bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of quantitative trait loci‐assisted selection in correlations between identified and residual genotypes
Authors: LIN Ching Y.
Published: September 2010

This study quantified the efficiency of quantitative traits loci (QTL)‐assisted selection in the presence of correlations (ρqr) between identified (q) and residual (r) genotypes. Two levels of heritability (h2 = 0.1 or 0.3), two levels of correlation (ρqr = −0.3 or 0.3) and five proportions of genetic variance explained by QTL detected (= 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8) were combined to give 20 scenarios in all. QTL‐assisted selection placed a larger index weight on the QTL genotype than on the phenotype in 17 of 20 scenarios, yielding a greater response in the QTL genotype than in residual genotype. Although QTL‐assisted selection was superior to phenotypic selection in all 20 scenarios, QTL‐assisted selection showed a greater advantage over phenotypic selection when ρqr was positive than when ρqr was negative. Doubling the proportion of detected QTL variance to genetic variance does not result in a twofold increase in the genetic response to QTL‐assisted selection, suggesting that economic returns diminish for each additional cost of detecting extra QTL. The correlation between q and r would make the interpretation (or prediction) of QTL effects difficult and QTL‐assisted selection strategy must consider the joint effect of q and r. When q and r are not independent, a failure to account for ρqr in QTL‐assisted selection would underestimate the genetic responses when ρqr is positive, but overestimate the genetic responses when ρqr is negative. Estimation bias is more serious at high heritability than at low heritability. Accounting for ρqr would improve the efficiency of QTL‐assisted selection and the accuracy of QTL detection. The generalized procedure developed in this study allows for quantifying the efficiency of QTL‐assisted selection and assessing estimation bias for ignoring the correlation between q and r for all possible combinations of h2, ρqr, and .
Changes of plasma free amino acid concentrations and myofibrillar proteolysis index by starvation in non‐pregnant dry cows
Authors: KAMIYA Mitsuru , KAMIYA Yuko , TANAKA Masahito , SHIOYA Shigeru
Published: September 2010

The effects of 5 day starvation on urinary metabolite excretion, plasma metabolites and free amino acid concentrations in four non‐pregnant dry cows were investigated. Starvation significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the bodyweight and feces weight. The plasma glucose concentration decreased (P < 0.05) during days 2–5 of starvation. Starvation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration. The plasma urea nitrogen concentration and urinary urea nitrogen excretion increased transiently (P < 0.05) at days 1 and 2 of starvation. The plasma 3‐methlhistidine concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at days 2, 3 and 5 of starvation. However, the urinary 3‐methylhistidine excretion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at days 4 and 5 of starvation, not corresponding to the change in the plasma. Starvation did not change the plasma proline, methionine, lysine and total amino acid concentrations. On the other hand, starvation reduced (P < 0.05) the plasma aspartic acid, serine, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, alanine, tyrosine, tryptophan and histidine concentrations. Plasma glycine increased during starvation. Plasma threonine, isoleucine, leucine and branched‐chain amino acid increased (P < 0.05) by prolonged starvation. The results of this study indicate that prolonged starvation accelerated myofibril protein degradation in non‐pregnant dry cows and apparently consumes most glucogenic amino acids in preference to other amino acids.
Changes in estrogen receptor alpha expression in the bursa of Fabricius during chick embryonic development
Authors: SHIN Young‐Ha , YONEZAWA Yasuji , ABE Asaki , KONDO Yasuhiro
Published: September 2010

Sex steroid hormones have been reported to be modulators that augment or suppress immune functions. Applying estrogen to chick embryos has been reported to influence antibody production after hatching, suggesting that estrogen acts on B cell differentiation and proliferation in the bursa of chick embryos. We previously reported the presence of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the bursa during the late period of embryogenesis. In the present study we examined the time course of ERα expression in the bursa of chick embryos at the late period of embryogenesis by ERα‐messenger RNA (mRNA) expression analysis by reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using primers for chicken ERα, and immunohistochemistry using an anti‐ER antibody. The quantity of ERα‐mRNA expressed, estimated from the relative densities of the ERα RT‐PCR products to those of β‐actin, changed with time during the late period of embryogenesis (day 10 to day 21). ERα‐mRNA expression was observed at all ages examined in the present experiment. The expression increased between day 10 and day 15 of embryogenesis and then the value was decreased between day 15 and day 21 of embryogenesis. The numbers of ER‐positive cells in the bursa also changed with time during the late period of embryogenesis (day 14 to day 18). ER‐positive cells showed the highest level on day 14 of embryogenesis, and then the value declined. ER‐positive cells were observed in lymphoid follicular cells, stromal cells and epithelial cells, and the density of ER‐positive cells was highest in epithelial cells among the three cell components of the bursa. The high level of ER expression in the bursa of Fabricius (BF) of chick embryos at the late period of embryogenesis suggests that this stage of embryogenesis is critical in B cell differentiation in the bursa in connection with estrogen effects on antibody production after hatching.
5‐Bromodeoxyuridine induces transcription of repressed genes with disruption of nucleosome positioning
Authors: Miki Kensuke , Shimizu Mitsuhiro , Fujii Michihiko , Takayama Shinichi , Hossain Mohammad Nazir , Ayusawa Dai
Published: September 2010

