bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Vulnerability during Adolescent Development in Rats
Authors: Jankord Ryan , Solomon Matia B. , Albertz Jennifer , Flak Jonathan N. , Zhang Rong , Herman James P.
Published: November 2010

Adolescent development is proposed to represent a time of increased susceptibility to stress. During adolescence, the brain demonstrates a high level of plasticity and can be positively or negatively affected by the environment. This study tests the hypothesis that adolescent development is a stage of enhanced vulnerability to chronic stress. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to our 14-d chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm at three developmental stages: 1) early adolescence (35 d; age at initiation of CVS); 2) late adolescence (50 d); or 3) adulthood (80 d). We examined the effects of CVS on the following: 1) depression-like behavior; 2) somatic indices; 3) hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity; and 4) neuropeptide expression in the hypothalamus. Results show, regardless of age, CVS exposure: 1) decreased body weight; 2) increased adrenal size; 3) decreased fat weight; and 4) increased HPA response to stress. The somatic effects of CVS were exaggerated in late adolescent animals, and late adolescent animals were the only group where CVS decreased oxytocin expression and increased basal corticosterone. In response to CVS, adult animals increased immobility during the forced-swim test while early and late adolescent animals were resistant to the effects of chronic stress on depression-like behavior. Results show that adolescent animals were protected from the effect of chronic stress on depression-like behavior while late adolescent animals were more susceptible to the somatic, HPA axis, and neuropeptide effects of chronic stress. Thus, adolescent development is a unique window of vulnerabilities and protections to the effects of chronic stress.
Adipose Triglyceride Lipase-Null Mice Are Resistant to High-Fat Diet–Induced Insulin Resistance Despite Reduced Energy Expenditure and Ectopic Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Hoy Andrew J. , Bruce Clinton R. , Turpin Sarah M. , Morris Alexander J. , Febbraio Mark A. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: November 2010

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) null (−/−) mice store vast amounts of triacylglycerol in key glucoregulatory tissues yet exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The mechanisms underpinning these divergent observations are unknown but may relate to the reduced availability of circulating fatty acids. The aim of this study was to determine whether the enhancements in insulin stimulated glucose metabolism in ATGL−/− mice persist when challenged with a high-fat diet. ATGL−/− mice fed a low-fat diet exhibit improved whole-body insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance compared with wild-type mice. Wild-type mice became hyperlipidemic and insulin-resistant when challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) for 4 wk. ATGL−/− mice fed a HFD had elevated circulating fatty acids but had reduced fasting glycemia compared to pre–high-fat diet levels and were refractory to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. This protection from high-fat diet–induced metabolic perturbations was associated with a preference for fatty acid utilization but reduced energy expenditure and no change in markers of mitochondrial capacity or density. The protection from high-fat diet–induced insulin resistance in ATGL−/− mice was due to increased cardiac and liver insulin-stimulated glucose clearance despite increased lipid content in these tissues. Additionally, there was no difference in skeletal muscle insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, but there was a reduction observed in brown adipose tissue. Overall, these results show that ATGL−/− mice are protected from HFD-induced insulin resistance and reveal a tissue specific disparity between lipid accumulation and insulin sensitivity.
Analysis of Agonist and Antagonist Effects on Thyroid Hormone Receptor Conformation by Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange
Authors: Figueira A. C. M. , Saidemberg D. M. , Souza P. C. T. , Martínez L. , Scanlan T. S. , Baxter J. D. , Skaf M. S. , Palma M. S. , Webb P. , Polikarpov I.
Published: November 2010

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are ligand-gated transcription factors with critical roles in development and metabolism. Although x-ray structures of TR ligand-binding domains (LBDs) with agonists are available, comparable structures without ligand (apo-TR) or with antagonists are not. It remains important to understand apo-LBD conformation and the way that it rearranges with ligands to develop better TR pharmaceuticals. In this study, we conducted hydrogen/deuterium exchange on TR LBDs with or without agonist (T3) or antagonist (NH3). Both ligands reduce deuterium incorporation into LBD amide hydrogens, implying tighter overall folding of the domain. As predicted, mass spectroscopic analysis of individual proteolytic peptides after hydrogen/deuterium exchange reveals that ligand increases the degree of solvent protection of regions close to the buried ligand-binding pocket. However, there is also extensive ligand protection of other regions, including the dimer surface at H10–H11, providing evidence for allosteric communication between the ligand-binding pocket and distant interaction surfaces. Surprisingly, C-terminal activation helix H12, which is known to alter position with ligand, remains relatively protected from solvent in all conditions suggesting that it is packed against the LBD irrespective of the presence or type of ligand. T3, but not NH3, increases accessibility of the upper part of H3–H5 to solvent, and we propose that TR H12 interacts with this region in apo-TR and that this interaction is blocked by T3 but not NH3. We present data from site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations that lend support to this structural model of apo-TR and its ligand-dependent conformational changes.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Dimethylmethylenebis(iminonitroxide) Diradical
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Itoh Noriyuki , Furuichi Kimiaki , Kozaki Masatoshi , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Ohi Hiromi , Itoh Shinobu , Okada Keiji
Published: November 2010

