bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic and pathogenic characteristics of a new species Aphanomyces trifolii causing root rot of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) in Western Australia
Authors: O'Rourke Tiernan A. , Ryan Megan H. , Li Hua , Ma Xuanli , Sivasithamparam Krishnapillai , Fatehi Jamshid , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: September 2010

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) is grown extensively as a pasture legume in agronomic regions with Mediterranean-type climates in parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Root diseases of subterranean clover, especially those caused by oomycete pathogens including Aphanomyces, Phytophthora and Pythium, greatly reduce productivity by significantly decreasing germination, seedling establishment, plant survival and seed set. For this reason, experiments were conducted to determine the species of Aphanomyces causing root disease on subterranean clover in the high-rainfall areas of south-west Western Australia. The effects of flooding, temperature and inoculum concentration on the development of root disease on subterranean clover caused by this Aphanomyces sp. were also investigated as was its host range. Morphological and molecular characteristics were used to identify the pathogen as a new species Aphanomyces trifolii sp. nov. (O’Rourke et al.), which forms a distinct clade with its nearest relative being A. cladogamus. A. trifolii caused significant lateral root pruning as well as hypocotyl collapse and tap root disease of subterranean clover. The level of disease was greater in treatments where soil was flooded for 24 h rather than for 6 h or in unflooded treatments. The pathogen caused more disease at 18/13oC than at lower (10/5oC) or higher (25/20oC) temperatures. The pathogen caused more disease at 1% inoculum than at 0.5 or 0.2% (% inoculum : dry weight of soil). In greenhouse trials, A. trifolii also caused root disease on annual medic (M. polymorpha and M. truncatula), dwarf beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). However, the pathogen did not cause disease on peas (Pisum sativum), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), wheat (Triticum aestivum), annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidium) or capsicum (Capsicum annuum). A. trifolii is a serious pathogen in the high-rainfall areas of south-west Western Australia and is likely a significant cause of root disease and subsequent decline in subterranean clover pastures across southern Australia.
Photoperiod and vernalization gene effects in southern Australian wheat
Authors: Eagles H. A. , Cane Karen , Kuchel Haydn , Hollamby G. J. , Vallance Neil , Eastwood R. F. , Gororo N. N. , Martin P. J.
Published: September 2010

Photoperiod and vernalization genes are important for the optimal adaptation of wheat to different environments. Diagnostic markers are now available for Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1 and Ppd-D1, with all four genes variable in southern Australian wheat-breeding programs. To estimate the effects of these genes on days to heading we used data from 128 field experiments spanning 24 years.
From an analysis of 1085 homozygous cultivars and breeding lines, allelic variation for these four genes accounted for ~45% of the genotypic variance for days to heading. In the presence of the photoperiod-insensitive allele of Ppd-D1, differences between the winter genotype and genotypes with a spring allele at one of the genes ranged from 3.5 days for Vrn-B1 to 4.9 days for Vrn-D1. Smaller differences occurred between genotypes with a spring allele at one of the Vrn genes and those with spring alleles at two of the three genes. The shortest time to heading occurred for genotypes with spring alleles at both Vrn-A1 and Vrn-D1. Differences between the photoperiod-sensitive and insensitive alleles of Ppd-D1 depended on the genotype of the vernalization genes, being greatest when three spring alleles were present (11.8 days) and least when the only spring allele was at Vrn-B1 (3.7 days). Because of these epistatic interactions, for the practical purposes of using these genes for cross prediction and marker-assisted selection we concluded that using combinations of alleles of genes simultaneously would be preferable to summing effects of individual genes.
The spring alleles of the vernalization genes responded differently to the accumulation of vernalizing temperatures, with the common spring allele of Vrn-A1 showing the least response, and the spring allele of Vrn-D1 showing a response that was similar to, but less than, a winter genotype.
Role of symmetric and asymmetric division of stem cells in developing drug resistance
Authors: Tomasetti Cristian , Levy Doron
Published: September 2010

Often, resistance to drugs is an obstacle to a successful treatment of cancer. In spite of the importance of the problem, the actual mechanisms that control the evolution of drug resistance are not fully understood. Many attempts to study drug resistance have been made in the mathematical modeling literature. Clearly, in order to understand drug resistance, it is imperative to have a good model of the underlying dynamics of cancer cells. One of the main ingredients that has been recently introduced into the rapidly growing pool of mathematical cancer models is stem cells. Surprisingly, this all-so-important subset of cells has not been fully integrated into existing mathematical models of drug resistance. In this work we incorporate the various possible ways in which a stem cell may divide into the study of drug resistance. We derive a previously undescribed estimate of the probability of developing drug resistance by the time a tumor is detected and calculate the expected number of resistant cancer stem cells at the time of tumor detection. To demonstrate the significance of this approach, we combine our previously undescribed mathematical estimates with clinical data that are taken from a recent six-year follow-up of patients receiving imatinib for the first-line treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Based on our analysis we conclude that leukemia stem cells must tend to renew symmetrically as opposed to their healthy counterparts that predominantly divide asymmetrically.
Vertebrate fatty acyl desaturase with Δ4 activity
Authors: Li Yuanyou , Monroig Oscar , Zhang Liang , Wang Shuqi , Zheng Xiaozhong , Dick James R. , You Cuihong , Tocher Douglas R.
Published: September 2010