5‐Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) modulates the expression of particular genes associated with cellular differentiation and senescence when incorporated into DNA instead of thymidine (dThd). To date, a molecular mechanism for this phenomenon remains a mystery in spite of a large number of studies. Recently, we have demonstrated that BrdU disrupts nucleosome positioning on model plasmids mediated by specific AT‐tracts in yeast cells. Here we constructed a cognate plasmid that can form an ordered array of nucleosomes determined by an α2 operator and contains theBAR1gene as an expression marker gene to examine BAR1 expression in dThd‐auxotrophicMATα cells under various conditions. In medium containing dThd, BAR1 expression was completely repressed, associated with the formation of the stable array of nucleosomes. Insertion of AT‐tracts into a site of the promoter region slightly increased BAR1 expression and slightly destabilized nucleosome positioning dependent on their sequence specificity. In medium containing BrdU, BAR1 expression was further enhanced, associated with more marked disruption of nucleosome positioning on the promoter region. Disruption of nucleosome positioning seems to be sufficient for full expression of the marker gene if necessary transcription factors are supplied. Incorporation of 5‐bromouracil into the plasmid did not weaken the binding of the α2/Mcm1 repressor complex to its legitimate binding site, as revealed by anin vivoUV photofootprinting assay. These results suggest that BrdU increases transcription of repressed genes by disruption of nucleosome positioning around their promoters.
Late Neurodevelopmental Effects of Early Exposures to Chemical Contaminants: Reducing Uncertainty in Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Bellinger David C.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Early exposures to environmental chemicals are reliably associated with late neurotoxicities in children. However, substantial scatter of observations exists around the estimated dose–effect relationships. This variability has many potential sources, one of which is interindividual differences in susceptibility. Such differences imply that the long‐term impacts of exposure will not the same for all individuals, but will vary depending on a variety of factors that might either aggravate or mitigate contaminant effects. These include co‐exposures, genetic polymorphisms and characteristics of the social environment. The context dependence of contaminant effects has implications both for study designs and analytical approaches. In addition, a systems approach to understanding the associations among contaminant exposures, covariates and health outcomes is necessary.
Does Breast Cancer Start in the Womb?
Authors: Soto Ana M. , Vandenberg Laura N. , Maffini Maricel V. , Sonnenschein Carlos
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Perturbations in the foetal environment predispose individuals to diseases that become apparent in adulthood. These findings prompted researchers to hypothesize that foetal exposure to environmental oestrogens may play a role in the increased incidence of breast cancer observed in European and US populations over the last 50 years. There is widespread human exposure to bisphenol A, an oestrogenic compound that leaches from dental materials and consumer products. In CD‐1 mice, perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant bisphenol A levels induced alterations of the mammary gland architecture. Bisphenol A increased the number of terminal end buds at puberty and terminal ends at 6 months of age and increased ductal lateral branching at 4 months of age. Exposed mice also showed an enhanced sensitivity to oestradiol when ovariectomized prior to puberty. All these parameters are associated in human beings with an increased risk for developing breast cancer. To assess whether bisphenol A induces mammary gland neoplasia, we chose a rat model because it more closely mimics the human disease than mouse models. Examination of the mammary glands of Wistar/Furth rats during early adulthood revealed that gestational exposure to bisphenol A induced the development of pre‐neoplastic lesions and carcinoma in situ in the absence of any additional treatment aimed at increasing tumour development. Emerging epidemiological data reveal an increased incidence of breast cancer in women exposed to diethylstilboestrol during gestation. Hence, both animal experiments and epidemiological data strengthen the hypothesis that foetal exposure to xenooestrogens may be an underlying cause of the increased incidence of breast cancer observed over the last 50 years.
BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF DEREIS AND MUNDULEA: THE HISTOLOGY OF ROTENONE IN DEREIS ELLIPTIC A
Authors: WORSLEY R. E. LE G. , NUTMAN F. J.
Published: September 2010

Resin‐containing cells can be distinguished microscopically in sections of Denis roots. Only these cells respond to Durham's test.

Rotenone first occurs in small groups of cells in the secondary cortex opposite the protoxylem, when the plant is about 6 weeks old. Thereafter it gradually spreads in scattered groups throughout the xylem parenchyma and cortex.

Starch and rotenone do not occur in the same cell; they occur in mutually exclusive groups.

It is probable that, in a mature root, all the xylem parenchyma contains either starch or rotenone.

The toxic substances other than rotenone probably occur in the same cells as rotenone.

The rotenone‐containing cells are apparently morphologically unspecialized.
SOIL CONDITIONS AND THE TAKE‐ALL DISEASE OF WHEAT: THE RELATION BETWEEN SOIL REACTION AND SOIL AERATION
Authors: GARRETT S. D.
Published: September 2010

By forced aeration, acid soils can be rendered quite as favourable for the growth, of Ophiobolus graminis along the roots of wheat seedlings as alkaline soils. This finding is in agreement with the hypothesis that growth of the fungus along the wheat roots in acid soils is retarded by the accumulation of respiratory carbon dioxide.
SHEEP BLOW‐FLY INVESTIGATIONS: TOXICITY OF STOMACH POISONS TO SHEEP MAGGOTS
Authors: HOBSON K. P.
Published: September 2010

The toxicity of stomach poisons to sheep maggots was tested under laboratory conditions.

