bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialister micraerophilus sp. nov. and Dialister propionicifaciens sp. nov., isolated from human clinical samples
Authors: Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Carlier Jean-Philippe , Teyssier Corinne , Bernard Kathryn , Gay Bernard , Campos Josiane , Morio Florent , Marchandin Hélène
Published: November 2005

Seventeen anaerobic, Gram-negative, tiny coccobacilli were collected in France from various human clinical samples. Biochemical analyses as well as molecular studies, including 16S rRNA anddnaKgene sequencing, affiliated all the isolates to the genusDialister. However, 16S rRNA anddnaKgene sequence similarities were below 95·2 and 79·7 %, respectively, when comparisons were performed with the currently described speciesDialister pneumosintesandDialister invisus. Two clusters consisting of 13 and four isolates could be differentiated. 16S rRNA- anddnaK-based phylogeny confirmed that these two clusters represent two novel and distinct lineages within the genusDialister. Finally, phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data supported the proposal of the two novel speciesDialister micraerophilussp. nov. (type strain ADV 04.01T=AIP 25.04T=CIP 108278T=CCUG 48837T) andDialister propionicifacienssp. nov. (type strain ADV 1053.03T=AIP 26.04T=CIP 108336T=CCUG 49291T). The G+C content of the DNA of theD. micraerophilustype strain is 36·3 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, 11 isolates originating from Canada could also be affiliated toD. micraerophilussp. nov., and were included in the species description.
Description of two novel species, Sphingomonas abaci sp. nov. and Sphingomonas panni sp. nov.
Authors: Busse Hans-Jürgen , Hauser Elke , Kämpfer Peter
Published: November 2005

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strains designated C42Tand C52Twere isolated in the Medical Clinic for Small Animals and Ungulates at the University for Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, both strains were shown to belong to the genusSphingomonas. Strain C42Tshowed the greatest levels of sequence similarity withSphingomonas melonisDSM 14444TandSphingomonas aquatilisKCTC 2881T(both 97·7 %). Strain C52Tshowed the greatest levels of sequence similarity withSphingomonas koreensisKCTC 2882T(97·2 %),Sphingomonas aquatilisKCTC 2881T(97·1 %) andS. melonisDSM 14444T(97·0 %). The presence of Q-10 as the main ubiquinone, the predominance of the compoundsym-homospermidine in the polyamine patterns, the presence of aSphingomonadaceae-specific sphingoglycolipid in the polar lipid patterns, the presence of the fatty acid 2-OH C14 : 0and the lack of 3-hydroxy fatty acids supported the identification of the two novel strains as members of the genusSphingomonas sensu stricto. Unique physiological characteristics, protein patterns, quantitative differences in their fatty acid profiles and the results of genomic fingerprinting and DNA–DNA hybridizations differentiated strains C42Tand C52Tfrom closely relatedSphingomonasspecies. Hence, the two strains are described as novel species of the genusSphingomonas sensu stricto. The namesSphingomonas abacisp. nov. (type strain C42T=LMG 21978T=DSM 15867T) andSphingomonas pannisp. nov. (type strain C52T=LMG 21979T=DSM 15761T) are proposed.
Rain or Shine: Where is the Weather Effect?
Authors: Goetzmann William N. , Zhu Ning
Published: November 2005

There is considerable empirical evidence that emotion influences decision‐making. In this paper, we use a database of individual investor accounts to examine the weather effects on traders. Our analysis of the trading activity in five major US cities over a six‐year period finds virtually no difference in individuals’ propensity to buy or sell equities on cloudy days as opposed to sunny days. If the association between cloud cover and stock returns documented for New York and other world cities is indeed caused by investor mood swings, our findings suggest that researchers should focus on the attitudes of market‐makers, news providers or other agents physically located in the city hosting the exchange. NYSE spreads widen on cloudy days. When we control for this, the weather effect becomes smaller and insignificant. We interpret this as evidence that the behaviour of market‐makers, rather than individual investors, may be responsible for the relation between returns and weather.
Divergence of Opinion Surrounding Extreme Events
Authors: Loughran Tim , Marietta‐Westberg Jennifer
Published: November 2005

This paper examines the stock market performance of a large sample of new issues (IPOs and SEOs) following an extreme price movement during the first three years after the offering. Strong underperformance follows either a positive or negative (at least +/−15%) one‐day return event. This poor performance cannot be explained by the Fama‐French four‐factor methodology, or by the generally low stock returns of growth firms. Unlike recent issuers, non‐issuers report no poor performance following a similar extreme event using the four‐factor methodology. The extreme event date shows very high levels of turnover, a measure of divergence of opinion. Finally, there is a strong negative linkage between higher levels of divergence of opinion and subsequent stock performance.
Can Companies Influence Investor Behaviour through Advertising? Super Bowl Commercials and Stock Returns
Authors: Fehle Frank , Tsyplakov Sergey , Zdorovtsov Vladimir
Published: November 2005

