bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitin-binding proteins of Artemia diapause cysts participate in formation of the embryonic cuticle layer of cyst shells
Authors: Ma Wen-Ming , Li Hua-Wei , Dai Zhong-Min , Yang Jin-Shu , Yang Fan , Yang Wei-Jun
Published: September 2012

The brine shrimp Artemia reproduces either ovoviviparously, producing free-swimming nauplii, or oviparously, producing encysted embryos (diapause cysts) able to cope with harsh and complex habitats. When the cysts enter diapause they are encased in a complex external shell that protects them from certain extreme environments. The genomic comparison of oviparous and ovoviviparous ovisacs has been described previously. We isolated three significantly up-regulated genes in oviparous oocytes and identified them as Arp-CBP (Artemia parthenogenetica chitin-binding protein) genes. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression of Arp-CBP genes gradually increases during diapause cyst formation and significant mRNA accumulation occurs during the ovisac stage of oviparous development. Moreover, in situ hybridization results demonstrated that Arp-CBP mRNAs are expressed in the embryo. Interestingly, the results of immune electron microscopy showed that all three Arp-CBPs are distributed throughout the cellular ECL (embryonic cuticle layer) of the cyst shell. Furthermore, knockdown of Arp-CBP by RNA interference resulted in marked changes in the composition of the embryonic cuticular layer. The fibrous layer of the cyst shell adopted a loose conformation and the inner and outer cuticular membranes exhibited marked irregularities when Arp-CBP expression was suppressed. Finally, an in vitro recombinant protein-binding assay showed that all three Arp-CBPs have carbohydrate-binding activities. These findings provide significant insight into the mechanisms by which the ECL of Artemia cyst shell is formed, and demonstrate that Arp-CBPs are involved in construction of the fibrous lattice and are required for formation of the ECL of the cyst shell.
Control of involute curve of gear tooth using the fuzzy logic
Authors: Bloul B. , Bourdim A.
Published: September 2012

Three dimensional coordinate metrology is a firmly established technique in industry.
Scanning technology is now widely used in coordinate metrology and is increasingly used
for the measurement of small features. This paper presents a new real shape approach to
closest point inspection involutes curve of gear tooth by coordinate measuring machinery
(CMM). This method aims to select the most likely contact point for each successive arc by
applying geometrical criteria and a fuzzy logic estimator. This method is particularly,
but not exclusively, suitable for the metrology of features with small radii as well as
metrological discontinuities. It does not require obtaining the normal vector
traditionally used for probe tip correction. Elapsed time is 144.09 s. Tests have been
done on limps of machine tool speed (pinion type cutter), which is highly applied in our
country.
Implosion and burn of fast ignition capsules—Calculations with HYDRA
Authors: Shay H. D. , Amendt P. , Clark D. , Ho D. , Key M. , Koning J. , Marinak M. , Strozzi D. , Tabak M.
Published: September 2012

We present a methodology for conducting the design calculations for fast ignition indirect-drive implosions with an embedded cone for introducing a second laser beam to ignite the compressed fuel. These calculations are tuned to achieve several design goals. We demonstrate a major feature of the implosion simulations, the lagging of the implosions along the cone. Possible avenues for enhancing the coupling of the fast electrons to the dense compressed DT fuel are discussed.
Electron scattering in helium for Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Khrabrov Alexander V. , Kaganovich Igor D.
Published: September 2012

An analytical approximation for differential cross-section of electron scattering on helium atoms is introduced. It is intended for Monte Carlo simulations, which, instead of angular distributions based on experimental data (or on first-principle calculations), usually rely on approximations that are accurate yet numerically efficient. The approximation is based on the screened-Coulomb differential cross-section with energy-dependent screening. For helium, a two-pole approximation of the screening parameter is found to be highly accurate over a wide range of energies.
Short- and long-range binding of Be with Mg in the X1Σ+ ground state and in the A1Π excited state
Authors: Kerkines Ioannis S. K. , Nicolaides Cleanthes A.
Published: September 2012

We present results of configuration-interaction (CI) computations of wavefunctions and of properties of the first two singlet states, X1Σ+ and A1Π, of the, as yet unobserved, BeMg polar molecule, for internuclear distances in the range [2.5–1000] Å. The X1Σ+ state is very weakly bound, (De = 469.4 cm−1 at Re = 3.241 Å), whereas the A1Π state, which correlates with the excited dissociation channel [Mg KL3s3p1Po + Be 1s22s2 1S], is bound rather strongly (De = 19 394 cm−1 (55.5 kcal/mol) at Re = 2.385 Å). The X1Σ+ state supports 12 vibrational levels, for which vibrationally averaged dipole moments, ⟨μ⟩υ, were obtained, while 71 vibrational levels were found for A1Π. For the level (X1Σ+), ⟨μ⟩0 = 0.213 D. The υ″ = 7 and 8 X1Σ+ vibrational levels are found to have the highest probability to be reached via emission from the lowest lying vibrational levels of A1Π. The work had a dual outcome: First, it explored consequences of different choices of the state-specific reference “Fermi-sea” space (“active” space), which is required for the construction and execution of the multiconfigurational “complete active space self-consistent field” calculations and the subsequent multi-reference CI calculations. In this context, comparisons with results on the weakly bound ground states of the homonuclear Be2 and Mg2 molecules were made. Second, it produced reliable data for the short- as well as the long-range parts of the potential energy curve (PEC). Such information is relevant to analyses concerning cold and ultra-cold Physics and Chemistry. For example, accurate fits to the X1Σ+ PEC, which was computed to nano-Hartree accuracy, with account for basis-set-superposition error, produced the C6 and C8 dispersion coefficients as 364.3 ± 1.1 a.u. and 28 000 ± 500 a.u., respectively. The result for C6 is in excellent agreement with that of Derevianko et al. [At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 96, 323 (2010)10.1016/j.adt.2009.12.002], (364 ± 4 a.u.), that was obtained in the framework of the theory of long-range interactions and many-body calculations on the constituent atoms. On the other hand, our result for C8 differs from that of Standard and Certain [J. Chem. Phys. 83, 3002 (1985)10.1063/1.449203] by about 7000 a.u.
An integrable system and associated integrable models as well as Hamiltonian structures
Authors: Tam Hon-Wah , Zhang Yufeng
Published: September 2012

