bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tranosema rostrale ichnovirus repeat element genes display distinct transcriptional patterns in caterpillar and wasp hosts
Authors: Rasoolizadeh Asieh , Béliveau Catherine , Stewart Don , Cloutier Conrad , Cusson Michel
Published: May 2009

The endoparasitic wasp Tranosema rostrale transmits an ichnovirus to its lepidopteran host, Choristoneura fumiferana, during parasitization. As shown for other ichnoviruses, the segmented dsDNA genome of the T. rostrale ichnovirus (TrIV) features several multi-gene families, including the repeat element (rep) family, whose products display no known similarity to non-ichnovirus proteins, except for a homologue encoded by the genome of the Helicoverpa armigera granulovirus; their functions remain unknown. This study applied linear regression of efficiency analysis to real-time PCR quantification of transcript abundance for all 17 TrIV rep open reading frames (ORFs) in parasitized and virus-injected C. fumiferana larvae, as well as in T. rostrale ovaries and head–thorax complexes. Although transcripts were detected for most rep ORFs in infected caterpillars, two of them clearly outnumbered the others in whole larvae, with a tendency for levels to drop over time after infection. The genome segments bearing the three most highly expressed rep genes in parasitized caterpillars were present in higher proportions than other rep-bearing genome segments in TrIV DNA, suggesting a possible role for gene dosage in the regulation of transcription level. TrIV rep genes also showed important differences in the relative abundance of their transcripts in specific tissues (cuticular epithelium, the fat body, haemocytes and the midgut), implying tissue-specific roles for individual members of this gene family. Significantly, no rep transcripts were detected in T. rostrale head–thorax complexes, whereas some were abundant in ovaries. There, the transcription pattern was completely different from that observed in infected caterpillars, suggesting that some rep genes have wasp-specific functions.
Proof of concept for the reduction of classical swine fever infection in pigs by a novel viral polymerase inhibitor
Authors: Vrancken Robert , Haegeman Andy , Paeshuyse Jan , Puerstinger Gerhard , Rozenski Jef , Wright Matthew , Tignon Marylène , Le Potier Marie-Frédérique , Neyts Johan , Koenen Frank
Published: May 2009

5-[(4-Bromophenyl)methyl]-2-phenyl-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (BPIP) is a representative of a class of imidazopyridines with potentin vitroantiviral activity against pestiviruses including classical swine fever virus (CSFV). This study analysed whether the lead compound, BPIP, was able to reduce virus replication in infected piglets. The compound, administered in feed, was readily bioavailable and was well tolerated. Eight specific-pathogen-free pigs received a daily dose of 75 mg kg−1(mixed in feed) for a period of 15 consecutive days, starting 1 day before infection with the CSFV field isolate Wingene. BPIP-treated pigs developed a short, transient viraemia (one animal remained negative) and leukopenia (three animals did not develop leukopenia). Virus titres at peak viraemia (7 days post-infection) were markedly lower (∼1000-fold) than in untreated animals (P=0.00005) and the viral genome load in blood was also significantly lower (P≤0.001) in drug-treated animals than in untreated animals over the entire experiment. At the end of the experiment (day 33), no infectious virus was detectable in the tonsils of BPIP-treated animals, although low levels of viral RNA were detected. The inability to isolate infectious virus from the tonsils indicates that the risk of a persistent CSFV infection is negligible. Further optimization of the antiviral potency and bioavailability of this lead compound may result in molecules completely suppressing virus replication. A potent antiviral could potentially be used as a primary control measure against virus spread in case of an outbreak, in addition to present countermeasures. This study provides the first proof of concept for the prophylaxis/treatment of CSFV infection in pigs.
Improved strategies for sequence-independent amplification and sequencing of viral double-stranded RNA genomes
Authors: Potgieter A. C. , Page N. A. , Liebenberg J. , Wright I. M. , Landt O. , van Dijk A. A.
Published: May 2009

This paper reports significant improvements in the efficacy of sequence-independent amplification and quality of sequencing of viruses with segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes. We demonstrate that most remaining bottlenecks in dsRNA virus genome characterization have now been eliminated. Both the amplification and sequencing technologies used require no previous sequence knowledge of the viral dsRNA, there is no longer a need to separate genome segments or amplicons and the sequence-determined bias observed in cloning has been overcome. Combining very efficient genome amplification with pyrophosphate-based 454 (GS20/FLX) sequencing enabled sequencing of complete segmented dsRNA genomes and accelerated the sequence analysis of the amplified viral genomes. We report the complete consensus sequence of seven viruses from four different dsRNA virus groups, which include the first complete sequence of the genome of equine encephalosis virus (EEV), the first complete sequence of an African horsesickness virus (AHSV) genome determined directly from a blood sample and a complete human rotavirus genome determined from faeces. We also present the first comparison between the complete consensus sequence of a virulent and an attenuated strain of AHSV1. Ultra-deep sequencing (>400-fold coverage) of the AHSV1 reference and attenuated strains revealed different ratios of reassortants in the reference strain and allowed quasispecies detection in the plaque-purified attenuated strain of AHSV1. This approach amounts to a paradigm shift in dsRNA virus research, since it is sensitive and specific enough for comprehensive investigations of the evolution and genetic diversity in dsRNA virus populations.
Cisd2 deficiency drives premature aging and causes mitochondria-mediated defects in mice
Authors: Chen Yi-Fan , Kao Cheng-Heng , Chen Ya-Ting , Wang Chih-Hao , Wu Chia-Yu , Tsai Ching-Yen , Liu Fu-Chin , Yang Chu-Wen , Wei Yau-Huei , Hsu Ming-Ta , Tsai Shih-Feng , Tsai Ting-Fen
Published: May 2009

