalem Simha , Abdu Uri
Published: October 2011

Asymmetrical localization of mRNA transcripts during Drosophila oogenesis determines the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the Drosophila embryo. Correct localization of these mRNAs requires both microtubule (MT) and actin networks. In this study, we have identified a novel gene, CG43162, that regulates mRNA localization during oogenesis and also affects bristle development. We also showed that the Drosophila gene javelin-like, which was identified based on its bristle phenotype, is an allele of the CG43162 gene. We demonstrated that female mutants for jvl produce ventralized eggs owing to the defects in the localization and translation of gurken mRNA during mid-oogenesis. Mutations in jvl also affect oskar and bicoid mRNA localization. Analysis of cytoskeleton organization in the mutants reveal defects in both MT and actin networks. We showed that Jvl protein colocalizes with MT network in Schneider cells, in mammalian cells and in the Drosophila oocyte. Both in the oocyte and in the bristle cells, the protein localizes to a region where MT minus-ends are enriched. Jvl physically interacts with SpnF and is required for its localization. We found that overexpression of Jvl in the germline affects MT-dependent processes: oocyte growth and oocyte nucleus anchoring. Thus, our results show that we have identified a novel MT-associated protein that affects mRNA localization in the oocyte by regulating MT organization.
ER71 directs mesodermal fate decisions during embryogenesis
Authors: Rasmussen Tara L. , Kweon Junghun , Diekmann Mackenzie A. , Belema-Bedada Fikru , Song Qingfeng , Bowlin Kathy , Shi Xiaozhong , Ferdous Anwarul , Li Tongbin , Kyba Michael , Metzger Joseph M. , Koyano-Nakagawa Naoko , Garry Daniel J.
Published: October 2011

Er71 mutant embryos are nonviable and lack hematopoietic and endothelial lineages. To further define the functional role for ER71 in cell lineage decisions, we generated genetically modified mouse models. We engineered an Er71-EYFP transgenic mouse model by fusing the 3.9 kb Er71 promoter to the EYFP reporter gene. Using FACS and transcriptional profiling, we examined the EYFP+ population of cells in Er71 mutant and wild-type littermates. In the absence of ER71, we observed an increase in the number of EYFP-expressing cells, increased expression of the cardiac molecular program and decreased expression of the hemato-endothelial program, as compared with wild-type littermate controls. We also generated a novel Er71-Cre transgenic mouse model using the same 3.9 kb Er71 promoter. Genetic fate-mapping studies revealed that the ER71-expressing cells give rise to the hematopoietic and endothelial lineages in the wild-type background. In the absence of ER71, these cell populations contributed to alternative mesodermal lineages, including the cardiac lineage. To extend these analyses, we used an inducible embryonic stem/embryoid body system and observed that ER71 overexpression repressed cardiogenesis. Together, these studies identify ER71 as a critical regulator of mesodermal fate decisions that acts to specify the hematopoietic and endothelial lineages at the expense of cardiac lineages. This enhances our understanding of the mechanisms that govern mesodermal fate decisions early during embryogenesis.
LIN-39 and the EGFR/RAS/MAPK pathway regulateC. elegansvulval morphogenesis via the VAB-23 zinc finger protein
Authors: Pellegrino Mark W. , Farooqui Sarfarazhussain , Fröhli Erika , Rehrauer Hubert , Kaeser-Pebernard Stéphanie , Müller Fritz , Gasser Robin B. , Hajnal Alex
Published: October 2011

Morphogenesis represents a phase of development during which cell fates are executed. The conserved hox genes are key cell fate determinants during metazoan development, but their role in controlling organ morphogenesis is less understood. Here, we show that the C. elegans hox gene lin-39 regulates epidermal morphogenesis via its novel target, the essential zinc finger protein VAB-23. During the development of the vulva, the egg-laying organ of the hermaphrodite, the EGFR/RAS/MAPK signaling pathway activates, together with LIN-39 HOX, the expression of VAB-23 in the primary cell lineage to control the formation of the seven vulval toroids. VAB-23 regulates the formation of homotypic contacts between contralateral pairs of cells with the same sub-fates at the vulval midline by inducing smp-1 (semaphorin) transcription. In addition, VAB-23 prevents ectopic vulval cell fusions by negatively regulating expression of the fusogen eff-1. Thus, LIN-39 and the EGFR/RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, which specify cell fates earlier during vulval induction, continue to act during the subsequent phase of cell fate execution by regulating various aspects of epidermal morphogenesis. Vulval cell fate specification and execution are, therefore, tightly coupled processes.
Deception by Implication: A Typology of Truthful but Misleading Advertising and Labeling Claims
Authors: Hastak Manoj , Mazis Michael B.
Published: October 2011

