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Highlights: [•] Influenza A/pdmH1N1 virus prevalence peak occurred in November 2009, but sharply dropped in February 2010 in Taiwan. [•] NJ and ML phylogenetic trees showed 11 unique clusters of influenza A/pdmH1N1, A/H3N2 and B viruses in Taiwan. [•] Phylogenetic evidence indicated multiple independent clades of co-circulating influenza A and B strains in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] WOX1 is required for LMP2A-triggered activation of ERK1/2 signal transduction. [•] WOX1 is required for LMP2A-induced MMP9 expression and cell invasion. [•] WOX1 physically interacts with LMP2A. [•] The interaction requires tyrosine residue 33 of WOX1 and PY motifs of LMP2A. [•] The interaction is important for induction of ERK1/2 and MMP9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients demonstrate notable variations in disease progression following human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We aimed to identify ZNRD1 and RNF39 genetic variants linked to AIDS progression. We conducted a genetic association study in HIV-1-infected Han Chinese patients residing in Taiwan. The clinical characteristics of 143 HIV-1-infected patients were measured, and patients were split into 2 groups: AIDS progression and AIDS non-progression. Genotyping of ZNRD1 and RNF39 was performed in all participants. We found that patients in the AIDS progression group had higher HIV-1 viral loads and lower CD4 cell counts than did patients in the AIDS non-progression group. The frequency of the AA genotype of ZNRD1 (rs16896970) was lower in the AIDS progression group than in the AIDS non-progression group. Patients with AA genotypes had lower levels of HIV-1 viral loads and higher levels of CD4 cell counts than did patients with AG+GG genotypes. AIDS progression in patients with the AA group is significantly different from that in patients with the AG and GG groups by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The hazard ratio for progression was lower in the AA group than in the AG and GG groups. We identified a SNP that contributes to AIDS progression in HIV-1-infected patients in this population. This SNP had a significant protective influence on AIDS progression, and polymorphisms of the ZNRD1 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biochar increased the biological availability of phosphorus. • Biochar instead of phosphate fertilizer did not lead to a decrease in maize yield. • Increases in P fertilizer use efficiency and agronomic P efficiency occurred after the application of biochar. Potential shortages in the reserves of phosphorus (P) rock and low soil P availability are among the main limiting factors for agricultural development. Recent studies show that biochar plays a crucial role in regulating soil physicochemical properties and crop development. To further verify the contribution of biochar to availability of soil P and nutrient efficiency of crop P, a maize continuous cropping field trial was started in 2013 to investigate the effects of biochar (0 and 2.63 t ha−1) combined with P fertilizer (0 and 26 kg ha−1) on soil biologically-based P and maize P use efficiency and yield. The treatments included mineral NPK fertilizer (NPK), mineral NK fertilizer (NK), mineral NPK fertilizer in combination with biochar (NPK + BC) and mineral NK fertilizer in combination with biochar (NK + BC). The following results were obtained in 2017 and 2018: biochar increased the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total C (TC) and total P (TP) of the soil. Biochar can increase soil biologically-based P (CaCl 2 -P, enzyme-P, citrate-P and HCl-P). The grain yield of the NPK + BC treatment reached the highest point and improved maize grain yield by 4.2 %–12.5 % compared with NPK fertilization alone. Moreover, the application of biochar (2.63 t ha−1) instead of phosphate fertilizer in these experimental conditions did not lead to a decrease in the yield of maize. The addition of biochar increased the contents and uptake of P in maize grains, while negatively affecting the content and uptake of P in maize stover. Increases in P fertilizer use efficiencies (PUE) (12.4 %–31.4 %) and agronomic P efficiencies (AEP) (21.6 %–51.2 %) occurred after the application of biochar. The yield of maize and PUE positively correlated with the soil biologically available P. The structural equation modeling (SEM) results suggest that the increases in maize yield could be ascribed to improvements in soil biologically-based P and soil properties. Therefore, the addition of biochar is an effective approach to enhance the yield of maize, which is not only relevant to the improvement of soil biologically-based P but also increases in P use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that paclitaxel activates cell cycle arrest and increases caspase protein expression to induce apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. However, the potential signaling pathway regulating this apoptotic phenomenon remains unclear. The present study used OEC-M1 cells to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Following treatment with paclitaxel, cell viability was assessed via the MTT assay. Necrosis, apoptosis, cell cycle and mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) were analyzed via flow cytometric analyses, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of proteins associated with the MAPK and caspase signaling pathways. The results demonstrated that low-dose paclitaxel (50 nM) induced apoptosis but not necrosis in HNSCC cells. In addition, paclitaxel activated the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. The paclitaxel-activated JNK contributed to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, activation of caspase-3, −6, −7, −8 and −9, and reduction of ∆Ψm. In addition, caspase-8 and −9 inhibitors, respectively, significantly decreased paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Notably, Bid was truncated following treatment with paclitaxel. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that paclitaxel-activated JNK is required for caspase activation and loss of ∆Ψm, which results in apoptosis of HNSCC cells. These results may provide mechanistic basis for designing more effective paclitaxel-combining regimens to treat HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have been considered as a powerful tool to convert two electrophiles into value-added products. Numerous related reports have shown the fascinating potential. Mechanistic studies, especially theoretical studies, can provide important implications for the design of novel reductive coupling reactions. In this review, we summarize the representative advancements in theoretical studies on transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions and systematically elaborate the mechanisms for the key steps of reductive coupling reactions. The activation modes of electrophiles and the deep insights of selectivity generation are mechanistically discussed. In addition, the mechanism of the reduction of high-oxidation-state catalysts and further construction of new chemical bonds are also described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanomaterials are generally used to promote the thermal conductivity of polymer composites. However, individual graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) limit the realization of the desirable thermal conductivity of the composite in both throughand in-plane directions. In this work, we present the thermal conductivity enhancement of the epoxy composite with carbon hybrid fillers composed of CNTs directly grown on the GNP support. The composite with 20 wt% hybrid filler loading showed 300% and 50% through-plane thermal conductivity improvements in comparison with the individual CNTs and GNPs, respectively. Moreover, it showed an enhanced thermal conductivity of up to 12% higher than that of the simply mixed GNP and CNT fillers. In more detail, hybrid fillers, whose CNTs were synthesized on the GNP support (Support C, Fe/Mo-MgO:GNP D 1:0.456) for 