bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calmodulin activation of Aurora-A kinase (AURKA) is required during ciliary disassembly and in mitosis
Authors: Plotnikova Olga V. , Nikonova Anna S. , Loskutov Yuri V. , Kozyulina Polina Y. , Pugacheva Elena N. , Golemis Erica A.
Published: May 2012

The centrosomal Aurora-A kinase (AURKA) regulates mitotic progression, and overexpression and hyperactivation of AURKA commonly promotes genomic instability in many tumors. Although most studies of AURKA focus on its role in mitosis, some recent work identified unexpected nonmitotic activities of AURKA. Among these, a role for basal body–localized AURKA in regulating ciliary disassembly in interphase cells has highlighted a role in regulating cellular responsiveness to growth factors and mechanical cues. The mechanism of AURKA activation involves interactions with multiple partner proteins and is not well understood, particularly in interphase cells. We show here that AURKA activation at the basal body in ciliary disassembly requires interactions with Ca2+and calmodulin (CaM) and that Ca2+/CaM are important mediators of the ciliary disassembly process. We also show that Ca2+/CaM binding is required for AURKA activation in mitosis and that inhibition of CaM activity reduces interaction between AURKA and its activator, NEDD9. Finally, mutated derivatives of AURKA impaired for CaM binding and/or CaM-dependent activation cause defects in mitotic progression, cytokinesis, and ciliary resorption. These results define Ca2+/CaM as important regulators of AURKA activation in mitotic and nonmitotic signaling.
UNC-89 (obscurin) binds to MEL-26, a BTB-domain protein, and affects the function of MEI-1 (katanin) in striated muscle ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wilson Kristy J. , Qadota Hiroshi , Mains Paul E. , Benian Guy M.
Published: May 2012

The ubiquitin proteasome system is involved in degradation of old or damaged sarcomeric proteins. Most E3 ubiquitin ligases are associated with cullins, which function as scaffolds for assembly of the protein degradation machinery. Cullin 3 uses an adaptor to link to substrates; in Caenorhabditis elegans, one of these adaptors is the BTB-domain protein MEL-26 (maternal effect lethal). Here we show that MEL-26 interacts with the giant sarcomeric protein UNC-89 (obscurin). MEL-26 and UNC-89 partially colocalize at sarcomeric M-lines. Loss of function or gain of function of mel-26 results in disorganization of myosin thick filaments similar to that found in unc-89 mutants. It had been reported that in early C. elegans embryos, a target of the CUL-3/MEL-26 ubiquitylation complex is the microtubule-severing enzyme katanin (MEI-1). Loss of function or gain of function of mei-1 also results in disorganization of thick filaments similar to unc-89 mutants. Genetic data indicate that at least some of the mel-26 loss-of-function phenotype in muscle can be attributed to increased microtubule-severing activity of MEI-1. The level of MEI-1 protein is reduced in an unc-89 mutant, suggesting that the normal role of UNC-89 is to inhibit the CUL-3/MEL-26 complex toward MEI-1.
Spring partitioning of Disko Bay, West Greenland, by Arctic and Subarctic baleen whales
Authors: Laidre Kristin L. , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: May 2012

Laidre, K. L., and Heide-Jørgensen, M. P. 2012. Spring partitioning of Disko Bay, West Greenland, by Arctic and Subarctic baleen whales. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Movements of co-occurring bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales in Disko Bay, West Greenland, were examined using satellite telemetry. Data on movements, habitat use, and phenology were collected from tagged 49 bowheads and 44 humpbacks during the transition from sea-ice breakup to open water between 2008 and 2010. Bowhead whales began their northward spring migration around 27 May (median day-of-the-year departure date = 147, interquartile range 141–153) and were distributed broadly in northern and central Disko Bay in water depths between 100 and 400 m. Humpback whales arrived in Disko Bay no later than 2 June and were located in shallow water (<100 m) along the coasts of the mainland or Disko Island. Trends in departure date from Disko Bay were significant for bowhead whales (∼15 d later, p < 0.001) between two periods: 2001–2006 and 2008–2010. Many species are predicted to arrive earlier in the Arctic and to expand their range northwards with reduced sea ice and increasing temperatures under climate change. Quantifying the spatial and temporal relationships between co-occurring Arctic and Subarctic top predators allows for baseline insight to be gained on how climate change might alter interspecies interactions.
Recognition of Avirulence Gene AvrLm1 from Hemibiotrophic Ascomycete Leptosphaeria maculans Triggers Salicylic Acid and Ethylene Signaling in Brassica napus
Authors: Šašek Vladimír , Nováková Miroslava , Jindřichová Barbora , Bóka Károly , Valentová Olga , Burketová Lenka
Published: May 2012

