bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of the Parasitic Plant Phelipanche aegyptiaca Infecting Kenaf in Israel
Authors: Lati R. , Aly R. , Eizenberg H. , Lande T.
Published: January 2013

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.; Malvaceae) is an annual fiber crop that has recently been introduced as a niche crop in Israel, and grown mainly at areas with high summer temperatures. It is advantageous in crop rotation in these areas since it can rapidly accumulate biomass under high temperatures when other crops (e.g., tomato, sunflower, corn, and sorghum) cannot be cultivated. Additionally, the fact that it can be irrigated with waste water makes it attractive under these climatic conditions. Broomrapes (Phelipanche and Orobanche spp.) are chlorophyll-lacking obligatory root-parasitic plants that parasitize the root system of many field crops and vegetables (1). Parasitism by P. aegyptiaca has economic impacts on various crops belonging to several botanical families (e.g., Solanaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae). This parasitic weed is common in most agricultural areas in Israel including the coastal plain, Yisre'el Valley, the Jordan Valley, and the Negev Desert. High infection levels by P. aegyptiaca have result in a severe yield losses and quality reduction in these crops. Parasitism of P. aegyptiaca on kenaf was observed in September 2012 in a field located in Bet-Shean Valley (Latitude 32° 30' N; Longitude 35° 30' E; 105 m), with an average density of 0.7 plant/m2, in a total area of 0.3 ha. This crop was planted on May 2012 in plots that were previously affected. Infection did not lead to visible symptoms or damage to kenaf, but allowed seed production by the parasite. In order to verify that kenaf was a host of P. aegyptiaca, 10 samples of kenaf plants infected with P. aegyptiaca were taken to the lab and the root systems of the plant and the parasite were carefully washed. Cross-sections of the connection between kenaf and the parasite were taken and inspected for xylem connections under a compound microscope (BX61, Olympus) equipped with high-resolution digital camera (DP-70, Olympus), under 40× magnification. A clear xylem connection between the weed's tubercles and kenaf roots was observed, confirming the development of functional Phelipanche haustoria. To our knowledge, this is the first report of kenaf as a host for P. aegyptiaca. Kenaf has been reported to induce the germination of O. cernua in India (3). Cotton, another member of the Malvaceae, has also been reported to stimulate seed germination of O. minor (4) and P. aegyptiaca (2). However, to the best of our knowledge, this finding reports the first occurrence of a Malvaceae crop as a host for P. aegyptiaca.

References: (1) H. Eizenberg et al. Weed Sci. 55:152, 2007. (2) M. Ghotbi et al. Int. J. Agri. Sci. 2:62, 2012. (3) G. V. G. Krishnamurthy et al. Indian J. Weed Sci. 9:95, 1977. (4) Y. Ma et al. Agron. J. 104:569, 2012.
First Report of Banana mild mosaic virus Infecting Plantain in Ivory Coast
Authors: Kouadio K. T. , Agneroh T. A. , De Clerck C. , Lepoivre P. , Jijakli M. H.
Published: January 2013

Plantain (Musa sp., genomic group AAB) is an important crop for millions of the world's poorest people. In Ivory Coast, it is the second most consumed food and an important source of income for farmers. Between 2010 and 2011, a survey for viruses infecting plantain (AAB) was conducted in 10 major plantain-growing regions located in eastern (Abengourou), middle-western (Bouaflé, Daloa, Issia, Oumé, Sinfra, Zuenoula), central (Yamoussoukro), and southern (Aboisso, Gagnoa) Ivory Coast. Leaf samples showing yellow streaks or mild chlorotic streaks were collected and dried on CaCl2 for storage. A representative sample from each location was selected and tested for the presence of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, genus Cucumovirus), Banana streak virus (BSV, genus Badnavirus), Banana mild mosaic virus (BanMMV, family Flexiviridae), and Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV, genus Potyvirus). Immunocapture (IC)-PCR was used for the detection of BSV while reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used for the detection of CMV, BanMMV, and BBrMV. The following primers sets were used: BSV cl1 and BSV cl2 (1), CMV 3′ and CMV 5′ (3), BanMMV BanCP1 and BanCP2 (4), BBrMV Bract N2 and Bract NR (2). BanMMV was detected as mixed infections with BSV in the 10 tested samples, one of which also contained CMV. To confirm the identity of the amplification products from the BanMMV primers, one cDNA fragment was directly sequenced in the forward direction (Macrogen Inc., Seoul, South Korea). BLAST search in GenBank revealed that the partial coat protein (CP) sequence of the Ivorian isolate shared 80 to 88% nucleotides and 81 to 92% deduced amino acid similarities with BanMMV isolates. In contrast, partial CP sequence of the Ivorian isolate had less than 40% deduced amino acid sequence identity with other Flexiviridae CP sequence. The partial CP sequence of the Ivorian BanMMV isolate was deposited in GenBank under Accession No. JX014304. To further confirm the identification, all the samples were tested by plate trapped antigen (PTA)-ELISA with rabbit polyclonal antiserum specific to BanMMV (obtained from B. E. Lockhart, University of Minnesota, U.S.A.) and anti-rabbit IgG (Sigma-Aldrich, Belgium/A3687). The 10 samples reacted positive for BanMMV by ELISA. CMV and BSV have been reported in Ivory Coast, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of BanMMV in the country. The detection of BanMMV in association with BSV or CMV in mixed infection in 10 locations which are important plantain growing areas is a first step in the evaluation of the impact of virus diseases on plantain production in this country.