Dimethylmethylenebis(iminonitroxide) diradical 1 was prepared from 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropanal in five steps. The structure, ESR spectrum, and magnetic properties are reported: 1 exhibited an antiferromagnetic interaction of J/kB = −72 K (H = −2JS1·S2).
Bright Green-phosphorescence from Metal-to-boron Charge-transfer Excited State of a Novel Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complex
Authors: Ito Akitaka , Hiokawa Takeo , Sakuda Eri , Kitamura Noboru
Published: November 2010

Tris[2-{3-(dimesitylboryl)phenyl}pyridinato]iridium(III) ([Ir(Bppy)3]) showed bright green-phosphorescence with the emission lifetime and quantum yield of 1.0–1.4 µs and 1.0, respectively, in nonpolar–polar solvents at 298 K. Detailed spectroscopic experiments and DFT calculations demonstrated that the emissive state of the complex was the metal-to-boron charge-transfer (MBCT) excited state, in which the vacant p-orbital on the boron atom was occupied by the excited electron.
Synthesis of Pyrenes by Twofold Hydroarylation of 2,6-Dialkynylbiphenyls
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Moriya Taisaku , Goya Tsuyoshi , Murakami Masahiro
Published: November 2010

Cationic gold(I) complexes having Buchwald-type biarylphosphines effectively catalyzed twofold hydroarylation of 2,6-dialkynylbiphenyls to construct pyrene skeletons.
Uphill Diffusion of Charged Colloidal Particles during Unidirectional Crystallization under pH Gradient
Authors: Murai Masako , Fujioka Masatake , Toyotama Akiko , Yonese Masakatsu , Yamanaka Junpei
Published: November 2010

We report that charged colloidal particles show uphill diffusion against electrostatic interparticle repulsions in the presence of pH gradient. This intriguing phenomenon is found upon unidirectional crystal growth of colloidal silica via diffusion of pyridine, by means of in situ fiber optic reflection spectrometry.
A survey of older Hong Kong people's perceptions of telecommunication technologies and telecare devices
Authors: Lai Claudia KY , Chung Jenny CC , Leung Natalie KL , Wong Jimmy CT , Mak Diana PS
Published: November 2010

We investigated how older Hong Kong people perceive the application of telecommunication technologies in products that could enhance their safety at home. The telecare devices in the present study were: (1) the Personal Emergency Link Service (PELS), a 24-hour personal emergency link service; (2) a home-based non-intrusive motion monitoring system; and (3) a wearable vital signs monitoring system. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 368 elderly persons aged 65 years or above from 15 District Elderly Community Centres in Hong Kong, through a structured questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. All three telecare devices were generally perceived as useful by the elderly participants: the PELS by 96% of them, the home-based non-intrusive monitoring system by 91% and the wearable vital signs monitoring system by 84%. However, although many respondents were positive about the function and usefulness of these devices, they stated that they would not personally use them. Technological innovations need to be perceived by the elderly as relevant to their everyday lives.
A pilot study on tertiary teledermatology: feasibility and acceptance of telecommunication among dermatologists
Authors: van der Heijden Job P , de Keizer Nicolet F , Voorbraak Frans P , Witkamp Leonard , Bos Jan D , Spuls Phyllis I
Published: November 2010

Tertiary teledermatology (TTD), where a general dermatologist consults a specialized dermatologist on difficult cases, is a relatively new telemedicine service. We evaluated TTD in a Dutch university hospital, where 13 general dermatologists used TTD to consult 11 specialized dermatologists and two residents at the university medical centre. We measured the avoided referrals to the university centre, the usability of the system and the user acceptance of it. During a three-month study, general dermatologists consulted via TTD 28 times. In 17 of the consultations (61%), the general dermatologists would have referred their patients to the university centre if teledermatology had not been available. Referral was not necessary after teledermatology for 12 of these 17 consultations (71%). The mean usability score (0–100) of all the users was 80. All dermatologists were satisfied with TTD (mean satisfaction of 7.6 on a 10-point scale) and acceptance was high. The baseline measurements showed that half of tertiary referrals were suitable for TTD. These results suggest that TTD reduces unnecessary physical referrals and that users are satisfied with it. A large-scale evaluation is now required.
Using telemonitoring to construct knowledge about homebound patient populations: vital-signs alert rates
Authors: Golbeck Amanda L , Pinsonneault Julie , Hansen Dianne
Published: November 2010

Three home health agencies conducted daily telemonitoring of patients in western Montana. The agencies all used monitoring equipment of the same type, which provided up to six vital-signs measurements (heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, glucose and bodyweight). There were 337 patients in all, two-thirds of whom were female. These patients were monitored for a total of 16,999 person-days. The rate of occurrence of any vital-sign measurement falling outside acceptable ranges was 33.8 per patient per 60-day period. The highest alert rate for a specific vital sign was for decreased SpO2 (6.4 per patient per 60-day period). The central station nurse took follow-up action at a rate of 26.0 per patient per 60-day period; case manager nurses took follow-up action at a rate of 8.2 per patient per 60-day period. There were some differences between male and female patients in the alert rates, and between the agencies. The alert rates measured in the present study are expected to be useful to home care administrators in estimating the staffing requirements for telemonitoring.
Eleven years of experience with low-bandwidth telemedicine in a nurse-led rural clinic in Scotland
Authors: Harvey Sylvia , Peterkin Gordon , Wootton Richard
Published: November 2010