Biosynthesis of the highly biologically active long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic (ARA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, in vertebrates requires the introduction of up to three double bonds catalyzed by fatty acyl desaturases (Fad). Synthesis of ARA is achieved by Δ6 desaturation of 18∶2
n
 - 6 to produce 18∶3
n
 - 6 that is elongated to 20∶3
n
 - 6 followed by Δ5 desaturation. Synthesis of EPA from 18∶3
n
 - 3 requires the same enzymes and pathway as for ARA, but DHA synthesis reportedly requires two further elongations, a second Δ6 desaturation and a peroxisomal chain shortening step. This paper describes cDNAs,
fad1
and
fad2
, isolated from the herbivorous, marine teleost fish (
Siganus canaliculatus
) with high similarity to mammalian Fad proteins. Functional characterization of the cDNAs by heterologous expression in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
showed that Fad1 was a bifunctional Δ6/Δ5 Fad. Previously, functional dual specificity in vertebrates had been demonstrated for a zebrafish
Danio rerio
Fad and baboon Fad, so the present report suggests bifunctionality may be more widespread in vertebrates. However, Fad2 conferred on the yeast the ability to convert 22∶5
n
 - 3 to DHA indicating that this
S. canaliculatus
gene encoded an enzyme having Δ4 Fad activity. This is a unique report of a Fad with Δ4 activity in any vertebrate species and indicates that there are two possible mechanisms for DHA biosynthesis, a direct route involving elongation of EPA to 22∶5
n
 - 3 followed by Δ4 desaturation, as well as the more complicated pathway as described above.
Identification of the biosynthetic gene cluster for the pacidamycin group of peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Ostash Bohdan , Walsh Christopher T.
Published: September 2010

Pacidamycins are a family of uridyl tetra/pentapeptide antibiotics that act on the translocase MraY to block bacterial cell wall assembly. To elucidate the biosynthetic logic of pacidamcyins, a putative gene cluster was identified by 454 shotgun genome sequencing of the producer
Streptomyces coeruleorubidus
NRRL 18370. The 31-kb gene cluster encodes 22 proteins (PacA-V), including highly dissociated nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) modules and a variety of tailoring enzymes. Gene deletions confirmed that two NRPSs, PacP and PacO, are required for the biosynthesis of pacidamycins. Heterologous expression and in vitro assays of PacL, PacO, and PacP established reversible formation of
m
-Tyr-AMP,
l
-Ala-AMP, and diaminopropionyl-AMP, respectively, consistent with the amino acids found in pacidamycin scaffolds. The unusual Ala
4
-Phe
5
dipeptidyl ureido linkage was formed during in vitro assays containing purified PacL, PacJ, PacN, and PacO. Both the genetic and enzymatic studies validate identification of the biosynthetic genes for this subclass of uridyl peptide antibiotics and provide the basis for future mechanistic study of their biosynthesis.
On the thermodynamics of IGNITOR plasma
Authors: Vita Andrea Di
Published: September 2010

Independent assessment of the feasibility of controlled nuclear fusion in the proposed IGNITOR tokamak is difficult because of the uncertainties concerning energy transport in the plasma. We discuss one IGNITOR scenario with the help of well-known general constraint on transport in weakly collisional, axisymmetric, toroidal, low-β turbulent plasma. No particular ad hoc model for transport coefficients is invoked. As a result, the relevance of the Coppi–Mazzuccato–Gruber model is questioned. Moreover, the crucial role of temperature pedestal at the boundary is highlighted.
Cell Type–dependent Requirement for PIP Box–regulated Cdt1 Destruction During S Phase
Authors: Lee Hyun O. , Zacharek Sima J. , Xiong Yue , Duronio Robert J.
Published: September 2010

DNA synthesis–coupled proteolysis of the prereplicative complex component Cdt1 by the CRL4Cdt2E3 ubiquitin ligase is thought to help prevent rereplication of the genome during S phase. To directly test whether CRL4Cdt2-triggered destruction of Cdt1 is required for normal cell cycle progression in vivo, we expressed a mutant version of Drosophila Cdt1 (Dup), which lacks the PCNA-binding PIP box (DupΔPIP) and which cannot be regulated by CRL4Cdt2. DupΔPIPis inappropriately stabilized during S phase and causes developmental defects when ectopically expressed. DupΔPIPrestores DNA synthesis to dup null mutant embryonic epidermal cells, but S phase is abnormal, and these cells do not progress into mitosis. In contrast, DupΔPIPaccumulation during S phase did not adversely affect progression through follicle cell endocycles in the ovary. In this tissue the combination of DupΔPIPexpression and a 50% reduction in Geminin gene dose resulted in egg chamber degeneration. We could not detect Dup hyperaccumulation using mutations in the CRL4Cdt2components Cul4 and Ddb1, likely because these cause pleiotropic effects that block cell proliferation. These data indicate that PIP box–mediated destruction of Dup is necessary for the cell division cycle and suggest that Geminin inhibition can restrain DupΔPIPactivity in some endocycling cell types.
Vesicle Docking to the Spindle Pole Body Is Necessary to Recruit the Exocyst During Membrane Formation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mathieson Erin M. , Suda Yasuyuki , Nickas Mark , Snydsman Brian , Davis Trisha N. , Muller Eric G. D. , Neiman Aaron M.
Published: September 2010