References: (1) S. Dallot et al. Arch. Virol. 146:2182, 2001. (2) M.-L. Iskra-Caruana et al. J. Virol. Methods 153:224, 2008. (3) M. Sharman et al. J. Virol. Methods 89:77, 2000. (4) P.-Y. Teycheney et al. J. Gen. Virol. 86:3181, 2005.
First Report of the Occurrence and Resistance to Mefenoxam of Peronospora belbahrii, Causal Agent of Downy Mildew of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) in Israel
Authors: Cohen Y. , Vaknin M. , Ben-Naim Y. , Rubin A. E. , Galperin M. , Silverman D. , Bitton S. , Adler U.
Published: January 2013

Downy mildew in basil was first reported from Uganda in 1933 (4). In 2004, it was reported from Italy (3) and, thereafter, from other countries around the world. In Israel, the disease was first observed in November 2011 in two greenhouses located in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. Within a month, second and third outbreaks of the disease occurred simultaneously near the southwest and southeast borders of Israel, 250 km from the initial disease outbreak. By the summer of 2012, the disease had appeared throughout the country, causing major economic damage. The causal agent, identified as Peronospora belbahrii (see below), produced chlorotic lesions on leaf blades with sporangia developing on the lower leaf surfaces. Lesions gradually turn necrotic, and infected leaves abscised. Sporangia were dark purple, oval, 30.4 ± 2.9 μm long × 21.4 ± 1.7 μm wide. Sporangiophores emerged from stomatal openings in a saturated atmosphere, were hyaline, 400 to 600 μm long, dichotomously branched, with three to five branches per sporangiophore, and bore a single sporangium on each branchlet tip. Oospores, seldom seen, were brown, round, and 46.2 ± 2.8 μm in diameter. Sporangia germinated directly, each producing a single germ tube that penetrated the periclinal wall of epidermal cells. PCR assays using sporangia and infected leaves as the template, and specific BAZ primers (1), produced a 134-bp band typical of P. belbahrii (1,2). Twenty isolates, collected from 12 locations in Israel from December 2011 to September 2012, were all sensitive to mefenoxam as the isolates did not cause symptoms on 15-leaf, potted basil plants (cv. Peri, Volcani Center, Israel) that were sprayed with 10 μg mefenoxam/ml (Ridomil Gold 48%, Syngenta, Basel, Switzerland) prior to inoculation. However, one isolate collected in early October 2012 from a severely infected plant in a greenhouse at Rehov in Bet-Shaan Valley, in which the plants had been treated with mefenoxam, was resistant to mefenoxan, showing abundant sporulation on leaves of potted basil plants that had been sprayed with 1,000 μg of mefenoxam/ml prior to inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of downy mildew in basil in Israel. This is also the first global report of resistance to mefenoxam in P. belbahrii.

References: (1) L. Belbahri et al. Mycol. Res. 109:1276, 2005. (2) R. Djalali et al. Mycol. Progress 11:961, 2012. (3) A. Garibaldi et al., Plant Dis. 89:683, 2004. (4) C. G. Hansford. Rev. Appl. Mycol. 12:421, 1933.
Comparison of Equivolume, Equiosmolar Solutions of Mannitol and Hypertonic Saline with or without Furosemide on Brain Water Content in Normal Rats
Authors: Wang Liang Chao , Papangelou Alexander , Lin Christopher , Mirski Marek A. , Gottschalk Allan , Toung Thomas J. K.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Mannitol and hypertonic saline (HS) are used by clinicians to reduce brain water and intracranial pressure and have been evaluated in a variety of experimental and clinical protocols. Administering equivolume, equiosmolar solutions in healthy animals could help produce fundamental data on water translocation in uninjured tissue. Furthermore, the role of furosemide as an adjunct to osmotherapy remains unclear.

Methods:

Two hundred twenty isoflurane-anesthetized rats were assigned randomly to receive equivolume normal saline, 4.2% HS (1,368 mOsm/L 25% mannitol (1,375 mOsm/L), normal saline plus furosemide (8 mg/kg), or 4.2% HS plus furosemide (8 mg/kg) over 45 min. Rats were killed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 h after completion of the primary infusion. Outcome measurements included body weight; urinary output; serum and urinary osmolarity and electrolytes; and brain, lung, skeletal muscle, and small bowel water content.

Results:

In the mannitol group, the mean water content of brain tissue during the experiment was 78.0% (99.3% CI, 77.9–78.2%), compared to results from the normal saline (79.3% [99.3% CI, 79.1–79.5%]) and HS (78.8% [99.3% CI, 78.6–78.9%]) groups (P < 0.001), whereas HS plus furosemide yielded 78.0% (99.3% CI, 77.8–78.2%) (P = 0.917). After reaching a nadir at 1 h, brain water content increased at similar rates for mannitol (0.27%/h [99.3% CI, 0.14–0.40%/h]) and HS (0.27%/h [99.3% CI, 0.17–0.37%/h]) groups (P = 0.968).