60 min via chemical vapor deposition process, presented the highest through-plane thermal conductivity of 2:41 W m-1 K-1 in an epoxy composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zta is a lytic transactivator of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and has been shown to promote migration and invasion of epithelial cells. Although previous studies indicate that Zta induces expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and MMP1, direct evidence linking the MMPs to Zta-induced cell migration and invasion is still lacking. Here we performed a series of in vitro studies to re-examine the expression profile and biologic functions of Zta-induced MMPs in epithelial cells derived from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We found that, in addition to MMP9, MMP3 was a new target gene upregulated by Zta. Ectopic Zta expression in EBV-negative cells increased both mRNA and protein production of MMP3. Endogenous Zta also contributed to induction of MMP3 expression, migration and invasion of EBV-infected cells. Zta activated the MMP3 promoter through three AP-1 elements, and its DNA-binding domain was required for the promoter binding and MMP3 induction. We further tested the effects of MMP3 and MMP9 on cell motility and invasiveness in vitro. Zta-promoted cell migration required MMP3 but not MMP9. On the other hand, both MMP3 and MMP9 were essential for Zta-induced cell invasion, and co-expression of the two MMPs synergistically increased cell invasiveness. Therefore, this study provides integrated evidence demonstrating that, at least in the in vitro cell models, Zta drives cell migration and invasion through MMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Sang-qi Granula (SQ) is a compound prepared from Chinese herbs and is currently used for treatment of hypertension in China. Given its protective effects on cardial function in decreasing blood pressure, we investigated the mechanism of protective effects of SQ on myocardium. Methods. 16 male normal Wistar-Kyoto rats and 16 spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR) were employed without medical treatment. 16 SHR were employed with SQ treatment. Rats in each group were sacrificed at two time points (8-week treatment and 16-week treatment). Blood pressure (BP), and heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) were measured. The expression of myeloperoxidase (MCP-1), ICAM-1, TNF-α, and CD68-positive cells was assessed. The interstitial collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular collagen volume area (PVCA), and the expression of TGF-β, Smad-3, PPARα, γ, and NF-κB (P65 and P50) were observed. Results. SQ significantly inhibited the elevation of the blood pressure and HW/BW of SHR. Next, SQ prevented myocardial fibrosis. Finally, a proinflammatory mediator associated with NF-κB (TNF-α, ICAM-1,MCP-1, CD68), TGF-β, and Smad-3 related to collagen deposition, which is upregulated in SHR group, was significantly suppressed by SQ. Expression of NF-κB was decreased in SHQ+SQ group compared to PPARα, and γ expression was increased by SQ. Conclusion. Treatment with SQ ameliorates cardial fibrosis induced by hypertension by attenuating the upregulation of ICAM-1, TNF-α, MCP-1, TGF-β, Smad-3, P65, and P50 expression and improving PPARα and PPARγ expression level. The results suggest that SQ may be an option for preventing cardial fibrosis through PPAR signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective strategy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa) as well as local invasion. However, some locally advanced cancers develop radiation resistance and recur after therapy; therefore, the development of radiation-sensitizing compounds is essential for treatment of these tumors. DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP), which is a novel member of the Ras-GTPase activating protein family and a regulator of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt activity, is often downregulated in aggressive PCa. Our previous studies have shown that loss of DAB2IP results in radioresistance in PCa cells primarily because of accelerated DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair kinetics, robust G2/M checkpoint control, and evasion of apoptosis. A novel DNA-PKcs inhibitor NU7441 can significantly enhance the effect of radiation in DAB2IP-deficient PCa cells. This enhanced radiation sensitivity after NU7441 treatment is primarily due to delayed DNA DSB repair. More significantly, we found that DAB2IP-deficient PCa cells show dramatic induction of autophagy after treatment with radiation and NU7441. However, restoring DAB2IP expression in PCa cells resulted in decreased autophagy-associated proteins, such as LC3B and Beclin 1, as well as decreased phosphorylation of S6K and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Furthermore, the presence of DAB2IP in PCa cells can lead to more apoptosis in response to combined treatment of NU7441 and ionizing radiation. Taken together, NU7441 is a potent radiosensitizer in aggressive PCa cells and DAB2IP plays a critical role in enhancing PCa cell death after combined treatment with NU7441 and radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, researchers have conducted various studies on applying wireless networking technology and mobile devices in education settings. However, research on behavioral patterns in learners' online asynchronous discussions with mobile devices is limited. The purposes of this study are to develop a mobile learning system, mobile interactive teaching feedback system (MITFS), linked to both mobile devices and the internet, to support learners with online asynchronous discussion, and combine content analysis and sequential analysis to compare and contrast the social knowledge construction behavioral patterns of problem-based asynchronous discussion in e-learning and m-learning environments. This study investigated four weeks of online discussions in an “Introduction to Computer Science” course involving forty first year university students. The control group (online asynchronous discussion without mobile devices) and the experimental group (online asynchronous discussion with mobile devices) in the group discussions were explored. By using content analysis and sequential analysis for the problem-based online asynchronous discussion of the behavioral patterns and differences between students in control and experimental group, the results showed that using mobile devices in online asynchronous discussion influenced students' learning performance. Some interesting results were found. Firstly, when the students used mobile devices in discussion situations, they could more engage in reflecting thinking, sharing more information, and further facilitating social knowledge construction among group members. Secondly, the experimental group performed better than the control group in terms of participation and diversity in knowledge construction behavioral patterns. Finally, based upon the findings, some implications are proposed for further research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: A significant percentage of Taiwanese neonatal HB immunization recipients have subsequently exhibited low anti-HB titers at non-protective or undetectable levels. