bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equalized Electronegativity Based on the Valence Electrons and Its Application
Authors: Wu Ya-xin , Cao Chen-zhong , Yuan Hua
Published: March 2011

We take the contribution of all valence electrons into consideration and propose a new valence electrons equilibration method to calculate the equalized electronegativity including molecular electronegativity, group electronegativity, and atomic charge. The ionization potential of alkanes and mono-substituted alkanes, the chemical shift of 1H NMR, and the gas phase proton affinity of aliphatic amines, alcohols, and ethers were estimated. All the expressions have good correlations. Moreover, the Sanderson method and Bratsch method were modified on the basis of the valence electrons equilibration theory. The modified Sanderson method and modified Bratsch method are more effective than their original methods to estimate these properties.
Crossed Beams Study on the Dynamics of Cl Atom Reaction with Silane
Authors: Xiao Chong-fa , Shen Guan-lin , Wang Xiu-yan , Yang Xue-ming
Published: March 2011

The dynamics of the Cl+SiH4 reaction has been studied using the universal crossed molecular beam method. Angular resolved time-of-flight spectra have been measured for the channel SiH3Cl+H. Product angular distributions as well as energy distributions in the center-of-mass frame were determined for the channel. Experimental results show that the SiH3Cl product is mainly backward scattered relative to the Cl atom beam direction, suggesting that the channel takes place via a typical SN2 type reaction mechanism.
High Brightness Blue Luminescent Material with Hole-Transporting Ability of 9-(pyren-1-yl)-9H-Carbazole
Authors: Ouyang Xin-hua , Zeng He-ping
Published: March 2011

A novel bifunctional blue-light material, 9-(pyren-1-yl)-9H-carbazole (CzPy), has been synthesized and its structure is identified by electron ionization mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, and element analysis. The absorption, photoluminescence spectra and thermal properties were studied, results showed that CzPy was stable under ambient conditions with a blue-light emission (461 nm). Additionally, its electroluminescence properties were characterized with four different devices. Results indicated a maximum luminous efficiency reached 1.56 cd/A and maximum luminance up to 3526 cd/m2 at 10 V with commission international De L' Eclairage coordinates of (0.20, 0.24) when it was used as emitter. Furthermore, CzPy also indicated hole-transporting ability.
Energy Stabilities, Magnetic Properties, and Electronic Structures of Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Zn1−xMnxS(001) Thin Films
Authors: Li Dan , Li Lei , Liang Chun-jun , Niu Yuan
Published: March 2011

We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the diluted magnetic semiconductors Zn1−xMnxS(001) thin films with different Mn doping concentrations using the total energy density functional theory. The energy stability and density of states of a single Mn atom and two Mn atoms at various doped configurations and different magnetic coupling state were calculated. Different doping configurations have different degrees of p-d hybridization, and because Mn atoms are located in different crystal-field environment, the 3d projected densities of states peak splitting of different Mn doping configurations are quite different. In the two Mn atoms doped, the calculated ground states of three kinds of stable configurations are anti-ferromagnetic state. We analyzed the 3d density of states diagram of three kinds of energy stability configurations with the two Mn atoms in different magnetic coupling state. When the two Mn atoms are ferromagnetic coupling, due to d-d electron interactions, density of states of anti-bonding state have significant broadening peaks. As the concentration of Mn atoms increases, there is a tendency for Mn atoms to form nearest neighbors and cluster around S. For such these configurations, the antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn atoms is energetically more favorable.
Synthesis and Luminescence Property of Hierarchical Europium Oxalate Micropaticles
Authors: Zhu Wei , Zhang You-jin , He Hong-mei , Fang Zhi-yong
Published: March 2011

Hierarchical europium oxalate Eu2(C2O4)3·10H2O micro-particles were synthesized through a simple precipitation method at room temperature in present of trisodium citrate. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. The possible formation mechanism of the hierarchical europium oxalate Eu2(C2O4)3·10H2O micro-particles was discussed.
Oxidative Coupling of Methane over Li/MgO: Catalyst and Nanocatalyst Performance
Authors: Farsi Ali , Moradi Ali , Ghader Sattar , Shadravan Vahid
Published: March 2011

The Li/MgO catalyst and nanocatalyst were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation and sol-gel method, respectively. The catalytic performance of the Li/MgO catalyst and nanocatalyst on oxidative coupling of methane was compared. The catalysts prepared in two ways were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface and transmission electron microscope. The catalyst was tested at temperature of 973–1073 K with constant total pressure of 101 kPa. Experimental results showed that Li/MgO nanocatalyst in the oxidative coupling of methane would result in higher conversion of methane, higher selectivity, and higher yield of main products (ethane and ethylene) compared to ordinary catalyst. The results show the improved influence of nanoscale Li/MgO catalyst performance on oxidative coupling of methane.
Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy of PH2 Radical in 465–555 nm
Authors: Zhao Dong-feng , Qin Cheng-bing , Zhang Qun , Chen Yang
Published: March 2011

Absorption spectra of jet-cooled PH2 radicals were recorded in the wavelength range of 465–555 nm using cavity ringdown spectroscopy. The PH2 radicals were produced in a supersonic jet by pulsed direct current discharge of a mixture of PH3 and SF6 in argon. Seven vibronic bands with fine rotational structures have been observed and assigned as 000, 2n0, and 2n1 (n = 1–3) bands of the Ã2A1−X̃2B1 electronic transition. Rotational assignments and rotational term values for each band were re-identified, and the molecular parameters including rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants, and spin-rotation interaction constants were also improved with reasonably high precision. In addition, large perturbations observed in each quantum number of total angular momentum of the a axis level of the excited vibronic states were briefly discussed.
Synthesis of Various Metal/TiO2 Core/shell Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Guan-zhong , Hong Xun , Shen Xiao-shuang
Published: March 2011

