bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning capabilities enhanced in harsh environments: a common garden approach
Authors: Roth Timothy C. , LaDage Lara D. , Pravosudov Vladimir V.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have suggested that the ability to inhabit harsh environments may be linked to advanced learning traits. However, it is not clear if individuals express such traits as a consequence of experiencing challenging environments or if these traits are inherited. To assess the influence of differential selection pressures on variation in aspects of cognition, we used a common garden approach to examine the response to novelty and problem-solving abilities of two populations of black-capped chickadees (
Poecile atricapillus
). These populations originated from the latitudinal extremes of the species's range, where we had previously demonstrated significant differences in memory and brain morphology in a multi-population study. We found that birds from the harsh northern population, where selection for cognitive abilities is expected to be high, significantly outperformed conspecifics from the mild southern population. Our results imply differences in cognitive abilities that may be inherited, as individuals from both populations were raised in and had experienced identical environmental conditions from 10 days of age. Although our data suggest an effect independent of experience, we cannot rule out maternal effects or experiences within the nest prior to day 10 with our design. Nevertheless, our results support the idea that environmental severity may be an important factor in shaping certain aspects of cognition.
Lazy group members are substitute helpers in carrion crows
Authors: Baglione Vittorio , Canestrari Daniela , Chiarati Elisa , Vera Ruben , Marcos Jose M.
Published: June 2010

In many cooperatively breeding societies, helping effort varies greatly among group members, raising the question of why dominant individuals tolerate lazy subordinates. In groups of carrion crows
Corvus corone corone
, helpers at the nest increase breeders' reproductive success, but chick provisioning is unevenly distributed among non-breeders, with a gradient that ranges from individuals that work as much as the breeders to others that completely refrain from visiting the nest. Here we show that lazy non-breeders represent an insurance workforce that fully compensates for a reduction in the provisioning effort of another group member, avoiding a decrease in reproductive success. When we temporarily impaired a carer, decreasing its nest attendance, the laziest non-breeders increased their provisioning rate and individuals that initially refrained from visiting the nest started helping. Breeders, in contrast, did not increase chick provisioning. This shows that lazy non-breeders can buffer a sudden unfavourable circumstance and suggests that group stability relies on the potential contribution of group members in addition to their current effort.
Management of visceral leishmaniasis in rural primary health care services in Bihar, India
Authors: Hasker E. , Singh S. P. , Malaviya P. , Singh R. P. , Shankar R. , Boelaert M. , Sundar S.
Published: June 2010

Objective  In 2005 a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination initiative was launched on the Indian subcontinent, with early diagnosis based on a rapid diagnostic test and treatment with the oral drug miltefosine as its main strategy. Several recent studies have signaled underreporting of VL cases in the region. Information on treatment outcomes is scanty. Our aim was to document VL case management by the primary health care services in India.

Methods  We took a random sample of all VL patients registered in rural primary health care (PHC) facilities of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India during 2008. Patients were traced at home for an interview and their records were reviewed. We recorded patient and doctor delay, treatment regimens, treatment outcomes and costs incurred by patients.

Results  We could review records of all 150 patients sampled and interview 139 patients or their guardian. Most patients (81%) had first presented to unqualified practitioners; median delay before reaching the appropriate primary healthcare facility was 40 days (IQR 31–59 days). Existing networks of village health workers were under‐used. 48% of VL patients were treated with antimonials; 40% of those needed a second treatment course. Median direct expenditure by patients was 4000 rupees per episode (IQR 2695–5563 rupees), equivalent to almost 2 months of household income.

Conclusion  In 2008 still critical flaws remained in VL case management in the primary health care services in Bihar: obsolete use of antimonials with high failure rates and long patient delay. To meet the target of the VL elimination, more active case detection strategies are needed, and village health worker networks could be more involved. Costs to patients remain an obstacle to early case finding.
Germination, emergence, and persistence of Sonchus oleraceus, a major crop weed in subtropical Australia
Authors: WIDDERICK MICHAEL J. , WALKER STEVEN R. , SINDEL BRIAN M. , BELL KERRY L.
Published: June 2010

Sonchus oleraceus (common sowthistle) is a dominant weed and has increased in prevalence in conservation cropping systems of the subtropical grain region of Australia. Four experiments were undertaken to define the environmental factors that favor its germination, emergence, and seed persistence. Seeds were germinated at constant temperatures between 5 and 35°C and water potentials between 0 and −1.4 MPa. The maximum germination rate of 86–100% occurred at 0 and −0.2 MPa, irrespective of the temperature when exposed to light (12 h photoperiod light/dark), but the germination rate was reduced by 72% without light. At water potentials of −0.6 to −0.8 MPa, the germination rate was reduced substantially by higher temperatures; no seed germinated at a water potential >−1.0 MPa. Emergence and seed persistence were measured over 30 months following seed burial at 0 (surface), 1, 2, 5, and 10 cm depths in large pots that were buried in a south‐eastern Queensland field. Seedlings emerged readily from the surface and 1 cm depth, with no emergence from below the 2 cm depth. The seedlings emerged during any season following rain but, predominantly, within 6 months of planting. Seed persistence was short‐term on the soil surface, with 2% of seeds remaining after 6 months, but it increased with the burial depth, with 12% remaining after 30 months at 10 cm. Thus, a minimal seed burial depth with reduced tillage and increased surface soil water with stubble retention has favored the proliferation of this weed in any season in a subtropical environment. However, diligent management without seed replenishment will greatly reduce this weed problem within a short period.
Effect of adjuvants on the rainfastness and performance of tribenuron‐methyl on broad‐leaved weeds
Authors: PANNACCI EURO , MATHIASSEN SOLVEJG KOPP , KUDSK PER
Published: June 2010