CISD2, the causative gene for Wolfram syndrome 2 (WFS2), is a previously uncharacterized novel gene. Significantly, the CISD2 gene is located on human chromosome 4q, where a genetic component for longevity maps. Here we show for the first time that CISD2 is involved in mammalian life-span control. Cisd2 deficiency in mice causes mitochondrial breakdown and dysfunction accompanied by autophagic cell death, and these events precede the two earliest manifestations of nerve and muscle degeneration; together, they lead to a panel of phenotypic features suggestive of premature aging. Our study also reveals that Cisd2 is primarily localized in the mitochondria and that mitochondrial degeneration appears to have a direct phenotypic consequence that triggers the accelerated aging process in Cisd2 knockout mice; furthermore, mitochondrial degeneration exacerbates with age, and the autophagy increases in parallel to the development of the premature aging phenotype. Additionally, our Cisd2 knockout mouse work provides strong evidence supporting an earlier clinical hypothesis that WFS is in part a mitochondria-mediated disorder; specifically, we propose that mutation of CISD2 causes the mitochondria-mediated disorder WFS2 in humans. Thus, this mutant mouse provides an animal model for mechanistic investigation of Cisd2 protein function and help with a pathophysiological understanding of WFS2.
Selective NTPDase2 expression modulates in vivo rat glioma growth
Authors: Braganhol Elizandra , Morrone Fernanda B. , Bernardi Andressa , Huppes Daiane , Meurer Luise , Edelweiss Maria Isabel A. , Lenz Guido , Wink Márcia R. , Robson Simon C. , Battastini Ana Maria O.
Published: May 2009

The ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (E‐NTPDases) are a family of ectoenzymes that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides, thereby modulating purinergic signaling. Gliomas have low expression of all E‐NTPDases, particularly NTPDase2, when compared to astrocytes in culture. Nucleotides induce glioma proliferation and ATP, although potentially neurotoxic, does not evoke cytotoxic action on the majority of glioma cultures. We have previously shown that the co‐injection of apyrase with gliomas decreases glioma progression. Here, we tested whether selective re‐establishment of NTPDase2 expression would affect glioma growth. NTPDase2 overexpression in C6 glioma cells had no effect on in vitro proliferation but dramatically increased tumor growth and malignant characteristics in vivo. Additionally, a sizable platelet sequestration in the tumor area and an increase in CD31 or platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor and OX‐42 immunostaining were observed in C6‐Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein (EYFP)/NTPDase2‐derived gliomas when compared to controls. Treatment with clopidogrel, a P2Y12 antagonist with anti‐platelet properties, decreased these parameters to control levels. These data suggest that the ADP derived from NTPDase2 activity stimulates platelet migration to the tumor area and that NTPDase2, by regulating angiogenesis and inflammation, seems to play an important role in tumor progression. In conclusion, our results point to the involvement of purinergic signaling in glioma progression. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Run timing and migration routes of returning Atlantic salmon in the Northern Baltic Sea: implications for fisheries management
Authors: SIIRA A. , ERKINARO J. , JOUNELA P. , SUURONEN P.
Published: May 2009

Abstract Return migration of Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarL., was studied in the Gulf of Bothnia, northern Baltic Sea, by a mark‐recapture experiment and catch records from commercial trap‐nets. Coastal salmon fishing is regulated by delayed opening of the fishery in consecutive regions based on the assumption that the wild fish migrate before reared ones and the migration is unidirectional and continuous from south to north. Neural network modelling suggested that the migration does not progress linearly from one regulation region to another, but shows variation between origin and sea age among and within regions. Further evidence of the non‐linear migration included a noticeable part of salmon on their way to two major estuaries first visiting the northern‐most Bothnian Bay before turning back south. Salmon returning to the different homing sites in the north showed no differences in run timing in the southern Gulf whereas the same individual fish showed differences in catch accumulation further north. Run timing estimates indicated only a slight tendency towards earlier migration for wild salmon compared with reared fish.
Two‐stage focus‐hold system for rapid ultra‐sensitive read‐out of large‐area biochips
Authors: HESCH C. , HESSE J. , JACAK J. , SCHÜTZ G.J.
Published: May 2009