Interaction of a plant with a fungal pathogen is an encounter with hundreds of molecules. In contrast to this, a single molecule often decides between the disease and resistance. In the present article, we describe the defense responses triggered by AvrLm1, an avirulence gene from a hemibiotrophic ascomycete, Leptosphaeria maculans, responsible for an incompatible interaction with Brassica napus. Using multiple hormone quantification and expression analysis of defense-related genes, we investigated signaling events in Rlm1 plants infected with two sister isolates of L. maculans differentiated by the presence or absence of AvrLm1. Infection with the isolate carrying AvrLm1 increased the biosynthesis of salicylic acid (SA) and induced expression of the SA-associated genes ICS1, WRKY70, and PR-1, a feature characteristic of responses to biotrophic pathogens and resistance gene–mediated resistance. In addition to SA-signaling elements, we also observed the induction of ASC2a, HEL, and CHI genes associated with ethylene (ET) signaling. Pharmacological experiments confirmed the positive roles of SA and ET in mediating resistance to L. maculans. The unusual cooperation of SA and ET signaling might be a response to the hemibiotrophic nature of L. maculans. Our results also demonstrate the profound difference between the natural host B. napus and the model plant Arabidopsis in their response to L. maculans infection.
First Ocurrence of a Rhabdovirus Infecting Maize in Argentina
Authors: Maurino M. F. , Laguna G. , Giolitti F. , Nome C. , Pecci M. P. Giménez
Published: May 2012

Maize (Zea mays) plants showing symptoms of shortened internodes, dwarfism, panicle sterility, and a mosaic of coarse and fine yellow stripes on leaf blades and sheaths, were found from December to March in experimental maize plantings in every crop year since 2000-01. Although the disease appeared at a very low incidence (estimates less than 1%), it was found in several locations such as Santa Isabel and Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe Province; Río Cuarto, Colonia Caroya, Río Segundo, and Sampacho, Córdoba Province; and Pedro Luro, Buenos Aires Province. Leaf tissue from eight symptomatic plants collected in Colonia Caroya in December 2011 was used to perform “leaf dips” and ultrathin sections. Electron microscopy of these preparations revealed membrane-bound bullet-shaped particles characteristic of the Rhabdoviridae family in mesophyll cytoplasm and vascular bundle parenchyma. The virus was experimentally transmitted to healthy 9-day-old corn plants, with Peregrinus maidis (order Hemiptera, family Delphacidae) raised under laboratory conditions using acquisition, latency, and inoculation vector periods of 7, 21, and 7 days, respectively. The field observed symptoms were replicated in the transmitted plants. Total RNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants with the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany), and one step RT-PCR (Access RT-PCR Kit, Promega, Madison, WI) was performed, using two sets of degenerate primers targeting conserved regions of rhabdovirus L polymerase gene, primers PVO (1) and Rhab (2). The agarose gel bands shown only in symptomatic samples were 450 bp (1) and 1,000 bp (2), as expected. The approximately 1 kb amplicon, which includes that of 450 bp, was cloned into pGEM-T Easy Vector System (Promega). Five independent clones were sequenced in both directions with M13 F/R universal primers to generate a consensus sequence (GenBank Accession No. JQ715419), which was compared to similar plant rhabdovirus sequences available on GenBank. The partial L polymerase gene sequence of the corn rhabdovirus, Maize yellow striate virus had 73% and 71% sequence identity with the members of the Cytorhabdovirus genus Barley yellow striate mosaic virus isolate Zanjan-1 (BYSMV; GenBank Accession No. FJ665628) and Northern cereal mosaic virus (NCMV; GenBank Accession No. NC002251), respectively. A phylogenetic tree from the partial nucleotide L polymerase sequence indicates that the rhabdovirus infecting maize in Argentina is closely related to the cytorhabdovirus members and is separated from the nucleorhabdovirus group. To our knowledge, this is the first mention of a Rhabdoviridae family virus infecting maize detected in Argentina.

References: (1) H. Bourhy et al. J. Gen. Virol. 86:2849, 2005. (2) R. L. Lamprecht et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 123:105, 2009.
First Report of Subanguina moxae Infecting Mugwort in Yunnan, China
Authors: Yao R. Y. , Hu X. Q. , Xue J. P.
Published: May 2012

Mugwort is a perennial in the Compositae family distributed throughout Asia and Europe. The leaves are reported to have various pharmaceutical properties, e.g., antibacterial, antiviral, antitussive, and hemostatic properties, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. In August 2011, a field of mugwort in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, exhibited more than 90% incidence of whitish and rounded galls on the leaves. There were approximately 10 galls on each leaf, impacting the quality of the leaves for medicinal use. Parasitic nematodes were found upon dissection of the galls, then eggs, second-stage juveniles (J2), and mature males and females were observed. Through the morphologic observation of juveniles and female and male adults, the parasitic nematode was identified as Subanguina moxae (Yokoo and Choi, 1968) Brzeski, 1981 (3). Key morphological features are as follows: eggs (n = 20) measured 54.0 to 71.4 × 24.1 to 30.0 μm; J2 (n = 20) had the following characteristics: body length 689.3 to 873.2 μm (x = 775.5 μm); stylet length 8.2 to 9.8 μm (x = 8.8 μm); tail length 49.5 to 74.5 μm (x = 60.1 μm); a (total body length/maximum body width) ranged from 28.6 to 38.6 μm (x = 34.1 μm); and c (total body length/the length of the tail) ranged from 11.2 to 16.0 μm (x = 13.0 μm). Females (n = 20) had the following characteristics: body length 1,252.8 to 1,665.2 μm (x = 1,475.7 μm); stylet length 7.2 to 9.2 μm (x = 8.2 μm); V of 88.0 to 92.3 μm (x = 89.6 μm); a ranged from 17.6 to 24.5 μm (x = 21.3 μm); and c ranged from 20.2 to 28.9 μm (x = 22.8 μm). Males (n = 20) had the following characteristics: body length 994.2 to 1,453.6 μm (x = 1,253.2 μm); stylet length 7.5 to 9.9 μm (x= 9.1 μm); tail length 69.2 to 88.1 μm (x = 78.0 μm); spicule length 22.2 to 33.4 μm (x = 29.4 μm); gubernaculum length 10.4 to 14.2 μm (x = 12.2 μm); a ranged from 23.1 to 37.2 μm (x = 29.9 μm); and c ranged from 13.9 to 18.7 μm (x = 16.1 μm). Amplification of the rDNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D2/D3 (1) fragments of the 28S RNA with universal primers rDNA1/rDNA2 and D2A/D3B yielded PCR fragments of 934 bp and 754 bp, respectively. The ITS sequence (JN865234) and D2D3 sequence (JN885540) were submitted to GenBank. The ITS sequence (JN865234) exhibited 99.4% similarity with Mesoanguina moxae (AF396314) (synonym of S. moxae) (4). S. moxae has been identified from the common mugwort in Japan (2) and in China, was reported to infect wheat in Guizhou Province, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of this nematode affecting mugwort in Yunnan, China.