The influence of a non‐ionic surfactant (20% isodecyl alcohol ethoxylate plus 0.7% silicone surfactants), an anionic surfactant (25.5% alkylethersulfate sodium salt), and a vegetable oil (95% natural rapeseed oil with 5% compound emulsifiers) on the performance and rainfastness of a new commercial formulation of tribenuron‐methyl was assessed on four broad‐leaved weeds: wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis), scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), common poppy (Papaver rhoeas), and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album). In one experiment, six doses of tribenuron‐methyl alone or in a mixture with each of the three adjuvants were applied to each weed species at two different leaf stages. In another experiment, the plants of T. inodorum were sprayed and subsequently subjected to 3 mm of rain at 1, 2, and 4 h after treatment (HAT). The activity of tribenuron‐methyl was significantly enhanced by all the adjuvants on all the weed species and only minor differences were observed among the tested adjuvants. The impact of the adjuvants varied among the weed species and growth stages. The highest response to the inclusion of adjuvants in the spray liquid was found at the late growth stage and on C. album, followed by P. rhoeas and T. inodorum, while S. arvensis was less responsive to the adjuvants. All the adjuvants significantly improved the rainfastness of tribenuron‐methyl on T. inodorum, with differences among the adjuvants being more pronounced when rain occurred shortly after herbicide application. The effect of the vegetable oil on tribenuron‐methyl's rainfastness was significantly lower than that of the surfactants with rain at 1 HAT, while no significant differences among the three adjuvants were observed when rain occurred at 2 and 4 HAT.
Genetic diversity of Ectocarpus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) in Peru and northern Chile, the area of origin of the genome‐sequenced strain
Authors: Peters Akira F. , Mann Aaron D. , Córdova César A. , Brodie Juliet , Correa Juan A. , Schroeder Declan C. , Cock J. Mark
Published: June 2010

Featured paper: See Commentary p1
Climate Optimum rejuvenates the Mediterranean marine world
Authors: POR Francis D.
Published: June 2010

The Mediterranean, a sea with an already eventful history, is again undergoing an extreme change. A combination of general warming of the Mediterranean Sea and contact with the Indopacific world through the Suez Canal has set the stage for massive changes in the biota that inhabit this sea. For over a century, tropical species of all taxa have been migrating back into the Mediterranean, suggesting a duplication or restoration of a mid‐Pliocene Piacenzian or late Miocene Tortonian situation. Test cases are presented in three major taxa. It is not a serial invasion by individual rogue exotic and damaging species, as often wrongly assumed and asserted. Despite its unique biogeographic magnitude being recognized, an opportunity to study the progress of this phenomenon is being missed. This is because of the changed priorities in research, the acute taxonomic impediment and to the geopolitical difficulties in cooperation. Nonetheless, the limitations of the restoration process are defined and a careful future outlook is presented.
IFRS within the Multi‐GAAP Canadian Reality: A Teaching and Learning Imperative for Intermediate Financial Accounting
Authors: CONROD JOAN E. D.
Published: June 2010

Intermediate accounting instructors need to be engaged in the specific complexities and challenges of the new international financial reporting standards (IFRS) reality within the Canadian multi‐GAAP environment. Intermediate accounting courses are directly affected because they represent substantive coverage of the corporate reporting environment. In this article I make the case that these courses should primarily reflect IFRS standards in order to entrench IFRS competencies in students who wish to pursue a professional designation, to prepare students for the global environment, and to concentrate IFRS expertise issues in a robust instructor group. The competency maps of each of the three Canadian professional accounting bodies clearly reflect IFRS. Students can analyze the implications of major areas of policy differences between IFRS and private enterprise GAAP (PEGAAP) through specific targeted course coverage, but also through active learning elements, particularly research elements. This commentary reflects some of the active debate occurring regarding postsecondary curriculum as Canada adapts to IFRS and PEGAAP, and encourages action.
Applying XBRL in an Accounting Information System Design Using the REA Approach: An Instructional Case*
Authors: PENG JACOB , JANIE CHANG C.
Published: June 2010

The Church in Somewhere (CIS) is a small community church which uses an Excel spreadsheet to keep its financial records. The church administrator is considering moving from a spreadsheet accounting system to a relational database system that can easily be expanded to include more information in the future. In this paper we examine the transforming process in this hypothetical case by following a resource‐event‐agent (REA) modeling paradigm to create a database. We then link the REA model to financial reporting using Microsoft Access. In addition, using the financial report in the database, students prepare and validate an eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) document for CIS. Instead of applying the complex U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Taxonomies, Release 2009, the case uses a dedicated CIS Taxonomy to complete the mapping and tagging processes.
Multiple phases of excitation and inhibition in central respiratory drive potentials of thoracic motoneurones in the rat
Authors: De Almeida Anoushka T. R. , Kirkwood Peter A.
Published: June 2010

