bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presbyter takes Knight
Authors: Powers Michael R.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to explore the usefulness of distinguishing between “risk” and “Knightian uncertainty.”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a representative, insurance‐based model of Knightian uncertainty arising out of potential major structural changes (without historical precedent) in liability claim settlements. It then considers whether or not formal statistical forecasting and decision making are possible in this context.

Findings

For real‐world settings, it is found that a Bayesian statistical framework is sufficiently comprehensive to permit forecasting and decision making in the presence of Knightian uncertainty. The paper then shows that the Bayesian approach fails only if the sample space underlying the potential structural change is truly nonmeasurable.

Originality/value

It is argued that, under a Bayesian worldview, the distinction between risk and uncertainty is necessary only in highly abstract epistemological modeling.
Safety‐first portfolio optimization after September 11, 2001
Authors: Haque Mahfuzul , Varela Oscar
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply safety‐first portfolio principles in an environment where financial risk exists because of the probability of terrorist attacks, where the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001 (911) are the focal point of the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Safety‐first portfolios of US equities bilaterally combined with 12 developed and emerging region global equity indices are obtained for 911. Extreme value theory and safety‐first principles are used to optimize these portfolios for US risk‐averse investors. The actual performances of all portfolios in the post‐911 period are compared to the optimal results. The robustness of the results is examined by replicating the analysis for the period following July 7, 2006, when no actual terrorist attacks occurred on US soil.

Findings

Optimal ex ante (ex post) safety‐first portfolios on 911 have high (low) US weights, and on July 7, 2006 low US weights. The differences are attributed to changes in market projections and/or conditions. In all cases, wealth is preserved even without the ex post optimal portfolios.

Practical implications

Safety‐first portfolio optimization can protect wealth given financial risks of extreme events like terrorist attacks.

Originality/value

The paper shows that quantitative assessments of financial risk are feasible, even though uncertainty with experts' risk assessments of extreme events such as 911 exists because of limited historical data and low probability of occurrence. The results are useful to investors developing international diversification strategies to protect wealth given the risks of terrorist attacks.
Portfolio evaluation using OWA‐heuristic algorithm and data envelopment analysis
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Sahu Rajendra , Bharadwaj Shalini
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate two different asset selection methodologies and further examine these by forming optimal portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with the problem of portfolio formation, broadly in two steps: asset selection and asset allocation by using the two different approaches for the first step and then well‐known mean variance portfolio optimization. In addition, the resulting portfolios are compared using Sharpe ratio.

Findings

The empirical observations prove the applicability of the methodology adopted in the research design, ordered weighted averaging (OWA)‐heuristic algorithm gives us a better portfolio from the sample observations. Also the asset selection procedures adopted in the research proves to be of help when an investor has to narrow down the number of assets to invest in.

Practical implications

The analysis provides two different methodologies for portfolio formation – though the asset allocation is based on the mean variance portfolio optimization, the asset selection methods adopted provide a systematic approach to select the efficient securities.

Originality/value

This paper shows that OWA can be used to decide the order of inputs for the heuristic algorithm. Also an attempt is made to use data envelopment analysis to find a solution to the problem of portfolio formation.
Determinants of the timing of bank failure in North Cyprus
Authors: Gunsel Nil
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the timing of bank failure in North Cyprus over the period of 1984‐2002 using a discrete‐time logistic survival analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical methodology employed in the paper allows for the determination of the factors that influence the time to bank failure. The model links the time of bank failure to a set of bank‐specific factors and macro‐environment that may have exacerbated the internal troubles of the financial institutions.

Findings

An empirical examination of the results on survival analysis reveal that the three variables, namely: low asset quality (total loan as a percentage of total assets), low liquidity (total liquid asset as a percentage of total assets), and high credit extended to the private sector (ratio of the private credit to gross domestic product) are the main factors that explain the survival time of banks in North Cyprus.

Research limitations/implications

For further research this paper may better distinguish time to bank failure if it extends the time period and if it uses exchange pressure from Turkey that may have a direct effect on bank failure in North Cyprus.

Practical implications

Nowadays bank failure is an important problem in the world. Using time technique to investigate bank failure will help to learn the factors that determine time to bank failure, which will further help to take precautions and prevent the cost of bank failure.

Originality/value

The analysis would appear to be the first to provide evidence and investigate the time to bank failure in the North Cyprus banking sector.
Prioritised best practices in a ratified consulting services maturity model for ERP consulting
Authors: Simon Alan , Schoeman Peter , Sohal Amrik S.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that lead to consulting success in the enterprise software environment and thereby develop a refined consulting services maturity (CSM) model which includes prioritised best practices grouped under eight key focus areas (KFAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted among Tier‐1 enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors using interviews, focus group sessions, and a web survey. Based on the findings of the survey, the CSM model is improved, refined, and ultimately ratified by a number of experienced ERP sector practitioners.

Findings

The fundamental basis of the CSM model is that an enterprise software company will be able to improve the maturity level of its consulting services operations by focusing on certain key areas and adopting prioritised best practices in each of the key areas. These key areas include leadership, values, consulting skills, consulting success factors, adaptability, project management practices, profitability, and customer focus. The level of maturity of the organisation increases as best practices are implemented and continuously refined.