A pilot trial of telemedicine in primary care began in the village of Letham in 1998. The service provided conventional consultations with the district nurse, plus teleconsultations with a general practitioner (GP) at the health centre in Forfar, a few km away. In the first year, the videoconferencing link was used by 14 patients, all aged over 65 years. The telemedicine service was judged to be successful and subsequently expanded to patients of any age. It was used for a wide range of health matters, including postnatal care, mental health problems, physical ailments, receiving test results and discussions with the doctor. During the 11-year study period, a total of 646 teleconsultations were conducted, a median rate of 65 per year. A qualitative evaluation of the service was conducted in 1999. Although the GPs involved expressed some reservations about the limited video quality, all three user groups were positive about the service. Nonetheless, the telemedicine service was not adopted as a routine method of health-care delivery by the NHS. To enable any telemedicine application to move from the pilot trial stage to routine service requires several things to happen at an organisational and contractual level. Ultimately an organizational decision about adoption is required, followed by appropriate mechanisms to enable diffusion.
New twist in the regulation of cyclin D1
Authors: Kato Jun-ya , Yoneda-Kato Noriko
Published: November 2010

Among the cell cycle-related mammalian cyclins, cyclin D1 is more closely connected with cell proliferation in response to extracellular signals than the cell cycle clock itself. Because both its mRNA and protein are labile, the intracellular abundance of cyclin D1 is thought to be largely regulated at the level of transcription. However, recent findings suggest that, in certain cell types, cyclin D1 is post-translationally regulated, and a disturbance of this regulatory mechanism induces aberrant entry into the cell cycle and proliferation, sometimes leading to diseases such as cancer. In this review, we summarize recent findings and discuss the physiological role and cellular function of the novel mechanism of regulation of cyclin D1 in terms of the control of cell proliferation.
Changing patterns in the clinic pathological features of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Miltényi Zsófia , Simon Zsófia , Páyer Edit , Váróczy László , Gergely Lajos , Jóna Ádám , Illés Árpád
Published: November 2010

A Hodgkin-lymphoma jól ismerten jelentős földrajzi eltéréseket mutathat, de az utóbbi időben többen beszámoltak jellemzőinek időbeli változásairól is.Betegek és módszerek:A szerzők retrospektív módon vizsgálták 1980–2008 között elsődlegesen kezelt, összesen 439 Hodgkin-lymphomás beteg klinikopatológiai és kezelési jellemzőit évtizedenkénti bontásban.Eredmények:A fenti időszakokban 177, 147, illetve 115 beteget ismertek fel. A korábbi férfi túlsúly helyett ma kiegyenlítődött a különbség a nemek között. Korgörbéjük a klasszikus bimodális képet mutatja 2000 és 2008 között. A két csúcs 20–29 és 50–59 év között alakult ki, a korábbi évtizedek egycsúcsú korgörbéje helyett. A szövettani altípusok között a kevert sejtes szövettannal rendelkező betegek aránya fokozatosan csökken, a nodularis sclerosis növekvő tendenciát mutat. A legutóbbi vizsgált évtizedben a korai stádiumban (59,12%) felfedezett betegek száma meghaladja az előrehaladott stádiumét (40%). A 10 éves teljes túlélés 44,1%, 70,6% és 90,5% (prognosztizált túlélés az utolsó időszakban).Következtetések:A bekövetkezett változások hátterében a betegség megváltozott természetrajza, a változó szocioökonómiai viszonyok, a javuló diagnosztikai és terápiás módszerek állhatnak. Orv. Hetil., 2010,49,2011–2018.
The flow of a micropolar fluid through a porous channel with expanding or contracting walls
Authors: Si Xinhui , Zheng Liancun , Zhang Xinxin , Chao Ying
Published: November 2010

The flow of a micropolar fluid in a porous channel with expanding or contracting walls is investigated. The governing equations are reduced to ordinary ones by using similar transformations. Homotopy analysis method (HAM) is employed to obtain the expressions for the velocity fields and microrotation fields. Graphs are sketched for the effects of some values of parameters, especially the expansion ratio, on the velocity and microrotation fields and associated dynamic characteristics are analyzed in detail.
Continuous production of citric acid from raw glycerol by Yarrowia lipolytica in cell recycle cultivation
Authors: Rywińska Anita , Rymowicz Waldemar
Published: November 2010

The kinetics of continuous citric acid (CA) fermentation, using two acetate-negative mutants of Yarrowia lipolytica (Wratislavia AWG7 and Wratislavia 1.31) with long-term cell recycle, were investigated at a dilution rate (D) of 0.011 h−1. The capacity of the mutants to produce CA from raw glycerol under steady state conditions was compared. The process involving the Wratislavia AWG7 strain showed that this strain was a better producer of CA than the Wratislavia 1.31 strain in this regime. In steady state, the concentration of CA in the effluent was constant and amounted to 116 g dm−3. This corresponded to a volumetric CA production rate of 1.3 g dm−3 h−1. A stable high-level production of CA was maintained for over 400 h of operation. The Wratislavia AWG7 strain employed remained highly stable throughout the experiment and demonstrated good viability, high genetic and phenotypic stability over the long-term continuous fermentation process.
Membrane extraction of 1-phenylethanol from fermentation solution
Authors: Mihaľ Mário , Markoš Jozef , Štefuca Vladimír
Published: November 2010