Intracellular recordings were made from motoneurones with axons in the intercostal nerves of T9 or T10 in adult rats, with neuromuscular blockade and artificial ventilation, under hypercapnia and under either anaesthesia or decerebration. In nearly all motoneurones, central respiratory drive potentials (CRDPs) were seen, which included an excitatory wave in inspiration, in expiration, or in both of these. This was the case both for motoneurones with axons in the internal intercostal nerve (n= 81) and for those with axons in the external intercostal nerve (n= 5). In the decerebrates, motoneurones with purely inspiratory CRDPs were rare (1/44), but those excited in both phases (showing biphasic CRDPs) were common (22/44). For about one‐third of biphasic CRDPs (11/30), the inspiratory depolarization was seen to reverse to a hyperpolarization when the motoneurone was depolarized, which was interpreted as indicating concurrent inhibition and excitation during this phase. A few motoneurones were seen where depolarization revealed signs of inhibition in both phases. The results confirm the novel observations of biphasic excitation in individual intercostal nerve branches, EMG sites and motor units reported in a companion paper. They also provide new insights into the functional roles of inhibition in motoneurones physiologically activated in natural rhythmic behaviours.
Effect of long interval interhemispheric inhibition on intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuits
Authors: Udupa Kaviraja , Ni Zhen , Gunraj Carolyn , Chen Robert
Published: June 2010

Stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) of one hemisphere of the brain inhibits the opposite M1, a process known as interhemispheric inhibition (IHI). An early phase of IHI peaks at about ∼10 ms after stimulation of the opposite hemisphere and is termed short latency interhemispheric inhibition (SIHI). A later phase peaks at about 40 ms and has been termed long latency interhemispheric inhibition (LIHI). The objective of the present study is to test how LIHI interacts with cortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuits, including short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). We studied 10 healthy volunteers. LIHI from right to left hemisphere was elicited by stimulating the right M1 at an interstimulus interval (ISI) of 40 ms before stimulation of the left M1. Conditioning and test stimuli to elicit SICI, ICF and LICI were given to left M1. The effects of different sizes of test motor‐evoked potential (MEP amplitudes; 0.2, 1 and 2 mV) were examined for SICI, ICF, LICI and LIHI. Using paired‐pulse and triple‐pulse protocols, how LIHI interacts with SICI, ICF and LICI were investigated. We found SICI increased, while LICI and LIHI decreased with increasing test MEP amplitude. The presence of LIHI did not change the degree of SICI and intracortical facilitation (ICF), and their effects of these circuits were additive. On the other hand, LICI and LIHI were reduced in the presence of each other. We conclude that different sets of cortical neurons mediate LIHI, SICI, ICF and LICI. GABAB‐mediated LICI and LIHI have inhibitory interactions with each other while LIHI has an additive effect with GABAA‐mediated SICI.
β2‐Adrenoceptor gene variation and systemic vasodilatation during ganglionic blockade
Authors: Hesse Christiane , Schroeder Darrell R. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Hart Emma C. , Curry Timothy B. , Penheiter Alan R. , Turner Stephen T. , Joyner Michael J. , Eisenach John H.
Published: June 2010

Regional infusions of β2‐adrenoceptor (ADRB2) agonist have generally shown that individuals homozygous for Gly16 produces greater vasodilatation than those homozygous for Arg16. Systemic infusions have shown an opposite effect on systemic vascular resistance (SVR), possibly confounded by baroreflexes or interactions between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions 16 and 27. We tested the hypothesis that ADRB2 gene variation would influence the SVR response to ADRB2 agonist terbutaline (Terb) during ganglionic blockade. Forty healthy young adults were recruited according to the double homozygous haplotypes: Arg16 + Gln27 (n= 13), the rare Gly16 + Gln27 (n= 6), and Gly16 + Glu27 (n= 21). Arterial pressure was measured by brachial arterial catheter, and cardiac output by acetylene breathing. Lymphocytes were sampled for ex vivo analysis of ADRB2 density and binding conformation. Following baroreflex ablation with trimethaphan (3–7 mg min−1), continuous phenylephrine was titrated to restore blood pressure to baseline. Terb was infused i.v. at 33 and 67 ng kg−1 min−1 for 15 min/dose. There was partial evidence to suggest a main effect of haplotype on the change in SVR (P= 0.06). For SNP position 16, the highest dose of Terb produced lower SVR in Gly16 (mean ±s.e.m.: 7.5 ± 0.4) vs. Arg16 (8.9 ± 0.7 units; P= 0.03). Lymphocyte ADRB2 binding conformation was similar but receptor density was greater in Gly16 vs. Arg16 (P= 0.05). We conclude that during ganglionic blockade, the SVR response to systemic ADRB2 agonist is suggestive of augmented ADRB2 function in Gly16 + Glu27 homozygotes, with greater influence from Gly16, providing further evidence that ADRB2 gene variation influences vasodilatation.
Sprouting capacity of lumbar motoneurons in normal and hemisected spinal cords of the rat
Authors: Gordon T. , Tyreman N.
Published: June 2010

