bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contradictory Simultaneity of Being with Others: Exploring Concepts of Time and Community in the Work of Gloria AnzaldúA
Authors: Bastian Michelle
Published: March 2011

While social geographers have convincingly made the case that space is not an external constant, but rather is produced through inter-relations, anthropologists and sociologists have done much to further an understanding of time, as itself constituted through social interaction and inter-relation. Their work suggests that time is not an apolitical background to social life, but shapes how we perceive and relate to others. For those interested in exploring issues such as identity, community and difference, this suggests that attending to how temporal discourses are utilised in relation to these issues is a key task. This article seeks to contribute to an expansion of the debate about time and sociality by contributing an analysis of a variety of ways in which Gloria Anzaldúa utilises temporal concepts as part of her work of rethinking social identity and community. In particular, I suggest that in contesting homogeneous identity, Anzaldúa also implicitly contests linear temporal frameworks. Further, in creating new frameworks for identity, I suggest the possibility of discerning an alternative approach to time in her work that places difference at the heart of simultaneity. I suggest that the interconnection between concepts of time and community within Anzaldúa's work indicates, more broadly, that attempts to rework understandings of relationality must be accompanied by reworked accounts of temporality.
In vitro and in vivo bio-stimulatory properties of a Lupinus albus L. seed suspension
Authors: van der Watt Elmarie , Pretorius Johan C.
Published: March 2011

During an extended screening program of plant extracts for bio-stimulatory activity, a seed suspension (SS) of Lupinus albus L. cv. Betsuhana White was identified as most promising. By testing a concentration range of SS using three in vitro bio-assays [i.e. respiration rate of monoculture yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, germination rate of seeds from selected crops, and subsequent seedling growth], 5 mg/L was identified as the optimal concentration in terms of in vitro bio-stimulatory activity. A commercially available bio-stimulant, ComCat®, was used as a positive control, while a glucose solution for respiration tests and distilled water for germination tests served as negative controls. Compared with the controls, significant (P < 0.05) increases in the respiration rate of monoculture yeast cells and seedling root growth in the majority of test crops after treatment with SS confirmed its in vitro bio-stimulatory potential. Seedling root growth compared favourably with results obtained with the commercial bio-stimulant. Subsequently, the in vivo yield response of selected crops to foliar treatment with SS was investigated under field conditions using ComCat® as a positive control. All trials were laid out in a complete randomised block design. Foliar applications of SS at 5 mg/L under a drip irrigation system contributed to significant (P < 0.05) yield increases in lettuce (by 20.0 t/ha) and carrots (by 22.2 t/ha), which compared favourably with the positive control, but not in beetroot and cabbage. Beetroot yield was enhanced whereas cabbage yield was decreased markedly, but not significantly, by the SS treatment, compared with the negative control. The results confirmed both the in vitro and in vivo bio-stimulatory potential of a seed suspension of L. albus cv. Betsuhana White in terms of its ability to manipulate early seedling growth and enhance the yield of selected vegetable crops.
Researcher development program of the primary health care research, evaluation and development strategy
Authors: McIntyre Ellen , Brun Lyn , Cameron Helen
Published: March 2011

The Research Development Program (RDP) was initiated in 2004 under the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) Strategy to increase the number and range of people with knowledge and skills in primary health care research and evaluation. RDP Fellows were invited to participate in an online survey about the effect the program had on their research knowledge, attitudes and practice. The response rate was 42% (105/248). Most were female (88%) with 66% aged between 31 and 50 years. Over two-thirds (72%) were health practitioners. Activities undertaken during the RDP ranged from literature reviews, developing a research question, preparing ethics submissions, attending and presenting at conferences and seminars, preparing papers and reports, and submitting grant applications. Despite the fact that only 52% agreed that the RDP time was adequate, 94% agreed that the RDP was a valuable experience, with 89% expressing interest in undertaking further research. These results indicate that this program has had a positive effect on the RDP Fellows in terms of their knowledge about research, their attitude to research, and the way they use research in their work.
Epitaxial samarium disilicide films on silicon (0 0 1) substrates: growth, structural and electrical properties
Authors: Natali F , Plank N O V , Stephen J , Azeem M , Trodahl H J , Ruck B J , Hirsch L
Published: March 2011

In this paper the effect of the growth temperature on the structural and electrical properties of samarium silicide films is investigated. The growth of the epitaxial films is performed under ultrahigh vacuum by reactive-deposition epitaxy on silicon (0 0 1) substrates. The structural properties are assessed by reflection high-energy electron diffraction and x-ray diffractometry. Random and channelling Rutherford backscattering experiments show that the films have the correct stoichiometry, i.e. Sm/Si ratio = 1 : 2, with channelling yields as low as 20% for the best samples. The electrical properties of these films are studied by Hall effect and resistivity measurements. The films have a metallic character, with a high concentration of n-type charge carriers (>1022 cm−3) and a resistivity lower than 200 µΩ cm at room temperature. The metallic character is confirmed by the experimental optical conductivity deduced from ellipsometry experiments. Finally, evidence is presented showing the potential of SmSi2/n-type Si junctions for electronic application with a Schottky barrier height of about 0.32 eV.
Directly electrospun ultrafine nanofibres with Cu grid spinneret
Authors: Li Wenwang , Zheng Gaofeng , Wang Xiang , Zhang Yulong , Li Lei , Wang Lingyun , Wang Han , Sun Daoheng
Published: March 2011

