bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theta synchronizes the activity of medial prefrontal neurons during learning
Authors: Paz Rony , Bauer Elizabeth P. , Paré Denis
Published: July 2008

Memory consolidation is thought to involve the gradual transfer of transient hippocampal-dependent traces to distributed neocortical sites via the rhinal cortices. Recently, medial prefrontal (mPFC) neurons were shown to facilitate this process when their activity becomes synchronized. However, the mechanisms underlying this enhanced synchrony remain unclear. Because the hippocampus projects to the mPFC, we tested whether theta oscillations contribute to synchronize mPFC neurons during learning. Thus, we obtained field (LFP) and unit recordings from multiple mPFC sites during the acquisition of a trace-conditioning task, where a visual conditioned stimulus (CS) predicted reward delivery. In quiet waking, the activity of mPFC neurons was modulated by theta oscillations. During conditioning, CS presentation caused an increase in mPFC theta power that augmented as the CS gained predictive value for reward delivery. This increased theta power coincided with a transient theta phase locking at distributed mPFC sites, an effect that was also manifest in the timing of mPFC unit activity. Overall, these results show that theta oscillations contribute to synchronize neuronal activity at distributed mPFC sites, suggesting that the hippocampus, by generating a stronger theta source during learning, can synchronize mPFC activity, in turn facilitating rhinal transfer of its activity to the neocortex.
The touchscreen cognitive testing method for rodents: How to get the best out of your rat
Authors: Bussey Timothy J. , Padain Tina L. , Skillings Elizabeth A. , Winters Boyer D. , Morton A. Jennifer , Saksida Lisa M.
Published: July 2008

The touchscreen testing method for rodents is a computer-automated behavioral testing method that allows computer graphic stimuli to be presented to rodents and the rodents to respond to the computer screen via a nose-poke directly to the stimulus. The advantages of this method are numerous; however, a systematic study of the parameters that affect learning has not yet been conducted. We therefore sought to optimize stimuli and task parameters in this method. We found that when parameters were optimized, Lister Hooded rats could learn rapidly using this method, solving a discrimination of two-dimensional stimuli to a level of 80% within five to six sessions lasting ∼30 min each. In a final experiment we tested both male and female rats of the albino Sprague-Dawley strain, which are often assumed to have visual abilities far too poor to be useful for studies of visual cognition. The performance of female Sprague-Dawley rats was indistinguishable from that of their male counterparts. Furthermore, performance of male Sprague-Dawley rats was indistinguishable from that of their Lister Hooded counterparts. Finally, Experiment 5 examined the ability of Lister Hooded rats to learn a discrimination between photographic stimuli. Under conditions in which parameters were optimized, rats were remarkably adept at this discrimination. Taken together, these experiments served to optimize the touchscreen method and have demonstrated its usefulness as a high-throughput method for the cognitive testing of rodents.
Dolichol Biosynthesis and Its Effects on the Unfolded Protein Response and Abiotic Stress Resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Hairong , Ohyama Kiyoshi , Boudet Julie , Chen Zhizhong , Yang Jilai , Zhang Min , Muranaka Toshiya , Maurel Christophe , Zhu Jian-Kang , Gong Zhizhong
Published: July 2008

Dolichols are long-chain unsaturated polyisoprenoids with multiple cellular functions, such as serving as lipid carriers of sugars used for protein glycosylation, which affects protein trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum. The biological functions of dolichols in plants are largely unknown. We isolated an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, lew1 (for leaf wilting1), that showed a leaf-wilting phenotype under normal growth conditions. LEW1 encoded a cis-prenyltransferase, which when expressed in Escherichia coli catalyzed the formation of dolichol with a chain length around C80 in an in vitro assay. The lew1 mutation reduced the total plant content of main dolichols by ∼85% and caused protein glycosylation defects. The mutation also impaired plasma membrane integrity, causing electrolyte leakage, lower turgor, reduced stomatal conductance, and increased drought resistance. Interestingly, drought stress in the lew1 mutant induced higher expression of the unfolded protein response pathway genes BINDING PROTEIN and BASIC DOMAIN/LEUCINE ZIPPER60 as well as earlier expression of the stress-responsive genes RD29A and COR47. The lew1 mutant was more sensitive to dark treatment, but this dark sensitivity was suppressed by drought treatment. Our data suggest that LEW1 catalyzes dolichol biosynthesis and that dolichol is important for plant responses to endoplasmic reticulum stress, drought, and dark-induced senescence in Arabidopsis.
Special features of intermolecular bondingA...D(A= Si, Ge andD= nucleophile) in crystal structures
Authors: Vologzhanina Anna V. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Antipin Mikhail Yu.
Published: July 2008

An investigation of the crystal structures of 3346 silicon- and 718 germanium-containing compounds was carried out with a geometrical–topological analysis. The descriptors of inter- and intramolecular contactsA...Dare given. Information on the descriptors ofT—A...D(whereT= leaving group) interactions in terms of a stereoatomic model of crystal structures was described as being helpful in modelling SN2 reactions. It was established that the formation of multiple intermolecular contacts in crystal structures is unfavorable. The dependence of the descriptors of intermolecular contactsT—A...D was studied as a function of the nature ofT(leaving group in substitution reactions) andD(nucleophile atom or group of atoms) groups, and the coordination number of anAatom. The constancy of theT—AandA...Dbond-order sum in crystal structures was demonstrated.
Estimating lipid and lean body mass in small passerine birds using TOBEC, external morphology and subcutaneous fat‐scoring
Authors: Bergstrom Bradley J. , Sherry Thomas W.
Published: July 2008

