bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Early Plant Height in Wild Soybean
Authors: Chen Yiwu , Nelson Randall L.
Published: February 2006

It is difficult to evaluate plant height at maturity in wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.) and no research about plant height at early growth stages has been reported. The objective of this study was to identify variation for plant height at early growth stages in wild soybean accessions. On the basis of the data collected in 1999, five accessions were selected from each height class (tall, intermediate, and short) for each of three maturity groups (00, II, and IV). These 45 accessions were planted in a completely randomized design with six replications in 2000 and 2003. Three height measurements (H1, H2, and H3) were taken at 10‐d intervals beginning 20 d after planting. A multiple comparison t test by Fishers Least Significant Differences (LSD) was used to test the differences among means of three early plant height classes. Highly significant differences were found among years, height classes, accessions within height classes and within maturity groups, and year × accession interaction for H2 measurement, but there were no significant differences among maturity groups and no significant interaction between year and height classes. The optimum time for evaluating differences in early plant height is 30 d after planting. This rapid growth trait in wild soybean could be beneficial for cultivated soybean and a useful trait for evaluating wild soybean germplasm.
Effect of Genotype and Genotype × Nitrogen Rate Interactions on Color in Juice and Raw Sugar from Sugarcane
Authors: Jackson Phillip A. , O'Shea Michael G. , Rattey Allan R. , Bonnett Graham D. , Lindeman Patricia F. , Cox Mike C. , Vickers Joan E. , Morgan Terry
Published: February 2006

There is an increased emphasis being placed on raw sugar quality in international sugar markets. Color intensity of raw sugar is one quality parameter of importance, with high color levels increasing refining costs and hence lowering sugar value. The quality of raw sugar is compromised by colored solutes or precursors of colored compounds. We examined genetic effects on color levels in juice from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in three field experiments, two of which also included different N fertilizer rate treatments. The relative impact on amino N in juice, an important precursor of colored compounds, was also examined. A key finding was consistently large variation among varieties (approximately threefold differences) for color and color‐to‐impurity ratio levels. These effects were highly repeatable across different environments and N rates, with genotype × environment and genotype × N rate interaction variance being not significant or less than 15% of genotype main effects in all experiments. Relatively small genetic effects were detected for amino N levels and these were less repeatable across environments than for color. Thus, selection for low color levels will be effective in sugarcane breeding programs. A relative color index is proposed to compare genotypes for propensity to produce color in raw sugar, considering the effects of both color and amino N in juice.
Nitrogen Uptake and Leaching under Annual Bluegrass Ecotypes and Bentgrass Species: A Lysimeter Experiment
Authors: Paré K. , Chantigny M. H. , Carey K. , Johnston W. J. , Dionne J.
Published: February 2006

Nitrate (NO3−) can leach from golf greens, potentially causing the degradation of surface and ground water quality. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with 11 annual bluegrass (Poa annua var. reptans Hausskn.) ecotypes from eastern Canada (Quebec and Ontario) and the USA, and three bentgrass (Agrostis spp.) species to compare N uptake and potential for N leaching. Two‐month‐old grasses were established for a 6‐wk period in lysimeter columns simulating a golf‐green profile. An unplanted root zone control was included. Water‐soluble fertilizer was applied at 25 kg N ha−1 (NH4NO3) every 14 d for 57 d. Leachate samples were collected every second day and analyzed for NO3–N and ammonium N (NH4–N) content. Dry weight and N concentration were determined on clippings, shoots, and roots. Ammonium N leaching was negligible for all grasses. Less NO3–N leaching losses occurred under bentgrasses (6–11% of applied N) than under annual bluegrasses (28–71% of applied N). Differences in NO3–N leaching were also found within annual bluegrasses; Quebec P. annua > Ontario P. annua > USA P. annua Grasses with a greater aboveground biomass developed a larger and deeper root system and were associated with a greater N uptake (r = 0.94) and, therefore, a lower NO3–N leaching (r = −0.94). Breeding programs and management practices to improve turfgrass root development appear to be critical to reduce fertilizer N leaching under sand‐based putting greens.
A Greenhouse Method to Screen Brachiariagrass Genotypes for Aluminum Resistance and Root Vigor
Authors: Wenzl Peter , Arango Adriana , Chaves Alba L. , Buitrago María E. , Patiño Gloria M. , Miles John , Rao Idupulapati M.
Published: February 2006

Brachiaria species are widely sown on the infertile and Al‐toxic soils of neotropical savannas. Breeding programs seek to combine edaphic adaptation with other traits in interspecific hybrids. Edaphic adaptation is difficult to assess because it is only manifest in pasture persistence across several growing seasons. We developed and validated a solution‐culture technique that uses rooted vegetative propagules from mature plants to assess two key components of edaphic adaptation: root vigor and Al resistance. Root vigor was assessed by measuring growth of adventitious root systems in 200 μM CaCl2 (pH 4.2). Aluminum resistance was assessed by comparing root growth in this solution vs. root growth in an identical solution that also contained 200 μM AlCl3 The well‐adapted parent (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf cv. Basilisk) was superior to the less‐adapted parent (B. ruziziensis Germain & Evrad clone 44‐02), and both traits segregated as expected in a set of 44‐02 × Basilisk hybrids. A simplified version of this technique, which exclusively relies on visual inspection, has been implemented in our breeding program to facilitate progress toward edaphic adaptation.
Five Decades of Alfalfa Cultivar Improvement: Impact on Forage Yield, Persistence, and Nutritive Value
Authors: Lamb JoAnn F. S. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Rhodes Landon H. , Sulc R. Mark , Undersander Daniel J. , Brummer E. Charles
Published: February 2006