Starting from an existed Lie algebra introduces a new Lie algebra A1 = {e1, e2, e3} so that two isospectral Lax matrices are established. By employing the Tu scheme an integrable equation hierarchy denoted by IEH is obtained from which a few reduced evolution equations are presented. One of them is the mKdV equation. The elliptic variable solutions and three kinds of Darboux transformations for one coupled equation which is from the IEH are worked out, respectively. Finally, we take use of the Lie algebra A1 to generate eight higher-dimensional Lie algebras from which the linear integrable couplings, the nonlinear integrable couplings, and the bi-integrable couplings of the IEH are engendered, whose Hamiltonian structures are also obtained by the variational identity. Then further reduce one coupled integrable equation to get a nonlinear generalized mKdV equation.
Investigating and understanding fouling in a planar setup using ultrasonic methods
Authors: Wallhäußer E. , Hussein M. A. , Becker T.
Published: September 2012

Fouling is an unwanted deposit on heat transfer surfaces and occurs regularly in foodstuff heat exchangers. Fouling causes high costs because cleaning of heat exchangers has to be carried out and cleaning success cannot easily be monitored. Thus, used cleaning cycles in foodstuff industry are usually too long leading to high costs. In this paper, a setup is described with which it is possible, first, to produce dairy protein fouling similar to the one found in industrial heat exchangers and, second, to detect the presence and absence of such fouling using an ultrasonic based measuring method. The developed setup resembles a planar heat exchanger in which fouling can be made and cleaned reproducible. Fouling presence, absence, and cleaning progress can be monitored by using an ultrasonic detection unit. The setup is described theoretically based on electrical and mechanical lumped circuits to derive the wave equation and the transfer function to perform a sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis was done to determine influencing quantities and showed that fouling is measurable. Also, first experimental results are compared with results from sensitivity analysis.
Invariance of the magnetization axis under spin reorientation transitions in polycrystalline magnets of Nd2Fe14B
Authors: Diez-Jimenez Efren , Perez-Diaz Jose Luis. , Canepa Fabio , Ferdeghini Carlo
Published: September 2012

A great number of useful and practical devices benefit from the use of Nd2Fe14B magnets because of their good magnetic properties and relatively low cost. However, Nd2Fe14B presents a spin-reorientation transition (SRT) at cryogenic temperature that constitutes a challenge for engineers aiming to design devices for use in this environment. Although the spin reorientation transition is well-known for single crystals, there are very few papers describing experiments with polycrystalline samples. In this paper we show the effects of the SRT in macroscopic commercial samples, providing useful experimental data for designers. It has been proven that the macroscopic axis of magnetization in polycrystalline magnets of Nd2Fe14B remains invariant under spin reorientation transition whenever it occurs at H = 0 T. However, the transverse magnetic susceptibility slightly increases after the spin reorientation transition. This makes Nd2Fe14B suitable for cryogenic applications in which permanent magnets with defined axis of magnetization are required.
Insertable system for fast turnaround time microwave experiments in a dilution refrigerator
Authors: Ong Florian R. , Orgiazzi Jean-Luc , de Waard Arlette , Frossati Giorgio , Lupascu Adrian
Published: September 2012

Microwave experiments in dilution refrigerators are a central tool in the field of superconducting quantum circuits and other research areas. This type of experiments relied so far on attaching a device to the mixing chamber of a dilution refrigerator. The minimum turnaround time in this case is a few days as required by cooling down and warming up the entire refrigerator. We developed a new approach, in which a suitable sample holder is attached to a cold-insertable probe and brought in contact with transmission lines permanently mounted inside the cryostat. The total turnaround time is 8 h if the target temperature is 80 mK. The lowest attainable temperature is 30 mK. Our system can accommodate up to six transmission lines, with a measurement bandwidth tested from zero frequency to 12 GHz. This bandwidth is limited by low-pass components in the setup; we expect the intrinsic bandwidth to be at least 18 GHz. We present our setup, discuss the experimental procedure, and give examples of experiments enabled by this system. This new measurement method will have a major impact on systematic ultra-low temperature studies using microwave signals, including those requiring quantum coherence.
Self focusing of a quadruple Gaussian laser beam in a plasma
Authors: Sati Priti , Sharma Anamika , Tripathi V. K.
Published: September 2012