To assess regression models for lipid and lean body mass in small birds, we recorded live body mass ±0.1 g, total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC; from “third generation” TOBEC machine EM‐SCAN® SA‐3000) or E‐Value, visual fat score (VisFat), and seven body measurements for 52 migratory passerine birds of 13 species (5–40 g). We determined lipid and lean mass of each bird after petroleum‐ether extraction of lipids. We obtained “net”E‐Value (NEV) for each scanned bird by subtracting the E‐Value of the empty bird‐restraining tube, because these showed an inverse temperature dependence (P<0.005). Leave‐one‐out cross validation was used to assess model selection and construct 95% confidence intervals. Although precision of TOBEC increased with bird size (CV of NEV vs. live mass: r=−0.276, P=0.002) and it explained an increasing proportion of variation in lean mass moving from small‐ to medium‐ to large‐bird classes of our data, it did no better than head length in single‐variable prediction of lean or lipid mass and was included in five of the 14 multivariate models we developed. The best multiple regression to predict lean mass included live weight, VisFat, bill length, tarsus and lnNEV (adjusted R2=99.0%); however, the same model lacking only lnNEV yielded aR2=98.9%. A parallel to the above pair of models, but predicting lipid mass, yielded aR2=90.3% and 90.0%, respectively. Subdividing the data by three size classes and three taxa (American redstart Setophaga ruticilla, ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla, warblers), best‐subset multiple‐regression models predicted lean mass with aR2 from 94.7 to 99.6% and lipid mass with aR2 from 85.4 to 98.3%. Best models for the size‐ and species‐groups included VisFat and zero to five body measurements, and most included live weight. lnNEV was included only in the models for ovenbird (lipid), warblers (lipid), all birds (both), and large birds (both). Actual lipid mass of all birds was more highly correlated with multiple‐regression‐predicted lipid mass (r=0.955) than with visual subcutaneous fat‐scoring (r=0.683). These multiple‐regression models predicting lipid content using live‐bird measurements and visual fat score as independent variables represent more accurate and precise estimates of actual lipid content in small passerines than any previously published. They are particularly accurate for placing birds into percentage body‐fat classes.
Genetic monogamy in two long‐lived New Zealand passerines
Authors: Taylor Sabrina S. , Boessenkool Sanne , Jamieson Ian G.
Published: July 2008

High rates of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) can be relatively common in passerines whereas low rates or absence of EPP are often associated with taxa that are long‐lived and exhibit obligatory paternal care. We examined EPP in an under‐represented category: passerine species with relatively long life spans (or low annual mortality rates). Specifically, we studied EPP in New Zealand saddlebacks Philesturnus carunculatus and robins Petroica australis, two species with unusually low annual mortality rates (6.5–11% and 10–20% respectively). No EPP (0%) was detected in saddlebacks (39 pairs, 202 offspring) and only one case of EPP (1.9%) was detected in robins (54 pairs, 198 offspring). Genetic monogamy in these passerine species supports the hypothesis that low annual mortality rates play an important role in explaining variation in rates of EPP across species.
Feeding strategy of the megamouth shark Megachasma pelagios (Lamniformes: Megachasmidae)
Authors: Nakaya K. , Matsumoto R. , Suda K.
Published: July 2008

The feeding biology of the planktivorous megamouth shark Megachasma pelagios was investigated. Morphological examination disclosed that the megamouth has a suite of unique characteristics among sharks, such as large mouth, large bucco‐pharyngeal cavity, elongate jaw cartilages, long palatoquadrate levator and preorbital muscles, long ethmopalatine ligament and elastic skin around the pharynx. The combination of these characters suggests that the megamouth shark performs engulfment feeding that is typically seen in the rorqual and humpback whales. Engulfment is a new feeding method for sharks, and the detailed mechanism of the engulfment feeding is discussed.
A bioenergetic model for zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton)
Authors: Chizinski C. J. , Sharma B. , Pope K. L. , Patiño R.
Published: July 2008

A bioenergetics model was developed from observed consumption, respiration and growth rates for zebrafish Danio rerio across a range (18–32° C) of water temperatures, and evaluated with a 50 day laboratory trial at 28° C. No significant bias in variable estimates was found during the validation trial; namely, predicted zebrafish mass generally agreed with observed mass.
Continuous variation in the pattern of marinev.freshwater foraging in brown troutSalmo truttaL. from Loch Lomond, Scotland
Authors: Etheridge E. C. , Harrod C. , Bean C. , Adams C. E.
Published: July 2008