Dipping experiments were carried out with various materials. None of these made the fleece repellent for more than a few days. Arsenic was the only material which rendered the fleece poisonous for an appreciable period.
STUDIES UPON THE COPPER FUNGICIDES: THE FUNGICIDAL VALUE OF THE COPPER OXIDES1
Authors: HORSFALL J. G. , MARSH R. W. , MARTIN H.
Published: September 2010

It is suggested that the field performance of protective fungicides is dependent upon (1) factors determining the quantity (retention and tenacity) of material present throughout the period of protection, and (2) factors which determine the relative fungicidal value of this residue.

The fungicidal values of various samples of cuprous and of cupric oxide have been examined by a laboratory method employing spores of Macrosporium sarcinaeforme and of Cladosporium carpophilum and the following conclusions reached:

Within each series of cuprous or cupric oxides, fungicidal value is dependent upon method of manufacture and upon particle size.

When allowance for the effects of these two factors is made cuprous oxide is shown to inhibit spore germination to a greater degree than cupric oxide of equivalent copper content.

If inhibition of spore germination by these copper oxides is due to the formation of soluble copper derivatives, the superior fungicidal value of cuprous over cupric oxide may be explained both (a) by the more ready solubility in certain solvents of cuprous oxide (i.e. greater availability), and (b) by the greater potency of the active fungicide produced from cuprous oxide (i.e. greater inherent toxicity). Evidence is given bearing on these two hypotheses.
The Persistence of Hydrogen Cyanide in Rabbit Burrows
Authors: Southern H. N.
Published: September 2010

Experiments were carried out in an artificial rabbit burrow to test the persistence of concentrations of hydrogen cyanide. The gas was evolved from two kinds of trade powders (Cymag and Cyanogas), placed in a heap just inside the mouth of the burrow, which was then sealed in with earth. Samples of the mixture inside the burrow were withdrawn from various points along its length at stated intervals, and the concentrations of hydrogen cyanide determined by a rapid and easy method, which is described, and plotted against time.

Data on the toxicity of hydrogen cyanide to rabbits are considered and the following critical points determined: 1 part in 1250 by volume (1 mg./l.) kills 50 % of rabbits in 1 min.; 1 part in 5400 (0.22 mg./l.) kills in 18 min.; and 1 part in 7500 (0.16 mg./l.) is at the threshold of toxicity. Collapse, which is probably the most important point from a practical point of view, occurs in about a third of these times.

The persistence of HCN concentration resulting from the use of half an ounce (14.15 g.) of either Cymag or Cyanogas cannot be regarded as sufficient to guarantee good results.

With a dose of 1 oz. (28.3 g.) in summer a concentration of 1 part in 1250 is maintained for 34 hr. (Cyanogas) and for 48 hr. (Cymag), and a concentration of 1 part in 5400 for about 80 hr. by both materials. This means that a concentration which will kill rabbits in 1 min. can be maintained over the second night after gassing by either substance, but Cyanogas must be applied late in the day.

Under winter conditions a concentration of 1 part in 1250 is only reached by Cymag for a short period between 16 and 25 hr. after the start of the experiments; by Cyanogas not at all. On the other hand, a concentration of moderate toxicity (1 part in 5400) is maintained for about 120 hr. Probably a dose somewhat greater than 1 oz. would be an advantage in the winter.

In summer the initial rise in concentration is immediate: in winter there is a delay of some 10–15 hr. before a good concentration is built up. Under these conditions it will be better to gas rabbit warrens early in the day, or alternatively to scatter the powder slightly.

In general, the characteristic differences shown between Cymag and Cyanogas are due to the buffering effect produced on the evolution of hydrogen cyanide from Cymag by the increasing concentration in the surrounding air. Thus the curve has a typical flat‐topped form, contrasting with the very high peak, quickly rising and falling, produced by Cyanogas.

Diffusion of the hydrogen cyanide down the burrow away from the source is very small in the summer (a sampling point 40 in. away from the source was consistently negative throughout the experiments), and only slightly more in the winter.
A Spinning‐Disk Sprayer for Applying Residual Insecticides
Authors: Parr H. C. M. , Busvine J. R.
Published: September 2010

The apparatus consists essentially of a spinning disk which throws off liquid, applied to its centre, in the form of small droplets. These are of the same order of size (about 0.1–0.4 mm. diameter) as those produced by knapsack sprayers, but they are more uniform and consistent.

The sprayer can be used to coat various surfaces, up to 1 ft. square, with deposits of insecticides in oil solution or in aqueous suspensions or emulsions. The deposits can be controlled and estimated with a fair degree of precision.

Some rough samples of the spray clouds produced by a knapsack sprayer are recorded.
The Effect of Roguing on the Spread of Virus Diseases in Potatoes at Rothamsted in 1946
Authors: Gregory P. H.
Published: September 2010

Experiments on roguing virus‐diseased plants from plots of Majestic potatoes, which have been in progress since 1943, were continued in 1946. Plots were rogued in mid‐June, early and late July, and plants were lifted from these plots at the end of July, August and September respectively. Roguing had little effect in reducing the spread of rugose mosaic (caused by potato virus Y). The spread of leaf roll was reduced to half that on unrogued plots by roguing on 14 June. Later roguing did not reduce the spread of leaf roll, unless combined with early lifting. Early lifting increased the effect of early roguing. In spite of these results roguing main crop potatoes in the south of England is not considered a practical control measure.
Phenology of the Littoral Forest of Sainte Luce, Southeastern Madagascar1
Authors: Bollen An , Donati Giuseppe
Published: September 2010

