bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origin of similarity fields in steady elastoplastic crack propagation under K–T loading
Authors: Park Jae Beom , Sabuwala Tapan , Gioia Gustavo
Published: November 2010

It has been inferred from computer simulations that the plastic-zone fields of a crack that propagates steadily under K–T loading are similarity fields. Here, we show theoretically that these similarity fields are but a manifestation of the existence of an invariant path integral. We also show that the attendant similarity variable involves an intrinsic length scale set by the specific fracture energy that flows into the crack tip. Finally, we show that where the crack is stationary there can be no similarity fields, even though there exists a (different) invariant path integral. Our results afford some new insights into the relation between similarity fields and invariant path integrals in mathematical physics.
Ant association facilitates the evolution of diet breadth in a lycaenid butterfly
Authors: Forister Matthew L. , Gompert Zachariah , Nice Chris C. , Forister Glen W. , Fordyce James A.
Published: November 2010

The role of mutualistic interactions in adaptive diversification has not been thoroughly examined. Lycaenid butterflies provide excellent systems for exploring mutualistic interactions, as more than half of this family is known to use ants as a resource in interactions that range from parasitism to mutualism. We investigate the hypothesis that protection from predators offered to caterpillars by ants might facilitate host-range evolution. Specifically, experiments with the butterfly
Lycaeides melissa
investigated the role of ant association in the use of a novel host, alfalfa,
Medicago sativa
, which is a sub-optimal host for larval development. Survival on alfalfa is increased by the presence of ants, thus supporting the hypothesis that interaction with ants might be important for host-range evolution. Using a demographic model to explore ecological conditions associated with host-range expansion in
L. melissa
, we conclude that the presence of ants might be an essential component for populations persisting on the novel, sub-optimal host.
Differences in the temporal dynamics of phenotypic selection among fitness components in the wild
Authors: Siepielski Adam M. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Evans Jeffrey A. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: November 2010

The balance of selection acting through different fitness components (e.g. fecundity, mating success, survival) determines the potential tempo and trajectory of adaptive evolution. Yet the extent to which the temporal dynamics of phenotypic selection may vary among fitness components is poorly understood. Here, we compiled a database of 3978 linear selection coefficients from temporally replicated studies of selection in wild populations to address this question. Across studies, we find that multi-year selection through mating success and fecundity is stronger than selection through survival, but varies less in direction. We also report that selection through mating success varies more in long-term average strength than selection through either survival or fecundity. The consistency in direction and stronger long-term average strength of selection through mating success and fecundity suggests that selection through these fitness components should cause more persistent directional evolution relative to selection through survival. Similar patterns were apparent for the subset of studies that evaluated the temporal dynamics of selection on traits simultaneously using several different fitness components, but few such studies exist. Taken together, these results reveal key differences in the temporal dynamics of selection acting through different fitness components, but they also reveal important limitations in our understanding of how selection drives adaptive evolution.
The plant Ca2+‐ATPase repertoire: biochemical features and physiological functions
Authors: Bonza M. C. , De Michelis M. I.
Published: November 2010

Ca2+‐ATPases are P‐type ATPases that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to pump Ca2+ from the cytoplasm into intracellular compartments or into the apoplast. Plant cells possess two types of Ca2+‐pumping ATPase, named ECAs (for ER‐type Ca2+‐ATPase) and ACAs (for auto‐inhibited Ca2+‐ATPase). Each type comprises different isoforms, localised on different membranes. Here, we summarise available knowledge of the biochemical characteristics and the physiological role of plant Ca2+‐ATPases, greatly improved after gene identification, which allows both biochemical analysis of single isoforms through heterologous expression in yeast and expression profiling and phenotypic analysis of single isoform knock‐out mutants.
Homing Strategy of the Eastern Chipmunk,Tamias striatus(Mammalia: Rodentia): Validation of the Critical Distance Model
Authors: Thibault Anouk , Bovet Jacques
Published: November 2010

Fifteen eastern chipmunks,Tamias striatus, were displaced and released 500m away from their nest sites, and their eventual behavior was monitored by means of radio‐assisted surveillance. As a rule (allowing for some interindividual variability), the chipmunks left the release site area along a relatively straight course, made a U‐turn at a median 60 m from the release site, returned closer to the latter and initiated a pattern of systematic search based on relatively straight forays from and back to the release site area. This overall strategy is consistent with the critical distance model of homing, which was originally proposed on the basis of the homing behavior of another sciund, the red squirrel,Tamiasciurus hudsonicus.
Breaking family ties: taxon sampling and molecular phylogeny of chromodorid nudibranchs (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: Johnson Rebecca F.
Published: November 2010

Johnson, R. F. (2010). Breaking family ties: taxon sampling and molecular phylogeny of chromodorid nudibranchs (Mollusca, Gastropoda). —Zoologica Scripta,40, 137–157.