During meiosis II in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cytoplasmic face of the spindle pole body, referred to as the meiosis II outer plaque (MOP), is modified in both composition and structure to become the initiation site for de novo formation of a membrane called the prospore membrane. The MOP serves as a docking complex for precursor vesicles that are targeted to its surface. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis, the orientation of coiled-coil proteins within the MOP has been determined. The N-termini of two proteins, Mpc54p and Spo21p, were oriented toward the outer surface of the structure. Mutations in the N-terminus of Mpc54p resulted in a unique phenotype: precursor vesicles loosely tethered to the MOP but did not contact its surface. Thus, these mpc54 mutants separate the steps of vesicle association and docking. Using these mpc54 mutants, we determined that recruitment of the Rab GTPase Sec4p, as well as the exocyst components Sec3p and Sec8p, to the precursor vesicles requires vesicle docking to the MOP. This suggests that the MOP promotes membrane formation both by localization of precursor vesicles to a particular site and by recruitment of a second tethering complex, the exocyst, that stimulates downstream events of fusion.
Safety paradigm: genetic evaluation of therapeutic grade human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Stephenson Emma , Ogilvie Caroline Mackie , Patel Heema , Cornwell Glenda , Jacquet Laureen , Kadeva Neli , Braude Peter , Ilic Dusko
Published: September 2010

The use of stem cells for regenerative medicine has captured the imagination of the public, with media attention contributing to rising expectations of clinical benefits. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are the best model for capital investment in stem cell therapy and there is a clear need for their robust genetic characterization before scaling-up cell expansion for that purpose. We have to be certain that the genome of the starting material is stable and normal, but the limited resolution of conventional karyotyping is unable to give us such assurance. Advanced molecular cytogenetic technologies such as array comparative genomic hybridization for identifying chromosomal imbalances, and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis for identifying ethnic background and loss of heterozygosity should be introduced as obligatory diagnostic tests for each newly derived hESC line before it is deposited in national stem cell banks. If this new quality standard becomes a requirement, as we are proposing here, it would facilitate and accelerate the banking process, since end-users would be able to select the most appropriate line for their particular application, thus improving efficiency and streamlining the route to manufacturing therapeutics. The pharmaceutical industry, which may use hESC-derived cells for drug screening, should not ignore their genomic profile as this may risk misinterpretation of results and significant waste of resources.
Regenerative nanomedicines: an emerging investment prospective?
Authors: Prescott Catherine
Published: September 2010

Cells respond to their structural surrounding and within nanostructures exhibit unique proliferative and differentiation properties. The application of nanotechnologies to the field of regenerative medicine offers the potential to direct cell fate, target the delivery of cells and reduce immune rejection (via encapsulation), thereby supporting the development of regenerative medicines. The overall objective of any therapy is the delivery of the product not just into the clinic but also to patients on a routine basis. Such a goal typically requires a commercial vehicle and substantial levels of investment in scientific, clinical, regulatory and business expertise, resources, time and funding. Therefore, this paper focuses on some of the challenges facing this emerging industry, including investment by the venture capital community.
Knower–guesser differentiation in ravens: others' viewpoints matter
Authors: Bugnyar Thomas
Published: September 2010

Differentiating between individuals with different knowledge states is an important step in child development and has been considered as a hallmark in human evolution. Recently, primates and corvids have been reported to pass knower–guesser tasks, raising the possibility of mental attribution skills in non-human animals. Yet, it has been difficult to distinguish ‘mind-reading’ from behaviour-reading alternatives, specifically the use of behavioural cues and/or the application of associatively learned rules. Here, I show that ravens (
Corvus corax
) observing an experimenter hiding food are capable of predicting the behaviour of bystanders that had been visible at both, none or just one of two caching events. Manipulating the competitors' visual field independently of the view of the test-subject resulted in an instant drop in performance, whereas controls for behavioural cues had no such effect. These findings indicate that ravens not only remember whom they have seen at caching but also take into account that the other's view was blocked. Notably, it does not suffice for the birds to associate specific competitors with specific caches. These results support the idea that certain socio-ecological conditions may select for similar cognitive abilities in distantly related species and that some birds have evolved analogous precursors to a human theory-of-mind.
Reproductive state affects reliance on public information in sticklebacks
Authors: Webster M. M. , Laland K. N.
Published: September 2010