Carbon stable‐isotope analysis showed that individual brown troutSalmo truttain Loch Lomond adopted strategies intermediate to that of freshwater residency or anadromy, suggesting either repeated movement between freshwater and marine environments, or estuarine residency. Carbon stable‐isotope (δ13C) values from Loch Lomond brown trout muscle tissue ranged from those indicative of assimilation of purely freshwater‐derived carbon to those reflecting significant utilization of marine‐derived carbon. A single isotope, two‐source mixing model indicated that, on average, marine C made a 33% contribution to the muscle tissue C of Loch Lomond brown trout. Nitrogen stable isotope, δ15N, but not δ13C was correlated with fork length suggesting that larger fish were feeding at a higher trophic level but that marine feeding was not indicated by larger body size. These results are discussed with reference to migration patterns in other species.
Distribution patterns of fishes in a canyon‐shaped reservoir
Authors: Prchalová M. , Kubečka J. , Vašek M. , Peterka J. , Sed’a J. , Jůza T. , Říha M. , Jarolím O. , Tušer M. , Kratochvíl M. , ČEch M. , Draštík V. , Frouzová J. , Hohausová E.
Published: July 2008

In August 2004 and 2005, an extensive study of the fish community was carried out in the largest water supply reservoir in the Czech Republic and Central Europe, the canyon‐shaped Želivka Reservoir, using a fleet of Nordic multimesh gillnets. Fishes were sampled at eight locations along the longitudinal profile of the reservoir and at five benthic depth layers covering depths from the surface down to 18 m (benthic gillnet 1·5 m high), and at three pelagic depth layers down to the depth of 5 m above the bottom (pelagic gillnets 4·5 m high). Catches of both juvenile (age 0+ year) and adult (fishes >1 year) fishes were highest in the upper layers of the water column (i.e. in the epilimnion down to 5 m, and down to 10 m in the benthic habitats). Along the tributary–dam axis in the pelagic habitats, both juvenile and adult fishes preferred the upper part of the reservoir, where the maximum number of species and also the greatest abundance of zooplankton were found. In the benthic habitats, fishes selected location according to factors other than trophic status. More juvenile fishes were recorded in the benthic habitats than in the pelagic habitats. Depth had the largest explanatory power for predicting fish community composition, followed by the affiliation with benthic and pelagic habitats, and location on the longitudinal axis of the reservoir. The fish community was represented mainly by cyprinids and consisted of two distinct groups of species, with bleak Alburnus alburnus, rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus and asp Aspius aspius dominating the offshore group while perch Perca fluviatilis and ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus were affiliated with the inshore group of the adult fish community. Roach Rutilus rutilus, bream Abramis brama and pikeperch Sander lucioperca occurred in important proportions in both the inshore and the offshore zones. All species, with the exceptions of adult perch (1+ year and older), 0+ year perch and 0+ year roach, preferred the most eutrophic tributary part of the reservoir. The fish community was relatively stable between the 2 years sampled.
A probable spawning aggregation of the leather bass Dermatolepis dermatolepis (Boulenger) in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, México
Authors: Aburto‐Oropeza O. , Hull P. M.
Published: July 2008

Detailed life‐history observations of Dermatolepis dermatolepis are given, including the location, size and timing of a probable spawning aggregation. These observations emphasize the general rarity of the species and the importance of no‐take reserves in the management of offshore islands.
Antimicrobial activity in serum of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L.: comparison between cultured and wild fish
Authors: Caipang C. M. A. , Hynes N. , Brinchmann M. F. , Korsnes K. , Kiron V.
Published: July 2008

The present investigation determined the antibacterial activities in the sera of both cultured and wild Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. Serum samples from both groups of fish were quantified for total protein, and their effects against fish pathogens Listonella anguillarum, Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri were determined using co‐incubation assay. Total serum protein concentrations were not significantly different between farmed and wild Atlantic cod. Sera of cultured Atlantic cod significantly decreased growth of L. anguillarum by at least two‐log10 reductions in bacterial count, while those of the wild Atlantic cod were able to inhibit the growth of all three fish bacterial pathogens. The present study showed that sera from wild fish possess broader antibacterial activities than cultured Atlantic cod and that these could provide an explanation for the differences regarding their immunity to bacterial infections as well as their health status.
First record of the firebrow lanternfish Diaphus adenomus (Myctophiformes: Myctophidae) from the South Atlantic
Authors: Braga A. C. , Costa P. A. S. , Nunan G. W.
Published: July 2008

The myctophid Diaphus adenomus is recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic Ocean based on 139 specimens (83–203 mm standard length) collected from eight trawl stations off eastern Brazil, between 13 and 16° S at 38 and 39° W, at depths from 233 to 1275 m.
Larval development of the Patagonian brotula Cataetyx messieri (Pisces, Bythitidae) from fjords of southern Chile
Authors: Landaeta M. F. , Balbontin F. , Herrera G. A.
Published: July 2008

Larvae of Cataetyx messieri (Bythitidae) are described from 14 individuals (12·3–27·9 mm body length) collected in deep fjords and channels of the inland sea of southern Chile (41–55° S), between 137 and 604 m depth. The larvae are elongate, with a large, flattened mouth and a coiled gut. They are lightly pigmented and show three distinctive features: a band of melanophores from the snout to the opercle, melanophores spread over the dorsolateral surface of the stomach and the intestine and a band of melanophores on both dorsal and ventral margins of the tip of the tail and adjacent finfold.
Modelling seasonal increments in size to determine the onset of annual growth in fishes
Authors: Gagné S. , Rodríguez M. A.
Published: July 2008

