bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the oxidation state and the structural aspects of the V-doped TiO2
Authors: Bhattacharyya K. , Varma S. , Tripathi A. K. , Bhattacharyya D. , Mathon O. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: November 2009

A modified sol-gel method for synthesizing vanadium doped titania is being reported. These materials were thoroughly characterized for their oxidation states by electron paramagnetic resonance and x-ray absorption near edge structure and the local environment of the V-atom were investigated by the x-ray absorption fine structure. V-doped titania was found to be more active than nanotitania for photo-oxidation of methane in air under ambient conditions using UV-visible irradiation. The vanadium doping in the crystal lattice of titania leads to a mixture of oxidation states of 4+ and 5+ in the crystal lattice sites of the TiO2, which is crucial for its catalytic activity.
On the Moyal deformation of Nahm equations in seven dimensions
Authors: García-Compeán Hugo , Martínez-Merino Aldo A.
Published: November 2009

We show how the reduced (anti-)self-dual Yang–Mills equations to seven dimensions described by the Nahm equations can be carried over to the Weyl–Wigner–Moyal formalism. In the process some new solutions for the cases of gauge groups SU(2) and SL(2,R) are explicitly obtained.
Investigation of electron wave function hybridization in Ga0.25In0.75As/InP arrays
Authors: Martin T. P. , Fairbanks M. S. , Scannell B. C. , Marlow C. A. , Linke H. , Taylor R. P.
Published: November 2009

We present a measurement technique for quantifying coupling between semiconductor quantum dots in an array. This technique employs magnetoconductance fluctuations to probe the decrease in the average spacing of the quantum energy levels as the electron wave functions in the dots undergo hybridization. Focusing on Ga0.25In0.75As dots, we investigate hybridization as the coupling strength is varied and the number of dots in the array is increased. Our technique reveals a significant drop in the average energy level spacing for multiple dot arrays, which is strong evidence for wave function hybridization.
Simultaneous phenotyping of leaf growth and chlorophyll fluorescence via GROWSCREEN FLUORO allows detection of stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana and other rosette plants
Authors: Jansen Marcus , Gilmer Frank , Biskup Bernhard , Nagel Kerstin A. , Rascher Uwe , Fischbach Andreas , Briem Sabine , Dreissen Georg , Tittmann Susanne , Braun Silvia , De Jaeger Iris , Metzlaff Michael , Schurr Ulrich , Scharr Hanno , Walter Achim
Published: November 2009

Stress caused by environmental factors evokes dynamic changes in plant phenotypes. In this study, we deciphered simultaneously the reaction of plant growth and chlorophyll fluorescence related parameters using a novel approach which combines existing imaging technologies (GROWSCREEN FLUORO). Three different abiotic stress situations were investigated demonstrating the benefit of this approach to distinguish between effects related to (1) growth, (2) chlorophyll-fluorescence, or (3) both of these aspects of the phenotype. In a drought stress experiment with more than 500 plants, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) deficient lines of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh showed increased relative growth rates (RGR) compared with C24 wild-type plants. In chilling stress, growth of PARP and C24 lines decreased rapidly, followed by a decrease in Fv/Fm. Here, PARP-plants showed a more pronounced decrease of Fv/Fm than C24, which can be interpreted as a more efficient strategy for survival in mild chilling stress. Finally, the reaction of Nicotiana tabacum L. to altered spectral composition of the intercepted light was monitored as an example of a moderate stress situation that affects chlorophyll-fluorescence related, but not growth-related parameters. The examples investigated in this study show the capacity for improved plant phenotyping based on an automated and simultaneous evaluation of growth and photosynthesis at high throughput.
Studies on Diaporthe eres as a New Pathogen of Peach Trees in Greece
Authors: Thomidis Thomas , Michailides Themis J.
Published: November 2009

Phomopsis sp., the imperfect stage of the genus Diaporthe, is an increasingly common fungal pathogen of peach (Prunus persica). This study is the first report of the occurrence of a shoot blight and canker disease of peach in Greece caused by the fungus Diaporthe eres. The pathogen caused distinct cankers with abundant gumming on shoots of peach and nectarine trees. The rate of development of D. eres in vitro was reduced as temperatures increased from 25 to 30°C or decreased from 25 to 15°C, and was totally inhibited at 35 and 10°C. Storage at 10°C of peach fruit inoculated with D. eres controlled the development of fruit rot. Pathogenicity tests showed that 27 peach and nectarine cultivars grown in Imathia Prefecture, Greece, were equally susceptible to D. eres. The fungicides thiophanate methyl, carbendazim, tebuconazole, iprodione, and the mixture of cyprodinil:fludioxonil were evaluated against the development of D. eres and the disease symptoms. Thiophanate methyl, carbendazim, and tebuconazole significantly inhibited the growth of D. eres whereas iprodione and the mixture of cyprodinil:fludioxonil were less effective in inhibiting mycelial growth and disease symptoms. The sensitivity of 24 isolates of D. eres to carbendazim, thiophanate methyl, and tebuconazole was also tested. The results showed that most of the isolates used were sensitive to these fungicides, with some isolates showing a level of insensitivity. In general, the disease caused by D. eres could be a threat for peach cultivation in Greece and its management should be investigated in the field.
Influence of Fungicide Application Timings on the Management of Bermudagrass Spring Dead Spot Caused by Ophiosphaerella herpotricha
Authors: Walker N. R.
Published: November 2009

