bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microevolution and mega-icebergs in the Antarctic
Authors: Shepherd L. D. , Millar C. D. , Ballard G. , Ainley D. G. , Wilson P. R. , Haynes G. D. , Baroni C. , Lambert D. M.
Published: November 2005

Microevolution is regarded as changes in the frequencies of genes in populations over time. Ancient DNA technology now provides an opportunity to demonstrate evolution over a geological time frame and to possibly identify the causal factors in any such evolutionary event. Using nine nuclear microsatellite DNA loci, we genotyped an ancient population of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) aged ≈6,000 years B.P. Subfossil bones from this population were excavated by using an accurate stratigraphic method that allowed the identification of individuals even within the same layer. We compared the allele frequencies in the ancient population with those recorded from the modern population at the same site in Antarctica. We report significant changes in the frequencies of alleles between these two time points, hence demonstrating microevolutionary change. This study demonstrates a nuclear gene-frequency change over such a geological time frame. We discuss the possible causes of such a change, including the role of mutation, genetic drift, and the effects of gene mixing among different penguin populations. The latter is likely to be precipitated by mega-icebergs that act to promote migration among penguin colonies that typically show strong natal return.
RNA splicing capability of live neuronal dendrites
Authors: Glanzer J. , Miyashiro K. Y. , Sul J.-Y. , Barrett L. , Belt B. , Haydon P. , Eberwine J.
Published: November 2005

Dendrites are specialized extensions of the neuronal soma that contain components of the cellular machinery involved in RNA and protein metabolism. Several dendritically localized proteins are associated with the precursor-mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing complex, or spliceosome. Although some spliceosome-related, RNA-binding proteins are known to subserve separate cytoplasmic functions when moving between the nucleus and cytoplasm, little is known about the pre-mRNA splicing capacity of intact dendrites. Here, we demonstrate the presence and functionality of pre-mRNA-splicing components in dendrites. When isolated dendrites are transfected with a chicken δ-crystallin pre-mRNA or luciferase reporter pre-mRNA, splicing junctions clustered at or near expected splice sites are observed. Additionally,
in vitro
synaptoneurosome experiments show that this subcellular fraction contains a similar complement of splicing factors that is capable of splicing chicken δ-crystallin pre-mRNA. These observations suggest that pre-mRNA-splicing factors found in the dendroplasm retain the potential to promote pre-mRNA splicing.
Gene therapy for progeny of mito-mice carrying pathogenic mtDNA by nuclear transplantation
Authors: Sato Akitsugu , Kono Tomohiro , Nakada Kazuto , Ishikawa Kaori , Inoue Shin-Ichi , Yonekawa Hiromichi , Hayashi Jun-Ichi
Published: November 2005

Pathogenic mutations in mtDNAs have been shown to be responsible for expression of respiration defects and resultant expression of mitochondrial diseases. This study directly addressed the issue of gene therapy of mitochondrial diseases by using nuclear transplantation of zygotes of transmitochondria mice (mito-mice). Mito-mice expressed respiration defects and mitochondrial diseases due to accumulation of mtDNA carrying a large-scale deletion (ΔmtDNA). Second polar bodies were used as biopsy samples for diagnosis of mtDNA genotypes of mito-mouse zygotes. Nuclear transplantation was carried out from mito-mouse zygotes to enucleated normal zygotes and was shown to rescue all of the F
0
progeny from expression of respiration defects throughout their lives. This procedure should be applicable to patients with mitochondrial diseases for preventing their children from developing the diseases.
Human C4b-binding protein selectively interacts withNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand results in species-specific infection
Authors: Ngampasutadol Jutamas , Ram Sanjay , Blom Anna M. , Jarva Hanna , Jerse Ann E. , Lien Egil , Goguen Jon , Gulati Sunita , Rice Peter A.
Published: November 2005

