Recently, many new cultivars have been taken abroad illegally, which is now considered an international issue. Botanical evidence found at a crime scene provides valuable information about the origin ...of the sample. However, botanical resources for forensic evidence remain underutilized because molecular markers, such as microsatellites, are not available without a limited set of species. Multiplexed intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq) and its analysis method, identification of not applicable (iD-NA), have been used to determine several genome-wide genetic markers, making them applicable to all plant species, including those with limited available genetic information. Camellia cultivars are popular worldwide and are often planted in many gardens and bred to make new cultivars. In this study, we aimed to analyze Camellia cultivars/species through MIG-seq. MIG-seq could discriminate similar samples, such as bud mutants and closely related samples that could not be distinguished based on morphological features. This discrimination was consistent with that of a previous study that classified cultivars based on short tandem repeat (STR) markers, indicating that MIG-seq has the same or higher discrimination ability as STR markers. Furthermore, we observed unknown phylogenetic relationships. Because MIG-seq can be applied to unlimited species and low-quality DNA, it may be useful in various scientific fields.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Microtubule-associated protein 1A (MAP1A) is a member of the major non-motor microtubule-binding proteins. It has been suggested that MAP1A tethers NMDA receptors (NRs) to the cytoskeleton by binding ...with proteins postsynaptic density (PSD)-93 and PSD-95, although the function of MAP1A in vivo remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that mouse MAP1A plays an essential role in maintaining synaptic plasticity through an analysis of MAP1A knock-out mice. The mice exhibited learning disabilities, which correlated with decreased long-term potentiation and long-term depression in the hippocampal neurons, as well as a concomitant reduction in the extent of NR-dependent EPSCs. Surface expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits also decreased. Enhanced activity-dependent degradation of PSD-93 and reduced transport of NR2A/2B in dendrites was likely responsible for altered receptor function in neurons lacking MAP1A. These data suggest that tethering of NR2A/2B with the cytoskeleton through MAP1A is fundamental for synaptic function.
This work is the first report showing the significance of non-motor microtubule-associated protein in maintaining synaptic plasticity thorough a novel mechanism: anchoring of NMDA receptors to cytoskeleton supports transport of NMDA receptors and stabilizes postsynaptic density scaffolds binding to NMDA receptors. Newly generated mutant mice lacking MAP1A exhibited learning disabilities and reduced synaptic plasticity attributable to disruptions of the anchoring machinery.
Cadherin 11 (Cdh11), a member of the cadherin adhesion molecule family, is expressed in various regions of the brain as well as the head and ear. To gain further insights into the roles of Cdh11 in ...the development of the ear, we performed behavioral tests using Cdh11 knockout (KO) mice. KO mice showed reduced acoustic startle responses and increased thresholds for auditory brainstem responses, indicating moderate hearing loss. The auditory bulla volume and ratio of air-filled to non-air-filled space in the middle ear cavity were reduced in KO mice, potentially causing conductive hearing loss. Furthermore, residual mesenchymal and inflammatory cells were observed in the middle ear cavity of KO mice. Cdh11 was expressed in developing mesenchymal cells just before the start of cavitation, indicating that Cdh11 may be directly involved in middle ear cavitation. Since the auditory bulla is derived from the neural crest, the regulation of neural crest-derived cells by Cdh11 may be responsible for structural development. This mutant mouse may be a promising animal model for elucidating the causes of conductive hearing loss and otitis media.
In this report, the authors sought to determine whether expression of cadherin 11 in mesenchymal cells plays a critical role in ear morphogenesis. Cadherin 11 knockout mice show moderate hearing loss. The air-filled area of auditory bulla is reduced and residual mesenchymal cells are observed in the middle ear. This mutant mouse may be a promising animal model for elucidating the causes of conductive hearing loss.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Oxynitride perovskites, having oxide and nitride anions together in a compound, are a new class of dielectric material. The shaping process in either bulk ceramics or thin films is an essential ...factor for investigating and utilizing the dielectric properties of these materials. In this perspective, recent studies on the shaping of dielectric oxynitride perovskites are reviewed with a consideration of the powder preparation and thermal stability for sintering, several sintering methods, ultra-high pressure compaction, and thin-film formation.
This perspective reviews recent studies on the fabrication of dielectric oxynitride perovskites for powders, ceramics, compacts and thin films.
A cochlear implant (CI) is an artificial hearing device that can replace a damaged cochlea. The present study examined the use of growth factor-eluting gelatin hydrogel coatings on the electrodes to ...minimize inner ear trauma during electrode insertion. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and/or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were chosen as the agents to be administered.
Silicone CI electrode analogs were prepared and coated with gelatin hydrogels. Adsorption/release profile of the hydrogel was measured using (125)I-radiolabeled IGF. Hydrogel-coated electrodes were absorbed with IGF1, HGF, IGF1 plus HGF, or saline (control) and implanted into the basal turns of guinea pig cochleae (n = 5). Auditory sensitivity was determined pre-operatively, immediately after, and 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-operatively by using auditory brainstem response (ABR; 4-16 kHz). In addition, histological analysis was performed and auditory hair cell (HC) survival, spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) densities, and fibrous tissue thickness were measured.
Compared to non-coated arrays, hydrogel-coated electrodes adsorbed significantly greater amounts of IGF1 and continuously released it for 48 h. Residual hearing measured by ABR thresholds after surgery were elevated by 50-70 dB in all of the electrode-implanted animals, and was maximal immediately after operation. Thresholds were less elevated after hydrogel treatment, and the hearing protection improved when IGF1 or HGF was applied. Histopathologically, hair cell survival, spiral ganglion cell survival, and fibrous tissue thickness were not different between the experimental groups. No serious adverse events were observed during the 4-week observation period.