A hydrophobic Cu grid was used as an electrospinning spinneret to fabricate ultrafine organic nanofibres. The Cu grid used in this study was that which holds samples in TEM. Due to the hydrophobic surface and larger contact angle of the electrospinning solution on the Cu grid surface, the solution flow was divided into several finer ones by the holes in the Cu grid instead of accumulating. Each finer flow was stretched into individual jets and established a multi-jet mode by the electrical field force. The finer jets played an important role in decreasing the diameter of the nanofibre. The charge repulsion force among charged jets enhanced the whipping instability motion of the liquid jets, which improved the uniformity of the nanofibre and decreased the diameter of the nanofibre. An ultrafine uniform nanofibre of diameter less than 80 nm could be fabricated directly with the novel Cu grid spinneret without any additive. This study provided a unique way to promote the application of one-dimensional organic nanostructures in micro/nanosystems.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon Fiber from Paper
Authors: Zhang Zong-jian , Li Jia , Sun Fu-sheng , H. L. Ng Dickon , Kwong Fung-luen , Liu Shi-quan
Published: March 2011

Activated carbon fibers (ACFS) with surface area of 1388 m2/g prepared from paper by chemical activation with KOH has been utilized as the adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. The experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich models of adsorption. The effects of pH value on the adsorption capacity of ACFS were also investigated. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the kinetic model of Pseudo-second-order equation with high values of the correlation coefficients (R>0.998). The Langmuir isotherm was found to fit the experimental data better than the Feundlich isotherm over the whole concentration range. Maximum adsorption capacity of 520 mg/g at equilibrium was achieved. It was found that pH played a major role in the adsorption process, higher pH value favored the adsorption of MB.
Multiple mechanisms actively target the SUN protein UNC-84 to the inner nuclear membrane
Authors: Tapley Erin C. , Ly Nina , Starr Daniel A.
Published: March 2011

Approximately 100 proteins are targeted to the inner nuclear membrane (INM), where they regulate chromatin and nuclear dynamics. The mechanisms underlying trafficking to the INM are poorly understood. The Caenorhabditis elegans SUN protein UNC-84 is an excellent model to investigate such mechanisms. UNC-84 recruits KASH proteins to the outer nuclear membrane to bridge the nuclear envelope (NE), mediating nuclear positioning. UNC-84 has four targeting sequences: two classical nuclear localization signals, an INM sorting motif, and a signal conserved in mammalian Sun1, the SUN—nuclear envelope localization signal. Mutations in some signals disrupt the timing of UNC-84 nuclear envelope localization, showing that diffusion is not sufficient to move all UNC-84 to the NE. Thus targeting UNC-84 requires an initial step that actively transports UNC-84 from the peripheral endoplasmic reticulum to the NE. Only when all four signals are simultaneously disrupted does UNC-84 completely fail to localize and to function in nuclear migration, meaning that at least three signals function, in part, redundantly to ensure proper targeting of UNC-84. Multiple mechanisms might also be used to target other proteins to the INM, thereby ensuring their proper and timely localization for essential cellular and developmental functions.
A direct interaction between the large GTPase dynamin-2 and FAK regulates focal adhesion dynamics in response to active Src
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Hong , Chen Jing , McNiven Mark A.
Published: March 2011

Tumor cell migration is supported in part by the cyclic formation and disassembly of focal adhesions (FAs); however, the mechanisms that regulate this process are not fully defined. The large guanosine 5′-triphosphatase dynamin (Dyn) plays an important role in FA dynamics and is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Using a novel antibody specific to phospho-dynamin (pDyn–Tyr-231), we found that Dyn2 is phosphorylated at FAs by Src kinase and is recruited to FAs by a direct interaction with the 4.1/ezrin/radizin/moesin domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which functions as an adaptor between Src and Dyn2 to facilitate Dyn2 phosphorylation. This Src–FAK–Dyn2 trimeric complex is essential for FA turnover, as mutants disrupting the formation of this complex inhibit FA disassembly. Importantly, phosphoactivated Dyn2 promotes FA turnover by mediating the endocytosis of integrins in a clathrin-dependent manner. This study defines a novel mechanism of how Dyn2 functions as a downstream effector of FAK–Src signaling in turning over FAs.
Clathrin-dependent mechanisms modulate the subcellular distribution of class C Vps/HOPS tether subunits in polarized and nonpolarized cells
Authors: Zlatic Stephanie A. , Tornieri Karine , L’Hernault Steven W. , Faundez Victor
Published: March 2011