A new method based on modelling of seasonal growth increments (GSI) in total length was found useful for assessing the date of onset of annual growth for 16 fish species in a temperate fluvial lake. Model comparisons indicated that polynomial (linear or quadratic) functions provided better fits to seasonal growth and were more likely to avoid convergence problems than alternative non‐linear models. There was little evidence for differences in the date of onset of growth between years, nor among age classes within individual species. The onset of growth also was to some extent synchronized among species and was concentrated within a narrow temporal window ofc.2 weeks, between 18 May and 2 June, which corresponded to mean water temperatures between 16·1 and 17·3° C. There was no apparent relationship between date of onset and species’ thermal preferenda or thermal preferences. By producing a point estimate along with appropriate 95% CI, theGSImethod provides useful information on the onset of growth and the uncertainty about that estimate. TheGSIanalyses can contribute to a better understanding of environmental influences on the onset of growth and the length of the growing season, and of thermal thresholds for growth, including their use in calculation of degree‐day metrics.
Interaction between exopolysaccharide and oxygenation levels on habitat selection in the sole Solea solea (L.)
Authors: Couturier C. S. , Nonnotte L. , Nonnotte G. , Claireaux G.
Published: July 2008

A habitat selection experiment was conducted to examine the behavioural response of sole Solea solea to a combination of sediment quality (exopolysaccharides, EPS‐free, i.e. 0 mg l−1 and EPS‐rich, i.e. 4 mg l−1) and water oxygenation level (100 and 35% air saturation). The distribution of sole was influenced differently by the type of substratum depending on the water oxygenation level. In normoxia, sole settled preferentially on sand whereas under hypoxic conditions, sole settled preferentially on the muddy substratum. In order to explain these apparently counter‐intuitive observations, it is proposed that, via cutaneous respiration, young sole are able to take advantage of the large quantities of oxygen produced by microphytobenthic organisms present in the upper few millimetres of muddy substratum.
The influence of the invasive black bullhead Ameiurus melas on the predatory efficiency of pike Esox lucius L.
Authors: Kreutzenberger K. , Leprieur F. , Brosse S.
Published: July 2008

The influence of the invasive black bullhead Ameiurus melas on the predatory efficiency of the pike Esox lucius was investigated using an additive experimental design. Pike predatory success on 0+ years roach Rutilus rutilus was significantly reduced in the presence of black bullhead. Among the different hypotheses that may explain such a pattern, the hypothesis of direct competition between pike and black bullhead was not verified, as black bullhead hardly fed on roach. Similarly, pike predatory efficiency did not decrease with turbidity, rejecting therefore the hypothesis of an indirect effect through black bullhead‐generated turbidity. Therefore, the reduced predatory efficiency of pike was probably related to behavioural interference between pike and black bullhead. These laboratory results confirm the potential negative impact of black bullhead on native European fauna, with a particular emphasis on pike, which is a top predator considered as vulnerable in some European regions.
First record of Girardinichthys viviparus in Lake Tecocomulco, Mexico
Authors: Miranda R. , Galicia D. , Pulido‐Flores G. , Monks S.
Published: July 2008

A significant population of Chapultepec splitfin Girardinichthys viviparus was discovered in Lake Tecocomulco. Measurements of males and females and comments on the need for conservation of this locality are given.
Early microhabitat use by age 0 year brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis in lakes
Authors: Biro P. A. , Beckmann C. , Ridgway M. S.
Published: July 2008

The early habitat use of age 0 year brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis in three north temperate lakes which differ in terms of shoreline physical habitat is described. In the two lakes, which contained abundant shoreline woody debris and inundated vegetation, brook charr were observed in extremely close proximity with these habitat features, near shore and near the surface. Fish were absent from open areas away from shore unless in close proximity with fallen floating logs near the surface, extending offshore. In a third lake that had no woody debris or inundated shoreline vegetation, brook charr were observed exclusively in close proximity with the shoreline itself, and near the surface. In all three lakes, fish were most closely associated with the shoreline and with woody debris and inundated vegetation (when present) shortly after emergence, and significantly farther from shore and deeper in the water column thereafter.
Food consumption and growth of Atlantic salmonSalmo salarparr in sub‐Arctic rivers: empirical support for food limitation and competition
Authors: Amundsen P.‐A. , Gabler H.‐M.
Published: July 2008

The quantitative food consumption and somatic growth of Atlantic salmonSalmo salarparr were compared between three sub‐Arctic rivers in northern Norway and Finland, addressing the potential occurrence of resource limitation and interspecific competition. In one of the rivers, previous resource partitioning studies have suggested severe dietary competition between juvenileS. salarand a dense population of alpine bullheadsCottus poecilopus. It was hypothesized thatS. salarparr in this river would have restricted food consumption and growth rates compared to theS. salarpopulations in the other two rivers where interspecific competition was less likely to occur. The feeding and growth performance differed significantly between theS. salarpopulations. The lowest food acquisition and growth rates were in theS. salarparr population living in sympatry withC. poecilopus, confirming a restricted food supply for theS. salarparr and providing empirical support for the presence of resource limitation and interspecific food competition in this river system. The study reveals thatS. salarparr in sub‐Arctic rivers may experience food limitations resulting in diminished growth rates.
Differences in pyloric caeca morphology between Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus ecotypes: adaptation to trophic specialization or parasite‐induced phenotypic modifications?
Authors: Knudsen R. , Amundsen P.‐A. , Jobling M. , Klemetsen A.
Published: July 2008