Previous research has implied that forage yield in released alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars declined slightly between 1978 and 1996. Our objective was to compare alfalfa cultivars released during the past five decades side by side in replicated yield trials to test for any changes in forage yield across time. Ten cultivars, two from each of the five decades, four recently released cultivars, and two check cultivars were compared for forage yield, persistence, and nutritive value at four locations. Cultivars were established in May 1999 at Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota. Forage was harvested three to four times in each of four production years depending on location. Plots were subsampled for nutritive value analyses for the first and third harvests in 2000 and 2001. Year × location × cultivar‐release date interactions demonstrated that forage yield and final stand densities differed among the cultivars in each year of the experiment at each location. Nutritive value traits were similar among all cultivars. Evidence for changes in forage yield for cultivars released between 1940 and 1995 was environmentally dependent. In environments where conditions lead to plant stand losses, recently released cultivars with multiple disease resistance had a yield advantage over older cultivars, but in environments where no differences in plant density occurred across time, older cultivars yielded the same as recent cultivars.
Potential Application of TRAP (Targeted Region Amplified Polymorphism) Markers for Mapping and Tagging Disease Resistance Traits in Common Bean
Authors: Miklas Phillip N. , Hu Jinguo , Grünwald Niklaus J. , Larsen Karen M.
Published: February 2006

Genetic resistance is an important component of integrated strategies used to control problematic diseases in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Molecular linkage maps have been used to identify, tag, and map disease resistance genes and QTL in common bean, leading to improved breeding strategies and implementation of marker‐assisted selection. Most widely used marker types, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), for linkage mapping in bean are located randomly throughout the genome and associate with particular traits by chance. We sought to determine the potential application of a new marker system, TRAP, which uses expressed sequence information and a bioinformatics approach to generate polymorphic markers around targeted candidate gene sequences. TRAP markers were amplified by fixed primers designed against sequenced expressed sequence tag (EST) associated with disease resistance in the Compositae Genomics database or against sequenced resistance gene analog (RGA) from common bean. Seventeen of 85 TRAP markers located in the BAT 93/Jalo EEP558 core mapping population mapped in the vicinity of R genes. Six of 21 TRAP markers generated in the Dorado/XAN 176 mapping population were linked with newly identified QTL, two conditioning resistance to ashy stem blight (14% and 16% of the phenotypic variation explained, R2), and one each conferring resistance to Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV) (15%) and common bacterial blight (30%). The TRAP marker system has potential for mapping regions of the common bean genome linked with disease resistance.
Compensatory Mechanisms Associated with the Effect of Spring Wheat Seed Size on Wild Oat Competition
Authors: Guillen‐Portal Fernando R. , Stougaard Robert N. , Xue Qingwu , Eskridge Kent M.
Published: February 2006

Crop seed size affects the competitive relationship between spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wild oat (Avena fatua L.). However, the mechanisms associated with the process are not known. The effect of wheat seed size on wild oat competition was assessed by a mechanistic approach involving yield and its determinants in these species. Wheat plants established from large and small seed were evaluated under different seeding rates and wild oat densities during 1999–2001 near Kalispell, MT. Linear structural model systems based on ontogenic diagrams were constructed for each seed size class. Spikes m−2 and panicles m−2 had the greatest positive effect on yield within each species. For wheat, the impact of the two later‐formed yield components on yield decreased in an ontogenic manner, whereas for wild oat, their relative contributions were similar in magnitude. Wheat plants derived from large seed had a noticeable negative effect on wild oat via a reduction in panicles m−2 and seed weight, whereas wheat established from small seed mainly affected wild oat panicles m−2 Wild oat competition reduced wheat spikes m−2 and kernels spike−1 in both seed size classes. However, these reductions were less for plants derived from large seed, which demonstrated enhanced compensatory ability. In summary, nongenetic variations in crop seed size affected the competitive dynamics between these species, where the major crop–weed interference mechanism involved wild oat seed weight.
Plant Density Modifies Within‐Canopy Cotton Fiber Quality
Authors: Bednarz Craig W. , Nichols Robert L. , Brown Steve M.
Published: February 2006

Modifying fruit distribution through varying plant density may affect cotton fiber quality. This study was conducted to determine how fiber quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is manipulated through plant density and fruiting position. Two cotton cultivars were over seeded and hand thinned to 3.6, 9.0, 12.6, and 21.5 plants m−2 at the University of Georgia in 2001 and 2002. Immediately before machine harvest, plants from 6 m of one center row were removed from each plot and hand harvested by fruiting position. After hand harvest, seed cotton from each fruiting position was ginned separately for fiber quality analysis. Much of the data collected in this investigation suggest two recurring patterns with respect to fiber quality and fruiting position. First, the superior fruiting positions in terms of overall fiber quality (i.e., longer, more uniform and mature fibers) occur at first sympodial positions generally in the midcanopy region (i.e., main stem nodes 10–17), also known as inner fruiting positions. The second recurring pattern in this investigation suggests lower plant densities resulted in more desirable fiber properties at these inner fruiting positions. These data suggest reducing the percentage of the total yield produced at inner fruiting positions through reduced plant densities increased the source‐to‐sink ratio during boll filling in this region of the canopy, resulting in improved fiber properties. If this is true, modifications in crop management may increase the source‐to‐sink ratio during boll filling of the remaining fruiting positions (i.e., outer fruiting positions), possibly resulting in greater improvements in fiber quality.
Multivariate Analyses to Display Interactions between Environment and General or Specific Combining Ability in Hybrid Crops
Authors: de la Vega Abelardo J. , Chapman Scott C.
Published: February 2006