Recent research shows that mood and attention may affect investors’ choices. In this paper we examine whether companies can create such mood and attention effects through advertising. We choose a natural experiment by investigating price reactions and trading activity for firms employing TV commercials in 19 Super Bowl broadcasts over the 1969–2001 period. We find significant positive abnormal returns for firms which are readily identifiable from the ad contents, which is consistent with the presence of mood and attention effects. For recognisable companies with the number of ads greater than the sample mean, the event is followed by an average abnormal one day return of 45 basis points. The effect appears to persist in the short term with the 20‐day post‐event cumulative abnormal returns for such firms averaging 2%. We find significant abnormal net buying activity for small trades in shares of recognised Super Bowl advertisers indicating that small investors tend to be the ones most attracted by the increased publicity.
A non‐randomised dose‐escalating phase II study of thalidomide for the treatment of patients with low‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes: the Thal‐SMD‐2000 trial of the Groupe Français des Myélodysplasies
Authors: Bouscary Didier , Legros Laurence , Tulliez Micheline , Dubois Stéphanie , Mahe Béatrice , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Quarre Marie C. , Vassilief Dominique , Varet Bruno , Aouba Achille , Gardembas Martine , Giraudier Stéphane , Guerci Agnès , Rousselot Philippe , Gaillard Fanny , Moreau Anne , Rousselet Marie C. , Ifrah Norbert , Fenaux Pierre , Dreyfus François ,   For The Groupe Français des Myélodysplasies (GFM)
Published: November 2005

Patients (n = 47) with low‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome were treated with thalidomide [200 mg/d, increased by 200 mg/d/4 weeks up to week 16]. Responses were evaluated according to the International Working Group criteria at week 16 for 39 patients who received at least 8 weeks of treatment. Twenty‐three (59%) patients showed haematological improvement (HI): four major erythroid response (HI‐EM), 15 minor erythroid response, six major neutrophil response, two major platelet response. Side effects caused 22/39 to stop thalidomide before week 16. Nine of 23 responders continued thalidomide after week 16 [19% of trial patients] with sustained response in eight of nine. Six reached week 56, including the four HI‐EM patients [13% of trial patients]. Nineteen of 36 red blood cell transfusion‐dependent patients (53%) showed erythroid response, but only four became transfusion‐independent. Among the 23 responders, the median duration of response was 260 d (range 30–650). Responses were sustained in all patients except one, and were observed between week 4 and week 8 in 85% of patients, at doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg. Only two patients responded at 600 mg/d and none at 800 mg/d. No clinical characteristics of responding versus non‐responding patients were identified. The erythroid response rate was identical in all cytogenetic subgroups, including 5q31.1 deletions. Pretreatment vascular endothelial growth factor levels were lower in responders compared with non‐responders (P = 0·004). Microvessel density (MVD) increased and apoptosis decreased in four of six and in all six responders studied respectively whereas MVD and apoptosis were unchanged in three non‐responders.
Harmonisation of factor VIII:C assay results: study within the framework of the Dutch project ‘Calibration 2000’
Authors: Van Den Besselaar Anton M. H. P. , Haas Fred J. L. M. , Kuypers Aldy W. H. M.
Published: November 2005

In a Dutch project for harmonisation of factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) assays, the commutability of potential calibrators for FVIII:C was assessed by means of a ‘twin‐study design’, which is in essence a multi‐centre, split‐patient sample, between‐field‐methods protocol. Commutability was defined as the degree to which a material yielded the same numerical relationships between results of measurements by a given set of measurement procedures as those between the expectations of the relationships for the same procedures applied to those types of material for which the procedures were intended. The study consisted of the simultaneous analysis of fresh frozen patient plasmas and three potential calibrators for FVIII:C by 16 Dutch laboratories forming eight couples. The state‐of‐the‐art intra‐laboratory standard deviation was used to assess the commutability of the potential calibrators. One potential calibrator was used to harmonise FVIII:C assay results in a Dutch field study. The inter‐laboratory coefficient of variation of two test samples could be reduced significantly, but no significant effect was observed with three other test samples. We recommend that at least three different sample dilutions be used in each FVIII:C assay, in agreement with previous recommendations.
Possible involvement of allogeneic antigens recognised by donor‐derived CD4+ cytotoxic T cells in selective GVL effects after stem cell transplantation of patients with haematological malignancy
Authors: Matsushita Maiko , Yamazaki Rie , Ikeda Hideyuki , Mori Takehiko , Sumimoto Hidetoshi , Fujita Tomonobu , Okamoto Shinichiro , Ikeda Yasuo , Kawakami Yutaka
Published: November 2005

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines specific for allogeneic antigens were generated by in vitro stimulation of donor‐derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from patients who received human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). One of the allogeneic antigen‐specific CD4+ CTL lines, CTL‐A, generated from a patient with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, recognised HLA‐DPB1*0501‐positive Epstein–Barr virus‐immortalised human B cell line (EBV‐B cells), phytohaemagglutinin blasts and leukaemia cells, but not interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) treated HLA‐DPB1*0501‐positive fibroblasts, indicating that this CD4+ T‐cell line recognised a minor histocompatibility antigen (mHa) that is preferentially expressed in haematopoietic cells in an HLA‐DPB1*0501‐restricted manner. The other CD4+ CTL line, CTL‐B, generated from a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia, recognised mismatched HLA‐DQB1*0303 on EBV‐B cells and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) blasts. Interestingly, this CTL line did not recognise IFN‐γ‐treated recipient's skin fibroblasts, as HLA‐DQ was merely upregulated even after IFN‐γ stimulation in non‐haematopoietic cells including fibroblasts, endothelial cells and hepatocytes. These results suggest that these CD4 positive CTLs, specific for mismatch HLA‐DQ and mHa that are preferentially expressed on haematopoietic cells, may play an important role in induction of selective graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect without development of graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic HSCT.
TLX1/HOX11‐mediated disruption of primary thymocyte differentiation prior to the CD4+CD8+ double‐positive stage
Authors: Owens Bronwyn M. , Hawley Teresa S. , Spain Lisa M. , Kerkel Kristi A. , Hawley Robert G.
Published: November 2005