1-Phenylethanol can be produced by biotransformation of acetophenone using microorganisms. The next step is the separation of biomass from the fermentation solution (e.g. using microfiltration) and then the separation of the product. Membrane extraction was studied in the presented work for this purpose. Equilibria of acetophenone and 1-phenylethanol in the equilibrium system solute-organic solvent-water were investigated for three different organic solvents (heptane, toluene, ethyl acetate). On the basis of this investigation, extraction kinetics of both solutes from the model aqueous solution to the heptane organic phase, using a hollow fiber membrane module, were studied. To simulate the extraction kinetics, mathematical model of an experimental parallel flow hollow fiber contactor is presented and verified using experimental values with good agreement. Extraction kinetics for the investigated organic solvents were simulated and compared using the verified mathematical model and the chosen membrane extraction parameters.
Analyticity in a Phenomenology of Electro-Weak Structure of Hadrons
Authors: Dubnička S. , Dubničková A.
Published: November 2010

Analyticity in a Phenomenology of Electro-Weak Structure of Hadrons

The utility of an application of the analyticity in a phenomenology of electro-weak structure of hadrons is demonstrated in a number of obtained new and experimentally verifiable results. With this aim first the problem of an inconsistency of the asymptotic behavior of VMD model with the asymptotic behavior of form factors of baryons and nuclei is solved generally and a general approach for determination of the lowest normal and anomalous singularities of form factors from the corresponding Feynman diagrams is reviewed. Then many useful applications by making use of the analytic properties of electro-weak form factors and amplitudes of various electromagnetic processes of hadrons are carried out.
Introduction to Integrable Many-Body Systems II
Authors: Šamaj Ladislav
Published: November 2010

Introduction to Integrable Many-Body Systems II

This is the second part of a three-volume introductory course about integrable systems of interacting bodies. The models of interest are quantum spin chains with nearest-neighbor interactions between spin operators, in particular Heisenberg spin-1/2 models. The Ising model in a transverse field, expressible as a quadratic fermion form by using the Jordan-Wigner transformation, is the subject of Sect. 12. The derivation of the coordinate Bethe ansatz for the XXZ Heisenberg chain and the determination of its absolute ground state in various regions of the anisotropy parameter are presented in Sect. 13. The magnetic properties of the ground state are explained in Sect. 14. Sect. 15 concerns excited states and the zero-temperature thermodynamics of the XXZ model. The thermodynamics of the XXZ Heisenberg chain is derived on the basis of the string hypothesis in Sect. 16; the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz equations are analyzed in high-temperature and low-temperature limits. An alternative derivation of the thermodynamics without using strings, leading to a non-linear integral equation determining the free energy, is the subject of Sect. 17. A nontrivial application of the Quantum Inverse Scattering method to the fully anisotropic XYZ Heisenberg chain is described in Sect. 18. Sect. 19 deals with integrable cases of isotropic spin chains with an arbitrary spin.
Post-Newtonian Reference Frames for Advanced Theory of the Lunar Motion and for a New Generation of Lunar Laser Ranging
Authors: Xie Yi , Kopeikin Sergei
Published: November 2010

Post-Newtonian Reference Frames for Advanced Theory of the Lunar Motion and for a New Generation of Lunar Laser Ranging

We overview a set of post-Newtonian reference frames for a comprehensive study of the orbital dynamics and rotational motion of Moon and Earth by means of lunar laser ranging (LLR). We employ a scalar-tensor theory of gravity depending on two post-Newtonian parameters, β and γ, and utilize the relativistic resolutions on reference frames adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2000. We assume that the solar system is isolated and space-time is asymptotically flat at infinity. The primary reference frame covers the entire space-time, has its origin at the solar-system barycenter (SSB) and spatial axes stretching up to infinity. The SSB frame is not rotating with respect to a set of distant quasars that are forming the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF). The secondary reference frame has its origin at the Earth-Moon barycenter (EMB). The EMB frame is locally-inertial and is not rotating dynamically in the sense that equation of motion of a test particle moving with respect to the EMB frame, does not contain the Coriolis and centripetal forces. Two other local frames - geocentric (GRF) and selenocentric (SRF) - have their origins at the center of mass of Earth and Moon respectively and do not rotate dynamically. Each local frame is subject to the geodetic precession both with respect to other local frames and with respect to the ICRF because of their relative motion with respect to each other. Theoretical advantage of the dynamically non-rotating local frames is in a more simple mathematical description. Each local frame can be aligned with the axes of ICRF after applying the matrix of the relativistic precession. The set of one global and three local frames is introduced in order to fully decouple the relative motion of Moon with respect to Earth from the orbital motion of the Earth-Moon barycenter as well as to connect the coordinate description of the lunar motion, an observer on Earth, and a retro-reflector on Moon to directly measurable quantities such as the proper time and the round-trip laser-light distance. We solve the gravity field equations and find out the metric tensor and the scalar field in all frames which description includes the post-Newtonian multipole moments of the gravitational field of Earth and Moon. We also derive the post-Newtonian coordinate transformations between the frames and analyze the residual gauge freedom.
Advanced nanometer-size structures
Authors: Majkova Eva , Jergel Matej , Yamamoto Masaki , Tsuru Toshihide , Luby Stefan , Siffalovic Peter
Published: November 2010

