bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent cadherin–catenin and Bazooka clusters interact to assemble adherens junctions
Authors: McGill Melanie A. , McKinley R.F. Andrew , Harris Tony J.C.
Published: May 2009

Proper epithelial structure requires adherens junction (AJ) assembly. In the early Drosophila embryo, AJ assembly depends on Bazooka (Baz; PAR-3), but it is unclear how Baz affects AJ assembly and what precursors are involved. To understand this process at the molecular level, we counted the number of core AJ proteins and Baz proteins at an average spot AJ (SAJ) and determined their dynamics with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments. These data reveal that SAJs are subdivided into Baz clusters and cadherin–catenin clusters with independent protein numbers and dynamics. This independence suggests that precursory cadherin–catenin clusters might form before SAJ assembly. We identify cadherin–catenin clusters forming between apical microvilli. Further analyses show that they form independently of Baz and that Baz functions in repositioning them to apicolateral sites for full SAJ assembly. Our data implicate cell protrusions in initial cadherin–catenin clustering in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo. Then, independent Baz clusters appear to engage the cadherin–catenin clusters to assemble SAJs.
CD1c bypasses lysosomes to present a lipopeptide antigen with 12 amino acids
Authors: Van Rhijn Ildiko , Young David C. , De Jong Annemieke , Vazquez Jenny , Cheng Tan-Yun , Talekar Rahul , Barral Duarte C. , León Luis , Brenner Michael B. , Katz Joel T. , Riese Richard , Ruprecht Ruth M. , O'Connor Peter B. , Costello Catherine E. , Porcelli Steven A. , Briken Volker , Moody D. Branch
Published: May 2009

The recent discovery of dideoxymycobactin (DDM) as a ligand for CD1a demonstrates how a nonribosomal lipopeptide antigen is presented to T cells. DDM contains an unusual acylation motif and a peptide sequence present only in mycobacteria, but its discovery raises the possibility that ribosomally produced viral or mammalian proteins that commonly undergo lipidation might also function as antigens. To test this, we measured T cell responses to synthetic acylpeptides that mimic lipoproteins produced by cells and viruses. CD1c presented an N-acyl glycine dodecamer peptide (lipo-12) to human T cells, and the response was specific for the acyl linkage as well as the peptide length and sequence. Thus, CD1c represents the second member of the CD1 family to present lipopeptides. lipo-12 was efficiently recognized when presented by intact cells, and unlike DDM, it was inactivated by proteases and augmented by protease inhibitors. Although lysosomes often promote antigen presentation by CD1, rerouting CD1c to lysosomes by mutating CD1 tail sequences caused reduction in lipo-12 presentation. Thus, although certain antigens require antigen processing in lysosomes, others are destroyed there, providing a hypothesis for the evolutionary conservation of large CD1 families containing isoforms that survey early endosomal pathways.
Parasites represent a major selective force for interleukin genes and shape the genetic predisposition to autoimmune conditions
Authors: Fumagalli Matteo , Pozzoli Uberto , Cagliani Rachele , Comi Giacomo P. , Riva Stefania , Clerici Mario , Bresolin Nereo , Sironi Manuela
Published: May 2009

Many human genes have adapted to the constant threat of exposure to infectious agents; according to the “hygiene hypothesis,” lack of exposure to parasites in modern settings results in immune imbalances, augmenting susceptibility to the development of autoimmune and allergic conditions. Here, by estimating the number of pathogen species/genera in a specific geographic location (pathogen richness) for 52 human populations and analyzing 91 interleukin (IL)/IL receptor genes (IL genes), we show that helminths have been a major selective force on a subset of these genes. A population genetics analysis revealed that five IL genes, including IL7R and IL18RAP, have been a target of balancing selection, a selection process that maintains genetic variability within a population. Previous identification of polymorphisms in some of these loci, and their association with autoimmune conditions, prompted us to investigate the relationship between adaptation and disease. By searching for variants in IL genes identified in genome-wide association studies, we verified that six risk alleles for inflammatory bowel (IBD) or celiac disease are significantly correlated with micropathogen richness. These data support the hygiene hypothesis for IBD and provide a large set of putative targets for susceptibility to helminth infections.
Inhibition of NK cell activity by IL-17 allows vaccinia virus to induce severe skin lesions in a mouse model of eczema vaccinatum
Authors: Kawakami Yuko , Tomimori Yoshiaki , Yumoto Kenji , Hasegawa Shunji , Ando Tomoaki , Tagaya Yutaka , Crotty Shane , Kawakami Toshiaki
Published: May 2009

Threats of bioterrorism have renewed efforts to better understand poxvirus pathogenesis and to develop a safer vaccine against smallpox. Individuals with atopic dermatitis are excluded from smallpox vaccination because of their propensity to develop eczema vaccinatum, a disseminated vaccinia virus (VACV) infection. To study the underlying mechanism of the vulnerability of atopic dermatitis patients to VACV infection, we developed a mouse model of eczema vaccinatum. Virus infection of eczematous skin induced severe primary erosive skin lesions, but not in the skin of healthy mice. Eczematous mice exhibited lower natural killer (NK) cell activity but similar cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and humoral immune responses. The role of NK cells in controlling VACV-induced skin lesions was demonstrated by experiments depleting or transferring NK cells. The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 reduced NK cell activity in mice with preexisting dermatitis. Given low NK cell activities and increased IL-17 expression in atopic dermatitis patients, these results can explain the increased susceptibility of atopic dermatitis patients to eczema vaccinatum.
Using chemical organization theory for model checking
Authors: Kaleta Christoph , Richter Stephan , Dittrich Peter
Published: May 2009