Estimates of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) help plant breeders devise breeding and selection strategies. The objective of this paper was to apply two‐mode principal component analysis (PCA) to environment‐centered and normalized female (F) or male (M) × environment (E) tables and three‐mode PCA on F × M × E tables to display the variability associated with GCA, SCA, and their interactions with environments. A sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) North Carolina Design II (4 females × 4 males) was grown in 11 environments in Argentina. Site regression (SREG2) and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI2) models identified lines with high GCA and SCA. The two‐ and three‐mode PCAs revealed GCA × E and SCA × E interactions and were able to identify the best tester for either broad or specific adaptation. Two combinations of analyses accounted for all sources of variation. In Strategy 1 (explaining 59% of the genotype (G) + G × E interaction), two‐mode PCA displayed GCA + SCA while three‐mode PCA displayed GCA × E + SCA × E interactions. Strategy 2 (77%) used two‐mode PCA to display GCA + GCA × E interaction and three‐mode PCA to display SCA + SCA × E interaction. Both strategies were suitable approaches to understand the combining ability of the core germplasm of a hybrid crop breeding program and allowed decisions to be made about the required focus on line development within sub‐regions encompassed by the program.
Genetic Analyses of ChineseCynodonAccessions by Flow Cytometry and AFLP Markers
Authors: Wu Y. Q. , Taliaferro C. M. , Bai G. H. , Martin D. L. , Anderson J. A. , Anderson M. P. , Edwards R. M.
Published: February 2006

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.] is widely distributed in China, but little information exists on genetic diversity within the germplasm pool. This study was conducted to assess variations in ploidy and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) amongCynodonaccessions collected from 11 Chinese provinces. Flow cytometry and AFLP analyses were performed on 132 and 119 Chinese accessions, respectively. Four ploidy cytotypes were found among the Chinese accessions. Tetraploid (2n= 4x= 36) accessions were most prevalent (88%), with nuclear genome sizes ranging from 1.96 to 2.30 pg/2C nucleus−1Seven hexaploid (2n= 6x= 54), three pentaploid (2n= 5x =45), and six triploid (2n= 3x= 27) accessions had respective nuclear genome size of 2.90 to 3.13, 2.37 to 2.49, and 1.55 to 1.65 pg/2C nucleus−1The accessions were grouped into five clusters based on 466 polymorphic AFLP bands. Genetic similarity coefficients (GSCs) of two clusters containing ‘Tifway’ and ‘Tifgreen’ ranged from 0.97 to 0.99, suggesting the triploid plants most probably were introduced cultivars from the USA. Within the Chinese indigenous accessions, GSC ranged from 0.65 to 0.99. Tetraploid genotypes had the greatest genetic variation with GSC ranging from 0.69 to 0.99, while pentaploids had the least with GSC ranging from 0.95 to 0.98. Genetic differentiation among the later three ploidy levels is evident. Fully sampling the genetic diversity ofCynodonin China will require more comprehensive collection throughout its distribution.
A gender‐moderated effect of a functional COMT polymorphism on prefrontal brain morphology and function in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome)
Authors: Kates Wendy R. , Antshel Kevin M. , AbdulSabur Nuria , Colgan Deirdre , Funke Birgit , Fremont Wanda , Higgins Anne Marie , Kucherlapati Raju , Shprintzen Robert J.
Published: March 2006

Caused by a microdeletion at the q11.2 locus of chromosome 22, velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (also known as VCFS, 22q11 deletion syndrome, DiGeorge sequence, and conotruncal anomalies face syndrome) is associated with a distinctive physical, neurocognitive, and psychiatric phenotype. Increasing interest has centered on identifying the candidate genes within the deleted region that may contribute to this phenotype. One attractive candidate gene is catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) because it encodes for a protein that degrades dopamine. Variability in COMT activity is related to a Val158Met polymorphism that has been implicated in prefrontal lobe cognitive and neuropsychiatric function. We examined the effect of this polymorphism on prefrontal anatomy and frontally‐mediated neuropsychological function in 58 children with VCFS, 26 who were hemizygous for the Met allele and 32 for the Val allele. We found an allele by gender interaction effect on the volumes of the dorsal prefrontal and orbital prefrontal cortices. We did not find significant allele or gender by allele effects on neuropsychological tasks, although girls with the Met allele tended to perform better on the Wisconsin card sorting task. These data suggest that this functional COMT polymorphism may play a gender‐moderated role in determining the neuroanatomic phenotype of individuals with VCFS. Longitudinal evaluation of these children is essential in order to identify potential clinical implications of this allele by gender interaction. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A point mutation at the calreticulin gene core promoter conserved sequence in a case of schizophrenia
Authors: Aghajani Ali , Rahimi Alireza , Fadai Farbod , Ebrahimi Ahmad , Najmabadi Hossein , Ohadi Mina
Published: March 2006