We report here the development of a method for holding the focal plane in a fluorescence‐based biochip scanner. The fast read‐out of large (multiple cm2) glass slides as used in modern chip technology imposes severe constraints on the focal system. The limited focal depth of high‐NA objectives together with the demand for single‐molecule sensitivity challenges traditional focus‐hold systems. Various long‐ and short‐term effects disturb the often multiple hour‐long data‐acquisitioning process and cause blurred or unusable image data. Traditional focus‐hold systems were often limited in terms of range, reaction time, sensitivity or demanded a large number of additional components. Our system uses the back‐reflected illumination beam always present in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to generate an error proportional electrical signal, which in turn drives an actuator correcting the objective–sample distance. The latter consists of a fast but range‐limited piezo drive attached to the objective and a slower motor coupled to the microscope's z‐drive. With this combination, fast reaction times and virtually unlimited correction distances are possible. We show the applicability by scanning DNA microarrays on 27 × 18‐mm2 glass slides with single‐molecule sensitivity over the whole array. Single‐fluorescence dyes are imaged as diffraction‐limited spots.
Quantification of colocalization and cross‐talk based on spectral angles
Authors: GAVRILOVIC M. , WÄHLBY C.
Published: May 2009

Common methods for quantification of colocalization in fluorescence microscopy typically require cross‐talk free images or images where cross‐talk has been eliminated by image processing, as they are based on intensity thresholding. Quantification of colocalization includes not only calculating a global measure of the degree of colocalization within an image, but also a classification of each image pixel as showing colocalized signals or not. In this paper, we present a novel, automated method for quantification of colocalization and classification of image pixels. The method, referred to as SpecDec, is based on an algorithm for spectral decomposition of multispectral data borrowed from the field of remote sensing. Pixels are classified based on hue rather than intensity. The hue distribution is presented as a histogram created by a series of steps that compensate for the quantization noise always present in digital image data, and classification rules are thereafter based on the shape of the angle histogram. Detection of colocalized signals is thus only dependent on the hue, making it possible to classify also low‐intensity objects, and decoupling image segmentation from detection of colocalization. Cross‐talk will show up as shifts of the peaks of the histogram, and thus a shift of the classification rules, making the method essentially insensitive to cross‐talk. The method can also be used to quantify and compensate for cross‐talk, independent of the microscope hardware.
Digital enhancement of haematoxylin‐ and eosin‐stained histological images for red–green colour‐blind observers
Authors: LANDINI G. , PERRYER G.
Published: May 2009

Individuals with red–green colour‐blindness (CB) commonly experience great difficulty differentiating between certain histological stain pairs, notably haematoxylin–eosin (H&E). The prevalence of red–green CB is high (6–10% of males), including among medical and laboratory personnel, and raises two major concerns: first, accessibility and equity issues during the education and training of individuals with this disability, and second, the likelihood of errors in critical tasks such as interpreting histological images. Here we show two methods to enhance images of H&E‐stained samples so the differently stained tissues can be well discriminated by red–green CBs while remaining usable by people with normal vision. Method 1 involves rotating and stretching the range of H&E hues in the image to span the perceptual range of the CB observers. Method 2 digitally unmixes the original dyes using colour deconvolution into two separate images and repositions the information into hues that are more distinctly perceived. The benefits of these methods were tested in 36 volunteers with normal vision and 11 with red–green CB using a variety of H&E stained tissue sections paired with their enhanced versions. CB subjects reported they could better perceive the different stains using the enhanced images for 85% of preparations (method 1: 90%, method 2: 73%), compared to the H&E‐stained original images. Many subjects with normal vision also preferred the enhanced images to the original H&E. The results suggest that these colour manipulations confer considerable advantage for those with red–green colour vision deficiency while not disadvantaging people with normal colour vision.
Real‐time and label‐free detection of chloramphenicol residues with specific molecular interaction
Authors: DONG Z. , HUANG G. , XU S. , DENG C. , ZHU J. , CHEN S. , YANG X. , ZHAO S.
Published: May 2009

Molecular measurements with specific or non‐specific molecular interaction are usually reported by using different methods. This paper shows a method for small‐molecular label‐free measurements in real time with specific and non‐specific molecular interaction based on surface plasmon resonance. The quantitative measurement of glucose with non‐specific molecular interaction was performed simply to validate our self‐built angle‐dependent surface plasmon resonance system, which showed a good sensitivity and stability, such as that of Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. As application, we present the measurement of chloramphenicol residues with specific molecular interaction employing an indirect competitive immunoreaction by using the same surface plasmon resonance system with a limit of detection about 0.5 ng mL−1, which shows a potential application for food safety.
Molecular phylogeography of European Sciurus vulgaris: refuge within refugia?
Authors: GRILL ANDREA , AMORI GIOVANNI , ALOISE GAETANO , LISI IRENE , TOSI GUIDO , WAUTERS LUCAS A. , RANDI ETTORE
Published: May 2009