Neisseria gonorrhoeaeis the causative agent of gonorrhea, a disease that is restricted to humans. Complement forms a key arm of the innate immune system that combats gonococcal infections.N. gonorrhoeaeuses its outer membrane porin (Por) molecules to bind the classical pathway of complement down-regulatory protein C4b-binding protein (C4bp) to evade killing by human complement. Strains ofN. gonorrhoeaethat resisted killing by human serum complement were killed by serum from rodent, lagomorph, and primate species, which cannot be readily infected experimentally with this organism and whose C4bp molecules did not bind toN. gonorrhoeae. In contrast, we found thatYersinia pestis, an organism that can infect virtually all mammals, bound species-specific C4bp and uniformly resisted serum complement-mediated killing by these species. Serum resistance of gonococci was restored in these sera by human C4bp. An exception was serotype Por1B-bearing gonococcal strains that previously had been used successfully in a chimpanzee model of gonorrhea that simulates human disease. Por1B gonococci bound chimpanzee C4bp and resisted killing by chimpanzee serum, providing insight into the host restriction of gonorrhea and addressing why Por1B strains, but not Por1A strains, have been successful in experimental chimpanzee infection. Our findings may lead to the development of better animal models for gonorrhea and may also have implications in the choice of complement sources to evaluate neisserial vaccine candidates.
WNK3 kinase is a positive regulator of NKCC2 and NCC, renal cation-Cl
-
cotransporters required for normal blood pressure homeostasis
Authors: Rinehart Jesse , Kahle Kristopher T. , de los Heros Paola , Vazquez Norma , Meade Patricia , Wilson Frederick H. , Hebert Steven C. , Gimenez Ignacio , Gamba Gerardo , Lifton Richard P.
Published: November 2005

WNK1 and WNK4 [WNK, with no lysine (K)] are serine-threonine kinases that function as molecular switches, eliciting coordinated effects on diverse ion transport pathways to maintain homeostasis during physiological perturbation. Gain-of-function mutations in either of these genes cause an inherited syndrome featuring hypertension and hyperkalemia due to increased renal NaCl reabsorption and decreased K
+
secretion. Here, we reveal unique biochemical and functional properties of WNK3, a related member of the WNK kinase family. Unlike WNK1 and WNK4, WNK3 is expressed throughout the nephron, predominantly at intercellular junctions. Because WNK4 is a potent inhibitor of members of the cation-cotransporter
SLC12A
family, we used coexpression studies in
Xenopus
oocytes to investigate the effect of WNK3 on NCC and NKCC2, related kidney-specific transporters that mediate apical NaCl reabsorption in the thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule, respectively. In contrast to WNK4's inhibitory activity, kinase-active WNK3 is a potent activator of both NKCC2 and NCC-mediated transport. Conversely, in its kinase-inactive state, WNK3 is a potent inhibitor of NKCC2 and NCC activity. WNK3 regulates the activity of these transporters by altering their expression at the plasma membrane. Wild-type WNK3 increases and kinase-inactive WNK3 decreases NKCC2 phosphorylation at Thr-184 and Thr-189, sites required for the vasopressin-mediated plasmalemmal translocation and activation of NKCC2
in vivo
. The effects of WNK3 on these transporters and their coexpression in renal epithelia implicate WNK3 in NaCl, water, and blood pressure homeostasis, perhaps via signaling downstream of vasopressin.
Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase 8A catalyzes release of Gαi-GTP and nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA) from NuMA/LGN/Gαi-GDP complexes
Authors: Tall Gregory G. , Gilman Alfred G.
Published: November 2005

Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase (Ric) 8A is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates certain G protein α-subunits. Genetic studies in
Caenorhabditis elegans
and
Drosophila melanogaster
have placed RIC-8 in a previously uncharacterized G protein signaling pathway that regulates centrosome movements during cell division. Components of this pathway include G protein subunits of the Gαi class, GPR or GoLoco domain-containing proteins, RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) proteins, and accessory factors. These proteins interact to regulate microtubule pulling forces during mitotic movement of chromosomes. It is unclear how the GTP-binding and hydrolysis cycle of Gαi functions in the context of this pathway. In mammals, the GoLoco domain-containing protein LGN (GPSM2), the LGN- and microtubule-binding nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA), and Gαi regulate a similar process. We find that mammalian Ric-8A dissociates Gαi-GDP/LGN/NuMA complexes catalytically, releasing activated Gαi-GTP
in vitro
. Ric-8A-stimulated activation of Gαi caused concomitant liberation of NuMA from LGN. We conclude that Ric-8A efficiently utilizes GoLoco/Gαi-GDP complexes as substrates
in vitro
and suggest that Ric-8A-stimulated release of Gαi-GTP and/or NuMA regulates the microtubule pulling forces on centrosomes during cell division.
Molecular basis for keratoconus: Lack of TrkA expression and its transcriptional repression by Sp3
Authors: Lambiase Alessandro , Merlo Daniela , Mollinari Cristiana , Bonini Paolo , Rinaldi Anna Maria , Amato Mauro D' , Micera Alessandra , Coassin Marco , Rama Paolo , Bonini Stefano , Garaci Enrico
Published: November 2005