Nerve sprouting to reinnervate partially denervated muscles is important in several disease and injury states. To examine the effectiveness of sprouting of active and inactive motor units (MUs) and the basis for a limit to sprouting, one of three rat lumbar spinal roots was cut under normal conditions and when the spinal cord was hemisected at T12. Muscle and MU isometric contractile forces were recorded and muscle fibres in glycogen‐depleted single muscle units enumerated 23 to 380 days after surgery. Enlargement of intact MUs by sprouting was effective in compensating for up to 80% loss of innervation. For injuries that removed >70–80% of the intact MUs, muscle contractile force and weight dropped sharply. For partial denervation of <70%, all MUs increased contractile force by the same factor in both normally active muscles and muscles whose activity was reduced by T12 hemisection. Direct measurements of MU size by counting glycogen‐depleted muscle fibres in physiologically and histochemically defined muscle units, provided direct evidence for a limit in MU size, whether or not the activity of the muscles was reduced by spinal cord hemisection. Analysis of spatial distribution of muscle fibres within the outer boundaries of the muscle unit demonstrated a progressive increase in fibres within the territory to the limit of sprouting when most of the muscle unit fibres were adjacent to each other. We conclude that the upper limit of MU enlargement may be explained by the reinnervation of denervated muscle fibres by axon sprouts within the spatial territory of the muscle unit, formerly distributed in a mosaic pattern.
Fractal Organic Hazes Provided an Ultraviolet Shield for Early Earth
Authors: Wolf E. T. , Toon O. B.
Published: June 2010

The Past Looks Hazy

During the first couple of billion years of Earth's history, the Sun is thought to have been 30% less luminous than today, yet the surface of the planet was warm enough to prevent glacier formation and for early life to become established. Why were temperatures so high, despite the lower flux of solar energy?
Wolf and Toon
(p.
1266
; see the Perspective by

Chyba

) propose that the presence of a photochemical haze with a fractal size distribution was the reason. Such a haze, unlike one composed of spherical particles assumed in previous models, could have been opaque enough to block ultraviolet radiation that would have hindered or prevented life from arising, but transparent enough in the shorter wavelengths to keep the atmosphere warm.
Highly Mobile Gapless Excitations in a Two-Dimensional Candidate Quantum Spin Liquid
Authors: Yamashita Minoru , Nakata Norihito , Senshu Yoshinori , Nagata Masaki , Yamamoto Hiroshi M. , Kato Reizo , Shibauchi Takasada , Matsuda Yuji
Published: June 2010

Quantum Spin Liquid

In antiferromagnets, the lowest-energy state is reached when neighboring spins on the underlying lattice point in opposite directions. Because of geometric constraints on some lattices (such as the two-dimensional triangular lattice), this magnetic ordering cannot be achieved even at temperatures close to absolute zero, and these compounds are predicted to be in a quantum spin liquid state.

Yamashita
et al.

(p.
1246
) measured the thermal conductivity of a recently identified candidate quantum spin liquid, the organic compound EtMe
3
Sb[Pd(dmit)
2
]
2
, and characterized its lowest-lying excitations. Two types of excitations were observed: ballistically propagating gapless excitations and excitations associated with a finite spin gap. These results contribute to our understanding of this unusual state of matter, which is potentially relevant to other two-dimensional quantum systems.
Countering the Early Faint Sun
Authors: Chyba Christopher F.
Published: June 2010

A haze of fractal particles may account for the warm temperatures that led to the wet conditions of the early Earth.
The Lamb Shift—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Authors: Scully Marlan O. , Svidzinsky Anatoly A.
Published: June 2010

Quantum field effects are magnified by collective interactions between many atoms.
Dance Like No One Is Watching, Sing Like No One Is Listening?
Authors: Zuk Marlene
Published: June 2010

Genetic paternity testing and field observations of crickets challenge conventional wisdom about sex differences and fitness.
Anchors Away for Ubiquitin Chains
Authors: Parvatiyar Kislay , Harhaj Edward W.
Published: June 2010

Unanchored chains of ubiquitin molecules control a cell signaling pathway that responds to viral infection.
Long-Delayed Airborne Observatory Takes First Flight, Sees First Light
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: June 2010

Last week, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy glided off the runway of the Palmdale Airport in California for its first observational flight, drawing cheers from scientists who expect it to open a new window on the nearby universe.
In Quest to Save Energy, China Ignores Simple Answer
Authors: Xin Hao
Published: June 2010

China could make huge strides in energy savings and pollution reduction: All it must do is wash its coal before burning it, experts say. But it doesn't, and this bodes ill for China's frantic efforts to meet a looming energy-efficiency target.
Researchers to Return Blood Samples to the Yanomamö
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: June 2010

Researchers will be releasing parts of their collections of samples taken from the Yanomamö in Brazil and Venezuela during fieldwork in the 1960s and early 1970s to the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C., which in turn will escort them back to Brazil and the Yanomamö tribe.
Renewing the Post-Soviet Steppe
Authors: Charles Daniel
Published: June 2010

Ukraine's steppe has largely disappeared, but researchers, conservationists, and farmers are devising plans to restore the vital grasslands while making money.
Calling All Dancing Scientists!
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: June 2010

Call your labmates, get the video camera, and leave your fear of Internet fame behind. It's time to dance again.
Impaired Immunogenicity of a Meningococcal Factor H-Binding Protein Vaccine Engineered To Eliminate Factor H Binding
Authors: Beernink Peter T. , Shaughnessy Jutamas , Ram Sanjay , Granoff Dan M.
Published: June 2010