From January 2000 through December 2002, focal plant censuses were carried out to assess monthly leaf, flower, and ripe fruit presence for 423 individual plants (96 plant species, 39 families) within the littoral forest of Sainte Luce, Madagascar. Fruit‐on‐trail counts were conducted additionally in 2000 to allow comparison between both phenological methods. Despite low climatic seasonality and the absence of a dry season in the littoral forest, interannual phenological patterns were seasonal. Within year variability was present with clear periods of abundance and scarcity. All phenophases were highly intercorrelated and peaked from November through February. This was found in other humid Malagasy forests as well, while in dry Malagasy forests phenophases were separated in time perhaps due to the more seasonal climate. Temperature and day length seemed to influence all phenophases, the latter showing the strongest effect, while rainfall was only weekly associated with flushing and flowering. Differences in the presence of ripe fruits when comparing between sampling methods can be explained by the differential contribution of several life forms.
A Test of Seven Candidate Barcode Regions from the Plastome in Picea (Pinaceae)
Authors: Ran Jin‐Hua , Wang Pei‐Pei , Zhao Hui‐Juan , Wang Xiao‐Quan
Published: September 2010

DNA barcoding, as a tool for species discrimination, has been used efficiently in animals, algae and fungi, but there are still debates on which DNA region(s) can be used as the standard barcode(s) for land plants. Gymnosperms, especially conifers, are important components of forests, and there is an urgent need for them to be identified through DNA barcoding because of their high frequency of collection in the field. However, the feasibility of DNA barcoding in gymnosperms has not been examined based on a dense species sampling. Here we selected seven candidate DNA barcodes from the plastome (matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, atpF‐atpH, psbA‐trnH, and psbK‐psbI) to evaluate their suitability in Picea (spruce). The results showed that none of them or their different combinations has sufficient resolution for spruce species, although matK+rbcL might be used as a two‐locus barcode. The low efficiency of these candidate barcodes in Picea might be caused by the paternal inheritance of the chloroplast genome, long generation time, recent radiation, and frequent inter‐specific hybridization aided by wind pollination. Some of these factors could also be responsible for the difficulties in barcoding other plant groups. Furthermore, the potential of the nuclear LEAFY gene as a land plant barcode was discussed.
Citizenship and Labor Market Position: Turkish Immigrants in Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Euwals Rob , Dagevos Jaco , Gijsberts Mérove , Roodenburg Hans
Published: September 2010

The relation between citizenship and labor market position is complex. Besides a causal impact from citizenship towards labor market position, several selection mechanisms may cause particular immigrants to choose for naturalization. We investigate the empirical relation on the basis of German and Dutch survey data. For the Netherlands we find a positive relation between citizenship and labor market position, while for Germany we find mixed results as citizenship is negatively related to tenured employment. The contrasting results may be explained by institutional differences. In Germany, economic self-reliance is more strictly required for naturalization than in the Netherlands. This may lead to a stronger incentive to naturalize for workers with a temporary contract in Germany.
Rule or Rorschach? Approximating Children’s Best Interests
Authors: Emery Robert E.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT—
Warshak defends the principle of deciding custody based on children’s future “best interests,” a goal that seems laudable on the surface. However, the law defines “best” only very generally, resulting in conflicting interpretations on the part of different parents, custody evaluators, and judges. In response to widespread dissatisfaction with a rule that offers little legal guidance and thereby encourages disputes, the American Law Institute (ALI) proposed a definition of “best.” The ALI recommends that, first and foremost, parents should be encouraged, and helped if need be, to decide what is best for their own children. If parents fail to reach agreement, judges would allocate parenting time following separation in a manner that approximates parenting time during marriage. Though untested, this approximation rule offers clear guidance to parents and judges, guides families toward individualized parenting plans ranging from 50/50 to more traditional arrangements, and narrows assessment to past facts rather than attempts at predicting the future.
Heart in a Hard Cage: Startling Calcific Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Srinivasan Nandakumar , Gupta Raghav , Garrison Mike , Blevins Steve
Published: September 2010

“My heart is turned to stone; I strike it and it hurts my hand.”—Shakespeare, from Othello.
Implant dentistry in Australian undergraduate dental curricula: knowledge and competencies for the graduating dentist#
Authors: Mattheos N , Ivanovski S , Sambrook P , Klineberg I
Published: September 2010

Aims

The aim of this paper is to define the key competencies (knowledge, skills, attitudes and values) in the field of implant dentistry, necessary for graduating general practitioners in Australia. The authors have produced a headline reference guide to outline the necessary educational outcomes which can be targeted by the undergraduate curricula in dental schools of Australian universities. This paper focuses on competencies and aims to clarify curricula ‘endpoints’ rather than processes. The process towards achieving these outcomes and the instructional methods and strategies might vary among universities. The authors acknowledge that there are different ways to reach the targeted learning outcomes and that there is a diversity of curricular approaches, structures and methodologies among Australian dental schools, which are enriching and desirable educationally. Specific educational strategies also with regards to the teaching of implant dentistry have been addressed in previous work and will not be covered in this paper. This paper will not address extracurricular courses, special degrees or training after graduation.
Usefulness of transient elastography for assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B: Regression of liver stiffness during entecavir therapy
Authors: Enomoto Masaru , Mori Mami , Ogawa Tomohiro , Fujii Hideki , Kobayashi Sawako , Iwai Shuji , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Tamori Akihiro , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Sawada Ayumi , Takeda Setsuko , Habu Daiki , Shiomi Susumu , Kawada Norifumi
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The usefulness of transient elastography remains to be validated in chronic hepatitis B, particularly as a tool for monitoring the degree of liver fibrosis during treatment.