We present a general approach to fabricate metal/TiO2 core/shell nanorod structures by two-step electrodeposition. Firstly, TiO2 nanotubes with uniform wall thickness are prepared in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes by electrodeposition. The wall thickness of the nanotubes could be easily controlled by modulating the deposition time, and their outer diameter and length are only limited by the channel diameter and the thickness of the AAO membranes, respectively. The nanotubes' tops prepared by this method are open, while the bottoms are connected directly with the Au film at the back of the AAO membranes. Secondly, Pd, Cu, and Fe elements are filled into the TiO2 nanotubes to form core/shell structures. The core/shell nanorods prepared by this two-step process are high density and free-standing, and their length is dependent on the deposition time.
Growth and isoperimetric profile of planar graphs
Authors: Benjamini Itai , Papasoglu Panos
Published: March 2011

Let

Γ
\Gamma

be a planar graph such that the volume function of

Γ
\Gamma

satisfies

V
(
2
n
)
≤
C
V
(
n
)

V(2n)\leq CV(n)

for some constant

C
>
0

C>0

. Then for every vertex

v
v

of

Γ
\Gamma

and

n
∈

N

n\in \mathbb N

, there is a domain

Ω
\Omega

such that

B
(
v
,
n
)
⊂
Ω

B(v,n)\subset \Omega

,

∂
Ω
⊂
B
(
v
,
6
n
)

\partial \Omega \subset B(v, 6n)

and

|

∂
Ω

|

≾
n

|\partial \Omega | \precsim n

.
Connexin 43 connexon to gap junction transition is regulated by zonula occludens-1
Authors: Rhett J. Matthew , Jourdan Jane , Gourdie Robert G.
Published: March 2011

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction (GJ) protein widely expressed in mammalian tissues that mediates cell-to-cell coupling. Intercellular channels comprising GJ aggregates form from docking of paired connexons, with one each contributed by apposing cells. Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) binds the carboxy terminus of Cx43, and we have previously shown that inhibition of the Cx43/ZO-1 interaction increases GJ size by 48 h. Here we demonstrated that increases in GJ aggregation occur within 2 h (∼Cx43 half-life) following disruption of Cx43/ZO-1. Immunoprecipitation and Duolink protein–protein interaction assays indicated that inhibition targets ZO-1 binding with Cx43 in GJs as well as connexons in an adjacent domain that we term the “perinexus.” Consistent with GJ size increases being matched by decreases in connexons, inhibition of Cx43/ZO-1 reduced the extent of perinexal interaction, increased the proportion of connexons docked in GJs relative to undocked connexons in the plasma membrane, and increased GJ intercellular communication while concomitantly decreasing hemichannel-mediated membrane permeance in contacting, but not noncontacting, cells. ZO-1 small interfering RNA and overexpression experiments verified that loss and gain of ZO-1 function govern the transition of connexons into GJs. It is concluded that ZO-1 regulates the rate of undocked connexon aggregation into GJs, enabling dynamic partitioning of Cx43 channel function between junctional and proximal nonjunctional domains of plasma membrane.
Clostridium difficile Infection and Treatment in the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Population
Authors: Mezoff Ethan , Mann Elizabeth A , Hart Kim Ward , Lindsell Christopher J , Cohen Mitchell B
Published: March 2011

Objective:

Recent changes in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection include an increase in the incidence of C difficile–associated disease (CDAD) and the identification of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as a group at risk. In addition, the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies has been questioned. Our aim was to estimate the incidence of CDAD in a pediatric IBD population and review treatment efficacy.

Patients and Methods:

We identified patients ages 18 years or younger from our center's IBD database who tested positive for C difficile toxin A and/or B between August 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. Demographic information and treatment details were recorded. Chi‐square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare categorical variables and the Student t test was used for continuous variables.

Results:

From 372 pediatric patients with IBD, we identified 29 patients who experienced a total of 40 cases of CDAD. The annualized incidence rate of CDAD was 7.2%. Initial treatment was successful in 17 cases (43%). Eventual success was documented with metronidazole in 15 cases (41%), with vancomycin in 16 cases (43%), and with other agents or a combination of agents in 6 cases (16%). Age, sex, and IBD type were not associated with initial treatment outcome or recurrence. The choice of initial antimicrobial treatment was not associated with treatment outcome. The type of IBD therapy medication was not associated with the likelihood of CDAD recurrence, although the use of anti‐inflammatory therapy was positively associated with initial antimicrobial treatment success.

Conclusions:

CDAD occurred frequently in our cohort of pediatric patients with IBD. Antimicrobial treatment success was achieved equally with either metronidazole or vancomycin. Initial treatment failed more than half of the time, regardless of medication choice. Apparent lack of antimicrobial efficacy in resolving symptoms may reflect resistant C difficile infection or increased IBD severity in a subset of patients who are C difficile carriers. Awareness of the potential for a high incidence of CDAD and frequent failure rate of initial therapy is important in the management of children with IBD.
New Effective Treatment Regimen for Children Infected With a Double‐resistant Helicobacter pylori Strain
Authors: Schwarzer A , Urruzuno P , Iwańczak B , Martínez‐Gómez MZ , Kalach N , Roma‐Giannikou E , Liptay S , Bontem P , Buderus S , Wenzl TG , Koletzko S ,   ESPGHAN Working Group on Helicobacter pylori Infection
Published: March 2011

Background:

The increasing number of pediatric patients infected with multiresistant Helicobacter pylori strains calls for evaluation of treatment regimens. Second‐line antibiotics such as tetracycline or quinolones are not licensed for children. Because in vivo resistance to metronidazole may be overcome in vivo by a high dose and prolonged intake, we evaluated the eradication rate and side effects of a high‐dose triple therapy in pediatric patients with culture‐proven double resistance.