The authors develop a new typology of truthful but misleading advertising and labeling claims. Although several typologies of deceptive or misleading advertising appear in the literature, the authors’ typology relies on legal cases as well as a diverse set of psychological theories to provide a richer and more comprehensive understanding of why consumers are likely to be misled by a particular type of deception. The goal is to generate a better appreciation of how consumers process various types of potentially misleading information and to explore implications for further research.
Is Simpler Always Better? Consumer Evaluations of Front-of-Package Nutrition Symbols
Authors: Andrews J. Craig , Burton Scot , Kees Jeremy
Published: October 2011

Consumers of packaged goods products in the United States recently have faced an onslaught of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbols and icons, including the controversial “Smart Choices” single summary indicator. In a between-subjects experiment with 520 adult consumers, the authors compare effects of the Smart Choices (SC) icon, the more complex Traffic Light–Guideline Daily Amounts (TL-GDAs) icon, and a no-FOP icon control for a nutritionally moderate food that qualifies for the SC icon. Drawing from principles of heuristic processing and halo effects, the authors predict and find that the SC icon can lead to positive (and potentially misleading) nutrient evaluations and product healthfulness when compared with the TL-GDA icon or no-FOP icon control. When the Nutrition Facts Panel is not available, the TL-GDA icon results in substantially greater nutrition accuracy scores than with the SC icon or control. The authors also find that nutrition consciousness is more likely to moderate effects related to the Nutrition Facts Panel than the FOP nutrition icon information. Implications are offered for public health officials, nutrition researchers, and food manufacturers, as the Food and Drug Administration considers FOP nutrition alternatives for use in the United States.
Promoting Multiple Policies to the Public: The Difficulties of Simultaneously Promoting War and Foreign Humanitarian Aid
Authors: Finnel Stephanie , Reed Americus , Aquino Karl
Published: October 2011

To drum up support for the U.S. military's efforts abroad, government officials sometimes encourage U.S. residents to justify or excuse (morally disengage from) the resultant casualties. Although more disengaged U.S. residents are more supportive of war, two studies show that they are also less supportive of foreign humanitarian aid, particularly when American identity is salient and a more global identity, such as moral identity, is not. Study 1 reveals this effect when residents must choose between donating to a charity that benefits foreign civilians and donating to two other charities, one of which benefits U.S. soldiers. Study 2 shows that the effect holds when the opportunity to support foreign civilians appears in isolation, without reference to war or soldiers. Thus, U.S. residents who respond positively to war may exhibit less charitableness toward foreign civilians. For policy makers seeking to disburse foreign aid during war, these findings suggest that any effort to drum up support for war should be accompanied by a corresponding effort to maintain the U.S. public's goodwill toward foreign civilians.
The Influence of Online Gambling Environments on Self-Control
Authors: Siemens Jennifer Christie , Kopp Steven W.
Published: October 2011

Online gambling has become a fast growing but controversial industry. This article summarizes two studies that investigate characteristics of Internet gambling environments that lead to problems with self-control. In-depth interviews with both online and casino gamblers reveal that their experiences are categorized differently in an online context, causing some informants to undertake less monitoring of spending. They also use their physical environment to impose boundaries. Next, an experiment investigates two characteristics of online gambling environments: the use of intangible currency and rapid sequential choice. Both traits negatively affect people's ability to maintain an accurate, in-the-moment account balance across a sequence of gambles. These studies suggest several policy and consumer welfare implications.
A -group with positive rank gradient
Authors: Schlage-Puchta Jan-Christoph
Published: October 2011

We construct, for and ,
a -generated -group which, in an asymptotic sense,
behaves almost like a -generated free pro--group. We show
that a subgroup of index needs generators, and
that the subgroup growth of satisfies
, where is the
-generated free pro--group. To do this we introduce a new
invariant for finitely-generated groups and study some of its basic
properties.
The normalizer property for integral group rings of finite solvable T-groups
Authors: Li Zhengxing , Hai Jinke
Published: October 2011