References: (1) S. Amiri et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 108:497, 2002. (2) K. Daigo et al. Bull. School Agric. Meiji University. 56:237, 2007. (3) M. R. Siddiqi. Tylenchida: Parasites of Plants and Insects. CABI Publishing, New York, 2000. (4) S. A. Subbotin et al. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 30:226, 2004.
Protein B5 is required on extracellular enveloped vaccinia virus for repulsion of superinfecting virions
Authors: Doceul Virginie , Hollinshead Michael , Breiman Adrien , Laval Kathlyn , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: May 2012

Vaccinia virus (VACV) spreads across cell monolayers fourfold faster than predicted from its replication kinetics. Early after infection, infected cells repulse some superinfecting extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) particles by the formation of actin tails from the cell surface, thereby causing accelerated spread to uninfected cells. This strategy requires the expression of two viral proteins, A33 and A36, on the surface of infected cells and upon contact with EEV this complex induces actin polymerization. Here we have studied this phenomenon further and investigated whether A33 and A36 expression in cell lines causes an increase in VACV plaque size, whether these proteins are able to block superinfection by EEV, and which protein(s) on the EEV surface are required to initiate the formation of actin tails from infected cells. Data presented show that VACV plaque size was not increased by expression of A33 and A36, and these proteins did not block entry of the majority of EEV binding to these cells. In contrast, expression of proteins A56 and K2 inhibited entry of both EEV and intracellular mature virus. Lastly, VACV protein B5 was required on EEV to induce the formation of actin tails at the surface of cells expressing A33 and A36, and B5 short consensus repeat 4 is critical for this induction.
Spatial and temporal variation in butterfly biodiversity in a West African forest: lessons for establishing efficient rapid monitoring programmes
Authors: Aduse‐Poku Kwaku , William Oduro , Oppong Samuel K. , Larsen Torben , Ofori‐Boateng Caleb , Molleman Freerk
Published: May 2012

Because tropical forests face serious threats and are usually situated in developing countries, cheap and easy Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) seems an ideal strategy for documenting changes in habitat quality and setting conservation priorities. Fruit‐feeding butterflies are often used as focal taxa to document biodiversity trends in tropical forests. However, the choice of inappropriate sampling strategies may nullify its value. More extensive data sets that sample multiple months and seasons and incorporate the vertical dimension are needed as a baseline for designing reliable sampling regimes. Therefore, we performed a butterfly trapping study in Ghana, using both understorey and canopy traps, and sampling seven periods covering dry and wet seasons. Both individual numbers and species richness were on average three to four times higher in the understorey than in the canopy traps with strikingly different species composition (only 11% overlap in species). The number of species and individual abundance recorded in a month varied extensively. This study underlined the importance of taking into account temporal variation and vertical stratification when designing RBAs of fruit‐feeding butterflies in West African forests. We recommend the use of both understorey and canopy traps and inclusion of both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons into RBA sampling regimes.
Animal models of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Coughlan A M , Freeley S J , Robson M G
Published: May 2012

OTHER ARTICLES PUBLISHED ON ANCA IN THIS ISSUE

How anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies activate neutrophils. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 2012, 169: 220–8.

Antibodies against neutrophil proteins myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 are thought to cause disease in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis. There have been a number of recent developments in the animal models of ANCA vasculitis in both mice and rats. These include models based on an immune response to MPO generated in MPO-deficient mice, with other models using MPO-sufficient mice and rats. In addition, there is a report of the use of humanized mice where immunodeficient mice have been engrafted with human haematopoietic stem cells and injected with patient ANCA. Antibodies to another protein lysosomal-associated protein-2 have been found in patients with ANCA vasculitis, and evidence from a rat model suggests that they are also pathogenic. These models all have advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed. We also consider what these models have taught us about the pathogenesis of ANCA vasculitis. Experiments using genetically modified mice and pharmacological inhibition have given insights into disease mechanisms and have identified potential therapeutic targets. Toll-like receptor stimulation modifies disease by acting both at the level of tissue injury and in the generation of the autoimmune response. Complement is also potentially important with data to support the role of the alternative pathway and C5a in particular. Intracellular pathways have been examined, with a role showing p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ. Serine proteases are now known to contribute to disease by release of interleukin-1β in ANCA-activated neutrophils and monocytes. Other potential therapies studied in these models include the use of bortezemib and strategies to modify antibody glycosylation.
Amelioration of renal damage by administration of anti-thymocyte globulin to potential donors in a brain death rat model
Authors: Cicora F , Stringa P , Guerrieri D , Roberti J , Ambrosi N , Toniolo F , Cicora P , Palti G , Vásquez D , Raimondi C
Published: May 2012