Meningococcal factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is a promising antigen that is part of two vaccines in clinical development. The protein specifically binds human complement factor H (fH), which downregulates complement activation on the bacterial surface and enables the organism to evade host defenses. In humans, the vaccine antigen forms a complex with fH, which may affect anti-fHbp antibody repertoire and decrease serum bactericidal activity by covering important fHbp epitopes. In a recent study, fHbp residues in contact with fH were identified from a crystal structure. Two fHbp glutamate residues that mediated ion-pair interactions with fH were replaced with alanine, and the resulting E218A/E239A mutant no longer bound the fH fragment. In the present study, we generated the E218A/E239A mutant recombinant protein and confirmed the lack of fH binding. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the mutant fHbp showed similar respective concentration-dependent inhibition of binding of four bactericidal anti-fHbp monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to fHbp, compared with inhibition by the soluble wild-type protein. In two mouse strains, the mutant fHbp elicited up to 4-fold-lower IgG anti-fHbp antibody titers and up to 20-fold-lower serum bactericidal titers than those elicited by the wild-type fHbp vaccine. Thus, although introduction of the two alanine substitutions to eliminate fH binding did not appear to destabilize the molecule globally, the mutations resulted in decreased immunogenicity in mouse models in which neither the mutant nor the wild-type control vaccine bound fH. These results cast doubt on the vaccine potential in humans of this mutant fHbp.
Virulence of
Escherichia coli
B2 Isolates from Meat and Animals in a Murine Model of Ascending Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Evidence that UTI Is a Zoonosis
Authors: Jakobsen Lotte , Hammerum Anette M. , Frimodt-Møller Niels
Published: June 2010

In vivo
evidence of a connection between urinary tract infections (UTI) and foods is lacking. The virulence of 13
Escherichia coli
B2 isolates from healthy animals and fresh meat was investigated in a murine model of ascending UTI. All isolates produced positive bladder cultures (10
2
to 10
7
CFU), and nine isolates produced positive kidney cultures (10
2
to 10
5
CFU).
Genetic Diversity and Virulence Profiles of
Escherichia coli
Isolates Causing Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Bacteremia in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Bert Frédéric , Johnson James R. , Ouattara Bénédicte , Leflon-Guibout Véronique , Johnston Brian , Marcon Estelle , Valla Dominique , Moreau Richard , Nicolas-Chanoine Marie-Hélène
Published: June 2010

Among patients with cirrhosis, infections caused by
Escherichia coli
organisms that translocate from the gut are a frequent and severe complication. One hundred ten
E. coli
isolates from 110 cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and/or spontaneous bacteremia were characterized for their phylogenetic group and virulence genotype (34 extraintestinal virulence factor genes). Genetic relatedness was investigated by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence type 2 (ERIC-2) PCR typing and multilocus sequence typing. Phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2, and D accounted for 24%, 4%, 48%, and 24% of the population, respectively. Overall, 68 distinct ERIC-2 profiles were encountered. Eleven clonal groups, represented by multiple isolates (2 to 11) from the same sequence type (ST) or sequence type complex, were identified. These clonal groups accounted for 54 (49%) isolates overall. Membership in one of these clonal groups was more frequent among B2 isolates than non-B2 isolates (67% versus 32%,
P
< 0.001). The most frequent sequence types were ST95 (
n
= 13) and ST73 (
n
= 8), followed by the ST14 and ST10 complexes (
n
= 7). ST131 and ST69 were represented by three isolates each. Clonal group-associated isolates exhibited a greater prevalence of 11 virulence genes, including
pap
elements, than the other isolates. However, no association between clonal groups and host factors, type of infection, or mortality was observed. In conclusion,
E. coli
isolates causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and bacteremia in cirrhotic patients are genetically diverse. However, approximately half of the isolates belong to familiar clonal groups and exhibit extensive virulence profiles that may be associated with greater invasive potential.
In Situ Molecular Diagnosis and Histopathological Characterization of EnteroadherentEnterococcus hiraeInfection in Pre-Weaning-Age Kittens
Authors: Nicklas Jodi L. , Moisan Peter , Stone Maria R. , Gookin Jody L.
Published: June 2010

The bacterial causes of diarrhea can be frustrating to identify, and it is likely that many remain undiagnosed. The pathogenic potential of certain bacteria becomes less ambiguous when they are observed to intimately associate with intestinal epithelial cells. In the present study we sought to retrospectively characterize the clinical,in situmolecular, and histopathological features of enteroadherent bacteria in seven unrelated kittens that were presumptively diagnosed with enteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC) on the basis of postmortem light microscopic and, in some cases, microbiological examination. Characterization of the enteroadherent bacteria in each case was performed by Gram staining,in situhybridization using fluorescence-labeled oligonucleotide probes, PCR amplification of species-specific gene sequences, and ultrastructural imaging applied to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of intestinal tissue. In only two kittens was EPEC infection confirmed. In the remaining five kittens, enteroadherent bacteria were identified asEnterococcusspp. The enterococci were further identified asEnterococcus hiraeon the basis of PCR amplification of DNA extracted from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and amplified by using species-specific primers. Transmission electron microscopy of representative lesions fromE. coli- andEnterococcusspp.-infected kittens revealed coccobacilli adherent to intestinal epithelial cells without effacement of microvilli or cup-and-pedestal formation. Enterococci were not observed, nor were DNA sequences amplified from intestinal tissue obtained from age-matched kittens euthanized for reasons unrelated to intestinal disease. These studies suggest thatE. hiraemay be a common cause of enteroadherent bacterial infection in pre-weaning-age kittens and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bacterial disease in this population.
Ecological Temporal Stability of
Staphylococcus aureus
Nasal Carriage
Authors: Sakwinska Olga , Blanc Dominique S. , Lazor-Blanchet Catherine , Moreillon Martine , Giddey Marlyse , Moreillon Philippe
Published: June 2010