Exposure to atypical antipsychotic drugs such as valproate increases the expression of chaperones that assist in the folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) including calreticulin, GRP78/BiP, GRP94, and PD1. This neuroprotective role may be involved in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The 5′‐flanking region of the human calreticulin gene was screened in 100 cases of schizophrenia by PCR/SSCA between −485 and +1 basepair (bp) relative to the transcription start site. A G > C point mutation was detected at −48 in a case of paranoid schizophrenia, which was not detected in 280 unrelated control subjects (560 chromosomes). This is the first report of mutation in relation with the calreticulin gene. The −48G > C mutation creates a CpG site at the core promoter region of the gene. The role of this mutation remains to be clarified in the pathophysiology of the disease. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persulfurierte aromatische Verbindungen
Authors: Gingras Marc , Raimundo Jean‐Manuel , Chabre Yoann M.
Published: March 2006

Persulfurierte Arene sind zwar schon seit etwa 50 Jahren bekannt, ihre Chemie ist aber trotz der einfachen und effizienten Synthesen unter milden Bedingungen nur unzureichend untersucht. Ihre Eigenschaften (Redoxpotentiale, UV/Vis‐Absorption, Leitfähigkeit, nichtlineare optische Eigenschaften) sind einerseits auf die Aromatizität des Rings mit sp2‐hybridisierten Kohlenstoffatomen und andererseits auf den elektronischen Beitrag der divalenten Schwefelsubstituenten zurückzuführen, die auch negative oder positive Ladungen stabilisieren können. Die charakteristischen Konformationsmuster der Schwefelliganden ermöglichen häufig die Präorganisation zu supramolekularen Aggregaten mit oder ohne thiophile Metallkationen. Anwendungen solcher Spezies finden sich in der Entwicklung von Redoxsensoren, ionenselektiven Membranen, Clathraten, organischen Leitern, nichtlinearen optischen Materialien, Flüssigkristallen, Koordinationspolymeren und bioanorganischen Systemen. Darüber hinaus wurde eine neue Klasse von Supermolekülen mit verschiedenen Molekülformen wie Sternen, Ketten, Rädern und Windmühlen beschrieben.
Cover Picture: Syntheses, Structures, and Reactivity of Radial Oligocyclopentadienyl Metal Complexes: Penta(ferrocenyl)cyclopentadienyl and Congeners (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 11/2006)
Authors: Yu Yong , Bond Andrew D. , Leonard Philip W. , Vollhardt K. Peter C. , Whitener Glenn D.
Published: March 2006

True artistry is not limited to the fine arts. Penta(ferrocenyl)cyclopentadienyl complexes like that shown display intriguing structures and reactivity. In their Communication on page 1794 ff., K. P. C. Vollhardt et al. describe penta(ferrocenyl)cyclopentadienyl compounds that have ramifications for materials science, catalysis, and fundamental chemistry. (Background for the cover illustration is the painting “Untitled” by the French artist Marie Sat; graphics prepared by P. W. Leonard.)
Synthesis of Tyrosinase Inhibitory Kojic Acid Derivative
Authors: Lee Yong Sup , Park Jang Hyun , Kim Min Hwan , Seo Seon Hee , Kim Hyoung Ja
Published: March 2006

Kojic acid derivative 2 was synthesized by joining two pyrone rings through an ethylene linkage by Horner‐Emmons reaction of phosphonate 6 with aldehyde 7. The intermediates 6 and 7 were derived from kojic acid. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of 2 was about 8 times more potent (IC50 = 3.63 μM) than that of kojic acid (IC50 = 30.61 μM). Compound 2 also exhibited potent melanin synthesis inhibitory activity (19.53% inhibition at 5 μg) indicating that the connection of two pyrone rings of kojic acid through a suitable linker can be an useful strategy for identification of potent tyrosinase inhibitiors.
Accumulation of apoptotic cells in the epidermis of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus after ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Kuhn Annegret , Herrmann Martin , Kleber Susanne , Beckmann‐Welle Maria , Fehsel Karin , Martin‐Villalba Ana , Lehmann Percy , Ruzicka Thomas , Krammer Peter H. , Kolb‐Bachofen Victoria
Published: March 2006

Objective

To examine whether apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of skin lesions in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

Methods

In situ nick translation and TUNEL were performed to detect apoptosis in 85 skin biopsy specimens from patients with various subtypes of CLE. Specimens from normal healthy donors and patients with polymorphous light eruption were used as controls. In addition to assessment of primary lesions, provocative phototesting was carried out to investigate events occurring secondary to UV irradiation during a very early stage of lesion formation.

Results

A significant increase in apoptotic nuclei was found in the upper epidermal layer of primary and UV light–induced skin lesions of CLE patients compared with controls. In tissue sections obtained from control subjects at 24 hours after a single exposure to UV light, a slight increase in the count of epidermal apoptotic nuclei was present as compared with skin tissue from CLE patients obtained under the same conditions before lesion formation. In sections obtained from controls at 72 hours after irradiation, a significant decrease in the apoptotic nuclei count was observed, consistent with a proper clearance of apoptotic cells in the period between 24 and 72 hours after irradiation. In striking contrast, the number of apoptotic nuclei increased significantly within this period in tissue sections from patients with CLE.