Practical implications

The outcome is a blueprint for best practice consulting services for companies operating in the ERP software environment that can be adopted for very little cost. When implemented, the CSM model readily helps a company improve the performance of its consulting services business.

Originality/value

Business performance is enhanced by selecting KFAs, including their associated best practices, and then targeting these for improvement. As further best practices are implemented and refined, the maturity level of the consulting practice increases. This model can easily be adopted by any consulting services company and with the necessary focus, it should lead to a dramatic improvement of most dimensions of a consulting practice.
Strict follow‐up programme including CT and 18F‐FDG‐PET after curative surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Sørensen N. F. , Jensen A. B. , Wille‐Jørgensen P. , Friberg L. , Rørdam L. , Ingeman L. , Hennild V.
Published: December 2009

Aim  The risk of local recurrence following curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is up to 50%. A rigorous follow‐up program may increase survival. Guidelines on suitable methods for scheduled follow up examinations are needed. This study evaluates a strict follow‐up program including carcinogenic embryonic antigen (CEA), chest X‐ray, abdominal ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET).

Method  A cohort of 132 patients, treated by surgery with curative intent for CRC, was included. Patients were followed prospectively with scheduled controls at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after curative surgery. CEA, chest X‐ray, US, CT and FDG‐PET supplemented by clinical examination. The end‐point was recurrence. Sensitivity and specificity was estimated 2 years after surgery.

Results  Of the 132 patients included in the study, 25 experienced recurrence, detected at scheduled controls (n = 18) and at intervals between them (n = 7). The results of CT and FDG‐PET were correlated with recurrence. CT combined with FDG‐PET had the highest specificity and sensitivity.

Conclusion  A total of 72% of recurrences were detected at scheduled controls. The findings supported a strict follow‐up program following curative surgery for colorectal cancer. FDG‐PET combined with CT should be included in control programs.
Management and outcome of anastomotic leakage after colonic surgery
Authors: Rickert A. , Willeke F. , Kienle P. , Post S.
Published: December 2009

Aim  Anastomotic leakage remains a key factor for morbidity after colonic surgery. The aim of the study was to analyse the outcome of different therapeutical approaches.

Method  Of 1731 consecutive patients undergoing colonic resection between 1998 and 2005 at our institution, 67 patients with anastomotic leakage were identified from a prospective database. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors which influenced the therapeutic approach and outcome.

Results  The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 3.5%. All patients were re‐operated. The anastomosis was resected without restoration of continuity in 31 but preserved in 36 patients. An ileostomy was constructed in 27 of 36 patients with anastomotic leakage after repair or revision of the anastomosis, the remaining nine cases were treated without ileostomy. Five of these latter nine vs three of the 27 patients with ileostomy experienced re‐leakage (P = 0.05). The overall mortality was 25%. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index was 17.44 for survivors vs 25.64 for nonsurvivors (P < 0.001). Restoration of intestinal continuity was performed in 95% of the patients with ileostomy and in 88% after Hartmann’s procedure. Multivariate analysis identified multi organ failure as the only factor predictive of a fatal outcome (P < 0.001). An ASA‐score of more than 2 (P = 0.02) and peritonitis (P = 0.002) were reasons for not preserving the anastomosis.

Conclusion  Repair or redo of the anastomosis without a protective ileostomy frequently results in failure of the procedure. After Hartmann’s operation or split stoma creation a majority of patients undergo restoration of intestinal continuity.
Chemoradiotherapy in the management of primary squamous‐cell carcinoma of the rectum
Authors: Wang M. L. C. , Heriot A. , Leong T. , Ngan S. Y. K.
Published: December 2009

Aim  To assess the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in the management of primary squamous‐cell carcinoma of the rectum.

Method  Nine patients with primary squamous‐cell carcinoma of the rectum were treated with chemoradiotherapy from 1985 to 2007. All patients were female, with a mean age of 54 years (range 41–72 years). The mean distance of the tumour from the anal verge was 6 cm (range 4–10 cm). Seven patients were treated with curative intent (two postoperative, three preoperative, two chemoradiotherapy alone). Clinical stages for the curative group were T1N0M0 (1), T3N0M0 (3), T3N1M0 (1) and T4N0M0 (2). Chemoradiotherapy consisted of pelvic radiation 45–54 Gy in 1.8 Gy/fraction and concurrent 5‐fluorouracil and mitomycin C. The mean follow‐up duration for the curative group was 39 months (range 15–120 months).

Results  All seven patients treated with curative intent achieved local control. A complete pathological response was seen in all patients after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Two patients did not have surgery and remained free of disease. One patient with gross residual disease after surgery achieved local control. 18‐Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity was detected in all patients who had FDG‐PET scans. Both primary and metastatic tumours demonstrated FDG‐avidity.