Keratoconus is the most common corneal dystrophy that leads to severe visual impairment. Although the major etiological factors are genetic, the pathogenetic mechanism(s) is unknown. No medical treatments exist, and the only therapeutic approach is corneal transplantation. Recent data demonstrate the involvement of nerve growth factor (NGF) in trophism and corneal wound healing. In this study, we investigated alterations in the NGF pathway in keratoconus-affected corneas and found a total absence of the NGF-receptor TrkA (TrkA
NGFR
) expression and a decreased expression of NGF and p75
NTR
. The absence of TrkA
NGFR
expression was associated with a strong increase in the Sp3 repressor short isoform(s) and a lack of the Sp3 activator long isoform. Sp3 is a bifunctional transcription factor that has been reported to stimulate or repress the transcription of numerous genes. Indeed, we found that Sp3 short isoform(s) overexpression in cell culture results in a down-regulation of

TrkA
NGFR

expression. We suggest that an imbalance in Sp transcription-factor isoforms may play a role in controlling the NGF signaling, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of keratoconus. This mechanism for the transcriptional repression of the

TrkA
NGFR

gene can provide the platform for the development of a therapeutic strategy.
Selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibition elevates brain acetylcholine, augments learning and lowers Alzheimer β-amyloid peptide in rodent
Authors: Greig Nigel H. , Utsuki Tadanobu , Ingram Donald K. , Wang Yue , Pepeu Giancarlo , Scali Carla , Yu Qian-Sheng , Mamczarz Jacek , Holloway Harold W. , Giordano Tony , Chen DeMao , Furukawa Katsutoshi , Sambamurti Kumar , Brossi Arnold , Lahiri Debomoy K.
Published: November 2005

Like acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inactivates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and is hence a viable therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a cholinergic deficit. Potent, reversible, and brain-targeted BChE inhibitors (cymserine analogs) were developed based on binding domain structures to help elucidate the role of this enzyme in the central nervous system. In rats, cymserine analogs caused long-term inhibition of brain BChE and elevated extracellular ACh levels, without inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase. In rat brain slices, selective BChE inhibition augmented long-term potentiation. These compounds also improved the cognitive performance (maze navigation) of aged rats. In cultured human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, intra- and extracellular β-amyloid precursor protein, and secreted β-amyloid peptide levels were reduced without affecting cell viability. Treatment of transgenic mice that overexpressed human mutant amyloid precursor protein also resulted in lower β-amyloid peptide brain levels than controls. Selective, reversible inhibition of brain BChE may represent a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, improving cognition and modulating neuropathological markers of the disease.
The interrelationship between diet and oral health
Authors: Moynihan Paula
Published: November 2005

Diet and nutrition impact on many oral diseases, in particular dental caries. Consumption of fluoridated water coupled with a reduction in non-milk extrinsic sugar intake is an effective means of caries prevention. However, studies on the fluoride concentration of bottled waters suggest increased consumption of these waters, in preference to fluoridated tap water, would lead to a marked decrease in caries protection. Concerns have been raised about the bioavailability of fluoride from artificially-fluoridated water compared with naturally-fluoridated water. This issue has been addressed in a human experimental study that has indicated that any differences in fluoride bioavailability are small compared with the naturally-occurring variability in fluoride absorption. Research has unequivocally shown sugars to be the main aetiological factor for dental caries, and information on intakes guides health promotion. Repeat dietary surveys of English children over three decades indicate that levels of sugars intake have remained stable, while sources of sugars have changed considerably, with the contribution from soft drinks more than doubling since 1980. Dental caries eventually leads to tooth loss, which in turn impairs chewing ability causing avoidance of hard and fibrous foods including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A very low intake (<12 g/d) of NSP and fruit and vegetables has been found in edentulous subjects. Provision of prostheses alone fails to improve diet. However, initial studies indicate that customised dietary advice at the time of denture provision results in increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and positive movement through the stages of change. Feasible means of integrating dietary counselling into the dental setting warrants further investigation.
Review of statutory and voluntary labelling of food allergens
Authors: Boden Mark , Dadswell Ruth , Hattersley Sue
Published: November 2005