Advanced nanometer-size structures

Solid state physics made a considerable progress towards nanometer- and subnanometer-size structures during the last decade. The structures encompass ultra thin films, multilayers, tubes, pillars, particles, clusters, etc. In this work, we address some of them. In particular, multilayers and spin valves with nm and sub-nm thickness of individual layers and ordered monolayers of nanoparticles are discussed in detail. These structures are at the forefront of further progress in the soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet optics, spintronics and the whole emerging nanotechnology era. Attention is paid to the design, layer growth control with picometer resolution, interface phenomena and interlayer formation which is also responsible for thermal stability of both multilayers and spin valves. Interfaces are characterized by a full set of parameters including various types of roughness, its lateral and vertical correlations and fractal dimension. For the analyses of interfaces, X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity and diffuse scattering have been elaborated in detail. The results are completed by local methods, like electron and atomic probe microscopies. Layered structures are studied in view of their applications in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet mirrors, giant magnetoresistance and spintronics devices. Development of novel nanosized structures with embedded arrays of magnetic nanoparticles is a challenging task nowadays. Magnetic nanoparticles offer a possibility of quantized electron tunneling and additional spin blockade. An ordered array of such nanoparticles can be used as natural double tunnel barrier of novel tunnel magnetoresistance devices. The Co, Fe
An introduction to the quantum theory of nonlinear optics
Authors: Hillery Mark
Published: November 2010

An introduction to the quantum theory of nonlinear optics

This article is provides an introduction to the quantum theory of optics in nonlinear dielectric media. We begin with a short summary of the classical theory of nonlinear optics, that is nonlinear optics done with classical fields. We then discuss the canonical formalism for fields and its quantization. This is applied to quantizing the electromagnetic field in free space. The definition of a nonclassical state of the electromagnetic field is presented, and several examples are examined. This is followed by a brief introduction to entanglement in the context of field modes. The next task is the quantization of the electromagnetic field in an inhomogeneous, linear dielectric medium. Before going on to field quantization in nonlinear media, we discuss a number of commonly employed phenomenological models for quantum nonlinear optical processes. We then quantize the field in both nondispersive and dispersive nonlinear media. Flaws in the most commonly used methods of accomplishing this task are pointed out and discussed. Once the quantization has been completed, it is used to study a multimode theory of parametric down conversion and the propagation of quantum solitons.
Response of Seed Collection from Different Parts on the Growth and Yield of Lentil
Authors: Khatun A , Bhuiyan MAH , Alam MS
Published: November 2010

Field experiments were carried out to determine the effects of seeds collected from different parts on growth, yield and yield attributes of lentil. Lentil seeds of three varieties (BARI Masur-2, BARI Masur-3 and BARI Masur-4) were collected from different parts i.e. P1: collection of pods from upper parts of lentil plants, P2: collection of pods from middle parts of lentil plants, P3: collection of pods from lower parts of lentil plants prior to harvesting. All the seeds were stored in earthen pot until conducting the laboratory study. Non-significant variation was observed in three varieties of lentil for most of the parameters studied. The highest plant height, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, 1000- seed weight and seed yield were observed in BARI Masur-4 and the lowest in BARI Masur-2. Seeds collected from middle parts of lentil recorded the highest pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and seed yield (804 kg ha-1 in 2004-05 and 838 kg ha-1 in 2005-06). BARI Masur-3 seeds were collected from middle parts and BARI Masur-4 from lower parts recorded higher seed yield (1003 kg ha-1 in 2004-05 and 1012 kg ha-1 in 2005-06 for BARI Masur-3 x P2, 1061 kg ha-1 in 2004-05 and 856 kg ha-1 in 2005-06 for BARI Masur-4 x P3). Key words: Lentil; Seed collection; Variety; Seed yield. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6528Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 197-204, 2010
Biological Control of Sheath Blight Disease of Rice by using Antagonistic Bacteria
Authors: Bashar MA , Hossain MA , Rahman MM , Uddin MN , Begum MN
Published: November 2010

The study was made to detect and identify antagonistic bacteria to control Rhizoctonia solani, a causal organism of sheath blight (ShB) disease of rice. Isolation of antagonistic bacteria was done from ShB infected rice leaf collected from the districts of Gazipur, Rajshahi, Bogra and Comilla. Fifty isolates of bacteria were isolated. These isolates were tested for antagonism against ShB pathogen of in PDA medium. Among the isolates of antagonistic bacteria (both fluorescent and non fluorescent), eleven produced more than 15 mm inhibition zone, were selected for this study. Remarkable inhibition zone producing ten isolates were selected to observe their antagonistic behaviour by soaking the sclerotia of Rhizoctonia solani and rice seedlings in different hours into bacterial suspension of 3.84 x 107 CFU/ml. Both the in vitro and in vivo rom showed that the sclerotial germination and sheath blight symptom expression were delayed 6-9 days. Soaking of both seedlings and sclerotia with the test bacteria was found most effective to control ShB (38% - 100%) than soaking of seedlings alone with bacterial suspension at different hours. However, BanShbFPS5 (2)B, BanShb738(3), BanShb738(2) and BanShb581(1), the four antagonistic bacterial isolates could be applied as biological agent to control sheath blight disease of rice and they could control sheath blight disease development and could delay the epidemics of the disease. Key words: Biological control; Sheath blight disease; Rhizoctonia solani; Antagonistic bacteria DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6529Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 225-232, 2010
Phase Transition in Di-oleoylphosphatidylglycerol/Monoolein Membranes due to Interactions of Positively Charged Peptides at their Lipid Membrane-Interface
Authors: Masum Shah Md , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: November 2010