The self focusing of a quadruple Gaussian laser beam, comprising four coherent identical Gaussian beams with axes parallel to ẑ but shifted from z-axis by −x0x̂,x0x̂,−x0ŷ,x0ŷ in a collisionless plasma, is investigated in the paraxial ray approximation. The nonlinearity arises through the ponderomotive force led plasma density redistribution. As the beam propagates, it maintains the shape of its intensity profile with spot size r0 of each of the four distributions modified from r0 to r0f, x0, modified to x0f and the axial intensity enhanced by 1/f2, where f is the beam width parameter. In the regime of quadratic nonlinearity, the threshold beam power for self focusing, Pth, increases with x0 as the laser intensity gradient decreases and the ponderomotive force becomes weaker. At beam power greater than Pth, the beam focuses in an oscillatory manner, i.e., f varies periodically with z due to the saturating effect of nonlinearity. The locations of intensity maxima of the four beams also vary periodically with z. As x0 increases from 0 to 0.6r0, the transverse intensity gradient becomes weaker and the rate of self focusing, i.e., the rate of variation of f with z decreases.
Experimentally investigate ionospheric depletion chemicals in artificially created ionosphere
Authors: Liu Yu , Cao Jinxiang , Wang Jian , Zheng Zhe , Xu Liang , Du Yinchang
Published: September 2012

A new approach for investigating ionosphere chemical depletion in the laboratory is introduced. Air glow discharge plasma closely resembling the ionosphere in both composition and chemical reactions is used as the artificially created ionosphere. The ionospheric depletion experiment is accomplished by releasing chemicals such as SF6, CCl2F2, and CO2 into the model discharge. The evolution of the electron density is investigated by varying the plasma pressure and input power. It is found that the negative ion (SF6−, CCl2F2−) intermediary species provide larger reduction of the electron density than the positive ion (CO2+) intermediary species. The negative ion intermediary species are also more efficient in producing ionospheric holes because of their fast reaction rates. Airglow enhancement attributed to SF6 and CO2 releases agrees well with the published data. Compared to the traditional methods, the new scheme is simpler to use, both in the release of chemicals and in the electron density measurements. It is therefore more efficient for investigating the release of chemicals in the ionosphere.
Magnetocapacitance of an electrically tunable silicene device
Authors: Tahir M. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: September 2012

Despite their structural similarity, the electronic properties of silicene are fundamentally different from those of well-known graphene due to the strong intrinsic spin orbit interaction and buckled structure of silicene. We address the magnetocapacitance of spin and valley polarized silicene in an external perpendicular magnetic field to clarify the interplay of the spin orbit interaction and the perpendicular electric field. We find that the band gap is electrically tunable and show that the magnetocapacitance exhibits beating at low and splitting of the Shubnikov de Haas oscillations at high magnetic field.
Emotional Sounds Influence Vertical Vection
Authors: Sasaki Kyoshiro , Seno Takeharu , Yamada Yuki , Miura Kayo
Published: September 2012

While viewing a large vertically moving sinusoidal luminance grating, the perception of upward self-motion (vection) was modulated by positive sounds (eg a baby's laughter). This may be because positive emotion and the spatial metaphor of vertical directions were unified in the mind.
Dynamic correlations, fluctuation-dissipation relations, and effective temperatures after a quantum quench of the transverse field Ising chain
Authors: Foini Laura , Cugliandolo Leticia F , Gambassi Andrea
Published: September 2012

Fluctuation-dissipation relations, i.e., the relation between two-time correlation and linear response functions, were successfully used to search for signs of equilibration and to identify effective temperatures in the non-equilibrium behavior of a number of macroscopic classical and quantum systems in contact with thermal baths. Among the most relevant cases in which the effective temperatures thus defined were shown to have a thermodynamic meaning one finds the stationary dynamics of driven super-cooled liquids and vortex glasses, and the relaxation of glasses. Whether and under which conditions an effective thermal behavior can be found in quantum isolated many-body systems after a global quench is a question of current interest. We propose to study the possible emergence of thermal behavior long after the quench by studying fluctuation-dissipation relations in which (possibly time- or frequency-dependent) parameters replace the equilibrium temperature. If thermalization within the Gibbs ensemble eventually occurs these parameters should be constant and equal for all pairs of observables in ‘partial’ or ‘mutual’ equilibrium. We analyze these relations in the paradigmatic quantum system, i.e., the quantum Ising chain, in the stationary regime after a quench of the transverse field. The lack of thermalization to a Gibbs ensemble becomes apparent within this approach.
Generalized analyticity on the 𝑁-torus
Authors: Shapiro Victor
Published: September 2012

In dimension

N
=
2
,

N=2,

let

v
v

be a unit vector of irrational slope. With

T

2

T_{2}

the 2-torus, say

f
∈

A

v

+

f\in \mathcal {A}_{v}^{+}

if

f
∈

L

1

(

T

2

)

f\in L^{1}(\mathbf {T}_{2})

and

m
⋅
v
>
0

m\cdot v>0

⇒

f
^

(
m
)

=
0

\Rightarrow \widehat {f}\left (m\right ) =0

for

m
m

an integral lattice point. Let

G

v

G_{v}

be the one-parameter group generated by

v
v

on

T

2

,

T_{2},

and let

E
⊂

G

v

E\subset G_{v}

be a closed and bounded set. Call

E
E

a set of uniqueness for

A

v

+

∩
C

(

T

2

)

\mathcal {A}_{v}^{+}\cap C\left (T_{2}\right )

if

f
∈

A

v

+

∩
C

(

T

2

)

f\in \mathcal {A}_{v}^{+}\cap C\left (T_{2}\right )

and if

 
f

(
x
)

=
0

\ f\left (x\right ) =0

for

x
∈
E

x\in E

implies

f
≡
0

f\equiv 0

on

T

2

.