Although researchers have debated the monophyly of the diverse chromodorid nudibranchs (Chromodorididae) for over 100 years, the monophyly of this family has not been properly tested. Recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies have added to the debate, but have not used appropriate methods to resolve this issue. I investigate how outgroup choice and taxon sampling influences tree topology and in turn the recovery of chromodorid monophyly. As a demonstration of these potential methodological problems, I then present phylogenies resulting from different taxon‐sampling schemes using the same molecular data. Taxon sampling has a strong influence on the resulting phylogenies. With comprehensive taxon sampling and outgroup selection,Cadlinais not a member of the Chromodorididae. The chromodorid nudibranchs withoutCadlinaare monophyletic and possibly sister to the Actinocyclidae. Additionally, I found, for the first time, support for most current family groupings in the Doridoidea. I propose a new classification in whichCadlinais not considered a member of the Chromodorididae. Instead, I resurrect the family name Cadlinidae to include the generaCadlinaandAldisa.
Molecular barcoding of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) from the southern Northeast Atlantic
Authors: Serra‐Pereira Bárbara , Moura Teresa , Griffiths Andrew M. , Serrano Gordo Leonel , Figueiredo Ivone
Published: November 2010

Serra‐Pereira, B., Moura, T., Griffiths, A. M., Gordo, L. S. & Figueiredo, I. (2010). Molecular barcoding of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) from the southern Northeast Atlantic. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 76–84.

Due to their vulnerability to fishing pressure, many species of skate (Rajidae) in the Northeast Atlantic are undergoing declines in abundance. The assessment of stock status and subsequent proposal of management measures are often complicated by high levels of species diversity and endemism, coupled with morphological and ecological conservatism, which makes distinguishing between species difficult. To improve the identification of skates and investigate the phylogenetic position of endemic species the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was sequenced in 12 species (Dipturus oxyrinchus, Leucoraja naevus, Leucoraja circularis, Neoraja iberica, Raja brachyura, Raja clavata, Raja maderensis, Raja microocellata, Raja miraletus, Raja montagui, Raja undulata, Rostroraja alba) inhabiting the Portuguese waters. Based on sequence divergence R. maderensis and R. clavata only differ by 1% of the 652 bp COI sequence, questioning the recognition of R. maderensis (considered to be endemic to Madeira and the Azores), as a reproductively isolated species. Otherwise, there was clear phylogenetic support for the different genera and all the remaining species, although the genetic divergence was low compared to other chordates. In particular, COI analysis allowed clear identification of the morphologically similar species R. brachyura and R. montagui.
Japan and the Changing Global Balance of Power: The View from the Summit
Authors: Dobson Hugo
Published: November 2010

This article explores Japan's relative decline and its responses to the changing global balance of power through a case study of one symptom of this shift: the rise of the G20 as the ‘premier forum for international economic co-operation’ at the expense of the G8. The G8 has traditionally held a significant position in Japan's international relations that appears to be undermined by the rise of the G20. Japan's responses to these developments reveal it to be a status quo power that is still committed to internationalism and multilateralism and looking for a constituency to lead.
Perspectives on the Changing Global Distribution of Power: Concepts and Context
Authors: Young Alasdair R.
Published: November 2010

Since the mid-2000s it has become common, although far from universal, to characterise the world as ‘multipolar’. There has, however, been scant attention to how the key protagonists view the changing distribution of power. This article sets the stage for this special issue of POLITICS, which begins to address that lacuna. It introduces the significance of a change in the global balance of power and explores how power in the international context is understood and assessed. It then makes the case for which actors are the key protagonists in the current global distribution of power and contextualises the subsequent articles by providing comparative indicators of power across a range of dimensions. Drawing on the contributions, this article concludes that while the ‘rules of the game’ of international politics probably will change, they are unlikely to do so beyond all recognition.
India's Gradual Rise
Authors: Wagner Christian
Published: November 2010

India's gradual rise as a new great power can be explained by domestic and international changes. India's economic reforms after 1991 and the end of the Cold War increased its international attractiveness and its room for manoeuvre. India became an important partner not only for the United States and the developing countries but also for China. The growing convergence of ideas and interests with the peer group of great powers has promoted India's gradual rise by a process of co-optation and co-operation into institutions of global governance and great power status.
Fall from Grace: South Africa and the Changing International Order
Authors: Jordaan Eduard
Published: November 2010

Post-apartheid South Africa has gone from being a good international citizen to defending a number of authoritarian regimes and obstructing various international initiatives aimed at strengthening the global human rights regime. This article presents this slide as a move from a ‘liberal’ foreign policy to a ‘liberationist’ one and emphasises the external sources of this shift, particularly the influence of the rest of Africa and a rising China.
The UK 14–19 education reforms: perspectives from a special school
Authors: FEILER ANTHONY
Published: November 2010

The pilot research reported in this article is part of the Centre Research Study (CReSt) which evaluates the impact of the educational reform programme on schools, colleges and other centres in England. The article reports findings from one special school, based on interviews with teachers (including the headteacher), students and a parent. The aim of the article is to identify factors that appear to be having an impact on this special school, and these are presented under four headings: curriculum choice and flexibility; partnership challenges; concerns about Foundation Learning; and curriculum opportunities. This is a small‐scale study, and the conclusions are tentative – future research will reveal whether the findings apply over time and to other special schools.
Severe phototoxicity associated with long‐term voriconazole treatment
Authors: Vöhringer Sabine , Schrum Johanna , Ott Hagen , Höger Peter H.
Published: November 2010