The TLX1/HOX11 homeobox gene is frequently activated in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) by the t(10;14)(q24;q11) and t(7;10)(q35;q24) chromosomal translocations or by as yet unknown transcriptional mechanisms in the absence of 10q24 cytogenetic abnormalities. Almost all TLX1+ T‐ALLs exhibit a CD4+CD8+ double‐positive (DP) phenotype. To investigate the role of TLX1 as an initiating oncogene in T‐ALL pathogenesis, we assessed the consequences of retroviral vector‐directed TLX1 expression during the differentiation of murine and human thymocytes in fetal thymic organ cultures. Interestingly, enforced expression of TLX1 disrupted the differentiation of murine fetal liver precursors and human cord blood CD34+ stem/progenitor cells prior to the DP thymocyte stage. Although differentiation arrest was associated with an increased percentage of apoptotic thymocytes, it could only be partially bypassed by coexpression of transgenic BCL2. Mutation of the invariant asparagine residue at position 51 of the homeodomain – which is required for efficient DNA binding – released the block, consistent with the notion that TLX1 inhibits thymocyte differentiation and promotes T‐cell oncogenesis by functioning as a transcription factor. The relevance of these findings is discussed in the context of activating NOTCH1 mutations and the other genetic lesions implicated in the multistep transformation process of TLX1+ T‐ALL.
Female mice are more susceptible to the development of allergic airway inflammation than male mice
Authors: Melgert B. N. , Postma D. S. , Kuipers I. , Geerlings M. , Luinge M. A. , van der Strate B. W. A. , Kerstjens H. A. M. , Timens W. , Hylkema M. N.
Published: November 2005

Background
In humans the prevalence of asthma is higher among females than among males after puberty. The reason for this phenomenon is not clear.

Objective
We tested the hypothesis that female mice are more susceptible to the development of allergic asthma than male mice and studied allergic immune responses in the lung.

Methods
We compared allergic airway inflammation, i.e. methacholine (MCh) responsiveness, serum IgE, and cytokines, and the number of the different leucocytes in lungs of male and female BALB/c mice, twice‐sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and subsequently challenged with OVA (OVA‐mice) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS‐mice) aerosols on days 24–26, 30, and 31.

Results
OVA challenge significantly increased MCh responsiveness, numbers of eosinophils, CD4+ T cells, CD4+/CD25+ T cells, B cells, and levels of Thelper (Th)2 cytokines, total, and OVA‐specific IgE. There was, however, also an effect of gender, with female mice responding to OVA challenges with higher numbers of eosinophils, CD4+ T cells, B cells, and levels of IL‐4, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, total, and OVA‐specific IgE than male mice. In contrast, female PBS‐mice had significantly lower percentages of regulatory CD4+/CD25+ T cells than males (females 4.2±0.2% vs. males 5.3±0.1% of CD4+ T cells, P<0.05).

Conclusion
Female mice develop a more pronounced type of allergic airway inflammation than male mice after OVA challenge. The reduced percentage of regulatory T cells in the lungs of female PBS‐mice may indicate that the level of these cells in the lung during the sensitization phase is important for the development and/or progression of an allergic immune response after multiple OVA challenges.
Considerations in the evaluation of haemophilia patients for short‐term prophylactic therapy: a paediatric and adult case study
Authors: LUCHTMAN‐JONES L. , VALENTINO L. A. , MANNO C. ,   THE RECOMBINANT THERAPY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
Published: November 2005

Summary.  The long‐term prophylactic administration of clotting factor concentrate in patients with haemophilia reduces bleeding events, slows joint deterioration, and improves quality of life. Prophylaxis can also be effective when used short‐term to prevent or reduce bleeding associated with trauma, surgery, and athletic activities. While clinical trials are needed to establish the optimal length of prophylaxis following injury, several weeks and possibly months of treatment may be needed. Discontinuing therapy prematurely can result in rebleeding in the injured area.
Long‐term evaluation of radioisotope synovectomy with Yttrium 90 for chronic synovitis in Turkish haemophiliacs: Izmir experience
Authors: KAVAKLI K. , AYDOĞDU S. , OMAY S. B. , DUMAN Y. , TANER M. , ÇAPACı K. , MEMIŞ A. , BALKAN C. , KARAPıNAR D.
Published: November 2005