T_{2}.

The following result is established

:
:

A necessary and sufficient condition that E be a set of uniqueness for

A

v

+

∩
C

(

T

2

)

\mathcal {A} _{v}^{+}\cap C\left (T_{2}\right )

is that E is a set of positive linear measure.
The complex interactions of Chs5p, the ChAPs, and the cargo Chs3p
Authors: Rockenbauch Uli , Ritz Alicja M. , Sacristan Carlos , Roncero Cesar , Spang Anne
Published: September 2012

The exomer complex is a putative vesicle coat required for the direct transport of a subset of cargoes from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the plasma membrane. Exomer comprises Chs5p and the ChAPs family of proteins (Chs6p, Bud7p, Bch1p, and Bch2p), which are believed to act as cargo receptors. In particular, Chs6p is required for the transport of the chitin synthase Chs3p to the bud neck. However, how the ChAPs associate with Chs5p and recognize cargo is not well understood. Using domain-switch chimeras of Chs6p and Bch2p, we show that four tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) are involved in interaction with Chs5p. Because these roles are conserved among the ChAPs, the TPRs are interchangeable among different ChAP proteins. In contrast, the N-terminal and the central parts of the ChAPs contribute to cargo specificity. Although the entire N-terminal domain of Chs6p is required for Chs3p export at all cell cycle stages, the central part seems to predominantly favor Chs3p export in small-budded cells. The cargo Chs3p probably also uses a complex motif for the interaction with Chs6, as the C-terminus of Chs3p interacts with Chs6p and is necessary, but not sufficient, for TGN export.
SGNS2: a compartmentalized stochastic chemical kinetics simulator for dynamic cell populations
Authors: Lloyd-Price Jason , Gupta Abhishekh , Ribeiro Andre S.
Published: September 2012

Motivation: Cell growth and division affect the kinetics of internal cellular processes and the phenotype diversity of cell populations. Since the effects are complex, e.g. different cellular components are partitioned differently in cell division, to account for them in silico, one needs to simulate these processes in great detail.

Results: We present SGNS2, a simulator of chemical reaction systems according to the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm with multi-delayed reactions within hierarchical, interlinked compartments which can be created, destroyed and divided at runtime. In division, molecules are randomly segregated into the daughter cells following a specified distribution corresponding to one of several partitioning schemes, applicable on a per-molecule-type basis. We exemplify its use with six models including a stochastic model of the disposal mechanism of unwanted protein aggregates in Escherichia coli, a model of phenotypic diversity in populations with different levels of synchrony, a model of a bacteriophage’s infection of a cell population and a model of prokaryotic gene expression at the nucleotide and codon levels.

Availability: SGNS2, instructions and examples available at www.cs.tut.fi/~lloydpri/sgns2/ (open source under New BSD license).

Contact: jason.lloyd-price@tut.fi

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evaluating health systems strengthening interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: are we asking the right questions?
Authors: Adam Taghreed , Hsu Justine , de Savigny Don , Lavis John N , Røttingen John-Arne , Bennett Sara
Published: September 2012

In recent years, there have been several calls for rigorous health policy and systems research to inform efforts to strengthen health systems (HS) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the use of systems thinking concepts in designing and evaluating HS strengthening interventions. The objectives of this paper are to assess recent evaluations of HS strengthening interventions to examine the extent to which they ask a broader set of questions, and provide an appropriately comprehensive assessment of the effects of these interventions across the health system. A review of evaluations conducted in 2009–10 was performed to answer these questions.

Out of 106 evaluations, less than half (43%) asked broad research questions to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the intervention’s effects across multiple HS building blocks. Only half of the evaluations referred to a conceptual framework to guide their impact assessment. Overall, 24% and 9% conducted process and context evaluations, respectively, to answer the question of whether the intervention worked as intended, and if so, for whom, and under what circumstances. Almost half of the evaluations considered HS impact on one building block, while most interventions were complex targeting two or more building blocks. None incorporated evaluation designs that took into account the characteristics of complex adaptive systems such as non-linearity of effects or interactions between the HS building blocks.