Brain death (BD), a non-immunological factor of renal injury, triggers an inflammatory process causing pathological signs of cell death in the kidney, such as necrosis and apoptosis. Kidneys from brain dead donors show lower success rates than kidneys from living donors and one strategy to improve transplantation outcome is to precondition the donors. For the first time, anti-rat thymoglobulin (rATG) was administered in an experimental brain death animal model to evaluate if it could ameliorate histopathological damage and improve organ function. Animals were divided into three groups: V (n = 5) ventilated for 2 h; BD (n = 5) brain death and ventilated for 2 h; and BD+rATG (n = 5) brain death, ventilated for 2 h, rATG was administered during brain death (10 mg/kg). We observed lower creatinine levels in treatment groups (means): V, 0·88 ± 0·22 mg/dl; BD, 1·37 ± 0·07 mg/dl; and BD+rATG, 0·64 ± 0·02 mg/dl (BD versus BD+rATG, P < 0·001). In the BD group there appeared to be a marked increase of ATN, whereas ATN was decreased significantly in the rATG group (V, 2·25 ± 0·5 versus BD, 4·75 ± 0·5, P < 0·01; BD+rATG, 2·75 ± 0·5 versus BD 4·75 ± 0·5 P < 0·01). Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction; tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, C3, CD86 showed no significant difference between groups. Increased IL-10 and decreased CCL2 in BD+rATG compared to BD (both cases P < 0·01). Myeloperoxidase was increased significantly after the brain death setting (V: 32 ± 7·5 versus BD: 129 ± 18). Findings suggest that rATG administered to potential donors may ameliorate renal damage caused by BD. These findings could contribute in the search for specific cytoprotective interventions to improve the quality and viability of transplanted organs.
The immunobiology of apotransferrin in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mangano K , Fagone P , Di Mauro M , Ascione E , Maiello V , Milicic T , Jotic A , Lalic N M , Saksida T , Stojanovic I , Selmi C , Farina C , Stosic-Grujicic S , Meroni P , Nicoletti F
Published: May 2012

The transferrin (Tf) family of iron binding proteins includes important endogenous modulators of the immune function that may modulate autoimmune diseases. To define more clearly the role of apotransferrin (apoTf) in type 1 diabetes we determined the impact of this protein on type 1 diabetes as investigated in islet cells, animal models and patient sera. First, we demonstrated that recombinant apoTf counteracts the cytokine-induced death of murine pancreatic islet cells. Secondly, human apoTf administration favourably influences the course of type 1 diabetes in animal models, resulting in protection against disease development that was associated with reduction of insulitis and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we confirmed that patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes manifest significantly lower apoTf serum levels compared to healthy controls and patients with long-lasting disease. In conclusion, our data suggest the apoTf pivotal role in the perpetuation of type 1 diabetes pathology.
Experimental litterfall manipulation drives large and rapid changes in soil carbon cycling in a wet tropical forest
Authors: Leff Jonathan W. , Wieder William R. , Taylor Philip G. , Townsend Alan R. , Nemergut Diana R. , Grandy A. Stuart , Cleveland Cory C.
Published: May 2012

Global changes such as variations in plant net primary production are likely to drive shifts in leaf litterfall inputs to forest soils, but the effects of such changes on soil carbon (C) cycling and storage remain largely unknown, especially in C‐rich tropical forest ecosystems. We initiated a leaf litterfall manipulation experiment in a tropical rain forest in Costa Rica to test the sensitivity of surface soil C pools and fluxes to different litter inputs. After only 2 years of treatment, doubling litterfall inputs increased surface soil C concentrations by 31%, removing litter from the forest floor drove a 26% reduction over the same time period, and these changes in soil C concentrations were associated with variations in dissolved organic matter fluxes, fine root biomass, microbial biomass, soil moisture, and nutrient fluxes. However, the litter manipulations had only small effects on soil organic C (SOC) chemistry, suggesting that changes in C cycling, nutrient cycling, and microbial processes in response to litter manipulation reflect shifts in the quantity rather than quality of SOC. The manipulation also affected soil CO
2 fluxes; the relative decline in CO
2 production was greater in the litter removal plots (−22%) than the increase in the litter addition plots (+15%). Our analysis showed that variations in CO
2 fluxes were strongly correlated with microbial biomass pools, soil C and nitrogen (N) pools, soil inorganic P fluxes, dissolved organic C fluxes, and fine root biomass. Together, our data suggest that shifts in leaf litter inputs in response to localized human disturbances and global environmental change could have rapid and important consequences for belowground C storage and fluxes in tropical rain forests, and highlight differences between tropical and temperate ecosystems, where belowground C cycling responses to changes in litterfall are generally slower and more subtle.
Preparation and analysis of hydrolysates from whey protein concentrate using the proteases from Bacillus licheniformis and Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Silvestre Marialice Pinto Coelho , Morais Harriman Aley , Silva Mauro Ramalho , de Souza Mariana Wanessa Santana , Silva Viviane Dias Medeiros
Published: May 2012