Spring dead spot, caused by Ophiosphaerella spp., is the most important disease of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon and C. dactylon × C. transvaalensis) where cool temperatures induce dormancy. Field plot studies were conducted from 2004 to 2008 to determine the frequency and timings of fungicide applications for control of the disease. The fungicide treatments included tebuconazole applied two, three, or four times in the fall, once in the spring plus twice in the fall, or twice in the spring and twice in the fall. Propiconazole treatments consisted of one spring, one spring and one fall, one spring and two fall, or two fall applications. Disease severity in plots treated three or four times in the fall with tebuconazole was significantly lower than for those not treated. Based on the change in patch size prior to treatment, patches in plots treated four times with tebuconazole were smaller than in the previous year and were smaller than patches treated once in the spring and twice in the fall or twice in the fall. Plots receiving two fall, one spring and one fall, or one spring and two fall applications of propiconazole had less disease than plots treated once in the spring or plots not treated. Based on the change in plot area prior to treatment, plots receiving two fall, one spring and one fall, or one spring and two fall propiconazole applications had a reduction in plot area expressing symptoms of disease. These studies demonstrated that two fall or one spring and one fall application appear to provide the most effective and cost effective disease control in an integrated approach to managing the disease. The study also demonstrates the importance of disease severity assessment prior to treatment in evaluating the efficacy of a control measure for spring dead spot.
Running-specific prostheses limit ground-force during sprinting
Authors: Grabowski Alena M. , McGowan Craig P. , McDermott William J. , Beale Matthew T. , Kram Rodger , Herr Hugh M.
Published: November 2009

Running-specific prostheses (RSP) emulate the spring-like behaviour of biological limbs during human running, but little research has examined the mechanical means by which amputees achieve top speeds. To better understand the biomechanical effects of RSP during sprinting, we measured ground reaction forces (GRF) and stride kinematics of elite unilateral trans-tibial amputee sprinters across a range of speeds including top speed. Unilateral amputees are ideal subjects because each amputee's affected leg (AL) can be compared with their unaffected leg (UL). We found that stance average vertical GRF were approximately 9 per cent less for the AL compared with the UL across a range of speeds including top speed (
p
< 0.0001). In contrast, leg swing times were not significantly different between legs at any speed (
p
= 0.32). Additionally, AL and UL leg swing times were similar to those reported for non-amputee sprinters. We infer that RSP impair force generation and thus probably limit top speed. Some elite unilateral trans-tibial amputee sprinters appear to have learned or trained to compensate for AL force impairment by swinging both legs rapidly.
Assembly of an Interactive Correlation Network for the Arabidopsis Genome Using a Novel Heuristic Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Mutwil Marek , Usadel Bjoݶrn , Schuݶtte Moritz , Loraine Ann , Ebenhoݶh Oliver , Persson Staffan
Published: November 2009

A vital quest in biology is comprehensible visualization and interpretation of correlation relationships on a genome scale. Such relationships may be represented in the form of networks, which usually require disassembly into smaller manageable units, or clusters, to facilitate interpretation. Several graph-clustering algorithms that may be used to visualize biological networks are available. However, only some of these support weighted edges, and none provides good control of cluster sizes, which is crucial for comprehensible visualization of large networks. We constructed an interactive coexpression network for the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome using a novel Heuristic Cluster Chiseling Algorithm (HCCA) that supports weighted edges and that may control average cluster sizes. Comparative clustering analyses demonstrated that the HCCA performed as well as, or better than, the commonly used Markov, MCODE, and k-means clustering algorithms. We mapped MapMan ontology terms onto coexpressed node vicinities of the network, which revealed transcriptional organization of previously unrelated cellular processes. We further explored the predictive power of this network through mutant analyses and identified six new genes that are essential to plant growth. We show that the HCCA-partitioned network constitutes an ideal “cartographic” platform for visualization of correlation networks. This approach rapidly provides network partitions with relative uniform cluster sizes on a genome-scale level and may thus be used for correlation network layouts also for other species.
The Nuclear Interactor PYL8/RCAR3 ofFagus sylvaticaFsPP2C1 Is a Positive Regulator of Abscisic Acid Signaling in Seeds and Stress
Authors: Saavedra Xandra , Modrego Abelardo , Rodriݩguez Dolores , Gonzaݩlez-Garciݩa Mary Paz , Sanz Luis , Nicolaݩs Gregorio , Lorenzo Oscar
Published: November 2009