Patients and Methods:

In this open multicentre trial, 62 children (<18 years, body weight >15 kg) infected with an H pylori strain resistant to metronidazole and clarithromycin were treated according to body weight classes with amoxicillin (∼75 mg/kg/day), metronidazole (∼25 mg/kg/day) and esomeprazole (∼1.5 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Adherence and adverse events were assessed by a 2‐week diary and telephone interviews at days 7 and 14 of treatment. Primary outcome was a negative 13C‐urea breath test after 6 weeks.

Results:

Of 62 patients, 5 were lost to follow‐up, 12 were nonadherent, and 45 treated per protocol. Eradication rates were 66% (41/62) [confidence interval 54–78] (intention to treat) and 73% (33/45) [confidence interval 60–86] (per protocol). Success of treatment was not related to dose per kilogram body weight. Mild to moderate adverse events were reported by 21 patients, including nausea (10.8%), diarrhoea (8.9%), vomiting (7.1%), abdominal pain (5.4%), and headache (3.6%), and led to discontinuation in 1 child.

Conclusion:

High‐dose amoxicillin, metronidazole, and esomeprazole for 2 weeks is a good treatment option in children infected with a double resistant H pylori strain.
Adiponectin, AFABP, and Leptin in Human Breast Milk During 12 Months of Lactation
Authors: Bronsky Jiri , Mitrova Katarina , Karpisek Michal , Mazoch Jiri , Durilova Marianna , Fisarkova Barbora , Stechova Katerina , Prusa Richard , Nevoral Jiri
Published: March 2011

Objectives:

Adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP), and leptin have been shown to be present in human breast milk (BM). We determined intraindividual changes of BM levels of these proteins during 12 months of lactation.

Subjects and Methods:

Proteins were measured using a high‐sensitivity enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method in 72 healthy mothers after delivery (day 0, D0) and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of lactation.

Results:

Adiponectin levels in BM on D0 were 22.8 ± 0.8 (mean ± standard error of the mean), in 1 month (M1) 22.0 ± 0.6, in 3 months (M3) 20.5 ± 0.6, in 6 months (M6) 21.4 ± 0.8, and in 12 months (M12) 25.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL. AFABP levels were 12.3 ± 2.0, 6.2 ± 1.3, 1.3 ± 0.2, 2.5 ± 1.0, and 4.6 ± 1.9 ng/mL, respectively. Leptin levels were 0.3 ± 0.04, 0.2 ± 0.03, 0.1 ± 0.01, 0.1 ± 0.02, and 0.2 ± 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. We found significantly higher levels of adiponectin in M12 in comparison to M3 and M6 (P = 0.0026), higher levels of AFABP in D0 and M1 when compared with M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001), and higher levels of leptin on D0 than in M1, M3, M6, and M12 (P < 0.0001). AFABP levels correlated negatively with infants' body weight in M1, but there was no correlation throughout the lactation period between body weight and other proteins. We found positive correlation between adiponectin, AFABP, and leptin throughout the lactation.

Conclusions:

All of the hormones were detectable in BM up to 12 months of lactation, with decreasing trend until M3 and subsequent increase till M12. We speculate that higher levels in M6 and M12 may be caused by longer intervals between breast‐feeding due to the introduction of complementary food.
Prognostic Scoring Indices in Wilson Disease: A Case Series and Cautionary Tale
Authors: Fischer Ryan T , Soltys Kyle A , Squires Robert H , Jaffe Ronald , Mazariegos George V , Shneider Benjamin L
Published: March 2011

Objectives:

In children with acute presentations of Wilson disease (WD), liver transplantation may be the only effective therapy. The Wilson Index is a prognostic index used to determine the risk of death without transplant in WD. We sought to determine the accuracy of this system in our own patient population.

Patients and Methods:

The clinical course of patients diagnosed as having acute WD seen at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2003 and 2008 was reviewed.

Results:

Six patients were identified; their index scores ranged from 7 to 13, with 3 patients receiving a score predictive of death without transplantation (≥10). Of those 3, 1 underwent transplantation and 2 survived without transplant. The latter 2 have been removed from the transplant waitlist. In all, 5 patients were listed for transplantation, and 2 of the 5 received prioritized status 1A listing. Only 2 of the 5 patients went to transplantation, and neither was status 1A at the time of transplant.

Conclusions:

Prognostic scoring systems, although useful, may not be entirely accurate. Likewise, aggressive utilization of status 1 prioritization may result in unnecessary transplants and misallocation of a rare resource. However, deferring status 1 prioritization may yield an incomplete response to therapy and preclude lifesaving transplantation. Continued investigation of predictors of outcome in WD is necessary.
Long-term impairment of Streptococcus pneumoniae lung clearance is observed after initial infection with influenza A virus but not human metapneumovirus in mice
Authors: Ludewick Herbert P. , Aerts Laetitia , Hamelin Marie-Eve , Boivin Guy
Published: March 2011