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a well‐known forest animal distributed all over Europe. Still, we are far from having a firm knowledge of the species’ phylogeography. This study investigates the genetic differentiation of S. vulgaris across the species’ Eurasian range, using sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA gene (D‐loop, 252 base pairs, cytochrome b, 359 base pairs), and eight variable autosomal microsatellite loci genotyped for 236 individuals. The results reveal the presence of two main mitochondrial phylogroups. The first clade comprises the individuals from the region of Calabria in southern Italy, belonging to the subspecies S. v. meridionalis, while the second clade contains the remainder of the studied individuals. Bayesian analysis of microsatellite genotypes resulted in three main clusterings corresponding to the three S. vulgaris subspecies: infuscatus, meridionalis and fuscoater. Geographical distribution of mtDNA haplotypes and mismatch analysis suggest a common refugium for the red squirrel across most of its present range from which expansion happened rather rapidly. The genotype mixing of italicus with northern populations could be a residual of postglacial expansion. The lack of mixing between the Calabrian lineage and the rest of European red squirrel haplotypes can be seen as evidence for distinct histories throughout the Pleistocene. Calabrian mtDNA probably diverged in an ice age contraction and remained isolated from the neighbouring squirrel populations until very recent times.
Second messenger signalling governs Escherichia coli biofilm induction upon ribosomal stress
Authors: Boehm Alex , Steiner Samuel , Zaehringer Franziska , Casanova Alain , Hamburger Fabienne , Ritz Daniel , Keck Wolfgang , Ackermann Martin , Schirmer Tilman , Jenal Urs
Published: May 2009

Biofilms are communities of surface‐attached, matrix‐embedded microbial cells that can resist antimicrobial chemotherapy and contribute to persistent infections. Using an Escherichia coli biofilm model we found that exposure of bacteria to subinhibitory concentrations of ribosome‐targeting antibiotics leads to strong biofilm induction. We present evidence that this effect is elicited by the ribosome in response to translational stress. Biofilm induction involves upregulation of the polysaccharide adhesin poly‐β‐1,6‐N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (poly‐GlcNAc) and two components of the poly‐GlcNAc biosynthesis machinery, PgaA and PgaD. Poly‐GlcNAc control depends on the bacterial signalling molecules guanosine‐bis 3′, 5′(diphosphate) (ppGpp) and bis‐(3′‐5′)‐cyclic di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP). Treatment with translation inhibitors causes a ppGpp hydrolase (SpoT)‐mediated reduction of ppGpp levels, resulting in specific derepression of PgaA. Maximal induction of PgaD and poly‐GlcNAc synthesis requires the production of c‐di‐GMP by the dedicated diguanylate cyclase YdeH. Our results identify a novel regulatory mechanism that relies on ppGpp signalling to relay information about ribosomal performance to the Pga machinery, thereby inducing adhesin production and biofilm formation. Based on the important synergistic roles of ppGpp and c‐di‐GMP in this process, we suggest that interference with bacterial second messenger signalling might represent an effective means for biofilm control during chronic infections.
Filariasis and lymphoedema
Authors: PFARR K. M. , DEBRAH A. Y. , SPECHT S. , HOERAUF A.
Published: May 2009

Among the causes of lymphoedema (LE), secondary LE due to filariasis is the most prevalent. It affects only a minority of the 120 million people infected with the causative organisms of lymphatic filariasis (LF), Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi/timori, but is clustered in families, indicating a genetic basis for development of this pathology. The majority of infected individuals develop filarial‐specific immunosuppression that starts even before birth in cases where mothers are infected and is characterized by regulatory T‐cell responses and high levels of IgG4, thus tolerating high parasite loads and microfilaraemia. In contrast, individuals with this pathology show stronger immune reactions biased towards Th1, Th2 and probably also Th17. Importantly, as for the aberrant lymph vessel development, innate immune responses that are triggered by the filarial antigen ultimately result in the activation of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), thus promoting lymph vessel hyperplasia as a first step to lymphoedema development. Wolbachia endosymbionts are major inducers of these responses in vitro, and their depletion by doxycycline in LF patients reduces plasma VEGF and soluble VEGF‐receptor‐3 levels to those seen in endemic normals preceding pathology improvement. The search for the immunogenetic basis for LE could lead to the identification of risk factors and thus, to prevention; and has so far led to the identification of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with potential functional relevance to VEGF, cytokine and toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes. Hydrocele, a pathology with some similarity to LE in which both lymph vessel dilation and lymph extravasation are shared sequelae, has been found to be strongly associated with a VEGF‐A SNP known for upregulation of this (lymph‐)angiogenesis factor.
Functional loss of pAMT results in biosynthesis of capsinoids, capsaicinoid analogs, in Capsicum annuum cv. CH‐19 Sweet
Authors: Lang Yaqin , Kisaka Hiroaki , Sugiyama Ryuji , Nomura Kenzo , Morita Akihito , Watanabe Tatsuo , Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Yazawa Susumu , Miwa Tetsuya
Published: May 2009