Food allergy represents an increasingly important health problem, with prevalence in Western Europe continuing to rise. While some reactions are mild, others can include life-threatening anaphylactic shock. It is estimated that food allergies affect 1–2% of the adult population and ≤8% of children. Relatively few foods are to blame for a large majority of allergic reactions to food in the UK, with most reactions being to milk, eggs, peanuts (Arachis hypogea), nuts, fish, shellfish, soyabean, sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) and wheat. There is currently no cure for food allergy and the few available treatments are focused on relieving the specific symptoms. Consumers with food allergies and food intolerances rely on food labelling to enable them to make informed choices about the foods they eat. Whilst there have recently been important advances in the labelling of food allergens, these advances relate only to requirements for the labelling of the deliberate use of specified food allergens in foods sold pre-packed. In other areas the development of guidance for food manufacturers and retailers on how to assess the risks of possible allergen cross-contamination during food production and manufacture, and then to determine appropriate advisory labelling, is well advanced. Work to address the issue of how to provide appropriate allergen information for foods sold loose, or in catering establishments, is also in progress.
Industrial dimensions of food allergy
Authors: Crevel René
Published: November 2005

Serious attempts to estimate the impact of allergic reactions to foods on public health did not begin until the 1980s. Until about 15 years ago food allergy was considered a minor aspect of food safety. Two developments probably prompted a radical re-appraisal of that situation. The first was the apparently inexorable rise in the prevalence of atopic diseases, of which food allergy forms a part, with its possible consequences highlighted by some well-publicised severe reactions. The second was the growth of genetic modification technology, manifested by the commercialisation of transgenic crops. Each of these developments impacted on the food industry in distinct ways. On the one hand, consumers with food allergies had to be enabled to avoid specific allergens in products formulated with existing ingredients. Food manufacturers therefore had to identify those specific allergens down to trace amounts in all the ingredients forming the product and label or remove them. On the other hand, the introduction of products using ingredients from novel sources required an assessment of the allergenicity of these ingredients as an integral part of safety assurance. The approaches used by the food industry to protect existing consumers who have food allergies and those at potential risk of sensitisation from novel proteins will be illustrated, emphasising how they need to be built into every stage of the life cycle of a product.
The canine model of dietary hypersensitivity
Authors: Day Michael J.
Published: November 2005

IgE-mediated dietary hypersensitivity affects approximately 1% of the canine population. There are no breed associations and ≤50% of the patients are aged <1 year at presentation. The most common causative allergens are beef, chicken, milk, eggs, maize, wheat and soyabean. Affected dogs generally display cutaneous disease and 10–15% of the patients may have concurrent alimentary involvement. Diagnosis is currently based on dietary restriction followed by provocation. Procedures for the detection of serum allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibodies are widely available, but these tests correlate poorly with clinical presentation and dietary testing. Recent studies have demonstrated the allergen specificity of IgE antibodies by immunoblotting and have described blood lymphocyte proliferative responses to food allergens. In addition to investigations of spontaneously-arising dietary hypersensitivity, it has also proved possible to study this disorder experimentally. Small colonies of dogs sensitive to particular dietary proteins have been used to study clinical and serological responses to allergen challenge. Hypersensitivity has been experimentally induced in dogs of an atopic phenotype by repeated subcutaneous injection of alum-adjuvanted dietary allergen during neonatal life. These models have been used to trial a range of modified protein or hydrolysate diets. The dog provides a unique large-animal model for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of human dietary hypersensitivity. The dog is closely related genetically to man and shares environmental disease triggers with man. Spontaneously arising canine dietary hypersensitivity is a good clinical mimic of the human disease, and ability to therapeutically manipulate this adverse response in the dog might lead to benefits for human patients.
Micronutrients and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Staehelin Hannes B.
Published: November 2005

The current high life expectancy is overshadowed by neurodegenerative illnesses that lead to dementia and dependence. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common of these conditions, and is considered to be a proteinopathy, with amyloid-β42 as a key factor, leading via a cascade of events to neurodegeneration. Major factors involved are oxidative stress, perturbed Ca homeostasis and impaired energy metabolism. Protection against oxidative stress by micronutrients (including secondary bioactive substances) has been shown in transgenic Alzheimer model systems to delay AD. Epidemiological evidence is less conclusive, but the vast majority of the evidence supports a protective effect on cognitive functions in old age and AD. Thus, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables but also containing meat and fish is the most suitable to provide adequate micronutrients. The strong link between cardiovascular risk and AD may be explained by common pathogenetic mechanisms mediated, for example, by homocysteine and thus dependant on B-vitamins (folate and vitamins B12 and B6). However, micronutrients may also be harmful. The high affinity of amyloid for metals (Fe, Al and Zn) favours the generation of reactive oxygen species and triggers an inflammatory response. Micronutrients in a balanced diet have a long-lasting, albeit low, protective impact on brain aging, hence prevention should be life long.
Micronutrients: dietary intake v. supplement use
Authors: Woodside Jayne V. , McCall Damian , McGartland Claire , Young Ian S.
Published: November 2005

