bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of chorionicity on perinatal outcome in a large cohort of Danish twin pregnancies
Authors: Oldenburg A. , Rode L. , Bødker B. , Ersbak V. , Holmskov A. , Jørgensen F. S. , Larsen H. , Larsen T. , Laursen L. , Mogensen H. , Petersen O. B. , Rasmussen S. , Skibsted L. , Sperling L. , Stornes I. , Zingenberg H. , Tabor A.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To assess outcome in twin pregnancies according to chorionicity.

Methods

A cohort was retrieved from local ultrasound databases at 14 obstetric departments in Denmark, comprising all twin pregnancies with two live fetuses scanned between weeks 11 and 14 in the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. Outcome data were retrieved from the National Board of Health.

Results

Among 2038 twin pregnancies, 1757 (86.2%) were dichorionic (DC) and 281 (13.8%) were monochorionic diamniotic (MC). In MC pregnancies, the rate of spontaneous fetal loss in both second and third trimesters was more than threefold higher than the comparable rate in DC pregnancies: 6.0% vs. 1.9% for at least one fetus in the second trimester (P < 0.001) and 2.1% vs. 0.7% in the third trimester (P = 0.03). In 98.4% of DC pregnancies and in 91.1% of MC pregnancies, at least one infant was liveborn. Amongst pregnancies with two live fetuses at 24 weeks, the proportion with two live infants at 28 days after delivery was 97.5% and 95.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

The increased incidence of fetal loss in MC pregnancies compared with DC pregnancies predominantly occurs before 24 weeks' gestation. After this stage, although the risk of intrauterine fetal death is still higher in MC than in DC pregnancies, if both fetuses are alive at 24 weeks, the chance of a woman having two live infants 1 month after delivery is similar in MC and DC pregnancies. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal undernutrition upregulates apoptosis in offspring nephrogenesis
Authors: Tafti S. A. , Nast C. C. , Desai M. , Amaya K. E. , Ross M. G. , Magee T. R.
Published: August 2011

Maternal undernutrition (MUN) results in growth-restricted newborns with reduced nephron numbers that is associated with increased risk of hypertension and renal disease. The total adult complement of nephrons is set during nephrogenesis suggesting that MUN affects the staged development of nephrons in as yet unknown manner. A possible cause may be the increased renal apoptosis; therefore, we investigated whether apoptotic signaling and cell death were increased in MUN rat kidneys. Pregnant rat dams were fed anad libitumdiet [control] or were 50% food restricted (MUN) starting at embryonic day (E) 10. Male offspring kidneys (n= 5 each, MUN and control) were analyzed for mRNA using quantitative PCR (E20) and for protein expression using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (E20 and postnatal day 1, P1). Apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein expression was detected at E20 (Fas receptor, caspase 9) and at P1 (caspase 3, Bax). The anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2 was significantly decreased in P1 kidneys. Kidney TUNEL showed apoptotic nuclei significantly increased in the P1 nephrogenic zone (MUN 3.3 + 0.3v.C 1.6 + 0.5,P= 0.002). The majority of apoptotic nuclei co-localized to mesenchyme and pretubular aggregates in the nephrogenic zone. Differential regulation of apoptosis in mesenchyme and pretubular aggregates following parturition suggests a mechanism for nephropenia in gestational programming of the kidney.
Pathways of Radioactive Substances in the Environment
Authors: Renshaw Joanna C. , Handley-Sidhu Stephanie , Brookshaw Diana R.
Published: August 2011

The release and transport of radionuclides in the environment is a subject of great public concern. The primary sources of radionuclides in the environment are nuclear weapons testing and production, and the processes associated with the nuclear fuel cycle. Whilst nuclear weapons tests have been the main source of atmospheric contamination, resulting in global, low-level contamination, sites associated with weapon production and the nuclear fuel cycle can have localised high levels of contamination, and the spread of this contamination via aquatic pathways represents a significant environmental problem. Migration in the atmosphere will depend on the nature of the radioactive material and the prevailing meteorological conditions. Within surface water and groundwater environments, transport will be controlled by physical processes such as advection and the biogeochemical conditions in the system. In systems with significant flow, advection will be the dominant transport process, but as hydraulic conductivity decreases, chemical processes and conditions become increasingly important in controlling radionuclide migration. Factors such as solution phase chemistry (e.g. ionic strength and ligand concentrations), Eh and the nature of mineral phases in the system have a critical effect on radionuclide speciation, controlling partitioning between solution and solid phases and hence migration. Understanding the complex interplay between these parameters is essential for predicting radionuclide behaviour and migration in the environment.
Radiological Protection of Workers and the General Public
Authors: Pentreath Jan
Published: August 2011

Radiological protection has a long pedigree; its origins go back almost a century. Since then, not only has a large body of information on the effects of radiation been accrued, but this information has been used in a most successful way to manage the exposures of people in all forms of exposure situations. This success has largely been due to a unique organization, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), that has continually evaluated, interpreted and worked out how best to apply the knowledge that has arisen from the scientific disciplines of radiation physics, dosimetry and radiobiology, together with the complicated interpretation of numerous epidemiological studies. Furthermore, the ICRP has attempted to interface the continually improving science with the ever changing cultural and sociological context within which radiological protection needs to be applied. This is an on-going task. The current situation is one in which radiological protection guidance is set out within a framework of three exposure situations (planned, emergency and existing), involving three categories of human exposure (medical, occupational and public). Due to the scientific interpretation of the data, this matrix of exposure situations, and categorization of those likely to be exposed, is handled within a set of principles of justification of exposure, the optimization of the level of protection and the application of dose limits. All of the elements of this framework are briefly set out and discussed in this chapter, together with a brief overview of the current rates of exposure, due to different exposure situations, for people within the UK.
Improving the convergence of closed and open path integral molecular dynamics via higher order Trotter factorization schemes
Authors: Pérez Alejandro , Tuckerman Mark E.
Published: August 2011