A group is said to be a
T-group if all its subnormal subgroups are normal. Let be a
finite solvable T-group. It is shown that the normalizer property
holds for . As a direct consequence of our result, we obtain that
the normalizer property holds for finite groups all of whose Sylow
subgroups are cyclic.
Beyond All Reason: Spaces of Hope in the Struggle for England’s Universities
Authors: Amsler Sarah
Published: October 2011

This essay examines how academics and students in England have been primed to comply with a political agenda of “deep” neoliberalization through cumulative processes of institutional and subjective undermining and considers what might be an appropriate logic of critical response. It first describes how the embedding of principles and mechanisms of market governance within academic life has depoliticized methods for critically theorizing and collectively resisting these processes and then explores the work of recent student-led opposition to the British government’s new policies, teasing out some theoretical implications of the logic of occupation being cultivated there. It suggests that by fusing a determination for autonomy with a transgressive cultivation of new forms of thinking and social practice, the occupations illustrate new criticalexperimental work in the politics of possibility. The underlying logic thus offers some resources for reimagining modalities of resistance to processes of deep neoliberalization; however, becoming receptive to them may also require a critique of professional academic subjectivities and reevaluation of attachments to existing forms of the university itself.
Effectiveness of Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Against Influenza-Related Hospitalization in Children
Authors: Gilca Rodica , Deceuninck Geneviève , De Serres Gaston , Boulianne Nicole , Sauvageau Chantal , Quach Caroline , Boucher François D. , Skowronski Danuta M.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Young children are generally considered immunologically naive with respect to influenza exposure opportunities; thus, a 2-dose schedule is recommended when a child is first immunized with conventional influenza vaccine lacking adjuvant. We estimated the effectiveness of a single pediatric dose of AS03-adjuvanted vaccine against hospitalization for confirmed pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (pH1N1) infection in children aged 6 months to 9 years during the fall 2009 vaccination campaign.

METHODS:

In a matched case-control design, case subjects were children hospitalized for pH1N1 infection in the Fall of 2009, in Quebec, Canada. Controls were nonhospitalized children, matched by age and region of residence. Vaccination status in case subjects and controls was ascertained in relation to the case subject's date of illness onset. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated through conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS:

The overall effectiveness of a single pediatric dose of vaccine administered ≥14 days before illness onset was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61% to 94%), varying according to age category but with wide and overlapping CIs: 92% (95% CI: 51% to 99%) in 6–23 month-old children, 89% (95% CI: 34% to 98%) in 2–4 year-olds, and 79% (95% CI: −31% to 96%) in 5–9 year-olds. Overall vaccine effectiveness for immunization ≥10 days before illness onset was slightly lower at 80% (95% CI: 60% to 90%), with similar variation according to age.

CONCLUSION:

In children aged 6 months to 9 years, a single pediatric dose of the AS03-adjuvanted pH1N1 vaccine was highly protective against hospitalization beginning at 10 and 14 days after vaccination.
NIAID-Sponsored 2010 Guidelines for Managing Food Allergy: Applications in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Burks A. Wesley , Jones Stacie M. , Boyce Joshua A. , Sicherer Scott H. , Wood Robert A. , Assa'ad Amal , Sampson Hugh A.
Published: October 2011

Data from many studies have suggested a rise in the prevalence of food allergies during the past 10 to 20 years. Currently, no curative treatments for food allergy exist, and there are no effective means of preventing the disease. Management of food allergy involves strict avoidance of the allergen in the patient's diet and treatment of symptoms as they arise. Because diagnosis and management of the disease can vary between clinical practice settings, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) sponsored development of clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy. The guidelines establish consensus and consistency in definitions, diagnostic criteria, and management practices. They also provide concise recommendations on how to diagnose and manage food allergy and treat acute food allergy reactions. The original guidelines encompass practices relevant to patients of all ages, but food allergy presents unique and specific concerns for infants, children, and teenagers. To focus on those concerns, we describe here the guidelines most pertinent to the pediatric population.
Production of β-carotene from deproteinized waste whey filtrate using Mucor azygosporus MTCC 414 in submerged fermentation
Authors: Azmi Wamik , Thakur Meenu , Kumar Ajay
Published: October 2011