Conclusion

These data support the hypothesis that apoptotic cells accumulate in the skin of patients with CLE after UV irradiation, as a result of impaired or delayed clearance. The nonengulfed cells may undergo secondary necrosis and release proinflammatory compounds and potential autoantigens, which may contribute to the inflammatory micromilieu that leads to formation of skin lesions in this disease.
Abundance of the long pentraxin PTX3 at sites of leukocytoclastic lesions in patients with small‐vessel vasculitis
Authors: van Rossum Andre P. , Pas Hendri H. , Fazzini Fausto , Huitema Minke G. , Limburg Pieter C. , Jonkman Marcel F. , Kallenberg Cees G. M.
Published: March 2006

Objective

The prototypical tissue pentraxin PTX3 inhibits phagocytosis of late apoptotic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by macrophages. Levels of PTX3 parallel disease activity in small‐vessel vasculitis. Small‐vessel vasculitis is often characterized by leukocytoclasia, a phenomenon of accumulation of nuclear remnants from unscavenged PMNs in or near the vessel wall. We therefore hypothesized that PTX3 accumulates at sites of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and, as such, is a key factor for the induction of leukocytoclasis.

Methods

We examined skin biopsy samples from 13 patients with small‐vessel vasculitis and from 4 healthy and 3 inflammatory skin disease controls. Biopsy tissues, characterized histopathologically as leukocytoclastic vasculitis, were studied for the presence of PTX3 using rabbit anti‐PTX3 polyclonal antibodies. Sections were scored morphometrically for leukocytoclastic infiltrates in conjunction with PTX3 staining. Morphometric scores were expressed as percentages of staining of the total tissue area.

Results

Biopsy specimens from patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis revealed an abundant up‐regulation of PTX3 at sites of leukocytoclastic infiltrates. Significantly more PTX3 was found in tissues from the 13 patients with vasculitis (mean ± SEM 48.9 ± 6.1%) than in tissues from the 7 controls (4.5 ± 2.7%) (P = 0.0003). PTX3 was localized around vessels, as well as spread diffusely throughout the tissue.

Conclusion

PTX3 is abundantly present at sites of leukocytoclastic infiltrates in patients with small‐vessel vasculitis, but not in controls. Since PTX3 inhibits phagocytosis of late apoptotic PMNs by macrophages and is strongly up‐regulated at sites of leukocytoclastic infiltration, PTX3 is a candidate factor in the phenomenon of leukocytoclasia in small‐vessel vasculitis.
Epidemiologic characteristics of congenital diaphragmatic hernia among 2.5 million california births, 1989–1997
Authors: Yang Wei , Carmichael Suzan L. , Harris John A. , Shaw Gary M.
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect of unknown etiology. The aims of the current report were to extend the literature on the descriptive epidemiology of CDH and to determine whether its mortality rate decreased in California during the study period.

METHODS

Using data from a large population‐based registry, we ascertained 631 CDH cases from 1989 to 1997. We also classified cases as isolated or nonisolated based on the presence and type of major accompanying malformations. Approximately 2.5 million live and stillbirths occurred during the ascertainment period. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis was applied to examine the time trend and risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of CDH was 2.49 per 10,000 live and stillbirths and did not vary over the study period. Isolated cases, which accounted for 58% of cases, revealed a prevalence of 1.45 per 10,000. Heart malformations were the most frequent major anomalies accompanying CDH. We observed a lower risk of isolated CDH among blacks. Advanced maternal age groups had a higher risk for nonisolated CDH. Multiparous women tended to have a lower risk for nonisolated CDH. Male infants and multiple births had an increased risk for isolated and nonisolated CDH. Infant mortality was slightly decreased over the study period. CDH cases with additional anomalies had higher mortality rates than isolated cases.

CONCLUSION

Our observations add to the relatively few population‐based descriptive epidemiologic studies of the prevalence and mortality, and maternal and infant characteristics of CDH. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of learning and hippocampal, neuronal plasticity by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Authors: Ahmed Zaghloul , Wieraszko Andrzej
Published: March 2006

The influence of high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on learning process in mice and on neuronal excitability of the hippocampal tissue obtained from stimulated animals were investigated. While the stimulation with rTMS at higher frequency (15 Hz) improved animals' performance in novel object recognition test (NOR), lower frequency (1 and 8 Hz) impaired the memory. The effect was observed when evaluated immediately after rTMS exposure and declined with time. In parallel to the results of behavioral test, there was a significant enhancement of the synaptic efficiency expressed as of the long‐term potentiation (LTP) recorded from hippocampal slices prepared from the animals exposed to 15 Hz rTMS. The stimulation with 1 and 8 Hz had no influence on the magnitude of LTP. Our results demonstrate that rTMS modifies mechanisms involved in memory formation. The effects of rTMS in vivo are preserved and expressed in the hippocampus tested in vitro. Bioelectromagnetics 27:288–294, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The “Mainzer EMF‐Wachhund”: results from a watchdog project on self‐reported health complaints attributed to exposure to electromagnetic fields
Authors: Schüz Joachim , Petters Christian , Egle Ulrich Tiber , Jansen Bernd , Kimbel Renate , Letzel Stephan , Nix Wilfred , Schmidt Lutz G. , Vollrath Lutz
Published: March 2006