Conclusion  Primary squamous‐cell carcinoma of the rectum appears to be very sensitive to chemoradiotherapy. The high complete response rate suggests that chemoradiotherapy alone with salvage surgery for local failure should be further explored. FDG‐PET scan may have a role to play in the management of this disease.
Safe and feasible outpatient treatment following induction and consolidation chemotherapy for patients with acute leukaemia
Authors: Møller Tom , Nielsen Ove Juul , Welinder Pernille , Dünweber Anne , Hjerming Maiken , Moser Claus , Kjeldsen Lars
Published: December 2009

Traditionally, patients with acute leukaemia are admitted to hospital during chemotherapy‐induced pancytopenia, although a few recent reports have reported the feasibility and safety of outpatient treatment. We have developed an outpatient treatment programme for patients with acute leukaemia incorporating comprehensive patient education for self‐care management at home during pancytopenia and involvement of patients in care of their tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC). During neutropenia, patients are treated with prophylactic ciprofloxacine, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and fluconazole. Herein, we report the results of outpatient treatment of 60 patients with acute leukaemia (54 with acute myeloid leukaemia) followed prospectively in the period from March 2004 to 2007. After induction chemotherapy, outpatient treatment was possible after 48 of 73 induction courses, with no readmission in 19 of these (40%). A total of 129 consolidation courses were administered with outpatient treatment following 116 of these, with no readmission in 69 (59%). The median number of days spent at home with neutrophils below 0.5 × 109/L was 8 d per course following induction and 12 d following consolidation chemotherapy. The predominant cause of readmission was neutropenic fever, in most instances of unknown origin. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci and Enterococcus faecium were the most frequently identified bacteria in blood cultures, whereas only four positive blood cultures with multiresistant Escherichia coli were identified in the entire patient cohort, the latter exclusively observed in patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. The majority of the patients were able to take care of their CVC including change in dressing and heparin flushing. There were 12 CVC‐related infections. There were no treatment‐related deaths. We conclude that outpatient treatment of patients with acute leukaemia is feasible and safe.
MYH9 related disease: four novel mutations of the tail domain of myosin‐9 correlating with a mild clinical phenotype
Authors: Pecci Alessandro , Panza Emanuele , De Rocco Daniela , Pujol‐Moix Nuria , Girotto Giorgia , Podda Luigi , Paparo Carmelo , Bozzi Valeria , Pastore Annalisa , Balduini Carlo L. , Seri Marco , Savoia Anna
Published: December 2009

MYH9‐related disease (MYH9‐RD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in MYH9, the gene encoding the heavy chain of non‐muscle myosin IIA. All patients present congenital macrothrombocytopenia and inclusion bodies in neutrophils. Some of them can also develop sensorineural deafness, presenile cataract, and/or progressive nephropathy leading to end‐stage renal failure. We report four families, each with a novel mutation: two missense mutations, in exons 31 and 32, and two out of frame deletions in exon 40. They were associated with no bleeding diathesis, normal, or only slightly reduced platelet count and no extra‐hematological manifestations, confirming that alterations of the tail domain cause a mild form of MYH9‐RD with no clinically relevant defects.
Application of a Short, Disordered N-Terminal Flagellin Segment, a Fully Functional Flagellar Type III Export Signal, to Expression of Secreted Proteins
Authors: Dobó József , Varga János , Sajó Ráchel , Végh Barbara M. , Gál Péter , Závodszky Péter , Vonderviszt Ferenc
Published: December 2009

Recently, we have demonstrated that the 26-47 segment ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium flagellin is capable of mediating flagellar export. In order to reveal whether other parts of the N-terminal region have any significant influence on secretion, a series of plasmids were constructed containing thelacpromoter followed by the 26-47, 2-65, or 2-192 portion ofSalmonellaflagellin, to which various heterologous proteins of different size were fused (18 constructs overall). Essentially, all three segments could drive protein export; however, the nature of the attached polypeptide also had a significant effect on secretion efficiency. When low export efficiency was observed, it was mainly caused by inclusion body formation. Our data provide strong support for the idea that a short segment within the disordered N-terminal region of axial proteins is recognized by the flagellar type III export machinery. The 26-47 segment of flagellin contains all of the necessary information to direct translocation of attached polypeptide chains. This short (positions 26 to 47) flagellin segment attached to recombinant proteins can be used for secreted protein expression. Certain fusion proteins that are easily degraded within the cells were found to be intact in the medium, implying a potential application of this expression system for proteins with high proteolytic susceptibility.
Highly Diverse Cyanobactins in Strains of the Genus
Anabaena
Authors: Leikoski Niina , Fewer David P. , Jokela Jouni , Wahlsten Matti , Rouhiainen Leo , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: December 2009

Cyanobactins are small, cyclic peptides recently found in cyanobacteria. They are formed through proteolytic cleavage and posttranslational modification of short precursor proteins and exhibit antitumor, cytotoxic, or multi-drug-reversing activities. Using genome project data, bioinformatics, stable isotope labeling, and mass spectrometry, we discovered novel cyclic peptides, anacyclamides, in 27
Anabaena
strains. The lengths of the anacylamides varied greatly, from 7 to 20 amino acids. Pronounced sequence variation was also detected, and only one amino acid, proline, was present in all anacyclamides. The anacyclamides identified included unmodified proteinogenic or prenylated amino acids. We identified an 11-kb gene cluster in the genome of
Anabaena
sp. 90, and heterologous expression in
Escherichia coli
confirmed that this cluster was responsible for anacyclamide production. The discovery of anacyclamides greatly increases the structural diversity of cyanobactins.
Physiological Versatility of the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon
Metallosphaera sedula
Supported by Transcriptomic Analysis of Heterotrophic, Autotrophic, and Mixotrophic Growth
Authors: Auernik Kathryne S. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: December 2009