Voriconazole is a second‐generation triazole antifungal approved for the treatment of invasive fungal infections, particularly with Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, and Scedosporium spp. Frequently reported adverse effects of voriconazole include visual disturbance (21 %), elevated liver enzymes (15.6 %) and rashes (7 %), which are largely attributable to drug‐induced photosensitivity. We report a case of serious phototoxicity in a 8 year old boy who underwent chemotherapy for AML. He received voriconazole for the treatment and subsequent re‐infection prophylaxis after pulmonary aspergillosis. One year after the start of therapy he developed blistering eruptions on his face after minimal sunlight exposure. Recent reports about the development of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, respectively, in children during and after oral therapy with voriconazole seem to warrant systematic follow‐up investigations of all voriconazole‐treated patients.
Retinal Arteriolar Geometry is Associated with Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Doubal Fergus N. , de Haan Rosemarie , MacGillivray Thomas J. , Cohn-Hokke Petra E. , Dhillon Bal , Dennis Martin S. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: November 2010

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (lacunar stroke and cerebral white matter hyperintensities) is caused by vessel abnormalities of unknown aetiology. Retinal vessels show developmental and pathophysiological similarities to cerebral small vessels and microvessel geometry may influence vascular efficiency.

Hypothesis

Retinal arteriolar branching angles or coefficients (the ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the two daughter vessels to the cross-sectional area of the parent vessel at an arteriolar bifurcation) may be associated with cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional observational study in a UK tertiary referral hospital. An experienced stroke physician recruited consecutive patients presenting with lacunar ischaemic stroke with a control group consisting of patients with minor cortical ischaemic stroke. We performed brain magnetic resonance imaging to assess the recent infarct and periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities. We subtyped stroke with clinical and radiological findings. We took digital retinal photographs to assess retinal arteriolar branching coefficients and branching angles using a semi-automated technique.

Results

Two hundred and five patients were recruited (104 lacunar stroke, 101 cortical stroke), mean age 68-years (standard deviation 12). With multivariate analysis, increased branching coefficient was associated with periventricular white matter hyperintensities ( P=0·006) and ischaemic heart disease ( P<0·001), and decreased branching coefficient with deep white matter hyperintensities ( P=0·003), but not with lacunar stroke subtype ( P=0·96). We found no associations with retinal branching angles.

Conclusions

Retinal arteriolar geometry differs between cerebral small vessel phenotypes. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical significance of these findings.
Thrombolysis: Attempting to Reduce Postcode Prescribing in Scotland?
Authors: Kerr Enda , Dennis Martin , Keir Sarah
Published: November 2010

The literature is littered with reports presenting the proportion of patients admitted with ischaemic stroke receiving thrombolysis. This gives some measure of activity and the efficiency of prehospital and hospital triage. Some stroke centres have reported rates of thrombolysis as high as 20%, but without knowing the population that such services serve, these proportions do not indicate how well or equitably the treatment is being delivered. Here, we explore various metrics to monitor our efforts to provide equitable access to stroke thrombolysis in Lothian, a region in the South East of Scotland.
The Rural Prehospital Acute Stroke Triage (PAST) Trial Protocol: A Controlled Trial for Rapid Facilitated Transport of Rural Acute Stroke Patients to a Regional Stroke Centre
Authors: Garnett Ashley R. , Marsden Dianne L. , Parsons Mark W. , Quain Debbie A. , Spratt Neil J. , Loudfoot Allan R. , Middleton Paul M. , Levi Christopher R. ,   on behalf of the rural PAST Protocol Steering Group
Published: November 2010

Rationale

Access to intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke is limited worldwide, particularly in regional and rural areas including in Australia. We are testing the effectiveness of a new rural Prehospital Acute Stroke Triage protocol that includes prehospital assessment and rapid transport of patients from a rural catchment to the major stroke centre in Newcastle, NSW, Australia. The local district hospitals within the rural catchment do not have the capability or infrastructure to deliver acute stroke thrombolysis. The trial has relevance to stroke clinicians, health service managers and planners responsible for rural populations.

Aims

To implement a system of rapid prehospital assessment and facilitated transport that will significantly increase stroke thrombolysis rates to 10% of ischaemic stroke cases in the rural catchment. Validate an eight-point modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for use by paramedics in the prehospital setting to assess patients' potential eligibility for stroke thrombolysis.

Design

The joint project between the John Hunter Hospital Acute Stroke Team and the Ambulance Service of NSW will use a prospective cohort with an historical control group. Tools and protocols have been developed and education undertaken for ambulance field and operations centre personnel. These include a cut-down eight-item National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (Hunter NIHSS-8) score to be used in the field by paramedics and a transport decision matrix to expedite transport for a suspected stroke patient (road or road plus air transport).