Whilst clinical deficiency of micronutrients is uncommon in the developed world, a suboptimal intake of certain micronutrients has been linked with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as CVD and cancer. Attention has therefore focused on increasing micronutrient status in order to theoretically reduce chronic disease risk. Increasing micronutrient status can involve a number of approaches: increasing dietary intake of micronutrient-rich foods; food fortification; use of supplements. Observational cohort studies have demonstrated an association between high intakes of micronutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid and β-carotene, and lower risk of CHD, stroke and cancer at various sites. However, randomised intervention trials of micronutrient supplements have, to date, largely failed to show an improvement in clinical end points. The discordance between data from cohort studies and the results so far available from clinical trials remains to be explained. One reason may be that the complex mixture of micronutrients found, for example, in a diet high in fruit and vegetables may be more effective than large doses of a small number of micronutrients, and therefore that intervention studies that use single micronutrient supplements are unlikely to produce a lowering of disease risk. Studies concentrating on whole foods (e.g. fruit and vegetables) or diet pattern (e.g. Mediterranean diet pattern) may be more effective in demonstrating an effect on clinical end points. The present review will consider the clinical trial evidence for a beneficial effect of micronutrient supplements on health, and review the alternative approaches to the study of dietary intake of micronutrients.
Shared Visions, Unholy Alliances: Power, Governance and Deliberative Processes in Local Transport Planning
Authors: Bickerstaff Karen , Walker Gordon
Published: November 2005

The aim of this paper is to bring some critical reflection to bear on the upsurge of participatory rhetoric in local governance. The research discussed investigates two case studies of deliberative exercises used by local authorities to develop their local transport plans. The analysis avoids the rather simplistic 'check list' evaluative models based upon the Habermasian ideals of communicative rationality and instead develops an approach which attends to the power relations embedded in the process of participation. Significantly, the research, across a range of stakeholder groups, reveals a deeply problematic relationship between citizen involvement and established structures of democratic decision-making. Attention is drawn to the institutional constraints which account for the limited realisation of the participatory agenda in local governance. Conclusions are also developed relating to both the process of participation evaluation and the wider consequences of the expansion of public involvement for the renewal of local democracy.
Estimating the Value of Improved Street Lighting: A Factor Analytical Discrete Choice Approach
Authors: Willis K.G. , Powe N.A. , Garrod G.D.
Published: November 2005

This paper investigates the benefits of improved street lights to households, associated with the replacement of low-pressure sodium orange/yellow street lights with high-pressure sodium white street lights. Improved street lighting provides higher luminosity, improved colour rendition and less light pollution into the night sky. Benefits include reductions in crime and road accidents, streetscape enhancements and increased amenity attributable to less light pollution. The benefit estimation uses a double-bounded discrete choice contingent valuation approach, incorporating a factor analytical procedure. Results reveal safety concerns as the main factor influencing willingness-to-pay and that considerable differences exist in willingness-to-pay between households in urban and rural areas.
Bone Formation: Biological Aspects and Modelling Problems
Authors: Herrero Miguel A. , López José M.
Published: November 2005

In this work we succintly review the main features of bone formation in vertebrates. Out of the many aspects of this exceedingly complex process, some particular stages are selected for which mathematical modelling appears as both feasible and desirable. In this way, a number of open questions are formulated whose study seems to require interaction among mathematical analysis and biological experimentation.
A Review of Vasculogenesis Models
Authors: Ambrosi D. , Bussolino F. , Preziosi L.
Published: November 2005

Mechanical and chemical models of vasculogenesis are critically reviewed with an emphasis on their ability to predict experimentally measured quantities. Final remarks suggest a possibility to merge the capabilities of different models into a unified approach.
Perceptions of speech and language therapy amongst UK school and college students: implications for recruitment
Authors: Greenwood Nan , Wright Jannet A. , Bithell Christine
Published: November 2005

Background: Communication disorders affect both sexes and people from all ethnic groups, but members of minority ethnic groups and males in the UK are underrepresented in the speech and language therapy profession. Research in the area of recruitment is limited, but a possible explanation is poor awareness and understanding of speech and language therapy as a profession.