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including low vaccination responsiveness, deficient lymphocyte function, inappropriate antigen processing and presentation, and abnormal cytokine secretion. Methods: To determine genetic influences resulting in high anti-HB titers, we divided a study cohort of 183 individuals into an anti-HBs≥1000mIU/mL group and a 10–1000mIU/mL anti-HBs titer group. Chi-square tests were used to compare genotype and allelic frequencies between the two groups. Results: Data from univariate and multivariate regression analyses of cytokine and cytokine receptor gene variants indicate (a) increased potential of high anti-HB titers in the presence of the TT genotype of the IL-4 rs2243250 SNP (OR=3.19; p =0.012) and the AA genotype of the IL-4R rs1805010 SNP (OR=2.25; p =0.048), and (b) individuals carrying the TT genotype of the IL-4 rs2243250 SNP had anti-HB titers at levels that were almost twice as high as those in individuals carrying the CC genotype (478.8mIU/mL and 290.3mIU/mL, respectively; p =0.033). Conclusion: Genetic determinants, especially IL-4 and IL-4R, may contribute to high anti-HB titers in immune responses to HB vaccinations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Within the kinetic energy driven superconducting mechanism, the dynamical spin response of the bilayer cuprate superconductors is studied. It is shown that there are two nondegenerate magnetic modes with odd and even symmetries, respectively, due to the bilayer interaction in the bilayer cuprate superconductors. Although the magnetic scattering in both odd and even symmetries shows an hour-glass-shaped dispersion, the commensurate magnetic resonance energy in the odd symmetry has a domelike shape of the doping dependence, while the commensurate magnetic resonance energy in the even symmetry decreases with increasing doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maximize the contributions of nanotechnology to this society, at least 60 countries have put efforts into this field. In Taiwan, a government-funded K-12 Nanotechnology Programme was established to train K-12 teachers with adequate nanotechnology literacy to foster the next generation of Taiwanese people with sufficient knowledge in nanotechnology. In the present study, the Nanotechnology Attitude Scale for K-12 teachers (NAS-T) was developed to assess K-12 teachers' attitudes toward nanotechnology. The NAS-T included 23 Likert-scale items that can be grouped into three components: importance of nanotechnology, affective tendencies in science teaching, and behavioural tendencies to teach nanotechnology. A sample of 233 K-12 teachers who have participated in the K-12 Nanotechnology Programme was included in the present study to investigate the psychometric properties of the NAS-T. The exploratory factor analysis of this teacher sample suggested that the NAS-T was a three-factor model that explained 64.11% of the total variances. This model was also confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis to validate the factor structure of the NAS-T. The Cronbach's alpha values of three NAS-T subscales ranged from 0.89 to 0.95. Moderate to strong correlations among teachers' NAS-T domain scores, self-perception of own nanoscience knowledge, and their science-teaching efficacy demonstrated good convergent validity of the NAS-T. As a whole, psychometric properties of the NAS-T indicated that this instrument is an effective instrument for assessing K-12 teachers' attitudes toward nanotechnology. The NAS-T will serve as a valuable tool to evaluate teachers' attitude changes after participating in the K-12 Nanotechnology Programme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Lipid-conjugated polysaccharide vesicles in nano- and micro-scale were developed from amphiphilic octadecanol-modified dextrans (OMD) prepared by partial esterification of dextran with activated octadecanol-carbamate imidazole in a well-controlled manner. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of OMD adducts in aqueous phase varies, depending mainly on their octadecanol contents. Through supramolecular assembly of the OMD adducts comprising either 17 or 28 mol% octadecanol residues with respect to the anhydroglucopyranose units by the partial solvent displacement technique with the initial water content of DMSO/H2O solutions beyond a critical point, stable nano-scaled OMD assemblies were developed and characterized by the vesicle-like morphology. The dimension of polymersomes can be effectively controlled by the OMD composition as well as the initial water content. On the other hand, micro-scaled OMD polymersomes can be achieved by the double emulsion technique in a water/oil/water (w1/o/w2) manner. Both the contents of NaCl in aqueous solution as the w1 phase and of DMSO in DMSO/CHCl3 co-solvents as the organic phase, in which OMD was dissolved, are of great importance in controlling the polymersome morphology and size. These micro-scaled OMD polymersome walls are characterized by size-selective permeability capable of encapsulating large water-soluble cargoes while allowing transport of small polar species across the membrane, thereby rendering these unique colloidal particles of potential applications in biomedical technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pigs have been considered as donors for xenotransplantation in the replacement of human organs and tissues. However, porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) might transmit new infectious disease to humans during xenotransplantation. To investigate PERV integration sites, 45 PERV-positive BAC clones, including 12 PERV-A, 16 PERV-B, and 17 PERV-C clones, were identified from the NIH miniature pig BAC library. The analysis of 12 selected full-length sequences of PERVs, including the long terminal repeat (LTR) region, identified the expected of open reading frame length, an indicative of active PERV, in all five PERV-C clones and one of the four PERV-B clones. Premature stop codons were observed in only three PERV-A clones. Also, eleven PERV integration sites were mapped using a 5000-rad IMpRH panel. The map locations of PERV-C clones have not been reported before, thus they are novel PERV clones identified in this study. The results could provide basic information for the elimination of site-specific PERVs in selection of pigs for xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs have been considered as donors for xenotransplantation in the replacement of human organs and tissues. However, porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) might transmit new infectious disease to humans during xenotransplantation. To investigate PERV integration sites, 45 PERV-positive BAC clones, including 12 PERV-A, 16 PERV-B, and 17 PERV-C clones, were identified from the NIH miniature pig BAC library. The analysis of 12 selected full-length sequences of PERVs, including the long terminal repeat (LTR) region, identified the expected of open reading frame length, an indicative of active PERV, in all five PERV-C clones and one of the four PERV-B clones. Premature stop codons were observed in only three PERV-A clones. Also, eleven PERV integration sites were mapped using a 5000-rad IMpRH panel. The map locations of PERV-C clones have not been reported before, thus they are novel PERV clones identified in this study. The results could provide basic information for the elimination of site-specific PERVs in selection of pigs for xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers are lacking for identifying the switch of transforming growth factor-fJ (TGF-β) from tumor-suppressing to tumor-promoting. Mutated p53 (mp53) has been suggested to switch TGF-β to a tumor promoter. However, we found that mp53 does not always promote the oncogenic role of TGF-βp. Here, we show that endogenous mp53 knockdown enhanced cell migration and phosphorylation of ERK in DU145 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of mp53 in p53null PC-3 prostate cancer cells enhanced Smad-dependent signaling but inhibited TGF-β-induced cell migration by downregulating activated ERK. Reactivation of ERK by the expression of its activator, MEK-1, restored TGF-β-induced cell migration. Because TGF-β known to activate the MAPK/ERK pathway through direct phosphorylation of the adaptor protein ShcA and MAP K/ERK signaling is pivotal to tumor progression, we investigated whether ShcA contributed to mp53-induced ERK inhibition and the conversion of the role of TGFduring carcinogenesis. We found that mp53 expression led to a decrease of phosphorylated p52ShcA/ERK levels and an increase of phosphorylated Smad levels in a panel of mp53-expressing cancer cell lines and in mammary glands and tumors from mp53 knock-in mice. By manipulating ShcA levels to regulate ERK and Smad signaling in human untransformed and cancer cell lines, we showed that the role of TGF-β in