The “Mainzer EMF‐Wachhund,” a watchdog project, offered a system of self‐notification of health complaints attributed to exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to a population of a part of Germany with about 4 million inhabitants. By using a self‐administered questionnaire, which was provided online and for download from the Internet, 192 persons reported such health complaints in the period from October 2003 to March 2005. Of these, 56% classified themselves as electromagnetic hypersensitive (EH). Predictors of this self classification were being affected by all kinds of EMF rather than single EMF sources and being female. On average, EH subjects reported a high degree of suffering, 77% of whom had already sought advice from physicians. An Internet‐based standardized questionnaire is an economic way of offering affected persons a direct link to scientific institutions to establish contact. However, the study base obtained by such an approach is not representative to estimate a population‐based prevalence. As a large number of subjects did not classify themselves as EH and reported very specific links between exposure and symptoms, they may provide a very distinct and interesting group for future research. Bioelectromagnetics 27:280–287, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐duration, DC electrical stimulation increases chick embryo DRG neurite outgrowth
Authors: Wood Matthew , Willits Rebecca Kuntz
Published: March 2006

This study aimed to reveal the influence of brief DC electric stimulation on neurite outgrowth and outgrowth rates after application. Chick embryo dorsal root ganglia neurite outgrowth, rates, and overall alignment to EF were measured before stimulation and at two time points after stimulation. The presence of a 25 V/m EF for 10 min increased overall neurite outgrowth over controls for up to 48 h after stimulation and all growth was symmetric. These results demonstrate that even 10 min of stimulation, which is approximately 80% shorter than previous studies, promotes enhanced nerve growth. Bioelectromagnetics 27:328–331, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure of rat brain to 915 MHz GSM microwaves induces changes in gene expression but not double stranded DNA breaks or effects on chromatin conformation
Authors: Belyaev Igor Y. , Koch Catrin Bauréus , Terenius Olle , Roxström‐Lindquist Katarina , Malmgren Lars O.G. , H. Sommer Wolfgang , Salford Leif G. , Persson Bertil R.R.
Published: March 2006

We investigated whether exposure of rat brain to microwaves (MWs) of global system for mobile communication (GSM) induces DNA breaks, changes in chromatin conformation and in gene expression. An exposure installation was used based on a test mobile phone employing a GSM signal at 915 MHz, all standard modulations included, output power level in pulses 2 W, specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.4 mW/g. Rats were exposed or sham exposed to MWs during 2 h. After exposure, cell suspensions were prepared from brain samples, as well as from spleen and thymus. For analysis of gene expression patterns, total RNA was extracted from cerebellum. Changes in chromatin conformation, which are indicative of stress response and genotoxic effects, were measured by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD). DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) were analyzed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Effects of MW exposure were observed on neither conformation of chromatin nor DNA DSBs. Gene expression profiles were obtained by Affymetrix U34 GeneChips representing 8800 rat genes and analyzed with the Affymetrix Microarray Suite (MAS) 5.0 software. In cerebellum from all exposed animals, 11 genes were upregulated in a range of 1.34–2.74 fold and one gene was downregulated 0.48‐fold (P < .0025). The induced genes encode proteins with diverse functions including neurotransmitter regulation, blood–brain barrier (BBB), and melatonin production. The data shows that GSM MWs at 915 MHz did not induce PFGE‐detectable DNA double stranded breaks or changes in chromatin conformation, but affected expression of genes in rat brain cells. Bioelectromagnetics 27:295–306, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid specific detection and quantification of bacteria and archaea involved in mineral sulfide bioleaching using real‐time PCR
Authors: Liu Chun‐Qiang , Plumb Jason , Hendry Philip
Published: March 2006

A SybrGreen real‐time PCR assay was developed to detect and quantify both total and selected 16S rDNA species of bacteria and archaea involved in the bioleaching of metals from sulfide ores. A set of specific and universal primers based on 16S rDNA sequences was designed and validated for specific detection and quantification of DNA isolated from representative strains of Acidianus brierleyi, Sulfolobus sp., Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans, Sulfobacillus acidophilus, Acidithiobacillus caldus, and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. An artificial sequence based on 16S rDNA was constructed to quantify total 16S rDNA in mixed DNA samples. The real‐time PCR assay was further validated using a mixture of 16S rDNA amplicons derived from the six different species, each added at a known amount. Finally, the real‐time PCR assay was used to monitor the change of 16S rDNA copies of four bioleaching strains inoculated into chalcopyrite airlift column reactors operated at different temperatures. The growth dynamics of these strains correlated well with the expected effects of temperature in the chalcopyrite‐leaching environment. The suitability of this method for monitoring microbial populations in industrial bioleaching environments is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of rpoS gene knockout on the metabolism of Escherichia coli during exponential growth phase and early stationary phase based on gene expressions, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations
Authors: Rahman Mahbuba , Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Oba Takahiro , Shimizu Kazuyuki
Published: March 2006