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus responsible for respiratory tract infections in humans. Our objective was to investigate whether hMPV could predispose to long-term bacterial susceptibility, such as previously observed with influenza viruses. BALB/c mice were infected with hMPV or influenza A and, 14 days following viral infection, challenged withStreptococcus pneumoniae. Only mice previously infected with influenza A demonstrated an 8 % weight loss of their body weight 72 h followingS. pneumoniaeinfection, which correlated with an enhanced lung bacterial replication of >7 log10compared with pneumococcus infection alone. This enhanced bacterial replication was not related to altered macrophage or neutrophil recruitment or deficient production of critical cytokines. However, bacterial challenge induced the production of gamma interferon in bronchoalveolar lavages of influenza-infected mice, but not in those of hMPV-infected animals. In conclusion, hMPV does not cause long-term impairment of pneumococcus lung clearance, in contrast to influenza A virus.
NS1-mediated delay of type I interferon induction contributes to influenza A virulence in ferrets
Authors: Meunier Isabelle , von Messling Veronika
Published: March 2011

Interference of the influenza A virus non-structural protein NS1 with type I interferon (IFN) signalling has been characterized extensively in vitro. To assess the contribution of NS1 to the virulence of a specific strain, we generated recombinant USSR/90/77 viruses bearing the NS1 proteins of the attenuated strain PR/8/34 or the highly pathogenic strain 1918 ‘Spanish flu’, all belonging to the H1N1 subtype. In vitro, the extent of interference with type I IFN production exerted by the different NS1 proteins correlated with the reported virulence of the respective strain. Infection of ferrets with the recombinant viruses revealed that the presence of the 1918 NS1 resulted in a slightly more severe disease with generally higher clinical scores and increased lung pathology. Analysis of mRNA from nasal wash cells revealed that viruses carrying the 1918 and, to a lesser extent, USSR/90/77 NS1 proteins caused a delay in upregulation of type I IFNs compared with the NS1 PR/8/34-expressing virus, demonstrating the importance of NS1 for early host-response control and virulence.
Implementation of innovative attitudes and behaviour in primary health care by means of strategic communication: a 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Morténius Helena , Marklund Bertil , Palm Lars , Björkelund Cecilia , Baigi Amir
Published: March 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  To bridge the gap between theory and practice, methods are needed that promote a positive attitude to change among health care professionals and facilitate the incorporation of new research findings. In this context, communication plays a significant role. The aim of this study was to analyse primary care staff members' readiness to adopt new ways of thinking and willingness to change their work practices by means of strategic communication.

Method  An evaluative design was used to study a primary care staff cohort for 7 years. The study population comprised all primary care staff in a region of Sweden (n = 1206). The strategic communication encompassed managerial impact, planning and implementation of reflexive communication processes, in addition to activities in three established communication channels (oral, written and digital). A questionnaire was used, and bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed.

Results  A total of 846 individuals participated in the evaluation (70%). Strategic communication had a significant effect on staff members' new way of thinking (61%) and willingness to change daily work practices (33%). The communication channels had a significant synergy effect on the adoption of new ideas and willingness to change attitudes. Oral and digital communication had a significant impact on staff members' readiness to change.

Conclusions  Strategic communication plays an important role in the process of creating innovative attitudes and behaviour among primary care professionals. The willingness to change attitudes enhances primary care staff's readiness to change everyday practices, thus facilitating the implementation of evidence‐based care.
High‐value transitional care: translation of research into practice
Authors: Naylor Mary D. , Bowles Kathryn H. , McCauley Kathleen M. , Maccoy Maureen C. , Maislin Greg , Pauly Mark V. , Krakauer Randall
Published: March 2011

Objective  To evaluate the impact of translating into a large US health plan, the Transitional Care Model (TCM), an evidence‐based approach to address the needs of chronically ill older adults throughout acute episodes of illness.

Methods  A prospective, quasi‐experimental study of 172 at‐risk Aetna Medicare Advantage members in the mid‐Atlantic region who received the TCM. A baseline and post‐intervention (average of 2 months) comparison of enrolees' health status and quality of life was conducted. Member and physician satisfaction were assessed within 1 month post intervention. Health resource utilization and cost outcomes were compared to a matched control group of Aetna members at multiple intervals through 1 year.

Results  Improvements in all health status and quality of life measures were observed post‐ intervention compared to pre‐intervention. Among 155 stringently matched pairs, a significant decrease in number of re‐hospitalizations (45 vs. 60, P < 0.041) and total hospital days (252 vs. 351, P < 0.032) were observed at 3 months. Reductions in other utilization outcomes or time points were not statistically significant. The TCM was associated with a short‐term decrease of $439 per member per month in total health care costs at 3 months and cumulative per member savings of $2170 at 1 year (P < 0.037).

Conclusions  Findings demonstrate that a rigorously tested model of transitional care for chronically ill older adults can be successfully translated into a real‐world organization and achieve higher value.
Relationship between sleep and acid gastro‐oesophageal reflux in neonates
Authors: AMMARI MOHAMED , DJEDDI DJAMAL , LÉKÉ ANDRÉ , DELANAUD STÉPHANE , STÉPHAN‐BLANCHARD ERWAN , BACH VÉRONIQUE , TELLIEZ FRÉDÉRIC
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of gastro‐oesophageal acid reflux on sleep in neonates and, reciprocally, the influence of wakefulness (W) and sleep stages on the characteristics of the reflux (including the retrograde bolus migration of oesophageal acid contents). The pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance were measured during nocturnal polysomnography in 25 infants hospitalised for suspicion of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Two groups were constituted according to whether or not the infants displayed gastro‐oesophageal reflux (i.e. a reflux group and a control group). There were no differences between the reflux and control groups in terms of sleep duration, sleep structure and sleep state change frequency. Vigilance states significantly influenced the gastro‐oesophageal reflux pattern: the occurrence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux episodes was greater during W (59 ± 32%) and active sleep (AS; 35 ± 30%) than during quiet sleep (QS; 6 ± 11%), whereas the mean duration of gastro‐oesophageal reflux episodes was higher in QS than in W and AS. The percentage of retrograde bolus migrations of distal oesophageal acid content was significantly higher in AS (62 ± 26%) than in W (42 ± 26%) and QS (4.5 ± 9%). In neonates, gastro‐oesophageal reflux occurred more frequently during W, whereas the physiological changes associated with sleep state increase the physiopathological impact of the gastro‐oesophageal reflux. The duration of oesophagus–acid contact was greater during sleep; AS facilitated the retrograde migration of oesophageal acid content, and QS was characterised by the risk of prolonged acid mucosal contact.
Farming termites determine the genetic population structure ofTermitomycesfungal symbionts
Authors: NOBRE TÂNIA , FERNANDES CECÍLIA , BOOMSMA JACOBUS J. , KORB JUDITH , AANEN DUUR K.
Published: March 2011