Methods:  The subjects were 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Liver biopsy was performed in 38 patients, and in 12 patients with platelet counts of 50 × 109/L or less, cirrhosis was clinically diagnosed on the basis of specific signs of portal hypertension. Liver stiffness was measured by transient elastography at baseline and after 12 months of treatment in 20 nucleos(t)ide‐naïve patients who started entecavir within 3 months after study entry.

Results:  Twenty (40%) patients were classified as F1, 10 (20%) as F2, 5 (10%) as F3, and 15 (30%) as F4 (cirrhosis). Median liver stiffness (interquartile range) was 7.0 kPa (5.6–9.4), 9.8 kPa (5.6–14.7), 9.8 kPa (7.6–12.9), and 17.3 kPa (8.2–27.6) in fibrosis stages F1 to F4, respectively. Liver stiffness significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.46; P = 0.0014). Of the patients who started entecavir, median liver stiffness significantly decreased from 11.2 kPa (7.0–15.2) to 7.8 kPa (5.1–11.9; P = 0.0090) during 12 months of treatment. Median levels of amino‐terminal peptide of type III procollagen and type IV collagen 7S domain in serum significantly decreased from 0.9 (0.6–1.3) to 0.6 (0.5–0.7) U/mL (P = 0.0010) and from 5.0 (4.4–6.7) to 3.9 (3.2–4.4) ng/mL (P = 0.015), respectively.

Conclusion:  Liver stiffness measurement can be useful for monitoring regression of liver fibrosis during entecavir treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Expression profile of lipid metabolism‐associated genes in hepatitis C virus‐infected human liver
Authors: Fujino Tatsuya , Nakamuta Makoto , Yada Ryoko , Aoyagi Yoko , Yasutake Kenichiro , Kohjima Motoyuki , Fukuizumi Kunitaka , Yoshimoto Tsuyoshi , Harada Naohiko , Yada Masayoshi , Kato Masaki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Nakashima Manabu , Enjoji Munechika
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Recent studies have shown that lipid metabolic pathways are required for the entry, replication and secretion of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although little is known about the life cycle of HCV in humans, the activation of cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis may be critical for HCV proliferation.

Methods:  We assessed the transcription levels of genes essential for cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis in liver samples obtained from patients with chronic hepatitis C and determined their correlations. The serum levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and HCV core antigen were also measured.

Results:  The gene expression of the LDL receptor (LDLR) was suppressed, whereas that of SREBP1c, liver X receptor‐α (LXRα), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and HMG‐CoA reductase and synthase (HMGR and HMGS) was significantly increased, and SREBP2 transcription was comparable in HCV‐infected liver compared with normal liver. Positive correlations were found for LDLR versus HMGR, HMGR versus SREBP1c, and LDLR versus SREBP2 in the HCV‐infected and control liver. Although the LXRα–SREBP1c–FASN pathway was upregulated, proteasome activator 28γ (PA28γ) was downregulated at the transcriptional level in HCV‐infected liver, and was not significantly correlated with the other genes examined. The serum LDL cholesterol level was negatively correlated with LDLR and HMGR expression.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that, in HCV‐infected liver, the cholesterol load increases and cholesterol uptake is controlled, while de novo cholesterol synthesis is upregulated compared with the normal physiological state. The positive correlations in the expression levels of some cholesterol metabolism‐associated genes indicate that not all of the metabolic pathways are dysregulated in HCV‐infected liver.
Serious adverse events after spinal manipulation: a systematic review of the Korean literature
Authors: Shin Byung‐Cheul , Lee Myeong Soo , Park Tae‐Yong , Ernst Edzard
Published: September 2010

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise adverse effects after spinal manipulation reported in the South Korean literature. The Korean literature was searched for relevant articles. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. They reported a total of 18 cases. In most instances, the patient made a full recovery. The implicated treatment was frequently a spinal manipulation technique that is an integral part of traditional Korean medicine. It is concluded that adverse effects after spinal manipulation are not specific to chiropractic but occur with most types of spinal manipulation. Incidence figures can, however, not be derived from the data available to date.
Encouraging results for herbal treatment of acute bronchitis in children and adolescents
Authors: Huntley AL , Kamin W
Published: September 2010

Kamin W, Maydannik V, Malek FA, Kieser M.

Efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in children and adolescents with acute bronchitis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multicenter trial with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides roots.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2010; 48: 184–91.
Pilot study of ‘Feiji recipe’ in conjunction with chemotherapy on QoL in non‐small cell lung cancer patients. Larger controlled clinical trials are necessary to determine whether the Feiji recipe benefits overall non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wesa K , Cassileth BR
Published: September 2010

Jian‐Hui Tian, Ling‐Shuang Liu, Zhi‐Ming Shi and Zhi‐Yi Zhou.

A randomized controlled pilot trial of ‘Feiji recipe’ on quality of life on non‐small cell lung cancer patients.