Higher order factorization schemes are developed for path integral molecular dynamics in order to improve the convergence of estimators for physical observables as a function of the Trotter number. The methods are based on the Takahashi-Imada and Susuki decompositions of the Boltzmann operator. The methods introduced improve the averages of the estimators by using the classical forces needed to carry out the dynamics to construct a posteriori weighting factors for standard path integral molecular dynamics. The new approaches are straightforward to implement in existing path integral codes and carry no significant overhead. The Suzuki higher order factorization was also used to improve the end-to-end distance estimator in open path integral molecular dynamics. The new schemes are tested in various model systems, including an ab initio path integral molecular dynamics calculation on the hydrogen molecule and a quantum water model. The proposed algorithms have potential utility for reducing the cost of path integral molecular dynamics calculations of bulk systems.
Interrelation of the equation of state of MgO and self diffusion coefficients
Authors: Dologlou Elisabeth
Published: August 2011

Here, we show that elastic and expansivity data can successfully reproduce the self diffusion coefficients of O and Mg in MgO from a single measurement, through a thermodynamic model that interrelates point defect parameters and bulk properties. The calculated self diffusion coefficients at pressure and temperature conditions prevailing in the lower earth’s mantle, although they cover a wide range of values (i.e., 20 orders of magnitude), compare favorably well with experimental Dexper ones when errors are considered.
Twin symmetry texture of energetically condensed niobium thin films on sapphire substrate (a-plane Al2O3)
Authors: Zhao X. , Phillips L. , Reece C. E. , Seo Kang , Krishnan M. , Valderrama E.
Published: August 2011

An energetic condensation technique, cathodic arc discharge deposition, is used to grow epitaxial Niobium (Nb) thin films on a-plane sapphire (hexagonal-closed-packed Al2O3) at moderate substrate heating temperature (<400 °C). The epitaxial Nb(110)/Al2O3(1,1,-2,0) thin films reached a maximum residual resistance ratio (RRR) value 214, despite using a reactor-grade Nb cathode source whose RRR was only 30. The measurements suggest that the film’s density of impurities and structural defects are lower when compared to Nb films produced by other techniques, such as magnetron sputtering, e-beam evaporation or molecular-beam-epitaxy. At lower substrate temperature, textured polycrystalline Nb thin films were created, and the films might have twin symmetry grains with {110} orientations in-plane. The texture was revealed by x-ray diffraction pole figures. The twin symmetry might be caused by a combination effect of the Nb/Al2O3 three-dimensional epitaxial relationship (“3D-Registry” Claassen’s nomenclature) and the “Volmer-Weber” (Island) growth model. However, pole figures obtained by electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) found no twin symmetry on the thin films’ topmost surface (∼50 nm in depth). The EBSD pole figures showed only one Nb{110} crystal plane orientation. A possible mechanism is suggested to explain the differences between the bulk (XRD) and surface (EBSD) pole figures.
Bipolar carrier transport in tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinato) aluminum observed by impedance spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Ishihara Shingo , Hase Hiroyuki , Okachi Takayuki , Naito Hiroyoshi
Published: August 2011

We studied bipolar carrier transport in tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinato) aluminum (Alq3) thin films using impedance spectroscopy (IS). Two transit times were observed in the impedance spectra of the Alq3 double-injection diodes. The mobilities determined from the transit times are in good agreement with the electron and the hole mobilities in Alq3 measured by IS using single injection diodes and by the time-of-flight transient photocurrent technique. The bipolar carrier transport observed in Alq3 shows that the carrier recombination of Alq3 is weak on the basis of the simulation [M. Schmeits, J. Appl. Phys. 101, 084508 (2007)]. Simultaneous measurements of electron and hole mobilities are useful in the study of charge-carrier transport in active layers in organic light-emitting diodes and organic solar cells.
A contribution to spectroscopic diagnostics and cathode sheath modeling of micro-hollow gas discharge in argon
Authors: Cvejić M. , Spasojević Dj. , Šišović N. M. , Konjević N.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, the hydrogen Balmer beta line shape from a micro-hollow gas discharge (MHGD) in argon with traces of hydrogen is used for simultaneous diagnostics of plasma and cathode sheath (CS) parameters. For this purpose, a simple model of relevant processes responsible for the line broadening is introduced and applied to the Balmer beta profile recorded from a MHGD generated in the microhole (diameter 100 μm at narrow side and 130 μm at wider side) of a gold-alumina-gold sandwich in the pressure range (100–900 mbar). The electron number density Ne in the range (0.4–4.5) × 1020 m–3 is determined from the width of the central part of the Balmer beta line profile, while, from the extended wings of the Balmer beta profile, induced by dc Stark effect, the next three parameters are determined: the average value Ea of electric field strength in the CS in the range (16–95 kV/cm), the electric field strength E0 at the cathode surface in the range (32–190 kV/cm), and the CS thickness zg in the range (18–70 μm). All four MHGD parameters, Ne, Ea, E0, and zg, compare reasonably well with results of the modeling experiment by M. J. Kushner [J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 38, 1633 (2005)]. The results for Ne are compared with other emission experiments.
Micromagnetic simulation of spin-transfer switching in a full-Heusler Co2FeAl0.5Si0.5 alloy spin-valve nanopillar
Authors: Huang H. B. , Ma X. Q. , Liu Z. H. , Meng F. Y. , Xiao Z. H. , Wu P. P. , Shi S. Q. , Chen L. Q.
Published: August 2011