While we do not argue that all evaluations should be comprehensive, there is a need for more comprehensive evaluations of the wider range of the intervention’s effects, when appropriate. Our findings suggest that the full range of barriers to more comprehensive evaluations need to be examined and, where appropriate, addressed. Possible barriers may include limited capacity, lack of funding, inadequate time frames, lack of demand from both researchers and research funders, or difficulties in undertaking this type of evaluation.
Amenorrhoea
Authors: Robinson Angela
Published: September 2012

Amenorrhoea is defined as the absence of menses in a female who has never menstruated (primary amenorrhoea) or the cessation of menses in a woman with previously normal menstrual cycles (secondary amenorrhoea). Excluding physiological causes, secondary amenorrhoea has a prevalence of 3–4% in the general population compared with 0.3% for primary amenorrhoea. Women with fertility problems and competitive athletes are particularly over-represented. The causes of amenorrhoea are numerous. Careful history taking and physical examination therefore informs further management and determines which patients warrant referral to secondary care. This article aims to address the differential diagnosis, assessment and investigation of amenorrhoea in primary care. Key management principles will also be discussed.
Ovarian Cysts and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shiner Alice , Burbos Nikolaos
Published: September 2012

Ovarian cysts and tumours are a relatively common finding among women of many ages, particularly with the wider use of regular physical examinations and ultrasound. Most cysts and tumours in younger women are not malignant and can often be managed entirely within primary care. However, malignant tumours also occur. The average GP will see a new case of ovarian cancer every 4 to 5 years. Ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer of the female genital tract and the leading cause of death due to gynaecological malignancy. Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at a late stage and carries a poor prognosis. Guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2011 recognises this fact and recommends changes to the way in which cases are detected and managed in primary care. This article is a revision of a previous InnovAiT publication, incorporating recent changes to recommended practice.
Closely Related Poleroviruses Depend on Distinct Translation Initiation Factors to Infect Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Reinbold C. , Lacombe S. , Ziegler-Graff V. , Scheidecker D. , Wiss L. , Beuve M. , Caranta C. , Brault V.
Published: September 2012

In addition to being essential for translation of eukaryotic mRNA, translation initiation factors are also key components of plant–virus interactions. In order to address the involvement of these factors in the infectious cycle of poleroviruses (aphid-transmitted, phloem-limited viruses), the accumulation of three poleroviruses was followed in Arabidopsis thaliana mutant lines impaired in the synthesis of translation initiation factors in the eIF4E and eIF4G families. We found that efficient accumulation of Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in A. thaliana relies on the presence of eIF (iso)4G1, whereas Beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) and Beet western yellows virus-USA (BWYV-USA) rely, instead, on eIF4E1. A role for these factors in the infectious processes of TuYV and BMYV was confirmed by direct interaction in yeast between these specific factors and the 5′ viral genome-linked protein of the related virus. Although the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown, this study reveals a totally unforeseen situation in which closely related viruses belonging to the same genus use different translation initiation factors for efficient infection of A. thaliana.
First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne artiellia in Belgium
Authors: Damme N. , Waeyenberge L. , Viaene N. , van Hoenselaar T. , Karssen G.
Published: September 2012

In 2011, second-stage juveniles (J2) of an unknown root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) were detected during a routine survey for root-knot nematodes on arable land in Harveng, Belgium, after a crop of wheat. Most of the loamy soil samples (36 out of 42) contained J2 of the common root-knot nematode M. naasi Franklin, 1965 (1), while 15 of these also contained the unknown species, albeit in lower densities (22 J2/100 ml vs. 157 J2/100 ml soil). After detailed morphological observation of the unknown J2, they were until further notice identified as Meloidogyne artiellia Franklin, 1961 (2), the British root-knot nematode. To confirm the identification, a pure culture of M. artiellia was established by adding nematode suspensions to pots planted with kale (Brassica oleracea var. laciniata), a non-host for M. naasi (3). After 2 months, Meloidogyne spp. females, males, and J2 were isolated from galled kale roots. Morphological characteristics (n = 25) from the perineal pattern (rounded with fine striae, lateral area with coarse ridges, angular dorsal arch) and stylet knobs (small, ovoid, and backwardly sloping) for the females, the head shape (set off with distinct head cap) and stylet knobs (small, ovoid and backwardly sloping) for the males, the hemizonid position (anterior, adjacent to S to E pore), tail shape (conical), and short tail length (18 to 27 μm) for the J2, fit with previous observed populations of M. artiellia (3). Young egg-laying females were used for isozyme electrophoresis, and showed typical malate dehydrogenase (N1b) and esterase (M2-VF1) patterns (3). Additionally, DNA was extracted from single juveniles by incubating them in a lysis buffer (200 mM NaCl, 200 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8), 1% β-mercaptoethanol and 800 μg/ml Proteinase K) during 1.5 h at 65°C and 5 min at 99°C in a thermocycler. One microliter of crude DNA extract was used for PCR. ITS-rDNA sequencing (GenBank Accession Numbers JX393299 and JX393300) confirmed the identity, showing a 98 to 100% homology with other M. artiellia sequences (AY150368 and AF248478). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the root-knot nematode, M. artiellia, in Belgium. This nematode has been reported from the Mediterranean area, where it causes damage on chickpea and wheat (4), as well as from the U.K. Its finding in Harveng, close to the French border, suggests a more extensive geographical distribution.