Conclusions:

When compared to equivolume, equiosmolar administration of HS, mannitol reduced brain water content to a greater extent over the entire course of the 5-h experiment. When furosemide was added to HS, the brain-dehydrating effect could not be distinguished from that of mannitol.
Magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone)/iron-doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposite substrates for advanced bone tissue engineering
Authors: Gloria A. , Russo T. , D'Amora U. , Zeppetelli S. , D'Alessandro T. , Sandri M. , Bañobre-López M. , Piñeiro-Redondo Y. , Uhlarz M. , Tampieri A. , Rivas J. , Herrmannsdörfer T. , Dediu V. A. , Ambrosio L. , De Santis R.
Published: January 2013

In biomedicine, magnetic nanoparticles provide some attractive possibilities because they possess peculiar physical properties that permit their use in a wide range of applications. The concept of magnetic guidance basically spans from drug delivery and hyperthermia treatment of tumours, to tissue engineering, such as magneto-mechanical stimulation/activation of cell constructs and mechanosensitive ion channels, magnetic cell-seeding procedures, and controlled cell proliferation and differentiation. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop fully biodegradable and magnetic nanocomposite substrates for bone tissue engineering by embedding iron-doped hydroxyapatite (FeHA) nanoparticles in a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix. X-ray diffraction analyses enabled the demonstration that the phase composition and crystallinity of the magnetic FeHA were not affected by the process used to develop the nanocomposite substrates. The mechanical characterization performed through small punch tests has evidenced that inclusion of 10 per cent by weight of FeHA would represent an effective reinforcement. The inclusion of nanoparticles also improves the hydrophilicity of the substrates as evidenced by the lower values of water contact angle in comparison with those of neat PCL. The results from magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic character of the nanocomposite substrates, indicated by a very low coercive field, a saturation magnetization strictly proportional to the FeHA content and a strong history dependence in temperature sweeps. Regarding the biological performances, confocal laser scanning microscopy and AlamarBlue assay have provided qualitative and quantitative information on human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and viability/proliferation, respectively, whereas the obtained ALP/DNA values have shown the ability of the nanocomposite substrates to support osteogenic differentiation.
An aeroelastic instability provides a possible basis for the transition from gliding to flapping flight
Authors: Curet Oscar M. , Swartz Sharon M. , Breuer Kenneth S.
Published: January 2013

The morphology, kinematics and stiffness properties of lifting surfaces play a key role in the aerodynamic performance of vertebrate flight. These surfaces, as a result of their flexible nature, may move both actively, owing to muscle contraction, and passively, in reaction to fluid forces. However, the nature and implications of this fluid–structure interaction are not well understood. Here, we study passive flight (flight with no active wing actuation) and explore a physical mechanism that leads to the emergence of a natural flapping motion. We model a vertebrate wing with a compliant shoulder and the ability to camber with an idealized physical model consisting of a cantilevered flat plate with a hinged trailing flap. We find that at low wind speed the wing is stationary, but at a critical speed the wing spontaneously flaps. The lift coefficient is significantly enhanced once the wing starts to oscillate, although this increase in lift generation is accompanied by an increase in drag. Flow visualization suggests that a strong leading edge vortex attached to the wing during downstroke is the primary mechanism responsible for the enhanced lift. The flapping instability we observe suggests a possible scenario for an evolutionary transition from gliding to powered flapping flight in animals that possess compliant wings capable of passive camber. Although the flapping state is accompanied by a lower lift-to-drag ratio, the increased lifting capability it confers might have enabled increased body mass, improved foraging performance and/or flight at lower speeds, any of which might have been selectively advantageous.
Evolutionary dynamics of group interactions on structured populations: a review
Authors: Perc Matjaž , Gómez-Gardeñes Jesús , Szolnoki Attila , Floría Luis M. , Moreno Yamir
Published: January 2013

Interactions among living organisms, from bacteria colonies to human societies, are inherently more complex than interactions among particles and non-living matter. Group interactions are a particularly important and widespread class, representative of which is the public goods game. In addition, methods of statistical physics have proved valuable for studying pattern formation, equilibrium selection and self-organization in evolutionary games. Here, we review recent advances in the study of evolutionary dynamics of group interactions on top of structured populations, including lattices, complex networks and coevolutionary models. We also compare these results with those obtained on well-mixed populations. The review particularly highlights that the study of the dynamics of group interactions, like several other important equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamical processes in biological, economical and social sciences, benefits from the synergy between statistical physics, network science and evolutionary game theory.
Plant–herbivore–decomposer stoichiometric mismatches and nutrient cycling in ecosystems
Authors: Cherif Mehdi , Loreau Michel
Published: January 2013