We investigated the spin-transfer switching in a full-Heusler Co2FeAl0.5Si0.5 alloy spin-valve nanopillar through micromagnetic simulation. A two-step switching hysteresis loop due to the fourfold in-plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Co2FeAl0.5Si0.5 layers was obtained. The simulation explains the experimental result of the resistance versus current hysteresis loop and yields good agreement with the measured critical current. Furthermore, the magnetization trajectory and magnetization distribution were shown and analyzed to elucidate the different characters of two-step switching.
Optical limiting properties and ultrafast dynamics of six-branched styryl derivatives based on 1,3,5-triazine
Authors: Wang Yaochuan , Jiang Yihua , Hua Jianli , Tian He , Qian Shixiong
Published: August 2011

A tri-branched compound T03-a with 1,3,5-triazine as the core, together with two other T03-a-based six-branched compounds T03-b and T03-c, was synthesized. Femtosecond Z-scan technique, two-photon excited fluorescence, two-color pump-probe spectroscopy, together with steady-state absorption and fluorescence emission measurements, were employed to investigate the optical properties and the ultrafast dynamics of these compounds in chloroform solutions. The two-photon absorption cross sections (measured by femtosecond Z-scan technique at wavelength of 800 nm) of six-branched compounds T03-b and T03-c were determined to be 4000 GM and 6100 GM, showing 9.5-fold and 14.5-fold enhancement over that of the tri-branched counterparts, T03-a (420 GM). The enhancement was attributed to cooperative interaction between branches, the increased chromophore intensity, as well as the increased delocalization of the electron cloud. Obvious fluorescence quenching and aggregation-induced enhancement of two-photon fluorescence emission were observed in compounds T03-b and T03-c. The excited state dynamics results reveal an ultrafast charge localization from the excited state to the intramolecular charge transfer state in picosecond domain, and different relaxation dynamics happen in the three compounds. The fluorescence quenching of compounds T03-b and T03-c was also discussed by excited state dynamic results. The two-photon absorption-based optical limiting properties of these compounds in the femtosecond domain were also investigated, and the results indicate these materials being good candidates for optical limiting devices.
Mobility of oxygen vacancy in SrTiO3 and its implications for oxygen-migration-based resistance switching
Authors: Jiang W. , Noman M. , Lu Y. M. , Bain J. A. , Salvador P. A , Skowronski M.
Published: August 2011

Capacitance−voltage characteristics of high quality Pt Schottky diodes fabricated on oxygen-vacancy-doped SrTiO3 single crystals were used to obtain the oxygen vacancy profiles within one microns of the Pt interface. Computer simulations based on solving the drift-diffusion equations for electrons and ionized vacancies were performed to understand the experimentally observed oxygen vacancy profile’s time-evolution at room temperature and 0 V applied bias. Building upon this understanding, the diode’s room temperature profile evolution under −35 V applied bias was analyzed to yield a vacancy mobility value of 1.5 × 10−13 cm2/V·s at an electric field of 500 kV/cm. This mobility is 8 orders of magnitude too low to produce nanosecond resistance switching in thin film devices. The applicability of the results to oxygen-migration-based resistance switching is discussed relative to recent observations and modeling.
Closed-loop control of ionization oscillations in Hall accelerators
Authors: Barral S. , Kaczmarczyk J. , Kurzyna J. , Dudeck M.
Published: August 2011

Feedback control of ionization oscillations in Hall accelerators is investigated with a proportional-integral-derivative controller acting on the discharge voltage. The stability of the current is found to systematically improve with proportional control, whereas integral and derivative control have in most cases a detrimental or insignificant impact. At low discharge voltages, proportional control eliminates at the same time ionization breathing oscillations as well as a coexisting low frequency mode. A progressive deterioration of the stability is observed at higher voltage, presumably attributable to the limited output voltage range of the controller. The time-averaged characteristics of the discharge such as average current, thrust and efficiency, remain unchanged within measurement uncertainties.
Contribution of the easy axis orientation, anisotropy distribution and dot size on the switching field distribution of bit patterned media
Authors: Lee Jehyun , Brombacher Christoph , Fidler Josef , Dymerska Barbara , Suess Dieter , Albrecht Manfred
Published: August 2011

A magnetic nanostructure array was fabricated by post-patterning of a L10 ordered 5-nm-thick FePtCu film revealing a rather broad switching field distribution (SFD). The individual contributions to the SFD of the dot array were investigated by micromagnetic simulations. Based on transmission electron microscopy results, the dots show a truncated cone shape which was directly used for the finite element model. The influence of single parameters, i.e., easy axis distribution, magnetic anisotropy, and dot size, on the SFD was estimated quantitatively and compared. Furthermore, the influence of damage induced during the nanofabrication process was analyzed and correlated with experimental results.
Two-dimensional deformation potential model of mobility in small molecule organic semiconductors
Authors: Northrup J. E.
Published: August 2011