We described the colonization dynamics of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a group of 266 healthy carriers over a period of approximately 1 year. We used precise genotyping methods, i.e., amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP),
spa
typing, and double-locus sequence typing (DLST), to detect changes in strain identity. Strain change took place rather rarely: out of 89 carriers who had initially been colonized, only 7 acquired a strain different from the original one. Approximately one-third of the carriers eliminated the colonization, and a similar number became newly colonized. Some of these events probably represent detection failure rather than genuine colonization loss or acquisition. Lower bacterial counts were associated with increased probability of eliminating the colonization. We have confirmed a high mutation rate in the
spa
locus: 6 out of 53 strains underwent mutation in the
spa
locus. There was no overall change in
S. aureus
genotype composition.
Diversity of
Escherichia coli
Strains Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Spain: Second Nationwide Study
Authors: Díaz Miguel A. , Hernández-Bello José R. , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Calvo Jorge , Blanco Jorge , Pascual Alvaro
Published: June 2010

The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
(ESBLEC) in Spain increased 8-fold from 2000 to 2006. ESBL type, clonal relationship, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clinical data about infections caused by ESBLEC are evaluated in a second nationwide study developed in 2006. From 1008 clinical isolates obtained over 2 months from 44 hospitals, 254 were used for further analysis. ESBL production was evaluated by synergy testing, PCR, and sequencing. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by microdilution. The clonal relationship was evaluated by repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (REP-PCR). The O25b subtype and the new
afa
operon FM955459 were determined by triplex PCR in isolates producing CTX-M-15. Multilocus sequence typing was performed on these isolates. A total of 72% of all ESBLs were of the CTX-M type, 26.8% were of the SHV type, and 1.2% were of the TEM type. The most prevalent ESBLs were CTX-M-14 (119 isolates), SHV-12 (68 isolates), CTX-M-15 (37 isolates), and CTX-M-9 (21 isolates). By REP-PCR, 214 clones were detected. All but five CTX-M-15 ESBLEC isolates corresponded to the international O25b/ST131 clone. This clone had not been detected in the first study (published in 2000). Epidemiological and clinical features were studied in 304 representative patients. A total of 60% of the patients were older than 60 and had nonfatal underlying diseases, and 55% had recently received antibiotics. Urinary tract infections accounted for 71% of cases, and 9% were bacteremic. There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of ESBLEC in Spain, with most of these strains being CTX-M-producing isolates, including the pandemic O25b-ST131. SHV-12-producing
E. coli
remains an important cause of community-acquired infection.
Evaluation of
mupA
Evigene in Comparison to Disk Diffusion for Detection of High-Level Mupirocin Resistance in Clinical Isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Acuna-Villaorduna Carlos , Hardwick Matthew J. , Goucher Suzanne , Waga Masashi , Shoham Shmuel
Published: June 2010

High-level mupirocin resistance (H-Mu
r
) in
S. aureus
is associated with the
mupA
gene. The
mupA
Evigene test rapidly identifies this gene. This study assessed the performance of
mupA
Evigene compared to that of susceptibility disk testing.
mupA
Evigene detected H-Mu
r
in 6/179
S. aureus
isolates, and the results were concordant with those of susceptibility disk testing.
HIV Load Testing with Small Samples of Whole Blood
Authors: Steinmetzer Katrin , Seidel Thomas , Stallmach Andreas , Ermantraut Eugen
Published: June 2010

Access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load (VL) testing is of paramount importance for the success of antiretroviral therapy treatment campaigns throughout the world. In many countries, limited laboratory infrastructure and transport capacities preclude a substantial number of people infected with HIV from accessing the necessary testing. Point-of-care diagnostic testing methods for those with HIV infection provide a compelling solution to addressing this challenge. To facilitate ease of use in such tests, finger-stick whole blood (WB) would constitute an ideal sample type if test performance equivalent to laboratory testing could be ensured. To determine the diagnostic sensitivity of a VL assay based on small volumes of WB, we analyzed 1,094 sample pairs of 1 ml of plasma and 10 μl of WB from donors confirmed to be HIV positive. The probability of detecting HIV nucleic acids in 10 μl of blood was 59.3% (95% confidence interval, 54.9 to 63.6%), 85.1% (80.0 to 90.2%), 91.5% (88.1 to 95%), and 100% when the corresponding plasma samples had an undetectable VL, a detectable VL less than 40 viral copies/ml (cp/ml), a VL between 40 and 4,000 cp/ml, and a VL greater than 4,000 cp/ml, respectively. Capillary blood and venous blood yielded comparable diagnostic sensitivities. Furthermore, our data indicate that WB could be used to monitor VL changes after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) started. Thus, we have demonstrated the feasibility of small volumes of venous and finger-stick WB as valid samples for VL testing. This approach should facilitate the development of robust point-of-care HIV VL tests.
Isolation and Detection of
Campylobacter concisus
from Saliva of Healthy Individuals and Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zhang Li , Budiman Vanna , Day Andrew S. , Mitchell Hazel , Lemberg Daniel A. , Riordan Stephen M. , Grimm Michael , Leach Steven T. , Ismail Yazan
Published: June 2010