regulating anchoragedependent and -independent growth and migration can be shifted between growth suppression and migration promotion. Thus, our results for the first time suggest that mp53 disrupts the role of ShcA in balancing the Smad-dependent and -independent signaling activity of TGF-β and that ShcA/ERK signaling is a major pathway regulating the tumor-promoting activity of TGF-ββ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breakdown of triglycerides, or lipolysis, is a tightly controlled process that regulates fat mobilization in accord with an animal's energy needs. It is well established that lipolysis is stimulated by hormones that signal energy demand and is suppressed by the antilipolytic hormone insulin. However, much still remains to be learned about regulation of lipolysis by intracellular signaling pathways in adipocytes. Here we show that galectin-12, a member of a β-galactoside-binding lectin family preferentially expressed by adipocytes, functions as an intrinsic negative regulator of lipolysis. Galectin-12 is primarily localized on lipid droplets and regulates lipolytic protein kinase A signaling by acting upstream of phosphodiesterase activity to control cAMP levels. Ablation of galectin-12 in mice results in increased adipocyte mitochondrial respiration, reduced adiposity, and ameliorated insulin resistance/glucose intolerance. This study identifies unique properties of this intracellular galectin that is localized to an organelle and performs a critical function in lipid metabolism. These findings add to the significant functions exhibited by intracellular galectins, and have important therapeutic implications for human metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of beraprost sodium on the proliferation and oxidative stress of glomerular mesangial cells under high glucose conditions, a rat mesangial cell line (rat mesangial cells; RMCs) was treated with beraprost sodium in the presence of high glucose concentrations. Proliferation rates of mesangial cells were detected by MTT assays and BrdU incorporation analyses. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by DCFH-DA probes. The mRNA expression levels of CuZnSOD, MnSOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and collagen IV were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein levels of antioxidants (i.e. CuZnSOD, CAT, and MnSOD) and collagen IV were detected by Western blot. Beraprost sodium treatment significantly decreased the proliferation and ROS levels of RMCs cultured in high glucose conditions in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Beraprost sodium treatment decreased the mRNA and protein levels of CuZnSOD, CAT, and collagen IV in cells under high glucose conditions, while it increased MnSOD protein levels in cells under normal glucose conditions. Therefore, beraprost sodium inhibits high glucose-induced cellular proliferation and the generation of ROS, and it improves the antioxidant capacities of rat glomerular mesangial cells. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 1998, Taiwan has experienced annual outbreaks of enterovirus 71 (EV71) nationwide. The area around Taichung City experienced a particularly large outbreak in 2005, after which EV71 disappeared for 2 y before re-emerging in 2008. Here we present the clinical, genotypic, and epidemiological baseline data for the 2005 Taichung outbreak. Methods: Throat swab, stool and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and stored in viral transport medium. Samples were tested by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and viral culture. Epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data were extracted from medical record reviews. A total of 27 virus isolates were selected for phylogenetic analysis. Results: Confirmed phylogenetic results of the viruses were separated into 5 groups. The 5′′-UTR regions served as a focus for investigating genetic relationships among the 27 EV71 isolates, all of which belonged to a distinct clade in the C4 genotype. Most of the strains belonged to 5 observed epidemic groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the 2005 outbreak in central Taiwan was caused by divergent EV71 strains belonging to the C4 genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The national hepatitis B (HB) vaccination program in Taiwan that began in 1984 has resulted in a significant reduction in the carrier rate among children. However, a significant proportion of Taiwanese neonatal HB immunization recipients have exhibited low anti-HBs titers that fall to non-protective or undetectable levels. Methods: We recruited 1677 entering freshman and graduate student participants at a Taiwanese university health center, grouped them into three age groups representing three stages of Taiwan''s HB vaccination program, then conducted hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) serological surveillances for each individual. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses of clinical characteristics and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) genetic variations were also conducted. Results: A trend toward a decreasing HBsAg carrier rate was observed over the starting dates of the vaccination program (11.7%, 1.6% and 1.7% for age groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively), but we also observed an increasing rate of non-protective anti-HBs titers (15%, 26% and 50.3% for cohorts 1–3, respectively). The percentage of students with non-protective anti-HBs titers increased from 23.1% for students born in 1984, to 25.2% for those born in 1985, to 39.4% for birth-year 1986 students, to 45.7% for birth-year 1987 students, and to 56.5% for birth-year 1988 students. The risk for low anti-HBs titers increased concurrently with increases in systolic blood pressure (BP), the IL-10 ATA/ACC haplotype, and the IL-10 ATA present haplotype. Risk for low anti-HBs titers decreased with concurrent decreases in glucose ante cibum (AC, before meals) and the IL-10 ACC/ACC haplotype. Conclusions: These results suggest that the genetic determinants may also contribute to variations in anti-HBs titers in immune responses to HB vaccination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synovial joints enable smooth articulations between different skeletal elements and are essential for the motility of vertebrates. Despite decades of extensive studies of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of limb and skeletal development, the molecular mechanisms governing synovial joint formation are still poorly understood. In particular, whereas several signaling pathways have been shown to play critical roles in joint maintenance, the mechanism controlling joint initiation is unknown. Here we report that Osr1 and Osr2, the mammalian homologs of the odd-skipped family of zinc finger transcription factors that are required for leg joint formation in Drosophila, are both strongly expressed in the developing synovial joint cells in mice. Whereas Osr1 −/− mutant mice died at midgestation and Osr2 −/− mutant mice had only subtle defects in synovial joint development, tissue-specific inactivation of Osr1 in the developing limb mesenchyme in Osr2 −/− mutant mice caused fusion of multiple joints. We found that Osr1 and Osr2 function is required for maintenance of expression of signaling molecules critical for joint formation, including Gdf5, Wnt4 and Wnt9b. In addition, joint cells in the double mutants failed to upregulate expression of the articular cartilage marker gene Prg4. These data indicate that Osr1 and Osr2 function redundantly to control synovial joint formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Cerebrovascular dysfunction is strongly associated with neonatal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and stroke in adults. Cerebrovascular endothelial cells (ECs) play important roles in maintaining a stable cerebral circulation in the central nervous system by interacting with pericytes. However, the genetic mechanisms controlling the functions of cerebral ECs are still largely unknown. Here, we