Outcomes

The primary outcome measure will be the rate of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator delivery for those who suffer an ischaemic stroke following protocol implementation, in comparison with historical rates over a corresponding period prior to implementation, for residents within the catchment. Sixty cases are required in the postimplementation time epoch to demonstrate a statistically significant absolute increase in thrombolysis rates for ischaemic strokes from <1% to 10%, (power of 80%, α error of 0.05). The major secondary outcome will be inter-rater reliability of the Hunter NIHSS-8.
The Effective Fine-Structure Constant of Freestanding Graphene Measured in Graphite
Authors: Reed James P. , Uchoa Bruno , Joe Young Il , Gan Yu , Casa Diego , Fradkin Eduardo , Abbamonte Peter
Published: November 2010

Weakly Interacting Graphene

Many unusual properties of graphene are a consequence of the Dirac dispersion of its electrons—a linear relationship between an electron's momentum and energy. Naïvely, this dispersion leads to the conclusion that electrons in graphene are strongly affected by mutual electrostatic interactions; however, there is little experimental evidence for strong interaction.

Reed
et al.

(p.
805
) resolved this discrepancy by using inelastic x-ray scattering spectra of graphite (which consists of loosely bound layers of graphene) to estimate how much the electric field was damped by the presence of mobile charge carriers. In fact, damping was strong at distances in excess of 1 nanometer, suggesting that graphene is more weakly interacting than was assumed.
The Detection of a Population of Submillimeter-Bright, Strongly Lensed Galaxies
Authors: Negrello Mattia , Hopwood R. , De Zotti G. , Cooray A. , Verma A. , Bock J. , Frayer D. T. , Gurwell M. A. , Omont A. , Neri R. , Dannerbauer H. , Leeuw L. L. , Barton E. , Cooke J. , Kim S. , da Cunha E. , Rodighiero G. , Cox P. , Bonfield D. G. , Jarvis M. J. , Serjeant S. , Ivison R. J. , Dye S. , Aretxaga I. , Hughes D. H. , Ibar E. , Bertoldi F. , Valtchanov I. , Eales S. , Dunne L. , Driver S. P. , Auld R. , Buttiglione S. , Cava A. , Grady C. A. , Clements D. L. , Dariush A. , Fritz J. , Hill D. , Hornbeck J. B. , Kelvin L. , Lagache G. , Lopez-Caniego M. , Gonzalez-Nuevo J. , Maddox S. , Pascale E. , Pohlen M. , Rigby E. E. , Robotham A. , Simpson C. , Smith D. J. B. , Temi P. , Thompson M. A. , Woodgate B. E. , York D. G. , Aguirre J. E. , Beelen A. , Blain A. , Baker A. J. , Birkinshaw M. , Blundell R. , Bradford C. M. , Burgarella D. , Danese L. , Dunlop J. S. , Fleuren S. , Glenn J. , Harris A. I. , Kamenetzky J. , Lupu R. E. , Maddalena R. J. , Madore B. F. , Maloney P. R. , Matsuhara H. , Michaowski M. J. , Murphy E. J. , Naylor B. J. , Nguyen H. , Popescu C. , Rawlings S. , Rigopoulou D. , Scott D. , Scott K. S. , Seibert M. , Smail I. , Tuffs R. J. , Vieira J. D. , van der Werf P. P. , Zmuidzinas J.
Published: November 2010

Through a Lens Brightly

Astronomical sources detected in the submillimeter range are generally thought to be distant, dusty galaxies undergoing a vigorous burst of star formation. They can be detected because the dust absorbs the light from stars and reemits it at longer wavelengths. Their properties are still difficult to ascertain, however, because the combination of interference from dust and the low spatial resolution of submillimeter telescopes prevents further study at other wavelengths. Using data from the Herschel Space Telescope,

Negrello
et al.

(p.
800
) showed that by searching for the brightest sources in a wide enough area in the sky it was possible to detect gravitationally lensed submillimeter galaxies with nearly full efficiency. Gravitational lensing occurs when the light of an astronomical object is deflected by a foreground mass. This phenomenon increases the apparent brightness and angular size of the lensed objects, making it easier to study sources that would be otherwise too faint to probe.
The Mechanism for Activation of GTP Hydrolysis on the Ribosome
Authors: Voorhees Rebecca M. , Schmeing T. Martin , Kelley Ann C. , Ramakrishnan V.
Published: November 2010

A Likely Conformation

At several stages of protein synthesis, guanosine triphosphate hydrolyzing enzymes (GTPases) interact with the ribosome, and GTP hydrolysis is coupled to progression of synthesis.

Voorhees
et al.