An acoustic deformation potential model appropriate for transport in two dimensions is employed to estimate upper limits on the intrinsic hole mobility of DNTT-C10 [2,9-dialkyl-dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] and BTBT-C12 [2,7-dialkyl[1]benzo-thieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene]. First-principles calculations are employed to determine the values of effective masses, deformation potentials, and elastic constants entering the model. The analysis suggests that the upper limit on room temperature mobility within a single crystalline region in DNTT-C10 or BTBT-C12 may be some tens of cm2/Vs. The width of the π-bonded molecular core in the direction perpendicular to the transport plane is identified as a structural feature affecting mobility in two-dimensional organic semiconductors.
High rate dry etching of InGaZnO by BCl3/O2 plasma
Authors: Park Wanjae , Whang Ki-Woong , Gwang Yoon Young , Hwan Kim Jeong , Rha Sang-Ho , Seong Hwang Cheol
Published: August 2011

This paper reports the results of the high-rate dry etching of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) at room temperature using BCl3/O2 plasma. We achieved an etch rate of 250 nm/min. We inferred from the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis that BOx or BOClx radicals generated from BCl3/O2 plasma cause the etching of the IGZO material. O2 initiates the etching of IGZO, and Ar removes nonvolatile byproducts from the surface during the etching process. Consequently, a smooth etched surface results when these gases are added to the etch gas.
Note: Design and construction of a simple and reliable printed circuit board-substrate Bradbury-Nielsen gate for ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Du Yongzhai , Cang Huaiwen , Wang Weiguo , Han Fenglei , Chen Chuang , Li Lin , Hou Keyong , Li Haiyang
Published: August 2011

A less laborious, structure-simple, and performance-reliable printed circuit board (PCB) based Bradbury-Nielsen gate for high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry was introduced and investigated. The gate substrate was manufactured using a PCB etching process with small holes (Φ 0.1 mm) drilled along the gold-plated copper lines. Two interdigitated sets of rigid stainless steel spring wire (Φ 0.1 mm) that stands high temperature and guarantees performance stability were threaded through the holes. Our homebuilt ion mobility spectrometer mounted with the gate gave results of about 40 for resolution while keeping a signal intensity of over 0.5 nano-amperes.
Self-polarizing terahertz liquid crystal phase shifter
Authors: Lin Xiao-wen , Wu Jing-bo , Hu Wei , Zheng Zhi-gang , Wu Zi-jian , Zhu Ge , Xu Fei , Jin Biao-bing , Lu Yan-qing
Published: August 2011

Using sub-wavelength metallic gratings as both transparent electrodes and broadband high-efficiency polarizers, a highly-compact self-polarizing phase shifter is demonstrated by electrically tuning the effective birefringence of a nematic liquid crystal cell. The metal grating polarizers ensure a good polarizing efficiency in the range of 0.2 to 2 THz. Phase shift of more than π/3 is achieved in a 256 μm-thick cell with a saturation root mean square voltage of around 130 V in this integrated device.
Generic bases for cluster algebras and the Chamber Ansatz
Authors: Geiß Christof , Leclerc Bernard , Schröer Jan
Published: August 2011

Let

Q
Q

be a finite quiver without oriented cycles, and let

Λ
\Lambda

be the corresponding preprojective algebra. Let

g

\mathfrak {g}

be the Kac-Moody Lie algebra with Cartan datum given by

Q
Q

, and let

W
W

be its Weyl group. With

w
∈
W

w \in W

, there is associated a unipotent cell

N
w

N^w

of the Kac-Moody group with Lie algebra

g

\mathfrak {g}

. In previous work we proved that the coordinate ring

C

[

N
w

]

\mathbb {C}[N^w]

of

N
w

N^w

is a cluster algebra in a natural way. A central role is played by generating functions

φ
X

\varphi _X

of Euler characteristics of certain varieties of partial composition series of

X
X

, where

X
X

runs through all modules in a Frobenius subcategory

C

w

\mathcal {C}_w

of the category of nilpotent

Λ
\Lambda

-modules. The first aim of this article is to compare the function

φ
X

\varphi _X

with the so-called cluster character of

X
X

, which is defined in terms of the Euler characteristics of quiver Grassmannians. We show that for every

X
X

in

C

w

\mathcal {C}_w

,

φ
X

\varphi _X

coincides, after an appropriate change of variables, with the cluster character of Fu and Keller associated with

X
X

using any cluster-tilting object

T
T

of

C

w

\mathcal {C}_w

. A crucial ingredient of the proof is the construction of an isomorphism between varieties of partial composition series of

X
X

and certain quiver Grassmannians. This isomorphism is obtained in a very general setup and should be of interest in itself. Another important tool of the proof is a representation-theoretic version of the Chamber Ansatz of Berenstein, Fomin and Zelevinsky, adapted to Kac-Moody groups. As an application, we get a new description of a generic basis of the cluster algebra

A

(

Γ
_

T

)

\mathcal {A}(\underline {\Gamma }_T)

obtained from

C

[

N
w

]

\mathcal {C}[N^w]

via specialization of coefficients to 1. Here generic refers to the representation varieties of a quiver potential arising from the cluster-tilting module

T
T

. For the special case of coefficient-free acyclic cluster algebras this proves a conjecture by Dupont.
Exome sequencing-based copy-number variation and loss of heterozygosity detection: ExomeCNV
Authors: Sathirapongsasuti Jarupon Fah , Lee Hane , Horst Basil A. J. , Brunner Georg , Cochran Alistair J. , Binder Scott , Quackenbush John , Nelson Stanley F.
Published: August 2011

Motivation: The ability to detect copy-number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) from exome sequencing data extends the utility of this powerful approach that has mainly been used for point or small insertion/deletion detection.