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic growth of the archaeon
Metallosphaera sedula
(70°C, pH 2.0) revealed candidates for yet-to-be-confirmed components of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate pathway and implicated a membrane-bound hydrogenase (Msed_0944-Msed_0946) for growth on H
2
. Routes for generation of ATP and reducing equivalents were also identified.
Lysogeny and Sporulation in
Bacillus
Isolates from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Mobberley Jennifer , Authement R. Nathan , Segall Anca M. , Edwards Robert A. , Slepecky R. A. , Paul J. H.
Published: December 2009

Eleven
Bacillus
isolates from the surface and subsurface waters of the Gulf of Mexico were examined for their capacity to sporulate and harbor prophages. Occurrence of sporulation in each isolate was assessed through decoyinine induction, and putative lysogens were identified by prophage induction by mitomycin C treatment. No obvious correlation between ability to sporulate and prophage induction was found. Four strains that contained inducible virus-like particles (VLPs) were shown to sporulate. Four strains did not produce spores upon induction by decoyinine but contained inducible VLPs. Two of the strains did not produce virus-like particles or sporulate significantly upon induction. Isolate B14905 had a high level of virus-like particle production and a high occurrence of sporulation and was further examined by genomic sequencing in an attempt to shed light on the relationship between sporulation and lysogeny.
In silico
analysis of the B14905 genome revealed four prophage-like regions, one of which was independently sequenced from a mitomycin C-induced lysate. Based on PCR and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of an induced phage lysate, one is a noninducible phage remnant, one may be a defective phage-like bacteriocin, and two were inducible prophages. One of the inducible phages contained four putative transcriptional regulators, one of which was a SinR-like regulator that may be involved in the regulation of host sporulation. Isolates that both possess the capacity to sporulate and contain temperate phage may be well adapted for survival in the oligotrophic ocean.
Stability of a
Spodoptera frugiperda
Nucleopolyhedrovirus Deletion Recombinant during Serial Passage in Insects
Authors: Simón Oihane , Williams Trevor , Possee Robert D. , López-Ferber Miguel , Caballero Primitivo
Published: December 2009

The stabilities of the
Spodoptera frugiperda
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV) complete genome bacmid (Sfbac) and a deletion recombinant (Sf29null) in which the
Sf29
gene was replaced by a kanamycin resistance cassette were determined during sequential rounds of
per os
infection in insect larvae. The
Sf29
gene is a viral factor that determines the number of virions in occlusion bodies (OBs). The Sf29null bacmid virus was able to recover the
Sf29
gene during passage. After the third passage (P3) of Sf29null bacmid OBs, the population was observed to reach an equilibrium involving a mixture of those with a kanamycin resistance cassette and those with the
Sf29
gene. The biological activity of Sf29null bacmid OBs at P3 was similar to that of Sfbac OBs. The recovered gene in the Sf29null virus was 98 to 100% homologous to the
Sf29
genes of different SfMNPV genotypes. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of uninoculated
S. frugiperda
larvae confirmed the expression of the SfMNPV
ie-0
and
Sf29
genes, indicating that the insect colony harbors a covert SfMNPV infection. Additionally, the nonessential bacterial artificial chromosome vector was spontaneously deleted from both viral genomes upon passage in insects.
Iron Regulation through the Back Door: Iron-Dependent Metabolite Levels Contribute to Transcriptional Adaptation to Iron Deprivation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ihrig Jessica , Hausmann Anja , Hain Anika , Richter Nadine , Hamza Iqbal , Lill Roland , Mühlenhoff Ulrich
Published: December 2009

Budding yeast (
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
) responds to iron deprivation both by Aft1-Aft2-dependent transcriptional activation of genes involved in cellular iron uptake and by Cth1-Cth2-specific degradation of certain mRNAs coding for iron-dependent biosynthetic components. Here, we provide evidence for a novel principle of iron-responsive gene expression. This regulatory mechanism is based on the modulation of transcription through the iron-dependent variation of levels of regulatory metabolites. As an example, the
LEU1
gene of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis is downregulated under iron-limiting conditions through depletion of the metabolic intermediate α-isopropylmalate, which functions as a key transcriptional coactivator of the Leu3 transcription factor. Synthesis of α-isopropylmalate involves the iron-sulfur protein Ilv3, which is inactivated under iron deficiency. As another example, decreased mRNA levels of the cytochrome
c
-encoding
CYC1
gene under iron-limiting conditions involve heme-dependent transcriptional regulation via the Hap1 transcription factor. Synthesis of the iron-containing heme is directly correlated with iron availability. Thus, the iron-responsive expression of genes that are downregulated under iron-limiting conditions is conferred by two independent regulatory mechanisms: transcriptional regulation through iron-responsive metabolites and posttranscriptional mRNA degradation. Only the combination of the two processes provides a quantitative description of the response to iron deprivation in yeast.
WD Repeat Domain of Dictyostelium Myosin Heavy Chain Kinase C Functions in both Substrate Targeting and Cellular Localization
Authors: Franklin Atiya , Hyatt Linzi , Chowdhury Alyssa , Steimle Paul A.
Published: December 2009