The functional protein phosphatase type 2C from beechnut (Fagus sylvatica; FsPP2C1) was a negative regulator of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in seeds. In this report, to get deeper insight on FsPP2C1 function, we aim to identify PP2C-interacting partners. Two closely related members (PYL8/RCAR3 and PYL7/RCAR2) of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) BetV I family were shown to bind FsPP2C1 in a yeast two-hybrid screening and in an ABA-independent manner. By transient expression of FsPP2C1 and PYL8/RCAR3 in epidermal onion (Allium cepa) cells and agroinfiltration in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) as green fluorescent protein fusion proteins, we obtained evidence supporting the subcellular localization of both proteins mainly in the nucleus and in both the cytosol and the nucleus, respectively. The in planta interaction of both proteins in tobacco cells by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays resulted in a specific nuclear colocalization of this interaction. Constitutive overexpression of PYL8/RCAR3 confers ABA hypersensitivity in Arabidopsis seeds and, consequently, an enhanced degree of seed dormancy. Additionally, transgenic 35S:PYL8/RCAR3 plants are unable to germinate under low concentrations of mannitol, NaCl, or paclobutrazol, which are not inhibiting conditions to the wild type. In vegetative tissues, Arabidopsis PYL8/RCAR3 transgenic plants show ABA-resistant drought response and a strong inhibition of early root growth. These phenotypes are strengthened at the molecular level with the enhanced induction of several ABA response genes. Both seed and vegetative phenotypes of Arabidopsis 35S:PYL8/RCAR3 plants are opposite those of 35S:FsPP2C1 plants. Finally, double transgenic plants confirm the role of PYL8/RCAR3 by antagonizing FsPP2C1 function and demonstrating that PYL8/RCAR3 positively regulates ABA signaling during germination and abiotic stress responses.
A randomized controlled trial comparing two different dosages of infusional pantoprazole in peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Chun , Perng Chin‐Lin , Yang Tzeng‐Huey , Wang Chaur‐Shine , Hsu Wei‐Lun , Wu Huei‐Tang , Cheng Yang‐Chih , Chiang Ming‐Feng , Lin Hwai‐Jeng
Published: November 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• An adjunct to endoscopy, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is effective pharmacotherapy in high‐risk patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

• An intravenous 80‐mg bolus and 192 mg day−1 successive infusion for 3 days is the currently recommended dosing modality in administering PPI.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Clinical outcomes are not different in PUB patients receiving infusional pantoprazole at either 192 mg or 160 mg day−1 for 3 days.

• The effective dosage of PPI may not be as high as currently recommended.

• In view of cost‐effectiveness, a lower dosage (160 mg day−1) of infusional PPI may be adopted in the management of PUB.

AIM The optimal dosage of proton pump inhibitor in bleeding peptic ulcers remains controversial.

The aim was to compare the clinical effectiveness of two doses of infusional pantoprazole in peptic ulcer bleeding.

METHODS Peptic ulcer patients (n= 120) with bleeding stigmata were enrolled after successful endoscopic therapy. After an initial bolus injection of 80 mg pantoprazole, patients were randomized to receive continuously infused pantoprazole at either 192 mg day−1 or 40 mg every 6 h (i.e. 160 mg day−1) for 3 days. Clinical outcomes between the two groups within 14 days were compared, with 14‐day recurrent bleeding regarded as the primary end‐point.

RESULTS Both groups (n= 60 each) were well matched in demographic and clinical factors upon entry. Bleeding totally recurred in 11 (9.2%) patients, with six (10%) in the 192 mg day−1 group and five (8.3%) in the 160 mg day−1 group (relative risk of bleeding recurrence between two treatments 1.2; 95% CI 0.39, 3.72). All secondary outcomes between the two groups were similar, including the amount of blood transfusion (mean 1179 ml vs. 1203 ml, P > 0.1), hospital stay (mean 9.5 days vs. 9.9 days, P > 0.1), need for surgery (n= 1 vs. n= 0, P > 0.1), and mortality (n= 1 vs. n= 0, P > 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS Following endoscopic haemostasis, infusional pantoprazole at either 192 mg day−1 or 40 mg every 6 h appear similar.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children with haemophilia: a clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: CHOE B. H. , KIM J. Y. , LEE J. H. , KIM J. M. , CHU M. A. , CHO S. M. , LEE K. S.
Published: November 2009

Summary.  For patients with haemophilia, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a life‐threatening complication and can be caused by the Helicobacter pylori infection. Among children with haemophilia who had visited with GI bleeding, the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the recurrence rate after H. pylori eradication was investigated. Seven children with haemophilia A with hematemesis (age: 5.3–17.0 years) were evaluated for the causes of GI bleeding and the detection of H. pylori. Gastroendoscopy was done to find the bleeding focus and for further evaluation including rapid urease test and mucosal biopsy. Four patients had dyspepsia and abdominal pain for several weeks or months prior to hematemesis. Three patients did not show any symptoms of bleeding. From gastroendoscopy, four patients were diagnosed as duodenal ulcer, one as H. pylori associated chronic gastritis and one as haemorrhagic gastritis. One patient showing a normal finding was diagnosed with adenoid haemorrhage after nasopharyngoscopy. Helicobacter pylori infection was found in four of six patients with GI bleeding (3, duodenal ulcer; 1, H. pylori associated chronic gastritis). The patients with H. pylori infection had an eradication treatment of triple therapy and no recurrence happened. In children with haemophilia, H. pylori should also be considered as an important cause of GI bleeding. The recurrence of the infection and GI bleeding can be prevented with eradication of H. pylori. Screening test for H. pylori would be needed in children with haemophilia in endemic area.
Pseudo‐placentational Endometrial Cysts in a Bitch
Authors: Bartel C. , Schönkypl S. , Walter I.
Published: November 2009