Results: We present ExomeCNV, a statistical method to detect CNV and LOH using depth-of-coverage and B-allele frequencies, from mapped short sequence reads, and we assess both the method's power and the effects of confounding variables. We apply our method to a cancer exome resequencing dataset. As expected, accuracy and resolution are dependent on depth-of-coverage and capture probe design.

Availability: CRAN package ‘ExomeCNV’.

Contact:  fsathira@fas.harvard.edu; snelson@ucla.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Role of the 4-Phosphopantetheinyl Transferase of Trichoderma virens in Secondary Metabolism and Induction of Plant Defense Responses
Authors: Velázquez-Robledo R. , Contreras-Cornejo H. A. , Macías-Rodríguez L. , Hernández-Morales A. , Aguirre J. , Casas-Flores S. , López-Bucio J. , Herrera-Estrella A.
Published: August 2011

Trichoderma virens is a ubiquitous soil fungus successfully used in biological control due to its efficient colonization of plant roots. In fungi, 4-phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases) activate enzymes involved in primary and secondary metabolism. Therefore, we cloned the PPTase gene ppt1 from T. virens and generated PPTase-deficient (Δppt1) and overexpressing strains to investigate the role of this enzyme in biocontrol and induction of plant defense responses. The Δppt1 mutants were auxotrophic for lysine, produced nonpigmented conidia, and were unable to synthesize nonribosomal peptides. Although spore germination was severely compromised under both low and high iron availability, mycelial growth occurred faster than the wild type, and the mutants were able to efficiently colonize plant roots. The Δppt1 mutants were unable of inhibiting growth of phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings co-cultivated with wild-type T. virens showed increased expression of pPr1a:uidA and pLox2:uidA markers, which correlated with enhanced accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid, camalexin, and resistance to Botrytis cinerea. Co-cultivation of A. thaliana seedlings with Δppt1 mutants compromised the SA and camalexin responses, resulting in decreased protection against the pathogen. Our data reveal an important role of T. virens PPT1 in antibiosis and induction of SA and camalexin-dependent plant defense responses.
Reevaluation of Host Specificity of the Closely Related Species Pseudoperonospora humuli and P. cubensis
Authors: Runge Fabian , Thines Marco
Published: August 2011

Pseudoperonospora cubensis causes some of the most devastating diseases of cucurbitaceous crops, while P. humuli is an important pathogen of hop (Cannabaceae). Although parasitic to different Angiosperm orders, these pathogens are highly similar, both in morphology and based on molecular comparisons. Considering the close relationship of P. humuli and P. cubensis, it was hypothesized that cross infectivity of the pathogens between their optimum hosts might be possible. Two strains of P. humuli and one of P. cubensis used in this study were able to reproduce on the two wild cucurbit relatives Bryonia dioica and Sicyos angulatus. Interestingly, limited infectivity of the P. cubensis strain to hop was also observed, and the P. humuli strain was also able to infest Cucumis sativus. The cross infections were verified by comparing the nuclear ribosomal-internal transcribed spacer sequences of newly produced sporangiophores from the different hosts. Morphologically the two pathogens could be distinguished by statistical analyses on their original hosts but these differences diminished on some alternate hosts. The ability of P. cubensis to infest the perennial Bryonia dioica and Humulus lupulus might offer a limited possibility for overwintering in temperate regions and needs to be evaluated in future studies. The ability of P. humuli to complete its life cycle on all the tested cucurbits provides evidence that the host jump across orders may continue and points to the high virulence potential of this pathogen.
Botrytis pseudocinerea, a New Cryptic Species Causing Gray Mold in French Vineyards in Sympatry withBotrytis cinerea
Authors: Walker Anne-Sophie , Gautier Angélique , Confais Johann , Martinho Daniel , Viaud Muriel , Le Pêcheur Pascal , Dupont Joelle , Fournier Elisabeth
Published: August 2011

Botrytis cinerea is a major crop pathogen infesting >220 hosts worldwide. A cryptic species has been identified in some French populations but the new species, B. pseudocinerea, has not been fully delimited and established. The aim of this study was to distinguish between the two species, using phylogenetic, biological, morphological, and ecological criteria. Multiple gene genealogies confirmed that the two species belonged to different, well-supported phylogenetic clades. None of the morphological criteria tested (spore size, germination rate, or mycelial growth) was able to discriminate between these two species. Sexual crosses between individuals from the same species and different species were carried out. Only crosses between individuals from the same species were successful. Moreover, population genetics analysis revealed a high level of diversity within each species and a lack of gene flow between them. Finally, a population survey over time showed that B. cinerea was the predominant species but that B. pseudocinerea was more abundant in spring, on floral debris. This observation could not be explained by temperature adaptation in tests carried out in vitro or by aggressiveness on tomato or bean leaves. This study clearly establishes that B. cinerea and B. pseudocinerea constitute a complex of two cryptic species living in sympatry on several hosts, including grapevine and blackberry. We propose several biological or molecular tools for unambiguous differentiation between the two species. B. pseudocinerea probably makes a negligible contribution to gray mold epidemics on grapevine. This new species has been deposited in the MycoBank international database.
X- and Y-chromosome linked paternal effects on a life-history trait
Authors: Friberg Urban , Stewart Andrew D. , Rice William R.
Published: August 2011