Gut‐tract morphology differed between benthivorous and zooplanktivorous Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus caught in the littoral and pelagic zones of a sub‐Arctic lake. The differences were related to trophic niche and infection with the cestodes Cyathocephalus truncatus and Eubothrium salvelini. Measurements that were unrelated to cestode infection, including intestinal length, numbers of pyloric caeca and posterior pyloric caeca morphology, differed between S. alpinus that had consumed different prey types, suggesting an adaptive response to divergent trophic niches. The anterior pyloric caeca of S. alpinus with high numbers of cestodes were significantly wider and shorter than those in fish with lower levels of infection. The differences were strongly associated with infection by C. truncatus, which was site‐selective and attached to the anterior caeca with a large scolex. Differences in caecal measurements were probably the result of mechanical damage caused by scolex attachment and host responses to infection with C. truncatus. The differences in anterior caeca were also an indirect indicator of trophic specialization. Benthivorous S. alpinus were more exposed to, and more heavily infected with C. truncatus than were pelagic zooplanktivorous fish, because this cestode had Gammaruslacustris as its intermediate host. Nevertheless, care should be exercized when using gut measurements for making inferences about the trophic ecology of fish because a history of infection with cestodes may have profound effects on caecal morphology.
Diversity of staphylocoagulase and identification of novel variants of staphylocoagulase gene in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kinoshita Marie , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Nagashima Shigeo , Ishino Masaho , Otokozawa Seiko , Mise Keiji , Sumi Ayako , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki , Uehara Nobuyuki , Watanabe Naoki , Endo Miyoko
Published: July 2008

Staphylocoagulase (SC) is a major phenotypic determinant of Staphylococcus aureus. Serotype of SC (coagulase type) is used as an epidemiological marker and 10 types (I–X) have been discriminated so far. To clarify genetic diversity of SC within a single and among different serotype(s), we determined approximately 1500 bp‐nucleotide sequences of SC gene encoding D1, D2, and central regions (N‐terminal half and central regions of SC; SCNC) for a total of 33 S. aureus strains comprising two to three strains from individual coagulase types (I–VIII, X) and 10 strains which were not determined as previously known SC serotypes (ND‐strains). Amino acid sequence identities of SCNC among strains with a single coagulase type of II, III, IV, V, VI and X were extremely high (more than 99%), whereas lower identity (56–87%) was observed among different types. In contrast, within a single coagulase type of I, VII, or VIII, sequence divergence was found (lowest identity; 82%). SCNC sequences from the ND‐strains were discriminated into two genetic groups with an identity of 71% to each other (tentatively assigned to genotypes [XI] and [XII]), and exhibited less than 86% sequence identities to those of most known coagulase types. All the types [XI] and [XII] strains were methicillin susceptible and belonged to different sequence types from those of coagulase types I–X strains reported so far by multilocus sequence typing. These findings indicated genetic heterogeneity of SC in coagulase types I, VII, and VIII strains, and the presence of two novel SC genotypes related to antigenicity of SC serotypes.
Efficient gene replacement and direct hyphal transformation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: LEVY M. , ERENTAL A. , YARDEN O.
Published: July 2008

Homologous recombination is required for gene‐targeted procedures such as gene disruption and gene replacement. Ku80 is part of the non‐homologous end‐joining DNA repair mechanism in many organisms. We identified and disrupted the Ku80 homologue in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and generated heterokaryon mutants enriched with Ku80‐deficient nuclei (ssku80). Sclerotial formation and pathogenicity of ssku80 mutants were normal on tomato fruits. The frequencies of homologous recombination in these strains were much higher than those of the wild type when transformed with a cna1 (encoding calcineurin) replacement construct. We coupled the increase in homologous recombination with a direct BIM‐LAB‐mediated transformation procedure, which utilizes compressed air to assist the transforming DNA in penetrating fungal hyphae of S. sclerotiorum. We found this method to be efficient and reproducible, and it did not alter the fitness of the mutants. We also demonstrated the first case of direct transformation of sclerotia. Nourseothricin was introduced as a selectable marker in S. sclerotiorum. The tools and procedures described will improve our ability to study gene function in S. sclerotiorum and are most likely to be adaptable for use in other plant pathogens.
Transcriptional analysis of the sweet orange interaction with the citrus canker pathogensXanthomonas axonopodispv.citriandXanthomonas axonopodispv.aurantifolii
Authors: CERNADAS RAÚL ANDRÉS , CAMILLO LUCIANA RODRIGUES , BENEDETTI CELSO EDUARDO
Published: July 2008