Cystic alterations of the canine endometrium compromise reproduction and fertility of the bitch and may lead to life‐threatening diseases, such as pyometra. Even without clinical evidence, reduction of the uterine lumen by cysts implicates disturbances during migration, nidation and development of the embryo. Several studies point to the high variability of morphology of uterine endometrial cysts but they lack detailed analyses of alterations. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of steroid hormone receptors (oestrogen, progesterone), proliferation activity, inflammation and infection in the cystic affected tissue regions in contrast to the normal endometrium. Oestrogen receptor expression showed a high density of receptors throughout the surface epithelial cells, crypt epithelial cells, glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells of the normal endometrium as well as the cystic affected regions. Proliferation in the cysts was verified in the middle and basal cells of the crypts. Neither in the endometrium nor in the cysts inflammatory processes or evidence of infection could be detected. Furthermore, lectin histochemistry and electron microscopic methods showed that lectin binding patterns and cell morphology of internal epithelial lining and surface epithelium of the cysts can be used to characterize and distinguish different types of cystic alterations. Analogies between epithelial cells of the glandular chambers of the canine placenta and the cystic cellular morphology, steroid hormone receptor distribution as well as lectin binding patterns of the endometrial cysts, as observed in this study, suggest to introduce the term ‘pseudo‐placentational endometrial cysts’.
Aerosolized vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA after lung transplantation
Authors: HAYES JR Don , MURPHY Brian S. , MULLETT Timothy W. , FEOLA David J.
Published: November 2009

Lung transplantation is the only life‐prolonging therapy available for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with end‐stage lung disease. The presence of pathogens in the airways of CF patients prior to transplantation is the major risk factor for infection in the post‐transplantation period, with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) having a growing impact. Aerosolized vancomycin has been used successfully in the treatment of MRSA in the CF population but its use after lung transplantation has not been previously reported. We report the case of a lung transplant recipient who was successfully treated for MRSA infection with aerosolized vancomycin.
A BROAD PERFORMANCE BENCHMARK BASED ON CITIZENS’ PREFERENCES: THE CASE OF SWEDISH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Söderberg Magnus
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT**:  Benchmarks have been recommended for assessing the relative performance of local government services. However, these are often narrowly defined and therefore ignore important welfare dimensions. This paper proposes a framework for benchmarking based on a combination of production and cost characteristics and citizens’ subjective perceptions. An evaluation consisting of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and different regression models is applied on all 21 Swedish regional public transport authorities, covering the period 2002–2006 (n = 103). The results indicate that the industry as a whole is about 70% efficient and that efficiency can be improved by increasing the sizes of the urban and the bus vehicle‐km shares. The optimal ownership structure is to have one large owner combined with about 25 small owners.
Defending Democracy: The Concentric Containment of Political Extremism
Authors: Rummens Stefan , Abts Koen
Published: November 2009

In this article we develop a concentric containment policy for dealing with political extremism starting from the deliberative model of democracy. This model of democracy is particularly well suited because it overcomes the traditional opposition between procedural and substantive views of democracy. On the procedural side, deliberative democracy emphasises the importance of tracking all the relevant concerns of citizens in the public sphere, whereas, on the substantive side, it stresses the need for an adequate filtering which guarantees the compatibility of actual policies with the core values of liberty and equality. The twofold requirement of tracking and filtering translates into a guideline of decreasing tolerance towards extremist organisations as they approach the centres of formal ***decision-making power. We argue that the resulting containment policy, which listens to extremist voters and simultaneously puts unremitting civilising pressure on extremist parties, is not only desirable from a normative point of view; as shown by the empirical findings concerning the successes and failures of actual containment strategies, the twofold concentric approach, including, if necessary, a cordon sanitaire around the extremist party, might also turn out to be the most effective one.
The reverse operation of Na+/Cl−‐coupled neurotransmitter transporters – why amphetamines take two to tango
Authors: Sitte Harald H. , Freissmuth Michael
Published: November 2009

Sodium‐chloride coupled neurotransmitter transporters achieve reuptake of their physiological substrate by exploiting the pre‐existing sodium‐gradient across the cellular membrane. This terminates the action of previously released substrate in the synaptic cleft. However, a change of the transmembrane ionic gradients or specific binding of some psychostimulant drugs to these proteins, like amphetamine and its derivatives, induce reverse operation of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters. This effect eventually leads to an increase in the synaptic concentration of non‐exocytotically released neurotransmitters [and – in the case of the norepinephrine transporters, underlies the well‐known indirect sympathomimetic activity]. While this action has long been appreciated, the underlying mechanistic details have been surprisingly difficult to understand. Some aspects can be resolved by incorporating insights into the oligomeric nature of transporters, into the nature of the accompanying ion fluxes, and changes in protein kinase activities.
Endothelium modulates vasoconstrictor response to prostaglandin I2 in rat mesenteric resistance arteries: interaction between EP1 and TP receptors
Authors: Xavier FE , Blanco‐Rivero J , Ferrer M , Balfagón G
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Prostacyclin (PGI2) is usually described as an endothelium‐derived vasodilator, but it can also induce vasoconstriction. We studied the vasomotor responses to PGI2 in resistance arteries and the role of thromboxane (TP) and prostaglandin E2 (EP) receptors in this effect.

Experimental approach:  Mesenteric resistance arteries were obtained from Sprague‐Dawley rats. Vasomotion to PGI2 was studied in segments of these arteries with and without endothelium and in presence of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), the potassium channel blockers apamin plus charybdotoxin, the non‐selective EP receptor antagonist AH6809, the selective TP receptor antagonist SQ29548 or the EP1 receptor antagonist SC19220. PGI2‐induced NO release was analysed in the absence or presence of SQ29548, AH6809 or SC19220.