Symbiotic interactions between macrotermitine termites and their fungal symbionts have a moderate degree of specificity. Consistent with horizontal symbiont transmission, host switching has been frequent over evolutionary time so that single termite species can often be associated with several fungal symbionts. However, even in the few termite lineages that secondarily adopted vertical symbiont transmission, the fungal symbionts are not monophyletic. We addressed this paradox by studying differential transmission of fungal symbionts by alate male and female reproductives, and the genetic population structure ofTermitomycesfungus gardens across 74 colonies ofMacrotermes bellicosusin four west and central African countries. We confirm earlier, more limited, studies showing that theTermitomycessymbionts ofM. bellicosusare normally transmitted vertically and clonally by dispersing males. We also document that the symbionts associated with this termite species belong to three main lineages that do not constitute a monophyletic group. The most common lineage occurs over the entire geographical region that we studied, including west, central and southern Africa, where it is also associated with the alternative termite hostsMacrotermes subhyalinusandMacrotermes natalensis. WhileTermitomycesassociated with these alternative hosts are horizontally transmitted and recombine freely, the genetic population structure of the sameTermitomycesassociated withM. bellicosusis consistent with predominantly clonal reproduction and only occasional recombination. This implies that the genetic population structure ofTermitomycesis controlled by the termite host and not by theTermitomycessymbiont.
Nitrate uptake along the maize primary root: an integrated physiological and molecular approach
Authors: SORGONÀ AGOSTINO , LUPINI ANTONIO , MERCATI FRANCESCO , DI DIO LUIGI , SUNSERI FRANCESCO , ABENAVOLI MARIA ROSA
Published: March 2011

The spatial variability of the nitrate (NO3‐) uptake along the maize primary root axis was investigated at physiological and molecular levels. Net NO3‐ uptake rate (NNUR) and its kinetic parameters, together with the gene expression of a high‐affinity NO3‐ transporter (NRT2.1), were evaluated. The activity and the expression of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase (PM H+‐ATPase), key enzyme in plant nutrition, were also analysed. The NNUR showed a heterogeneous spatial pattern along the root, where the regions closer to the root tip early exhibited higher capacity to absorb NO3‐ than the basal regions, because of a higher maximum NNUR and faster induction of the inducible high‐affinity transport system (iHATS), the presence of the high‐affinity transport system (HATS) also at external NO3‐ concentrations >100 µm and an improved NO3‐ transport because of lower Km values. ZmNRT2.1 transcript abundances were not spatially correlated with NNUR, suggesting that post‐translational effects or NAR2 protein co‐expression could be involved. By contrast, PM H+‐ATPase displayed a similar spatial–temporal pattern as that of nitrate uptake, resulting in higher activity in the root tip than in the basal regions. Increased activities of the enzyme after nitrate supply resulted in enhanced expression of MAH3 and MAH4, PM H+‐ATPase subfamily II genes, while MAH1 was not expressed.
Transpiration from shoots triggers diurnal changes in root aquaporin expression
Authors: SAKURAI‐ISHIKAWA JUNKO , MURAI‐HATANO MARI , HAYASHI HIDEHIRO , AHAMED ARIFA , FUKUSHI KEIKO , MATSUMOTO TADASHI , KITAGAWA YOSHICHIKA
Published: March 2011

Root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and aquaporin amounts change diurnally. Previously, these changes were considered to be spontaneously driven by a circadian rhythm. Here, we evaluated the new hypothesis that diurnal changes could be triggered and enhanced by transpirational demand from shoots. When rice plants were grown under a 12 h light/12 h dark regime, Lpr was low in the dark and high in the light period. Root aquaporin mRNA levels also changed diurnally, but the amplitudes differed among aquaporin isoforms. Aquaporins, such as OsPIP2;1, showed moderate changes, whereas root‐specific aquaporins, such as OsPIP2;5, showed temporal and dramatic induction around 2 h after light initiation. When darkness was extended for 12 h after the usual dark period, no such induction was observed. Furthermore, plants under 100% relative humidity (RH) showed no induction even in the presence of light. These results suggest that transpirational demand triggers a dramatic increase in gene expressions such as OsPIP2;5. Immunocytochemistry showed that OsPIP2;5 accumulated on the proximal end of the endodermis and of the cell surface around xylem. The strong induction by transpirational demand and the polar localization suggest that OsPIP2;5 contributes to fine adjustment of radial water transport in roots to sustain high Lpr during the day.
Stagnant deoxygenated growth enhances root suberization and lignifications, but differentially affects water and NaCl permeabilities in rice (Oryza sativa L.) roots
Authors: RANATHUNGE KOSALA , LIN JINXING , STEUDLE ERNST , SCHREIBER LUKAS
Published: March 2011