Aims: To investigate factors influencing attitudes to a career in speech and language therapy amongst UK school and college students focusing on the similarities and differences between males and females, and between minority ethnic and white students.

Methods & Procedures: A total of 651 male and female school and college students from a range of ethnic groups and all close to selecting degree courses completed a questionnaire designed to examine the attitudes and awareness of speech and language therapy. Eleven semi‐structured follow‐up interviews were conducted to help understand the questionnaire findings. Quantitative and qualitative analyses examined differences in attitudes and the awareness of speech and language therapy amongst these groups.

Outcomes & Results: Overall, one‐third of participants said they knew nothing about speech and language therapy, and males were significantly less familiar with it. Less than half the participants were aware that speech and language therapy is a degree course, and minority ethnic participants were significantly less likely to know this. Compared with males, females were almost five times as likely to say they would consider a career in speech and language therapy. Participants with relatives in health‐related jobs were significantly more likely to consider speech and language therapy than those without such relatives. Compared with white participants, minority ethnic participants said they placed greater importance on studying for a degree, a profession and a scientific career, and were more influenced by a career's prestige and a high salary.

Conclusions: In order to increase the ethnic and gender diversity of speech and language therapists, the profile of the profession needs to be raised with increased awareness of the degree level courses, the scientific, evidence‐based nature of the work, and current salary scales.
The selective disruption of spatial working memory by eye movements
Authors: Postle Bradley R. , Idzikowski Christopher , Sala Sergio Della , Logie Robert H. , Baddeley Alan D.
Published: November 2005

In the late 1970s/early 1980s, Baddeley and colleagues conducted a series of experiments investigating the role of eye movements in visual working memory. Although only described briefly in a book (Baddeley, 1986), these studies have influenced a remarkable number of empirical and theoretical developments in fields ranging from experimental psychology to human neuropsychology to nonhuman primate electrophysiology. This paper presents, in full detail, three critical studies from this series, together with a recently performed study that includes a level of eye movement measurement and control that was not available for the older studies. Together, the results demonstrate several facts about the sensitivity of visuospatial working memory to eye movements. First, it is eye movement control, not movement per se, that produces the disruptive effects. Second, these effects are limited to working memory for locations and do not generalize to visual working memory for shapes. Third, they can be isolated to the storage/maintenance components of working memory (e.g., to the delay period of the delayed-recognition task). These facts have important implications for models of visual working memory.
Blocking and pseudoblocking: New control experiments with honeybees
Authors: Blaser R. E. , Couvillon P. A. , Bitterman M. E.
Published: November 2005

Prompted by doubts about the adequacy of the various control procedures long used in research on blocking, we repeated some earlier experiments with honeybees that had given the appearance of forward, concurrent, and backward blocking. The new experiments differed from the earlier experiments only in that the target stimulus was omitted during the training and was encountered for the first time in the test. In the new experiments, just as in the earlier experiments, the blocking groups responded less to the target stimulus than did the control groups. The results show that the effects of the different treatments of nontarget stimuli commonly compared in blocking experiments may generalize to the target stimulus and thus affect responding to that stimulus independently of experience with it. Implications for research on blocking in honeybees and other animals are considered.
On the Stability of the Cross‐Section of Expected Stock Returns in the Cross‐Section: Understanding the Curious Role of Share Turnover
Authors: Subrahmanyam Avanidhar
Published: November 2005

In this paper, we shed further light on cross‐sectional predictors of stock return performance. Specifically, we explore whether the cross‐section of expected stock returns is robust within stock groups sorted by past monthly return. We find that the book/market and momentum effects are remarkably robust to sorting on past returns. However, share turnover is negatively related to future returns for stocks with abnormally low stock price performance in the recent past, but postively related to returns for well‐performing stocks. This casts doubt on the use of turnover as a liquidity proxy, but is consistent with turnover being a proxy for momentum trading which pushes prices in the direction of past price movements. Our results are robust to both NYSE/AMEX and Nasdaq stocks, and also robust to stratifying the sample by time period.
Simultaneous cytokine analysis by cytometric bead array for the detection of leukaemia‐reactive T cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Westermann Jörg , van Lessen Antje , Schlimper Claudia , Baskaynak Gökben , Coutre Philipp le , Dörken Bernd , Pezzutto Antonio
Published: November 2005