Capsaicinoids are responsible for the spicy flavor of pungent peppers (Capsicum). The cultivar CH‐19 Sweet is a non‐pungent pepper mutant derived from a pungent pepper strain, Capsicum annuum CH‐19. CH‐19 Sweet biosynthesizes capsaicinoid analogs, capsinoids. We determined the genetic and metabolic mechanisms of capsinoid biosynthesis in this cultivar. We analyzed the putative aminotransferase (pAMT) that is thought to catalyze the formation of vanillylamine from vanillin in the capsaicinoid biosynthetic pathway. Enzyme assays revealed that pAMT activity catalyzing vanillylamine formation was completely lost in CH‐19 Sweet placenta tissue. RT‐PCR analysis showed normal mRNA transcription of the pAMT gene; however, SNP analysis of the cDNA sequence showed a T nucleotide insertion at 1291 bp in the pAMT gene of CH‐19 Sweet. This insertion formed a new stop codon, TGA, that prevented normal translation of the gene, and the pAMT protein did not accumulate in CH‐19 Sweet as determined using Western blot analysis. We developed a dCAPS marker based on the T insertion in the pAMT gene of CH‐19 Sweet, and showed that the pAMT genotype co‐segregated with the capsinoid or capsaicinoid fruit phenotype in the F2 population. The T insertion was not found in other pungent and non‐pungent Capsicum lines, suggesting that it is specific to CH‐19 Sweet. CH‐19 Sweet’s pAMT gene mutation is an example of a nonsense mutation in a single gene that alters a secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathway, resulting in the biosynthesis of analogs. The dCAPS marker will be useful in selecting lines with capsinoid‐containing fruits in pepper‐breeding programs.
Detailed analysis of the DNA recognition motifs of the Xanthomonas type III effectors AvrBs3 and AvrBs3Δrep16
Authors: Kay Sabine , Hahn Simone , Marois Eric , Wieduwild Robert , Bonas Ulla
Published: May 2009

The Gram‐negative phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) employs a type III secretion system to translocate effector proteins into plant cells where they modulate host signaling pathways to the pathogen’s benefit. The effector protein AvrBs3 acts as a eukaryotic transcription factor and induces the expression of plant genes termed UPA (up‐regulated by AvrBs3). Here, we describe 11 new UPA genes from bell pepper that are induced by AvrBs3 early after infection with Xcv. Sequence comparisons revealed the presence of a conserved AvrBs3‐responsive element, the UPA box, in all UPA gene promoters analyzed. Analyses of UPA box mutant derivatives confirmed its importance for gene induction by AvrBs3. We show that DNA binding and gene activation were strictly correlated. DNase I footprint studies demonstrated that the UPA box corresponds to the center of the AvrBs3‐protected DNA region. Type III delivery of AvrBs3 and mutant derivatives showed that some UPA genes are induced by the AvrBs3 deletion derivative AvrBs3Δrep16, which lacks four repeats. We show that AvrBs3Δrep16 recognizes a mutated UPA box with two nucleotide exchanges in positions that are not essential for binding and activation by AvrBs3.
Potassium and Silicon Improve Yield and Juice Quality in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Salt Stress
Authors: Ashraf M. , Rahmatullah  , Ahmad R. , Afzal M. , Tahir M. A. , Kanwal S. , Maqsood M. A.
Published: May 2009

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress which adversely affects the yield and juice quality in sugarcane. However, the mineral nutrient status of plant plays a crucial role in increasing plant tolerance to salinity. We investigated the effects of K and/or Si on plant growth, yield and juice quality in two sugarcane genotypes differing in salinity tolerance. Addition of K and Si significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased K and Si concentrations and decreased the accumulation of Na+ in plants under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher where K and Si were added. Juice quality characteristics like Brix (% soluble solids in juice), Pol (% sucrose in juice), commercial cane sugar (CCS) and sugar recovery in both sugarcane genotypes were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved with the supplementation of K and Si. For most of the growth parameters, it was found that K either alone or in combination with Si was more effective to alleviate salt stress in both sugarcane genotypes than Si alone. Moreover, the beneficial effects of K and Si were more pronounced in salt sensitive genotype than in salt tolerant genotype. The results suggested that K and Si counteracted the deleterious effects of high salinity/sodicity in sugarcane by lowering the accumulation of Na+ and increase in K+ concentration with a resultant improvement in K+/Na+ ratio which is a good indicator to assess plant tolerance to salinity.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the golden cuttlefish,Sepia esculenta(Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) indicated by microsatellite DNA variations
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Ikeda Minoru , Kong Lingfeng , Lin Xiangzhi , Li Qi , Taniguchi Nobuhiko
Published: May 2009

The golden cuttlefish,Sepia esculentaHoyle, 1885 (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) is a valuable and important fishery resource for China, Japan and Korea. This fishery has experienced severe population decline largely due to overexploitation in past decades. To provide guidelines for fisheries management, we estimated genetic diversity and population structure across four locations along the coast of Japan and one location in China (a total 281 individuals) using nine microsatellite DNA loci.Sepia esculentashowed high genetic variability with mean allele richness ranging from 15.8 to 21.4, and mean heterozygosity from 0.80 to 0.90. Weak but significant genetic differentiation was present and theFSTvalue was 0.020 across all five populations. The useful information obtained in this study will offer insights into how to fine‐tune conservation and fishery management measures for this species and resource in the future.
Silicon drain with channels along the sides for internal biliary stenting of hepaticojejunostomy in hepatic hilar malignancies
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Kakinuma Daisuke , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Kanda Tomohiro , Bando Koichi , Akimaru Koho , Tajiri Takashi
Published: May 2009

Background:  We compared two types of stents in patients who underwent surgery for hepatic hilar malignancies.