Males and females usually invest asymmetrically in offspring. In species lacking parental care, females influence offspring in many ways, while males only contribute genetic material via their sperm. For this reason, maternal effects have long been considered an important source of phenotypic variation, while paternal effects have been presumed to be absent or negligible. The recent surge of studies showing trans-generational epigenetic effects questions this assumption, and indicates that paternal effects may be far more important than previously appreciated. Here, we test for sex-linked paternal effects in
Drosophila melanogaster
on a life-history trait, and find substantial support for both X- and Y-linked effects.
Multi-scale computational models of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: genotype to phenotype
Authors: Campbell Stuart G. , McCulloch Andrew D.
Published: August 2011

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is an inherited disorder affecting roughly one in 500 people. Its hallmark is abnormal thickening of the ventricular wall, leading to serious complications that include heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Treatment is complicated by variation in the severity, symptoms and risks for sudden death within the patient population. Nearly all of the genetic lesions associated with FHC occur in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins, indicating that defects in cardiac muscle contraction underlie the condition. Detailed biophysical data are increasingly available for computational analyses that could be used to predict heart phenotypes based on genotype. These models must integrate the dynamic processes occurring in cardiac cells with properties of myocardial tissue, heart geometry and haemodynamic load in order to predict strain and stress in the ventricular walls and overall pump function. Recent advances have increased the biophysical detail in these models at the myofilament level, which will allow properties of FHC-linked mutant proteins to be accurately represented in simulations of whole heart function. The short-term impact of these models will be detailed descriptions of contractile dysfunction and altered myocardial strain patterns at the earliest stages of the disease—predictions that could be validated in genetically modified animals. Long term, these multi-scale models have the potential to improve clinical management of FHC through genotype-based risk stratification and personalized therapy.
Narrowing down the critical region within env gene for determining neuropathogenicity of murine leukemia virus A8
Authors: Seki Yohei , Hirano Naoki , Mizukura Misaho , Watanabe Rihito , Takase‐Yoden Sayaka
Published: August 2011

Friend murine leukemia virus clone A8 causes spongiform neurodegeneration in the rat brain, and the env gene of A8 is a primary determinant of neuropathogenicity. In order to narrow down the critical region within the env gene that determines neuropathogenicity, we constructed chimeric viruses having chimeric env between A8 and non‐neuropathogenic 57 on the background of A8 virus. After replacement of the BamHI (at nucleotide 5715)‐AgeI (at nucleotide 6322) fragment of A8 virus with the corresponding fragment of 57, neuropathogenicity was lost. In contrast, the chimeric viruses that have the BamHI (5715)‐AgeI (6322) fragment of A8 induced spongiosis in 100% of infected rats at the same or slightly lower intensity than A8 virus. These results indicate that the BamHI (5715)‐AgeI (6322) fragment of A8, which contains the signal sequence and the N‐terminal half of RBD, is crucial for the induction of spongiform neurodegeneration. In the BamHI (5715)‐AgeI (6322) fragment, seven amino acids differed between A8 and 57, one in the signal sequence and six in RBD, which suggests that these amino acids significantly contribute to the neuropathogenicity of A8.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae induces interleukin‐8 production via the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway
Authors: Arae Ken , Hirata Masako , Kurata Satoshi , Kamiya Shigeru , Taguchi Haruhiko
Published: August 2011

In mycoplasmal pneumonia, the bronchi are histopathologically filled with polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The EGFR pathway is involved in IL‐8 production. We investigated the contribution of the EGFR pathway to IL‐8 production by bronchial epithelial cells (A549) stimulated with Mp‐Ag. The IL‐8 production by A549 cells stimulated with Mp‐Ag was decreased by the addition of an EGFR kinase inhibitor or transfection with small interfering RNA against EGFR. The levels of epiregulin mRNA in A549 cells were increased by stimulation with Mp‐Ag. In conclusion, the EFGR pathway participates in IL‐8 production by bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with Mp‐Ag.
Impact of early weight loss on growth of Caesarean delivered babies: how long does it last?
Authors: Bakar F. T. , Ozen A. , Karatepe H. Ö. , Berber M. , Ercan H.
Published: August 2011

Background  We hypothesized that Caesarean delivered babies might experience excessive weight loss during neonatal period.

Aim  To investigate amount of weight loss among Caesarean delivered babies with exclusive breastfeeding and to identify role of relative weight change (RWC) in early postnatal period on the growth of infants in subsequent months.

Methods  We studied healthy infants born ≥36 completed weeks, by Caesarean section between September 2008 and August 2009, with Apgar scores >7. Weight measurements were performed at birth, at 24 h postpartum and at days 2, 4, 7, 14, 30 and monthly up to 6 months. Predictive roles of RWC at each assessment on detecting excessive weight loss and poor weight gain in 1st month, as well as bodyweight z scores in subsequent months were assessed.