Coats define the composition of carriers budding from organelles. In addition, coats interact with membrane tethers required for vesicular fusion. The yeast AP-3 (Adaptor Protein Complex 3) coat and the class C Vps/HOPS (HOmotypic fusion and Protein Sorting) tether follow this model as their interaction occurs at the carrier fusion step. Here we show that mammalian Vps class C/HOPS subunits and clathrin interact and that acute perturbation of clathrin function disrupts the endosomal distribution of Vps class C/HOPS tethers in HEK293T and polarized neuronal cells. Vps class C/HOPS subunits and clathrin exist in complex with either AP-3 or hepatocyte growth factor receptor substrate (Hrs). Moreover, Vps class C/HOPS proteins cofractionate with clathrin-coated vesicles, which are devoid of Hrs. Expression of FK506 binding protein (FKBP)–clathrin light chain chimeras, to inhibit clathrin membrane association dynamics, increased Vps class C/HOPS subunit content in rab5 endosomal compartments. Additionally, Vps class C/HOPS subunits were concentrated at tips of neuronal processes, and their delivery was impaired by expression of FKBP–clathrin chimeras and AP20187 incubation. These data support a model in which Vps class C/HOPS subunits incorporate into clathrin-coated endosomal domains and carriers in mammalian cells. We propose that vesicular (AP-3) and nonvesicular (Hrs) clathrin mechanisms segregate class C Vps/HOPS tethers to organelles and domains of mammalian cells bearing complex architectures.
The type III transforming growth factor-β receptor inhibits proliferation, migration, and adhesion in human myeloma cells
Authors: Lambert Kathleen E. , Huang Huang , Mythreye Karthikeyan , Blobe Gerard C.
Published: March 2011

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an important role in regulating hematopoiesis, inhibiting proliferation while stimulating differentiation when appropriate. We previously demonstrated that the type III TGF-β receptor (TβRIII, or betaglycan) serves as a novel suppressor of cancer progression in epithelial tumors; however, its role in hematologic malignancies is unknown. Here we demonstrate that TβRIII protein expression is decreased or lost in the majority of human multiple myeloma specimens. Functionally, restoring TβRIII expression in myeloma cells significantly inhibited cell growth, proliferation, and motility, largely independent of its ligand presentation role. In a reciprocal fashion, shRNA-mediated silencing of endogenous TβRIII expression enhanced cell growth, proliferation, and motility. Although apoptosis was not affected, TβRIII inhibited proliferation through induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. TβRIII further regulated myeloma cell adhesion, increasing homotypic myeloma cell adhesion while decreasing myeloma heterotropic adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells. Mechanistically, live cell imaging of myeloma and stroma cell cocultures revealed that TβRIII-mediated inhibition of heterotropic adhesion was associated with decreased duration of myeloma/bone marrow stromal cell interaction. These results suggest that loss of TβRIII expression during multiple myeloma progression contributes to disease progression through its functional effects on increased cell growth, proliferation, motility, and adhesion.
Intussusception: Incidence and Treatment—Insights From the Nationwide German Surveillance
Authors: Jenke Andreas Christoph , Klaaßen‐Mielke Renate , Zilbauer Matthias , Heininger Ulrich , Trampisch Hans , Wirth Stefan
Published: March 2011

Objective:

Intussusception (IS) is one of the most common paediatric emergencies, and the best mode of conservative reduction and its exact incidence remains unclear. For different reasons, availability of reliable incidence data are useful and additionally may be fundamental to monitor potential effects of recently introduced rotavirus (RV) vaccines.

Methods:

We performed a prospective German nationwide surveillance between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007, followed by separate collection of all IS cases in a random sample of 31 clinics for an unbiased estimation of underreporting. For case definition, the Brighton Collaboration (BC) criteria were applied.

Results:

A total of 1200 children with at least 1 episode of IS were included. For children younger than 1 year the incidence was calculated to be 60.4/100,000 child‐years. The risk for surgery increased 2‐fold if the interval between onset of symptoms and first attempt of conservative reduction exceeded 5 hours (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.1). We also observed a 2.8‐fold increased risk for surgery for hydrostatic (CI 1.2–6.4) and a 3.7‐fold for barium enema reduction (CI 1.6–8.8) compared to pneumatic reduction. The level of specialisation of the hospital did not influence the success of conservative management.

Conclusions:

For children with IS a fast attempt of pneumatic reduction seems to be the optimal management. Considering the current practice we estimated that approximately 104 (CI 46–161) surgical interventions would be preventable in Germany every year. Also, conduction of reliable postmarketing monitoring of the new RV vaccines is now possible based on the provided incidence data.
High Incidence of PRSS1 and SPINK1 Mutations in Korean Children With Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Lee Yeoun Joo , Kim Kyung Mo , Choi Jin Ho , Lee Beom Hee , Kim Gu‐Hwan , Yoo Han‐Wook
Published: March 2011

Objectives:

We evaluated the frequencies and clinical consequences of mutations in the genes encoding cationic trypsinogen, serine protease 1 (PRSS1), and serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Patients and Methods:

The study population consisted of 32 children with ARP or CP and 28 healthy controls. We analyzed clinical data and the sequences of the entire coding region and the intron‐exon boundaries of the PRSS1 and SPINK1 genes from each patient.

Results:

Fifteen (46.9%) of the 32 patients had at least 1 PRSS1 or SPINK1 mutation. Four (12.5%) of the 32 patients carried the p.N29I, p.R122H, or p.N29T mutation or a p.G208A variant of the PRSS1 gene in a heterozygote state. Eleven (34.4%) of the 32 patients carried either the IVS3 + 2T>C or p.N34S mutation of the SPINK1 gene. No PRSS1 or SPINK1 mutations were identified in the control group. In particular, mutations were identified in 4 of our patients who experienced pancreas divisum with CP, whereas the remaining 2 patients with pancreas divisum and ARP did not have mutation.