It has been shown that rice roots grown in a stagnant medium develop a tight barrier to radial oxygen loss (ROL), whereas aerated roots do not. This study investigated whether the induction of a barrier to ROL affects water and solute permeabilities. Growth in stagnant medium markedly reduced the root growth rate relative to aerated conditions. Histochemical studies revealed an early deposition of Casparian bands (CBs) and suberin lamellae (SL) in both the endodermis (EN) and exodermis, and accelerated lignification of stagnant roots. The absolute amounts of suberin, lignin and esterified aromatics (coumaric and ferulic acid) in these barriers were significantly higher in stagnant roots. However, correlative permeability studies revealed that early deposition of barriers in stagnant roots failed to reduce hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) below those of aerated roots. In contrast to Lpr, the NaCl permeability (Psr) of stagnant roots was markedly lower than that of aerated roots, as indicated by an increased reflection coefficient (σsr). In stagnant roots, Psr decreased by 60%, while σsr increased by 55%. The stagnant medium differentially affected the Lpr and Psr of roots, which can be explained in terms of the physical properties of the molecules used and the size of the pores in the apoplast.
Reduction–oxidation network for flexible adjustment of cellular metabolism in photoautotrophic cells
Authors: SCHEIBE RENATE , DIETZ KARL‐JOSEF
Published: March 2011

Photosynthesis generates the energy carriers NADPH and ATP to be consumed in assimilatory processes. Continuous energy conversion and optimal use of the available light energy are only guaranteed when all reduction–oxidation (redox) processes are tightly controlled. A robust network links metabolism with regulation and signalling. Information on the redox situation is generated and transferred by various redox components that are parts of this network. Any imbalance in the network is sensed, and the information is transmitted in order to elicit a response at the various levels of regulation and in the different cellular compartments. Redox information within the chloroplast is derived from intersystem electron transport, the ferredoxin‐NADP oxidoreductase (FNR)/NADPH branch of the redox network, the thioredoxin branch and from reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in a high diversity of responses that are able to adjust photosynthesis, as well as poising and antioxidant systems accordingly in each specific situation. Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) represents a central step in CO2 reduction and in carbohydrate oxidation involving both forms of energy, namely NAD(P)H and ATP, with its various isoforms that are located in plastids, cytosol and nucleus. GAPDH is used as an example to demonstrate complexity, flexibility and robustness of the regulatory redox network in plants.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius exfoliative toxin EXI selectively digests canine desmoglein 1 and causes subcorneal clefts in canine epidermis
Authors: Iyori Keita , Futagawa‐Saito Keiko , Hisatsune Junzo , Yamamoto Masahiko , Sekiguchi Maiko , Ide Kaori , Son Won‐Geun , Olivry Thierry , Sugai Motoyuki , Fukuyasu Tsuguaki , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Nishifuji Koji
Published: March 2011

Staphylococcal exfoliative toxins are known to digest desmoglein (Dsg) 1, a desmosomal cell–cell adhesion molecule, thus causing intraepidermal splitting in human bullous impetigo, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and swine exudative epidermitis. Recently, a novel exfoliative toxin gene (exi), whose sequence shares significant homology with previously identified exfoliative toxins, was isolated from Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Little is known about the pathogenic involvement of this toxin in canine pustular diseases such as impetigo. The aim of this study was to determine whether EXI, the product of the exi gene, digests canine Dsg1 and causes intraepidermal splitting in canine skin. An exi gene was isolated from chromosomal DNA of an S. pseudintermedius strain obtained from a pustule of a dog with impetigo, and was used to produce a recombinant EXI by Escherichia coli expression. When purified recombinant EXI was injected intradermally into normal dogs, it caused the development of vesicles or erosions with superficial epidermal splitting. In addition, the EXI abolished immunofluorescence for Dsg1, but not for Dsg3, at the injection sites. Moreover, the EXI directly degraded baculovirus‐secreted recombinant extracellular domains of canine Dsg1, but not that of canine Dsg3, in vitro. The EXI also degraded mouse Dsg1α and swine Dsg1, but not human Dsg1, mouse Dsg1β and Dsg1γ. Conversely, recombinant SIET, previously designated as S. intermedius exfoliative toxin, did not cause intraepidermal splitting or degradation of any Dsgs. These findings indicate that EXI has a proteolytic activity that digests canine Dsg1, and this characteristic might be involved in the pathogenesis of intraepidermal splitting in canine impetigo.
Molecular biological and immunohistological characterization of canine dermal papilla cells and the evaluation of culture conditions
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Fujisawa Akiko , Amagai Masayuki , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Ohyama Manabu
Published: March 2011

The dermal papilla (DP) plays pivotal roles in hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. However, our understanding of the biology of the canine DP is extremely limited. The aim of this study was to elucidate molecular biological and immunohistochemical characteristics of canine DP cells and determine appropriate conditions for in vitro expansion. Histological investigation revealed that the canine DP expressed biomarkers of human and rodent DP, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and versican. When microdissected, canine DP, but not fibroblasts, strongly expressed the DP‐related genes for alkaline phosphatase, Wnt inhibitory factor 1 and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1, confirming successful isolation. The growth rate of isolated canine DP cells was moderate in conventional culture conditions for rodent and human DP; however, AmnioMAX‐C100 complete medium allowed more efficient cultivation. Dermal papilla marker gene expression was maintained in early passage cultured DP cells, but gradually lost after the third passage. Approaches to mimic the in vivo DP environment in culture, such as supplementation of keratinocyte‐conditioned medium or use of extracellular matrix‐coated dishes, moderately ameliorated loss of DP gene expression in canine DP cells. It is possible that constituent factors in AmnioMAX may influence culture. These findings suggested that further refinements of culture conditions may enable DP cell expansion without impairing intrinsic properties and, importantly, demonstrated that AmnioMAX‐cultured early passage canine DP cells partly maintained the biological characteristics of in vivo canine DP cells. This study provides crucial information necessary for further optimization of culture conditions of canine DP.
Antibody‐reactive epitope determination with HLAMatchmaker and its clinical applications
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J.
Published: March 2011