To elucidate the factors that induce phase transitions in biomembranes due to interactions of proteins/peptides at the lipid membrane-interface, the effects of positively charged peptides on the cubic phase (Q229) of Dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG)/Monoolein (MO) membranes were investigated. Small angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) results revealed that 12 mol% DOPG/88 mol % MO membranes in excess water at 25°C is body centered cubic phase of crystallographic space group Im3m (Q229). In presence of peptide LLKKK, the lattices constant of Q229 phase was gradually decreased with an increase of peptide concentration and a phase transition from cubic (Q229) to cubic (Q224) phase occurred at R=0.080; (R= molar ratio of peptide to lipid). On the other hand the designed peptide WLFLLKKK and antimicrobial peptide Magainin-2 induced lamellar phase (Lα) in the same mixture membranes. These results indicate that the interactions of the these peptides with this mixture membrane are different: LLKKK induces electrostatic attractive interactions and that of WLFLLKKKK and Magainin-2 bound with the lipid membranes induce electrostatic repulsive interaction at the membrane-interface, might be the major factor inducing different phase transitions in 12 mol% DOPG/88mol% MO mixture membranes. Key words: Antimicrobial peptide Magain-2; Dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol; Monoolein; Cubic phases; Small angle X-ray Scattering DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6530Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 219-224, 2010
Definition of Microscopic Tumor Clearance (R0) in Pancreatic Cancer Resections
Authors: Schlitter Anna Melissa , Esposito Irene
Published: November 2010

To date, curative resection is the only chance for cure for patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenoacarcinoma (PDAC). Despite low reported rates of microscopic tumor infiltration (R1) in most studies, tumor recurrence is a common finding in patients with PDAC and contributes to extremely low long-term survival rates. Lack of international definition of resection margins and of standardized protocols for pathological examination lead to high variation in reported R1 rates. Here we review recent studies supporting the hypothesis that R1 rates are highly underestimated in certain studies and that a microscopic tumor clearance of at least 1 mm is required to confirm radicality and to serve as a reliable prognostic and predictive factor.
Hydraulic properties of fern sporophytes: Consequences for ecological and evolutionary diversification
Authors: Watkins James E. , Holbrook N. Michele , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: November 2010

• Premise of the study: Ferns are an important component of both tropical and temperate forests; yet, our understanding of the water relations of their sporophyte generation is limited. Indeed, to date there has been no large scale survey that attempts to clarify how ferns fit into current ideas of plant water relations. This study examines several tropical ferns with the goal of understanding how these characters vary between species from various habitats and across life forms

• Methods: We measured stipe hydraulic conductivity, water potential, and vulnerability to cavitation along with photosynthetic variables and leaf allometry of 21 species from 14 genera to identify physiological trait assemblages across taxa.

• Key results: Epiphytic ferns have significantly lower hydraulic conductivity and a vascular system more resistant to cavitation (i.e., higher P50 values). They reached lower mid‐day water potentials and produced leaves with reduced stipe lengths and reduced laminar area relative to terrestrial species. Xylem specific hydraulic conductivity (KS) was correlated with the mean hydraulic diameter of tracheids in terrestrial species, but not in epiphytes. There was no evidence of safety–efficiency trade‐offs in any group.

• Conclusions: When compared across life forms, our data shed light on physiological mechanisms that may have allowed for terrestrial ferns to move into the epiphytic habit. When compared across a diverse assemblage of terrestrial plants, we find that resistance to water flow in fern stipes is significantly higher than that recorded from the stems of seed plants.
Ecogeography of ploidy variation in cultivated potato (Solanumsect.Petota)
Authors: Spooner David M. , Gavrilenko Tatjana , Jansky Shelley H. , Ovchinnikova A. , Krylova E. , Knapp Sandra , Simon Reinhard
Published: November 2010

•Premise of the study: The taxonomy of cultivated potatoes has been highly controversial, with estimates of species numbers ranging from 3 to 17. Ploidy level has been one of the most important taxonomic characters to recognize cultivated potato species, containing diploid (2n= 2x= 24), triploid (2n= 3x= 36), tetraploid (2n= 4x= 48), and pentaploid (2n= 5x= 60) cultivars. We tested the environmental associations of different ploidy levels in cultivated potato species that traditionally have been recognized as Linnaean taxa to see whether, in combination with prior morphological, molecular, and crossing data, some of the ploidy variants can be recognized as distinct taxa.