Conclusions:

The frequencies of the PRSS1 and SPINK1 mutations are relatively high in Korean children with ARP or CP. Mutations in the PRSS1 and SPINK1 genes are highly associated with the development of childhood ARP or CP. Our findings suggest that patients with genetic mutations combined with pancreas divisum tend to develop CP early.
The effects of Mycobacteria vaccae derivative on allergen-specific responses in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Dunstan J A , Brothers S , Bauer J , Hodder M , Jaksic M M , Asher M I , Prescott S L
Published: March 2011

The capacity of microbial products to inhibit allergic inflammation make them logical candidates for novel therapies in allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. To assess the effects of intradermal Mycobacterium vaccae derivative on allergen-specific immune responses in children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from children aged 5–16 years who received intradermal injections of M. vaccae derivative AVACTM (n = 26) or placebo (n = 34) three times at 2-weekly intervals, weeks 0, 2 and 4. Cytokine [interleukin (IL)-13, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-10] responses to allergen [house dust mite (HDM)], mitogen [phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)], Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands were assessed. At week 8 (1 month after all injections given) children in the AVAC group showed a significant increase in IL-10 (P = 0·009), T helper type 1 (Th1) IFN-γ (P = 0·017) and Th2 IL-13 (P = 0·004) responses to HDM compared with baseline (week 0). There were no significant changes in any cytokine production in the placebo. HDM-specific IL-10 responses remained significantly higher (P = 0·014) than at baseline in the AVAC group by week 12; however, the HDM-specific IL-13 and IFN-γ responses were no longer significantly different from baseline. IL-13 (r = 0·46, P < 0·001) and IL-10 (r = 0·27, P = 0·044) responses to HDM were correlated with total immunoglobulin E but not with disease severity. There were no effects of AVAC on mitogen, SEB, TLR-2- or TLR-4-mediated responses. This M. vaccae derivative appeared to modulate responses to HDM selectively, suggesting the capacity for in vivo effects on allergen-specific immune responses.
The augmented neutrophil respiratory burst in response toEscherichia coliis reduced in liver cirrhosis during infection
Authors: Bruns T , Peter J , Hagel S , Herrmann A , Stallmach A
Published: March 2011

Several functional abnormalities in phagocytes from patients with liver cirrhosis contribute to an increased risk of infection. An increased resting respiratory burst has been observed in neutrophils from cirrhotic patients. We investigated whether an infection in cirrhosis affects the respiratory burst capacity of neutrophils and monocytes in response to Escherichia coli. This study included 45 hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and clinical signs of infection, 39 patients with liver cirrhosis in the absence of infection and 29 healthy subjects. Respiratory burst, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and immunoglobulin (Ig)G-autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ab-oxLDL) were measured. The fraction of neutrophils spontaneously producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) was elevated in liver cirrhosis (P < 0·01). The neutrophil resting burst increased with Child–Pugh stage (P = 0·02) and correlated with augmented ROS release in response to opsonized E. coli (P < 0·05). Although LBP was increased in patients with cirrhosis (P < 0·01), higher LBP levels correlated with a lower resting burst in neutrophils (rs = –0·395; P < 0·01). In the presence of infection, the resting burst was unaltered. However, neutrophil ROS release in response to E. coli was reduced markedly (P = 0·01), and it decreased as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration rose (rs = −0·437; P < 0·01), indicating the development of a sepsis-like immune paralysis. A positive correlation between ab-oxLDL and ROS release was observed (P < 0·01). In conclusion, the respiratory burst increases with severity of liver cirrhosis but is restrained by increasing LBP levels. Augmented ROS release in response to E. coli is accompanied by elevated markers of oxidative damage and becomes exhausted in the presence of infection.
Comparison of the Cytobrush®, dermatological curette and oral CDx® brush test as methods for obtaining samples of RNA for molecular analysis of oral cytology
Authors: Reboiras‐López M. D. , Pérez‐Sayáns M. , Somoza‐Martín J. M. , Gayoso‐Diz P. , Barros‐Angueira F. , Gándara‐Rey J. M. , García‐García A.
Published: March 2011

M. D. Reboiras‐López, M. Pérez‐Sayáns, J. M. Somoza‐Martín, P. Gayoso‐Diz, F. Barros‐Angueira, J. M. Gándara‐Rey and A. García‐García

Comparison of the Cytobrush®, dermatological curette and oral CDx® brush test as methods for obtaining samples of RNA for molecular analysis of oral cytology

Objective:  Interest in oral exfoliative cytology has increased with the availability of molecular markers that may lead to the earlier diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. This research aims to compare the efficacy of three different instruments (Cytobrush, curette and Oral CDx brush) in providing adequate material for molecular analysis.

Methods:  One hundred and four cytological samples obtained from volunteer healthy subjects were analysed using all three instruments. The clinical and demographical variables under study were age, sex and smoking habits. The three instruments were compared for their ability to obtain adequate samples and for the amount of RNA obtained using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR‐qRT) analysis of the Abelson (ABL) housekeeping gene.

Results:  RNA of the ABL gene has been quantified by number of copies. Adequate samples were more likely to be obtained with a curette (90.6%) or Oral CDx (80.0%) than a Cytobrush (48.6%); P < 0.001. Similarly, the RNA quantification was 17.64 ± 21.10 with a curette, 16.04 ± 15.81 with Oral CDx and 6.82 ± 6.71 with a Cytobrush. There were statistically significant differences between the Cytobrush and curette (P = 0.008) and between the Cytobrush and OralCDx (P = 0.034). There was no difference according to the demographical variables.