Summary. Since 2001 we have performed 105 radioisotope synovectomy (RS) in 65 children and young adults, age ranging from 3 to 25 years with a average of 15 years in Ege University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. One fourth of cases were below 10 years of age. All patients had severe haemophilia A and B. Ten patients (17 joints) had high responder inhibitor. We prefer to use Yttrium 90 for all joints (5 mCi for knees; 2 mCi for others). The knees were injected in 56 cases, elbows in 24 cases, ankles in 23 cases and shoulders in two cases. Steroid injections were not preferred as the principle drug of choice. Mean follow‐up period after procedure was 2 years (range: 6 months to 3.5 years). All inhibitor patients had satisfactory results. The best results were obtained in elbows than knees and ankles. Excellent rates (no bleeding) were observed in grade‐II synovitis 84% for knees, 93% for elbows and 50% for ankles. Because of the excellent and good response (bleeding reduction to 75%), rates were 100% for knees and elbows and 92% for ankles. In six cases, repeated injections were given at 6‐month interval and all of them had good results. The grading of synovitis seems to be an important parameter than the age of the patient. Even in patients below 10 years of age, outcomes are not satisfactory in all joints with grade‐III vs. grade‐II synovitis (12% vs. 73%). No serious complications were observed during and after procedure except two cases. A mild and transient inflammatory reaction was observed in the ankle. There was a minimal radioisotope leakage to superficial skin in the elbow. RS seems to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic synovitis causing recurrent joint bleedings.
Genetic variability in the three genomes of Nasonia: nuclear, mitochondrial and Wolbachia
Authors: van Opijnen T. , Baudry E. , Baldo L. , Bartos J. , Werren J. H.
Published: November 2005

Nasonia consists of three closely related species of parasitoid wasps that are all infected with the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia, a reproductive parasite common in arthropods. This situation presents the opportunity to compare patterns of variation in three associated genomes, Wolbachia and the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of its host. Furthermore, although Nasonia wasps are emerging as a model for evolutionary and genetic studies, little is known about their genetic variability. Using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), all three species present a relatively high level of nuclear polymorphism and have different patterns of variation, with one of the species, Nasonia giraulti, being divided into two divergent subgroups. In each species, the mitochondrial pattern of variation is different from the nuclear pattern, possibly due to genetic hitchhiking of the mitochondria during (cytoplasmically inherited) Wolbachia sweeps. Mitochondria in Nasonia show a synonymous substitution rate approximately 10–15‐fold higher than nuclear genes, probably reflecting an elevated mitochondrial mutation rate that is among the highest found in insects. Finally, all three species are doubly infected with their own strains of Wolbachia, one each from the two major supergroups (A and B). Sequence analysis reveals that each of the three Nasonia species acquired their A and B bacteria independently by horizontal transfer events from other insects with the exception of B type Wolbachia in N. longicornis and N. giraulti, which were acquired prior to speciation and then codiverged with the host. This represents one of the few clear‐cut examples of codivergence of Wolbachia during host speciation.
The expression of the HSP90 gene in response to winter and summer diapauses and thermal‐stress in the onion maggot, Delia antiqua
Authors: Chen B. , Kayukawa T. , Monteiro A. , Ishikawa Y.
Published: November 2005

The full‐length Hsp90 cDNA in Delia antiqua was cloned and sequenced. The deduced polypeptide comprised 717 amino acid residues, with a molecular mass of 82 140 Da. Summer‐ and winter‐diapauses both elevated HSP90 transcript levels in D. antiqua pupae. Levels gradually increased with time in summer diapausing pupae whereas levels fluctuated in winter diapausing pupae. Cold‐ and heat‐stressing summer‐ and winter‐diapausing individuals further elevated HSP90 expression. mRNA levels gradually increased with time in summer diapausing pupae whereas levels decreased with time after an initial increase in winter diapausing pupae. HSP90 expression was also up‐regulated following cold‐ and heat‐stresses in non‐diapausing pupae. Heat‐stress gradually increased the mRNA level with time whereas cold‐stress gradually decreased levels after an initial increase. These results suggest that the development and physiology of summer‐ and winter‐diapauses, as monitored via variation in HSP90 transcript levels, can be substantial different.
Stage‐specific responses to ecosystem alteration in an eruptive herbivorous insect
Authors: MOREAU GAÉTAN , EVELEIGH ELDON S. , LUCAROTTI CHRISTOPHER J. , QUIRING DAN T.
Published: November 2005

The stage‐specific responses of eruptive populations to ecosystem alterations have received little attention, despite the relevance of the issue for conservation biology and pest management. This study examined the hypothesis that forest thinning treatments affect the outbreak cycles ofNeodiprion abietis, a sawfly defoliator.

The densities of eggs, early instar larvae, late‐instar larvae, cocoons and adults ofN. abietiswere monitored during an outbreak in a thinned and an adjacent untreated stand at each of three sites in western Newfoundland, Canada.

The amplitude of population fluctuations was greater in thinned than in adjacent untreated stands at certain points in the increasing or peaking stages ofN. abietisoutbreaks for all life stages sampled. However, the timing and magnitude of differences in fluctuations attributed to thinning varied among the life stages ofN. abietis.

The largest difference between stand types occurred in the generation preceding peak egg density, when adult densities were three times higher in thinned than untreated stands. Conversely, only moderate differences in egg density between stand types were observed in the following generation. Combined with the observation that the modes of population fluctuations occurred earlier in thinned stands, this suggests that adult dispersal resulted in a redistribution of eggs between thinned and untreated stands.