The degree to which animals use public and private sources of information has important implications for research in both evolutionary ecology and cultural evolution. While researchers are increasingly interested in the factors that lead individuals to vary in the manner in which they use different sources of information, to date little is known about how an animal's reproductive state might affect its reliance on social learning. Here, we provide experimental evidence that in foraging ninespine sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius), gravid females increase their reliance on public information generated by feeding demonstrators in choosing the richer of two prey patches than non-reproductive fish, while, in contrast, reproductive males stop using public information. Subsequent experiments revealed reproductive males to be more efficient asocial foragers, less risk-averse and generally less social than both reproductive females and non-reproductives. These findings are suggestive of adaptive switches in reliance on social and asocial sources of information with reproductive condition, and we discuss the differing costs of reproduction and the proximate mechanisms that may underlie these differences in information use. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of adaptive foraging strategies in animals and for understanding the way information diffuses through populations.
Relationships between Growth, Growth Response to Nutrient Supply, and Ion Content Using a Recombinant Inbred Line Population in Arabidopsis1[W][OA]
Authors: Prinzenberg Aina E. , Barbier Hugues , Salt David E. , Stich Benjamin , Reymond Matthieu
Published: September 2010

Growth is an integrative trait that responds to environmental factors and is crucial for plant fitness. A major environmental factor influencing plant growth is nutrient supply. In order to explore this relationship further, we quantified growth-related traits, ion content, and other biochemical traits (protein, hexose, and chlorophyll contents) of a recombinant inbred line population of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) grown on different levels of potassium and phosphate. Performing an all subsets multiple regression analyses revealed a link between growth-related traits and mineral nutrient content. Based on our results, up to 85% of growth variation can be explained by variation in ion content, highlighting the importance of ionomics for a broader understanding of plant growth. In addition, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for growth-related traits, ion content, further biochemical traits, and their responses to reduced supplies of potassium or phosphate. Colocalization of these QTLs is explored, and candidate genes are discussed. A QTL for rosette weight response to reduced potassium supply was identified on the bottom of chromosome 5, and its effects were validated using selected near isogenic lines. These lines retained over 20% more rosette weight in reduced potassium supply, accompanied by an increase in potassium content in their leaves.
Small-angle X-ray scattering of two-phase systems: significance of polydispersity
Authors: Ruland Wilhelm
Published: September 2010

Evaluation of the small-angle X-ray scattering of two-phase systems leads to the determination of the Porod lengthlpand the correlation lengthlc. In dilute systems, the parameter κl=lc/lp− 1 is a measure of the polydispersity of the chord lengthslwithin the dilute phase, which depends on the size distribution and the shape of the particles forming this phase. As an example, the change of κlwith the size distribution is calculated for spheres and spheroids. For dense two-phase systems, κldepends not only on the polydispersities of the chord lengthsl1andl2of the two phases but also on the spatial order in the system. This is demonstrated by examples related to microemulsions. The appendix contains a short discussion on the relationship between chord-length distributions and Bertrand's paradox.
Hair transplantation for therapy‐resistant alopecia areata of the eyebrows: Is it the right choice?
Authors: CIVAŞ Ekrem , AKSOY Berna , AKSOY Hasan Mete , ESKI Muhitdin , YUCEL Kubilay
Published: September 2010

Alopecia areata is a common skin disorder of presumed autoimmune etiology and it usually shows an unpredictable course. Treatment of alopecia areata is challenging. There is very little information on the use of surgical therapies for the treatment of alopecia areata in the medical published work. A 24‐year‐old male patient was referred to a private hair transplantation clinic owned by one of the authors for the treatment of therapy‐resistant alopecia areata affecting both eyebrows. He had quickly lost all body hair 4 years prior beginning from the scalp. He received psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for alopecia universalis and all body hair re‐grew except his eyebrows. Alopecia areata was stable for the 18 months following the last medical treatment he received. Because there was no response to various medical therapeutic agents, we decided to transplant occipital hairs to the eyebrow area. After the patient understood and accepted all risks, occipital hairs were transplanted to the eyebrows by using the follicular unit extraction technique. Postoperatively, the patient did not receive any topical or systemic therapies for alopecia areata. Although 40% hair re‐growth was detected in his eyebrows at 1 year postoperation, this rate was 80% by 2 years postoperation. However, there was resistance to re‐growth in the medial eyebrow regions. New eyebrows grew as occipital hairs and required trimming. His satisfaction from the surgical procedure was 90% at the end of the 24th postoperative month. Surgical treatment of diseases like alopecia areata is still controversial. Our case report offers an additional contribution to the published work on the surgical methods used in the treatment of stable alopecia areata.
Original article: Thermal dynamic properties of isoflavones during dry heating
Authors: Yue Xiaohua , Abdallah Ahmed M. , Xu Zhimin
Published: September 2010