Conclusions:  Oral exfoliative cytology is a simple, non‐invasive technique that provides sufficient RNA to perform studies on gene expression. Although material was obtained with all three instruments, adequate samples were more likely to be obtained with the curette or Oral CDx than with a Cytobrush. The Oral CDx is a less aggressive instrument than the curette, so could be a useful tool in a clinical setting.
Evolutionary ecology of plant defences against herbivores
Authors: Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: March 2011

1. Herbivores consume a large portion of the biomass produced by plants in virtually all ecosystems, which has dramatic effects on both the ecology and evolution of plants. In response to this threat, plants have evolved a diverse arsenal of direct and indirect defences to reduce herbivory and the impacts of damage on plant performance.

2. This special feature is a broad synthesis of the evolution and ecology of plant defences. The first objective of this special feature is to provide a review of what we have learned about plant defences against herbivores. The second objective is to stimulate debate and sow fresh ideas for the future research.

3. The 11 articles in this issue address three fundamental questions: (i) How do plants defend themselves against a diverse array of enemies? (ii) Why do plant species vary in defence? And (iii) What are the ecological and ecosystem‐level consequences of plant defence? In addressing these questions the articles cover the interdisciplinary nature of plant–herbivore evolutionary ecology, from genes to global patterns.

4. The articles contained in the special feature question existing paradigms and provide new analyses of data. In some cases, influential hypotheses are firmly supported with new analyses (e.g. the Resource Availability Hypothesis), whereas in other instances conventional wisdom is called into question (e.g. the importance of secondary metabolites in the microevolution of resistance) and popular hypotheses are rejected (e.g. the Apparency Hypothesis, the Latitudinal Biotic Interaction Hypothesis).

5. This is an exciting time for research on the evolutionary ecology of plant defences. The articles in this special feature provide a guide to how we can move forward in resolving existing problems and tackling new questions.
Synergies and trade‐offs between insect and pathogen resistance in maize leaves and roots
Authors: ERB MATTHIAS , BALMER DIRK , DE LANGE ELVIRA S. , VON MEREY GEORG , PLANCHAMP CHANTAL , ROBERT CHRISTELLE A. M. , RÖDER GREGORY , SOBHY ISLAM , ZWAHLEN CLAUDIA , MAUCH‐MANI BRIGITTE , TURLINGS TED C. J.
Published: March 2011

Determining links between plant defence strategies is important to understand plant evolution and to optimize crop breeding strategies. Although several examples of synergies and trade‐offs between defence traits are known for plants that are under attack by multiple organisms, few studies have attempted to measure correlations of defensive strategies using specific single attackers. Such links are hard to detect in natural populations because they are inherently confounded by the evolutionary history of different ecotypes. We therefore used a range of 20 maize inbred lines with considerable differences in resistance traits to determine if correlations exist between leaf and root resistance against pathogens and insects. Aboveground resistance against insects was positively correlated with the plant's capacity to produce volatiles in response to insect attack. Resistance to herbivores and resistance to a pathogen, on the other hand, were negatively correlated. Our results also give first insights into the intraspecific variability of root volatiles release in maize and its positive correlation with leaf volatile production. We show that the breeding history of the different genotypes (dent versus flint) has influenced several defensive parameters. Taken together, our study demonstrates the importance of genetically determined synergies and trade‐offs for plant resistance against insects and pathogens.
The intramolecular 13C‐distribution in ethanol reveals the influence of the CO2‐fixation pathway and environmental conditions on the site‐specific 13C variation in glucose
Authors: GILBERT ALEXIS , SILVESTRE VIRGINIE , SEGEBARTH NICOLAS , TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME , GUILLOU CLAUDE , ROBINS RICHARD J. , AKOKA SERGE , REMAUD GÉRALD S.
Published: March 2011

Efforts to understand the cause of 12C versus 13C isotope fractionation in plants during photosynthesis and post‐photosynthetic metabolism are frustrated by the lack of data on the intramolecular 13C‐distribution in metabolites and its variation with environmental conditions. We have exploited isotopic carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectrometry to measure the positional isotope composition (δ13Ci, ‰) in ethanol samples from different origins: European wines, liquors and sugars from C3, C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants. In C3‐ethanol samples, the methylene group was always 13C‐enriched (∼2‰) relative to the methyl group. In wines, this pattern was correlated with both air temperature and δ18O of wine water, indicating that water vapour deficit may be a critical defining factor. Furthermore, in C4‐ethanol, the reverse relationship was observed (methylene‐C relatively 13C‐depleted), supporting the concept that photorespiration is the key metabolic process leading to the 13C distribution in C3‐ethanol. By contrast, in CAM‐ethanol, the isotopic pattern was similar to but stronger than C3‐ethanol, with a relative 13C‐enrichment in the methylene‐C of up to 13‰. Plausible causes of this 13C‐pattern are briefly discussed. As the intramolecular δ13Ci‐values in ethanol reflect that in source glucose, our data point out the crucial impact on the ratio of metabolic pathways sustaining glucose synthesis.
Current evidence of skin barrier dysfunction in human and canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Olivry Thierry , Carlotti Didier‐Noel ,   for the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Published: March 2011