Plant stoichiometry is thought to have a major influence on how herbivores affect nutrient availability in ecosystems. Most conceptual models predict that plants with high nutrient contents increase nutrient excretion by herbivores, in turn raising nutrient availability. To test this hypothesis, we built a stoichiometrically explicit model that includes a simple but thorough description of the processes of herbivory and decomposition. Our results challenge traditional views of herbivore impacts on nutrient availability in many ways. They show that the relationship between plant nutrient content and the impact of herbivores predicted by conceptual models holds only at high plant nutrient contents. At low plant nutrient contents, the impact of herbivores is mediated by the mineralization/immobilization of nutrients by decomposers and by the type of resource limiting the growth of decomposers. Both parameters are functions of the mismatch between plant and decomposer stoichiometries. Our work provides new predictions about the impacts of herbivores on ecosystem fertility that depend on critical interactions between plant, herbivore and decomposer stoichiometries in ecosystems.
Alarming features: birds use specific acoustic properties to identify heterospecific alarm calls
Authors: Fallow Pamela M. , Pitcher Benjamin J. , Magrath Robert D.
Published: January 2013

Vertebrates that eavesdrop on heterospecific alarm calls must distinguish alarms from sounds that can safely be ignored, but the mechanisms for identifying heterospecific alarm calls are poorly understood. While vertebrates learn to identify heterospecific alarms through experience, some can also respond to unfamiliar alarm calls that are acoustically similar to conspecific alarm calls. We used synthetic calls to test the role of specific acoustic properties in alarm call identification by superb fairy-wrens,
Malurus cyaneus
. Individuals fled more often in response to synthetic calls with peak frequencies closer to those of conspecific calls, even if other acoustic features were dissimilar to that of fairy-wren calls. Further, they then spent more time in cover following calls that had both peak frequencies and frequency modulation rates closer to natural fairy-wren means. Thus, fairy-wrens use similarity in specific acoustic properties to identify alarms and adjust a two-stage antipredator response. Our study reveals how birds respond to heterospecific alarm calls without experience, and, together with previous work using playback of natural calls, shows that both acoustic similarity and learning are important for interspecific eavesdropping. More generally, this study reconciles contrasting views on the importance of alarm signal structure and learning in recognition of heterospecific alarms.
Bird song and anthropogenic noise: vocal constraints may explain why birds sing higher-frequency songs in cities
Authors: Nemeth Erwin , Pieretti Nadia , Zollinger Sue Anne , Geberzahn Nicole , Partecke Jesko , Miranda Ana Catarina , Brumm Henrik
Published: January 2013

When animals live in cities, they have to adjust their behaviour and life histories to novel environments. Noise pollution puts a severe constraint on vocal communication by interfering with the detection of acoustic signals. Recent studies show that city birds sing higher-frequency songs than their conspecifics in non-urban habitats. This has been interpreted as an adaptation to counteract masking by traffic noise. However, this notion is debated, for the observed frequency shifts seem to be less efficient at mitigating noise than singing louder, and it has been suggested that city birds might use particularly high-frequency song elements because they can be produced at higher amplitudes. Here, we present the first phonetogram for a songbird, which shows that frequency and amplitude are strongly positively correlated in the common blackbird (
Turdus merula
), a successful urban colonizer. Moreover, city blackbirds preferentially sang higher-frequency elements that can be produced at higher intensities and, at the same time, happen to be less masked in low-frequency traffic noise.
RNA-seq–based mapping and candidate identification of mutations from forward genetic screens
Authors: Miller Adam C. , Obholzer Nikolaus D. , Shah Arish N. , Megason Sean G. , Moens Cecilia B.
Published: January 2013

Forward genetic screens have elucidated molecular pathways required for innumerable aspects of life; however, identifying the causal mutations from such screens has long been the bottleneck in the process, particularly in vertebrates. We have developed an RNA-seq–based approach that identifies both the region of the genome linked to a mutation and candidate lesions that may be causal for the phenotype of interest. We show that our method successfully identifies zebrafish mutations that cause nonsense or missense changes to codons, alter transcript splicing, or alter gene expression levels. Furthermore, we develop an easily accessible bioinformatics pipeline allowing for implementation of all steps of the method. Overall, we show that RNA-seq is a fast, reliable, and cost-effective method to map and identify mutations that will greatly facilitate the power of forward genetics in vertebrate models.
A genomic portrait of the emergence, evolution, and global spread of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pandemic
Authors: Holden Matthew T.G. , Hsu Li-Yang , Kurt Kevin , Weinert Lucy A. , Mather Alison E. , Harris Simon R. , Strommenger Birgit , Layer Franziska , Witte Wolfgang , de Lencastre Herminia , Skov Robert , Westh Henrik , Žemličková Helena , Coombs Geoffrey , Kearns Angela M. , Hill Robert L.R. , Edgeworth Jonathan , Gould Ian , Gant Vanya , Cooke Jonathan , Edwards Giles F. , McAdam Paul R. , Templeton Kate E. , McCann Angela , Zhou Zhemin , Castillo-Ramírez Santiago , Feil Edward J. , Hudson Lyndsey O. , Enright Mark C. , Balloux Francois , Aanensen David M. , Spratt Brian G. , Fitzgerald J. Ross , Parkhill Julian , Achtman Mark , Bentley Stephen D. , Nübel Ulrich
Published: January 2013