•Methods: We summarize 2780 chromosome counts of landrace cultivated potatoes, provide georeferences to 2048 of them, and analyze these data for 20 environmental variables at 10‐min resolution using the randomForest algorithm to explore associations with taxa and ploidy variants.

•Key results: Except for theS. tuberosumChilotanum Group and extreme northern and southern range extensions of the Andigenum Group, it is impossible to find distinct habitats for the ploidy variants of theS. tuberosumAndigenum Group.

•Conclusions: Our distributional and ecological data, in combination with prior results from morphology, microsatellites, and crossing data, provide yet additional data to support a major reclassification of cultivated potato species. A rational, stable, and universally accepted taxonomy of this major crop plant will greatly aid all users of wild and cultivated potatoes from breeders to gene bank managers to ecologists and evolutionary biologists.
Reduction of herpes simplex virus type-2 replication in cell cultures and in rodent models with peptide-conjugated morpholino oligomers
Authors: Eide Kathleen , Moerdyk-Schauwecker Megan , Stein David A , Bildfell Rob , Koelle David M , Jin Ling
Published: November 2010

Background

Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), is a recurrent, lifelong disease affecting tens of millions of people in the USA alone. HSV-2 can be treated therapeutically with acyclovir (ACV) and its derivatives; however, no treatment can prevent HSV reactivation. Novel topical anti-HSV microbicides are much needed to reduce HSV-2 transmission and to treat primary or reactivated infections, especially for ACV- resistant strains. Peptide- conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) are single-stranded DNA analogues that enter cells readily and can reduce target gene expression through steric blockage of complementary messenger RNA (mRNA).

Methods

We investigated the antiviral activities of PPMOs targeted to the translation start-site regions of the mRNA for two HSV-2 immediate early genes, immediate early protein (ICP)0 and ICP27, and two early genes, unique long gene (UL)30 and UL39.

Results

In cell cultures, PPMOs targeting ICP0 or ICP27 mRNA were found to be highly effective against two strains of HSV-2, one of which was ACV-resistant. In vivo, daily topical applications of up to 1 mM ICP27 PPMO caused no gross or microscopic damage to the genital tract of uninfected BALB/c mice or cotton rats. Cotton rats receiving topical application of ICP27 PPMO 24 h after HSV-2 inoculation showed a reduction in genital lesions and a 37.5% reduction in mortality at 14 days post-infection. Mice receiving topical application of 100 μM of an ICP27 and ICP0 PPMO combination before HSV-2 inoculation had no detectable viral replication in the genital tract at 3–5 days post-infection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that topically applied PPMOs hold promise as candidate antiviral microbicides against HSV-2 genital infection.
In vitro susceptibility and virological outcome to darunavir and lopinavir are independent of HIV type-1 subtype in treatment-naive patients
Authors: Dierynck Inge , Meyer Sandra De , Lathouwers Erkki , Abeele Carline Vanden , Casteele Tom Van De , Spinosa-Guzman Sabrina , de Béthune Marie-Pierre , Picchio Gaston
Published: November 2010

Background

The effect of HIV type-1 (HIV-1) subtype on in vitro susceptibility and virological response to darunavir (DRV) and lopinavir (LPV) was studied using a broad panel of primary isolates, and in recombinant clinical isolates from treatment-naive, HIV-1-infected patients in the Phase III trial, AntiRetroviral Therapy with TMC114 ExaMined In naive Subjects (ARTEMIS).

Methods

Patients received DRV/ritonavir (DRV/r) 800/100 mg once daily ( n=343) or LPV/ritonavir (LPV/r) 800/200 mg total daily dose ( n=346), plus a fixed daily dose of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Results

DRV demonstrated high antiviral activity against a broad panel of HIV-1 major group (M) and outlier group (O) primary isolates in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with a median 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.52 nM. Most (61%) patients in ARTEMIS harboured HIV-1 subtype B; other prevalent subtypes were C (13%) and CRF01_AE (17%); 9% harboured other subtypes. Median EC50 values (interquartile range) for DRV were 1.79 nM (1.3–2.6) for subtype B, 1.12 nM (0.8–1.4) for C and 1.27 nM (1.0–1.7) for CRF01_AE. Virological response to DRV/r (HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml [intent-to-treat, time-to-loss of virological response algorithm]) was 81%, 87% and 85% for patients with subtype B, C and CRF01_AE infections, respectively. Similar results were observed in the LPV/r treatment group.