Motivation: The increasing number and complexity of biomodels makes automatic procedures for checking the models' properties and quality necessary. Approaches like elementary mode analysis, flux balance analysis, deficiency analysis and chemical organization theory (OT) require only the stoichiometric structure of the reaction network for derivation of valuable information. In formalisms like Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML), however, information about the stoichiometric coefficients required for an analysis of chemical organizations can be hidden in kinetic laws.

Results: First, we introduce an algorithm that uncovers stoichiometric information that might be hidden in the kinetic laws of a reaction network. This allows us to apply OT to SBML models using modifiers. Second, using the new algorithm, we performed a large-scale analysis of the 185 models contained in the manually curated BioModels Database. We found that for 41 models (22%) the set of organizations changes when modifiers are considered correctly. We discuss one of these models in detail (BIOMD149, a combined model of the ERK- and Wnt-signaling pathways), whose set of organizations drastically changes when modifiers are considered. Third, we found inconsistencies in 5 models (3%) and identified their characteristics. Compared with flux-based methods, OT is able to identify those species and reactions more accurately [in 26 cases (14%)] that can be present in a long-term simulation of the model. We conclude that our approach is a valuable tool that helps to improve the consistency of biomodels and their repositories.

Availability: All data and a JAVA applet to check SBML-models is available from http://www.minet.uni-jena.de/csb/prj/ot/tools

Contact:  dittrich@minet.uni-jena.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Systematic review: adherence to a gluten‐free diet in adult patients with coeliac disease
Authors: HALL N. J. , RUBIN G. , CHARNOCK A.
Published: May 2009

Background  Coeliac disease is increasingly diagnosed in adult patients who present with atypical symptoms or who are asymptomatic and detected by case screening. Its treatment, a gluten‐free diet, can have a considerable impact on daily living. Understanding the factors associated with non‐adherence is important in terms of supporting patients with their condition.

Aim  To investigate factors associated with adherence to a gluten‐free diet in adults with coeliac disease.

Methods  A literature search of multiple electronic databases using a pre‐determined search string for literature between 1980 and November 2007 identified a possible 611 hits. After checking for relevance, 38 studies were included in this review.

Results  Rates for strict adherence range from 42% to 91% depending on definition and method of assessment and are the lowest among ethnic minorities and those diagnosed in childhood. Adherence is most strongly associated with cognitive, emotional and socio‐cultural influences, membership of an advocacy group and regular dietetic follow‐up. Screen and symptom‐detected coeliac patients do not differ in their adherence to a gluten‐free diet.

Conclusions  The existing evidence for factors associated with non‐adherence to a gluten‐free diet is of variable quality. Further and more rigorous research is needed to characterize those individuals most likely to be non‐adherent to assist them better with their treatment.
Clinical predictors for biphasic reactions in children presenting with anaphylaxis
Authors: Mehr S. , Liew W. K. , Tey D. , Tang M. L. K.
Published: May 2009

Background
One of the main reasons for hospital admission once a child has been stabilized following anaphylaxis is to monitor for a biphasic reaction. However, only a small percentage of anaphylactic episodes involve biphasic reactions that would benefit from admission. Identification of predictive factors for a biphasic reaction would assist in determining who may benefit from prolonged observation.

Objective
To determine predictive factors for biphasic reactions in children presenting with anaphylaxis.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of children presenting with anaphylaxis to a major paediatric emergency department over a 5‐year period.

Results
There were 95 uniphasic (87%), 12 (11%) biphasic and two protracted reactions (2%). One child with a protracted reaction died. For the management of the primary anaphylactic reaction, children developing biphasic reactions were more likely to have received >1 dose of adrenaline (58% vs. 22%, P=0.01) and/or a fluid bolus (42% vs. 8%, P=0.01) than those experiencing uniphasic reactions. The absence of either factor was strongly predictive of the absence of a biphasic reaction (negative predictive value 99%), but the presence of either factor was poorly predictive of a biphasic reaction (positive predictive value of 32%). All biphasic reactors, in which the second phase was anaphylactic, received either >1 dose of adrenaline and/or a fluid bolus.

Conclusions
Children who received >1 dose of adrenaline and/or a fluid bolus for treatment of their primary anaphylactic reaction were at increased risk of developing a biphasic reaction.
Recombinant lipid transfer protein Tri a 14: a novel heat and proteolytic resistant tool for the diagnosis of baker's asthma
Authors: Palacin A. , Varela J. , Quirce S. , Del Pozo V. , Tordesillas L. , Barranco P. , Fernandez‐Nieto M. , Sastre J. , Diaz‐Perales A. , Salcedo G.
Published: May 2009

Background
Baker's asthma is an important occupational allergic disease. Wheat lipid transfer protein (LTP) Tri a 14 is a major allergen associated with wheat allergy. No panel of wheat recombinant allergens for component‐resolved diagnosis of baker's asthma is currently available.