The cheese whey, a by-product of dairy industry proved to be an attractive substrate for production of β-carotene. The β-carotene production from Mucor azygosporus MTCC 414 by using deproteinized waste whey filtrate under submerged fermentation was investigated. Various fermentation variables, such as lactose content in whey, initial pH, production temperature, incubation time, and carbon and nitrogen sources played significant role on β-carotene production. Maximum β-carotene production (385 μg/g dcw) was obtained with the whey (pH 5.5) containing 3.5% (w/v) lactose supplemented with soluble starch at (1.0%, w/v) at 30°C after a 5 days incubation. Moreover, unlike other microorganisms which utilize pre-hydrolyzed lactose, this Mucor azygosporus MTCC 414 was found to be capable of utilizing unhydrolyzed lactose present in the whey.
Interaction of concanavalin a with bacterial lipopolysaccharides in agarose gel
Authors: Baintner K. , Kocsis B. , Kovács Krisztina , Péterfi Z. , Kökény G. , Hamar P.
Published: October 2011

Binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled concanavalin A to a series of molecular species of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), purified from pathogenic bacteria, was studied via agarose gel precipitation experiments and the results were compared with available structural data.The LPS species could be divided into ConA-reactive and non-reactive ones. Reactivity resided in the O-specific chain of LPS, and binding to the lipid A or core moieties of LPS could not be demonstrated by the present methods. Theα-D-glucose orα-D-mannose residues of the repeating O-specific oligosaccharide units appeared to be recognized by ConA, except when blocked by steric hindrance. Specificity of the reaction was verified by inhibition with 2% D-glucose. Binding by bacterium-specific sugar-residues could not be demonstrated.For precipitation to occur, polyvalency was required both for LPS and ConA, and the resulting precipitation appeared to be promoted by hydrophobic interactions between the lipid A moieties of LPS molecules. The LPS species were differently retained by the agarose gel, which can be explained by differences in their micellar structure in aqueous solution.E. coliO83 LPS did not readily diffused in 1% agarose gel, but its precipitation with ConA could be demonstrated either at elevated temperature or mixing it previously with molten agarose (Mancini’s arrangement).
Time-kill study and synergistic activity of cell-wall inhibitor antibiotics in combination with gentamicin against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Aligholi Marzieh , Emaneini Mohammad , Taherikalani Morovat , Shahsavan Shadi , Jabalameli Fereshteh , Asadollahi Parisa , Khoramian Babak , Eslampour Mohammad
Published: October 2011

The synergy between gentamicin and vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin and linezolid was studied by time-kill method. Two clinical vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and two vancomycin susceptible enterococci (VSE) isolates were used. Different concentrations of antibiotics were combined. Two VSE strains and the control strain exhibited synergism with the combination of gentamicin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin and linezolid. Two VRE strains exhibited synergism with the combination of gentamicin and ampicillin. Synergy between gentamicin and vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid was not observed against these isolates. The VRE isolates were positive for vanA, aac (6′)-Ie aph (2“) and aph (3′)-IIIa genes and their vancomycin, teicoplanin and gentamicin MICs were 512 μg/ml, 512 μg/ml and >4000 μg/ml, respectively. In order to treat serious enterococcal infections, further clinical evaluation is needed to examine the in vitro combined effects of gentamicin and vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid.
Disturbance and resource availability act differently on the same suite of plant traits: revisiting assembly hypotheses
Authors: Douma J. C. , Shipley B , Witte J.-P. M. , Aerts R , van Bodegom P. M.
Published: October 2011

Understanding the mechanisms of trait selection at the scale of plant communities is a crucial step toward predicting community assembly. Although it is commonly assumed that disturbance and resource availability constrain separate suites of traits, representing the regenerative and established phases, respectively, a quantification and test of this accepted hypothesis is still lacking due to limitations of traditional statistical techniques. In this paper we quantify, using structural equation modeling (SEM), the relative contributions of disturbance and resource availability to the selection of suites of traits at the community scale. Our model specifies and reflects previously obtained ecological insights, taking disturbance and nutrient availability as central drivers affecting leaf, allometric, seed, and phenology traits in 156 (semi‐) natural plant communities throughout The Netherlands. The common hypothesis positing that disturbance and resource availability each affect a set of mutually independent traits was not consistent with the data. Instead, our final model shows that most traits are strongly affected by both drivers. In addition, trait–trait constraints are more important in community assembly than environmental drivers in half of the cases. Both aspects of trait selection are crucial for correctly predicting ecosystem processes and community assembly, and they provide new insights into hitherto underappreciated ecological interactions.
An almost-universal cupping degree
Authors: Liu Jiang , Wu Guohua
Published: October 2011