The action of proteases from Bacillus licheniformis and Aspergillus oryzae was studied with the aim of preparing hydrolysates from whey protein concentrate with nutritionally appropriate peptide profile. Various enzyme/substrate ratios were used, and the peptides were fractionated by size‐exclusion HPLC followed by their quantification using the rapid method of correct fraction area (CFA). The protease from B. licheniformis (E:S of 8:100) produced the best peptide with a much lower amount of large peptides (44.61%), greater of di‐ and tripeptides (8.79%) and higher sum of the di‐ and tripeptides with free amino acids (9.99%) than the other hydrolysates. The advantage of using a lower E:S ratio to obtain a nutritionally adequate peptide profile was observed for the protease of A. oryzae when it passed from 3:100 to 2:100.
Genotype and growing season influence blueberry antioxidant capacity and other quality attributes
Authors: Wang Shiow Y. , Chen Hangjun , Camp Mary J. , Ehlenfeldt Mark K.
Published: May 2012

Forty‐two blueberry cultivars (thirty‐six Vaccinium ashei, three V. ashei derivative hybrids and three northern highbush standards) were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities and other fruit quality attributes over two growing seasons. Total anthocyanins, phenolic content and antioxidant capacities varied substantially among species and cultivars. ‘Early May’ (V. ashei) had the highest amounts of anthocyanins, phenolics and antioxidant capacity. Cultivars from V. ashei hybrid derivatives had lower mean antioxidant components than those from northern highbush standards or V. ashei. The antioxidant capacity, as well as total anthocyanins and phenolics, had significant cultivar × year interactions. Correlation coefficient between years for total anthocyanins, total phenolics and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were high with values of 0.86, 0.81 and 0.93, respectively. Similar interactions were observed for soluble solids content (SSC), sugar, titratable acid and organic acids among cultivars both within and across the growing seasons. Correlation coefficients between years for SSC, fructose, glucose and sucrose were 0.78, 0.71, 0.83 and 0.96, respectively. Fructose and glucose were detected as two major sugars with sucrose as a minor constituent. ‘Clara’ contained the highest amounts of SSC and sugars, while ‘Satilla’ had the lowest. In general, V. ashei cultivars had a higher mean SSC and sugar contents than did the hybrid derivatives or the northern highbush standards. Cultivars of V. ashei contained higher malic acid than citric acid, whereas in hybrid derivatives and northern highbush cultivars, citric acid was the predominant organic acid. The diversity in the amount of these fruit quality attributes and antioxidant capacities presents a great opportunity for genetic improvement of blueberries through breeding programmes. The objective of the study was to identify blueberry cultivars with high antioxidant activity and good fruit quality, so they can be used as parents for future blueberry breeding programmes to develop new cultivars with higher antioxidant activity.
IL28B polymorphisms predict response to therapy among chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4
Authors: Antaki N. , Bibert S. , Kebbewar K. , Asaad F. , Baroudi O. , Alideeb S. , Hadad M. , Abboud D. , Sabah H. , Bochud P.‐Y. , Negro F.
Published: May 2012

Summary.  Genetic polymorphisms near IL28B are associated with spontaneous and treatment‐induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our objective was to assess the predictive value of IL28B polymorphisms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C of patients with HCV genotypes 4, for which data are currently limited. We analysed the association of IL28B polymorphisms with the virological response to treatment among 182 naïve chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4, all from Syria. Associations of alleles with the response patterns were evaluated by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, accounting for all relevant covariates. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 26% of rs8099917 TG/GG carriers compared with 60% of TT carriers (P < 0.0001) and 35% of rs12979860 CT/TT carriers compared with 62% of CC carriers (P = 0.0011). By multivariate analysis, the association between rs8099917 and SVR remained significant (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.50, for TG/GG vs TT, P = 0.0007), with the only significant covariate being advanced fibrosis (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04–0.37, P = 0.0002). In conclusion, IL28B polymorphisms are the strongest predictors of response to therapy among chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 4.
Within‐genotype epigenetic variation enables broad niche width in a flower living yeast
Authors: SCHREY A. W. , RICHARDS C. L.
Published: May 2012