Myosin II disassembly in
Dictyostelium discoideum
is regulated by three structurally related myosin heavy chain kinases (myosin II heavy chain kinase A [MHCK-A], -B, and -C). We show that the WD repeat domain of MHCK-C is unique in that it mediates both substrate targeting and subcellular localization, revealing a target for regulation that is distinct from those of the other MHCKs.
Defects in DNA Lesion Bypass Lead to Spontaneous Chromosomal Rearrangements and Increased Cell Death
Authors: Schmidt Kristina H. , Viebranz Emilie B. , Harris Lorena B. , Mirzaei-Souderjani Hamed , Syed Salahuddin , Medicus Robin
Published: December 2009

Rev3 polymerase and Mph1 DNA helicase participate in error-prone and error-free pathways, respectively, for the bypassing of template lesions during DNA replication. Here we have investigated the role of these pathways and their genetic interaction with recombination factors, other nonreplicative DNA helicases, and DNA damage checkpoint components in the maintenance of genome stability, viability, and sensitivity to the DNA-damaging agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). We find that cells lacking Rev3 and Mph1 exhibit a synergistic, Srs2-dependent increase in the rate of accumulating spontaneous, gross chromosomal rearrangements, suggesting that the suppression of point mutations by deletion of
REV3
may lead to chromosomal rearrangements. While
mph1Δ
is epistatic to homologous recombination (HR) genes, both Rad51 and Rad52, but not Rad59, are required for normal growth of the
rev3Δ
mutant and are essential for survival of
rev3Δ
cells during exposure to MMS, indicating that Mph1 acts in a Rad51-dependent, Rad59-independent subpathway of HR-mediated lesion bypass. Deletion of
MPH1
helicase leads to synergistic DNA damage sensitivity increases in cells with
chl1Δ
or
rrm3Δ
helicase mutations, whereas
mph1Δ
is hypostatic to
sgs1Δ
. Previously reported slow growth of
mph1Δ srs2Δ
cells is accompanied by G
2
/M arrest and fully suppressed by disruption of the Mec3-dependent DNA damage checkpoint. We propose a model for replication fork rescue mediated by translesion DNA synthesis and homologous recombination that integrates the role of Mph1 in unwinding D loops and its genetic interaction with Rev3 and Srs2-regulated pathways in the suppression of spontaneous genome rearrangements and in mutation avoidance.
GPR11, a Putative Seven-Transmembrane G Protein-Coupled Receptor, Controls Zoospore Development and Virulence of Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Wang Yonglin , Li Aining , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Xin , Zhao Wei , Dou Daolong , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Yuanchao
Published: December 2009

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a large receptor family involved in a broad spectrum of cell signaling. To understand signaling mechanisms mediated by GPCRs in
Phytophthora sojae
, we identified and characterized the
PsGPR11
gene, which encodes a putative seven-transmembrane GPCR. An expression analysis revealed that
PsGPR11
was differentially expressed during asexual development. The highest expression level occurred in zoospores and was upregulated during early infection.
PsGPR11
-deficienct transformants were obtained by gene silencing strategies. Silenced transformants exhibited no differences in hyphal growth or morphology, sporangium production or size, or mating behavior. However, the release of zoospores from sporangia was severely impaired in the silenced transformants, and about 50% of the sporangia did not completely release their zoospores. Zoospore encystment and germination were also impaired, and zoospores of the transformants lost their pathogenicity to soybean. In addition, no interaction was observed between PsGPR11 and PsGPA1 with a conventional yeast two-hybrid assay, and the transcriptional levels of some genes which were identified as being negatively regulated by PsGPA1 were not clearly altered in
PsGPR11
-silenced mutants. These results suggest that
PsGPR11
-mediated signaling controls
P. sojae
zoospore development and virulence through the pathways independent of G protein.
Protein Localization in
Escherichia coli
Cells: Comparison of the Cytoplasmic Membrane Proteins ProP, LacY, ProW, AqpZ, MscS, and MscL
Authors: Romantsov Tatyana , Battle Andrew R. , Hendel Jenifer L. , Martinac Boris , Wood Janet M.
Published: December 2009