Say that an incomplete d.r.e. degree has almost universal cupping property, if it cups all the r.e. degrees not below it to 0′. In this paper, we construct such a degree d, with all the r.e. degrees not cupping d to 0′ bounded by some r.e. degree strictly below d. The construction itself is an interesting 0″′ argument and this new structural property can be used to study final segments of various degree structures in the Ershov hierarchy.
On relationships between algebraic properties of groups and rings in some model-theoretic contexts
Authors: Krupiński Krzysztof
Published: October 2011

We study relationships between certain algebraic properties of groups and rings definable in a first order structure or *-closed in a compact G-space. As a consequence, we obtain a few structural results about ω-categorical rings as well as about small, nm-stable compact G-rings, and we also obtain surprising relationships between some conjectures concerning small profinite groups.
Synthesis of tetraalkyl thiuram disulfides using different oxidants in recycling solvent mixture
Authors: Milosavljevic Milutin , Marinkovic Aleksandar , Markovic Jelena , Brkovic Danijela , Milosavljevic Milan
Published: October 2011

A new optimized laboratory synthesis of tetraalkyl thiuram disulfides,
starting from dialkyl amines and carbon disulfide in presence of three
oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, potassium peroxodisulfate and sodium
hypochlorite) and appropriate reaction medium: two mixtures of isopropyl
alcohol - water used in two consecutive syntheses, was presented in this
work. First synthesis was performed in a recycled azeotropic mixture of
isopropyl alcohol - water 87.7% - 12.3%, and second in a filtrate obtained
after first synthesis, which was a mixture of isopropyl alcohol - water 70.4%
- 29.6%. After the second synthesis and filtration, recycled azeotropic
mixture isopropyl alcohol - water 87.7% - 12.3% was regenerated from the
filtrate by rectification. Considering this, the technology for beneficial
use of recycling isopropyl alcohol - water mixture as reaction medium for
tetraalkyl thiuram disulfides synthesis was developed. Such concept
contributes to extraordinary economical benefit of implemented optimal
laboratory synthesis at semi-industrial level. High yields of tetraalkyl
thiuram disulfides syntheses were obtained at both laboratory and
semiindustrial level. Structure and purity of synthesized compounds were
confirmed by elemental analysis, as well as FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, and MS
spectral data.
Cyclic ketoenols: Acaricides and insecticides with a novel mode of action
Authors: Marcic Dejan , Peric Pantelija , Petronijevic Slavka , Prijovic Mirjana , Drobnjakovic Tanja
Published: October 2011

Modern crop protection industry puts great efforts into the investigation and
development of pesticides (insecticides, acaricides) with a novel mode of
action, primarily because of increasingly important problem of resistance of
pest organisms to pesticides. Resistance of many pest arthropod species
(insects and mites) to insecticides and/or acaricides became a global
phenomenon in the last decades. Therefore, pest management heavily relies on
constant introduction of novel active ingredients in use, i.e. on the
alternative use of a number of compounds with different modes of action in
order to save the longevity of newly developed products. Among pest
arthropods, according to the potential for resistance development and a
number of documented cases, spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae), especially
species Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus ulmi, as well as certain species
of whiteflies and leaf aphids (Homoptra: Aleyrodidae, Aphididae) stand out.
In 2002, the company Bayer CropScience introduced spirodiclofen, a tetronic
acid derivative and the first cyclic ketoenol, acaricide with a wide spectrum
and a novel mode of action - inhibition of acetyl-CoA-carboxylase. Soon
after, spiromesifen was introduced, also a derivative of tetronic acid,
acaricide and insecticide intended for control of phytophagus mites and
whiteflies. Spirotetramat, a tetramic acid derivative, and the third member
of the ketoenol group, was recently commercialised as an insecticide
efficient against whiteflies, leaf aphids and other harmful Homoptera. In
this paper are presented the most significant properties of cyclic ketoenols,
aiming at pointing to the possibilities and prospects of their use, but also
to potential problems and limitations.
Application of Mycorrhizae for Controlling Root Diseases of Sesame
Authors: Ziedan El-Sayed , Elewa Ibrahim , Mostafa Mostafa , Sahab Ahmed
Published: October 2011