Objective
To evaluate the potential role of recombinant Tri a 14 as a novel tool for the diagnosis of baker's asthma, and to test the heat and proteolytic resistance of the wheat LTP allergen.

Methods
A cDNA encoding Tri a 14 was isolated and sequenced, the recombinant allergen produced in Pichia pastoris and purified by chromatographic methods. Physicochemical and immunological comparison of the natural and recombinant forms of Tri a 14 was carried out by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, circular dichroism (CD) analysis, IgE immunodetection, and specific IgE determination and ELISA‐inhibition assays using a pool or individual sera from 26 patients with baker's asthma. Thermal denaturation and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of both Tri a 14 forms were checked by spectroscopic and electrophoretic methods, respectively, and biological activity by basophil activation test (BAT).

Results
Natural and recombinant Tri a 14 were similarly folded, as indicated by their nearly identical CD spectra and heat denaturation profiles. A high interclass correlation coefficient (0.882) was found between specific IgE levels to both Tri a 14 proteins in individual sera from baker's asthma patients, but a slightly lower IgE‐binding potency of rTri a 14 was detected by ELISA‐inhibition assays. Natural and recombinant Tri a 14 elicited positive BAT in two and one out of three patients, respectively. Heat denaturation profiles and simulated gastrointestinal digestion assays indicated that Tri a 14 displayed a high heat and digestive proteolytic resistance, comparable to those of peach Pru p 3, the model food allergen of the LTP family.

Conclusions
Recombinant Tri a 14 is a potential tool for baker's asthma diagnosis, based on its physicochemical and immunological similarity with its natural counterpart. Wheat Tri a 14 shows a high thermal stability and resistance to gastrointestinal digestion.
Cat sensitization according to cat window of exposure in adult asthmatics
Authors: Oryszczyn M.‐P. , Van Ree R. , Maccario J. , Nadif R. , Kauffmann F. ,   on behalf of the EGEA cooperative group
Published: May 2009

Background
In adults, there is limited information on tolerance to cat, which may be reflected by high IgG4 without IgE sensitization. Early exposure to cat may play a critical role.

Objective
The aim was to assess among adults the association of Fel d 1 IgG4, Fel d 1 IgE, skin prick test (SPT) response to cat and pet‐related symptoms in relation to exposure to cat considering the period of exposure.

Methods
SPT response to cat, specific IgE and IgG4 to Fel d 1 were assessed in 167 asthmatics recruited in chest clinics (40 years of age in average) from the French Epidemiological study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA). Childhood and/or current exposure to cat were studied retrospectively.

Results
IgG4 was higher in relation to current cat exposure (0.53 vs. 0.09 ng/mL; P<0.001) and higher in women than in men. The period of cat exposure was significantly related to Fel d 1 IgE, the IgE/IgG4 pattern and cat weal size. The lowest values of Fel d 1 IgE, cat weal size, pet‐related nasal or respiratory symptoms were observed in those with both childhood and current exposure as well as the highest proportion of the IgE−/IgG4+ pattern observed in 1.4%, 4.0%, 38.1% and 12.5% of those with −/−, +/−, +/+, −/+ childhood/current exposure, respectively.

Conclusions
Adult asthmatics exposed to cats since childhood present an immunologic pattern with high IgG4 and low IgE. Continuous exposure may maintain a state of immunological tolerance to cat.
Expression of a pheromone receptor in ovipositor sensilla of the female moth (Heliothis virescens)
Authors: Widmayer P. , Heifetz Y. , Breer H.
Published: May 2009

Female moths release pheromones that influence various behavioral and physiological processes. The highly specific responses elicited by pheromones are mediated via specific chemosensory proteins, pheromone binding proteins and chemoreceptors, operating in the antennal sensory neurons. In Heliothis virescens, the response to the major pheromone component (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11‐16:Al) is mediated by the pheromone binding protein PBP2 and the receptor type HR13. PCR experiments revealed that transcripts for relevant chemosensory molecules are also present in the abdomen suggesting an additional role. In the female, mRNA for HR13 as well as for the related PBP2 was found in the ovipositor tip and in an immunohistochemical analysis with a specific antiserum it was possible to visualize the receptor protein in distinct sensilla types surrounding the ovipositor tip. The expression of HR13 implies a chemosensory responsiveness of these sensilla types to pheromones possibly provided by PBP2. Due to the close vicinity of sensillar HR13 cells and pheromone producing cells in the ovipositor we propose that the HR13 cells might mediate abdominal responses to the emitted pheromones.
Complex adaptive chronic care
Authors: Martin Carmel , Sturmberg Joachim
Published: May 2009

Background  The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is widely taken up as the universal operational framework for redesigning health systems to address the increasing chronic disease burden of an ageing population. Chronic care encompasses health promotion, prevention, self management, disease control, treatment and palliation to address ‘chronicity’ of long journeys through disease, illness and care in the varying contexts of complex health systems. Yet at an operational level, CCM activities are predominantly based on an evidence‐base of discreet chronic disease interventions in specific settings; and their demonstrable impact is limited to processes of select disease management such as diabetes in specific disease management programs.