Synthesis and applications. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that silvicultural practices involving a reduction in forest stand density may alter the outbreak cycles of an eruptive population, potentially increasing the severity of outbreaks in treated, as well as in adjacent untreated, stands. Hence, this study emphasizes the need to consider proactively the potential impact of silvicultural practices on species such asN. abietis, which are most abundant in low‐density stands. This field study also demonstrates that the response to ecosystem alteration of an outbreak population can vary with the different life stages of the studied organism, indicating that the detection of the impact of ecosystem alterations on a population can depend on the life stage sampled.
Empowering words, disempowering actions: an analysis of interactions between staff members and people with learning disabilities in residents’ meetings
Authors: Jingree T. , Finlay W.M.L. , Antaki C.
Published: November 2005

Background  This study examined power dynamics in verbal interactions between care staff and people with learning disabilities.

Method  Recordings of residents’ meetings in a group home for people with learning disabilities were examined.

Results  The analysis showed some of the ways in which power was exercised in verbal interactions between care staff and residents. It was found that staff adopted various techniques to guide the discussion and produce certain kinds of statements and decisions. It could be said that in these cases, the staff were having to decide between two or more conflicting institutional objectives.

Conclusion  The effect was that staff contributions sometimes produced interactional patterns which were contrary to the goal of encouraging the residents to speak up and have more say in the management of their home.
Transgenic proteoid roots of white lupin: a vehicle for characterizing and silencing root genes involved in adaptation to P stress
Authors: Uhde‐Stone Claudia , Liu Junqi , Zinn Kelly E. , Allan Deborah L. , Vance Carroll P.
Published: November 2005

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) has become an illuminating model for the study of plant adaptation to phosphorus (P) deficiency. It adapts to −P stress with a highly coordinated modification of root development and biochemistry resulting in short, densely clustered secondary roots called proteoid (or cluster) roots. In order to characterize genes involved in proteoid root formation and function in a homologous system, we have developed an Agrobacterium rhizogenes‐based transformation system for white lupin roots that allows rapid analysis of reporter genes as well as RNA interference (RNAi)‐based gene silencing. We used this system to characterize a lupin multidrug and toxin efflux (Lupinus albus MULTIDRUG AND TOXIN EFFLUX, LaMATE) gene previously shown to have enhanced expression under −P stress. Here, we show that LaMATE had high expression in proteoid roots not only under −P, but also under −Fe, −N, −Mn and +Al stress. A portion containing the putative LaMATE promoter was fused to GUS and enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) reporter genes, and a translational LaMATE::EGFP fusion was constructed under control of the LaMATE promoter. The LaMATE promoter directed P‐dependent GUS and EGFP expression to proteoid roots. Confocal microscopy in white lupin and Arabidopsis point to the plasma membrane as the likely location of the LaMATE protein. LaMATE displayed homology to FRD3 in Arabidopsis, but did not complement an Arabidopsis ferric reductase defective 3 (FRD3) mutant. RNAi‐based gene silencing was shown to effectively reduce LaMATE expression in transformed white lupin roots. LaMATE RNAi‐silenced plants displayed an about 20% reduction in dry weight.
A pathogen‐inducible patatin‐like lipid acyl hydrolase facilitates fungal and bacterial host colonization in Arabidopsis
Authors: La Camera Sylvain , Geoffroy Pierrette , Samaha Hala , Ndiaye Abdoulaye , Rahim Gwendoline , Legrand Michel , Heitz Thierry
Published: November 2005

Genes and proteins related to patatin, the major storage protein of potato tubers, have been identified in many plant species and shown to be induced by a variety of environmental stresses. The Arabidopsis patatin‐like gene family (PLPs) comprises nine members, two of which (PLP2 and PLP7) are strongly induced in leaves challenged with fungal and bacterial pathogens. Here we show that accumulation of PLP2 protein in response to Botrytis cinerea or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (avrRpt2) is dependent on jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling, but is not dependent on salicylic acid. Expression of a PLP2–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein and analysis of recombinant PLP2 indicates that PLP2 encodes a cytoplasmic lipid acyl hydrolase with wide substrate specificity. Transgenic plants with altered levels of PLP2 protein were generated and assayed for pathogen resistance. Plants silenced for PLP2 expression displayed enhanced resistance to B. cinerea, whereas plants overexpressing PLP2 were much more sensitive to this necrotrophic fungus. We also established a positive correlation between the level of PLP2 expression in transgenic plants and cell death or damage in response to paraquat treatment or infection by avirulent P. syringae. Interestingly, repression of PLP2 expression increased resistance to avirulent bacteria, while PLP2‐overexpressing plants multiplied avirulent bacteria close to the titers reached by virulent bacteria. Collectively, the data indicate that PLP2‐encoded lipolytic activity can be exploited by pathogens with different lifestyles to facilitate host colonization. In particular PLP2 potentiates plant cell death inflicted by Botrytis and reduces the efficiency of the hypersensitive response in restricting the multiplication of avirulent bacteria. Both effects are possibly mediated by providing fatty acid precursors of bioactive oxylipins.
Transcriptionally active transposable elements in recent hybrid sugarcane
Authors: de Araujo Paula G. , Rossi Magdalena , de Jesus Erika M. , Saccaro Nilo L. , Kajihara Daniela , Massa Rogério , de Felix Juliana Maria , Drummond Rodrigo Duarte , Falco Maria C. , Chabregas Sabrina M. , Ulian Eugênio C. , Menossi Marcelo , Sluys Marie‐Anne Van
Published: November 2005