report that disruption of Smad4, the central intracellular mediator of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, specifically in the cerebral ECs, results in perinatal ICH and blood-brain barrier breakdown. Furthermore, the mutant vessels exhibit defective mural cell coverage. Smad4 stabilizes cerebrovascular EC-pericyte interactions by regulating the transcription of N-cadherin through associating with the Notch intracellular complex at the RBP-J binding site of the N-cadherin promoter. These findings uncover a distinct role of endothelial Smad4 in maintaining cerebrovascular integrity and suggest important implications for genetic or functional deficiencies in TGF-β/Smad signaling in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cleft palate, including submucous cleft palate, is among the most common birth defects in humans. While overt cleft palate results from defects in growth or fusion of the developing palatal shelves, submucous cleft palate is characterized by defects in palatal bones. In this report, we show that the Bmpr1a gene, encoding a type I receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmp), is preferentially expressed in the primary palate and anterior secondary palate during palatal outgrowth. Following palatal fusion, Bmpr1a mRNA expression was upregulated in the condensed mesenchyme progenitors of palatal bone. Tissue-specific inactivation of Bmpr1a in the developing palatal mesenchyme in mice caused reduced cell proliferation in the primary and anterior secondary palate, resulting in partial cleft of the anterior palate at birth. Expression of Msx1 and Fgf10 was downregulated in the anterior palate mesenchyme and expression of Shh was downregulated in the anterior palatal epithelium in the Bmpr1a conditional mutant embryos, indicating that Bmp signaling regulates mesenchymal-epithelial interactions during palatal outgrowth. In addition, formation of the palatal processes of the maxilla was blocked while formation of the palatal processes of the palatine was significantly delayed, resulting in submucous cleft of the hard palate in the mutant mice. Our data indicate that Bmp signaling plays critical roles in the regulation of palatal mesenchyme condensation and osteoblast differentiation during palatal bone formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iron species have been suggested to be highly involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. However, the detailed mechanism of iron-induced dopaminergic degeneration is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that free iron ions (trivalent or bivalent) and iron ions in stable complex with cyanide ions (K4Fe(CN)6 and K3Fe(CN)6) can induce dopamine (DA) oxidation with different profiles and subsequently lead to proteasome inhibition and even dopaminergic MN9D cell demise via different mechanisms. The free iron ions could mediate extensive DA oxidation in an iron–DA complex-dependent manner. However, iron ions in stable complex with cyanide ions could not induce, or could induce only brief, DA oxidation. Deferoxamine, a specific iron ion chelator, could disrupt iron–DA complex formation and thus abrogate free iron ion-catalyzed DA oxidation and subsequent cell toxicity. Glutathione could neither disrupt iron–DA complex formation nor influence free iron ion-catalyzed DA oxidation but could protect against iron-mediated toxicity via detoxification of toxic by-products of iron-mediated DA oxidation. The resulting DA oxidation could inhibit chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, and caspase-like proteasome activities. However, we demonstrated that oxidative damage was not the major toxic mechanism of MN9D cell degeneration, but it was the DA quinones derived from iron-induced DA oxidation that contributed significantly to proteasome inhibition and even dopaminergic cell demise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photosynthetic recovery of Nostoc flagelliforme (Berkeley & Curtis) Bornet & Flahault upon rehydration was investigated with the 2-year and 8-year dried samples. It was found that the 2-year sample absorbed water much faster compared with the 8-year sample during 3-24-h rehydration. The 2-year sample recovered its photosynthesis and respiration fully upon 24-h rehydration. However, the 8-year sample almost lost its ability to recover dark respiration, net photosynthetic activity, maximal quantum yield and photosystem II (PSII) electron transport activity. The F645/F685 ratio of the 8-year sample increased significantly from 1.70 to 3.09 during 24-h rehydration, which suggested damage to the coupling between phycobiliprotein and the PSII reaction centers. The 8-year sample retained PSI activity during rehydration, although it had almost lost PSII activity. The PSI electron transport activity of the 8-year sample was comparable to that of the 2-year sample. The up-regulation of psbD and petB transcripts in the 2-year sample was the most rapid during rehydration and then in the order: rbcL, rbcX and psaA; psbA2 and psaB; psbA1. For the 8-year sample, the initial transcript abundances of rbcL, rbcX, psbA1, psbA2, psbD, petB, psaB and psaA were, respectively, 56%, 17%, 4%, 10%, 16%, 4%, 36% and 7% of the 2-year sample. The production rate of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ion leakage of the 8-year sample were significantly higher than those of the 2-year sample. When the 2-year and 8-year samples were taken together, a good linear correlation could be established between the production of intracellular ROS and ion leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of mobile technologies, mobile learning has become a new trend in education. A better understanding of how to effectively use communication technologies to improve mobile learning is important. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the media richness of various message delivery methods in the proposed m-learning environment based on media richness theory. Regarding the implications of the media richness theory, this study has identified four factors to evaluate a content in respect to the media richness among SMS, Email, and RSS: timeliness, richness, accuracy and adaptability. By the repeated-measures one-way ANOVA analysis, the results show that: (1) SMS has better performance than Email and RSS on content timeliness; thus SMS may be appropriate for immediate information delivery such as notifying or reminding of some time-sensitive matters; (2) Email has better performance than SMS and RSS on content richness and so may be applied in exhaustive information delivery; (3) RSS has better performance than SMS and Email on content accuracy and adaptability; thus RSS is more appropriate for supporting various front-end mobile devices to access and present the content in a mobile learning environment. According to the results, this study suggests developer and designer of an m-learning environment could adopt suitable information delivery medium to support the corresponding learning activities in a mobile learning environment; moreover, current general e-learning systems, particularly those intending to provide a mobile learning environment, can take advantage of RSS techniques to support mobile access and achieve the goal of mobile learning anytime and anywhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solenoids are low-cost high-speed nonlinear actuators commonly used in switching mode. This paper presents a dual-solenoid actuator system for high-speed positioning applications. A novel control method that combines on--off control and input shaping is used to obtain low-vibration smooth transients when compared with traditional proportional and integral control and on--off control. Simulation results and experimental data confirm that this dual-solenoid position actuator with the novel control method is effective and practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration localization in periodically stiffened double-leaf multi-span panels is studied by employing the transfer matrix method. The localization factors of the