Conclusions

In vitro susceptibility to DRV was comparable across HIV-1 subtypes in a broad panel of primary isolates and in recombinant clinical isolates. Once daily DRV/r 800/100 mg and LPV/r 800/200 mg were highly effective in ARTEMIS irrespective of the HIV-1 subtype studied, confirming their broad anti-HIV-1 activity.
The efficacy of time-based short-course acyclovir therapy in treatment of post-herpetic pain
Authors: Rasi Abbas , Heshmatzade Behzadi Ashkan , Rabet Mehrshad , Hassanloo Jaleh , Honarbakhsh Yasamin , Dehghan Nasir , Kamrava Seyed Kamran
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Various treatments have been used to manage post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Safe and effective therapies to prevent PHN are needed. Methodology: A clinical trial involving 152 patients diagnosed with acute herpes Zoster (HZ) was conducted to determine whether short-course acyclovir therapy (800 mg five times a day for four days) can alleviate HZ-associated pain and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).  The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 had a rash with a duration of less than 72 hours and Group 2 had a rash with a duration of more than 72 hours. To assess PHN, the patients categorized and assessed the severity of their symptoms using a four-point verbal rating scale (VRS). Results: By the fourth week, 134 out of 152 patients (88.2%) had complete pain response (CPR). Of these, 68 patients (89.5%) were from Group 1 and 66 from Group 2 (86.8%). After four weeks, the mean VRS scores had changed significantly in both groups compared to the scores at the beginning of study (p = 0.001), but there was no difference between the two groups (0.88 ± 0.66 Vs. 0.94 ± 0.72; p = 0.66) After three months no differences were observed in the treatment results between the two groups (0.51 ± 0.13 Vs.0.54 ± 0.19; p = 0.77). Conclusion: Short-course acyclovir therapy is an effective treatment for zoster and its efficacy in patients with a rash duration of more than 72 hours is similar to that in patients with rash duration of less than 72 hours.
Nutritional status of HIV-positive individuals on free HAART treatment in a developing nation
Authors: Obi Samuel Nnamdi , Ifebunandu Ngozi Appolonia , Onyebuchi Azubuike K
Published: November 2010

Introduction: HIV positive individuals are prone to malnutrition due to inadequate dietary intake. Additionally, in low-income countries, including Nigeria, stigmatization and discrimination result in a lack of support for HIV-positive individuals ultimately contributing to even further reduced food availability and inadequate dietary intake. This study aimed to determine the nutrirional status of HIV-positive individuals on free, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria. Methodology: Subjective global assessment (SGA) technique was used to survey the nutritional status of 120 HIV-positive individuals and a control group over a one-year period. Results: All the HIV-positive individuals and their control group were physically active, with a third of them belonging to the lower socioeconomic status. There were significantly more malnourished individuals among the HIV-positive group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Malnutrition is common among HIV-positive patients in southeast Nigeria.
Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene mutation study in HIV-Infected Indian patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Authors: Tyagi Anuj Kumar , Mirdha Bijay Ranjan , Luthra Kalpana , Guleria Randeep , Mohan Anant , Singh Urvashi Balbir , Samantaray Jyotish Chandra , Dar Lalit , Iyer Venkateswaran K , Chaudhry Rama
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene mutations' (55th and 57th codon) association with prior sulfa prophylaxis failure has been reported from both developed and developing countries. We conducted a prospective study to determine the prevalence of P. jirovecii DHPS mutations from 2006 to 2009 on P. jirovecii isolates obtained from HIV-infected patients with a clinical diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) admitted to our tertiary care reference health center in New Delhi, India. Methodology: Detection of P. jirovecii cysts was performed by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) staining and by Grocott's-Gomori methenamine silver staining (GMS). DNA detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers for the major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene. P. jirovecii DHPS gene was amplified by nested PCR protocol and sequenced for detecting mutations at the 55th and 57th codons. Results: Out of 147 HIV-positive patients with suspected Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), 16 (10.8%) PCP positive cases were detected. Of 16 cases, nine (56.2%) were positive by DFA staining, four (25%) were positive by Grocott's-Gomori methenamine silver staining, and all 16 were positive by MSG PCR. DHPS mutations at the 55th and 57th codons were observed in 6.2% of HIV patients studied, which was relatively low compared to reports from developed nations. Conclusions:  Prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii DHPS mutations associated with cotrimoxazole treatment failure may be low in the Indian subpopulation of HIV-positive patients and warrants larger studies to elucidate the true picture of Pneumocystis jirovecii sulfa drug resistance in India.
Adverse effects after HAART Initiation in resource-limited settings: a prospective study from Mysore, India
Authors: Sreenivasan Srirangaraj , Dasegowda Venkatesha
Published: November 2010

Introduction: There are few studies from India documenting the adverse effects of generic HAART (Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy). Methodology: A prospective study was conducted at Mysore, India, to study the adverse effects after HAART initiation in a cohort of 100 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive patients, who were evaluated prospectively every three months by clinical and laboratory monitoring for adverse effects after HAART initiation for one year. Results: The most common first-line regimens were zidovudine (AZT) plus lamivudine (3TC) plus nevirapine (NVP) (42%); followed by Stavudine (d4T) plus 3TC plus NVP  (33%); AZT plus 3TC plus efavirenz (EFV) (13%); and d4T plus 3TC plus EFV (12%). The first-line regimen was modified in14% of patients. The most common reasons for modifying therapy were development of an adverse effect (eight cases; 57.14%) and completion of antituberculous therapy (six cases; 42.86%). The commonest cause for modifying therapy was skin rashes due to NVP (four cases) followed by anaemia two cases) and peripheral neuropathy (two cases). Grade 1 or 2 severity adverse effects by laboratory monitoring were seen in 54 patients after ART initiation and grade 3 or 4 severity adverse effects were seen in eight patients. Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients had adverse effects of a lower grade severity after HAART. A significant proportion of those started on ART substitute therapy due to adverse effects and those on NVP-based regimens are more likely to do so when compared with those on non-NVP- based regimens.