Methods:  Twenty‐one patients with hepatic hilar malignancies who underwent hepatectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups. A 5‐Fr silicon drain with an internal lumen and side holes was used for the hepaticojejunostomy in one group (intraluminal stent group), and a 10‐Fr silicon drain with channels along the sides was used in the other (channel stent group).

Results:  Leakage developed in four patients (36.4%) in the intraluminal stent group versus two (20.0%) in the channel stent group. Cholangitis developed in three patients with leakage (27.3%) in the intraluminal stent group versus no patient in the channel stent group. After operation, the times required for the serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels to return to the normal range were significantly shorter in the channel stent group (5.3 ± 2.9, 3.8 ± 2.2 days) than in the intraluminal stent group (17.0 ± 5.8, 9.4 ± 5.7 days) (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0093).

Conclusion:  A 10‐Fr silicon drain with channels is superior to a 5‐Fr silicon drain with an internal lumen for internal biliary stenting of hepaticojejunostomy in patients with hepatic hilar malignancies.
Evaluating the efficacy of insecticides to control Sceliodes cordalis (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in eggplant
Authors: Kay Iain R , Brown John D
Published: May 2009

The efficacy of insecticides in controlling Sceliodes cordalis, eggfruit caterpillar, in eggplant was tested in four small plot trials because there has been a very limited range of insecticides available to manage this pest. Weekly applications of bifenthrin, flubendiamide, methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole and spinosad and twice weekly applications of methomyl provided control as measured by a percentage of damaged fruit significantly lower than that in an untreated control. Twice weekly applications of methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole or spinosad were not significantly more effective than weekly applications. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, methomyl and pyridalyl applied weekly were ineffective, with percentages of damaged fruit not significantly different from the untreated control. These trials have identified a number of insecticides that could be used to manage S. cordalis, including several that would be compatible with integrated pest management programs in eggplant.
An evaluation of two biochemical methods of age determination in insects (pteridines and lipofuscins) using the ant Polyrhachis sexpinosa Latrielle (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Robson Simon K A , Crozier Ross H
Published: May 2009

Accurate information on the age of wild‐caught animals is valuable for a variety of areas, but can be particularly difficult to obtain for small holometabolous insects, whose body size is fixed at the time of pupal eclosion. A variety of chemical groups, such as lipofuscins and pteridines accumulate in body tissues through time and can be used to predict age in a variety of arthropod taxa. Here we use spectrofluorometry to confirm the presence of extractable levels of lipofuscins and pteridines in individual social insects (using the ant Polyrhachis sexpinosa Latrielle, average body size 25 mg, as an example) and evaluate their ability to predict age. Pteridine levels were independent of age but lipofuscin levels increased with age in a predictable manner (r2 = 72.8%). Lipofuscin levels therefore represent a new method of age determination for social insects that should be applicable to both individual laboratory and wild‐caught animals.
Description of Crypsiphona tasmanica sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae), with notes on limitations in using DNA barcodes for delimiting species
Authors: Õunap Erki , Viidalepp Jaan
Published: May 2009

External morphological differences were found between Tasmanian and mainland Australian specimens of what was previously considered a single species, the Redlined Geometrid, Crypsiphona ocultaria (Donovan). Examination of genitalia showed constant differences, suggesting that Tasmanian and mainland Australian populations represent distinct species. This hypothesis was tested using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and nuclear elongation factor 1‐alpha (EF‐1α) gene. Tasmanian Crypsiphona Meyrick populations were found to represent a distinct species, described here as C. tasmanica sp. nov. The results show that a phylogeny‐based approach allows the delimitation of C. ocultaria (Donovan) and C. tasmanica sp. nov., but distance‐based delimitation is problematic due to substantial overlap in intra‐ and interspecific genetic distances. Using nucleotide data in character‐based species delimitations might be possible for discriminating between C. ocultaria and C. tasmanica, but our current knowledge does not allow the assignment of characters required for this purpose.
Occurrence of Macrosiphum hellebori Theobald & Walton (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Australia
Authors: Valenzuela Isabel , Carver Mary , Malipatil Mallik B , Ridland Peter M
Published: May 2009