ordered and disordered systems are calculated based on the Lyapunov exponent. The numerical results show that the propagation of vibration in rib-stiffened periodic double-leaf panels exhibits passbands and stopbands. The vibration localization phenomenon occurs and is enhanced with the increasing disorder of span-length. The torsional rigidities of the stiffeners have a significant effect on the pass bands and the localization factor. With the torsional rigidity of the stiffeners increasing, the vibration localization factor first decreases, then increases and finally tends to be the situation of the rib-stiffened single-leaf panels. It is also noted that for the double-leaf panels a passband appears among the lower dimensionless frequencies for some particular values of torsional rigidity of the stiffeners while a stopband always exists for the single-leaf panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work described in this paper explores the feasibility of using of a wireless handheld system (WHS) that supports the individual and co-operative reading activities of students and helps teachers implement reading strategy instruction in Chinese language classes. The experimental findings demonstrate that the WHS benefits students applying reading strategies and improves co-operative learning in relation to small reading groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of recombinant antigens TB10.4 and TB10.4-Ag85B as subunit vaccine candidates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The main purpose is to obtain a large quantity of soluble antigens. Recombinant antigens were cloned in frame with the N-terminal thioredoxin and expressed in E. coli. The thioredoxin tag was removed by TEV protease. Nickel-affinity and size-exclusion chromatography were used to purify antigens to homogeneity. Antigen stability at different pH levels was studied by photon correlation spectrometry. Circular dichroism was used to probe antigen secondary structure and thermal stability. N-terminal thioredoxin fusion dramatically increased antigen solubility. Soluble TB10.4 and TB10.4-Ag85B were purified to homogeneity and obtained in milligram quantity. Co-expression of bacteria chaperons increased the yield of TB10.4-Ag85B. Soluble TB10.4 and TB10.4-Ag85B purified from the inclusion body showed a reversible structure change. However, Ag85B and soluble TB10.4-Ag85B showed a clear melting temperature, above which the secondary structure was lost dramatically. Soluble TB10.4 and TB10.4-Ag85B were purified from the E. coli in significant quantities. The methods to purify and characterize these recombinant antigens were established, which paved the way for further vaccine development based on these antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three species belonging to the bostrichid subfamilies Lyctinae and Dinoderinae were examined by low vacuum ESEM without sputtering. Eight types of microsculpture, five types of hair insertion, and 14 types of hair were found on the elytral disc and declivity. The different types of microstructure are described and illustrated with ESEM photos of each type. Surface microstructures provide additional taxonomically useful characters which can help to distinguish easily confused species. The study also showed that specimens can be examined under ESEM without any damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to implement a cooperative reading environment for EFL early reading using a mobile-device-supported computer-assisted reciprocal early English reading (CAREER) system, and to evaluate its effect on the early reading skills and learning behaviors of elementary EFL learners. The design rationale of CAREER is based on the three essential components of effective reading instructions: balanced reading structure, immediate and specific feedback, and reciprocal learning scenario. Analytical results indicate that the CAREER system reduces the problems experienced by students in a conventional cooperative learning environment and effectively helps elementary EFL learners orchestrate their learning while completing individual reading tasks and pursuing group goals. The results also demonstrate that CAREER appears to be able to benefit elementary EFL learners in developing reading skills. In sum, with the support of CAREER, the early reading skills of elementary students are benefited by cooperating with each other. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Classical tissue recombination studies demonstrated that initiation of tooth development depends on activation of odontogenic potential in the mesenchyme by signals from the presumptive dental epithelium. Although several members of the Wnt family of signaling molecules are expressed in the presumptive dental epithelium at the beginning of tooth initiation, whether Wnt signaling is directly involved in the activation of the odontogenic mesenchyme has not been characterized. In this report, we show that tissue-specific inactivation of β-catenin, a central component of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, in the developing tooth mesenchyme caused tooth developmental arrest at the bud stage in mice. We show that mesenchymal β-catenin function is required for expression of Lef1 and Fgf3 in the developing tooth mesenchyme and for induction of primary enamel knot in the developing tooth epithelium. Expression of Msx1 and Pax9, two essential tooth mesenchyme transcription factors downstream of Bmp and Fgf signaling, respectively, were not altered in the absence of β-catenin in the tooth mesenchyme. Moreover, we found that constitutive stabilization of β-catenin in the developing palatal mesenchyme induced aberrant palatal epithelial invaginations that resembled early tooth buds both morphologically and in epithelial molecular marker expression, but without activating expression of Msx1 and Pax9 in the mesenchyme. Together, these results indicate that activation of the mesenchymal odontogenic program during early tooth development requires concerted actions of Bmp, Fgf and Wnt signaling from the presumptive dental epithelium to the mesenchyme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Investigation of the extracts of Physalis peruviana L. has led to the isolation of seven new withanolides, phyperunolide A (1), phyperunolide B (2), phyperunolide C (3), phyperunolide D (4), peruvianoxide (5), phyperunolide E (16), and phyperunolide F (17) together with ten known withanolides. The structure and absolute stereochemistry of all compounds were elucidated on the basis of CD and NMR spectral analysis, respectively. Compounds 1, 6, 7, and 9 showed cytotoxicity against lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7), and liver cancer (Hep G2 and Hep 3B) cancer cell lines. The presence of 5β,6β-epoxy-2-en-1-ones in withanolides is greatly helpful in cytotoxicity, it is a key known important factor to cytotoxicity; however, interestingly, the unusual 5-chloride withanolide, 9, displayed significant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of the Pd-catalyzed Negishi coupling reaction and reveals a novel second transmetalation reaction between an Ar1-Pd-Ar2 species and the organozinc reagent Ar2-ZnX. Understanding of this second step reveals how homocoupling and dehalogenation products are formed. Thus, the second transmetalation generates Ar2PdAr2 and Ar1ZnCI, which upon reductive elimination and hydrolysis, respectively, give the homocoupling product Ar2-Ar2 and the dehalogenation product Ar1H. The ratio of the cross-coupling product Ar1 -Ar2 and the homocoupling product Ar2-Ar2 is determined by competition between the second transmetalation and reductive elimination steps. This mechanism is further supported by density functional theoretical calculations. Calculations on a series of reactions suggest a strategy in controlling the selectivity of cross-coupling and homocoupling pathways, which we have experimentally verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Osr1 and Osr2 are the only mammalian homologs of the Drosophila odd-skipped family developmental