Aims  This paper proposes a framework that makes sense of the nature of chronicity and its multiple dimensions beyond disease and argues for a set of building blocks and leverage points that should constitute the starting points for ‘redesign’?

Findings  Complex Adaptive Chronic Care is proposed as an idea for an explanatory and implementation framework for addressing chronicity in existing and future chronic care models. Chronicity is overtly conceptualized to encompass the phenomena of an individual journey, with simple and complicated, complex and chaotic phases, through long term asymptomatic disease to bodily dysfunction and illness, located in family and communities. Chronicity encompasses trajectories of self‐care and health care, as health, illness and disease co‐exist and co‐evolve in the setting of primary care, local care networks and at times institutions. A systems approach to individuals in their multi‐layered networks making sense of and optimizing experiences of their chronic illness would build on core values and agency around a local vision of health, empowerment of individuals and adaptive leadership, and it responds in line with the local values inherent in the community's disease‐based knowledge and the local service's history and dynamics. Complex Adaptive Chronic Care exceeds the current notions of disease management as an endpoint. Primary care team members are system adaptors in partnership with individuals constructing their care and system leadership in response to chronic illness, and enable healthy resilience as well as personal healing and support. Outcomes of complex adaptive chronic care are the emergence of health in individuals and communities through adaptability, self‐organization and empowerment.

Discussion  Chronic care reform from within a complex adaptive system framework is bottom up and emergent and stands in stark contrast to (but has to co‐exist with) the prevailing protocol based disease care rewarding selective surrogate indicators of disease control. Frameworks such as the Chronic Care Model provide guidance, but do not replace individual experience, local adaptive leadership and responsiveness. The awareness of complexity means opening up problems to a different reality demanding different set of questions and approaches to answer them.
The social construction of chronicity – a key to understanding chronic care transformations
Authors: Martin Carmel M. , Peterson Chris
Published: May 2009

Purpose  The purpose of this paper is to argue the importance of contemporary analysis of the modern social construction of chronicity – encapsulating the world views of the chronically ill, and the medical and health system constructions of chronic disease, through the nature of care for chronic conditions. It is argued that chronic diseases are themselves, socially constructed, despite widely accepted disease classification systems. Thus, there is a need to examine how different ideas have permeated our clinical and health system developments and their social context and vice versa.

Methods  We examine historical ideas, theory and evidence about the tensions in social construction of chronic illness by those afflicted and the responses of society, the medical and health professions and increasingly the public and private institutions that shape health care. This is with the background of major differences in the two cultures that create knowledge: those based upon argument and intellectual logic – hermeneutic, and those based upon ‘objectivist’ empirical science, often called heuristic. Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is the flagship of disease management, increasingly narrative‐based medicine and other similar genres are becoming the pragmatic face of social constructions, yet sit in juxtaposition without synthesis. A third culture has emerged of scientific intellectuals who straddle these cultures and in health care their public face is ‘mixed methods’.

Findings  Recent cases of modern ideas about improving chronic care were reviewed. We found that despite developments of social theory, the world view of the chronically ill exerts small influence in health system redesign, apparently dominated by chronic disease models. Confusion remains within health system reforms as to the social construction of chronicity – chronic disease, chronic condition or chronic illness and chronic care transformations. The role of Primary Care remains ambiguous straddling disease and illness. Radical redesign of health systems is taking place without an understanding and discourse about the nature of their construction. Ad hoc eclectism with unquestioning adoption of the dominant EBM paradigm is driving a new health culture based on disease‐based performance incentives, which is intrusive beyond the medical model and pays little attention to narratives of illness and even less to the whole social reconstruction of illness and wellness.

Conclusions  Health care systems cannot afford to avoid, and should actively embrace the critiques of social theory and analyses in the transformations of health systems to improve chronic care. Creative tensions between empirical and intellectual critique, and a synthetic middle ground are likely to lead to more realistic and innovative approaches spanning the nature of chronicity and the transformation of Primary Care.
Monitoring the performance of intensive care units using the variable life‐adjusted display: a simulation study to explore its applicability and efficiency
Authors: Foltran Francesca , Baldi Ileana , Bertolini Guido , Merletti Franco , Gregori Dario
Published: May 2009

Rationale, aims and objectives  Graphical monitoring tools are needed for real‐time quality evaluation in intensive care unit. The variable life‐adjusted display (VLAD) provides a directly interpretable assessment indicating whether the overall performance is better or worse than expected on the basis of the predicted risk of failure. The aim of this study is to quantify the ability of VLAD charts to early recognize a worsening in clinical performance.

Methods  A Monte Carlo experiment simulating the sequence of successes and failures of an intensive care unit is performed; the predicted mortality is calculated by means of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 admission score. From a given position in the admissions sequence, we increased the probability of death; we calculated: (i) the surveillance system delay in responding to the mortality increase; (ii) the percentage of cases where the VLAD has been able to give an alarm within the first 5, 10, 20 and 60 deaths occurred after the increase of probability of death; and (iii) the percentage of false declarations of increase (anticipated alarms).