Transposable elements (TEs) are considered to be important components of the maintenance and diversification of genomes. The recent increase in genome sequence data has created an opportunity to evaluate the impact of these active mobile elements on the evolution of plant genomes. Analysis of the sugarcane transcriptome identified 267 clones with significant similarity to previously described plant TEs. After full cDNA sequencing, 68 sugarcane TE clones were assigned to 11 families according to their best sequence alignment against a fully characterized element. Expression was further investigated through a combined study utilizing electronic Northerns, macroarray, transient and stable sugarcane transformation. Newly synthesized cDNA probes from flower, leaf roll, apical meristem and callus tissues confirm previous results. Callus was identified as the tissue with the highest number of TEs being expressed, revealing that tissue culture drastically induced the expression of different elements. No tissue‐specific family was identified. Different representatives within a TE family displayed differential expression patterns, showing that each family presented expression in almost every tissue. Transformation experiments demonstrated that most Hopscotch clone‐derived U3 regions are, indeed, active promoters, although under a strong transcriptional regulation. This is a large‐scale study about the expression pattern of TEs and indicates that mobile genetic elements are transcriptionally active in the highly polyploid and complex sugarcane genome.
Morphological and physiological responses of the invasive weed Isatis tinctoria to contrasting light, soil‐nitrogen and water
Authors: MONACO T A , JOHNSON D A , CREECH J E
Published: November 2005

We evaluated the morphological and physiological responses to contrasting above‐ and below‐ground resources for the invasive weed, Isatis tinctoria L. (dyer's woad). Plants were grown under low and high levels of light [shade (50% of ambient) and full sun], soil water (50 and 100 mL day−1), and soil nitrogen (N) (0 and 20 mg N kg−1 soil) in 8 L pots in 63 day glasshouse experiments conducted during winter and spring. Soil‐N enrichment did not increase any of the growth variables (shoot and root dry mass, shoot:root ratio, leaf area, and specific leaf area) or physiological variables (stomatal conductance and 13C discrimination) in either experiment. The absence of plasticity in response to changes in soil‐N supply suggests that I. tinctoria may survive and persist in nutrient‐poor conditions by having low‐N requirements, low‐N productivity, or both. In contrast, plants compensated for shaded conditions by altering leaf area, specific leaf area, and shoot:root ratio to improve light capture. We discuss the potential mechanisms whereby response to these variable resources may be associated with a series of adaptations that favour the ability to tolerate and colonize harsh, nutrient‐poor conditions, as well as invade shaded and undisturbed sites.
Necrolytic acral erythema: a variant of necrolytic migratory erythema or a distinct entity?
Authors: Nofal Ahmad Abdelgawad , Nofal Eman , Attwa Enayat , El‐Assar Ola , Assaf Magda
Published: November 2005

Background  Hepatitis C is a major health problem in Egypt. Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is a recently described necrolytic erythema that has a distinctive acral distribution and a uniform association with hepatitis C. Some authors believe that NAE is a distinct entity and others consider it as a variant of necrolytic migratory erythema (NME).

Methods  Five patients with clinical features consistent with NAE were included in this study. The patients were subjected to skin biopsy examination, CT scan of the pancreas and a liver biopsy. Liver function tests, serum glucagon, glucose, amino acids and zinc were measured. All patients were tested for hepatitis C by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results  Three patients presented with early (acute) lesions and two patients with chronic lesions. The distribution of the lesions was almost exclusively on the dorsae of the feet. Histopathological findings were similar to those of other necrolytic erythemas. Hepatitis C virus was uniformly detected in all patients. Serum glucagon was high in two patients, serum glucose was high in four patients, serum amino acids were low in three cases and serum zinc and albumin were low in two cases. Little or no improvement was reported after oral amino acid supplementation, while the response to oral zinc sulfate was moderate to good.

Conclusion   Necrolytic acral erythema is closely associated with hepatitis C infection. Many findings indicate that NAE seems to be a variant of NME rather than a distinct entity. Hence, an alternative proposed term could be acral NME.
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis and Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Tsuruta Daisuke , Matsumura‐Oura Akiko , Ishii Masamitsu
Published: November 2005

A 41‐year‐old Japanese woman presented at a local outpatient clinic because of a slightly pruritic pustular eruption on the trunk and extremities. Her skin lesion had been treated using an antifungal cream, but the condition had continued to worsen. According to the patient, the same pustular eruption had occurred during pregnancy, but diminished after delivery. She has no family history of skin eruption. On physical examination, she presented with well‐circumscribed erythematous macules with small pustules on the borders, involving the axilla, groin, upper and lower extremities and upper back (Fig. 1). Bacterial and fungal cultures of the lesions were negative. A skin biopsy obtained from a lesion in the left forearm demonstrated a subcorneal pustule containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (Fig. 2). A perivascular dermal infiltrate was present, consisting predominantly of mononuclear cells. There was no spongiosis or acantholysis. On direct immunofluorescence, there were no immunoglobulin A (IgA) and complement 3 (C3) deposits in the intercellular space of the epidermis.