The European aphid species, Macrosiphum hellebori, the hellebore aphid, is recorded from Australia, having been found in Melbourne, Victoria and in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, colonising ornamental hellebores, Helleborus species (Ranunculaceae). Insect associates of M. hellebori are recorded, including the hymenopterous primary parasite Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Keys are provided for the identification of the three species of Macrosiphum Passerini known from Australia.
The Hierarchical Structure of Well‐Being
Authors: Gallagher Matthew W. , Lopez Shane J. , Preacher Kristopher J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
Theories of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well‐being provide 3 extensively studied models for explaining flourishing mental health. Few studies have examined whether these models can be integrated into a comprehensive structure of well‐being. The present study builds upon previous theoretical and empirical work to determine the complex relationships among these 3 models of well‐being. Confirmatory factor analysis techniques were used to test a series of models in order to (a) confirm the proposed latent structures of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well‐being and (b) examine whether these models could be successfully integrated into a hierarchical structure of well‐being. In 2 large samples, results supported the proposed latent structures of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well‐being and indicated that the various components of well‐being could be represented most parsimoniously with 3 oblique second‐order constructs of hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well‐being.
TOWARDS A PARADIGM OF DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND CO‐PRODUCTION OF PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES IN SWEDEN
Authors: Pestoff Victor
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT:  Many countries in Europe are now searching for new ways to engage citizens and involve the third sector in the provision and governance of social services in order to meet major demographical, political and economic challenges facing the welfare state in the 21st Century. Co‐production provides a model for the mix of both public service agents and citizens who contribute to the provision of a public service. Citizen participation involves several different dimensions: economic, social, political and service specific. The extent of citizen participation varies between different providers of welfare services, as too does user and staff influence. Empirical materials from a recent study of childcare in Sweden will be used to illustrate these points. However, the role of citizens and the third sector also varies between countries and social sectors. Third sector providers facilitate citizen participation, while a glass ceiling for participation exists in municipal and for‐profit providers. Moreover, co‐production takes place in a political context, and can be crowded‐in or crowded‐out by public policy. These findings can contribute to the development of a new paradigm of participative democracy.
LA LONGUE MARCHE VERS UN COMPTE SATELLITE DE L’ECONOMIE SOCIALE: UN BILAN A PARTIR DE L’EXPERIENCE FRANÇAISE
Authors: Archambault Edith , Kaminski Philippe
Published: May 2009

RESUME:  Après une présentation sommaire de l’histoire de l’économie sociale en France, l' article retrace l’origine du projet de compte satellite de l’économie sociale. Il montre ensuite que les coopératives, mutuelles, associations et fondations sont invisibles dans le cadre central les comptes nationaux. Dans un second temps, il se focalise sur le compte satellite des Institutions Sans But Lucratif préconisé par un Manuel des Nations unies, dont il présente la méthodologie adaptée à la France et les principaux résultats. La conclusion insiste sur la réflexion et les sources nouvelles nécessaires pour terminer un compte de l’économie sociale.
THE GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES: EVIDENCE FROM A UK EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Spear Roger , Cornforth Chris , Aiken Mike
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: The social enterprise sector in the UK is going through a period of rapid growth, and is being seen by government as another important vehicle for delivering public services. As a result the issue of public trust in social enterprise is of growing importance. While there is a growing literature on the governance of voluntary and non‐profit organizations, with some exceptions (e.g. co‐operatives) there has been little research on the governance challenges and support needs of social enterprises. The research reported here aimed to help fill that gap. Based on interviews and focus groups with governance advisers, board members and chief executives it explores the typical governance challenges faced by social enterprises. Based on the research the paper develops a new, empirically‐grounded typology of social enterprises based on their origins and development path, and presents findings about some of the governance challenges that are common across the sector and some that are more distinctive to the different types of social enterprise.
SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE CO‐CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC POLICY
Authors: Vaillancourt Yves
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT:  In this paper, I focus on the contribution of the social economy to the democratization of the State and of public policy by making use of the distinction between the concepts of co‐production and co‐construction. In part one, I clarify the meanings given to various concepts. In particular, I pay attention to the idea of a co‐production of public policy. This concept relates to the organizational dimension of policy and enables a contextualization of the participation of both civil society stakeholders and market forces in the implementation of services to the public. In part two, I discuss the concept of co‐construction which relates to the institutional dimension of public policy and enables an analysis of how both civil society stakeholders and market forces are defining public policies. While the co‐construction of public policy can produce various types of outcomes, I favor a solidarity‐based model in which the State is open to forms of governance inclusive of the contributions of civil society stakeholders and market forces. This type of co‐construction is fitting with a concern for the general interest and is ready to use the resources of the social economy. In part three, I review the housing policy case study in Canada and Quebec during the last twenty years. Three observations emerge from this case study: 1) the presence of both co‐production and co‐construction in public housing policy; 2) an active presence of the social economy such as co‐operatives and non‐profit organizations; 3) this active presence of the social economy has helped to produce a number of social innovations that have improved the democratization of public policy in the housing field.
Expression of minichromosome maintenance proteins in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Gambichler T , Breininger A , Rotterdam S , Altmeyer P , Stücker M , Kreuter A
Published: May 2009

Objective  Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) nuclear proteins have barely been employed in the diagnosis of skin malignancies. We aimed to assess whether MCM immunohistochemistry can be utilized to examine tumour proliferation in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Methods  In this pilot study, we studied skin specimens of eight patients with MCC. As a control, eight patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) were included. Immunohistochemistry was performed for MCM4, MCM6, MCM7, Ki‐67, p53, and p21.

Results  Protein expression of MCM4 (66.0 ± 26.5% vs. 33.9 ± 22.4%; P = 0.017), MCM6 (70.9 ± 11.9 vs. 31.7 ± 22.7; P = 0.0031), and MCM7 (76.5 ± 16.4% vs. 34.9 ± 25.5%; P = 0.0013) was significantly increased in tumour cells of MCC when compared to tumour cells of MM. Ki‐67 immunoreactivity was also significantly higher in MCC than in MM (28.7 ± 7.9 vs. 11.0 ± 9.2; P = 0.0012). Immunolabelling of p53 (68.6 ± 26.2 vs. 58.4 ± 28.8; P = 0.46) and p21 (40.1 ± 38.8 vs. 25.8 ± 16.1; P = 0.35) was relatively high but not significantly increased in MCC when compared to MM.