Niche theory is one of the central organizing concepts in ecology. Generally, this theory defines a given species niche as all of the factors that effect the persistence of the species as well as the impact of the species in a given location (Hutchinson 1957; Chase 2011). Many studies have argued that phenotypic plasticity enhances niche width because plastic responses allow organisms to express advantageous phenotypes in a broader range of environments (Bradshaw 1965; Van Valen 1965; Sultan 2001). Further, species that exploit habitats with fine‐grained variation, or that form metapopulations, are expected to develop broad niche widths through phenotypic plasticity (Sultan & Spencer 2002; Baythavong 2011). Although a long history of laboratory, greenhouse and reciprocal transplant experiments have provided insight into how plasticity contributes to niche width (Pigliucci 2001), recent advances in molecular approaches allow for a mechanistic understanding of plasticity at the molecular level (Nicotra et al. 2010). In particular, variation in epigenetic effects is a potential source of the within‐genotype variation that underlies the phenotypic plasticity associated with broad niche widths. Epigenetic mechanisms can alter gene expression and function without altering DNA sequence (Richards 2006) and may be stably transmitted across generations (Jablonka & Raz 2009; Verhoeven et al. 2010). Also, epigenetic mechanisms may be an important component of an individual’s response to the environment (Verhoeven et al. 2010). While these ideas are intriguing, few studies have made a clear connection between genome‐wide DNA methylation patterns and phenotypic plasticity (e.g. Bossdorf et al. 2010). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Herrera et al. (2012) present a study that demonstrates epigenetic changes in genome‐wide DNA methylation are causally active in a species’ ability to exploit resources from a broad range of environments and are particularly important in harsh environments.
Tuberculin reactivity in first‐year schoolchildren in Madagascar
Authors: Raharimanga Vaomalala , Ratovoson Rila , Ratsitorahina Maherisoa , Ramarokoto Herimanana , Rasolofo Voahangy , Talarmin Antoine , Richard Vincent
Published: May 2012

Objective  The tuberculin skin test (TST) is an important tool in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in children. However, the interpretation of TST may be complicated by prior Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) vaccination. We evaluated the effect of vaccination with BCG on TST reactivity in first‐year pupils attending state schools in Antananarivo.

Methods  STs were performed on 376 first‐year schoolchildren, aged 6 and 7, attending two state primary schools. The relationships between epidemiological information, BCG status (vaccination, BCG scars) and TST reactivity were assessed to compare TST sensitivity between children with and without BCG vaccination and between those with and without a BCG scar.

Result  The prevalence of positive TST results of ≥5, ≥10 and ≥ 15 mm was 20.2% (76/376), 18.3% (69/376) and 11.4% (43/376), respectively. BCG vaccination was not associated with TST reactivity, whatever the threshold used: ≥5 mm (odds ratio (OR, 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7–2.0); ≥10 mm (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6–1.7); ≥15 mm (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3–1.2).

Conclusion  These results suggest that in Madagascar, a positive TST result indicates TB infection (active or latent) rather than past BCG vaccination. Therefore, high BCG vaccination coverage does not appear to impair the usefulness of the TST as a tool for diagnosing tuberculosis.
Victorian rural emergency care—a case for advancing nursing practice
Authors: Sullivan Elise , Hegney Desley G. , Francis Karen
Published: May 2012

Sullivan E, Hegney DG, Francis K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 226–232

Victorian rural emergency care—a case for advancing nursing practice

The aim of this paper is to profile the emergency care patients seen by a selection of rural health services in Victoria, and show how advancing nursing practice could contribute to a more sustainable model of care. Quantitative patient data extracted from five rural health services across Victoria ranging in size, were analysed using descriptive statistic techniques. Most patients who attended for emergency care did not require urgent or immediate medical attention (70%), many had minor injuries (over 30%) and did not need medicines (57%) but were attended by a doctor either directly or via telephone (over 74%). If emergency care services in rural Victoria are to be sustained in the face of severe medical workforce shortages, registered nurses will need to be enabled through professional development, legislation and organisation policy to manage autonomously a larger proportion of the non‐urgent, less complex patients who present to these emergency services.
The effect psychoeducation intervention has on the caregiving burden of caregivers for schizophrenic patients in Turkey
Authors: Tanrıverdi Derya , Ekinci Mine
Published: May 2012

Tanrıverdi D, Ekinci M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 281–288

The effect psychoeducation intervention has on the caregiving burden of caregivers for schizophrenic patients in Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the effects psychoeducation given to caregivers of schizophrenic patients has on the level of care burdens. The model used was one group pre‐test post‐test pre‐experimental model. It was conducted on 31 caregivers in psychiatry clinics between October 2007 and June 2008. Data were collected using the ‘Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale’ and the questionnaire form that determined the introductory features of caregivers. The study group participated in eight psychoeducation sessions. The average pre‐test score of care burden for caregivers was 57.2 ± 9.9, and the average post‐test score was 34.3 ± 9.9. The distinction between the average pre‐test and post‐test score of care burden for caregivers was significant (P = 0.001). Psychoeducation, given for caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, had a significant effect in decreasing individuals' caregiving burdens. Psychoeducation programmes directed at families should be considered as a therapeutic strategy for patients with schizophrenia.
Levels of empathy in undergraduate nursing students
Authors: McKenna Lisa , Boyle Malcolm , Brown Ted , Williams Brett , Molloy Andrew , Lewis Belinda , Molloy Liz
Published: May 2012

McKenna L, Boyle M, Brown T, Williams B, Molloy A, Lewis B, Molloy L. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 246–251

Levels of empathy in undergraduate nursing students

Empathy and absence of prejudice and stigma are instrumental in facilitating effective nurse–patient relations. This study assessed empathy levels and regard for specific medical conditions in undergraduate nursing students. A cross‐sectional study was undertaken using paper‐based versions of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) and Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS), along with a brief set of demographic questions. Participants reported good empathy levels on JSPE. Attitudes towards intellectual disability, chronic pain, acute mental illness and terminal illness rated well on MCRS. Attitudes towards substance abuse, however, were lower. There were no significant differences between age groups, gender or year level of study.