regulators. The Osr1 protein contains three zinc-finger motifs whereas Osr2 exists in two isoforms, containing three and five zinc-finger motifs respectively, due to alternative splicing of the transcripts. Targeted null mutations in these genes in mice resulted in distinct phenotypes, with heart and urogenital developmental defects in Osr1−/− mice and with cleft palate and open eyelids at birth in Osr2−/− mice. To investigate whether these contrasting mutant phenotypes are due to differences in their protein structure or to differential expression patterns, we generated mice in which the endogenous Osr2 coding region was replaced by either Osr1 cDNA or Osr2A cDNA encoding the five-finger isoform. The knockin alleles recapitulated endogenous Osr2 mRNA expression patterns in most tissues and completely rescued cleft palate and cranial skeletal developmental defects of Osr2−/− mice. Mice hemizygous or homozygous for either knockin allele exhibited open-eyelids at birth, which correlated with differences in expression patterns between the knockin allele and the endogenous Osr2 gene during eyelid development. Molecular marker analyses in Osr2−/− and Osr2 Osr1ki/Osr1ki mice revealed that Osr2 controls eyelid development through regulation of the Fgf10–Fgfr2 signaling pathway and that Osr1 rescued Osr2 function in maintaining Fgf10 expression during eyelid development in Osr2 Osr1ki/Osr1ki mice. These results indicate that the distinct functions of Osr1 and Osr2 during mouse development result from evolutionary divergence of their cis regulatory sequences rather than distinct biochemical activities of their protein products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To analyze the characteristics of disc hemorrhage in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Design: Retrospective noncomparative case series. Participants: Patients seen in glaucoma clinics with PACG and a history of disc hemorrhage. Methods: Goldmann tonometry, gonioscopy, ophthalmoscopy, and automated perimetry. Main Outcome Measures: Location, number of episodes, and duration of disc hemorrhage; comparison of intraocular pressure (IOP) and cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) in eyes with and fellow eyes without hemorrhage; and changes of CDR and visual fields (VFs) on follow-up. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 109.2±63 months (range, 7–261). Of 770 patients with PACG, 44 (5.7%) had disc hemorrhage at some point in their history, of whom 30 (68%) had unilateral and 14 (32%) had bilateral hemorrhages, either alternately or simultaneously in both eyes. There were a total of 111 hemorrhages in 58 eyes, including 23 eyes (40%) with recurrent hemorrhages. Of the 111 total hemorrhages, 85 (77%) occurred in the inferotemporal and 19 (17%) in the superotemporal sector of the disc. Among 23 eyes with recurrent disc hemorrhages, 11 (48%) had recurrence in the same sector of the disc. The average duration of hemorrhages was 12.8±8.1 weeks. The IOP and CDR did not differ significantly between eyes with and fellow eyes without hemorrhage. For patients with unilateral disc hemorrhage, progressive changes in the CDR were found in both the eyes with and fellow eyes without disc hemorrhage, but VF defects worsened only in eyes with disc hemorrhage. Conclusions: The incidence of disc hemorrhage in patients with PACG was 5.7% over 9 years of follow-up. Despite its relative infrequency, disc hemorrhage in PACG was associated with progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and VF defects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The object of this study is to assess 1) the relationship between plasma antipsychotic drug concentration, serum prolactin levels and the clinical efficacy of risperidone, 2) the relationship between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and metabolizing of risperidone and 3) the role of 9-hydroxyrisperidone in elevating prolactin levels. One-hundred and eighteen Chinese schizophrenia patients (40 males, 78 females, age 15-60 years) were given risperidone at dosages ranging from 2-8 mg/day for 8 weeks. Clinical efficacy was determined using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scores (BPRS). Serum prolactin levels were assayed before and after the 8 week treatment and plasma risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone levels were also measured at the end of the 8-week treatment. The results showed there was no significant correlation between the concentration of active moiety and clinical response. Risperidone treatment significantly increased serum prolactin levels. Furthermore, changes of prolactin levels were not correlated with the clinical response. For the risperidone/ 9-hydroxyrisperidone ratio, there was a statistically significant difference among the CYP2D6*1/*1, *1/*10, *10/*10 genotypes (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.012). No significant differences were found in the concentration of 9-hydroxyrisperidone and active moiety among the genotypes. In addition, the concentration of 9-hydroxyrisperidone was not significantly correlated with the increase of serum prolactin. In conclusion, our study has, for the first time, produced evidence that in Chinese schizophrenic patients, the metabolism of risperidone is dependent on CYP2D6. Neither changes in serum prolactin levels nor plasma concentration of active moiety were significantly correlated with clinical efficacy of risperidone. 9-hydroxyrisperidone may not play a predominant role in elevating serum prolactin level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Reinforcement Machine Learning technique presented in this paper simulates time and location information for a given sequence of activities and transport modes. The main contributions to the current state-of-the art are the allocation of location information in the simulation of activity–travel patterns, the non-restriction to a given number of activities and the incorporation of realistic travel times. Furthermore, the time and location allocation problem were treated and integrated simultaneously, which means that the respondents’ reward is not only maximized in terms of minimum travel duration, but also simultaneously in terms of optimal time allocation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Associative classification has aroused significant attention in recent years and proved to generate good results in previous research efforts. This paper aims to contribute to this line of research by the development of more effective associative classifiers. Our goal is to achieve this by the incorporation of two novel interesting measures, i.e. intensity of implication and dilated chi-square, into an existing associative classification algorithm, respectively. The former interesting measure was merely proposed with the purpose of mining meaningful association rules, while the latter was designed to reveal the interdependence between condition and class variables. Each of these two measures is applied as the primary sorting criterion within the context of the well-known CBA algorithm in an attempt to organize the composition of the rule sets in a more reasonable sequence. Benchmarking experiments on 16 popular UCI datasets revealed that our algorithms could empirically generate accurate and significantly more compact decision lists. In addition to this, the algorithm was validated on a separate credit scoring dataset, which contained 7190 credit scoring samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A rapid method to N -acyl ureas from corresponding N -acyl thioureas is described. N -coumaroyl- N '-arylthioureas, which are easily prepared by the reaction of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid chloride with potassium thiocyanate and arylamines, can be expeditiously transformed into corresponding N -acyl ureas via r.t. grinding with wet silica supported potassium permanganate under solvent-free conditions in an excellent yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of supported metal nanoparticles on TiO_2/silical gel (TSO) and photothermal synergism were investigated for destruction of ethylene. During photocatalytic deposition of metal nanopartilces, the effects of pH and light intensity on the morphology of coated platinum, palladium, gold on TiO_2/silical gel were studied. Moreover, these catalysts were characterized by TEM, UV-Vis DRS. The pH of preparing solution have strong influence on dispersion, size and sites of Pt, Pd and Au on TSO, which were controlled by the electrostatic binding of HPtCl_6^-, AuCl_4^- and TiOH_2^+, Pd^{2+} and TiO^- respectively. Platinum, gold and palladium nanoparticles were uniformly highly dispersed on the titanol sites not silanol of TiO_2/silical gel under pH=2, pH=9.9 respectively. For the photodegradation of ethylene, they show higher photothermal efficiency than those prepared with other pH conditions under UV illumination in a non-circulating photoreactor. The optimum weight loadings of Pt. Au, and Pd were 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, respectively. The synergistic effect enhanced ethylene removal and CO_2 production. These results verify that the best photothermal synergistic effect depends on the dispersion, size of noble metal nano-particles. FTIR analyses of the used Pt-, Pd-TSO catalysts indicated that no significant by-products were accumulated on the surface of the catalysts, leading to them longer lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-amino-5-aryloxymethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized rapidly by a microwave-accelerated solvent-free procedure in high yield via the condensation of thiosemicarbazide with aryloxyacetic acids using poly(ethylene glycol) supported dichlorophosphate as a dehydration reagent. The solvent-free N-acylation of 2-amino-5-aryloxymethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles with coumarin-3-carboxylic acid chloride or benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid chloride efficiently afforded corresponding bis-heterocyclic derivatives, 2-(coumarin-3-carboxamido)-5-aryloxymethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles, and 2-(benzofuran-2-carboxamido)-5-aryloxymethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles. The strategy has advantages of no organic solvent pollution, an elevated reaction rate, an improved yield, and a simple work-up procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Odd-skipped related 1 (Odd1) gene encodes a zinc finger protein homologous to the Drosophila Odd-skipped class transcription factors that play critical roles in embryonic patterning and tissue morphogenesis. We have generated mice carrying a targeted null mutation in the Odd1 gene and show that Odd1 is essential for heart and intermediate mesoderm development. Odd1 −/− mutant mouse embryos fail to form atrial septum, display dilated atria with hypoplastic venous valves, and exhibit blood backflow from the heart into systemic veins. In contrast to other transcription factors implicated in atrial septum development, Odd1 mRNA expression is restricted to the central dorsal domain of the atrial myocardium during normal heart development. Moreover, expression patterns of known key regulatory genes of atrial septum development, including Nkx2.5, Pitx2, and Tbx5, are unaltered in the developing heart in Odd1 −/− mutants compared to that of the wild-type littermates. Furthermore, homozygous Odd1 −/− mutant embryos exhibit complete agenesis of adrenal glands, metanephric kidneys, gonads, and defects in pericardium formation. Detailed molecular marker analyses show that key regulators of early intermediate mesoderm development, including Lhx1, Pax2, and Wt1, are all down-regulated and nephrogenic mesenchyme undergoes massive apoptosis, resulting in disruption of nephric duct elongation and failure of metanephric induction in the Odd1 −/− mutant embryos. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heart morphogenesis and urogenital development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fermentable carbohydrates can lead to changes in the gut microflora, which may have positive consequences for health. However, often, ingredients are added to diets without prior investigating about their potential fermentability within the target animal. The experiment reported, was conducted to investigate the fermentation kinetics of some non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) by the caecal microbial community of broiler chickens by an assessment of the cumulative gas production during fermentation of each substrate. It also aimed to study changes in the microbial community, following fermentation of these non-digestible carbohydrates, by use of polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Four extracted non-digestible carbohydrates (ENC): soybean meal oligo- and water-soluble polysaccharides (SMO and SMP), alfalfa meal oligo- and water-soluble polysaccharides (AMO and AMP) were studied. Two pure sugars, raffinose (RAF) and stachyose (STA) were also included. To assess the fermentability of the substrates, cumulative gas pressure was monitored continuously, for 72h, and at the end of fermentation, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA), and ammonia (NH3) concentrations were measured in the fermentation solution. The PCR-DGGE technique was applied to compare microbial DNA fingerprints between substrates at the end of the fermentation. The inoculum for the in vitro gas production was obtained from a mixture of caecal contents of forty 81-day-old broiler birds. Soy oligosaccharides led to significantly more butyric acid production (P<0.05) after fermentation compared with other ENC. The production of butyric acid was 155.2mg/g DM, 100.3mg/g DM, 84.5mg/g DM and 71.8mg/g DM for SMO, SMP, AMP and AMO, respectively. Soy oligosaccharides had the lowest pH (5.5) and ammonia–nitrogen concentration (199.3mg/l) after fermentation. This was significantly different from other ENC and the pure sugars. DGGE analysis revealed that, the fingerprint of caecal bacterial communities showed some variation (C, value >60–80%) between some of the substrates. It was concluded that SMO, SMP, AMO and AMP, as well as RAF and STA were significantly different, both in terms of their fermentation kinetics and end-products using caecal contents from adult broilers. The extent to which these non-digestible, but fermentable, carbohydrates could change the microbial community of the broiler caecum, either in terms of the species detected, or its activity, needs to be investigated further, and then related to its effect on gut health in the animal itself. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In 2003, Taiwan experienced a series of outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 1 laboratory-contamination accident. Here we describe a new phylogenetic analytical method to study the sources and dissemination paths of SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infections in Taiwan.Methods: A phylogenetic analytical tool for combining nucleotide sequences from 6 variable regions of a SARS-CoV genome was developed by use of 20 published SARS-CoV sequences; and this method was validated by use of 80 published SARS-CoV sequences. Subsequently, this new tool was applied to provide a better understanding of the entire complement of Taiwanese SARS-CoV isolates, including 20 previously published and 19 identified in this study. The epidemiological data were integrated with the results from the phylogenetic tree and from the nucleotide-signature pattern.Results: The topologies of phylogenetic trees generated by the new and the conventional strategies were similar, with the former having better robustness than the latter, especially in comparison with the maximum-likelihood trees: the new strategy revealed that during 2003 there were 5 waves of epidemic SARS-CoV infection, which belonged to 3 phylogenetic clusters in Taiwan.Conclusions: The new strategy is more efficient than its conventional counterparts. The outbreaks of SARS in Taiwan originated from multiple sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]