Application of Mycorrhizae for Controlling Root Diseases of Sesame

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (VAM) was evaluated as a biotic agent for controlling wilt and root-rot diseases of sesame caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami (Zap.) Cast and Macrophomina phaseolina (Moubl) Ashby pathogens can infect sesame plant at any growth stage causing considerable losses of seed yield. Spores of VA mycorrhizae fungi (Glomus spp.) were collected from the soil around the root systems of sesame plants then propagated on roots of Suddan grass (Sorghum vulgare var. sudanese). Under green house and field conditions, two hundreds sporocarps of Glomus spp. were added as a soil drench beside the sesame plant. Glomus spp. (VA mycorrhizae) significantly reduced wilt and root-rot incidence of sesame plants. Lums spp. (VA mycorrhizae) also significantly increased plant morphological characters such as plant height, number of branches and number of pods for each plant. Application of Glomus spp. to protect sesame plants by colonizing the root system, significantly reduced colonization of fungal pathogens in sesame rhizosphere as well as pathogenic activity of fungal pathogens increased lignin contents in the sesame root system were also observed. Furthermore, mycorrhizae treatment provided selective bacterial stimulation for colonization on sesame rhizosphere. These bacteria belonging the Bacillus group showed highly antagonistic potential to fungal pathogens. Application of mycorrhizae together with other biocontrol agent such as Trichoderma viride or Bacillus subtilis significantly effected than individual treatments for controlling these diseases incidences and increasing morphological characters and seed yield of sesame.
Functional and Numerical Responses of Scymnus Syriacus Marseul (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to the Black Bean Aphid, Aphis Fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Sabaghi Reza , Sahragard Ahad , Hosseini Reza
Published: October 2011

Functional and Numerical Responses ofScymnus SyriacusMarseul (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to the Black Bean Aphid,Aphis FabaeScopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Functional and numerical responses are basic to any investigation of predator-prey relationships and key components in the selection of predators for biological control. In this study, functional and numerical responses of the female and male ladybeetles,Scymnus syriacusMarseul to different densities of third instar nymphs ofAphis fabae(i.e.5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80) as prey, were studied in a growth chamber (25°C, 65±5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L : 8D h) on the broad bean,Vicia fabaeLinn. Using the logistic regression, a type II functional response for both female and male ladybeetles was determined. Using Nonlinear least-square regression, the searching efficiency (a') and handling times (Th) of the female and male adults were estimated as 0.123±0.006 h, 0.434±0.012 h and 0.115±0.008 h, 0.514±0.016, respectively. The Rogers model was used to estimate the maximum theoretical predations (T/Th) for female and male, which were 55.18 and 46.64, respectively. These results indicated a higher efficiency in female ladybeetles. The reproductive numerical response, in terms of eggs laid, increased curvlinearly with increasing prey density. The reproductive response trend was similar to the shape of the type II functional response. This similarity means both responses are interlinked and function simultaneously. The efficiency of the ingested food conversion (ECI) of the females decreased with prey density, as females laid 25±0.65 eggs when exposed to the highest prey density (80) and 3±0.44 eggs at lowest prey density (5).
Less Common Phytoplasmas Infecting Stone Fruit Trees
Authors: Cieślińska Mirosława
Published: October 2011

Less Common Phytoplasmas Infecting Stone Fruit Trees

Prunusspecies plants can be infected by eight ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma’ (‘Ca.P.’) species classified to eight distinctive taxonomic groups: ‘Ca.P. prunorum’ (16SrX-B), ‘Ca.P. mali’ (16SrX-A), ‘Ca.P. pyri’ (16SrX-C), ‘Ca.P. asteris’ (16SrI), ‘Ca.P. aurantifolia’ (16SrII), ‘Ca. P. ziziphi’ (16SrV), ‘Ca.P. fraxini’ (16SrVII), ‘Ca.P. phoenicium’ (16SrIX) and two potentially new species: ‘Ca.P. pruni’ (16SrIII) and ‘Ca.P. solani’ (16SrXII). These agents occur incidentally in orchards and their impact on stone fruit production is lower than ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma prunorum’. Hosts, geographic distribution, symptoms and insect vectors of these ‘Ca.P.’ species, methods of their identification, and control management are reviewed.
Frog oocyte in vitro maturation test as a method to investigate Ni2+ toxicity
Authors: Zenkevičs Henriks , Vose Vija
Published: October 2011