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifaceted disease resulting from a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Both of these factors can shape skin barrier function and the immunological response of predisposed patients. There is increasing evidence that an impaired skin barrier plays a role in both human and canine AD. Although many primary skin barrier defects had already been documented in the past in humans, the recent identification of the filaggrin mutations and the fact that such mutations are now considered the most important risk factor for development of AD have further emphasized the relevance of epidermal dysfunction in human AD. Much less is known in veterinary medicine, but evidence is rapidly building to support a role for skin barrier dysfunction in canine AD. Canine AD shares many clinical and immunological similarities with its human counterpart. The similar distribution of clinical lesions and the importance of the epicutaneous route of allergen exposure provided the incentive to investigate the role of skin barrier impairments in canine AD. The purpose of this comparative review is to present the current evidence of barrier dysfunction in both human and canine AD.
A genetic study of four Belgian pig populations by means of seven microsatellite loci
Authors: van Zeveren A. , Peelman L. , van de Weghe A. , Bouquet Y.
Published: March 2011

Genetic variability within four Belgian pig breeds, (Landrace (BL), Negative (BN), Piétrain (P), and Large White (LW)) was investigated using seven microsatellite loci. Differences in allele frequencies indicate each breed's particular identity. Computation of polymorphism information contents (PIC), theoretical heterozygosities, effective numbers of alleles, and probabilities of encountering, at random, two identical individuals in each breed revealed a variability, decreasing in the order LW, BN, BL, and P. Five types of genetic distance between the breeds were also calculated. Two‐by‐two breed comparisons indicated some distances to be rather important, confirming the breeds' morphological differences. BL and BN show the closest resemblance, while P is the most distant breed. The chances of encountering, at random, two identical individuals among two breeds are small, and confirm the conclusions resulting from the genetic distances. The efficiency of the microsatellites in parentage control is high.

7 Microsatellitsystemen studiert in 4 Belgische Schweinerassen

Anhand von 7 Microsatellitsystemen wurde die genetische Variabilität innerhalb 4 Belgischer Schweinerassen (Landrasse [BL], Negativ [BN], Pietrain [P] und Large White [LW] untersucht. Unterschiede in Allelhäufigkeiten deuten auf die besondere Identität jeder einzelnen Rasse. Berechnung von Polymorphismus, Informationsinhalt (PIC), theoretischer Heterozygotiewerte, wirksamer Anzahl von Allelen und Wahrscheinlichkeit zweier identischer Individuen in jeder Rasse brachte Hinweise auf abnehmende Variabilität in der Reihenfolge von LW, BN, BL und P. Ausserdem wurden 5 Arten genetischer Distanzen zwischen den vier Schweinerassen berechnet. Bei paarweisem Vergleich zeigten diese Distanzen sich als ziemlich gross, so dass damit die morphologischen Differenzen zwischen den Rassen bestätigt werden. BL und BN haben die engste Verwandtschaft und P ist am weitesten entfernt von BL, BN und LW. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, zufällig zwei identische Tiere in zwei Rassen zu finden, fehlt praktisch und bestätigt die Schlussfolgerungen, die sich aus den genetischen Distanzen ergeben. Die Microsatelliten sind sehr zweckmässig anwendbar in der Abstammungskontrolle.
Paternal effects on the parent‐offspring correlation for body‐weight traits in mice
Authors: Bünger L. , Renne U. , Dietl G. , Pirchner F.
Published: March 2011

Sexual dimorphism in some growth or behavioural traits in mice has led to a search for its Y‐chromosomal correlates. The existence of some Y‐chromosome‐linked loci, influencing the growth of mice directly or by a modifying action, should result in different correlations between father: son and father: daughter pairs. Two sets of data, obtained from investigation in an outbred strain of laboratory mice (Fzt: DU), were used to estimate correlations between father: son; father: daughter, mother: son, and mother: daughter pairs, and then estimate genetic parameters, such as h2, and a maternal and paternal coefficient. Set 1 comprised 145 complete data records for body weights at 10, 21, 42, and 63 days, and the corresponding gains, Set 2 comprised more than 4 000 data records for the body weight at 63 days. Due to the relatively large standard errors in set 1, only some of the interesting correlations and differences between correlations were significant. Set 2 showed an evident paternal contribution to the BW63. The heritability was equal to 0.27, the maternal and the paternal coefficients were 0.12 and 0.08, respectively.

Paternaler Einfluß auf Eltern‐Nachkommen Korrelationen für Körpergewichte bei Mäusen

Zahlreiche Untersuchungen nahmen dem bekannten Geschlechtsdimorphismus in Wachstums‐ und Verhaltensmerkmalen bei Labormäusen zum Ausgangspunkt, um nach molekulargenetischen Korrelaten auf dem Y‐Chromosom zu suchen. Y‐Chromosom gekoppelte Loci, die das Wachstum von Mäusen direkt oder über eine modifizierende Wirkung beeinflussen, sollten sich in unterschiedlichen Korrelationen zwischen Vater: Sohn und Vater: Tochter Paaren niederschlagen.

Zwei Datensets, die in einem Auszuchtstamm von Labormäusen (Fzt:DU) erhoben wurden, dienten der Schätzung von Korrelationen zwischen Vater: Sohn‐, Vater:Tochter‐, Mutter:Sohn‐ und Mutter: Tochter‐Paaren für Wachstumsmerkmale. Diese erlaubten die Schätzung von Heritabilitäts‐ und von paternalen und maternalen Koeffizienten. Set 1: 145 komplette Datensätze für die Körpermasse bei 10, 21, 42 und 63 Lebenstagen und die entsprechenden Zuwachsraten.