Key results:  PGI2 caused contractions in arterial segments that were increased by endothelium removal, L‐NAME or L‐NAME plus apamin plus charybdotoxin and abolished by SQ29548. In segments with endothelium, AH6809 or SC19220 almost abolished the contractions to PGI2; this effect was prevented by L‐NAME, L‐NAME plus apamin plus charybdotoxin or by endothelium removal. PGI2 induced NO release that was inhibited by the prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) antagonist, RO1138452, and increased by SQ29548, SC19220 and AH6809. The increase in NO release induced by these separate drugs was inhibited by RO1138452.

Conclusions and implications:  PGI2 activated the TP receptor in mesenteric resistance arteries and produced vasoconstriction, which the endothelium modulated through TP and EP1 receptors. PGI2 also released endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor and, through IP receptor activation, induced NO release, which in turn, was antagonized by TP and EP1 receptor activation.
Shape‐ and Chemical Feature‐Based 3D‐Pharmacophore Model Generation and Virtual Screening: Identification of Potential Leads for P. falciparum DHFR Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Adane Legesse , Patel Dhilon. S. , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: November 2009

Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pf DHFR) enzyme is one of the validated targets in the treatment of malaria using typical antifolates such as cycloguanil and pyrimethamine. However, point mutations at amino acid residues such as Ala16, Ile51, Cys59, Ser108 and Ile164 in the active site of the wild‐type enzyme resulted in a widespread resistance of the parasite to these drugs. Thus, design and discovery of new potential Pf DHFR inhibitors, equally active against both the wild‐type and mutant strains, is an urgent need. Catalyst software was used to generate a 3D pharmacophore query based on the bioactive conformation of WR99210 extracted from the X‐ray crystal structure of quadruple mutant PfDHFR enzyme. Validation criteria based on the experimentally determined conformation of WR99210 and its key interactions with the protein were considered to identify hits from two chemical databases, namely, NCI2000 and Maybridge2004 using different virtual filters. Virtual screening based on FlexX, GOLD and Glide docking programs resulted in a total of 73 hits. The hits reported in this article showed good potential to be inhibitors of the above Pf DHFRs based on their (i) best‐fit values (ii) binding scores (iii) binding modes and (iv) interactions with the key amino acid residues (Asp54, Ileu/Leu164, Asn/Ser108 and Ile14).
Common Defects of ABCG2, a High-Capacity Urate Exporter, Cause Gout: A Function-Based Genetic Analysis in a Japanese Population
Authors: Matsuo Hirotaka , Takada Tappei , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Ikebuchi Yuki , Ito Kousei , Kusanagi Yasuyoshi , Chiba Toshinori , Tadokoro Shin , Takada Yuzo , Oikawa Yuji , Inoue Hiroki , Suzuki Koji , Okada Rieko , Nishiyama Junichiro , Domoto Hideharu , Watanabe Satoru , Fujita Masanori , Morimoto Yuji , Naito Mariko , Nishio Kazuko , Hishida Asahi , Wakai Kenji , Asai Yatami , Niwa Kazuki , Kamakura Keiko , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Sakurai Yutaka , Hosoya Tatsuo , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Suzuki Hiroshi , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Shinomiya Nariyoshi
Published: November 2009

Dysfunctional genotype combinations of polymorphic adenosine 5′-triphosphate–binding cassette transporter gene
ABCG2/BCRP
, which encodes a high-capacity urate secretion transporter in human gut and kidney, are major causes of gout.
Gaucher's and Parkinson's Disease: Together at Last
Authors: LaMarco Kelly
Published: November 2009

Sixteen centers from around the world joined forces in a study that unearthed two point mutations in the Gaucher-related
glucocerebrosidase
gene that were strongly associated with Parkinson's disease.
Improving Immunity to Flu
Authors: McDonald Heather B.
Published: November 2009

Removing sugars from viral surface proteins may lead to the production of better vaccines.
Antifungal Susceptibility of 205
Candida
spp. Isolated Primarily during Invasive Candidiasis and Comparison of the Vitek 2 System with the CLSI Broth Microdilution and Etest Methods
Authors: Bourgeois N. , Dehandschoewercker L. , Bertout S. , Bousquet P.-J. , Rispail P. , Lachaud L.
Published: November 2009

Infections due to
Candida
spp. are frequent, particularly in immunocompromised and intensive care unit patients. Antifungal susceptibility tests are now required to optimize antifungal treatment given the emergence of acquired antifungal resistance in some
Candida
species. An antifungal susceptibility automated method, the Vitek 2 system (VK2), was evaluated. VK2 was compared to the CLSI broth microdilution reference method and the Etest procedure. For this purpose, 205 clinical isolates of
Candida
spp., including 11 different species, were tested for fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B susceptibility. For azoles, essential agreement ranged from 25% to 100%, depending on the method used and the
Candida
species tested. Categorical agreements for all of the species averaged 92.2% and ranged from 14.3 to 100%, depending on the 24-h or 48-h MIC reading by the Etest and CLSI methods and on the
Candida
species. Results obtained for
Candida albicans
showed excellent categorical and essential agreements with the two comparative methods. For
Candida glabrata
, the essential agreement was high with the CLSI method but low with the Etest method, and several very major errors in interpretation were observed between VK2 and the Etest method for both azoles. Low MICs of fluconazole were obtained for all of the
Candida krusei
isolates, but the VK2 expert software corrected all of the results obtained to resistant. Amphotericin B results showed MICs of ≤1 mg/liter for 201 (VK2), 190 (CLSI), and 202 (Etest) isolates. The AST-YS01 Vitek 2 card system (bioMérieux) is a reliable and practical standardized automated antifungal susceptibility test. Nevertheless, more assays are needed to better evaluate
C
.
glabrata
fluconazole sensitivity.
Detection of CTX-M-Type Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBLs) by Testing with MicroScan Overnight and ESBL Confirmation Panels
Authors: Jorgensen James H. , McElmeel M. L. , Fulcher L. C. , Zimmer B. L.
Published: November 2009

CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have emerged as the most common type of ESBL globally, their incidence easily surpassing those of SHV and TEM ESBLs in most locales. This study compared the performance of two MicroScan dried panels with CLSI reference broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods on a collection of genetically characterized ESBL-producing isolates. These included 64
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates that produced CTX-M8, -14, -15, or -16 according to PCR and sequencing of the
bla
gene, 17 isolates that produced a SHV or TEM ESBL, and 19 that produced both CTX-M and SHV ESBLs. Each isolate was tested by a frozen reference microdilution panel, the MicroScan ESβL
plus
confirmation panel, and a routine dried panel containing streamlined ESBL confirmation dilutions (MicroScan Neg MIC panel type 32) that included cefotaxime and ceftazidime tested alone or with a fixed concentration of 4 μg/ml of clavulanate. Each isolate was also tested by the standard CLSI double-disk confirmation tests. The disk diffusion method detected all ESBL-producing isolates, the frozen reference panel detected 90% of isolates (10 out of 100 could not be analyzed because of off-scale MICs that exceeded the clavulanate combination concentrations in the panel), the ESβL
plus
panel detected 98% (1 missed and 1 off scale), and the streamlined ESBL panel detected 95% (5 off scale). Very high MICs for a few strains that produced SHV or both CTX-M and SHV ESBLs precluded noting the required three twofold-dilution differences with clavulanate needed to confirm an ESBL primarily in the reference panel and the Neg type 32 panel.
Neosartorya udagawae
(
Aspergillus udagawae
), an Emerging Agent of Aspergillosis: How Different Is It from
Aspergillus fumigatus
?
Authors: Sugui J. A. , Vinh D. C. , Nardone G. , Shea Y. R. , Chang Y. C. , Zelazny A. M. , Marr K. A. , Holland S. M. , Kwon-Chung K. J.
Published: November 2009

A recent report on several cases of invasive aspergillosis caused by
Neosartorya udagawae
suggested distinctive patterns of disease progression between
N. udagawae
and
Aspergillus fumigatus
. This prompted us to characterize
N. udagawae
in comparison to
A. fumigatus
. Our findings showed that both species exist in two mating types at similar ratios and produce gliotoxin. However, the thermotolerance of the two species differs: while
A. fumigatus
is able to grow at 55°C but not at 10°C,
N. udagawae
is able to grow at 10°C but fails to grow at >42°C. Furthermore, compared to
A. fumigatus
, the conidia of
N. udagawae
require longer incubation periods to germinate at 37°C and are more susceptible to neutrophil attack as well as hydrogen peroxide;
N. udagawae
is also less virulent in gp91

phox

−
/
−
mice. These findings suggest that growth and susceptibility to the host response might account for the reduced virulence of
N. udagawae
and the subtle distinction in the progression of the disease caused by the two species.
A Genetically Engineered Waterfowl Influenza Virus with a Deletion in the Stalk of the Neuraminidase Has Increased Virulence for Chickens
Authors: Munier S. , Larcher T. , Cormier-Aline F. , Soubieux D. , Su B. , Guigand L. , Labrosse B. , Cherel Y. , Quéré P. , Marc D. , Naffakh N.
Published: November 2009

A deletion of about 20 amino acids in the stalk of the neuraminidase (NA) is frequently detected upon transmission of influenza A viruses from waterfowl to domestic poultry. Using reverse genetics, a recombinant virus derived from a wild duck influenza virus isolate, A/Mallard/Marquenterre/Z237/83 (MZ), and an NA stalk deletion variant (MZ-delNA) were produced. Compared to the wild type, the MZ-delNA virus showed a moderate growth advantage on avian cultured cells. In 4-week-old chickens inoculated intratracheally with the MZ-delNA virus, viral replication in the lungs, liver, and kidneys was enhanced and interstitial pneumonia lesions were more severe than with the wild-type virus. The MZ-delNA-inoculated chickens showed significantly increased levels of mRNAs encoding interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β4 (TGF-β4), and CCL5 in the lungs and a higher frequency of apoptotic cells in the liver than did their MZ-inoculated counterparts. Molecular mechanisms possibly underlying the growth advantage of the MZ-delNA virus were explored. The measured enzymatic activities toward a small substrate were similar for the wild-type and deleted NA, but the MZ-delNA virus eluted from chicken erythrocytes at reduced rates. Pseudoviral particles expressing the MZ hemagglutinin in combination with the MZ-NA or MZ-delNA protein were produced from avian cultured cells with similar efficiencies, suggesting that the deletion in the NA stalk does not enhance the release of progeny virions and probably affects an earlier step of the viral cycle. Overall, our data indicate that a shortened NA stalk is a strong determinant of adaptation and virulence of waterfowl influenza viruses in chickens.
Effective Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific CD8+T Cells Lack an Easily Detectable, Shared Characteristic
Authors: Vojnov Lara , Reed Jason S. , Weisgrau Kim L. , Rakasz Eva G. , Loffredo John T. , Piaskowski Shari M. , Sacha Jonah B. , Kolar Holly L. , Wilson Nancy A. , Johnson R. Paul , Watkins David I.
Published: November 2009