Fluorescence microscopy has revealed that the phospholipid cardiolipin (CL) and FlAsH-labeled transporters ProP and LacY are concentrated at the poles of
Escherichia coli
cells. The proportion of CL among
E. coli
phospholipids can be varied
in vivo
as it is decreased by
cls
mutations and it increases with the osmolality of the growth medium. In this report we compare the localization of CL, ProP, and LacY with that of other cytoplasmic membrane proteins. The proportion of cells in which FlAsH-labeled membrane proteins were concentrated at the cell poles was determined as a function of protein expression level and CL content. Each tagged protein was expressed from a pBAD24-derived plasmid; tagged ProP was also expressed from the chromosome. The osmosensory transporter ProP and the mechanosensitive channel MscS concentrated at the poles at frequencies correlated with the cellular CL content. The lactose transporter LacY was found at the poles at a high and CL-independent frequency. ProW (a component of the osmoregulatory transporter ProU), AqpZ (an aquaporin), and MscL (a mechanosensitive channel) were concentrated at the poles in a minority of cells, and this polar localization was CL independent. The frequency of polar localization was independent of induction (at arabinose concentrations up to 1 mM) for proteins encoded by pBAD24-derived plasmids. Complementation studies showed that ProW, AqpZ, MscS, and MscL remained functional after introduction of the FlAsH tag (CCPGCC). These data suggest that CL-dependent polar localization in
E. coli
cells is not a general characteristic of transporters, channels, or osmoregulatory proteins. Polar localization can be frequent and CL independent (as observed for LacY), frequent and CL dependent (as observed for ProP and MscS), or infrequent (as observed for AqpZ, ProW, and MscL).
Comparative Genomics and Transduction Potential of
Enterococcus faecalis
Temperate Bacteriophages
Authors: Yasmin Azra , Kenny John G. , Shankar Jayendra , Darby Alistair C. , Hall Neil , Edwards Clive , Horsburgh Malcolm J.
Published: December 2009

To determine the relative importance of temperate bacteriophage in the horizontal gene transfer of fitness and virulence determinants of
Enterococcus faecalis
, a panel of 47 bacteremia isolates were treated with the inducing agents mitomycin C, norfloxacin, and UV radiation. Thirty-four phages were purified from culture supernatants and discriminated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and restriction mapping. From these analyses the genomes of eight representative phages were pyrosequenced, revealing four distinct groups of phages. Three groups of phages, ΦFL1 to 3, were found to be sequence related, with ΦFL1A to C and ΦFL2A and B sharing the greatest identity (87 to 88%), while ΦFL3A and B share 37 to 41% identity with ΦFL1 and 2. ΦFL4A shares 3 to 12% identity with the phages ΦFL1 to 3. The ΦFL3A and B phages possess a high DNA sequence identity with the morphogenesis and lysis modules of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
cremoris
prophages. Homologs of the
Streptococcus mitis
platelet binding phage tail proteins, PblA and PblB, are encoded on each sequenced
E. faecalis
phage. Few other phage genes encoding potential virulence functions were identified, and there was little evidence of carriage of lysogenic conversion genes distal to endolysin, as has been observed with genomes of many temperate phages from the opportunist pathogens
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pyogenes
.
E. faecalis
JH2-2 lysogens were generated using the eight phages, and these were examined for their relative fitness in
Galleria mellonella
. Several lysogens exhibited different effects upon survival of
G. mellonella
compared to their isogenic parent. The eight phages were tested for their ability to package host DNA, and three were shown to be very effective for generalized transduction of naive host cells of the laboratory strains OG1RF and JH2-2.
Genetic Analysis of the Regulation of Type IV Pilus Function by the Chp Chemosensory System of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bertrand Jacob J. , West Joyce T. , Engel Joanne N.
Published: December 2009

The virulence of the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
involves the coordinate expression of many virulence factors, including type IV pili, which are required for colonization of host tissues and for twitching motility. Type IV pilus function is controlled in part by the Chp chemosensory system, which includes a histidine kinase, ChpA, and two CheY-like response regulators, PilG and PilH. How the Chp components interface with the type IV pilus motor proteins PilB, PilT, and PilU is unknown. We present genetic evidence confirming the role of ChpA, PilG, and PilB in the regulation of pilus extension and the role of PilH and PilT in regulating pilus retraction. Using informative double and triple mutants, we show that (i) ChpA, PilG, and PilB function upstream of PilH, PilT, and PilU; (ii) that PilH enhances PilT function; and (iii) that PilT and PilB retain some activity in the absence of signaling input from components of the Chp system. By site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that the histidine kinase domain of ChpA and the phosphoacceptor sites of both PilG and PilH are required for type IV pilus function, suggesting that they form a phosphorelay system important in the regulation of pilus extension and retraction. Finally, we present evidence suggesting that
pilA
transcription is regulated by intracellular PilA levels. We show that PilA is a negative regulator of
pilA
transcription in
P. aeruginosa
and that the Chp system functionally regulates
pilA
transcription by controlling PilA import and export.
ExsD Inhibits Expression of thePseudomonas aeruginosaType III Secretion System by Disrupting ExsA Self-Association and DNA Binding Activity
Authors: Brutinel Evan D. , Vakulskas Christopher A. , Yahr Timothy L.
Published: December 2009