References: (1) M. T. Franklin. Nematologica 11:79, 1965. (2) M. T. Franklin et al. Suppl.:85, 1961. (3) G. Karssen. Pages 93-97 in: The Plant-Parasitic Nematode Genus Meloidogyne Göldi, 1892 (Tylenchida) in Europe, Brill Leiden, The Netherlands, 2002. (4) M. Di Vito and N. Greco. Revue Nématol. 11:223, 1988.
Congruent responses to weather variability in high arctic herbivores
Authors: Stien Audun , Ims Rolf A. , Albon Steve D. , Fuglei Eva , Irvine R. Justin , Ropstad Erik , Halvorsen Odd , Langvatn Rolf , Loe Leif Egil , Veiberg Vebjørn , Yoccoz Nigel G.
Published: September 2012

Assessing the role of weather in the dynamics of wildlife populations is a pressing task in the face of rapid environmental change. Rodents and ruminants are abundant herbivore species in most Arctic ecosystems, many of which are experiencing particularly rapid climate change. Their different life-history characteristics, with the exception of their trophic position, suggest that they should show different responses to environmental variation. Here we show that the only mammalian herbivores on the Arctic islands of Svalbard, reindeer (
Rangifer tarandus
) and sibling voles (
Microtus levis
), exhibit strong synchrony in population parameters. This synchrony is due to rain-on-snow events that cause ground ice and demonstrates that climate impacts can be similarly integrated and expressed in species with highly contrasting life histories. The finding suggests that responses of wildlife populations to climate variability and change might be more consistent in Polar regions than elsewhere owing to the strength of the climate impact and the simplicity of the ecosystem.
The riddle of Tasmanian languages
Authors: Bowern Claire
Published: September 2012

Recent work which combines methods from linguistics and evolutionary biology has been fruitful in discovering the history of major language families because of similarities in evolutionary processes. Such work opens up new possibilities for language research on previously unsolvable problems, especially in areas where information from other sources may be lacking. I use phylogenetic methods to investigate Tasmanian languages. Existing materials are so fragmentary that scholars have been unable to discover how many languages are represented in the sources. Using a clustering algorithm which identifies admixture, source materials representing more than one language are identified. Using the Neighbor-Net algorithm, 12 languages are identified in five clusters. Bayesian phylogenetic methods reveal that the families are not demonstrably related; an important result, given the importance of Tasmanian Aborigines for information about how societies have responded to population collapse in prehistory. This work provides insight into the societies of prehistoric Tasmania and illustrates a new utility of phylogenetics in reconstructing linguistic history.
Fluctuations in food supply drive recruitment variation in a marine fish
Authors: Okamoto Daniel K. , Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J. , Reed Daniel C.
Published: September 2012

Reproductive rates and survival of young in animal populations figure centrally in generating management and conservation strategies. Model systems suggest that food supply can drive these often highly variable properties, yet for many wild species, quantifying such effects and assessing their implications have been challenging. We used spatially explicit time series of a well-studied marine reef fish (black surfperchEmbiotoca jacksoni) and its known prey resources to evaluate the extent to which fluctuations in food supply influenced production of young by adults and survival of young to subadulthood. Our analyses reveal: (i) variable food available to both adults and to their offspring directly produced an order of magnitude variation in the number of young-of-year (YOY) produced per adult and (ii) food available to YOY produced a similar magnitude of variation in their subsequent survival. We also show that such large natural variation in vital rates can significantly alter decision thresholds (biological reference points) important for precautionary management. These findings reveal how knowledge of food resources can improve understanding of population dynamics and reduce risk of overharvest by more accurately identifying periods of low recruitment.
Genetic and antigenic characteristics of H4 subtype avian influenza viruses in Korea and their pathogenicity in quails, domestic ducks and mice
Authors: Kang Hyun-Mi , Choi Jun-Gu , Kim Kwang-Il , Park Ha-Young , Park Choi-Kyu , Lee Youn-Jeong
Published: September 2012

In Korea, a nationwide surveillance programme was implemented in 2003 to identify highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs). AIVs belonging to one of the most common haemagglutinin subtypes, H4, were isolated from two domestic ducks and 52 wild birds between 2004 and 2010. These H4 AIVs could be further classified into three neuraminidase subtypes: H4N6 (94.4 %), H4N2 (3.7 %) and H4N3 (1.9 %). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H4 AIVs had a variety of genetic constellations, with at least nine different genotypes represented. The pathogenicity of these H4 viruses was assessed in quails, domestic ducks and mice. None of the H4 AIVs induced clinical signs in quails or domestic ducks. Viral shedding in quails was relatively high, and virus was recovered up to 5–7 days post-inoculation (p.i.) in oropharyngeal swabs, but the viruses replicated poorly in domestic ducks. Quails may act as an intermediate host in which AIVs are amplified and transmitted to other species. In mice, all of the AIVs were recovered efficiently at relatively high titres from the lungs up to 7 days p.i., demonstrating the potential for AIVs to infect mice directly without prior adaptation. None of the AIVs induced clinical signs nor was any lethal to infected mice. However, there was significant loss of body weight in mice infected with viruses of duck origin. It is suggested that the active surveillance of influenza viruses needs to be enhanced in domestic poultry as well as in wild birds, and that it should include assessment of pathogenicity in animal models.
Recession and job satisfaction of Indian information technology professionals
Authors: Menon Praseeda , Thingujam Nutankumar S.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to replicate the dispositional source of job satisfaction (JS) in a different cultural setting on the backdrop of the recession of 2008‐2009 and to investigate the specific subjective job‐related aspects that influenced Indian IT professionals' overall evaluation of JS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 221 IT employees. Pearson's correlation, partial correlation and stepwise regression analyses were used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Apart from confirming the dispositional source of JS, satisfaction with nature of work, as well as relations with one's supervisor, emerged as the most important situational contributors over and above that of personality factors during recession in the Indian IT sector.