The widespread use of antibiotics in association with high-density clinical care has driven the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria that are adapted to thrive in hospitalized patients. Of particular concern are globally disseminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones that cause outbreaks and epidemics associated with health care. The most rapidly spreading and tenacious health-care-associated clone in Europe currently is EMRSA-15, which was first detected in the UK in the early 1990s and subsequently spread throughout Europe and beyond. Using phylogenomic methods to analyze the genome sequences for 193 S. aureus isolates, we were able to show that the current pandemic population of EMRSA-15 descends from a health-care-associated MRSA epidemic that spread throughout England in the 1980s, which had itself previously emerged from a primarily community-associated methicillin-sensitive population. The emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in this EMRSA-15 subclone in the English Midlands during the mid-1980s appears to have played a key role in triggering pandemic spread, and occurred shortly after the first clinical trials of this drug. Genome-based coalescence analysis estimated that the population of this subclone over the last 20 yr has grown four times faster than its progenitor. Using comparative genomic analysis we identified the molecular genetic basis of 99.8% of the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of the isolates, highlighting the potential of pathogen genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool. We document the genetic changes associated with adaptation to the hospital environment and with increasing drug resistance over time, and how MRSA evolution likely has been influenced by country-specific drug use regimens.
A new Seismic Wave Attenuation Module to experimentally measure low‐frequency attenuation in extensional mode
Authors: Madonna Claudio , Tisato Nicola
Published: January 2013

A Seismic Wave Attenuation Module is developed to experimentally measure the attenuation in extensional‐mode QE−1 and the Young's modulus of copper jacketed, 60 mm long and 25.4 mm in diameter samples in a gas medium (Paterson) rig. The new module is suitable for natural rock samples and was tested under confining pressure up to 50 MPa and room temperature. The module is designed to operate at a strain < 10−6, for which rocks behave linearly. To calculate attenuation, both the applied force and the bulk shortening of the sample are measured employing linear variable differential transformers. This technique allows measuring samples with a high degree of heterogeneity. Attenuation at low‐seismic frequencies (10−2–102 Hz) is obtained for rocks at dry and various saturation conditions. We present a series of measurements on Berea sandstone in a room‐dry condition and saturated with different fluids: water and glycerine solutions with viscosities of 10 cP and 22 cP, respectively, at a confining pressure of 10 MPa and with a pore pressure of 1 MPa. The accuracy of the attenuation data expressed as a phase shift is 0.0019 rad.
The proteolytic activity of selected lactic acid bacteria in fermenting cow's and camel's milk and the resultant sensory characteristics of the products
Authors: Moslehishad Maryam , Mirdamadi Saeed , Ehsani Mohamad Reza , Ezzatpanah Hamid , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the proteolytic activities of 14 strains of lactic acid bacteria and their impact on sensory characteristics of the resultant fermented cow and camel milk. The results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus PTCC 1637 and Lactobacillus fermentum PTCC 1638 had high protease activity and high mean values for sensory quality in fermented cow's and camel's milk. Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1058 revealed high protease activity and sensory scores in camel milk. Consequently, milk fermentation using such strains might be recommended for the development of dairy products containing bioactive peptides.
Sensitivity and specificity of PS/AA‐modified nanoparticles used in malaria detection
Authors: Thiramanas Raweewan , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart , Asawapirom Udom , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan , Polpanich Duangporn
Published: January 2013

Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticle (NP) copolymerized with acrylic acid (AA) and coloured monomer, i.e. 2,3,6,7‐tetra(2,2′‐bithiophene)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic‐N,N′‐di(2‐methylallyl)‐bisimide (ALN8T), was synthesized via the miniemulsion polymerization. Before applying for malaria antigen detection, the blue NP was conjugated with human polyclonal malaria IgG antibody (Ab) specific to Plasmodium falciparum. For the conjugation, three methods, i.e. physical adsorption, covalent coupling and affinity binding via streptavidin (SA) and biotin interaction, were employed. The optimum ratio of Ab to NPs used in each immobilization procedure and the latex agglutination test based on the reaction between Ab conjugated NPs and malaria patient plasma were investigated. All Ab–latex conjugates provided the high sensitivity for the detection of P. falciparum malaria plasma. The highest specificity to P. falciparum was obtained from using Ab–NPs conjugated via the SA–biotin interaction.
Transcriptional control of the F0F1‐ATP synthase operon of Corynebacterium glutamicum: SigmaH factor binds to its promoter and regulates its expression at different pH values
Authors: Barriuso‐Iglesias Mónica , Barreiro Carlos , Sola‐Landa Alberto , Martín Juan F.
Published: January 2013

Corynebacterium glutamicum used in the amino acid fermentation industries is an alkaliphilic microorganism. Its F0F1‐ATPase operon (atpBEFHAGDC) is expressed optimally at pH 9.0 forming a polycistronic (7.5 kb) and a monocistronic (1.2 kb) transcripts both starting upstream of the atpB gene. Expression of this operon is controlled by the SigmaH factor. The sigmaH gene (sigH) was cloned and shown to be co‐transcribed with a small gene, cg0877, encoding a putative anti‐sigma factor. A mutant deleted in the sigH gene expressed the atpBEFHAGDC operon optimally at pH 7.0 at difference of the wild‐type strain (optimal expression at pH 9.0). These results suggested that the SigmaH factor is involved in pH control of expression of the F0F1 ATPase operon. The SigmaH protein was expressed in Escherichia coli fused to the GST (glutathione‐S‐transferase) and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on a GSTrap HP column. The fused protein was identified by immunodetection with anti‐GST antibodies. DNA‐binding studies by electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the SigH protein binds to a region of the atpB promoter containing the sigmaH recognition sequence (−35)TTGGAT…18nt…GTTA(−10). SigmaH plays an important role in the cascade of control of pH stress in Corynebacterium.
Efficacy of US Legislation in Military Acquisition Programmes: Nunn–McCurdy Act Unveiled
Authors: Ritschel Jonathan D.
Published: January 2013