(p.
835
) have determined a 3.2-resolution structure of the GTPase, elongation factor Tu, which delivers amino-acyl transfer RNA (tRNA) to the ribosome. The GTPase and tRNA were bound to the ribosome and were stalled in an active conformation by a GTP analog. The structure revealed that activation of the enzyme only required small changes in conformation to move a catalytic histidine into the correct position for hydrolysis. A similar mechanism likely applies to the activation of other translational GTPases.
Targeting Bacteria to Improve Cancer Therapy
Authors: Patel Anand G. , Kaufmann Scott H.
Published: November 2010

Inhibiting an enzyme expressed by microbes in the human intestinal tract prevents an important toxic side effect of an anticancer drug.
Pollen Gets More Complex
Authors: Indriolo Emily , Goring Daphne R.
Published: November 2010

In
Petunia
, collaboration among pollen genes enables cross-fertilization and prevents self-fertilization.
Change in the Brain's White Matter
Authors: Fields R. Douglas
Published: November 2010

The role of the brain's white matter in active learning and memory may be underestimated.
Lifebelt for UK Science
Authors: Rees Martin
Published: November 2010

When the United Kingdom's coalition government, formed in May this year, proposed to eliminate the budget deficit by slashing annual public expenditures by more than £80 billion per year, there was anxiety about science funding. Would the United Kingdom follow the United States, France, and Germany (and the emerging economies of the Far East) and prioritize scientific research as part of its economic recovery and growth strategy? Or would it align with Spain and the Czech Republic, where these areas were cut? Two weeks ago, the Spending Review announced a “flat cash” science budget of £4.6 billion per year for the next 4 years (with no allowance for inflation). This gives the United Kingdom a fighting chance of preserving its science base. But major concerns remain.
Haiti's Outbreak Is Latest in Cholera's New Global Assault
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: November 2010

Haitian protesters blamed peacekeepers from Nepal after a deadly surprise outbreak of cholera began in Haiti 2 weeks ago, but on Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that DNA fingerprinting of the microbes from 13 patients had shown that it was most similar to strains from South Asia.
Questions From China Snag U.S. Trial of Nerve-Rerouting Procedure
Authors: Xin Hao
Published: November 2010

A running 5-year medical brawl in China has spilled over into Michigan, where it has delayed a clinical trial about to enroll patients. The trial aims to surgically reroute the nerves of spina bifida patients to give them control of their bladder.
Supercomputer Leaves Competition—And Users—in the Dust
Authors: Stone Richard , Xin Hao
Published: November 2010

China's new supercomputer, Tianhe-1A, is also the world's fastest, but the number of users able to tap even a thimbleful of the machine's power is surely minuscule.
Amicus Brief Unfriendly to Gene Patents
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: November 2010

The U.S. Justice Department surprised many last week with a sweeping new proposal arguing that "genomic DNA that has merely been isolated from the body without further alteration or manipulation" should not be eligible for patenting.
China's Brain Mappers Zoom In on Neural Connections
Authors: Minogue Kristen
Published: November 2010

A research team in China has created the most detailed three-dimensional map yet of all the connections between the neurons in a complete mouse brain. The
project
was unveiled online this week in
Science
.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: EBB AND FLOW: Cytometry For The Next Generation
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2010

Think there's nothing new in the world of flow cytometry? Think again. As industry powerhouses like BD Biosciences and Beckman Coulter continually redefine the technology's bleeding edge, upstarts have emerged with innovative technologies of their own. And not only upstarts. No less a corporate brand than Sony entered the fray this past February with the purchase of flow cytometry firm iCyt. As Richard Konz, director of the University of Massachusetts Medical School Flow Cytometry Core Facility, explains, the technology has shaken off its immunology roots to become a multidisciplinary tool. "Literally every department is using flow for something, and that for me is very exciting," Konz says. "It's basically never a dull moment."
Metabolic Syndrome: Pass It On!
Authors: Bremer Andrew A.
Published: November 2010

Overnutrition in neonatal males may yield epigenetic changes that specify adverse metabolic phenotypes in subsequent generations.
Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay Detection of Mumps-Specific Antibody-Secreting B Cells as an Alternative Method of Laboratory Diagnosis
Authors: Latner Donald R. , McGrew Marcia , Williams Nobia , Lowe Luis , Werman Roniel , Warnock Eli , Gallagher Kathleen , Doyle Peter , Smole Sandra , Lett Susan , Cocoros Noelle , DeMaria Alfred , Konomi Raimond , Brown Cedric J. , Rota Paul A. , Bellini William J. , Hickman Carole J.
Published: November 2010

Although high measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage has been successful in dramatically reducing mumps disease in the United States, mumps (re)infections occasionally occur in individuals who have been either previously vaccinated or naturally infected. Standard diagnostics that detect virus or virus-specific antibody are dependable for confirming primary mumps infection in immunologically naïve persons, but these methods perform inconsistently for individuals with prior immune exposure. We hypothesized that detection of activated mumps-specific antibody-secreting B cells (ASCs) by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay could be used as a more reliable diagnostic. To test this, a time course of virus-specific ASC responses was measured by ELISPOT assay following MMR vaccination of 16 previously vaccinated or naturally exposed adult volunteers. Mumps-specific ASCs were detectable in 68% of these individuals at some point during the first 3 weeks following revaccination. In addition, mumps-specific ASCs were detected in 7/7 previously vaccinated individuals who recently had been infected as part of a confirmed mumps outbreak. These data suggest that ELISPOT detection of mumps-specific ASCs has the potential for use as an alternative method of diagnosis when suspect cases cannot be confirmed by detection of IgM or virus. In addition, it was determined that mumps-specific memory B cells are detected at a much lower frequency than measles- or rubella-specific cells, suggesting that mumps infection may not generate robust B-cell memory.
Relationship between Serotypes, Age, and Clinical Presentation of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Madrid, Spain, after Introduction of the 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine into the Vaccination Calendar
Authors: Picazo J. , Ruiz-Contreras J. , Casado-Flores J. , Giangaspro E. , Del Castillo F. , Hernández-Sampelayo T. , Otheo E. , Balboa F. , Ríos E. , Méndez C.
Published: November 2010