Set 2: >4 000 Datensätze für die Körpermasse am 63. Lebenstage. Wegen des relativ großen Standardfehlers im Set 1 erweisen sich dort nur einige der interessierenden Korrelationen bzw. Differenzen zwischen den Korrelationskoeffizienten als signifikant. Die Analyse des Set 2 ergab einen deutlichen paternalen Einfluß auf die Körpermasse am 63. Lebenstag; h2 betrug 0, 27 und der maternale bzw. paternale Koeffizient 0, 12 bzw. 0, 08.
Maternal swine trait genetic parameter estimates measured on Landrace females with known porcine stress syndrome genotypes
Authors: Stalder K. J. , Christian L. L. , Rothschild M. F. , Lin E.‐C.
Published: March 2011

Reproductive genetic parameter estimates from American Landrace sows were evaluated when two different methods of accounting for various environmental effects (parity, number after transfer, etc.) were used to pre‐adjust data prior to analyses. Additionally, the environmental effects were included in the models used for analysis and their solutions obtained directly. Data utilized in this study were obtained on American Landrace females with known porcine stress syndrome genotypes. Use of the Landrace breed specific adjustments (Brubaker et al. 1994) generally increase heritability and their use may more accurately reflect the true impact of each environmental factor and thus should result in a faster improvement of the trait through traditional selection methods. Additionally, applying environmental adjustments to the data prior to their evaluation reduces the model complexity and may be particularly useful to reduce the time and computer hardware requirements to analyse large data sets. Service sire and permanent environment‐repeated record accounted for small amounts of total variance and thus their inclusion in future analysis is questionable. More research needs to be conducted to compare general and breed‐specific environmental adjustments factors to achieve more accurate genetic evaluations of other pure breeds and synthetic lines of swine.

Schätzungen genetischer Parameter für maternale Merkmale von Landrassesauen mit bekannten Porcinen Stress‐Genotypen

Genetische Parameterschätzungen für Reproducktionsmerkmale amerikanischer Landrassesauen wurden unter Vergleich zweier verschiedener Methoden von Korrekturen für Umwelteinflüsse (Wurffolge, Zahl nach Ferkeltransfer, etc) verglichen. Darüber hinaus wurden Umwelteinflüsse in analytischen Modellen berücksichtigt und ihre Schätzwerte direkt berechnet. Die Daten stammten von Sauen mit bekannten Stressgenotypen. Landrasse‐spezifische Korrekturen (Brubaker 1994) führten zu höheren Heritabilitätswerten und dürften die tatsächlichen Umwelteinflüsse besser wiedergeben. Dies sollte zu rascherem genetischen Fortschritt mittels traditionellet Zuchtmethoden führen. Korrekturen vor der Auswertung reduzieren Komplexität der Modelle und führen damit zur Reduktion von Zeit‐ und Computerbedarf bei umfangreichen Daten. Einflüsse von Besamungseber und permanente Umweltwirkung bei wiederholten Leistungen verursachen wenig Variabilität, sodaß ihre Berücksichtigung fraglich sein sollte. Die Bewertung allgemeiner und rassenspezifischer Korrekturfaktoren bedarf weiterer Untersuchungen.
The influence of selection on reaction to stress in mice V. The effect of starvation and glutathione injection on the activity of N‐acetyl‐beta‐glucosaminidase and the level of glutathione in the liver
Authors: Witek B. , Kołataj A.
Published: March 2011

The experiment was conducted on 40 6‐week‐old mice selected for a high rate of body weight gain and 40 unselected controls. Model stressors were used: starvation for 24 h, injection of glutathione and both stressors jointly. Measurements were made of N‐acetyl‐beta‐glucosaminidase (NAGL) activity and the level of non‐protein sulfhydryl groups in the liver. Starvation, glutathione injection and starvation with glutathione injection jointly caused an increase of NAGL activity, which was more marked in the selected mice. Starvation caused a decrease of glutathione level, glutathione injection and both stressors jointly caused an increase in the level of glutathione. The reactions of selected mice were stronger in comparison with unselected ones. The results suggest that the mice selected for a high rate of body weight gain were less resistant to starvation and glutathione injection than the unselected mice.

Der Einfluβ der Selektion auf die N‐Azetyl‐β‐glukosaminidase Aktivität und Glutathionniveau in der Leber der Mäuse

Es wurden 40 Mäuse im Alter 6 Wochen einer Selektionslinie auf Körpergewicht und 40 Mäuse der Kontrolle untersucht. Den Tieren der Versuchsgruppe wurden die Nahrung 24 Stunden entzogen. Die Glutathioninjektion und Hungern zusammen mit Glutathioninjektion wurde auch eingesetzt. Es wurde Leber zur Bestimmung der Aktivität von N‐Azetyl‐β‐glukosaminidase und des Glutathionniveau entnommen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ selektierte Tiere empfindlicher als Kontrolltiere gegen Belastungen gewesen sind.
Reproductive performance of dairy cattle at Asella livestock farm, Arsi, Ethiopia. I: Indigenous cows versus their F1 crosses
Authors: Negussie E. , Brännäng E. , Banjaw K. , Rottmann O. J.
Published: March 2011

In this study the reproductive performance of indigenous Ethiopian cows and their F1 crosses was evaluated and factors affecting reproductive performance were assessed, based on crossbreeding data collected from Asella Livestock Farm, Ethiopia.