Thermal stabilities of major soya isoflavones at different dry‐heating temperatures were determined in this study. The conversion of glucoside isoflavones to aglycone isoflavones was monitored as well. The thermal degradation of the isoflavones: glucoside form daidzin, glycitin, and genistin and aglycone form daidzein, glycitein, and genistein followed first‐order reaction kinetics at heating temperatures 100, 150, and 200 °C. The degradation rate constants of the six isoflavones were not significantly different at 100 °C. However, the constants increased with increasing heating temperature. The half‐life for the glucoside and aglycone isoflavones was from 144 to 169 min and 139 to 176 min at 100 °C, respectively. They decreased rapidly to 15.7–54.7 and 36.0–90.7 min when temperature increased to 150 °C. When heated at 200 °C, they further decreased to 5.8–6.0 and 15.7–21.2 min, respectively. The order of thermal stability from lowest to highest was glycitin < genistin < daidzin < glycitein < genistein < daidzein at temperature below 150 °C. However, their thermal stabilities were not different at 200 °C. The conjugated glucosides were cleaved from the isoflavones to produce their corresponding aglycones when heated at 150 °C or higher. The production of glycitein increased constantly and was the highest among the three aglycone isoflavones.
Original article: Encapsulation of ascorbic acid in amorphous maltodextrin employing extrusion as affected by matrix/core ratio and water content
Authors: Chang Dawei , Abbas Shabbar , Hayat Khizar , Xia Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoming , Xie Mingyong , Kim Jin Moon
Published: September 2010

Ascorbic acid (AA) was encapsulated in glassy low‐dextrose equivalent maltodextrin matrix by extrusion. The effects of formulation parameters, i.e., core/matrix ratio and water content were mainly investigated on Tg of extrudate. The AA yield, AA content and water content of the products together with extrusion parameters were also determined and compared for different formulations. The Tg of extrudates containing water content from 7.860% to 10.430% ranged from 43.17 to 27.48 °C, and the Tg of extrudates which core to matrix from 1:4 to 1:8 ranged from 35.79 to 41.64 °C. AA yield of all extrudates is above 96%, and with increasing water content, there was a slight decrease in the AA yield. The increased water level and core/matrix ratio reduce specific mechanical energy and die head pressure. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy suggested that AA was most likely molecularly dispersed within the maltodextrin indicating the miscibility of AA and maltodextrin.
Original article: Supercritical CO2 extraction of soybean oil: process optimisation and triacylglycerol composition
Authors: Jokić Stela , Zeković Zoran , Vidović Senka , Sudar Rezica , Nemet Ivana , Bilić Mate , Velić Darko
Published: September 2010

Supercritical CO2 extraction of soybean oil was performed. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of pressure, temperature and extraction time on soybean oil yield. The analysis of variance showed that pressure and extraction time followed by the quadratic term of pressure and interaction between pressure and time had the significant effect on the oil yield. The maximum extraction yield (6.59/100 g soybeans) at constant CO2 flow rate of 1.629 L per min was achieved at 50 °C, 300 bar and 4 h. The experimental values agreed well with those predicted by regression model. One‐stage diffusion model was successfully applied for modelling the kinetics of soybean oil. The main triacylglycerols of soybean oil were trilinolein, dilinoleoolein, dilinoleopalmitin and linoleooleopalmitin. Soybean oil extracted by supercritical CO2 had higher levels of linoleic and linolenic acids and lower levels of palmitic and stearic acids compared to oil extracted by organic solvent.
Original article: Use of nano‐clay (Cloisite Na+) improves tensile strength and vapour permeability in agar rich red algae (Gelidium corneum)–gelatin composite films
Authors: Jang Sung‐Ae , Lim Geum‐Ok , Song Kyung Bin
Published: September 2010

In this study, we aimed to improve the physical properties of Gelidium corneum–gelatin (GCG) film by including nano‐clay in the film‐forming solution and tested the antimicrobial properties of the thymol‐containing composite film as a packaging material for chicken breast. Addition of nano‐clay improved the physical properties of GCG film. The tensile strength of the GCG film containing 1% Cloisite Na+ was 38.13 MPa, compared to the 26.65 MPa for the GCG film. The water vapour permeability of the GCG film was 3.56 ng m m−2sPa, while that of the GCG film with 1% Cloisite Na+ was 3.24 ng m m−2sPa. Incorporation of thymol into the film had its antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. When used to pack chicken breast, the GCG/nano‐clay film containing thymol inhibited microbial growth during storage.
A brain slice bath for physiology and compound microscopy, with dual‐sided perifusion
Authors: HEYWARD P.M.
Published: September 2010