Results  We studied 160 infants (88 female, 72 male) with a mean gestational age of 38.01 ± 1 weeks and birthweight of 3239 ± 421 g. Overall, 22.5% of infants lost >10% of birthweight; 11.9% at day 2, 16.9% at day 4 and 6.6% at day 7. Degree of weight loss was not related with parity, gestational age, birthweight or type of anaesthesia. Predictive values of RWCs in detecting poor weight gain in 0–30 days were: 2nd day; limit =−9.4%, specificity = 91.5%, 4th day; limit =−10.2%, specificity = 89.4%, 7th day; limit =−6.3%, specificity = 85%, sensitivity = 78%, 14th day; limit =+0.8%, specificity = 91.5%, sensitivity = 83.3%. Adjusting for birthweight z scores, RWC at 14th day had a significant influence on 1st and 2nd month bodyweight z scores. Bodyweight z scores were significantly correlated with the z scores of bodyweight in 1–5 months but not with that of 6 months.

Conclusion  Incidence of excessive weight loss is very high among Caesarean delivered babies. RWC at earlier measurements proves satisfactory in predicting poor infant growth. Management strategies based on identifying infants at risk could prevent excessive weight loss and improve future growth of those infants.
An engineeredPlasmodium falciparumC-terminal 19-kilodalton merozoite surface protein 1 vaccine candidate induces high levels of interferon-gamma production associated with cellular immune responses to specific peptide sequences in Gambian adults naturally exposed to malaria
Authors: Bisseye C , Yindom L M , Simporé J , Morgan W D , Holder A A , Ismaili J
Published: August 2011

The 19-kDa C-terminal region of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119), a major blood stage malaria vaccine candidate, is the target of cellular and humoral immune responses in humans naturally infected with Plasmodium falciparum. We have previously described engineered variants of this protein, designed to be better vaccine candidates, but the human immune response to these proteins has not been characterized fully. Here we have investigated the antigenicity of one such variant compared to wild-type MSP119-derived protein and peptides. Gambian adults produced both high T helper type 1 (Th1) [interferon (IFN)-γ] and Th0/Th2 [interleukin (IL)-13 and sCD30] responses to the wild-type MSP119 and the modified protein as wells as to peptides derived from both forms. Response to the modified MSP119 (with three amino acid substitutions: Glu27Tyr, Leu31Arg and Glu43Leu) relative to the wild-type, included higher IFN-γ production. Interestingly, some peptides evoked different patterns of cytokine responses. Modified peptides induced higher IL-13 production than the wild-type, while the conserved peptides P16 and P19 induced the highest IFN-γ and IL-13 and/or sCD30 release, respectively. We identified P16 as the immunodominant peptide that was recognized by cells from 63% of the study population, and not restricted to any particular human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) type. These findings provide new and very useful information for future vaccine development and formulation as well as potential Th1/Th2 immunmodulation using either wild-type or modified protein in combination with their peptides.
Translational Mini-Review Series on B cell subsets in disease. Reconstitution after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation – revelation of B cell developmental pathways and lineage phenotypes
Authors: Bemark M , Holmqvist J , Abrahamsson J , Mellgren K
Published: August 2011

OTHER ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN THIS MINI-REVIEW SERIES ON B CELL SUBSETS IN DISEASE

B cells in multiple sclerosis: drivers of disease pathogenesis and Trojan horse for Epstein—Barr virus entry to the central nervous system? Clinical and Experimental Immunology 2012, 167: 1–6. Transitional B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome: clinical implications and effects of B cell-targeted therapies. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 2012, 167: 7–14.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an immunological treatment that has been used for more than 40 years to cure a variety of diseases. The procedure is associated with serious side effects, due to the severe impairment of the immune system induced by the treatment. After a conditioning regimen with high-dose chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with total body irradiation, haematopoietic stem cells are transferred from a donor, allowing a donor-derived blood system to form. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of humoral problems and B cell development after HSCT, and relate these to the current understanding of human peripheral B cell development. We describe how these studies have aided the identification of subsets of transitional B cells and also a robust memory B cell phenotype.
Revision of the chrysomeline genera Potaninia, Suinzona and Taipinus (Coleoptera) from eastern Asia, with a biogeographic scenario for the Hengduan mountain region in south‐western China
Authors: GE SI‐QIN , DACCORDI MAURO , BEUTEL ROLF GEORG , LI WEN‐ZHU , YANG XING‐KE
Published: August 2011