Our findings provide the first evidence that hydrogel-coated, growth factor-releasing CI electrodes could attenuate insertional trauma and promote recovery from it, suggesting that this combination might be a new drug delivery strategy not only in cochlear implantation but also in treating clinical conditions characterized by inner ear damage.
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From 2001 to 2006, 71 pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on five species of pelagic shark (blue shark Prionace glauca; shortfin mako Isurus oxyrinchus; silky shark Carcharhinus ...falciformis; oceanic whitetip shark C. longimanus; and bigeye thresher Alopias superciliosus) in the central Pacific Ocean to determine species-specific movement patterns and survival rates after release from longline fishing gear. Only a single postrelease mortality could be unequivocally documented: a male blue shark which succumbed seven days after release. Meta-analysis of published reports and the current study (n=78 reporting PSATs) indicated that the summary effect of postrelease mortality for blue sharks was 15% (95% CI, 8.5-25.1%) and suggested that catch-and-release in longline fisheries can be a viable management tool to protect parental biomass in shark populations. Pelagic sharks displayed species-specific depth and temperature ranges, although with significant individual temporal and spatial variability in vertical movement patterns, which were also punctuated by stochastic events (e.g., El Nino-Southern Oscillation). Pelagic species can be separated into three broad groups based on daytime temperature preferences by using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging clustering on a Kolmogorov-Smirnov D sub(max) distance matrix: 1) epipelagic species (silky and oceanic whitetip sharks), which spent >95% of their time at temperatures within 2 degree C of sea surface temperature; 2) mesopelagic-I species (blue sharks and shortfin makos, which spent 95% of their time at temperatures from 9.7 degree to 26.9 degree C and from 9.4 degree to 25.0 degree C, respectively; and 3) mesopelagic-II species (bigeye threshers), which spent 95% of their time at temperatures from 6.7 degree to 21.2 degree C. Distinct thermal niche partitioning based on body size and latitude was also evident within epipelagic species.
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Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a common condition in which patients lose the hearing in one ear within 3 days. Systemic glucocorticoid treatments have been used as standard therapy for ...SSHL; however, about 20% of patients do not respond. We tested the safety and efficacy of topical insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) application using gelatin hydrogels as a treatment for SSHL.
Patients with SSHL that showed no recovery to systemic glucocorticoid administration were recruited. We applied gelatin hydrogels, impregnated with recombinant human IGF1, into the middle ear. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients showing hearing improvement 12 weeks after the test treatment. The secondary outcome measures were the proportion of patients showing improvement at 24 weeks and the incidence of adverse events. The null hypothesis was that 33% of patients would show hearing improvement, as was reported for a historical control after hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
In total, 25 patients received the test treatment at a median of 23 days (range 15-32) after the onset of SSHL, between 2007 and 2009. At 12 weeks after the test treatment, 48% (95% CI 28% to 69%; P = 0.086) of patients showed hearing improvement, and the proportion increased to 56% (95% CI 35% to 76%; P = 0.015) at 24 weeks. No serious adverse events were observed.
Topical IGF1 application using gelatin hydrogels is well tolerated and may be efficacious for hearing recovery in patients with SSHL that is resistant to systemic glucocorticoids.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
9,9'-Biacridine (L1) has a three-dimensional structure of perpendicularly connected acridine moieties with two coordination sites at either end of the molecules. Crystallization of L1 with silver(i) ...salts gives various 1D coordination polymers with structures that depend on the crystallization solvents and counter anions used. We synthesized six complexes: Ag(L1)n(BF4)n.2nTHF (1a.THF, THF = tetrahydrofuran), Ag(L1)n(ClO4)n.2nTHF (1b.THF), Ag(L1)(CH3OH)n(BF4)n.1.5n(furan) (1a.Furan), Ag(L1)n(BF4)n.nDCM (1a.DCM, DCM = dichloromethane), Ag(L1)n(ClO4)n.nDCM (1b.DCM), and Ag2(L1)(CF3COO)2n (1c). We also synthesized crystals of phenazine (L2) complexed with silver(i) cations which featured layered structures with no void space. In the crystals of 1a.THF and 1b.THF, a linear channel structure formed, which was filled with THF molecules; however, 1a.DCM and 1b.DCM featured no continuous channel structure and their void space was filled with DCM molecules. 1a.Furan had a zigzag-shaped channel filled with furan molecules. The crystal structures of the complexes were similar regardless of whether tetrafluoroborate or perchlorate anions were included in the structure. The crystal structure of 1c showed a ladder structure with chains of silver(i) cations and trifluoroacetate anions. A reversible crystal-to-crystal structural transformation was observed between the complexes of 1a.THF and 1a.DCM, which was investigated by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction measurements. Our measurements suggested that solvent molecules in the crystal structure were replaced together with concerted rotation of the 1D chains of the coordination polymers, occurring when the crystals were exposed to the vapor of a different solvent.
Highlights • Veratrum album and V. stamineum often cause food poisoning by the accidental ingestion. • A TaqMan real-time PCR method was developed to identify V. album and V. stamineum within 30 − 60 ...min. • The lower detection limit was less than 10 pg of DNA. • Mixed samples, cooked samples, and simulated gastric contents were successfully identified. • A multiplex assay of two regions was also possible.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
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