This study analyses the impact of regulatory legislation, specifically the Nunn–McCurdy Act, by the United States Congress on major military acquisition programmes. Nunn–McCurdy's stated objective is to curtail cost growth in weapon system acquisitions. To achieve this end, the legislation threatens cancellation of military acquisition programmes that breach specified cost growth thresholds. This effort collects and analyses a unique data set spanning the lifetime of the Nunn–McCurdy legislation to reveal the threat of termination is rarely enforced. Secondary effects, in the form of programme restructuring are found to be prevalent, but not in those areas that most adversely affect the programme. Thus, Nunn–McCurdy does not provide a strong incentive for acquisition programmes to change processes or procedures. As a result, the legislation is ineffectual in achieving its objective, and cost growth in major US military acquisition programmes remains problematic.
Mobile Phone‐Based Audience Response System and Student Engagement in Large‐Group Teaching
Authors: Jain Ameeta , Farley Alan
Published: January 2013

Engaging students in large classes is a challenge at the best of times. Teachers are increasingly seeking the help of new technology to keep the attention of their technologically savvy students. VotApedia, a free cell phone‐based audience response system, is one such technology. This research aims to assess economics students' perceptions of use of VotApedia in helping to achieve deeper learning; to map importance of use of audience response technology for students in promoting engagement and to assess the promotion of a positive and active environment in lectures by use of VotApedia in an Australian University. Using the framework of activity theory, it argues that technologies such as VotApedia use positive feedback loops to facilitate improved student engagement and learning.
Spatial Decay of Corruption in Africa and The Middle East
Authors: Das Jayoti , DiRienzo Cassandra E.
Published: January 2013

This study contributes to a small, but growing stream of literature exploring the contagious nature of corruption by examining the rate at which the correlation between countries' corruption measures decays as the geographical distance between country capital cities increases. Focusing on countries in Africa and the Middle East and using historical data from Transparency International to measure perceived levels of country corruption and the great circle distance (in miles) between country capitals, the results of this analysis indicate that corruption is contagious and can spread beyond its neighbour's borders. The rate at which corrupt practices are adopted decays as the distance between the countries' capitals increases and the first order conditions suggest that corrupt practices can spread and impact practices beyond 2700 miles. The results also suggest that reducing corruption within a nation's borders can be viewed as a positive externality as reductions in corruption levels can spillover to other countries and help to lower corruption within a larger geographical region.
Acute Ethanol Reduces Reversal Cost in Discrimination Learning by Reducing Perseverance in Adolescent Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Wright Jr M. Jerry , Glavis‐Bloom Courtney , Taffe Michael A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Acute alcohol exposure produces cognitive deficits in adults but less is known about the acute cognitive effects of alcohol in adolescents. The cognitive impact of acute alcohol exposure includes deficits in discrimination and reversal learning, but traditional experimental approaches make it difficult to distinguish the effect of alcohol on discrimination learning from the effect of alcohol on reversal learning. Young rhesus macaques can be used to model some aspects of human adolescence because of their anatomical, neurophysiological, and cognitive similarities with humans.

Methods

Adolescent male rhesus monkeys (n = 10) were trained to respond to visual stimuli on touch‐sensitive LCD panels controlled by the nonhuman primate version of CANTAB software. Discrimination and reversal learning tasks were subsequently assessed after monkeys were allowed to consume varying amounts of ethanol (EtOH) in a flavored vehicle (vehicle only, up to 0.5 g/kg EtOH, up to 1.0 g/kg EtOH, and up to 1.5 g/kg EtOH).

Results

Acute exposure to EtOH reduced perseverance, increased response accuracy, and reduced errors during reversal learning when the task was completed within 90 minutes of EtOH consumption. No reduction in reversal errors was observed when EtOH was consumed 3 or 24 hours prior to reversal learning. EtOH only impaired discrimination learning when monkeys had very little previous EtOH exposure.

Conclusions

The temporal relationship between EtOH consumption and reversal learning was consistent with selective EtOH‐induced impairment of retrieval, but not storage, processes. This was evidenced by diminished perseverance on the previously correct stimulus leading to decreased errors to criterion.
Similar Ethanol Drinking in Adolescent and Adult C57BL/6J Mice After Chronic Ethanol Exposure and Withdrawal
Authors: Carrara‐Nascimento Priscila F. , Lopez Marcelo F. , Becker Howard C. , Olive M. Foster , Camarini Rosana
Published: January 2013

Background

Increasing evidence shows that excessive alcohol consumption during adolescence increases vulnerability to alcohol use disorders in adulthood. The aim of this study was to examine differences between adolescent and adult C57BL/6J mice in drinking behavior and blood ethanol (EtOH) concentrations (BECs) after chronic EtOH exposure and withdrawal.