Practical implications

As the personality factors of Neuroticism, Extraversion and Agreeableness showed a key role in JS of Indian software employees in adverse conditions, selection and recruitment of IT personnel should lay emphasis on these factors. Also, paying attention to making the nature of work more satisfying, as well as promoting positive relationships between team members and leaders could serve as a buffer during economic downturns in maintaining the JS of Indian IT employees.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have looked at how personality plays an essential role in JS, they have hardly looked at the person‐situation interaction with respect to type of industry and status of economy. The paper reveals that specific personality and job factors can matter more in a certain type of industry, particularly during a rough economic patch.
Decreasing stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 expression inhibits β‐catenin signaling in breast cancer cells
Authors: Mauvoisin Daniel , Charfi Cyndia , Lounis Amine M , Rassart Eric , Mounier Catherine
Published: September 2012

Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) is an endoplasmic reticulum anchored enzyme catalyzing the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly palmytoleyl‐CoA and oleyl‐CoA. Recent studies have revealed a function for SCD1 in the modulation of signaling processes related to cell proliferation, survival and transformation to cancer. We used MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells to analyze the role of SCD1 in the metastatic acquisition of breast cancer cells. Silencing SCD1 expression in breast cancer cells has no effect on cell viability but the levels of cell proliferation, cell cycle genes' expressions and the phosphorylation state of ERK1/2 MAPK are significantly reduced. Decreasing SCD1 expression also reduces the level of GSK3 phosphorylation, indicating higher activity of the kinase. Using cells fractionation, immunofluorescence and a β‐catenin/TCF‐responsive reporter construct, we demonstrate that lowering SCD1 expression leads to a decrease of β‐catenin amounts within the nucleus and to inhibition of its transactivation capacity. Moreover, MDA‐MB‐231 cells transfected with the SCD1 siRNA show a lower invasive potential than the control cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that low SCD1 expression is associated with a decrease in the proliferation rate of breast cancer cells associated with a decrease in ERK1/2 activation. SCD1 silencing also inhibits GSK3 phosphorylation, lowering β‐catenin translocation to the nucleus, and, subsequently, its transactivation capacity and the expression of its target genes. Finally, we show that silencing SCD1 impairs the epithelial to mesenchymal transition‐like behavior of the cells, a characteristic of metastatic breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2013; 104: 36–42)
Novel cooperation between CX3CL1 and CCL26 inducing NK cell chemotaxis via CX3CR1: a possible mechanism for NK cell infiltration of the allergic nasal tissue
Authors: El‐Shazly A. E. , Doloriert H. C. , Bisig B. , Lefebvre P. P. , Delvenne P. , Jacobs N.
Published: September 2012

Background

Recent data indicated that natural killer (NK) cells and chemokines could play a pivotal role in nasal inflammation. CX3CR1, the only receptor for fractalkine/CX3CL1, is abundantly expressed by NK cells, and was recently shown to also be a receptor for eotaxin‐3/CCL26. However, no reports explored the NK cells‐CX3CL1‐CCL26 axis via CX3CR1 in allergy.

Objective

Our goals were first to determine specifically NK cell recruitment pattern in nasal tissue of allergic chronic rhinosinusitis (ACRS) and non‐allergic chronic rhinosinusitis (NACRS) patients in comparison with healthy controls, and secondly, to investigate the function of CX3CR1 in NK cell migration.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, microchemotaxis chambers, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used in this study.

Results

Herein, we showed that NK cells infiltrated the epithelial layers of nasal tissue only in ACRS patients and not in NACRS patients or controls. NK cells were also more numerous in the stroma of the nasal tissue from ACRS patients compared with NACRS patients or controls. This migration could be mediated by both CX3CL1 and CCL26, as these two chemokines induced NK cell migration. Moreover, both molecules also stimulated cytoskeleton changes and F‐actin reorganisation in NK cells. Chemotaxis and cytoskeleton changes were sensitive to genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. By flow cytometry, we demonstrated that a single antigen nasal provocation challenge increased the expression of CX3CR1 on NK cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. The function of this receptor was associated with a significant augmentation of NK cell chemotaxis against the optimal doses of CX3CL1 and CCL26.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our results highlight a novel role for CX3CR1 in NK cell migration that may contribute to the NK cell trafficking to the allergic upper airway. This could be mediated largely by CX3CL1 and CCL26 stimulation of the tyrosine kinase pathway.
Peamaclein – A new peach allergenic protein: similarities, differences and misleading features compared to Pru p 3
Authors: Tuppo L. , Alessandri C. , Pomponi D. , Picone D. , Tamburrini M. , Ferrara R. , Petriccione M. , Mangone I. , Palazzo P. , Liso M. , Giangrieco I. , Crescenzo R. , Bernardi M. L. , Zennaro D. , Helmer‐Citterich M. , Mari A. , Ciardiello M. A.
Published: September 2012

Background

Among the peach‐derived allergens which are already known, the lipid transfer protein (Pru p 3) seems to be the one to exert severe allergic reactions.

Objective

To identify and characterize a new peach allergen causing a clinical picture similar to that of Pru p 3.