The presence of
Campylobacter concisus
in the saliva of healthy individuals and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was examined.
C
.
concisus
was detected in 97% of the healthy individuals and 100% of the patients with IBD tested. The
C
.
concisus
culture positivity rate in younger children was significantly lower than that in the other age groups.
Receptor Specificity of Influenza A H3N2 Viruses Isolated in Mammalian Cells and Embryonated Chicken Eggs
Authors: Stevens James , Chen Li-Mei , Carney Paul J. , Garten Rebecca , Foust Angie , Le Jianhua , Pokorny Barbara A. , Manojkumar Ramanunninair , Silverman Jeanmarie , Devis Rene , Rhea Karen , Xu Xiyan , Bucher Doris J. , Paulson James , Cox Nancy J. , Klimov Alexander , Donis Ruben O.
Published: June 2010

Isolation of human subtype H3N2 influenza viruses in embryonated chicken eggs yields viruses with amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin (HA) that often affect binding to sialic acid receptors. We used a glycan array approach to analyze the repertoire of sialylated glycans recognized by viruses from the same clinical specimen isolated in eggs or cell cultures. The binding profiles of whole virions to 85 sialoglycans on the microarray allowed the categorization of cell isolates into two groups. Group 1 cell isolates displayed binding to a restricted set of α2-6 and α2-3 sialoglycans, whereas group 2 cell isolates revealed receptor specificity broader than that of their egg counterparts. Egg isolates from group 1 showed binding specificities similar to those of cell isolates, whereas group 2 egg isolates showed a significantly reduced binding to α2-6- and α2-3-type receptors but retained substantial binding to specific O- and N-linked α2-3 glycans, including α2-3GalNAc and fucosylated α2-3 glycans (including sialyl Lewis x), both of which may be important receptors for H3N2 virus replication in eggs. These results revealed an unexpected diversity in receptor binding specificities among recent H3N2 viruses, with distinct patterns of amino acid substitution in the HA occurring upon isolation and/or propagation in eggs. These findings also suggest that clinical specimens containing viruses with group 1-like receptor binding profiles would be less prone to undergoing receptor binding or antigenic changes upon isolation in eggs. Screening cell isolates for appropriate receptor binding properties might help focus efforts to isolate the most suitable viruses in eggs for production of antigenically well-matched influenza vaccines.
Development of a Regulatable Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Recombinant Virus for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Yao Feng , Murakami Nao , Bleiziffer Oliver , Zhang Pengwei , Akhrameyeva Natali V. , Xu Ximing , Brans Richard
Published: June 2010

Oncolytic viruses are genetically modified viruses that preferentially replicate in host cancer cells, leading to the production of new viruses and, ultimately, cell death. Currently, no oncolytic viruses that are able to kill only tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact are available. Using T-REx (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) gene switch technology and a self-cleaving ribozyme, we have constructed a novel oncolytic HSV-1 recombinant, KTR27, whose replication can be tightly controlled and regulated by tetracycline in a dose-dependent manner. Infection of normal replicating cells as well as multiple human cancer cell types with KTR27 in the presence of tetracycline led to 1,000- to 250,000-fold-higher progeny virus production than in the absence of tetracycline, while little viral replication and virus-associated cytotoxicity was observed in infected growth-arrested normal human cells. We show that intratumoral inoculation with KTR27 markedly inhibits tumor growth in a xenograft model of human non-small-cell lung cancer in nude mice. It is shown further that replication of KTR27 in the inoculated tumors can be efficiently controlled by local codelivery of tetracycline to the target tumors at the time of KTR27 inoculation. Collectively, KTR27 possesses a unique pharmacological feature that can limit its replication to the targeted tumor microenvironment with localized tetracycline delivery, thus minimizing unwanted viral replication in distant tissues following local virotherapy. This regulatory mechanism would also allow the replication of the virus to be quickly shut down should adverse effects be detected.
Influence of
HLA
Class I and
HLA-KIR
Compound Genotypes on HIV-2 Infection and Markers of Disease Progression in a Manjako Community in West Africa
Authors: Yindom Louis-Marie , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Martin Maureen P. , Gao Xiaojiang , Qi Ying , Zaman Syed M. A. , van der Loeff Maarten Schim , van Tienen Carla , Jaye Assan , Aveika Akum , Worwui Archibald , Diatta Mathurin , Vincent Tim , Whittle Hilton C. , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. , Walton Robert , Carrington Mary
Published: June 2010