Xanthomonas axonopodispv.citri(Xac) andXanthomonas axonopodispv.aurantifoliipathotype C (Xaa) are responsible for citrus canker disease; however, while Xac causes canker on all citrus varieties, Xaa is restricted to Mexican lime, and in sweet oranges it triggers a defence response. To gain insights into the differential pathogenicity exhibited by Xac and Xaa and to survey the early molecular events leading to canker development, a detailed transcriptional analysis of sweet orange plants infected with the pathogens was performed. Using differential display, suppressed subtractive hybridization and microarrays, we identified changes in transcript levels in approximately 2.0% of the ~32 000 citrus genes examined. Genes with altered expression in response to Xac/Xaa surveyed at 6 and 48 h post‐infection (hpi) were associated with cell‐wall modifications, cell division and expansion, vesicle trafficking, disease resistance, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and responses to hormones auxin, gibberellin and ethylene. Most of the genes that were commonly modulated by Xac and Xaa were associated with basal defences triggered by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, including those involved in reactive oxygen species production and lignification. Significantly, we detected clear changes in the transcriptional profiles of defence, cell‐wall, vesicle trafficking and cell growth‐related genes in Xac‐infected leaves between 6 and 48 hpi. This is consistent with the notion that Xac suppresses host defences early during infection and simultaneously changes the physiological status of the host cells, reprogramming them for division and growth. Notably, brefeldin A, an inhibitor of vesicle trafficking, retarded canker development. In contrast, Xaa triggered a mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway involving WRKY and ethylene‐responsive transcriptional factors known to activate downstream defence genes.
A class III peroxidase specifically expressed in pathogen‐attacked barley epidermis contributes to basal resistance
Authors: JOHRDE ANNIKA , SCHWEIZER PATRICK
Published: July 2008

Higher plants possess large multigene families encoding secreted class III peroxidase (Prx) proteins. In barley, two Prx cDNAs encoding HvPrx07 and HvPrx08 have been isolated and characterized to some extent with respect to a resistance‐mediating function upon attack by the powdery‐mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Bgh). Here we present evidence for the tissue‐specific accumulation of a new Prx mRNA, HvPrx40, in Bgh‐attacked epidermis of barley (Hordeum vulgare). The encoded protein is predicted to be secreted into the apoplastic space of epidermal cells due to the absence of a C‐terminal extension, which distinguishes it from other Prx proteins reported to accumulate in leaf epidermis. Transient overexpression of HvPrx40 enhanced the resistance of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley against Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (wheat powdery mildew) and Bgh, respectively. These findings were complemented by transient‐induced gene silencing showing hypersusceptibility of barley leaf epidermal cells to Bgh. The local accumulation of oxidized 3,3‐diaminobenzidine that reflects H2O2 production at sites of attempted fungal penetration was not reduced in HvPrx40‐silenced cells, suggesting a role of this peroxidase other than the production of reactive oxygen species.
Impact of HLA‐DPB1 allelic and single amino acid mismatches on HSCT
Authors: Ludajic Katarina , Balavarca Yesilda , Bickeböller Heike , Pohlreich David , Kouba Michal , Dobrovolna Marie , Vrana Milena , Rosenmayr Agathe , Fischer Gottfried F. , Fae Ingrid , Kalhs Peter , Greinix Hildegard T.
Published: July 2008

The interpretation of the role of HLA‐DPB1 in unrelated haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is subject to discussion. We have investigated the role of HLA‐DPB1 allele matching in HSCT outcomes in 161 recipients who were HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1‐matched with their unrelated donors at the allelic level (10/10). In addition, we analysed the association of polymorphic amino acid mismatches of DPB1 molecule with HSCT end‐points, and a previously published permissiveness concept. HLA‐DPB1 allele mismatches were significantly associated with an increased incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) and worse overall survival (OS). The mismatch at amino acid position 69 significantly increased the risk for transplant‐related mortality (TRM). Risk factors for aGvHD also included mismatches at positions 8, 9, 35, 76 and 84. This is to our knowledge, the first report of an in vivo effect of single amino acid mismatches on HSCT outcomes. In this study, grouping of allelic mismatches into permissive and non‐permissive categories and their association with transplantation end‐points was relevant for TRM but not for other clinical end‐points.
Altered lipid raft composition and defective cell death signal transduction in glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor‐deficient PIG‐A mutant cells
Authors: Szpurka Hadrian , Schade Andrew E. , Jankowska Anna M. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: July 2008

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal disorder of haematopoietic stem cells caused by somatic PIGA mutations, resulting in a deficiency in glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins (GPI‐AP). Because GPI‐AP associate with lipid rafts (LR), lack of GPI‐AP on PNH cells may result in alterations in LR‐dependent signalling. Conversely, PNH cells are a suitable model for investigating LR biology. LR from paired, wild‐type GPI(+), and mutant GPI(−) cell lines (K562 and TF1) were isolated and analysed; GPI(−) LR contained important anti‐apoptotic proteins, not found in LR from GPI(+) cells. When methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) was utilized to probe for functional differences between normal and GPI(−) LR, increased levels of phospho‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phospho‐p65 nuclear factor NF‐κB were found in control and GPI(−) cells respectively. Subsequent experiments addressing the inhibition of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) suggest that the PI3K/AKT pathway may be responsible for the resistance of K562 GPI(−)cells to negative effects of MβCD. In addition, transduction of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) signals in a LR‐dependent fashion increased induction of p38 MAPK in GPI(+) and increased pro‐survival NF‐κB levels in K562 GPI(−) cells. Therefore, we suggest that the altered LR‐dependent signalling in PNH‐like cells may induce different responses to pro‐inflammatory cytokines from those observed in cells with intact GPI‐AP.
The knowledge of caring: revisiting the need for knowledge support of carers
Authors: Osmond Jennifer , Scott Teresa , Clark Julie
Published: July 2008