To assess invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) clinical presentations and relationships with age and serotype in hospitalized children (<15 years) after PCV7 implementation in Madrid, Spain, a prospective 2-year (May 2007 to April 2009) laboratory-confirmed (culture and/or PCR) IPD surveillance study was performed (22 hospitals). All isolates (for serotyping) and culture-negative pleural/cerebrospinal fluids were sent to the reference laboratory for pneumolysin (
ply
) and autolysin (
lyt
) gene PCR analysis. A total of 330 IPDs were identified: 263 (79.7%) confirmed by culture and 67 (20.3%) confirmed by PCR. IPD distribution by age (months) was as follows: 23.6% (<12), 15.8% (12 to 23), 15.5% (24 to 35), 22.4% (36 to 59), and 22.7% (>59). Distribution by clinical presentation was as follows: 34.5% bacteremic pneumonia, 30.3% pediatric parapneumonic empyema (PPE), 13.6% meningitis, 13.3% primary bacteremia, and 8.2% others. Meningitis and primary bacteremia were the most frequent IPDs in children <12 months old, and bacteremic pneumonia and PPE were most frequent in those >36 months old. Frequencies of IPD-associated serotypes were as follows: 1, 26.1%; 19A, 18.8%; 5, 15.5%; 7F, 8.5%; 3, 3.9%; nontypeable/other 30 serotypes, 27.3%. Serotype 1 was linked to respiratory-associated IPD (38.6% in bacteremic pneumonia and 38.0% in PPE) and children of >36 months (51.4% for 36 to 59 months and 40.0% for >59 months), while serotype 19A was linked to nonrespiratory IPDs (31.1% in meningitis, 27.3% in primary bacteremia, and 51.9% in others) and children of <24 months (35.9% for children of <12 months and 36.5% for those 12 to 23 months old), with high nonsusceptibility rates for penicillin, cefotaxime, and erythromycin. After PCV7 implementation, non-PCV7 serotypes caused 95.5% of IPDs. The new 13-valent conjugate vaccine would provide 79.1% coverage of serotypes responsible for IPDs in this series.
Spoligotype Profile of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex Strains from HIV-Positive and -Negative Patients in Nigeria: a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Cadmus Simeon , Hill Véronique , van Soolingen Dick , Rastogi Nalin
Published: November 2010

We ran a comparative analysis of all patients for whom a positive culture of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex was available between April 2004 and October 2005 and whose HIV serology results were known, with spoligotyping results (
n
= 163) split into 49 HIV-positive patients and 114 HIV-negative patients. Spoligotype international type 373 (SIT373) (T1 lineage), which was highly prevalent among the HIV
+
patients, was totally absent from the HIV
−
population, suggesting that we had a specific clone affecting nearly 1/3 of all HIV-tuberculosis (TB)-coinfected patients. Among the LAM10-CAM sublineage strains, we had only a single strain of SIT403 among HIV
−
patients (0.88%), as opposed to 12.25% of the HIV
+
population (χ
2
= 10.77;
P
< 0.01), indicating a strong association between the strain and the HIV
+
population. The LAM10-CAM lineage spoligotype SIT61 was prevalent among the 2 subsets (37.72% in HIV
−
versus 12.24% in HIV
+
populations), though, with a significant difference between the 2 groups (χ
2
= 10.53;
P
< 0.01). However, there was no significant difference for SIT53 (T1 lineage) in the 2 subsets: 6.14 versus 8.2% (χ
2
= 0.22;
P
> 0.05). A total of 7/49, or 14.3%, other SITs among HIV
+
patients were not found among the HIV
−
patients. When added to the most prevalent SIT among HIV
+
patients (SIT373;
n
= 16), 23/49, or 47%, isolates among HIV-TB-coinfected patients were unique. We conclude that further studies should be carried out to investigate the evolution of these genotypes and others in the emergence of multidrug resistance and control of tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Human Parechovirus Infection in Children Hospitalized with Acute Gastroenteritis in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pham Ngan Thi Kim , Takanashi Sayaka , Tran Dinh Nguyen , Trinh Quang Duy , Abeysekera Chandra , Abeygunawardene Asiri , Khamrin Pattara , Okitsu Shoko , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

Of 362 fecal specimens collected from infants and children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Sri Lanka from September 2005 to August 2006, 30 (8.3%) were positive for human parechovirus (HPeV). Six different HPeV genotypes, including HPeV1, -3, -4, -5, -10, and -11, were identified, of these, HPeV11 was reported for the first time.
The Tyro3 Receptor Kinase Axl Enhances Macropinocytosis of Zaire Ebolavirus
Authors: Hunt Catherine L. , Kolokoltsov Andrey A. , Davey Robert A. , Maury Wendy
Published: November 2010