Results  The frequency distribution of the alarm delays shows VLAD was not always able to early detect mortality increase. Only a very small number of anticipated alarms were given.

Conclusions  Variable life‐adjusted display ability to signal is mild and strictly correlated with the institution volume of activity. Therefore, the use of VLAD seems to be not always advisable, and an integration between VLAD and other well‐documented tools as CUSUM charts could be preferable.
Identifying patterns in primary care consultations: a cluster analysis
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim P. , Siew Eu‐gene , Churilov Leonid , Smith‐Miles Kate
Published: May 2009

Background  A literature review revealed that little is known about the systems context of general practice consultations and their outcomes.

Objectives  To describe the systems context and resulting underlying patterns of primary care consultations in a local area.

Design  Cross‐sectional multi‐practice study based on a three‐part questionnaire. Cluster analysis of data.

Setting  Stratified random sample of general practices and general practitioners – NSW‐Central Coast, Australia.

Participants  A total of 1104 adults attending 12 general practitioners between February and November 1999.

Results and Conclusions  The study identified seven subgroups within the study population uniquely defined by variables from the health system, individual doctor and patient, consultation and consultation outcomes domains. A systems approach provides a framework in which to track and consider the important variables and their known and/or expected workings and thus offer a contextual framework to guide primary care reform.
Enhanced ability of regulatory T cells in chronic hepatitis C patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels than those with active hepatitis
Authors: Itose I. , Kanto T. , Kakita N. , Takebe S. , Inoue M. , Higashitani K. , Miyazaki M. , Miyatake H. , Sakakibara M. , Hiramatsu N. , Takehara T. , Kasahara A. , Hayashi N.
Published: May 2009

Summary.  In hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the Th1‐type immune response is involved in liver injury. A predominance of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg) is hypothesized in patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT). Our aim was to clarify the role of Treg in the pathogenesis of PNALT. Fifteen chronically HCV‐infected patients with PNALT, 21 with elevated ALT (CH) and 19 healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. We determined naturally‐occurring Treg (N‐Treg) as CD4+CD25high+FOXP3+ T cells. The expression of FOXP3 and CTLA4 in CD4+CD25high+ cells was quantified by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Bulk or CD25‐depleted CD4+ T cells cultured with HCV‐NS5 loaded dendritic cells were assayed for their proliferation and cytokine release. We examined CD127–CD25–FOXP3+ cells as distinct subsets other than CD25+ N‐Treg. The frequencies of N‐Treg in patients were significantly higher than those in HS. The FOXP3 and CTLA4 transcripts were higher in PNALT than those in CH. The depletion of CD25+ cells enhanced HCV‐specific T cell responses, showing that co‐existing CD25+ cells are suppressive. Such inhibitory capacity was more potent in PNALT. The frequency of CD4+CD127–CD25–FOXP3+ cells was higher in CH than those in PNALT. Treg are more abundant in HCV‐infected patients, and their suppressor ability is more potent in patients with PNALT than in those with active hepatitis.
An investigation on the Culicoides species composition at seven sites in southern Switzerland
Authors: CASATI S. , RACLOZ V. , DELÉCOLLE J. C. , KUHN M. , MATHIS A. , GRIOT C. , STÄRK K. D. C. , VANZETTI T.
Published: May 2009

In the past decade, there have been regular outbreaks of bluetongue (BT) in many parts of Europe. Owing to the presence of BT disease and its vectors in countries adjacent to Switzerland, an initial entomological survey was conducted in 2003, which established the presence of several midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Subsequently, a sentinel herd monitoring system was established with the primary entomological aim being the determination and further study of Culicoides population compositions. Insects were collected in 2005 and 2006 at seven sentinel herd sites in the south of Switzerland (canton of Ticino) near the border of Italy, using Onderstepoort‐type light traps. This region is botanically and zoologically similar to the Mediterranean and is one of the warmest and most humid areas of the country, hence it is considered a potential access path for BT disease into Switzerland. Collections were made at four cattle farms, two equestrian centres and one goat farm. Sites were sampled four times per month from June to October. Traps were operated from dusk until dawn and samples were collected monthly for analysis through microscopy as well as a Culicoides imicola‐specific PCR. Results confirmed the absence of C. imicola (Kieffer) and demonstrated that the potential BT virus vectors are highly abundant, notably: Culicoides obsoletus (Meigen), Culicoides scoticus (Downes & Kettle) and Culicoides dewulfi (Goetghebuer) subgenus Avaritia and Culicoides pulicaris (Linnaeus) subgenus Culicoides. These findings expand the current knowledge of Culicoides population composition in the southern part of the Switzerland. Culicoides cataneii (Clastrier), Culicoides flavipulicaris (Dzhafarov), Culicoides indistinctus (Khalaf), Culicoides nubeculosus (Meigen) and species of the Grisescens complex were reported for the first time in Switzerland.
Adaptation of the BG‐Sentinel trap to capture male and female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes
Authors: LACROIX R. , DELATTE H. , HUE T. , DEHECQ J. S. , REITER P.
Published: May 2009