Am J Chin Med 2010; 38: 15–25.
Hypericum extract worse than placebo in a trial in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Linde K
Published: September 2010

Saito YA, Rey E, Almazar‐Elder AE, Harmsen WS, Zinsmeister AR, Locke GR, Talley NJ.

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of St John’s wort for treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Am J Gastroenterol 2010; 105: 170–7.
Homeopathic placebos
Authors: Ernst E , Lüdtke R , Nuhn T , Geraedts M
Published: September 2010

Nuhn T, Lüdtke R, Geraedts M.

Placebo effect sizes in homeopathic compared to conventional drugs – a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Homeopathy 2010; 99: 76–82.
Does the homeopathic remedy alleviate insomnia?
Authors: Fønnebø V , Naudé D
Published: September 2010

Naudé DF, Couchman IMS, Maharaj A.

Chronic primary insomnia: efficacy of homeopathic simillimum.

Homeopathy 2010; 99: 63–8.
Why would laser acupuncture improve menopausal symptoms?
Authors: Stener‐Victorin E , Komesaroff PA , O'Brien KA , Varigos E
Published: September 2010

O'Brien KA, Varigos E, Black C, Komesaroff PA.

Laser acupuncture does not improve menopausal symptoms.

Menopause 2010; 17: 636–41.
Spa therapy for knee osteoarthritis – a fair test?
Authors: Pittler MH , Bosson JL
Published: September 2010

Forestier R, Desfour H, Tessier JM, Françon A, Foote AM, Genty C, Rolland C, Roques CF, Bosson JL.

Spa therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a large randomised multicentre trial.

Ann Rheum Dis 2010; 69: 660–5.
Acupuncture is no better than placebo for post‐menopausal hot flushes
Authors: Ernst E
Published: September 2010

Venzke L, Calvert JF Jr, Gilbertson B.

A randomized trial of acupuncture for vasomotor symptoms in post‐menopausal women.

Complement Ther Med 2010; 18: 59–66.
Editorial Note
Authors: Edwards Griffith
Published: September 2010

It is with the greatest sadness that I find myself at a late proof stage having to report that Robert Kendell died suddenly on 19 December 2002. He had recently been elected President of the Society for the Study of Addiction. To his wife and family go our profound sympathies. A full obituary notice will be published in a later issue of this journal.
Geometrically rational real conic bundles and very transitive actions
Authors: Blanc Jérémy , Mangolte Frédéric
Published: September 2010

In this article we study the transitivity of the group of automorphisms of real algebraic surfaces. We characterize real algebraic surfaces with very transitive automorphism groups. We give applications to the classification of real algebraic models of compact surfaces: these applications yield new insight into the geometry of the real locus, proving several surprising facts on this geometry. This geometry can be thought of as a half-way point between the biregular and birational geometries.
Orbital dynamics of two electrically charged conducting spheres
Authors: Hoffmeister Brent K. , Meyer Deseree A. , Atkins Brad M. , Franks Gavin A. , Fuchs Joshua T. , Li Lulu , Sliger Chase W. , Thompson Jennifer E.
Published: September 2010

The similar forms of Coulomb’s law of electrostatics and Newton’s law of gravitation suggest that two oppositely charged spheres can orbit each other by means of the electrostatic force. We demonstrate electrostatic binary orbits using two oppositely charged graphite coated Styrofoam® spheres. The experiment was conducted on the NASA aircraft Weightless Wonder which simulates weightless conditions. Videos of 23 orbital attempts were analyzed to investigate the dynamics and orbital stability of the two sphere system. The results support predictions of a recently developed theory that establishes criteria for stable orbits between two conducting, electrically charged spheres.
Microbial Communities and Functional Genes Associated with Soil Arsenic Contamination and the Rhizosphere of the Arsenic-Hyperaccumulating Plant
Pteris vittata
L
Authors: Xiong Jinbo , Wu Liyou , Tu Shuxin , Van Nostrand Joy D. , He Zhili , Zhou Jizhong , Wang Gejiao
Published: September 2010

To understand how microbial communities and functional genes respond to arsenic contamination in the rhizosphere of
Pteris vittata
, five soil samples with different arsenic contamination levels were collected from the rhizosphere of
P. vittata
and nonrhizosphere areas and investigated by Biolog, geochemical, and functional gene microarray (GeoChip 3.0) analyses. Biolog analysis revealed that the uncontaminated soil harbored the greatest diversity of sole-carbon utilization abilities and that arsenic contamination decreased the metabolic diversity, while rhizosphere soils had higher metabolic diversities than did the nonrhizosphere soils. GeoChip 3.0 analysis showed low proportions of overlapping genes across the five soil samples (16.52% to 45.75%). The uncontaminated soil had a higher heterogeneity and more unique genes (48.09%) than did the arsenic-contaminated soils. Arsenic resistance, sulfur reduction, phosphorus utilization, and denitrification genes were remarkably distinct between
P. vittata
rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils, which provides evidence for a strong linkage among the level of arsenic contamination, the rhizosphere, and the functional gene distribution. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that arsenic is the main driver in reducing the soil functional gene diversity; however, organic matter and phosphorus also have significant effects on the soil microbial community structure. The results implied that rhizobacteria play an important role during soil arsenic uptake and hyperaccumulation processes of
P. vittata
.
Insights into the Functionality of the Putative Residues Involved in Enterocin AS-48 Maturation
Authors: Cebrián Rubén , Maqueda Mercedes , Neira José Luis , Valdivia Eva , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Montalbán-López Manuel
Published: September 2010