Methods

Male adolescent (PND = 28 to 30) and adult (PND = 70) C57BL/6J mice were allowed to consume EtOH in a 2‐bottle choice paradigm (15% EtOH vs. water) for 3 weeks (Baseline drinking, Test 1, and Test 2), which were interspersed with 2 cycles (Cycles I and II) of chronic EtOH vapor or air inhalation (16 hours) and withdrawal (8 hours). BECs were determined during both cycles.

Results

Chronic EtOH exposure led to increased EtOH intake during Test 1 and Test 2 in both adolescent and adult mice compared with air‐exposed controls, and no differences between age groups were observed. During Cycle I adult mice showed higher BECs compared with adolescents. During Cycle II, BECs were lower in adult mice as compared to Cycle I, and BECs in adolescent mice did not change between the 2 cycles.

Conclusions

Chronic EtOH exposure followed by withdrawal periods increases EtOH consumption similarly in both adolescent and adult mice, despite differences in BECs.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Relationship Between Mastery and Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Kiecolt K. Jill , Aggen Steven H. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: January 2013

Background

Sense of mastery, a personal resource, is likely to have an inverse association with alcohol dependence. Previous evidence, however, is sparse. In addition, the extent to which an association is due to genetic or environmental factors is unknown.

Methods

Data were from 3,983 male twins and 2,630 female twins who had ever used alcohol, interviewed in the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. Mastery was measured by a 6‐item scale. Lifetime diagnosis of alcohol dependence was based on DSM‐IV criteria assessed in a structured diagnostic interview. Univariate analyses modeled the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to mastery and alcohol dependence using Mx software. Bivariate Cholesky models were fit to the mastery and alcohol dependence raw data.

Results

In the best‐fitting model of mastery, genetic factors accounted for about 33% of the observed variance. Nonshared environmental factors, including random measurement error, accounted for the remaining 67%. Fifty‐six percent of the variance in liability to alcohol dependence was genetic, and the other 44% was explained by the nonshared environment. The phenotypic polychoric correlation between mastery and alcohol dependence of −0.18 was primarily (67% in the best‐fitting model) explained by genes common to both low mastery and alcohol dependence; the rest was explained by nonshared environmental factors.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that genetic risk for alcohol dependence overlaps with genetic factors that influence sense of mastery. Key challenges for future research are to identify the genes that influence mastery and alcohol dependence, as well as the environmental pathways by which they come to be linked.
Water and growth in an agricultural economy
Authors: Chaudhry Anita M. , Barbier Edward B.
Published: January 2013

We present a model of economic growth of an agricultural household that is faced with an exogenous water availability constraint. We examine the long‐run investment and consumption choices under two scenarios: (i) when the water availability constraint is binding and (ii) when it is not binding. We then compare the two scenarios to derive conditional convergence hypotheses regarding the impact of water availability on long‐run agricultural growth. Panel data from Wyoming are used to test these conditional convergence hypotheses. We find that Wyoming counties exhibit strong conditional convergence in agricultural growth. Our theoretical and empirical results demonstrate that water availability is not a determinant but can be a constraint on long‐run agricultural growth. Higher water use leads to higher growth in agricultural yield per capita but when water rights constrain water use in a county, as we found in southeastern Wyoming, there are significant losses in agricultural growth.
Parents' experiences of information and communication in the neonatal unit about brain imaging and neurological prognosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Harvey Merryl E , Nongena Phumza , Gonzalez‐Cinca Nuria , Edwards A David , Redshaw Maggie E. ,   ePRIME Research Team
Published: January 2013

Aim

To explore parental information and communication needs during their baby's care in the neonatal unit with a focus on brain imaging and neurological prognosis.

Methods

Eighteen parents recruited from one neonatal unit in the United Kingdom participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews using a grounded theory approach. The topic guide focused on information received about neonatal brain imaging, diagnosis and prognosis, emotional impact and support.

Results

Parents expressed different information needs influenced by their history, expectations, coping strategies and experiences. Most felt they initially were passive recipients of information and attempted to gain control of the information flow. Nurses were the main providers of information; doctors and other parents were also valuable. Attending ward rounds was important. Some parents felt accessing specific information such as the results of brain imaging could be difficult. Concerns about long‐term developmental outcomes and the need for information did not diminish over time. The emotional impact of having a preterm baby had a negative effect on parents' ability to retain information, and all had an ongoing need for reassurance.

Conclusion

The findings provide insights about the needs and experiences of parents who have a continuing requirement for information about their infant's care, development and prognosis.
Racialisation of Immigrants at Work: Labour Mobility and Segmentation of Peruvian Migrants in Chile
Authors: MORA CLAUDIA , UNDURRAGA EDUARDO A.
Published: January 2013

This article explores the emergent racialisation of Peruvian migrants as one element conditioning the labour segregation that characterises Peruvian insertion in Chile. We understand racialisation as a process of construction of categories in which both individual and collective actors participate, and whose expression is demonstrated by the differentiation and inequality that affects the racialised group. We tackle the articulation of racial differences among individual actors, both Chilean employers and Peruvian migrant workers, to suggest that the attribution of naturalised characteristics to migrants is related to segregation, mobility, and specific trajectories in the labour market.
Effects of hydrogen sulphide on motility patterns in the rat colon
Authors: Gil V , Parsons SP , Gallego D , Huizinga JD , Jimenez M
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous signalling molecule with putative functions in gastrointestinal motility regulation. Characterization of H2S effects on colonic motility is crucial to establish its potential use as therapeutic agent in the treatment of colonic disorders.