Frog oocyte in vitro maturation test as a method to investigate Ni2+ toxicity

The ability of gonadotropic hormone (GTH) of sturgeon fish Acipenser göldenstödti Br. to initiate a specific stimulatory effect on grass frog Rana temporaria L. oocytes, producing its in vitro maturation, was employed as a method to investigate the effect of nickel ion concentration on test oocytes in a highly sensitive test system, "Oocyte-GTH". Oocytes of four frogs with different hormone sensitivity were used in the investigation. It was shown that Ni2+ at a concentration of 0.1 mg/L produced a considerable stimulatory effect only in test frog oocytes with low hormonal sensitivity and maturation activity, while a Ni2+ concentration over 0.25 mg/L caused a significant decrease and produced even total blocking of the hormonal sensitivity and maturation ability of all oocytes, regardless of their initial hormonal sensitivity. The frog oocyte maturation test was shown to be a useful method to assess toxic effect of Ni2+ on water frog reproduction.
Ground Water in the City of Varanasi, India: present status and prospects
Authors: Mohan Kshitij , Srivastava Ajai , Rai Praveen
Published: October 2011

Ground Water in the City of Varanasi, India: present status and prospects

The city of Varanasi is short of water. The city obtains a total of 270 million litres water from the river Ganga and tubewells. Yet every fifth citizen lacks drinking water. The ground water is polluted due to nitrate and faecal coliform. A further problem is the plan to settle the growing population in a new township nearby under the integrated development plan of Greater Varanasi, a part of the Jawajarlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. To fulfill the growing demand of fresh water, new water bearing horizon of the most affected part of the city i.e. southern part is to be identified. This paper reports a study of the variation in the grain size attributes of an aquifer material taken from different depths from the affected region in order to establish the generalized hydrological properties and recommend the depth of the well accordingly. From the grain size analysis and hydrological study it may be concluded that water bearing zones are mainly found in three horizons at the depths 44-56 m; 56-87 m; and 87-165 m. The third water bearing horizon (total thickness being 78 m) can act as a good potential ground water horizon for a new township. Due to its greater depth, the water would be relatively fresh being characterized by very low concentration of dissolved solids. Therefore, this horizon is strongly recommended for utilizing the water resource for the township.
First records of Oecismus monedula (Hagen, 1859) and Oecetis testacea Curtis, 1834 (Trichoptera) from Ukraine
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof
Published: October 2011

First records of Oecismus monedula (Hagen, 1859) and Oecetis testacea Curtis, 1834 (Trichoptera) from Ukraine

In Zakarpatie adults of two species of caddisflies new to the fauna of Ukraine were found: Oecismus monedula (Hagen, 1859) (Sericostomatidae) and Oecetis testacea Curtis, 1834 (Leptoceridae) (Trichoptera).
Records and descriptions of Neotropical Megalota Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Razowski Józef , Becker Vitor
Published: October 2011

Records and descriptions of Neotropical Megalota Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Twelve species of Megalota are reported from the Neotropics; four of them (M. platanillana sp. n. from Mexico, M. belemana sp. n., M. lacertospina sp. n. and M. bahia sp. n. from Brazil) are described as new.
Planning and prioritization strategies for phased highway mitigation using wildlife‐vehicle collision data
Authors: Ford Adam T. , Clevenger Anthony P. , Huijser Marcel P. , Dibb Alan
Published: October 2011

Mitigation measures to reduce wildlife‐vehicle collisions (WVCs) on highways are becoming an established practice in many jurisdictions. Most highway mitigation projects occur while roads are being upgraded, enlarged or repaired. Many smaller highways may not be subject to these types of upgrades in the near future but are nonetheless problematic for causing WVCs. Thus, it is important to find cost effective ways to locate and prioritize stretches of highway for mitigation. We present several criteria that can be used to assist in prioritizing the location of wildlife‐proof fencing along a 94‐km stretch of road in one of Canada's National Parks. We considered temporal consistency of WVC occurrences, conservation value (i.e. reduction in WVC rates), economic benefits (i.e. cost of mitigation vs benefits in WVC reduction), and a combined approach to prioritize management actions. We compared the efficacy of four different lengths of fencing (i.e. phase lengths) at meeting these criteria: 2 km, 5 km, 10 km and 25 km. We used 1,244 WVC records from a long‐tem monitoring program (1981‐2005) as data to assess mitigation effectiveness. We found that longer fences best address conservation concerns, but all fencing sections, irrespective of length, rarely captured > 50% of WVC locations by species. We found that shorter fences were more economically efficient, but also more variable in performance, than longer fences. Lastly, we found that longer fence lengths tend to produce the best results for the combined metric criteria. Clearly defined management goals will determine the extent to which a phased approach to highway mitigation is viable.
Bird feeders may sustain feral Rose‐ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri in temperate Europe
Authors: Clergeau Philippe , Vergnes Alan
Published: October 2011