Foster carers' knowledge of caring for abused and neglected children is a largely under‐researched area. We know very little about the nature of carers' knowledge in relation to caring for children who have been abused or neglected. This paper reports on an exploratory study which examined the knowledge of caring. Qualitative data were analysed based on in‐depth interviews with 10 foster carers in Queensland, Australia. A range of knowledge was identified showing an interaction of both personalized and formal understandings in the caring response. Given the breadth of knowledge recognized from the analysis, this paper presents one dimension of their knowing: theory and abuse‐indicated understandings. Participants' responses in these areas were at times sound, but many struggled to provide convincing and well‐formed explanations of topics, such as attachment, harm and child development which may suggest that their understandings are not what they could be. Although further research is needed on a larger scale, this study does highlight the necessity to re‐examine processes and strategies for carer knowledge support, so as to strengthen their understanding of these issues.
The Integrated Children's System and disabled children
Authors: Mitchell Wendy , Sloper Patricia
Published: July 2008

The Integrated Children's System (ICS) is premised on a single approach to assessment/review, ideally providing a more coherent, comprehensive and efficient system of electronic information recording and sharing among different groups of practitioners. Despite its holistic aims for all children in need, questions have been raised about the use of ICS with certain groups of children, especially those who do not follow normative patterns, such as disabled children. This paper explores the introduction of ICS with disabled children and their families within four pilot authorities in England and Wales. Drawing on interviews and questionnaires with 16 social workers and 22 families experiencing assessment/reviews under the new ICS, this paper suggests that important questions and concerns regarding the appropriateness and usefulness for disabled children of the ICS remain, especially the use of ‘standardized’ exemplars. Five disability‐specific areas of concern are identified, and their implications are considered.
Child protection and re‐referrals involving serious concerns: a follow‐up study of 400 referrals closed by Social Services Departments
Authors: Forrester Donald
Published: July 2008

In England and Wales, local authorities have a duty under the 1989 Children Act to protect children from significant harm. This study builds on a previous paper that considered patterns of re‐referral in cases that were not allocated; it considers re‐referrals involving serious concerns about a child. File studies were carried out on 400 consecutive referrals to three local authorities in London that were closed rather than being allocated for long‐term work in early 2000. Information on the presence and nature of re‐referrals involving concerns about actual or potential ‘significant harm’ in the 27 months after closure (i.e. up to 2002) was noted. Such re‐referrals were rare (2.75%). The factors that were statistically associated with them were: previous involvement with Social Services, physical abuse and parental alcohol misuse in the closed referral. These factors were also identified in a descriptive analysis of the re‐referrals, though in addition issues not present in the original referral were identified as important, namely parental mental illness and sexual abuse. The findings were encouraging about the effectiveness of initial child protection assessment processes at the time of referral closure. The potential for the factors identified in the analyses to be used in initial risk assessment and their applicability to current policy and practice is considered.
An exploration of adopters' views regarding children's ages at the time of placement
Authors: Brind Katharine
Published: July 2008

This paper describes a project undertaken as part of a masters degree at Kingston University that looked at factors which influence adopters' decisions about the ages of children that they want to adopt. This subject is topical because currently many adoptive parents want to adopt very young children, but many of the children waiting for placements are older. Relevant literature is reviewed to place the project in context and to provide a theoretical perspective on adopters' decision‐making on the preferred ages of children at the time of placement. The views of adopters and adoption social workers were sought using questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews. The majority of adopters who responded wanted to adopt children who were as young as possible. Adoption social workers who responded reported difficulties finding placements for older children. Data obtained suggests that the strategies designed to encourage adopters to consider adopting older children may have limited effect. In the conclusion, tentative suggestions are made about the implications of this project for adoption practice.
The intimate world of strangers – embodying the child in foster care
Authors: Rees Alyson , Pithouse Andrew
Published: July 2008

In this paper we look at fostering with particular regard to embodiment and the body, the boundaries around it and related aspects of intimacy in foster home settings. Based upon mixed qualitative methods comprising mainly audiotaped interviews and audiotaped diaries it was possible to document and analyse key activities, meanings and relationships that inform the private world of foster care. In doing so, the paper looks first at sociological notions of the body, we then deploy these conceptual tools in regard to a sequence of seemingly mundane yet profoundly important day‐to‐day encounters between the fostered child and the private lives of the foster family. The notion of fostering as the coming together of strangers in which all parties have to learn the often tacit and emergent rules of intimacy within a family setting is depicted here in regard to aspects of joint habitation and boundary regarding the body. Themes around physical care, nurturing, space and privacy, touch and cleanliness are explored in order to reveal more of the private encounters that construct the embodied world of fostering.
Navigating human rights across the life course
Authors: Connolly Marie , Ward Tony
Published: July 2008