AS-48 is a 70-residue, α-helical, cationic bacteriocin produced by
Enterococcus faecalis
and is very singular in its circular structure and its broad antibacterial spectrum. The AS-48 preprotein consists of an N-terminal signal peptide (SP) (35 residues) followed by a proprotein moiety that undergoes posttranslational modifications to yield the mature and active circular protein. For the study of the specificity of the region of AS-48 that is responsible for maturation, three single mutants have been generated by site-directed mutagenesis in the
as-48A
structural gene. The substitutions were made just in the residues that are thought to constitute a recognition site for the SP cleavage enzyme (His-1, Met1) and in those involved in circularization (Met1, Trp70). Each derivative was expressed in the enterococcal JH2-2 strain containing the necessary native biosynthetic machinery for enterocin production. The importance of these derivatives in AS-48 processing has been evaluated on the basis of the production and structural characterization of the corresponding derivatives. Notably, only two of them (Trp70Ala and Met1Ala derivatives) could be purified in different forms and amounts and are characterized for their bactericidal activity and secondary structure. We could not detect any production of AS-48 in JH2-2(pAM401-81

His-1Ile

) by using the conventional chromatographic techniques, despite the high efficiency of the culture conditions applied to produce this enterocin. Our results underline the different important roles of the mutated residues in (i) the elimination of the SP, (ii) the production levels and antibacterial activity of the mature proteins, and (iii) protein circularization. Moreover, our findings suggest that His-1 is critically involved in cleavage site recognition, its substitution being responsible for the blockage of processing, thereby hampering the production of the specific protein in the cellular culture supernatant.
Expression of Active Recombinant Human Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator by UsingIn VivoPolyhydroxybutyrate Granule Display
Authors: Geng Yanping , Wang Shengjun , Qi Qingsheng
Published: September 2010

Recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (rPA) is a truncated version of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which contains nine disulfide bonds and is prone to forming inactive inclusion bodies when expressed in bacteria. To obtain functional rPA expression, we displayed the rPA on the surface of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules using phasin as the affinity tag. rPA was fused to the N terminus of the phasin protein with a thrombin cleavage site as the linker. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis showed that rPA fusion was successfully displayed on the surface of PHB granules. An activity assay indicated that the rPA fusion is active. Thein vivosurface display strategy for functional rPA expression inEscherichia coliis distinct for its efficient folding and easier purification and may be expanded to the expression of other eukaryotic proteins with complex conformation.
Interaction of
Bacillus thuringiensis
Vegetative Insecticidal Protein with Ribosomal S2 Protein Triggers Larvicidal Activity in
Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Singh Gatikrushna , Sachdev Bindiya , Sharma Nathilal , Seth Rakesh , Bhatnagar Raj K.
Published: September 2010

Vegetative insecticidal protein (Vip3A) is synthesized as an extracellular insecticidal toxin by certain strains of
Bacillus thuringiensis
. Vip3A is active against several lepidopteran pests of crops. Polyphagous pest,
Spodoptera frugiperda
, and its cell line Sf21 are sensitive for lyses to Vip3A. Screening of cDNA library prepared from Sf21 cells through yeast two-hybrid system with Vip3A as bait identified ribosomal protein S2 as a toxicity-mediating interacting partner protein. The Vip3A-ribosomal-S2 protein interaction was validated by
in vitro
pulldown assays and by RNA interference-induced knockdown experiments. Knockdown of expression of S2 protein in Sf21 cells resulted in reduced toxicity of the Vip3A protein. These observations were further extended to adult fifth-instar larvae of
Spodoptera litura
. Knockdown of S2 expression by injecting corresponding double-stranded RNA resulted in reduced mortality of larvae to Vip3A toxin. Intracellular visualization of S2 protein and Vip3A through confocal microscopy revealed their interaction and localization in cytoplasm and surface of Sf21 cells.
Screening for Antifungal Peptides and Their Modes of Action in
Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Mania Daniel , Hilpert Kai , Ruden Serge , Fischer Reinhard , Takeshita Norio
Published: September 2010

Many short cationic peptides have been identified as potent antimicrobial agents, but their modes of action are not well understood. Peptide synthesis on cellulose membranes has resulted in the generation of peptide libraries, while high-throughput assays have been developed to test their antibacterial activities. In this paper a microtiter plate-based screening method for fungi has been developed and used to test nine antibacterial peptides against the model fungus
Aspergillus nidulans
. Microscopical studies using sublethal peptide concentrations caused defects in polarized growth, including increased branch formation and depolarized hyphae. We characterized the mode of action for one of our target peptides, Sub5 (12 amino acids), which has already been shown to possess pharmacological potential as an antibacterial agent and is able to interact with ATP and ATP-dependent enzymes. The MIC for
A. nidulans
is 2 μg/ml, which is in the same range as the MICs reported for bacteria. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Sub5 targeted the cytoplasmic membrane, particularly hyphal tips, and entered the cytoplasm after prolonged exposure, independent of endocytosis. Interestingly, Sub5 peptide treatment disturbed sterol-rich membrane domains, important for tip growth, at hyphal tips. A very similar peptide, FITC-P7, also accumulated on the cell membrane but did not have antibacterial or antifungal activity, suggesting that the cytoplasmic membrane is a first target for the Sub5 peptide; however, the antifungal activity seems to be correlated with the ability to enter the cytoplasm, where the peptides might act on other targets.
Bacteriophage PhiX174's Ecological Niche and the Flexibility of Its
Escherichia coli
Lipopolysaccharide Receptor
Authors: Michel Alix , Clermont Olivier , Denamur Erick , Tenaillon Olivier
Published: September 2010