In recent years, the remarkable spread of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) throughout the world has drawn attention to this hitherto poorly studied species, particularly after its role in outbreaks of chikungunya fever in the western Indian Ocean and in Italy. Variants of sterile insect technique (SIT), including the release of transgenic males with a dominant lethal gene (RIDL), have been proposed in the search for new and innovative methods of control. Knowledge of male dispersal, mating behaviour and longevity will be critical to the success of this approach. We present an effective and practical method for trapping both male and female Ae. albopictus using a mouse‐baited BG‐Sentinel trap.
Fine‐scale genetic structure and its consequence in breeding aggregations of a passerine bird
Authors: LEE JIN‐WON , JANG BYOUNG‐SOON , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , BURKE TERRY , HATCHWELL BEN J.
Published: May 2009

The pattern of fine‐scale genetic structure in a population may reflect current biological processes of the species, such as natal dispersal, the breeding system and demography. We investigated the spatial distribution of nests and fine‐scale genetic structure during two breeding seasons in a population of a weakly territorial, flock‐living passerine bird, the vinous‐throated parrotbill,Paradoxornis webbianus. Nest distribution was clustered. There were two peaks of egg laying within each breeding season, and spatial clustering of nests was more extreme during the second peak after controlling for breeding density. The patterns of genetic structure during the breeding season varied with parental sex and season. Genetic structure occurred during the second laying peak: males breeding within 200 m of one another at this time were significantly more closely related than males breeding farther apart. However, no apparent genetic structure was detected in males during the first laying peak or among females in either laying peak. These results reveal male‐oriented kin affiliation during part of the breeding season in this species. Furthermore, juvenile recruitment into the winter flocks was positively related to this increased relatedness among males via kin affiliation. This study implies that fine‐scale genetic structure during the breeding season could be a factor determining individual fitness and may play an important role in our understanding of the evolution of social systems.
Does the ribosome have initiation and elongation modes of translation?
Authors: Tenson Tanel , Hauryliuk Vasili
Published: May 2009

RNA polymerases differ functionally and structurally in the initiation phase of transcription, when polymerization of 8–12 nucleotides occurs, from the later phases of transcription. Here we argue that the ribosome also might have different properties when translating the first codons in open reading frames, as compared with the later phases of translation.
The dual specificity phosphatase Rok1 negatively regulates mating and pathogenicity in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Di Stasio Maurizio , Brefort Thomas , Mendoza‐Mendoza Artemio , Münch Karin , Kahmann Regine
Published: May 2009

In the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis a conserved mitogen‐activated‐protein‐kinase (MAPK) module regulates sexual and pathogenic development. Kpp2 is the central MAPK of this module and is required for transcriptional and morphological responses to pheromone. Upon perception of the pheromone signal Kpp2 is phosphorylated by the MAPK kinase Fuz7. Here we demonstrate that the MAPK Kpp6, which has a partially redundant function with Kpp2, is also phosphorylated by Fuz7. We show that Rok1, a putative dual specificity phosphatase for MAPK signalling, controls the phosphorylation of Kpp2 as well as of Kpp6. rok1 mutants display increased filamentation and are enhanced in virulence. The enhanced virulence is caused by more efficient appressorium formation as well as plant invasion. Overexpression of rok1 reduced conjugation hyphae formation and strongly attenuated pathogenicity. This places Rok1 in a negative feedback loop regulating Kpp2 and Kpp6 activity upon pheromone stimulation and plant colonization.
5‐HT3 receptors mediate the time‐dependent vagal afferent modulation of nociception during chronic food allergen‐sensitized visceral hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Chen S. , Li J. , Zhang L. , Dong X. , Gao W. , Mo J. , Chen H. , Xiao S. , Li Y.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  Converging lines of evidence demonstrate a vagally mediated antinociceptive pathway in animals undergoing acute visceral insults, the contribution of this system to visceral pain following chronic noxious stimuli is unknown. 5‐HT3 receptor (5‐HT3Rs) on spinal afferents are crucially involved in nociceptive processing, the role of 5‐HT3Rs on vagal afferents is unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the contribution of vagal afferents to visceral nociception in rats undergoing chronic luminal allergen stimulation and whether it involves vagal 5‐HT3Rs. Sensitized rats received chicken egg albumin (EA, 1 mg mL−1) in drinking water for 2 weeks (day 1–14). Visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension [colorectal distension (CRD), 60 mmHg] and the levels of mRNA encoding 5‐HT3R (including 3A and 3B subunits) in the nodose ganglia (NG) were evaluated on day 2, 4, 8 and 15. Chronic EA challenge induced gradually increased visceral nociception, with a peak on day 15. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or functional deafferentation with capsaicin abolished this time‐dependent manner, inducing hyperalgesia from day 2, lasting to day 15. Intraluminal infusion of a 5‐HT3R antagonist (granisetron), whether alone or infused after local mucosa anaesthetic with 1% lidocaine, mimicked the effects of vagotomy. The mRNA levels for 5‐HT3B or 5‐HT3A subunit in the NG showed an opposite time‐course to that of visceral pain, which increased from day 2, then decreased gradually to levels lower than those of controls. Our results demonstrate a time‐dependent vagal afferent modulation of chronic allergen‐sensitized visceral hyperalgesia, which may involve a 5‐HT3R pathway.
Evolution, architecture and hierarchy of distributary deep‐water deposits: a high‐resolution outcrop investigation from the Permian Karoo Basin, South Africa
Authors: PRÉLAT A. , HODGSON D. M. , FLINT S. S.
Published: May 2009