Issues related to human rights have increasingly moved to the forefront of professional concern in recent years. Despite this, there has been minimal attention paid to exploring how changing human needs across the lifespan impact upon human rights. This paper takes a broad look at human rights issues that occur across the life course, and uses examples of life course transitions to illuminate issues related to moral rights and human rights. The examples include family formation, raising children, adolescent maturation in the context of youth offending and grandparents parenting their grandchildren. Each example explores the contestable rights and responsibilities of children, young people and adults and the ways in which these are negotiated within the context of the family.
Update on mechanisms of allergen injection immunotherapy
Authors: James L. K. , Durham S. R.
Published: July 2008

The incidence of allergic diseases is increasing at an alarming rate, paricularly in countries with a western lifestyle. Currently in the UK, approximately one quarter of the population suffers from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Most patients can be treated with conventional pharmacotherapy on an ‘as needed’ symptomatic basis whereas allergen immunotherapy represents a useful treatment approach in carefully selected patients with severe, IgE‐mediated disease. Allergen immunotherapy can deliver improvements in hayfever symptoms over and above that which can be achieved by pharmacotherapy. In addition, unlike pharmacotherapy, allergen immunotherapy provides long‐term clinical benefits. These include long‐term disease remission, prevention of new atopic sensitisations and a reduction in disease progression from rhinitis to asthma. This review provides a comprehensive update on the mechanisms of allergen injection immunotherapy, recent data on the mechanisms of sublingual allergen immunotherapy is also included.
A follow‐up study of immunotherapy‐treated birch‐allergic patients: effect on the expression of chemokines in the nasal mucosa
Authors: Plewako H. , Holmberg K. , Oancea I. , Gotlib T. , Samoliński B. , Rak S.
Published: July 2008

Background
Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only treatment producing lasting clinical improvement in patients with allergy. We investigated the long‐term effect of SIT treatment on the expression of chemokines: eotaxin, RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) and thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), and their receptors CCR3 and CCR4 in biopsies of nasal mucosa from birch‐allergic individuals.

Methods
Sixteen patients who completed a 3‐year treatment programme 3–5 years ago, and 12 untreated, matched controls were included in the study. Patients recorded symptoms and use of rescue medication before and during the pollen season. Nasal mucosa samples obtained before and during the season were stained for eosinophil and mast cell markers and for eotaxin, RANTES, TARC, CCR3 and CCR4.

Results
During the pollen season, rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms increased in both SIT and control groups (P=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). However, SIT patients had 37% fewer symptoms than controls. Medication use increased in both groups (P=0.002) during the season but the SIT group used 28% less than the controls (P=0.02). The number of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa increased in the control group (P=0.01) and the difference between the groups was significant during the season (P=0.01). No seasonal increase in the numbers of mast cells was seen, but during the pollen season, more (P=0.02) AA+ cells were found in the controls than in the SIT group. The number of eotaxin+ and RANTES+ cells increased in the control group (P=0.01 and 0.03, respectively) and the difference between groups during the season was significant (P=0.01 and 0.01, respectively). The TARC+ cell numbers were lower in the SIT group during the season (P=0.003). The CCR3+ cells increased only in the control group during the pollen season and remained unchanged in SIT patients, while CCR4+ cell numbers increased in both the control (P=0.03) and SIT (P=0.02) groups.

Conclusion
This study confirmed that decreased numbers of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa is a long‐lasting effect of birch SIT. SIT also prevented seasonal rises in the number of cells expressing the chemokines eotaxin and RANTES.
Loss of classical transient receptor potential 6 channel reduces allergic airway response
Authors: Sel S. , Rost B. R. , Yildirim A. Ö. , Sel B. , Kalwa H. , Fehrenbach H. , Renz H. , Gudermann T. , Dietrich A.
Published: July 2008

Background
Non‐selective cation influx through canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) is thought to be an important event leading to airway inflammation. TRPC6 is highly expressed in the lung, but its role in allergic processes is still poorly understood.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of TRPC6 in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and allergic inflammation of the lung.

Methods
Methacholine‐induced AHR was assessed by head‐out body plethysmography of wild type (WT) and TRPC6−/− mice. Experimental airway inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization, followed by OVA aerosol challenges. Allergic inflammation and mucus production were analysed 24 h after the last allergen challenge.

Results
Methacholine‐induced AHR and agonist‐induced contractility of tracheal rings were increased in TRPC6−/− mice compared with WT mice, most probably due to compensatory up‐regulation of TRPC3 in airway smooth muscle cells. Most interestingly, when compared with WT mice, TRPC6−/− mice exhibited reduced allergic responses after allergen challenge as evidenced by a decrease in airway eosinophilia and blood IgE levels, as well as decreased levels of T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL‐5, IL‐13) in the bronchoalveolar lavage. However, lung mucus production after allergen challenge was not altered by TRPC6 deficiency.

Conclusions
TRPC6 deficiency inhibits specific allergic immune responses, pointing to an important immunological function of this cation channel in Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells and B cells.