Overall results of this study were positive. Nursing students demonstrated acceptable empathy levels. Attitudes towards patients who abuse substances highlight an area that needs both further exploration and addressing. Attitudes towards mental health diagnoses were particularly favourable given that these often attract stigma and negative attitudes.
Health‐promoting lifestyle and depression in metabolic syndrome patients in Korea
Authors: Kang Se Won , Yoo Ji Soo
Published: May 2012

Kang SW, Yoo JS. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 268–274

Health‐promoting lifestyle and depression in metabolic syndrome patients in Korea

This cross‐sectional study assessed the association between health‐promoting lifestyle and depression in metabolic syndrome patients by using a questionnaire survey in Korea. Data were collected from 195 adults (> 20 years old) with hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. The correlation coefficient (r) between health‐promoting lifestyle and depression was −0.309 (P < 0.001), and correlation between individual lifestyle dimensions and depression varied from −0.135 to −0.391. The non‐depressed group had higher health‐promoting lifestyle scores than the depressed group (P = 0.003). Scores for three dimensions of the health‐promoting lifestyle profile—self‐actualization (P < 0.001), interpersonal support (P = 0.001) and stress management (P = 0.025)—were significantly higher in the non‐depressed groups. Logistic regression analysis provided an odds ratio of 2.766 (P = 0.003) for health‐promoting lifestyle between the two groups. For patients with metabolic syndrome, depression was negatively associated with health‐promoting lifestyle and is an important factor affecting health‐promoting behaviour.
UNDERSTANDING THE INTERSTATE EXPORT OF CRIME GUNS: A GRAVITY MODEL APPROACH
Authors: KAHANE LEO H.
Published: May 2012

In 2009, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives successfully traced over 145,000 guns recovered at crime scenes in the United States. Of these guns, more than 43,000 were originally sold in a different state from which they were recovered. What factors may explain the interstate movement of these crime guns? This article uses the well‐known gravity model of international trade to estimate interstate flow of crime guns. Empirical results show that, like trade of goods and services between nations, the traced movement of crime guns between states is proportionate to the economic sizes of trading partners and is inversely proportionate to the distance between them. In addition, the presence of gangs in one or both states tends to increase the flow of crime guns. Finally, differences in state gun laws tend to affect trade flows with crime guns flowing from states with “weak” gun laws to states with “strict” gun laws. (JEL K00, K42)
APPLICATIONS OF BEHAVIOURAL ECONOMICS TO TAX EVASION
Authors: Hashimzade Nigar , Myles Gareth D. , Tran‐Nam Binh
Published: May 2012

The paper reviews recent models that have applied the techniques of behavioural economics to the analysis of the tax compliance choice of an individual taxpayer. The construction of these models is motivated by the failure of the Yitzhaki version of the Allingham–Sandmo model to predict correctly the proportion of taxpayers who will evade and the effect of an increase in the tax rate upon the chosen level of evasion. Recent approaches have applied non‐expected utility theory to the compliance decision and have addressed social interaction. The models we describe are able to match the observed extent of evasion and correctly predict the tax effect but do not have the parsimony or precision of the Yitzhaki model.
A WEB‐BASED PERSONALIZED BUSINESS PARTNER RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM USING FUZZY SEMANTIC TECHNIQUES
Authors: Lu Jie , Shambour Qusai , Xu Yisi , Lin Qing , Zhang Guangquan
Published: May 2012

The web provides excellent opportunities to businesses in various aspects of development such as finding a business partner online. However, with the rapid growth of web information, business users struggle with information overload and increasingly find it difficult to locate the right information at the right time. Meanwhile, small and medium businesses (SMBs), in particular, are seeking “one‐to‐one” e‐services from government in current highly competitive markets. How can business users be provided with information and services specific to their needs, rather than an undifferentiated mass of information? An effective solution proposed in this study is the development of personalized e‐services. Recommender systems is an effective approach for the implementation of Personalized E‐Service which has gained wide exposure in e‐commerce in recent years. Accordingly, this paper first presents a hybrid fuzzy semantic recommendation (HFSR) approach which combines item‐based fuzzy semantic similarity and item‐based fuzzy collaborative filtering (CF) similarity techniques. This paper then presents the implementation of the proposed approach into an intelligent recommendation system prototype called Smart BizSeeker, which can recommend relevant business partners to individual business users, particularly for SMBs. Experimental results show that the HFSR approach can help overcome the semantic limitations of classical CF‐based recommendation approaches, namely sparsity and new “cold start” item problems.
Challenging Controversies: A Prospective Analysis of the Influence of New Technologies on the Safety of Offshore Drilling Operations
Authors: Haavik Torgeir K.
Published: May 2012

Integrated operations (IO) is an operating mode in the offshore oil and gas industry that is expected to lead to safer, faster and better operations. This article presents an analysis of the anticipated impacts of increased instrumentation on the safety of drilling operations. The instrumentation is related to the change process ofIO, and is exemplified by a group ofIOtools for interpretation, diagnosis and automation. An important finding in the study is the identification of a set of controversies that reflect characteristic challenges of drilling operations. These controversies involve the quantity and accessibility of information, the issue of centralized and decentralized control, the relation between standardized and unique interpretation of data, and the heterogeneous nature of engineering work. It is argued that the impact of theIOtools on safety will depend on how these controversies are taken into account when the tools are adopted. It is also argued that the cognitive control of the operations is distributed across a range of human and nonhuman actors and that the impact of theIOtools thus depends on how they are adapted to the system of distributed cognition rather than on the properties of the tools themselves.
The introduction of multiculturalism in Canada and Australia, 1960s–1970s
Authors: Mann Jatinder
Published: May 2012