Axl, a plasma membrane-associated Tyro3/Axl/Mer (TAM) family member, is necessary for optimal Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) glycoprotein (GP)-dependent entry into some permissive cells but not others. To date, the role of Axl in virion entry is unknown. The focus of this study was to characterize entry pathways that are used for ZEBOV uptake in cells that require Axl for optimal transduction and to define the role of Axl in this process. Through the use of biochemical inhibitors, interfering RNA (RNAi), and dominant negative constructs, we demonstrate that ZEBOV-GP-dependent entry into these cells occurs through multiple uptake pathways, including both clathrin-dependent and caveola/lipid raft-mediated endocytosis. Other dynamin-dependent and -independent pathways such as macropinocytosis that mediate high-molecular-weight dextran uptake also stimulated ZEBOV-GP entry into these cells, and inhibitors that are known to block macropinocytosis inhibited both dextran uptake and ZEBOV infection. These findings provided strong evidence for the importance of this pathway in filovirus entry. Reduction of Axl expression by RNAi treatment resulted in decreased ZEBOV entry via macropinocytosis but had no effect on the clathrin-dependent or caveola/lipid raft-mediated endocytic mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that Axl enhances macropinocytosis, thereby increasing productive ZEBOV entry.
Histology and ultrastructure of caulogenic callus cultures of Larix ×eurolepis
Authors: Laliberté Sylvie , Lalonde Maurice
Published: November 2010

Caulogenic callus cultures intiated from vegetative short shoot buds of a mature Larix ×eurolepis Henry (hybrid larch) were studied by light and electron microscopy. Callus tissue showed a zonation in pigmentation, as color varied from green to tan and brown. Green areas displayed characteristics of actively growing tissues, contained numerous chloroplasts and starch granules, and showed a range in the amount of vacuolar tannin deposits. Vascular clusters were present in callus tissue associated with adventitious shoots, which were well vascularized. Tan and brown areas had massive amounts of starch granules, tannin deposits, and sclereids. Numerous cells in brown areas were in a senescent state. Browning of tissues increased with time during each subculture and was concomitant with an increase in shoot productivity. Extracellular substances were apparently extruded from primary cell walls in tan and brown areas. Key words: caulogenic calli, conifer, histology, Larix, tissue culture, ultrastructure.
Vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in Zea mays affected by breeding for resistance to fungal pathogens
Authors: Toth Ronald , Toth Deborah , Starke David , Smith David R.
Published: November 2010

Inbred lines of Zea mays L. (maize) selected for a range of resistances to a variety of fungal pathogens were assayed for percentage colonization by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Inbreds that were generally resistant to a number of fungal pathogens had significantly lower levels of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizae, matured more slowly, and had larger root systems. Disease-susceptible inbreds had significantly higher levels of mycorrhizal colonization, matured more rapidly, and had smaller root systems. It is uncertain if a general resistance to fungal pathogens or rate of root development, separately or in combination, may have influenced mycorrhizal colonization levels. Irrespective of cause, present breeding programs for disease resistance in maize do influence the plants ability to form mycorrhizae.
Synchronous and high frequency germination of interior spruce somatic embryos following partial drying at high relative humidity
Authors: Roberts D. R. , Sutton B. C. S. , Flinn B. S.
Published: November 2010

The germination of mature somatic embryos of interior spruce was limited by the low frequency of root emergence. In addition, development was abnormal, since elongation and greening of the hypocotyl and cotyledons preceded root emergence by 1–2 weeks. Pretreatment of the embryos on water-saturated Kim-paks increased the frequency of root emergence but did not alter the abnormal pattern of germination. Somatic embryos do not survive desiccation at room humidity, but partial drying at high humidity promoted germination up to 90%. Furthermore, this treatment decreased the time required for root emergence such that elongation of the root and hypocotyl–cotyledon was synchronized over a period of 5–6 days. This germination closely resembled that of excised zygotic embryos. Drying over a range of humidities indicated that humidities of 81% and lower were lethal to the embryos, whereas germination was enhanced following treatment at humidities greater than 95% relative to untreated controls. The best germination and root elongation occurred on one-half strength basal media containing 2–3.4% sucrose. Of the plantlets derived from treated embryos, 50% survived transfer to soil compared with only 5% of the untreated controls. Key words: conifers, desiccation, germination, high relative humidity, partial drying, somatic embryogenesis, spruce.
Comparison of two air temperature based models for predicting phenophase occurrence in Persian lilacs (Syringa chinensis) cultivar Red Rothomagensis
Authors: Moorman Gary W. , Rosenberger James L. , Gladstone Leslie A.
Published: November 2010

Phenological data collected for 9–11 years from genetically uniform Persian lilacs (Syringa chinensis L.) cultivar Red Rothomagensis were analyzed to determine whether the number of days elapsed between vegetative bud break and flower bud break is correlated with either the accumulated growing degree-days or the average daily temperature. The lack of statistically significant correlations between these variables suggests these mathematical models cannot accurately predict the onset of flower bud break for this cultivar. Key words: degree-days, growth model, phenology.
Buried propagules in an old-growth forest and their response to experimental disturbances
Authors: Ingersoll Cheryl A. , Wilson Mark V.
Published: November 2010