Pseudomonas aeruginosautilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to damage eukaryotic host cells and evade phagocytosis. Transcription of the T3SS regulon is controlled by ExsA, a member of the AraC/XylS family of transcriptional regulators. ExsA-dependent transcription is coupled to type III secretory activity through a cascade of three interacting proteins (ExsC, ExsD, and ExsE). Genetic data suggest that ExsD functions as an antiactivator by preventing ExsA-dependent transcription, ExsC functions as an anti-antiactivator by binding to and inhibiting ExsD, and ExsE binds to and inhibits ExsC. T3SS gene expression is activated in response to low-calcium growth conditions or contact with host cells, both of which trigger secretion of ExsE. In the present study we reconstitute the T3SS regulatory cascadein vitrousing purified components and find that the ExsD·ExsA complex lacks DNA binding activity. As predicted by the genetic data, ExsC addition dissociates the ExsD·ExsA complex through formation of an ExsD·ExsC complex, thereby releasing ExsA to bind T3SS promoters and activate transcription. Addition of ExsE to the purified system results in formation of the ExsE·ExsC complex and prevents ExsC from dissociating the ExsD·ExsA complex. Although purified ExsA is monomeric in solution, bacterial two-hybrid analyses demonstrate that ExsA can self-associate and that ExsD inhibits self-association of ExsA. Based on these data we propose a model in which ExsD regulates ExsA-dependent transcription by inhibiting the DNA-binding and self-association properties of ExsA.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Wild-Type Commensal
Escherichia coli
Strain SE15, Belonging to Phylogenetic Group B2
Authors: Toh Hidehiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Toyoda Atsushi , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Ooka Tadasuke , Sasamoto Hiroyuki , Park Sang-Hee , Iyoda Sunao , Kurokawa Ken , Morita Hidetoshi , Itoh Kikuji , Taylor Todd D. , Hayashi Tetsuya , Hattori Masahira
Published: December 2009

Escherichia coli
SE15 (O150:H5) is a human commensal bacterium recently isolated from feces of a healthy adult and classified into
E. coli
phylogenetic group B2, which includes the majority of extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
. Here, we report the finished and annotated genome sequence of this organism.
The effects of smoking and smoking cessation on mortality from cardiovascular disease among Japanese: pooled analysis of three large-scale cohort studies in Japan
Authors: Honjo Kaori , Iso Hiroyasu , Tsugane Shoichiro , Tamakoshi Akiko , Satoh Hiroshi , Tajima Kazuo , Suzuki Takaichiro , Sobue Tomotaka
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To estimate the gender-specific risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease according to smoking status and time since smoking cessation among former smokers in Japan.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

140 026 males and 156 810 females aged 40–79 years who participated in one of three cohort studies conducted in Japan between 1980 and 1990.

Outcome

The gender-specific hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular disease mortality were calculated after adjustment for age and cohort.

Results

The age-adjusted and cohort-adjusted HRs for current smokers compared with lifelong non-smokers were 1.51 (95% CI 1.38 to 1.64) for total cardiovascular diseases, 2.19 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.67) for coronary heart disease and 1.24 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.41) for total stroke in males, and were 1.85 (95% CI 1.65 to 2.06), 2.84 (95% CI 2.24 to 3.60) and 1.70 (95% CI 1.44 to 2.01), respectively, in females. The age-adjusted and cohort-adjusted HRs for former smokers compared with current smokers according to the time period since smoking cessation decreased by approximately 5 years after smoking cessation and reached the same level as lifelong non-smokers approximately 10 years after smoking cessation among both males and females.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed the association between smoking and mortality from cardiovascular disease in both males and females. Smoking cessation is a crucial preventive measure against death from cardiovascular disease.
Regional differences in awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion in China: findings from the ITC China Survey
Authors: Yang Yan , Li Lin , Yong Hua-Hie , Borland Ron , Wu Xi , Li Qiang , Wu Changbao , Foong Kin
Published: December 2009

Objective

To examine whether levels of, and factors related to, awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion differ across six cities in China.

Methods

Data from wave 1 of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey (April to August 2006) were analysed. The ITC China Survey employed a multistage sampling design in Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai, Changsha, Guangzhou and Yinchuan. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total of 4763 smokers and 1259 non-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Results

The overall levels of noticing advertisements varied considerably by city. Cities reporting lower levels of advertising tended to report higher levels of point of sale activity. Noticing tobacco industry promotions was associated with more positive attitudes to tobacco companies.

Conclusion

The awareness of tobacco advertising and promotional activities was not homogeneous across the six Chinese cities, suggesting variations in the tobacco industry's activities and the diversity of implementing a central set of laws to restrict tobacco promotion. This study clearly demonstrates the need to work with the implementation agencies if national laws are to be properly enforced.
A cross-sectional study on levels of second-hand smoke in restaurants and bars in five cities in China
Authors: Liu R L , Yang Y , Travers M J , Fong G T , O'Connor R J , Hyland A , Li L , Nan Y , Feng G Z , Li Q , Jiang Y
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To assess indoor second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in restaurants and bars via PM2.5(fine particles 2.5 μm in diameter and smaller) level measurements in five cities in China.

Methods

The study was conducted from July to September in 2007 in Beijing, Xi'an, Wuhan, Kunming and Guiyang. Portable aerosol monitors were used to measure PM2.5concentrations in 404 restaurants and bars. The occupant density and the active smoker density were calculated for each venue sampled.