This article compares the emergence of a policy of multiculturalism in Canada and Australia between the 1960s and 1970s. It charts the rise of the policy in the two countries through the adoption of a philosophy of multiculturalism as the basis of their national identities. There is a distinction between philosophy and policy: a multicultural policy emerged out of a philosophy of multiculturalism. Furthermore, a philosophy of multiculturalism replaced the ‘new nationalism’ as the foundation of the national identities of both English‐speaking Canada and Australia. The abandonment of the White Canada and White Australia policies and the adoption of non‐discriminatory immigration policies in both countries were also of importance in the emergence of a policy of multiculturalism. There are many similarities in the Canadian and Australian experiences. However, the major differences are explained by the presence of the French‐Canadians in Canada and the early non‐British migration that Canada received in the late‐nineteenth century compared with Australia.
Mother and child behaviour in very preterm and term dyads at 6 and 8 years
Authors: JAEKEL JULIA , WOLKE DIETER , CHERNOVA JULIA
Published: May 2012

Aim  Mothers of very preterm children have been reported to behave less sensitively and to be more controlling. It is unknown whether this is the result of maternal factors or due to maternal adaptation to children’s cognitive problems.

Method  We investigated a geographically defined prospective whole‐population sample of very low birthweight (<1500g) or very preterm (<32wks’ gestation; VLBW/VP) children (n=267, 124 females, 143 males) and a comparison group born at term (n=298, 146 females, 152 males) in Germany. Mother–child interactions were videotaped during a play situation and analysed with a standardized coding system at children’s mean ages of 6 years 3 months and 8 years 5 months.

Results  At both 6 years 3 months and 8 years 5 months, VLBW/VP children were less task persistent and socially active (p<0.001) whereas their mothers behaved less sensitively and were more controlling than term mother–child dyads (p<0.001). Cross‐sectional group differences in maternal behaviour remained when scores where adjusted for social factors but disappeared once adjusted for child IQ. High maternal sensitivity predicted higher task persistence (p<0.001), in particular in those children with cognitive problems.

Interpretation  Mothers of VLBW/VP children adapt their behaviour to their children’s level of cognitive functioning. High maternal sensitivity is particularly beneficial for task persistence in children with cognitive deficits.
THE ASSESSMENT OF RADIONUCLIDE DISTRIBUTION IN SILEX BY AUTORADIOGRAPHY IN THE CONTEXT OF DOSE RATE DETERMINATION FOR THERMOLUMINESCENCE DATING
Authors: SCHMIDT C. , RUFER D. , PREUSSER F. , KRBETSCHEK M. , HILGERS A.
Published: May 2012

A combination of two autoradiography methods was applied to investigate the radionuclide distribution patterns in a range of different silices. We obtained greyscale images (β‐radiation) and α‐track patterns for qualitative assessment, and used a statistical approach to quantify the degree of uniformity of the radiation fields. It was found that almost all samples are poor in potassium, thorium and uranium, and that locally high concentrations are present only in dark‐coloured veins and inclusions. Statistical analyses reveal evidence of radionuclide clustering in more than half of the 21 specimens. Concerning thermoluminescence dating of burnt lithics, such gradients should be taken into account to improve precision and accuracy in cases where the external radiation is not strongly dominating for the sample under consideration.
Micromorphological evidence for subglacial multiphase sedimentation and deformation during overpressurized fluid flow associated with hydrofracturing
Authors: Phillips Emrys , Everest Jez , Reeves Helen
Published: May 2012

Hydrofracture systems are being increasingly recognized within subglacial to ice‐marginal settings and represent a visible expression of the passage of pressurized meltwater through these glacial environments. Such structures provide a clear record of the fluctuating hydrostatic pressure and of the resulting brittle fracturing of the host sediment/bedrock and the pene‐contemporaneous liquefaction and introduction of sediment‐fill. A detailed macro‐ and microstructural study of a hydrofracture system cutting Devonian sandstone bedrock exposed at the Meads of St John, near Inverness (NE Scotland), has revealed that this complex multiphase system was active over a prolonged period and accommodated several phases of fluid flow. The main conduits that fed the hydrofracture system are located along bedding within the sandstone, with the site of the wider, steeply inclined to subvertical, transgressive linking sections being controlled by the contemporaneous development of high‐angle fractures and normal faults, the latter occurring in response to localized extension within the bedrock. A comparison with published engineering hydraulic fracturing data indicates that the various stages of sediment‐fill deposited during a flow event can be directly related to the fluctuation in overpressure during hydrofracturing. A model is proposed linking the evolution of this hydrofracture system to the retreat of the overlying Findhorn glacier. The results of this study also indicate that the development and repeated reactivation of subglacial hydrofracture systems can have a dramatic effect on the permeability of the bed, influencing the potential for overpressure build‐up within the subglacial hydrogeological system, and facilitating the migration of meltwater beneath glaciers and ice sheets.