Sea floor and shallow seismic data sets of terminal submarine fan lobes can provide excellent planform timeslices of distributive deep‐water systems but commonly only limited information on cross‐sectional architecture. Extensive outcrops in the Tanqua depocentre, south‐west Karoo Basin, provide these three‐dimensional constraints on lithofacies distributions, stacking patterns, depositional geometries and the stratigraphic evolution of submarine lobe deposits at a scale comparable with modern lobe systems. Detailed study (bed‐scale) of a single‐lobe complex (Fan 3) over a 15 km by 8 km area has helped to define a four‐fold hierarchy of depositional elements from bed through to lobe element, lobe and lobe complex. The Fan 3 lobe complex comprises six distinct fine‐grained sandstone packages, interpreted as lobes, which display compensational stacking patterns on a 5 km scale. Between successive lobes are thin‐bedded, very fine‐grained sandstones and siltstones that do not change lithofacies over several kilometres and therefore are identified as a different architectural element. Each lobe is built by many lobe elements, which also display compensational stacking patterns over a kilometre scale. Thickness variations of lobe elements can be extremely abrupt without erosion, particularly in distal areas where isopach maps reveal a finger‐like distal fringe to lobes. Lobe deposits, therefore, are not simple radial sheet‐dominated systems as commonly envisaged.
Zircon alteration, formation and preservation in sandstones
Authors: HAY DUNCAN C. , DEMPSTER TIM J.
Published: May 2009

Zircon textures, chemistry and microstructures have been characterized in situ within Carboniferous sandstones from the Midland Valley of Scotland using back‐scattered electron and cathodoluminescence images, electron backscatter diffraction techniques and chemical analyses. The study of polished thin sections reveals a variety of zircon types including unmodified detrital zircon, zircon outgrowths and different forms of modified zircon that formed in low‐temperature conditions within the sedimentary rocks. These rocks have only experienced temperatures of <100 °C during burial; however, altered zircon is abundant and characterized by a low mean atomic number, with relatively high contents of non‐formula elements and a nano‐crystalline or microcrystalline structure. It forms by replacement of detrital zircon that subsequently became metamict. Two types of replacement mechanisms are effective in sedimentary environments and involve either dissolution–reprecipitation or solid‐state reaction, but both require fluid access to the radiation‐damaged areas. The former process appears to become the dominant replacement mechanism as temperature increases and produces highly porous, inclusion‐rich zircon. Metamict zircon is extremely reactive in near‐surface conditions and the production of low‐temperature zircon is sensitive to both parent zircon characteristics and environmental conditions. As such, the alteration of zircon has the potential to yield unique information on the diagenetic history of sedimentary rocks. Low‐temperature zircon would be unlikely to survive sedimentary transport or the rock crushing procedures that characterize many investigations of detrital zircon populations and consequently may generate severe biases in studies of this type.
New species of freshwaterUlva,Ulva limnetica(Ulvales, Ulvophyceae) from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Ichihara Kensuke , Arai Shogo , Uchimura Masayuki , Fay Etienne J. , Ebata Hiroki , Hiraoka Masanori , Shimada Satoshi
Published: May 2009

Ulva limneticaIchihara et Shimada, sp. nov. (Ulvales, Ulvophyceae) is described from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, and is characterized by thalli that are: (i) branched, tubular, fragile and wrinkled; (ii) up to 80 cm in height and up to 2 cm in diameter; (iii) light to yellowish green in color; and (iv) having an asexual reproduction by means of quadriflagellate swarmers. Rhizoidal cells bear tubular extensions on the outside of the cell layer in the stipe.Ulva limneticais distinguished from species with similar thalli by chloroplast disposition, branching pattern, number of pyrenoids per cell and gross morphology. It is also distinguished by sequences of the nuclear‐encoded 18S ribosomal RNA gene, internal transcribed spacer 2 region and the plastid‐encoded large subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxgenase gene (rbcL).Ulva limneticawas clustered with otherUlvaspecies in an early diverging lineage within the genus.
Living in Vulcan's forge: Algal adaptation to stressful geothermal ponds on Vulcano Island (southern Italy) as a result of pre‐selective mutations
Authors: López‐Rodas Victoria , Costas Eduardo , Maneiro Emilia , Marvá Fernando , Rouco Mónica , Delgado Antonio , Flores‐Moya Antonio
Published: May 2009