Results

Among the 404 surveyed venues, 23 had complete smoking bans, 9 had partial smoking bans and 313 (77.5%) were observed to have allowed smoking during sampling. The geometric mean of indoor PM2.5levels in venues with smoking observed was 208 μg/m3and 99 μg/m3in venues without observed smoking. When outdoor PM2.5levels were adjusted, indoor PM2.5levels in venues with smoking observed were consistently significantly higher than in venues without smoking observed (F=80.49, p<0.001). Indoor PM2.5levels were positively correlated with outdoor PM2.5levels (partial rho=0.37 p<0.001) and active smoker density (partial rho=0.34, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Consistent with findings in other countries, PM2.5levels in smoking places are significantly higher than those in smoke-free places and are strongly related to the number and density of active smokers. These findings document the high levels of SHS in hospitality venues in China and point to the urgent need for comprehensive smoke-free laws in China to protect the public from SHS hazards, as called for in Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was ratified by China in 2005.
Exposure to movie smoking, antismoking ads and smoking intensity: an experimental study with a factorial design
Authors: Harakeh Zeena , Engels Rutger C M E , Vohs Kathleen , van Baaren Rick B , Sargent James
Published: December 2009

Background

This study examines whether smoking portrayal in movies or antismoking advertisements affect smoking intensity among young adults.

Methods

We conducted an experimental study in which 84 smokers were randomly assigned using a two (no-smoking versus smoking portrayal in the movie) by three (two prosocial ads, two antismoking ads or one of each) factorial design. Participants viewed a 60-minute movie with two commercial breaks and afterwards completed a questionnaire. Smoking during the session was allowed and observed.

Results

Exposure to the movie with smoking had no effect on smoking intensity. Those who viewed two antismoking ads had significantly lower smoking intensity compared with those who viewed two prosocial ads. There was no interaction between movie smoking and antismoking ads. Baseline CO (carbon monoxide) level had the largest effect on smoking intensity.

Conclusion

These findings provide further evidence to support antismoking ads placed with movies because of their possible effect on young adult smoking behaviour. However, caution is warranted, because nicotine dependence appears to be the primary predictor of smoking intensity among young adult smokers in this study.
Pattern of tobacco use among the Iranian adult population: results of the national Survey of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases (SuRFNCD-2007)
Authors: Meysamie Alipasha , Ghaletaki Reza , Haghazali Mehrdad , Asgari Fereshteh , Rashidi Armin , Khalilzadeh Omid , Esteghamati Alireza , Abbasi Mehrshad
Published: December 2009

Background

Previous studies report on smoking in Iran but recent national data on tobacco use (including cigarette, water-pipe and pipe) have not been reported.

Methods

In 2007, 5287 Iranians aged 15–64 years were sampled from all provinces as part of a national cross-sectional survey of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Data were collected using the standardised stepwise protocol for NCD risk factor surveillance of the World Health Organization. Use of tobacco products was calculated as the sum of smoking cigarettes/cigars (smoking currently or daily any amount of factory/hand-made cigarettes or cigars), pipes (daily) and water pipes (daily).

Results

Total current and daily tobacco use was 14.8% (burden 7.3 million) and 13.7% (burden 6.7 million) when extrapolated to the Iranian population aged 15–64. The prevalence of current and daily cigarette smoking was 12.5% (6.1 million; 23.4% males and 1.4% females) and 11.3% (5.6 million; 21.4 males and 1.4 females); former smokers comprised 1.7 million or 3.4% of the Iranian population (6.2% males and 0.6% females; mean cessation age 34.1). The mean age of starting to smoke was 20.5 years (24.2 males and 20.4 females). The prevalence of water-pipe smoking was 2.7% (burden 1.3 million; 3.5% males and 1.9% females). Water-pipe smokers used the water-pipe on average 3.5 times a day (2.8 males and 4.5 females).

Conclusion

The prevalence of tobacco use has not escalated over the past two decades. Nonetheless, the burden is high and therefore warrants preventive public health policies.
Patterns of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco among US males: findings from national surveys
Authors: Tomar Scott L , Alpert Hillel R , Connolly Gregory N
Published: December 2009

Background

In the USA, consumption of moist snuff continues to increase and cigarette manufacturers now control nearly its entire market. Manufacturers have developed new products that represent cigarette brand extension and in test marketing are promoting dual use of cigarettes and snuff. This study examined patterns of concurrent use of smokeless tobacco (ST) and cigarettes among young people and adults in the USA just before cigarette companies' control of the nation's ST market.

Methods

Data were drawn from four US nationally representative surveys. Stratified analyses applied sampling weights and accounted for the complex sample designs.

Results

Cigarette smoking was substantially more prevalent among young males who used ST than among those who did not. Among adult males, those who smoked daily were less likely than others to have used snuff every day. Men who used moist snuff daily had the lowest prevalence of daily smoking, but the prevalence of daily smoking was relatively high among men who used moist snuff less than daily. Unsuccessful past-year attempts by daily smokers to quit smoking were more prevalent among non-daily snuff users (41.2%) than among those who had never used snuff (29.6%).

Conclusions

Although dual daily use of ST and cigarettes is relatively uncommon in the USA, concurrent ST use is more common among adolescent and young adult male smokers than among more mature tobacco users. Among adult males, daily smoking predominates and non-daily ST use is very strongly associated with current smoking. Adult male smokers who also use ST daily tend to have relatively high levels of serum cotinine and high prevalence of a major indicator for tobacco dependence.