Overall, the time to AIDS after HIV-2 infection is longer than with HIV-1, and many individuals infected with HIV-2 virus remain healthy throughout their lives. Multiple
HLA
and
KIR
gene products have been implicated in the control of HIV-1, but the effect of variation at these loci on HIV-2 disease is unknown. We show here for the first time that
HLA-B*1503
is associated significantly with poor prognosis after HIV-2 infection and that
HLA-B*0801
is associated with susceptibility to infection. Interestingly, previous data indicate that
HLA-B*1503
is associated with low viral loads in HIV-1 clade B infection but has no significant effect on viral load in clade C infection. In general, alleles strongly associated with HIV-1 disease showed no effect in HIV-2 disease. These data emphasize the unique nature of the effects of
HLA
and
HLA/KIR
combinations on HIV-2 immune responses relative to HIV-1, which could be related to their distinct clinical course.
Multiple DNA Damage Signaling and Repair Pathways Deregulated by Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen
Authors: Boichuk Sergei , Hu Liang , Hein Jennifer , Gjoerup Ole V.
Published: June 2010

We demonstrated previously that expression of simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (LT), without a viral origin, is sufficient to induce the hallmarks of a cellular DNA damage response (DDR), such as focal accumulation of γ-H2AX and 53BP1, via Bub1 binding. Here we expand our characterization of LT effects on the DDR. Using comet assays, we demonstrate that LT induces overt DNA damage. The Fanconi anemia pathway, associated with replication stress, becomes activated, since FancD2 accumulates in foci, and monoubiquitinated FancD2 is detected on chromatin. LT also induces a distinct set of foci of the homologous recombination repair protein Rad51 that are colocalized with Nbs1 and PML. The FancD2 and Rad51 foci require neither Bub1 nor retinoblastoma protein binding. Strikingly, wild-type LT is localized on chromatin at, or near, the Rad51/PML foci, but the LT mutant in Bub1 binding is not localized there. SV40 infection was previously shown to trigger ATM activation, which facilitates viral replication. We demonstrate that productive infection also triggers ATR-dependent Chk1 activation and that Rad51 and FancD2 colocalize with LT in viral replication centers. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown, we demonstrate that Rad51 and, to a lesser extent, FancD2 are required for efficient viral replication
in vivo
, suggesting that homologous recombination is important for high-level extrachromosomal replication. Taken together, the interplay of LT with the DDR is more complex than anticipated, with individual domains of LT being connected to different subcomponents of the DDR and repair machinery.
Accessory Protein 5a Is a Major Antagonist of the Antiviral Action of Interferon against Murine Coronavirus
Authors: Koetzner Cheri A. , Kuo Lili , Goebel Scott J. , Dean Amy B. , Parker Monica M. , Masters Paul S.
Published: June 2010

The type I interferon (IFN) response plays an essential role in the control of
in vivo
infection by the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). However,
in vitro
, most strains of MHV are largely resistant to the action of this cytokine, suggesting that MHV encodes one or more functions that antagonize or evade the IFN system. A particular strain of MHV, MHV-S, exhibited orders-of-magnitude higher sensitivity to IFN than prototype strain MHV-A59. Through construction of interstrain chimeric recombinants, the basis for the enhanced IFN sensitivity of MHV-S was found to map entirely to the region downstream of the spike gene, at the 3′ end of the genome. Sequence analysis revealed that the major difference between the two strains in this region is the absence of gene 5a from MHV-S. Creation of a gene 5a knockout mutant of MHV-A59 demonstrated that a major component of IFN resistance maps to gene 5a. Conversely, insertion of gene 5a, or its homologs from related group 2 coronaviruses, at an upstream genomic position in an MHV-A59/S chimera restored IFN resistance. This is the first demonstration of a coronavirus gene product that can protect that same virus from the antiviral state induced by IFN. Neither protein kinase R, which phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2, nor oligoadenylate synthetase, which activates RNase L, was differentially activated in IFN-treated cells infected with MHV-A59 or MHV-S. Thus, the major IFN-induced antiviral activities that are specifically inhibited by MHV, and possibly by other coronaviruses, remain to be identified.
Insertion of a Multibasic Cleavage Motif into the Hemagglutinin of a Low-Pathogenic Avian Influenza H6N1 Virus Induces a Highly Pathogenic Phenotype
Authors: Munster Vincent J. , Schrauwen Eefje J. A. , de Wit Emmie , van den Brand Judith M. A. , Bestebroer Theo M. , Herfst Sander , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Fouchier Ron A. M.
Published: June 2010

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus phenotype is restricted to influenza A viruses of the H5 and H7 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes. To obtain more information on the apparent subtype-specific nature of the HPAI virus phenotype, a low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H6N1 virus was generated, containing an HPAI H5 RRRKKR↓G multibasic cleavage site (MBCS) motif in HA (the downward arrow indicates the site of cleavage). This insertion converted the LPAI virus phenotype into an HPAI virus phenotype
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The H6N1 virus with an MBCS displayed
in vitro
characteristics similar to those of HPAI H5 viruses, such as cleavage of HA
0
(the HA protein of influenza A virus initially synthesized as a single polypeptide precursor) and virus replication in the absence of exogenous trypsin. Studies of chickens confirmed the HPAI phenotype of the H6N1 virus with an MBCS, with an intravenous pathogenicity index of 1.4 and systemic virus replication upon intranasal inoculation, the hallmarks of HPAI viruses. This study provides evidence that the subtype-specific nature of the emergence of HPAI viruses is not at the molecular, structural, or functional level, since the introduction of an MBCS resulted in a fully functional virus with an HPAI virus genotype and phenotype.