The Rose‐ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri, a bird species of subtropical origin, has established feral populations in temperate Europe. We analysed the feeding habits of Rose‐ringed parakeets near Paris, France, in order to assess if food provided by humans might contribute to the success of this invasive bird species. We considered 87 feeding events performed during 2002 ‐ 2007 and 247 feeding events performed during March ‐ November 2008. We recorded the consumption of seeds, buds and fruits from many native and introduced shrubs and trees, and the use of bird feeders in private and public gardens throughout the year. We followed four radio‐equipped birds for 150 hours during September ‐ December 2008, which spent about half of their feeding time at bird feeders. This confirmed the importance of bird feeders in the diet of the Rose‐ringed parakeet. Our study underlines the opportunistic granivorous‐frugivorous character of this parakeet species and the possible role of human food sources in the success of its establishment in many cities across temperate Europe.
Inter‐insular variation of the diet of osprey Pandion haliaetus in the Canarian archipelago
Authors: Siverio Manuel , Rodríguez Beneharo , Rodríguez Airam , Siverio Felipe
Published: October 2011

We studied the diet of the osprey Pandion haliaetus in the Canary Islands during 1997‐2008 using prey remains under perches and nests, and direct observations. We collected data both in breeding territories and in non‐breeding areas. We counted a minimum of 307 fish individuals as prey remains (both during breeding and non‐breeding seasons), and identified another 78 during 433 hours of field observations. According to our results, ospreys consumed at least 15 taxa belonging to 12 families. We found slight differences in the spatial (both intra and inter insular) and temporal diet composition. During the breeding season, the main prey species were flying fishes (belonging to the family Exocoetidae) and needlefishes (belonging to the family Belonidae) according to the two employed methods (i.e. prey remains and direct observations). In the non‐breeding period, the diet was composed primarily of non‐autochthones freshwater fishes such as common carp Cyprinus carpio and goldfish Carassius auratus. In general, the diet diversity was similar to the diversity reported in other breeding populations of subtropical areas, and being less diverse than those of tropical areas. More precise studies evaluating the effect of fish availability in marine reserves, overfishing areas or fish farms on the demographic parameters are necessary for the management and conservation of threatened Canarian ospreys.
Population management as a tool in the recovery of the critically endangered Western Derby eland Taurotragus derbianus in Senegal, Africa
Authors: Koláčková Karolína , Hejcmanová Pavla , Antonínová Markéta , Brandl Pavel
Published: October 2011

The critically endangered Western Derby eland Taurotragus derbianus derbianus, representing < 200 wild individuals, undoubtedly needs a coordinated conservation programme. To promote the survival of this subspecies, a single worldwide semi‐captive population was established in Senegal in 2000, with one male and five female founders transferred from the Niokolo Koba National Park. To determine a long‐term conservation strategy, we used demographic and pedigree data based on continuous monitoring of reproduction during 2000 ‐ 2009 in breeding enclosures in the Bandia and Fathala Reserves, in conjunction with modelling software. In 2009, the semi‐captive population consisted of 54 living individuals (26 males and 28 females), managed using the minimal kinship strategy. The female breeding probability was 84%, annual calf and adult mortality rates were 5.09% and 3.27%, respectively, and the annual population growth rate was 1.36. As the population grew, the animals were progressively separated into five herds within two reserves. A pedigree analysis revealed an effective population size of 6.72 and an Ne/N ratio of 0.13. The population retained 77% of the gene diversity (GD). The founder genome equivalent (FGE = 2.21) was relatively low due to the overrepresentation of one founder male. Although the mean level of inbreeding (F) reached 0.119, a significant potential GD (92%) was still retained. In this article, we predict GD development in this population in the next 100 years with the inclusion of new founders. If the whole wild population were included, we could maintain 90% of GD. As this option is not practically feasible, we present three options with the goal of maintaining 75% GD. We highly recommend capturing new founders from the remaining wild population to ensure the survival of the subspecies at least in semi‐captivity, which could allow possible reinforcement of the wild population or reintroduction in the future. The semi‐captive population, if appropriately constituted and genetically managed, could play a considerable role in Western Derby eland conservation.