The immune correlates of human/simian immunodeficiency virus control remain elusive. While CD8+T lymphocytes likely play a major role in reducing peak viremia and maintaining viral control in the chronic phase, the relative antiviral efficacy of individual virus-specific effector populations is unknown. Conventional assays measure cytokine secretion of virus-specific CD8+T cells after cognate peptide recognition. Cytokine secretion, however, does not always directly translate into antiviral efficacy. Recently developed suppression assays assess the efficiency of virus-specific CD8+T cells to control viral replication, but these assays often use cell lines or clones. We therefore designed a novel virus production assay to test the ability of freshly ex vivo-sorted simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific CD8+T cells to suppress viral replication from SIVmac239-infected CD4+T cells. Using this assay, we established an antiviral hierarchy when we compared CD8+T cells specific for 12 different epitopes. Antiviral efficacy was unrelated to the disease status of each animal, the protein from which the tested epitopes were derived, or the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I restriction of the tested epitopes. Additionally, there was no correlation with the ability to suppress viral replication and epitope avidity, epitope affinity, CD8+T-cell cytokine multifunctionality, the percentage of central and effector memory cell populations, or the expression of PD-1. The ability of virus-specific CD8+T cells to suppress viral replication therefore cannot be determined using conventional assays. Our results suggest that a single definitive correlate of immune control may not exist; rather, a successful CD8+T-cell response may be comprised of several factors.
Secondary Structure of the Mature
Ex Virio
Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Genomic RNA Dimerization Domain
Authors: Gherghe Cristina , Leonard Christopher W. , Gorelick Robert J. , Weeks Kevin M.
Published: November 2009

Retroviral genomes are dimeric, comprised of two sense-strand RNAs linked at their 5′ ends by noncovalent base pairing and tertiary interactions. Viral maturation involves large-scale morphological changes in viral proteins and in genomic RNA dimer structures to yield infectious virions. Structural studies have largely focused on simplified
in vitro
models of genomic RNA dimers even though the relationship between these models and authentic viral RNA is unknown. We evaluate the secondary structure of the minimal dimerization domain in genomes isolated from Moloney murine leukemia virions using a quantitative and single nucleotide resolution RNA structure analysis technology (selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension, or SHAPE). Results are consistent with an architecture in which the RNA dimer is stabilized by four primary interactions involving two sets of intermolecular base pairs and two loop-loop interactions. The dimerization domain can independently direct its own folding since heating and refolding reproduce the same structure as visualized in genomic RNA isolated from virions. Authentic
ex virio
RNA has a SHAPE reactivity profile similar to that of a simplified transcript dimer generated
in vitro
, with the important exception of a region that appears to form a compact stem-loop only in the virion-isolated RNA. Finally, we analyze the conformational changes that accompany folding of monomers into dimers
in vitro
. These experiments support well-defined structural models for an authentic dimerization domain and also emphasize that many features of mature genomic RNA dimers can be reproduced
in vitro
using properly designed, simplified RNAs.
Investigation of Clade B New World Arenavirus Tropism by Using Chimeric GP1 Proteins
Authors: Martin Vanessa K. , Droniou-Bonzom Magali E. , Reignier Therese , Oldenburg Jill E. , Cox Alex U. , Cannon Paula M.
Published: November 2009

Clade B of the New World arenaviruses contains both pathogenic and nonpathogenic members, whose surface glycoproteins (GPs) are characterized by different abilities to use the human transferrin receptor type 1 (hTfR1) protein as a receptor. Using closely related pairs of pathogenic and nonpathogenic viruses, we investigated the determinants of the GP1 subunit that confer these different characteristics. We identified a central region (residues 85 to 221) in the Guanarito virus GP1 that was sufficient to interact with hTfR1, with residues 159 to 221 being essential. The recently solved structure of part of the Machupo virus GP1 suggests an explanation for these requirements.
Identification of Viral MicroRNAs Expressed in Human Sacral Ganglia Latently Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 2
Authors: Umbach Jennifer L. , Wang Kening , Tang Shuang , Krause Philip R. , Mont Erik K. , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Cullen Bryan R.
Published: November 2009

Deep sequencing of small RNAs isolated from human sacral ganglia latently infected with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) was used to identify HSV-2 microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed during latent infection. This effort resulted in the identification of five distinct HSV-2 miRNA species, two of which, miR-H3/miR-I and miR-H4/miR-II, have been previously reported. Three novel HSV-2 miRNAs were also identified, and two of these, miR-H7 and miR-H9, are derived from the latency-associated transcript (LAT) and are located antisense to the viral transcript encoding transactivator ICP0. A third novel HSV-2 miRNA, miR-H10, is encoded within the unique long (U
L
) region of the genome, 3′ to the

U
L

15
open reading frame, and is presumably excised from a novel, latent HSV-2 transcript distinct from LAT.
Isolation of Human Monoclonal Antibodies That Potently Neutralize Human Cytomegalovirus Infection by Targeting Different Epitopes on the gH/gL/UL128-131A Complex
Authors: Macagno Annalisa , Bernasconi Nadia L. , Vanzetta Fabrizia , Dander Erica , Sarasini Antonella , Revello Maria Grazia , Gerna Giuseppe , Sallusto Federica , Lanzavecchia Antonio
Published: November 2009