Antibodies against allogeneic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are important impediments to the success of different clinical procedures including transplantation and platelet transfusion. In these settings, characterization of the repertoire of immunogenic epitopes is important for permissible mismatch determination and the identification of acceptable mismatches for sensitized patients. HLAMatchmaker is a computer algorithm that considers small configurations of polymorphic residues referred to as eplets as essential components of HLA epitopes. This review critically elaborates the concepts underlying the HLAMatchmaker and describes the usefulness of HLAMatchmaker in the clinical setting. Recent developments have increased our understanding of structural basis of HLA antigenicity (i.e. reactivity with specific antibody) and immunogenicity (i.e. its ability to induce an antibody response).
Distribution of cytokine gene polymorphisms in Thai population
Authors: Sodsai P. , Nakkuntod J. , Kupatawintu P. , Hirankarn N.
Published: March 2011

The distribution of 21 cytokine polymorphisms within 13 cytokine and cytokine receptor genes was analyzed in 102 healthy Thai individuals using the LIFECODES Cytokine SNP Typing kit. The TGFB codon25 marker is monomorphic in the Thai population. The IL1B+3962, IL6−174, and TNFA−238 are very rare polymorphisms, with only 0.01–0.04 minor allele frequency (MAF). The IL4−1098, IL1A−889, and IL10−1082 are found only 0.06–0.08 in Thai. Other cytokine polymorphisms (IL1B−511, IL1R pst1 1970, IL1RN mspa1 11100, IL4RA+1902, IL12B−1188, IFNG+874, TGFB codon10, TNFA−308, IL2−330, IL2+166, IL4−590, IL4−33, IL10−819, and IL10−592) in Thai have MAFs more than 0.10, ranging between 0.13 and 0.47. When comparing the allele and genotype frequencies with public single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database, most cytokine polymorphisms in Thai show similar distribution to Han Chinese and Japanese, but significantly different from Caucasian and African populations. Only a few markers, including IL4A+1902, TNFA−308, IL1B+3962, and IL2+166 show statistically different distribution among Thai and other Asian populations especially with the Japanese.
C*07:185, a novel HLA‐C*07 allele identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Jakubauskas A. , Juskevicius D. , Griskevicius L.
Published: March 2011

A novel allele HLA‐C*07:185 differs from HLA‐C*07:02 by a single nucleotide substitution that results in a missense mutation Ala 140 Pro (GCT to CCT) encoded in exon 3.
Polymorphisms at growth‐hormone and prolactin loci in Indian cattle and buffalo
Authors: Mitra A. , Schlee P. , Balakrishnan C. R. , Pirchner F.
Published: March 2011

A total of 57 Indian Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cattle and 53 Murrah and 19 Nili‐Ravi (Bubalus bubalis) buffalo were screened using PCR/RFLP to detect the following alleles at growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) loci: leucine/valine (L/V) for GH/AluI (amino acid 127), (+/+) for GH/MspI (intron III), and A/B for PRL/RsaI (amino acid 103). Among Sahiwal cattle, gene frequencies were 0.96/0.04 (GH/AluI), 0.86/0.14 (GH/MspI), and 0.49/0.51 (PRL/RsaI). In buffalo, animals of both breeds were homozygous for GH loci (LL, ++). In Egyptian buffalo, 11 samples were also monomorphic, indicating that monomorphism at these two loci may be a species characteristic of buffalo. PRL/RsaI frequencies were 0.93/0.07 and 0.84/0.16 in Murrah and Nili‐Ravi buffalo, respectively.

Bei insgesamt 57 indischen Sahiwal (Bos indicus) und 53 Murrah und Nili‐Ravi Büffeln (Bubalus bubalis) wurde mit PCR/RFLP auf die folgenden Polymorphismen des Wachstumshormon‐ (GH) und Prolaktingens (PRL) untersucht: L/V für GH/AluI (Austausch Leucin/Valin der Aminosäure 127), (‐/+) für GH/MspI (Intron III) und A/B für PRL/RsaI (Aminosäure 103). Bei Sahiwal waren die Genfrequenzen 0,96/0,04 (GH/AluI), 0,86/0,14 (GH/MspI) und 0,49/0,51 (PRL/RsaI). Bei den Büffeln waren die Tiere beider Rassen — wie auch 11 ägyptische Büffel — homozygot für die GH Loci (LL, ++), was darauf hinweist, daß Büffel monomorph an beiden Schnittstellen sind. Die Frequenzen für PRL/RsaI betrugen 0,93/0,07 und 0,84/0,16 bei den Murrah and Nili‐Ravi Büffeln.
Chromosome banding and gene conservation between humans and pigs
Authors: Graphodatsky A. S. , Biltueva L. S.
Published: March 2011

A total of 13 regions of sub‐banding homology were observed between human and pig autosomal segments known to have identical gene assignments. This analysis indicates that these regions are the same as those previously identified in comparative analyses of human and carnivore chromosomes.