Soil blocks collected from an old-growth Pseudotsuga menziesii forest were subjected to three types of disturbances (shade removal, surface burning, and soil churning) in a factorial experiment. Most émergents (88%) were vegetative sprouts. Total emergence and emergence of vegetative sprouts were significantly higher in the undisturbed (control) treatment than in any other treatment. As intensity of disturbance (measured by the number of disturbance factors applied) increased, the number of emergents declined. Exposure to sun caused a significant decline in emergence of each of the six most abundant species; the effects of burning and churning varied by species. Burning decreased the emergence of species with shallow regenerating structures. None of the experimental treatments significantly affected seedling emergence. Density of émergents (both seedlings and vegetative sprouts) was higher under greenhouse condition (411.7/m2) than in the experimental treatments (94.6/m2), indicating that greenhouse emergence is more suitable for quantifying the buried propagule bank. Key words: seed bank, propagules, old-growth forest, disturbance, fire.
The effect of the natural assemblage of microorganisms and selected strains of the yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii in controlling the germination of pollen of the common milkweed Asclepias syriaca
Authors: Eisikowitch D. , Lachance M. A. , Kevan P. G. , Willis S. , Collins-Thompson D. L.
Published: November 2010

The yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii is a natural contaminant of nectar and is vectored to the flowers of the field milkweed Asclepias syriaca by insects, some of which are pollinators of the plants. In its natural habitat, the yeast inhibits the germination of the milkweed's pollen, which normally uses nectar in the stigmatic cavity for germination. This inhibition is irreversible after about 8 h of exposure to the yeasts. Two selected strains of the yeast were isolated and investigated for their effects on pollen germination in vitro. The two strains, and their mixture, affected pollen germination adversely by reducing its amount and vigour and causing any pollen tubes that were produced to burst: One strain was more virulent than the other, and the mixture seemed to have an additive effect. The strains may be more efficacious than the natural assemblage of microbes in disrupting fertilization of milkweed flowers because they cause the immediate death (bursting) of the growing microgametophyte (pollen and tube). Key words: yeasts, pollen germination, milkweed, Metschnikowia reukaufii, Asclepias syriaca.
The spectral properties of Hypericum perforatum leaves: the implications for its photoactivated defences
Authors: Fields Paul G. , Arnason John T. , Fulcher R. Gary
Published: November 2010

Unlike most other plant-derived phototoxins that are activated by ultraviolet light, hypericin from Hypericum species causes photoactivated damage by absorbing visible light (550–610 nm, maximum at 585 nm). Clear glands from Hypericum perforatum L. transmitted 66%, veins, 6% and the mesophyll, 1% of the light at 585 nm. When the total area of the various structures was taken into account, leaves transmitted approximately 2% of the light in the photoactive range of hypericin. Other studies have shown that this intensity of light is sufficient to cause light-induced mortality in insects fed on artificial diets containing hypericin. Having a phototoxin that is activated by the same wavelengths of light that are reflected and transmitted by plants may prevent insects from avoiding phototoxicity by simply hiding under or rolling leaves. However, a survey of herbarium specimens indicated that clear glands were not an obligate component of the photoactivated defences of Hypericum species.
Proteomic alterations of distinct mitochondrial subpopulations in the type 1 diabetic heart: contribution of protein import dysfunction
Authors: Baseler Walter A. , Dabkowski Erinne R. , Williamson Courtney L. , Croston Tara L. , Thapa Dharendra , Powell Matthew J. , Razunguzwa Trust T. , Hollander John M.
Published: November 2010

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of heart failure in type 1 diabetic patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction is suggested as an underlying contributor to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Cardiac mitochondria are characterized by subcellular spatial locale, including mitochondria located beneath the sarcolemma, subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM), and mitochondria situated between the myofibrils, interfibrillar mitochondria (IFM). The goal of this study was to determine whether type 1 diabetic insult in the heart influences proteomic make-up of spatially distinct mitochondrial subpopulations and to evaluate the role of nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import. Utilizing multiple proteomic approaches (iTRAQ and two-dimensional-differential in-gel electrophoresis), IFM proteomic make-up was impacted by type 1 diabetes mellitus to a greater extent than SSM, as evidenced by decreased abundance of fatty acid oxidation and electron transport chain proteins. Mitochondrial phosphate carrier and adenine nucleotide translocator, as well as inner membrane translocases, were decreased in the diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05 for both). Mitofilin, a protein involved in cristae morphology, was diminished in the diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05). Posttranslational modifications, including oxidations and deamidations, were most prevalent in the diabetic IFM. Mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70) was significantly decreased in diabetic IFM ( P < 0.05). Mitochondrial protein import was decreased in the diabetic IFM with no change in the diabetic SSM ( P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that mitochondrial proteomic alterations in the type 1 diabetic heart are more pronounced in the IFM. Further, proteomic alterations are associated with nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein import dysfunction and loss of an essential mitochondrial protein import constituent, mtHsp70, implicating this process in the pathogenesis of the diabetic heart.