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widely circulating pathogen that causes severe disease in immunocompromised patients and infected fetuses. By immortalizing memory B cells from HCMV-immune donors, we isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies that neutralized at extremely low concentrations (90% inhibitory concentration [IC
90
] values ranging from 5 to 200 pM) HCMV infection of endothelial, epithelial, and myeloid cells. With the single exception of an antibody that bound to a conserved epitope in the UL128 gene product, all other antibodies bound to conformational epitopes that required expression of two or more proteins of the gH/gL/UL128-131A complex. Antibodies against gB, gH, or gM/gN were also isolated and, albeit less potent, were able to neutralize infection of both endothelial-epithelial cells and fibroblasts. This study describes unusually potent neutralizing antibodies against HCMV that might be used for passive immunotherapy and identifies, through the use of such antibodies, novel antigenic targets in HCMV for the design of immunogens capable of eliciting previously unknown neutralizing antibody responses.
The status of Calvatia cretacea in arctic and alpine tundra
Authors: Miller Jr. Orson K. , Burdsall Jr. Harold H. , Laursen Gary A. , Sachs Irving B.
Published: November 2009

Species of Calvatia were collected as part of a study of the higher fungi from arctic and alpine tundra in Alaska. Investigations revealed that many Calvatia specimens did not possess the combination of characters described for previously reported taxa. Therefore, a study of the known taxa, including the holotypes, was initiated and the characteristics of these specimens were compared with those that we collected. The developmental morphology of sporocarps from a variety of habitats was studied. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of the maturing spores were examined. Stages of maturation and variable weather conditions produced changes in the basidiospores and in the appearance of the exoperidium of the sporocarp. The dextrinoid reaction of the endoperidium in Calvatia is described for the first time. It is concluded that Calvatia arctica Ferd. & Winge, C. borealis Th. C. E. Fries, C. tatrensis Hollós, and C. tatrensis var. groenlandica M. Lange are conspecific with C. cretacea (Berk.) Lloyd, the only Calvatia species known from the tundra. Calvatia tatrensis var. gruberi A. H. Smith is reported as conspecific with C. bovista (Pers.) Kambly & Lee.
Action de la septorine, phytotoxine synthétisée par Septoria nodorum, sur la phosphorylation oxydative dans les mitochondries isolées de Coléoptiles de Blé
Authors: Bousquet J. F. , Franqueville H. Belhomme de , Kollmann A. , Fritz R.
Published: November 2009

Septorin is a phytotoxin produced by Septoria nodorum. It reduces the growth of susceptible wheat cultivar "Etoile de choisy" seedlings. On mitochondria isolated from the same cultivar, the septorin induces changes in respiratory activities similar to the 2,4 dinitrophenol (2,4 D) effects. In this paper, the conditions of "in vitro" production of septorin and the steps of the purification are described.
Studies of growth and morphology of Frankia strains EAN1pec, EuI1c, CpI1, and ACN1AG
Authors: Tisa Louis , McBride Mark , Ensign J. C.
Published: November 2009

A study was made of the ability of four strains of Frankia, representing two distinct host-compatibility groups, to utilize various carbon sources for growth. Isolates EAN1pec and EuI1c, representatives of host-compatibility group II, utilized a variety of sugars and sugar alcohols as carbon sources. Isolates CpI1 and ACN1AG, members of host-compatibility group I, did not use these substrates for growth. All of the isolates studied except for EAN1pec utilized propionate for growth. The only one of the four isolates unable to grow on dicarboxylic acids was EuI1c. Vesicles were detected microscopically during growth of EAN1pec and ACN1AG in media containing ammonia. The numbers and size of vesicles, however, were greater in media without ammonia. Strain ACN1AG did not form vesicles in any of the media when incubated at temperatures greater than 33 °C. The CpI1 isolate formed vesicles only when grown in ammoniafree media. Vesicles were not formed by strain EuI1c in any of the media. Sporulation of the four isolates was carbon-source dependent. Isolate CpI1 formed sporangia when grown in propionate-containing medium at 20 °C but formed none in the medium at 33 °C.
The polar lipids and free sugars of Frankia in culture
Authors: Lopez Mary F. , Whaling Carol S. , Torrey John G.
Published: November 2009

To further the identification of characteristics common to Frankia strains, the phospholipids and sugars which are readily extracted with chloroform–methanol from whole cells were examined using nine strains of Frankia. Separation of extract components was achieved by thin-layer chromatography. In agreement with previous reports we have identified two phospholipids, phosphatidyl inositol and diphosphatidyl glycerol, in eight of the strains tested. All strains contained a glucose disaccharide which we have tentatively identified as trehalose on the basis of (i) comparative thin-layer and paper chromatography with standards, (ii) examination of the hydrolyzed product, and (iii) tests for reducing versus nonreducing sugars. In addition, a hexose with the chromatographic properties of glucose was observed in cultures grown on M6B complex medium. The presence of the phospholipids in Frankia strains was not affected by the age of the culture or the media on which they grew. However, the disaccharide was not present in cultures over 60 days of age, suggesting it is involved in metabolic processes. In addition, comparisons were made between extracts from Frankia and the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis to determine if the glycolipids which are unique to Anabaena heterocysts are present in Frankia. These two organisms appear to have an unidentified lipid in common, but glycolipids comparable with those in Anabaena were not found in the Frankia cultures examined.