The RNA polymerase sigma factor, encoded by rpoS gene, controls the expression of a large number of genes in Escherichia coli under stress conditions. The present study investigated the growth characteristics and metabolic pathways of rpoS gene knockout mutant of E. coli growing in LB media under aerobic condition. The analyses were made based on gene expressions obtained by DNA microarray and RT‐PCR, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations at the exponential and early stationary phases of growth. Although the glucose utilization pattern of the mutant was similar to the parent strain, the mutant failed to utilize acetate throughout the cultivation period. Microarray data indicated that the expression levels of several important genes of acetate metabolism such as acs, aceAB, cysDEK, fadR, etc. were significantly altered in the absence of rpoS gene. Interestingly, there was an increased activity of TCA cycle during the exponential growth phase, which was gradually diminished at the onset of stationary phase. Moreover, rpoS mutation had profound effect on the expression of several other genes of E. coli metabolic pathways that were not described earlier. The changes in the gene expressions, enzyme activities and intracellular metabolite concentrations of the rpoS mutant are discussed in details with reference to the major metabolic pathways of E. coli. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction and characterization of ack knock‐out mutants of Propionibacterium acidipropionici for enhanced propionic acid fermentation
Authors: Suwannakham Supaporn , Huang Yan , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: March 2006

Propionibacterium acidipropionici produces propionic acid from glucose with acetic acid, succinic acid, and CO2 as byproducts. In this work, inactivation of ack gene, encoding acetate kinase (AK), by gene disruption and integrational mutagenesis was studied as a method to reduce acetate formation in propionic acid fermentation. The partial ack gene of ∼750 bp in P. acidipropionici was cloned using a PCR‐based method with degenerate primers and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence had 88% similarity and 76% identity with the amino acid sequence of AK from Bacillus subtilis. The partial ack gene was used to construct a linear DNA fragment with an inserted tetracycline resistance cassette and a nonreplicative integrational plasmid containing a tetracycline resistance gene cassette. These DNA constructs were then introduced into P. acidipropionici by electroporation, resulting in two mutants, ACK‐Tet and TAT‐ACK‐Tet, respectively. Southern hybridization confirmed that the ack gene in the mutant ACK‐Tet was disrupted by the inserted tetracycline resistance gene. As compared to the wild‐type, the activities of AK were reduced by 26% and 43% in ACK‐Tet and TAT‐ACK‐Tet mutants, respectively. The specific growth rate of these mutants was reduced by ∼25% to 0.10/h (0.13/h for the wild‐type), probably because of reduced acetate and ATP production. Both mutants produced ∼14% less acetate from glucose. Although ack disruption alone did not completely eliminate acetate production, the propionate yield was increased by ∼13%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing and implementing an environmental performance index for the Portuguese military
Authors: Ramos Tomás B. , de Melo João Joanaz
Published: March 2006

At an international level, the implementation of environmental management practices in military facilities is now a growing reality, particularly with the implementation of environmental management programmes and/or systems. The main goal of this research was to assess the Portuguese military sector's environmental performance through an index – the MEPE index – in a simplified and useful manner. A second goal was to measure the units' self‐assessment against the environmental profile of the military sector as evaluated through the index, to determine how far they match. The index was deeloped on the basis of the data obtained in a national questionnaire, which was carried out to evaluate environmental practices adopted by military units. Results show that the Portuguese military's overall environmental performance is poor, reflecting that this is quite a new issue in military organizations. Among the military branches the Air Force reveals the best environmental results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Assessing environmental product declaration opportunities: a reference framework
Authors: Manzini Raffaella , Noci Giuliano , Ostinelli Massimiliano , Pizzurno Emanuele
Published: March 2006

The growing awareness about environmental issues places greater responsibility on firms to transmit information about the environmental quality of their products. One of the most innovative ways to achieve this objective is through the ‘environmental product declaration’. Unfortunately, from an operating viewpoint, there is a very little evidence on the effects associated with the introduction of this label.

In lieu of this context, the paper suggests operating guidelines and a methodological approach for managers who aim to understand under which conditions the EPD can represent a useful tool for the company's competitiveness. In particular, the paper will identify

the specific peculiarities and requirements of the EPD;

the EPD parameters of attractiveness, related to its potential costs and benefits;

an operational framework in order to assess the EPD target audience.

In this respect, an empirical analysis on 17 Italian firms will be carried out. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Deciphering the Biosynthetic Codes for the Potent Anti‐SARS‐CoV Cyclodepsipeptide Valinomycin in Streptomyces tsusimaensis ATCC 15141
Authors: Cheng Yi‐Qiang
Published: March 2006

Valinomycin was recently reported to be the most potent agent against severe acute respiratory‐syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) in infected Vero E6 cells. Aimed at generating analogues by metabolic engineering, the valinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster has been cloned from Streptomyces tsusimaensis ATCC 15141. Targeted disruption of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene abolishes valinomycin production, which confirms its predicted nonribosomal‐peptide origin. Sequence analysis of the NRPS system reveals four distinctive modules, two of which contain unusual domain organizations that are presumably involved in the generation of biosynthetic precursors D‐α‐hydroxyisovaleric acid and L‐lactic acid. The respective adenylation domains in these two modules contain novel substrate‐specificity‐conferring codes that might specify for a class of hydroxyl acids for the biosynthesis of the depsipeptide natural products.
Structure–Activity Studies in a Family of β‐Hairpin Protein Epitope Mimetic Inhibitors of the p53–HDM2 Protein–Protein Interaction
Authors: Fasan Rudi , Dias Ricardo L. A. , Moehle Kerstin , Zerbe Oliver , Obrecht Daniel , Mittl Peer R. E. , Grütter Markus G. , Robinson John A.
Published: March 2006