Clinical appearance of the annular erythema with small pustules on the forearm

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Surgically excised specimen showing subcorneal pustules containing neutrophils and scattered eosinophils (hematoxylin and eosin; magnification ×200)

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The clinical and histopathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD). Laboratory investigations showed hyper immunoglobulin A (IgA) immunoglobulinemia (479 mg/dL, normal, 110–410) and a high titer of antinuclear antigen (speckled type) at 1 : 160 (normal < 1 : 40) and anti‐single‐strand (anti‐ss) DNA‐IgG at 1 : 25 (normal : negative). Other findings were normal. Serum and urine immunoelectrophoresis showed no paraprotein bands. Administration of topical diflupredonate ointment and oral prednisolone improved but did not completely resolve the eruption. The patient was then treated with dapsone 75 mg daily, leading to reasonable control.

Because speckled type antinuclear antibody and anti‐ss‐DNA antibody were positive in spite of the fact that autoantibodies anti‐Sjögren's syndrome (SS)‐A and SS‐B were negative, we asked the patient if she had experienced a dry sensation in her eyes and mouth. As she reported a dry sensation of both eyes and mouth, we referred her to the ophthalmology clinic. The Schilmer test was positive (2 mm of wetting per 5 min, with the patient unanesthetized). Rose Bengal dye and slit‐lamp examination revealed Sjögren's syndrome pattern. Lip biopsy revealed the accumulation of numerous lymphocytes in the salivary gland. Thus, our patient fulfilled four criteria of the European multicenter study,1 suggesting a diagnosis of definite Sjögren's syndrome.
Detection of Cucumber Mosaic Virus in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Argentina
Authors: de Breuil S. , Giolitti F. , Lenardon S.
Published: November 2005

Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop in Argentina. Virus‐like symptoms were observed in this crop during the 2000 growing season. Infected plants contained isometric particles c. 30 nm in diameter and tissue extracts reacted with a polyclonal antiserum to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). A restriction profile typical of subgroup II was obtained for MspI cleavage of cDNA produced by using specific primers to CMV capsid protein (CP). These results were also confirmed by nucleotide sequence data on the CP gene. This is the first report of CMV subgroup II infecting peanut.
Weak Organic Acids and Inhibitors of pH Homeostasis Suppress Growth of Penicillium Infesting Litchi Fruits
Authors: Zhang Z. , Dvir O. , Pesis E. , Pick U. , Lichter A.
Published: November 2005

To prevent the rapid postharvest browning, litchi fruits can be fumigated with SO2, followed by a hydrochloric acid (HCl) dip to restore their red colour. Most fungal decay agents are sensitive to SO2 fumigation or acidification but the treated fruits are highly sensitive to infection by Penicillium commune and closely related species. The present study examined whether the addition of weak organic acids or pH homeostasis inhibitors, alone and in combination, could effectively control fungal growth under the physiological conditions that are relevant to litchi fruits. It was found that the fungus can proliferate in culture at pH > 2.5 and is capable of either alkalizing or acidifying the medium, depending on the initial pH and the extent of growth inhibition. Propionic, sorbic and decanoic acids progressively inhibited fungal growth at decreasing pH, presumably by inducing acid stress. Likewise, the inhibitors of pH homeostasis, omeprazole and erythrosin B, inhibited fungal growth, and their efficacy was significantly increased at lower pH and in combination with weak organic acids. Litchi fruits treated with sorbic acid in the presence of HCl were significantly less prone to decay by Penicillium. This study shows that it is possible to utilize low pH as a lever to prevent fungal development.
Rapid Detection of Mycosphaerella graminicola in Wheat Using Reverse Transcription‐PCR Assay
Authors: Guo J.‐R. , Schnieder F. , Beyer M. , Verreet J.‐A.
Published: November 2005

Mycosphaerella graminicola is a prevalent and economically important fungal pathogen in wheat. Presymptomatic and accurate detection of viable pathogen structures in infected host plants is desirable for determining latent periods of epidemics and for timely fungicide application. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) assay was used to detect and identify M. graminicola in wheat with the specific primer set E1/STSP2R. One single fragment was amplified only from total RNA of M. graminicola and infected leaves, but not from those of healthy leaves or five other common fungal wheat pathogens. The sensitivity of one‐step RT–PCR was compared with that of two‐step RT–PCR. The detection limit of two‐step RT–PCR was markedly lower (100 pg total RNA) than that of one‐step RT–PCR (5 ng total RNA). RT–PCR was used to monitor M. graminicola disease development in inoculated wheat plants and in naturally infected F1 leaves (the second leaf from top) during the epidemic period. RT–PCR could detect M. graminicola at least 4 days before lesions appeared in inoculated plants. After symptoms were visible on the leaves, the band intensities of the amplified RT–PCR products were in general agreement with the visual disease assessment.
Association of Phytophthora citricola with Leather Rot Disease of Strawberry
Authors: Irzykowska L. , Irzykowski W. , Jarosz A. , Golebniak B.
Published: November 2005