Contemporary in vitro brain slice studies can employ compound microscopes to identify individual neurons or their processes for physiological recording or imaging. This requires that the bath used to maintain the tissue fits within the working distances of a water‐dipping objective and microscope condenser. A common means of achieving this is to maintain thin tissue slices on the glass floor of a recording bath, exposing only one surface of the tissue to oxygenated bathing medium. Emerging evidence suggests that physiology can be compromised by this approach. Flowing medium past both sides of submerged brain slices is optimal, but recording baths utilizing this principle are not readily available for use on compound microscopes. This paper describes a tissue bath designed specifically for microscopy and physiological recording, in which temperature‐controlled medium flows past both sides of the slices. A particular feature of this design is the use of concentric mesh rings to support and transport the live tissue without mechanical disturbance. The design is also easily adapted for use with thin acute slices, cultured slices, and acutely dispersed or cultured cells maintained either on cover slips or placed directly on the floor of the bath. The low profile of the bath provides a low angle of approach for electrodes, and allows use of standard condensers, nosepieces and water‐dipping objective lenses. If visualization of individual neurons is not required, the bath can be mounted on a simple stand and used with a dissecting microscope. Heating is integral to the bath, and any temperature controller capable of driving a resistive load can be used. The bath is robust, readily constructed and requires minimal maintenance. Full construction and operation details are given.
Is Johnny wheezing? Parent–child agreement in the Childhood Asthma in America survey
Authors: Davis K. J. , DiSantostefano R. , Peden D. B.
Published: September 2010

To cite this article: Davis KJ, DiSantostefano R, Peden DB. Is Johnny wheezing? Parent–child agreement in the childhood asthma in America survey. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 31–35.

We compared responses of children and parents to determine their level of agreement in a national, population‐based survey regarding asthma‐related health of US children. A telephone‐based survey was conducted in 2004 among a national probability sample of children with current asthma in the United States. To compare responses between parent–child pairs, a subset of 284 children aged 10–15 were interviewed in addition to the parents. This survey collected data on asthma symptom prevalence, physical activity limitations and impact of exercise on asthma, and asthma management including medication use. Paired responses were compared using the kappa (κ) statistic. Overall, parents of 10–15‐yr‐olds underestimated the burden of asthma experienced by their children, especially the effects on physical activity. More than half (58%) of children replied that exercise was a trigger for their asthma compared to only 35% of parents (κ 0.23). Children were more likely than parents to mention activity limitations, specifically avoiding physical exertion (63% vs. 49%–κ 0.004). Prevalence of symptoms was also underreported by parents relative to children, particularly breathing problems (41% vs. 67%–κ 0.16) and cough (45% vs. 64%–κ 0.14). Maintenance therapy use in the past 4 weeks was reported by 35% of children, whereas 44% of parents believed their children had used maintenance therapy (κ 0.47). Relative to children’s self‐report, parents underestimated avoidance tactics used by their children with asthma, including exercise and physical activity self‐limitation to prevent the onset or worsening of asthma symptoms. Parents also underreported asthma symptoms of their children aged 10–15 years old and were discordant with their children regarding medication use. Increasing regular communication about asthma between child, parent, and physician is warranted to improve asthma control and overall health.
Morphological characterization of the asexual reproduction in the acorn worm Balanoglossus simodensis
Authors: Miyamoto Norio , Saito Yasunori
Published: September 2010

The acorn worm Balanoglossus simodensis reproduces asexually by fragmentation and subsequent regeneration from the body fragments. We examined the morphogenesis of its asexual reproduction. At first, we collected asexually reproducing specimens and observed their morphogenesis. Then, we succeeded in inducing the asexual reproduction artificially by cutting the worm at the end of the genital region. The process of morphogenesis is completely the same between naturally collected and artificially induced specimens. The stages during morphogenesis were established on the basis of the external features of the asexually reproducing fragments. The internal features of the fragments were also examined at each stage. In a separate phase of the study, the capacity for regeneration of some body parts was also examined by dividing intact worms into about 10 fragments. Although the capacity for regeneration varied among the different body parts, some fragments regenerated into complete individuals in 1 month. The process of regeneration was the same as that in the asexually produced fragments.
Oxidative stress in mature rat testis and its developmental changes
Authors: Sakai Yasuhiro , Aminaka Masahito , Takata Ayako , Kudou Yuichiro , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Aizawa Yoshiharu , Sakagami Hiroyuki
Published: September 2010

Active oxygen causes various problems including male infertility through the oxidation of DNA, proteins, and lipids. In the present study, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of molecules involved in oxidative stress including 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in mature and developing rat testes. In mature rat testes, 8‐OHdG was detected in leptotene, zygotene, and early pachytene spermatocytes, while its expression was weak in late pachytene stage spermatocytes. On the other hand, SOD was detected in late pachytene spermatocytes but not in early pachytene and former spermatocytes, suggesting the efficient removal of active oxygen by SOD in late pachytene spermatocytes. In developing rat testes, 8‐OHdG expression peaked at 4 weeks when spermatocytes started to differentiate to the late pachytene stage, while SOD started to be expressed at 4 weeks after birth. These findings suggest that the defense system against oxidative stress by SOD is developed in late pachytene stage spermatocytes at 4 weeks after birth. The present findings aid our understanding of the defensive mechanism against oxidative stress in developing and mature testes.
Shopping in the Public Realm: A Law of Place
Authors: Layard Antonia
Published: September 2010