Methods

Patients were selected on the basis of their severe clinical reactivity and negative results to a panel of peach allergens available on the ISAC103 microarray. Several in‐house and commercial preparations were compared. Several methods were used to characterize the newly identified molecule. Specific IgE and inhibition assays were performed using the Allergen micro‐Beads Array (ABA) assay.

Results

Negative ISAC results to Pru p 3 were confirmed by additional testing in contrast with the positive results obtained by commercial Pru p 3‐enriched peach peel extracts. The analyses of one of these preparations led to the identification of Peamaclein, a new allergenic protein. It is a small, basic, cysteine‐rich, heat‐stable, digestion‐resistant protein, homologous to a potato antimicrobial peptide. Peamaclein was able to trigger positive skin test reactions and to bind IgE in the ABA assay. It displays an electrophoretic mobility and chromatographic behaviour similar to that of Pru p 3; therefore, it can be hidden in Pru p 3 preparations. In fact, Pru p 3‐enriched peach peel extracts were found to contain both Pru p 3 and Peamaclein by means of comparative in vivo testing, and by biochemical and immunochemical assays. Commercially available anti‐Pru p 3 polyclonal antibodies were found to have a double specificity for the two molecules.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

A new allergen from peach belonging to a new family of allergenic proteins has been identified and characterized. This knowledge on Peamaclein will improve our understanding on the clinical aspects of the peach allergy and the quality of diagnostic reagents.
Downregulation of miR‐101 in gastric cancer correlates with cyclooxygenase‐2 overexpression and tumor growth
Authors: He Xiao‐Pu , Shao Yun , Li Xiao‐Lin , Xu Wei , Chen Guo‐Sheng , Sun Huan‐Huan , Xu Hai‐Chen , Xu Xian , Tang Dan , Zheng Xi‐Feng , Xue Yi‐Ping , Huang Guo‐Chang , Sun Wei‐Hao
Published: September 2012

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. It has been demonstrated that COX‐2 overexpression depends on different cellular pathways, involving both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that function as post‐transcriptional regulators. Here, we characterize miR‐101 expression and its role in the regulation of COX‐2 expression, which in turn, will provide us with additional insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of exogenous miR‐101 for treatment of gastric cancer. Our results showed that miR‐101 levels in gastric cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in the matched normal tissue (P < 0.01). Furthermore, lower levels of miR‐101 were associated with increased tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). We also found an inverse correlation between miR‐101 and COX‐2 expression in both gastric cancer specimens and cell lines. Significant decreases in COX‐2 mRNA and COX‐2 levels were observed in the pre‐miR‐101‐infected gastric cancer cells. One possible mechanism of interaction is that miR‐101 inhibited COX‐2 expression by directly binding to the 3′‐UTR of COX‐2 mRNA. Overexpression of miR‐101 in gastric cancer cell lines also inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. These results collectively indicate that miR‐101 may function as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, with COX‐2 as a direct target.
Size homeostasis can be intrinsic to growing cell populations and explained without size sensing or signalling
Authors: Spiesser Thomas W. , Müller Christiane , Schreiber Gabriele , Krantz Marcus , Klipp Edda
Published: September 2012

The cell division cycle orchestrates cellular growth and division. The machinery underpinning the cell division cycle is well characterized, but the actual cue(s) driving the cell division cycle remains unknown. In rapidly growing and dividing yeast cells, this cue has been proposed to be cell size. Presumably, a mechanism communicating cell size acts as gatekeeper for the cell division cycle via the G1 network, which triggers G1 exit only when a critical size has been reached. Here, we evaluate this hypothesis with a minimal core model linking metabolism, growth and the cell division cycle. Using this model, we (a) present support for coordinated regulation of G1/S and G2/M transition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to altered growth conditions, (b) illustrate the intrinsic antagonism between G1 progression and cell size and (c) provide evidence that the coupling of growth and division is sufficient to allow for size homeostasis without directly communicating or measuring cell size. We show that even with a rudimentary version of the G1 network consisting of a single unregulated cyclin, size homeostasis is maintained in populations during autocatalytic growth when the geometric constraint on nutrient supply is considered. Taken together, our results support the notion that cell size is a consequence rather than a regulator of growth and division.
Accumulation of squalene is associated with the clustering of lipid droplets
Authors: Ta Minh T. , Kapterian Tamar S. , Fei Weihua , Du Ximing , Brown Andrew J. , Dawes Ian W. , Yang Hongyuan
Published: September 2012

The isoprenoid squalene is an important precursor for the biosynthesis of sterols. The cellular storage of squalene and its impact on membrane properties have been the subject of recent investigations. In a screen for abnormal lipid droplet morphology and distribution in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we found significant lipid droplet clustering (arbitrarily defined as an aggregation of six or more lipid droplets) in a number of mutants (e.g. erg1) that are defective in sterol biosynthesis. Interestingly, these mutants are also characterized by accumulation of large amounts of squalene. Reducing the level of squalene in these mutants restored normal lipid droplet distribution. Moreover, inhibition of squalene monooxygenase in two mammalian cell lines (CHO‐K1 and 3T3‐L1) by terbinafine also resulted in lipid droplet clustering. These results indicate that the level of squalene may affect the growth and distribution of lipid droplets.