Experimental Approach

H2S effects on colonic motility were characterized using video recordings and construction of spatio‐temporal maps. Microelectrode and muscle bath studies were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying H2S effects. NaHS was used as the source of H2S.

Key Results

Rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) and ripples were observed in colonic spatio‐temporal maps. Serosal addition of NaHS concentration‐dependently inhibited RPMCs. In contrast, NaHS increased amplitude of the ripples without changing their frequency. Therefore, ripples became the predominant motor pattern. Neuronal blockade with lidocaine inhibited RPMCs, which were restored after administration of carbachol. Subsequent addition of NaHS inhibited RPMCs. Luminal addition of NaHS did not modify motility patterns. NaHS inhibited cholinergic excitatory junction potentials, carbachol‐induced contractions and hyperpolarized smooth muscle cells, but did not modify slow wave activity.

Conclusions and Implications

H2S modulated colonic motility inhibiting propulsive contractile activity and enhancing the amplitude of ripples, promoting mixing. Muscle hyperpolarization and inhibition of neurally mediated cholinergic responses contributed to the inhibitory effect on propulsive activity. H2S effects were not related to changes in the frequency of slow wave activity originating in the network of interstitial cells of Cajal located near the submuscular plexus. Luminal H2S did not modify colonic motility probably because of epithelial detoxification.
Cancer‐associated fibroblast and M2 macrophage markers together predict outcome in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Herrera Mercedes , Herrera Alberto , Domínguez Gemma , Silva Javier , García Vanesa , García José M. , Gómez Irene , Soldevilla Beatriz , Muñoz Concepción , Provencio Mariano , Campos‐Martin Yolanda , García de Herreros Antonio , Casal Ignacio , Bonilla Félix , Peña Cristina
Published: January 2013

Tumor epithelial cells within a tumor coexist with a complex microenvironment in which a variety of interactions between its various components determine the behavior of the primary tumors. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) and M2 macrophages, characterized by high expression of different markers, including α‐SMA, FSP1 and FAP, or CD163 and DCSIGN, respectively, are involved in the malignancy of different tumors. In the present study, expression of the above markers in CAF and M2 macrophages was analyzed using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry in the normal mucosa and tumor tissue from a cohort of 289 colorectal cancer patients. Expression of CAF and M2 markers is associated with the clinical outcome of colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, the combination of CAF and M2 markers identifies three groups of patients with clear differences in the progression of the disease. This combined variable could be a decisive factor in the survival of advanced‐stage patients. Taken together, these analyses demonstrate the prognostic involvement of interrelationships between DCSIGN, CD163, α‐SMA, FSP1 and FAP markers in the survival of colon cancer patients.
Second‐line cetuximab/irinotecan versus oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidines for metastatic colorectal cancer with wild‐type KRAS
Authors: Hong Yong Sang , Kim Hwa Jung , Park Seong Joon , Kim Kyu‐Pyo , Lee Jae‐Lyun , Park Jin Hong , Kim Jong Hoon , Lim Seok‐Byung , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon , Baek Ji Yeon , Kim Sun Young , Kim Tae Won
Published: January 2013

The goal of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of cetuximab and irinotecan to the combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidines as second‐line chemotherapy in patients with irinotecan‐refractory and oxaliplatin‐naïve metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring wild‐type KRAS. The study included 120 patients with mCRC who had progressed after irinotecan‐containing first‐line chemotherapy and were never treated with oxaliplatin; 40 patients with wild‐type KRAS were accrued prospectively in the experimental arm (arm A), and 80 patients accrued retrospectively were divided into control arms B (n = 46) and C (n = 34) according to KRAS genotype. Second‐line treatments consisted of cetuximab plus irinotecan for arm A, and oxaliplatin plus either 5‐fluorouracil (FOLFOX) or capecitabine (CapeOX) for the control arms. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8.3, 5.8 and 3.9 months, for arms A, B and C, respectively, with statistical significance favoring arm A (P = 0.007). Differences in overall survival did not reach statistical significance (18.3 vs 12.6 vs 12.9, P = 0.138), although there was a trend toward longer overall survival in arm A. In terms of benefit from oxaliplatin‐containing regimens either as second‐line or third‐line therapy, the median PFS was 5.0 months in arms B and C as second‐line therapy, and 4.0 months in arm A as third‐line therapy, with no statistical significance (P = 0.385). Second‐line cetuximab plus irinotecan is a valid treatment strategy for mCRC patients with irinotecan‐refractory and oxaliplatin‐naïve tumors harboring wild‐type KRAS. Oxaliplatin‐containing chemotherapy resulted in equivalent PFS both as a second‐line and a third‐line therapy, enabling delay of the administration of FOLFOX and CapeOX until subsequent treatment cycles.