Inhibitors of the interaction between the p53 tumor‐suppressor protein and its natural human inhibitor HDM2 are attractive as potential anticancer agents. In earlier work we explored designing β‐hairpin peptidomimetics of the α‐helical epitope on p53 that would bind tightly to the p53‐binding site on HDM2. The β‐hairpin is used as a scaffold to display energetically hot residues in an optimal array for interaction with HDM2. The initial lead β‐hairpin mimetic, with a weak inhibitory activity (IC50=125 μM), was optimized to afford cyclo‐(L‐Pro‐Phe‐Glu‐6ClTrp‐Leu‐Asp‐Trp‐Glu‐Phe‐D‐Pro) (where 6ClTrp=L‐6‐chlorotryptophan), which has an affinity almost 1000 times higher (IC50=140 nM). In this work, insights into the origins of this affinity maturation based on structure–activity studies and an X‐ray crystal structure of the inhibitor/HDM2(residues 17–125) complex at 1.4 Å resolution are described. The crystal structure confirms the β‐hairpin conformation of the bound ligand, and also reveals that a significant component of the affinity increase arises through new aromatic/aromatic stacking interactions between side chains around the hairpin and groups on the surface of HDM2.
Untersuchungen zur Morphogenese myzelbildender Mikroorganismen
Authors: Kelly S. , Grimm L. H. , Jonas R. , Krull R. , Hempel D. C.
Published: March 2006

Für die Modellierung der Morphogenese myzelbildender Mikroorganismen ist eine genaue Beschreibung der Morphologie erforderlich. Die Morphogenese bei der Kultivierung des filamentösen Pilzes Aspergillus niger gliedert sich in mindestens drei morphologische Wachstumsphasen, beginnend mit einer sehr schnellen Sporenaggregation über einen zweiten Aggregationsschritt, bei dem das einsetzende Hyphenwachstum geschwindigkeitslimitierend ist. Die dritte Phase der Morphogenese stellt das Pelletwachstum dar. Die Entwicklung von Pellets kann durch Biomassewachstum und mechanische Beanspruchung sowie Zelllyse bilanziert werden. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine auf Einzelprozessen gestützte Modellierung nur zu unbefriedigenden Ergebnissen führt, da die Fluiddynamik einen wesentlichen Einfluss sowohl auf das Wachstum als auch auf die Struktur der Pellets hat.
Forschungsförderung der nachhaltigen Bioproduktion
Authors: Schladot J. D. , Straub R.
Published: March 2006

Das Potenzial der Biotechnologie zur ökologischen Optimierung industrieller Prozesse (effizientere Energieausnutzung, verantwortungsvoller Einsatz von Ressourcen, Vermeidung bzw. Wiederverwertung von Abfällen) wird bis heute nicht vollständig ausgeschöpft. Biotechnologische Produktionsverfahren bieten gegenüber konventionellen chemischen Verfahren den Vorteil, dass sie unter milden Reaktionsbedingungen im wässrigen Milieu bei Raumtemperatur unter weitgehender Vermeidung von Neben‐ und Abfallprodukten arbeiten. Um sich gegenüber den etablierten Technologien der synthetischen Chemie durchsetzen zu können, muss die Biotechnologie den Markt und die Gesellschaft durch die Qualität und Originalität der Produkte sowie energie‐ und ressourcenschonende Prozesse überzeugen.
Elektrofiltration – Einsatzgebiet Enzymproduktion
Authors: Käppler T. , Hofmann R. , Posten C.
Published: March 2006

Untersucht wird der Einsatz der Elektrofiltration im Dead‐End‐Verfahren für Anwendungen in der Enzymproduktion, vor allem die Applikationen Biomasseabtrennung und Enzymkonzentrierung. Für den Prozess ist die Filtrationsgeschwindigkeit von entscheidender Bedeutung. Auch die Ausbeuten an aktivem Wertprodukt werden ermittelt, wobei insbesondere die Einwirkung des elektrischen Feldes auf die Aktivität der Biopolymere überprüft wird. In einem Ausblick wird die Weiterentwicklung der Elektrofiltration durch ein Kerzenfiltersystem aufgezeigt, das die Effizienz hinsichtlich des Energieverbrauchs steigern soll.
Prozessmodellierung und Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung einer Ganzzellbiotransformation im zweiphasigen System ionische Flüssigkeit/Wasser
Authors: Abdul Kholiq M. , Heinzle E.
Published: March 2006

Prozessvarianten der Biosynthese chiraler Alkohole mit einem Ganzzellbiokatalysator im zweiphasigen System ionische Flüssigkeit/Wasser werden modelliert und bezüglich ihrer ökonomischen und ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit bewertet. Die wichtigsten Resultate sind zunächst, dass die hohen Kosten von ionischen Flüssigkeiten unbedingt ein weitestgehendes Recycling derselben erfordern und dass in absehbarer Zukunft diese Art von Produktion nur für sehr teure Produkte einsetzbar erscheint. Ökologische Vorteile sind vor allem dann zu erwarten, wenn die ionische Flüssigkeit in einem sehr hohen Grad recycelt wird und keine weiteren Lösungsmittel im Zuge der Aufarbeitung eingesetzt werden müssen. Zu weiteren Einsparungen an ionischer Flüssigkeit und zur Reduktion der Umweltbelastung durch das abgeleitete Abwasser mit der gelösten ionischen Flüssigkeit und Phosphaten sollte eine möglichst weitgehende Rückführung von Wasser angestrebt werden.