The eastern Asian leaf beetle genera Potaninia Weise, Taipinus Lopatin and Suinzona Chen (Entomoscelina) are revised. A cladistic analysis, a key to the species, a generic redescription, descriptions of new species and distributional records are provided. The analysis of 44 exoskeletal and genitalic characters and one character of the altitudinal distribution suggests a clade comprising all three genera, a clade including Suinzona and Taipinus, the monophyly of the latter genus and a clade comprising 20 species of Suinzona occurring in high altitudes in the Hengduan Mountain region. The three species of Suinzona occurring at lower altitudes (S. yunnana, S. laboissierei and S. monticola) are isolated from this successful lineage. The strict consensus tree of the initial analysis is not well resolved, but only one tree was obtained after applying the successive reweighting option (in paup). This analysis suggests that Taipinus may be nested within Suinzona, which would imply paraphyly of the latter genus as it is presently defined. Nevertheless, considering the results of the initial analysis and the apparent instability of the phylogenetic results based on morphological data alone, we decided to maintain the generic rank of Taipinus at this stage. Eighteen new species from China are described and illustrated: Suinzona bergealisp.n., Suinzona bienkowskii sp.n., Suinzona chenisp.n., Suinzona cuiaesp.n.,Suinzona faldermannisp.n., Suinzona geblerisp.n., Suinzona jacobsonisp.n., Suinzona konstantinovisp.n., Suinzona lopatinisp.n., Suinzona medvedevisp.n., Suinzona menetriesisp.n., Suinzona mikhailovisp.n., Suinzona motschulskyisp.n., Suinzona ogloblinisp.n., Suinzona pallasisp.n., Taipinus convexussp.n., Taipinus elatussp.n. and Taipinus globosussp.n. Six described species are transferred from Oreomela Jacobson to Suinzona Chen: Suinzona belousovi (Lopatin) comb.n., Suinzona potanini (Lopatin) comb.n., Suinzona parva (Lopatin) comb.n., Suinzona wangi (Lopatin) comb.n., Suinzona yangi (Lopatin) comb.n. and Suinzona yunnana (Lopatin) comb.n. A biogeographic scenario for the genera is discussed. Whereas S. yunnana, S. laboissierei, S. monticola and the species of Taipinus are restricted to relatively low mountains, a major radiation of a clade within Suinzona took place in the Hengduan Mountain region above 3300 m a.s.l., which is presently the centre of diversity of the genus. These species are flightless and show a preference for scree slopes and rock crevices.
RUNX2 expression in developing human bones and various bone tumors
Authors: Sugawara Masato , Kato Noriko , Tsuchiya Takashi , Motoyama Teiichi
Published: August 2011

The heterozygous germline mutation of runt‐related protein 2 (RUNX2) causes cleidocranial dysplasia. To clarify the involvement of RUNX2 in human osteogenesis, fetal bones and various bone tumors were immunohistochemically examined. During both membranous and endochondral ossification in the fetus (n= 8), RUNX2 was expressed not only in osteoblastic cells but also in surrounding mesenchymal cells and early stage chondrocytes. Such an expression pattern was recapitulated in bone tumors: RUNX2 was unequivocally expressed in osteosarcoma (n= 20) and fibrous dysplasia (n= 10), regardless of the site of occurrence, cell morphology or amount of neoplastic osteoid. RUNX2 expression was limited to less differentiated cells in chondrogenic tumors (n= 20). We further analyzed whether RUNX2 expression was regulated by bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), which is critical for osteoblastic differentiation. With real‐time polymerase chain reaction, the RUNX2 mRNA level was correlated with BMP‐2 mRNA level, and both levels were significantly higher in three osteosarcoma cell lines than in three chondrosarcoma cell lines. With treatment of recombinant BMP‐2, the RUNX2 mRNA level was significantly altered in these cell lines. RUNX2 expression is constitutive in developing and neoplastic human osteogenesis, and is most likely to be regulated by BMP‐2.
What is a safe distal resection margin in rectal cancer patients treated by low anterior resection without preoperative radiotherapy?
Authors: Bernstein T. E. , Endreseth B. H. , Romundstad P. , Wibe A. ,   on behalf of the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry
Published: August 2011

Aim  The aim of this study was to examine what constitutes an acceptable distal resection margin (DRM) when performing sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer without preoperative radiotherapy.

Method  This national study consisted of 3571 patients for whom information on DRM was available and who were radically treated by anterior resection between 1993 and 2004. Of these, 3342 (93.5%) patients had not received preoperative radiotherapy. The DRM was measured on fixed specimens.

Results  The 5‐year local recurrence rate was 14.5% for patients with a DRM of 0–10 mm compared to 9.6% for patients with a DRM of 11–20 mm, 8.9% for a DRM of 21–30 mm, 7.0% for a DRM of 31–40 mm, 7.7% for a DRM of 41–50 mm and 8.7% for a DRM of > 50 mm. After adjustment for other independent prognostic factors, a DRM of 0–10 mm was found to have significant impact on local recurrence. The DRM had no impact on distant metastases or overall survival.

Conclusion  For rectal cancer patients treated without radiotherapy, a DRM of > 10 mm is recommended.
WEBER AND KAFKA: THE RATIONAL AND THE ENIGMATIC BUREAUCRACY
Authors: BECK JØRGENSEN TORBEN
Published: August 2011

Max Weber's and Franz Kafka's respective understandings of bureaucracy are as different as night and day. Yet, Kafka's novel The Castle is best read with Max Weber at hand. In fact, Kafka relates systematically to all the dimensions in Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy and give us a much‐contemplated parody, almost a counter‐punctual ideal type, based on four key observations: bureaucratic excesses unfold in time and space; a ‘no error’ ideology generates inescapable dilemmas; inscrutability is a life condition in bureaucracy; civil servants end up walking on the spot, just like the figures in Escher's painting: Ascending and Descending. Nevertheless, Weber and Kafka can both be right. While Kafka looks at the bureaucratic phenomenon through persons who are marginalized, Weber's perspective is historic‐comparative and top‐down. Are the observations of the one more correct than the other? The question is meaningless. As two opposite poles, Weber and Kafka ‘magnetize’ each other.