Age at first calving, number of services per conception, days open, gestation length and calving interval were considered in the evaluation of reproductive performance.

Results obtained showed that genetic (breed) group was a significant source of variation for almost all of reproductive performance traits studied. First (F1) crosses were found to be better than the indigenous cows. Among the first crosses, Jersey crosses were the best. They had a lower age at first calving, required less number of services per conception, shorter days open and calving intervals than the rest of the genetic groups.

Under the prevailing conditions (feeding, management, etc.), upgrading indigenous cows with Jersey inheritance would be recommendable provided that sound breeding programmes are established to maintain the merits of first crosses.

Die Untersuchung wertet Daten über die Reproduktionsleistung äthiopischer Rassen und ihrer Kreuzungsnachkommen aus und schätzt genetische und nicht‐genetische Einflüsse auf die Fortpflanzung. Die Aufzeichnungen stammen von der Asella‐Livestock‐Farm, Arsi, Aüthiopien.

Verwendet wurden die Fruchtbarkeitsmerkmale Erstkalbealter, Besamungsindex, Güstzeit, Trächtig‐keitsdauer und Zwischenkalbezeit. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die genetische Gruppe (Rasse) als signifikante Variationsursache für fast alle untersuchten Merkmale. F1‐Kreuzungstiere waren den einheimischen Rassen überlegen. Dabei hatten Jersey‐Kreuzungstiere bessere Leistungen als Holstein‐Kreuzungen. Bei ersteren war ein geringeres Erstkalbealter festzustellen, sie hatten einen niedrigeren Besamungsindex, und kürzere Güst‐ und Zwischenkalbezeiten als alle andern genetischen Gruppen. Unter den vorherrschenden Bedingungen hinsichtlich Futterangebot, Management usw. empfiehlt sich die Kreu‐zungzucht mit Jersey unter der Voraussetzung, daß fundierte Zuchtprogramme die überlegenheit der F1‐Tiere erhalten.
Polymorphisms of Hae II and Msp I growth hormone genes in commercial hybrid pigs with different RYR1 genotypes
Authors: Kuciel J. , KŘenková L. , Urban T.
Published: March 2011

In commercial hybrid pigs (n = 95) of Large White (LW), Landrace (L), Piétrain (Pn) and Hampshire (H) breeds, the genotypes of the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) and of growth hormone (GH) were determined from blood samples by DNA test, using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. The polymorphism of the RYR1 gene was found from the mutation in the 1843rd nucleotide by digestion with restriction enzymes Hha I and Hgi AI. Genotypes of GH were established using restrictases Hae II and Msp I. In the two hybrid groups, respectively, the frequencies of the RYR1 genotypes were N/N = 0.62; N/n = 0.37 and n/n = 0.01; GH (Msp I) ‐/‐ = 0.15; +/‐ = 0.58 and +/+ = 0.27 and GH (Hae II) ‐/‐ = 0.16; +/‐ = 0.58 and +/+ = 0.26. Their distributions corresponded with genotypic Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium status. Interactions between genotypes of RYR1 and GH (Msp I) and RYR1 and GH (Hae II) genes, evaluated by means of Cramer's V contingency coefficient (c.c) were c.c = 0.21 and c.c = 0.29, respectively; the corresponding correlation between GH (Msp I) and GH (Hae II) was c.c = 0.31 (p < 0.01). There was a highly significant difference in the frequency of RYR1 genotypes in two hybrid groups, i.e. (LW × L) × (Pn × H) and (LW × L) × (H); the corresponding differences for GH (Msp I) were significant (p ≤ 0.05) and those for the GH (Hae II) was not significant.

Polymorphisms von Hae II und Msp I Schnittstellen des Wachstumshormongenes in Hybridschweinen unterschiedlicher RYR1 Genotypen

Die Genotypen an Ryanodin und Wachstumshormon‐Loci wurden mittels PCR und RFLP Methoden bei 95 Hybridschweinen bestimmt. Der Polymorphismus des RYR1 Genes am Nukleotid 1843 wurde mittels Digestion mit Restriktionsenzymen Hha I und Hgi AI ermittelt. Die GH Genotypen wurden mittels Restriktasen Hae II und Msp I bestimmt. Die RYR1 Genotypfrequenzen waren: 0.62, 0.37, 0.01 für N/N, N/n, n/n; die von GH (Msp I) 0.15, 0.58, 0.27; die von GH (Hae II) 0.16, 0.58, 0.26, jeweils von ‐/‐, ‐/+, +/+. Die Verteilungen entsprechen dem Hardy‐Weinberg Äquilibrium, die Interaktionen zwischen RYR1 und den beiden GH Genotypen waren c.c. = 0.21 und c.c. = 0.29 (Cramer's Kontingenz Koeffizienten) und die Korrelationen zwischen letzteren 0.31 (p < 0.01). Die beiden Hybridgruppen (LW × L) × (Pn × H) und (LW × L) × H sind hochsignifikant unterschiedlich hinsichtlich RYR1 Genotypen, signifikant bezüglich GH (Msp I) (p ≤ 0.05) und insignifikant für GH (Hae II).