Cbromosomenbänderung und Genkonservierung zwischen Mensch und Schwein

Insgesamt 13 ausgewählte Regionen von Subband‐Homologien mit identischen Genzuweisungen zwischen autosomen Mensch‐ und Schweinechromosomen wurden untersucht. Diese Analyse weist darauf hin, dass die entsprechenden Regionen homolog sind und in einer entsprechenden Studie diese Homologien zwischen Mensch‐ und Carnivore‐Chromosomen bereits früher festgestellt wurden.

Bandes chromosomiques et conservation des génes entre hommes et porcs

Sur des segments autosomes de l'être humain et du porc, auxquels des gènes identiques avaient été assignés, 13 régions de sous‐bandes ont été observées. Cette analyse démontre que ces régions sont les mêmes que celles identifiées antérieurement lors d'analyses comparatives entre les chromosomes de l'être humain et ceux des carnossiers.
Erbgang der Carbonanhydrase, Esterase D, Malatdehydrogenase und Malicenzym in Wasserbüffeln Südostasiens
Authors: Sreetharan Von K. , Mukherjee T. K. , Halbeisen C. , Leopold S.
Published: March 2011

Die Schätzung der genetischen Distanz zwischen Wasserbüffelpopulationen Bubalus bubalis verdeutlicht deren genetische Vielfalt. Genetische Distanzen können mit Hilfe von Allelfrequenzen polymorpher Loci geschätzt werden.

In dieser Arbeit wurde die Zellulose‐Acetat‐Electrophorese benutzt, um polymorphe Loci zu identifizieren. Nur vier der untersuchten Loci waren polymorph. Eine Familienstudie bestätigte ihre Vererbung gemäß der Mendel'schen Regeln.

Ergebnisse dieser Familienstudie zeigen, daß die Loci CA, ES‐D, MDH und ME auf Autosomen liegen. CA und ES‐D weisen zwei kodominante Allele beziehungsweise ein rezessives Null‐Allel auf. Es handelt sich dabei um CA100, CA98, CA0 sowie ES‐D100, ES‐D98 und ES‐D0.

Das Enzymsystem MDH hat zwei kodominante Allele, MDH100 und MDH98, während der Locus für ME drei kodominante Allele ME102, ME100 und ME98 besitzt.

Inheritance of carbonicanhydrase, esterase D, malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme in South‐east Asian waterbuffalo

The estimation of genetic distances among populations of water buffalo bubalus bubalis sheds light on their genetic diversity. Genetic distances can be estimated based on the allele frequencies of polymorphic loci.

In this study, cellulose acetate electrophoresis was used to screen the polymorphic loci. Only four loci were variable. A family study confirmed that these loci were under Mendelian genetic control.

Results of the family study show that the loci, CA, ES‐D, MDH and ME are autosomal. Two codominant alleles and one recessive null allele are found in the CA and ES‐D loci, respectively, i.e. CA100, CA98, CA0, ES‐D100, ES‐D98, ES‐D0.

The MDH locus has two codominant alleles, MDH100 and MDH98, while the ME locus contains three codominant alleles, ME102, ME100 and ME98.
Association of DNA polymorphism in the growth‐hormone gene with basal‐plasma growth‐hormone concentration and production traits in pigs
Authors: Nielsen V. H. , Larsen N. J. , Agergaard N.
Published: March 2011

Association of a polymorphism in the growth‐hormone (GH) gene with daily gain, meat and fat percentage, and with the regression of basal‐plasma‐GH concentration on age and weight, respectively, was studied in 75 unrelated pigs from four Danish breeds. The polymorphism was detected as a double‐strand‐conformation polymorphism and was assumed to be caused by an adenine being swapped with a thymine in the TATA box in the GH promoter. The estimates of the gene frequencies were significantly different among breeds. Breeds differed significantly for daily gain, but the additive effect of the TATA alleles on daily gain was not significantly different from zero, although the difference between the two alternative homozygotes was about half a phenotypic standard deviation. Both the regressions of basal‐plasma‐GH concentration on age and on weight differed significantly among breeds, and the TATA alleles significantly influenced both regression coefficients. The results suggest that the GH gene is a quantitative trait locus for growth rate.

Zusammenhang zwischen DNA‐Polymorphismus im Wachstumshormon‐Gen und Plasma‐Wachstumshormonspiegel sowie Leistungsmerkmalen von Schweinen

Der Zusammenhang zwischen einem Polymorphismus im Gen des Wachstumshormons (pGH) und dem Tageszuwachs, Magerfleischbzw. Fettanteil und der Regression von basaler pGH‐Konzentration auf Alter und Gewicht wurde in 75 nicht verwandten Schweinen dänischer Rassen untersucht. Der Polymorphismus wurde als ‘double strand conformational polymorphism’ festgestellt und auf den Austausch von einem Adenin durch ein Thymin in der TATA‐Box des pGH‐Promoters zurükgeführt. Die Genfrequenzen waren zwischen den Rassen signifikant verschieden. Die Rassen variierten signifikant für Tageszuwachs, der Einflußder TATA‐Allele auf Tageszuwachs war aber von Null nicht signifikant verschieden, obwohl der Unterschied zwischen den zwei alternativen Homozygoten etwa die Hälfe einer phänotypischen Standard‐abweichung war. Die Regression von basaler pGH‐Konzentration auf Alter und auf Gewicht variierte signifikant zwischen Rassen und die TATA‐Allele hatten einen signifikanten Einflußauf beide Regressionskoeffizienten. Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, daßdas pGH‐Gen ein quantitativer Merkmallocus (QTL) für Wachstum ist.