To determine bacteriophage PhiX174's ecological niche, 783
Escherichia coli
isolates were screened for susceptibility. Sensitive strains are diverse regarding their phylogenies and core lipopolysaccharides (LPS), but all have rough phenotypes. Further analysis of
E. coli
K-12 LPS mutants revealed that PhiX174 can use a wide diversity of LPS structures to initiate its infectious process.
Anaerobic Expression of the Ferredoxin-Encoding
FDX5
Gene of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Is Regulated by the Crr1 Transcription Factor
Authors: Lambertz Camilla , Hemschemeier Anja , Happe Thomas
Published: September 2010

The unicellular green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
has a complex anaerobic metabolism and reacts to hypoxic or anaerobic conditions with the induced expression of many genes. One gene which is upregulated particularly strongly is the
FDX5
gene, encoding one of at least six ferredoxin isoforms in
C. reinhardtii
. Fdx5 is a typical plant-type 2Fe2S protein that is located in the chloroplast. The
FDX5
promoter region contains three GTAC motifs, which are known to be the binding sites for copper response regulator 1 (Crr1) and other
SQUAMOSA
promoter binding proteins (SBPs). This study shows that two of these GTAC sites are essential to confer oxygen and also copper responsiveness to a reporter gene. The SBP domain of Crr1 is able to bind to both of these GTAC sites in
in vitro
binding assays. Moreover, in a Crr1-deficient
C. reinhardtii
strain,
FDX5
is not expressed. These results clearly indicate that Crr1 is involved in the transcriptional regulation of the
FDX5
gene in the absence of oxygen or copper.
Glycosylation of Pilin and Nonpilin Protein Constructs byPseudomonas aeruginosa1244
Authors: Qutyan Mohammed , Henkel Matthew , Horzempa Joseph , Quinn Michael , Castric Peter
Published: September 2010

PilO is an oligosaccharyl transferase (OTase) that catalyzes the O-glycosylation ofPseudomonas aeruginosa1244 pilin by adding a single O-antigen repeating unit to the β carbon of the C-terminal residue (a serine). While PilO has an absolute requirement for Ser/Thr at this position, it is unclear if this enzyme must recognize other pilin features. To test this, pilin constructs containing peptide extensions terminating with serine were tested for the ability to support glycosylation. It was found that a 15-residue peptide, which had been modeled on the C-proximal region of strain 1244 pilin, served as a PilO substrate when it was expressed on either group II or group III pilins. In addition, adding a 3-residue extension culminating in serine to the C terminus of a group III pilin supported PilO activity. A protein fusion composed of strain 1244 pilin linked at its C terminus withEscherichia colialkaline phosphatase (which, in turn, contained the above-mentioned 15 amino acids at its C terminus) was glycosylated by PilO.E. colialkaline phosphatase lacking the pilin membrane anchor and containing the 15-residue peptide was also glycosylated by PilO. Addition of the 3-residue extension did not allow glycosylation of either of these constructs. Site-directed mutagenesis of strain 1244 pilin residues of the C-proximal region common to the group I proteins showed that this structure was not required for glycosylation. These experiments indicate that pilin common sequence is not required for glycosylation and show that nonpilin protein can be engineered to be a PilO substrate.
Evidence that thesupE44Mutation ofEscherichia coliIs an Amber Suppressor Allele ofglnXand that It Also Suppresses Ochre and Opal Nonsense Mutations
Authors: Singaravelan B. , Roshini B. R. , Munavar M. Hussain
Published: September 2010

Translational readthrough of nonsense codons is seen not only in organisms possessing one or more tRNA suppressors but also in strains lacking suppressors. Amber suppressor tRNAs have been reported to suppress only amber nonsense mutations, unlike ochre suppressors, which can suppress both amber and ochre mutations, essentially due to wobble base pairing. In anEscherichia colistrain carrying thelacZU118episome (an ochre mutation in thelacZgene) and harboring thesupE44allele, suppression of the ochre mutation was observed after 7 days of incubation. The presence of thesupE44lesion in the relevant strains was confirmed by sequencing, and it was found to be in the duplicate copy of theglnVtRNA gene,glnX. To investigate this further, anin vivoluciferase assay developed by D. W. Schultz and M. Yarus (J. Bacteriol. 172:595-602, 1990) was employed to evaluate the efficiency of suppression of amber (UAG), ochre (UAA), and opal (UGA) mutations bysupE44. We have shown here thatsupE44suppresses ochre as well as opal nonsense mutations, with comparable efficiencies. The readthrough of nonsense mutations in a wild-typeE. colistrain was much lower than that in asupE44strain when measured by the luciferase assay. Increased suppression of nonsense mutations, especially ochre and opal, bysupE44was found to be growth phase dependent, as this phenomenon was only observed in stationary phase and not in logarithmic phase. These results have implications for the decoding accuracy of the translational machinery, particularly in stationary growth phase.