Conclusion  Our preliminary data indicate that MCM immunohistochemistry may be a useful tool for the determination of tumour cell proliferation in MCC.
Cellular prion protein coupling to TACE‐dependent TNF‐α shedding controls neurotransmitter catabolism in neuronal cells
Authors: Pradines Elodie , Loubet Damien , Mouillet‐Richard Sophie , Manivet Philippe , Launay Jean‐Marie , Kellermann Odile , Schneider Benoît
Published: May 2009

Despite considerable efforts to unravel the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in neuronal functions, the mechanisms by which PrPC takes part in the homeostasis of a defined neuronal phenotype remain poorly characterized. By taking advantage of a neuroectodermal cell line (1C11) endowed with the capacity to differentiate into serotonergic (1C115‐HT) or noradrenergic (1C11NE) neurons, we assessed the contribution of PrPC to bioaminergic cell functions. We established that in 1C11‐derived neuronal cells antibody‐mediated PrPC ligation triggered tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α release, through recruitement of the metalloproteinase TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE). TNF‐α shed in response to PrPC acts as a second message signal, eliciting serotonin (5‐HT) or norepinephrine (NE) degradation in 1C115‐HT or 1C11NE cells, respectively. Our data thus introduced TNF‐α as a PrPC‐dependent modulator of neuronal metabolism. Of note, we previously reported on a control of neurotransmitter catabolism by 5‐HT2B or α1D autoreceptors in 1C11 bioaminergic neurons, via the same TACE/TNF‐α pathway (Ann. N Y Acad. Sci. 1091, 123). Here, we show that combined stimulation of PrPC and these two bioaminergic receptors add their effects on neurotransmitter degradation. Overall, these observations unveil a novel contribution of PrPC to the control of neuronal functions and may have implications regarding dysfunction of the bioaminergic systems in prion diseases.
Cancer nurses narrating after conversations with cancer outpatients: how do nurses’ roles and patients’ perspectives appear in the nurses’ narratives?
Authors: Brataas Hildfrid V. , Thorsnes Sigrid L. , Hargie Owen
Published: May 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to contribute to knowledge of nursing practice in the cancer care field by exploring cancer nurses’ perceptions of conversations with cancer outpatients.

Background: Current practice at cancer outpatient clinics in Norway is that nurses have planned conversations with patients and relatives as a follow‐up after patient–physician conversations about assessment and medical treatment. Little is known about nurses’ experiences of conversations in the ambulatory context. This study reports the experiences of initial patient–nurse consultations. Data were collected in 2006–2007.

Design: A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic study was performed. A purposive sample of 12 cancer nurses was selected for qualitative interviews where nurses were narrating about conversation experiences. Significance and meaning of conversation experiences were analysed within a hermeneutic perspective, inspired by Ricoeur. Anonymity and voluntary participation procedures were followed. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics of the region.

Findings: There were plots of nurses experiencing conversations as hard work, routine work or artistry. The nurses’ conceptualizations of their roles as an information provider, or patient‐centred caring role were rooted in rules of the nursing community or in humanistic caring ethics. Differences of nurses’ perceptions and experiences of conversations are explained by different attitudes and role appreciations.

Conclusion: Cancer nurses’ role appreciation and meaning horizons are guiding their perceptions of patient–nurse communication. Feeling free to act in interplay with patients’ voices, the patients’ perspectives become foreground. There is an educational challenge here in terms of developing methods to help nurses to discover how their mental work and meaning horizons guide conversational practice.
Satellite‐marked waterfowl reveal migratory connection between H5N1 outbreak areas in China and Mongolia
Authors: PROSSER DIANN J. , TAKEKAWA JOHN Y. , NEWMAN SCOTT H. , YAN BAOPING , DOUGLAS DAVID C. , HOU YUANSHENG , XING ZHI , ZHANG DEHAI , LI TIANXIAN , LI YONGDONG , ZHAO DELONG , PERRY WILLIAM M. , PALM ERIC C.
Published: May 2009

The role of wild birds in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been greatly debated and remains an unresolved question. However, analyses to determine involvement of wild birds have been hindered by the lack of basic information on their movements in central Asia. Thus, we initiated a programme to document migrations of waterfowl in Asian flyways to inform hypotheses of H5N1 transmission. As part of this work, we studied migration of waterfowl from Qinghai Lake, China, site of the 2005 H5N1 outbreak in wild birds. We examined the null hypothesis that no direct migratory connection existed between Qinghai Lake and H5N1 outbreak areas in central Mongolia, as suggested by some H5N1 phylogeny studies. We captured individuals in 2007 from two of the species that died in the Qinghai Lake outbreaks and marked them with GPS satellite transmitters: Bar‐headed Geese Anser indicus (n = 14) and Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (n = 11). Three of 25 marked birds (one Goose and two Shelducks) migrated to breeding grounds near H5N1 outbreak areas in Mongolia. Our results describe a previously unknown migratory link between the two regions and offer new critical information on migratory movements in the region.