Through a case study based in Bristol, this article explores how the ‘law of place’ has transformed multiple heterogeneous city centre spaces into a single homogeneous and commodified privately owned retail site. Drawing on de Certeau, Lefebvre, and humanistic geographers including Tuan, the article explores how law facilitates spatial and temporal enclosure through conventional understandings of private property, relying on techniques of masterplanning, compulsory purchase, and stopping up highways. It suggests that the law of place draws on binary spatial and conceptual distinctions to apparently separate places from spaces, applying different legal rules either side of an often invisible boundary line. The article questions this legally facilitated spatial and conceptual enclosure, particularly as it restricts spatial practices within the public realm. It concludes by rejecting an urban ‘right to roam’ as insufficiently transformative, calling for a broader interpretation of Lefebvre's ‘right to the city’ instead.
The Strategic Use of Demand‐side Diversity Pressure in the Solicitors' Profession
Authors: Braithwaite Joanne P.
Published: September 2010

There has been a long line of official initiatives seeking to address the poor record of the solicitors' profession on diversity. One of the latest, the Law Society's 2009 Diversity Charter and Protocol, attempts to harness client pressure as a way of bringing about change. The objective of the paper is to assess this strategic use of ‘demand‐side diversity pressure’ in the solicitors' profession, contextualizing the strategy and using different perspectives to assess it. The paper first considers the strategy as a development of ‘business case’ arguments for diversity and explores the implications of scholarly objections to this approach. Secondly, the paper uses empirical data from the City law firm sector to explore the nature and practical effects of demand‐side diversity pressures within law firms. I conclude by considering the prospects of the Law Society's scheme having a meaningful effect, factoring in the possible effects of the ongoing global economic crisis.
The Reflexive Properties of Corporate Governance Codes: The Reception of the ‘Comply‐or‐explain’ Approach in Slovenia
Authors: Cankar Nina K. , Deakin Simon , Simoneti Marko
Published: September 2010

The Slovenian Corporate Governance Code for Public Joint‐Stock Companies was adopted in March 2004. We examine how far the implementation of the Code has resulted in the ‘reflexive’ learning processes which the ‘comply‐or‐explain’ approach to corporate governance aims to bring about. We find that compliance strategies are strikingly uniform across firms in terms of the content of deviations as well as in types of disclosure and explanations for deviations. Moreover, the quality of corporate reporting is low, with effective explanations representing only a small minority of disclosures. Thus there is little evidence that the Code has stimulated organizational learning. We consider the implications of our findings for the development of corporate governance in transition systems and for the comply‐or‐explain approach more generally.
Probabilistic Assessment of Industrial Synergistic Systems
Authors: Hsu Yung‐Chia , Rohmer Serge
Published: September 2010

A probability‐based method is presented for assessing the reliability of synergistic systems and their ability to cope with the uncertainties often associated with two of a company's main types of activities: those carried out by the manufacturing department, and those carried out by the storage department. This method is based on a model focusing on the dynamic simulation of synergistic flows in terms of the mass balance. It differs from previous material flow analysis tools, which do not take into account the temporary failures occurring at the companies involved and the resulting loss of production capacity. The failure events occurring at any of the companies in a synergistic system may result in various levels of synergy failure and a short supply of resources for other companies. We therefore propose to identify the main factors responsible for a lack of synergy. We developed a dynamic stock simulation model for assessing the reliability of synergistic systems as well as that of the individual companies of a system before and after a synergy is set up. We first confirm the validity of this model by comparing the results with those based on the binomial theorem in system reliability analysis, and we then apply the model to the case of an industrial system. We conclude that companies involved in a synergistic system will inevitably be exposed to a higher risk of resource shortage because of the unsteady synergistic and outsourcing flows on which they depend. More efficient stock management methods would prevent the occurrence of the risks often associated with synergistic flows.
Hospital Protocols for the Inpatient Care of Older Adults: Results from a Statewide Survey
Authors: Neuman Mark D. , Speck Rebecca M. , Karlawish Jason H. , Schwartz J. Sanford , Shea Judy A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of protocols or guidelines for selected domains of inpatient care for older adults; to explore associations between hospital characteristics and adoption of these guidelines or protocols.

DESIGN: Telephone‐ and Web‐based questionnaire.

SETTING: General acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS: Chief nursing officers, directors of nursing, other hospital executives.

MEASUREMENTS: Questionnaire items assessed the presence of written protocols or guidelines for selected processes of inpatient care; written guidelines, protocols, or pathways for hip fracture care; and inpatient geriatric consultation.

RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 103 of 147 hospitals (70%) between June 21, 2009, and October 12, 2009. The prevalence of written protocols for general hospital practices (e.g., dosing of preoperative antibiotics, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis) ranged from 84 of 98 (86%) to 90 of 97 (93%) respondents. Twenty of 95 (21%) and 16 of 94 (17%) respondents reported guidelines for the assessment of risk factors for delirium and for routine screening for delirium. Sixty‐six of 92 respondents (72%) reported the presence of a written protocol, guideline, or pathway for hip fracture, and 61 of 100 respondents (39%) confirmed availability of inpatient geriatric consultation. No systematic differences were found in survey responses between facilities on the basis of geriatric consultation availability, hospital size, or teaching status.