Four species of eukaryotic algae proliferate in the sulfureous, acidic (pH 3.1) water of the largest geothermal pond on Vulcano Island (southern Italy). Consequently, this pond constitutes a natural laboratory for analysis of adaptation by phytoplankters to extremely stressful conditions. To distinguish between the pre‐selective or post‐selective origin of adaptation processes allowing the existence of phytoplankters in the pond, a Luria‐Delbrück fluctuation test was carried out with the chlorophycean Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides and the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, both isolated from non‐extreme waters; natural water from the Vulcano Island pond was used as selective factor. Preselective, resistant D. chlorelloides cells appeared with a frequency of 4.7 × 10−7 per cell per generation. We propose that the micro‐algae inhabiting this stressful pond could be the descendents of chance mutants that arrived in the past or are even arriving at the present. The genetic adaptation of D. chlorelloides to Vulcano waters could help to explain the survival of photosynthesizers in very stressful geothermal waters during the Neoproterozoic ‘snowball Earth’, a period when primary production collapsed in the biosphere. On the other hand, adaptation to these conditions was not observed in M. aeruginosa, suggesting that cyanobacteria may not be able to develop any kind of adaptation to Vulcano pond water.
Phenology ofSirodotia suecica(Batrachospermaceae, Rhodophyta) in a high‐altitude stream in central Mexico
Authors: Carmona Javier , Bojorge‐García Miriam , Beltrán Yenny , Ramírez‐Rodríguez Rocio
Published: May 2009

The morphology and phenology of a monoecious population ofSirodotia suecicaKylin was evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican fifth‐order high‐altitude stream. Abundance of gametophytes is positively correlated with concentrations of total dissolved solids, specific conductivity and total ionic concentration; being present the whole dry season and disappearing in the rainy season. The gametophytes grew in eutrophic circumstances and particular microhabitat conditions: high current velocity (66–122 cm s−1), low irradiance (75–263 µmol photons m−2 s−1) and shallow depth (7–26 cm). Percent cover of gametophytes ranged from 5–90% and significant differences in abundance were not observed when alga was present. Some morphological and reproductive characteristics seem to be adaptations to high current velocity: abundant secondary branches, spermatangia and carpogonia. ‘Chantransia’ stage, microscopic creeping filaments associated with the base of the gametophyte, were not observed in natural conditions. In terms of reproductive success, the population studied can be regarded as highly efficient, considering the high fertilized carpogonia rate, similar to monoecious populations in lotic habitats. HoweverS. suecicawas not common in the study region because it was restricted to particular microhabitat conditions.
Research note: Ecotype differentiation in qualitative content of water soluble organic compounds between marine and brackish Fucus vesiculosus L. (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Gylle A. Maria , Isaksson Dan , Ekelund Nils G.A.
Published: May 2009

In the present study we compared the contents of water soluble organic compounds of the marine intertidal ecotype of Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyceae) from the Norwegian Sea (34 practical salinity units, psu) with the sublittoral ecotype of F. vesiculosus from the brackish Bothnian Sea (5 psu). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra revealed that marine F. vesiculosus had additional types of water soluble organic compounds compared with brackish F. vesiculosus. The results suggested that glycine betaine in the marine ecotype could be the reason for this ecotype differentiation. Furthermore, the qualitative differences between the ecotypes were the same after one week's treatment of marine algae in brackish water and of brackish algae in marine water. These suggest that the additional types of water soluble organic compounds in marine F. vesiculosus are not caused by the salinity conditions at the growth sites. Further research concerning other environmental factors that may influence ecotype differentiation of water soluble organic compounds qualitative content and adaptation in F. vesiculosus is recommended.
Research note: Comparison of growth and nitrate uptake by New England Porphyra species from different tidal elevations in relation to desiccation
Authors: Kim Jang K. , Kraemer George P. , Yarish Charles
Published: May 2009

Desiccation stress can determine the upper distribution limits and may enhance the uptake of nitrate and ammonium of eulittoral algal species. Upper shore species may exhibit greater stimulation of nitrate uptake following desiccation and achieve maximum uptake at higher desiccation levels. The objective of this study was to determine whether Porphyra species from different vertical elevations respond differently to the desiccation stress, in terms of growth and nitrate uptake. A eulittoral species (Porphyra umbilicalis) and a sublittoral species (P. amplissima) were compared in the present study. Samples were exposed to air for 0, 30 min (40 ± 10% water loss) and 2 h (90 ± 5% water loss), after an initial 4 h light period every day. Desiccation was more stressful to the sublittoral species, Porphyra amplissima, than to the eulittoral species, P. umbilicalis. When tissues were exposed for 2 h daily, P. amplissima lost weight over a 24 h day, while the growth rate of P. umbilicalis dropped by only 30% compared with that of continuously submerged blades. Nitrate uptake rate of sublittoral P. amplissima was only 73% (40 ± 10% water loss) and 62% (90 ± 5% water loss) of that of continuously submerged tissue. Nitrate uptake rates of P. umbilicalis were not significantly affected by desiccation. These results suggest that species in the eulittoral zone, which have longer exposure times, have a higher time‐use efficiency than the sublittoral species in terms of nitrate uptake. This indicates a possible correlation between nitrate uptake and observed vertical distribution patterns.