Phytophthora cactorum is known to cause leather rot and crown rot of strawberry. Phytophthora citricola can also cause crown rot but has not previously been reported to be associated with strawberry leather rot in Europe. We have shown that P. citricola causes strawberry leather rot and is reported as a strawberry pathogen in Poland for the first time. Morphological identification of Phytophthora isolates was confirmed using molecular methods. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA was suitable for differentiation at the interspecific level. The internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 of ribosomal DNA have been shown to be sufficiently variable to distinguish two morphologically similar Phytophthora species.
Incidence of Cotton Seedling Diseases Caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Thielaviopsis basicola in Relation to Previous Crop, Residue Management and Nutrients Availability in Soils in SW Spain
Authors: Delgado A. , Franco G. M. , Páez J. I. , Vega J. M. , Carmona E. , Avilés M.
Published: November 2005

Cotton seedling damping‐off is considered a disease complex, in which several pathogens can be involved. In SW Spain, postemergence damping‐off seems to be mainly associated with Rhizoctonia solani and Thielaviopsis basicola, posing a serious limitation for crop, especially in cold springs. Ninety‐seven commercial plots, where postemergence damping‐off of cotton seedlings was observed during previous years, were selected in April 2001. In each plot, plants were randomly sampled between cotyledon to three true‐leaf stage and soil samples besides the plants were taken. Symptomatic plants were separated according to the main observable seedling disease symptom: black necrosis (black root rot), brown necrosis and other symptoms. Thielaviopsis basicola inoculum was estimated in soil samples. Soil samples were also analysed for nutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn). All the sampled plants showed some seedling disease symptom. Macroscopic symptoms can provide a reasonable distinction between these two major pathogens involved in seedling disease symptoms in the studied area: the percentage of T. basicola isolates (18%) from black necrosis symptomatic plants was significantly higher than that of R. solani (4.1%), whereas in brown necrosis symptomatic plants, the situation was reversed (10.7 vs. 12.8%). The percentage of plants with black necrosis symptoms was inversely related to the portion of plants with brown necrosis in each plot. The mean incidence of black necrosis was significantly lower in plots with residue incorporation (sugar beet as the preceding crop) than in plots without residue incorporation. No significant effect of preceding crop or residue management on brown necrosis incidence was observed. Incidence of black necrosis was negatively correlated with available N measured as NO3‐N when corn or sunflower were the preceding crop. The incidence of black necrosis was positively related to Fe availability in soil after cotton as preceding crop, whereas brown necrosis was negatively related to the availability of this micronutrient.
Species co‐occurrence: the case of congeneric species and a causal approach to patterns of species association
Authors: Sfenthourakis Spyros , Tzanatos Evangelos , Giokas Sinos
Published: November 2005

Aim  To test whether congeneric species are significantly associated with one another in space, either positively or negatively. Also, to provide a framework for a causal investigation of co‐occurrence patterns by a parallel comparison of interactions in geographical and ecological data matrices.

Location  For the analysis of congeneric species’ co‐occurrences we used 30 matrices covering a wide range of taxa and geographical areas, while for the causal investigation we used the distribution of 50 terrestrial isopod species on 20 islands and 264 sampling stations in the central Aegean archipelago, as well as a number of ecological variables for each sampling station.

Methods  We developed a software program (cooc) that incorporates the species‐by‐species approach to co‐occurrence analysis using EcoSim's output of prior null model analysis of co‐occurrence. We describe this program in detail, and use it to investigate one of the most common assembly rules, namely, the decreased levels of co‐occurrence among congeneric species pairs. For the causal analysis, we proceed likewise, cross‐checking the results from the geographical and the ecological matrices. There is only one possible combination of results that can support claims for direct competition among species.

Results  We do not get any strong evidence for widespread competition among congeneric species, while most communities investigated do not show significant patterns of species associations. The causal analysis suggests that the principal factors behind terrestrial isopod species associations are of historical nature. Some exceptional cases are also discussed.

Main conclusions  Presence/absence data for a variety of taxa do not support the assembly rule that congeneric species are under more intense competition compared to less related species. Also, these same data do not suggest strong interactions among species pairs, regardless of taxonomic status. When significant species associations can be seen in such matrices, they mainly reflect the effects of history or of habitat requirements.
Australasian environmental economics: contributions, conflicts and ‘cop‐outs’*
Authors: Bennett Jeff
Published: November 2005

Australian and New Zealand environmental economists have played a significant role in the development of concepts and their application across three fields within their subdiscipline: non‐market valuation, institutional economics and bioeconomic modelling. These contributions have been spurred on by debates within and outside the discipline. Much of the controversy has centred on the validity of valuations generated through the application of stated preference methods such as contingent valuation. Suggestions to overcome some shortcomings in the work of environmental economists include the commissioning of a sequence of non‐market valuation studies to fill existing gaps to improve the potential for benefit transfer.
International Technology Diffusion and the Growth of TFP in the Manufacturing Sector of Developing Economies
Authors: Savvides Andreas , Zachariadis Marios
Published: November 2005

This paper evaluates various channels through which foreign technology diffuses to the manufacturing sector of developing economies. These economies undertake virtually no own R&D, so they rely on foreign technology to a much larger extent than developed economies. We investigate the direct effect of foreign R&D, as well as technology embodied in imports of intermediate and capital goods and foreign direct investment, on the growth of total factor productivity and value added in the manufacturing sector of 32 economies during 1965–92. We find that foreign R&D typically has the biggest positive impact on domestic productivity and value‐added growth. Imports of capital goods and foreign direct investment also play a similar role, but their effect is of smaller magnitude and is not always significant.