CONCLUSION: Hospitals vary in their adoption of protocols and guidelines for the care of older adults. Broad opportunities may exist to improve the quality of inpatient care for older adults through better dissemination and implementation of guidelines and protocols for selected geriatric conditions.
Indoor and Outdoor Falls in Older Adults Are Different: The Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly of Boston Study
Authors: Kelsey Jennifer L. , Berry Sarah D. , Procter‐Gray Elizabeth , Quach Lien , Nguyen Uyen‐Sa D. T. , Li Wenjun , Kiel Douglas P. , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Hannan Marian T.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for indoor and outdoor falls.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: The MOBILIZE Boston Study, a study of falls etiology in community‐dwelling older individuals.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred sixty‐five women and men, mainly aged 70 and older, from randomly sampled households in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline data were collected by questionnaire and comprehensive clinic examination. During follow‐up, participants recorded falls on daily calendars. The location and circumstances of each fall were asked during telephone interviews.

RESULTS: Five hundred ninety‐eight indoor and 524 outdoor falls were reported over a median follow‐up of 21.7 months. Risk factors for indoor falls included older age, being female, and various indicators of poor health. Risk factors for outdoor falls included younger age, being male, and being relatively physically active and healthy. For instance, the age‐ and sex‐adjusted rate ratio for having much difficulty or inability to perform activities of daily living relative to no difficulty was 2.57 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.69–3.90) for indoor falls but 0.27 (95% CI=0.13–0.56) for outdoor falls. The rate ratio for gait speed of less than 0.68 m/s relative to a speed of greater than 1.33 m/s was 1.48 (95% CI=0.81–2.68) for indoor falls but 0.27 (95% CI=0.15–0.50) for outdoor falls.

CONCLUSION: Risk factors for indoor and outdoor falls differ. Combining these falls, as is done in many studies, masks important information. Prevention recommendations for noninstitutionalized older people would probably be more effective if targeted differently for frail, inactive older people at high risk for indoor falls and relatively active, healthy people at high risk for outdoor falls.
The Optimum Follow‐Up Period for Assessing Mortality Outcomes in Injured Older Adults
Authors: Fleischman Ross J. , Adams Annette L. , Hedges Jerris R. , Ma O. John , Mullins Richard J. , Newgard Craig D.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To compare mortality rates of hospitalized injured aged 67 and older across commonly used follow‐up periods (e.g., in‐hospital, 30‐day, 1‐year) and to determine the postinjury time after which mortality rates stabilize.

DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of Medicare claims.

SETTING: Oregon and Washington Medicare patients.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients admitted to 171 Oregon and Washington facilities during 2001/02 with injuries identified according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code and followed for 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality and mortality at 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and daily postadmission mortality rates were also evaluated. The rate of change (slope) of the survival curves and daily mortality rates were analyzed to select the point after which mortality rates were no longer decreasing.

RESULTS: There were 32,135 injured older adults hospitalized over the 2‐year period, with a median age of 82 (interquartile range 77–88). Cumulative in‐hospital mortality and at 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days was 4.1%, 9.7%, 13.6%, 16.1%, 21.3%, and 28.4%, respectively. Mortality rates stabilized by 6 months after injury, with 89% of the change occurring within 60 days. Although serious injuries, medical comorbidities, and preinjury nursing facility residence were all associated with higher mortality, they did not affect the pattern of mortality after injury.

CONCLUSION: In‐hospital mortality is much lower than postdischarge mortality in injured older adults, with a substantial portion of persons dying shortly after discharge from the hospital. Mortality appears to stabilize by 6 months after injury, although 60‐day postadmission follow‐up captures most of the excess daily mortality rate.
Synthesis of β‐Galactooligosaccharides from Lactose Using Microbial β‐Galactosidases
Authors: Otieno Daniel Obed
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) are nondigestible oligosaccharides and are comprised of 2 to 20 molecules of galactose and 1 molecule of glucose. They are recognized as important prebiotics for their stimulation of the proliferation of intestinal lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Therefore, they beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of a limited number of gastrointestinal microbes (probiotics) that confer health benefits. Prebiotics and probiotics have only recently been recognized as contributors to human health. A GOS can be produced by a series of enzymatic reactions catalyzed by β‐galactosidase, where the glycosyl group of one or more D‐galactosyl units is transferred onto the D‐galactose moiety of lactose, in a process known as transgalactosylation. Microbes can be used as a source for the β‐galactosidase enzyme or as agents to produce GOS molecules. Commercial β‐galactosidase enzymes also do have a great potential for their use in GOS synthesis. These transgalactosyl reactions, which could find useful application in the dairy as well as the larger food industry, have not been fully exploited. A better understanding of the enzyme reaction as well as improved analytical techniques for GOS measurements are important in achieving this worthwhile objective.