In order to detect T cells against several chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)‐associated antigens we used: (i) a novel T‐cell assay [cytometric bead array (CBA)]; (ii) γ‐interferon enzyme‐linked immunoSPOT (γ‐IFN‐ELISpot); and (iii) tetramer staining in peripheral blood from CML patients. Peptide‐specific cytokine release was detected by CBA in some patients, whereas standard γ‐IFN‐ELISpot and tetramer staining were negative in the vast majority of cases. In CBA, peptide‐specific cytokine release was predominantly tumour necrosis factor‐α, raising questions about the responding cells and their functional status. CBA appears to be a new useful tool for the detection of leukaemia‐reactive T cells.
Virulence and Host–pathogen Interaction of Botryodiplodia theobromae Isolates of Cassava Root Rot Disease
Authors: Onyeka T. J. , Ekpo E. J. A. , Dixon A. G. O.
Published: November 2005

Pathogenic variation of Botryodiplodia theobromae, the cause of cassava root rot disease in Nigeria, was evaluated with 84 isolates from three different ecological zones and four genetically diverse cassava genotypes using root slice inoculation assay. Significant variation was observed for the aggressiveness of isolates, resistance of cassava genotypes and isolate–genotype interactions for percentage diseased area. The isolate effect accounted for 32.13% of total variation, 38.60% was due to genotype effect and 29.16% due to isolate–genotype interactions. The virulence distribution of the pathogen isolates on each of the cassava genotypes showed that 11.36% of the isolates were highly virulent on 30572, 27.27% on 91/02324, 67.05% on TME‐1 and 90.91% on 92/0057. Biplot and joint regression analysis confirmed that the isolates varied significantly in their aggressiveness, and there was a quantitative differential interaction between B. theobromae isolates and cassava genotypes for percentage diseased area of inoculated root slice. However, there was relative consistency in the virulence classification of the isolates on resistant and susceptible controls.
Development of Greenhouse Inoculation Procedures for Evaluation of Partial Resistance to Cercospora zeae‐maydis in Maize Inbreds
Authors: Asea G. , Lipps P. E. , Pratt R. C. , Gordon S. G. , Adipala E.
Published: November 2005

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of inoculation methods on incubation period, lesion length, percentage leaf area affected and sporulation of Cercospora zeae‐maydis on young maize (Zea mays L.) plants inoculated at V3 growth stage. Seedling plants were inoculated by four methods: (i) application of conidial suspension while puncturing the leaves within the whorl several times, (ii) spraying conidial suspension on leaves, (iii) placing colonized agar into lateral slits in leaves and (iv) placing colonized agar into whorls. Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of genotype and inoculation method on several components of resistance and overall disease severity. Application of conidial suspension while puncturing the whorl was found to be the least laborious method, and it produced characteristic symptoms of gray leaf spot. Consistent trends were observed in classification of inbreds to resistant, susceptible and intermediate classes. Increasing the duration of exposure to high humidity by placing plastic bags over plants for 5 days significantly increased disease severity (P ≤ 0.001). Cercospora zeae‐maydis produced conidia in all the lesions examined. Spore production was generally most abundant in lesions on susceptible inbreds that displayed necrotic lesion types (LT) and least abundant in lesions on resistant inbreds that were characterized by chlorotic and fleck LTs. The results demonstrated that inoculations in the greenhouse can provide an indication of inbred responses to C. zeae‐maydis and may be useful in evaluating resistance and in studies of host–pathogen interactions.
Phytoplasma Association with Gerbera Phyllody in Australia
Authors: Siddique A. B. M.
Published: November 2005

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) plants with phyllody symptoms (green flower) were observed in Central Queensland, Australia. Leaves and flowers from both symptomatic and asymptomatic healthy plants were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of pleomorphic bodies similar to phytoplasma was observed exclusively in diseased plants. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with phytoplasma‐specific primers confirmed the presence of phytoplasma DNA in the infected plants. Further DNA sequencing analysis of the PCR product revealed high homology with other phytoplasma DNA in the database. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA the gerbera phyllody phytoplasma was grouped under Peanut witches’ broom as described by Lee et al. (1998). The results of TEM, PCR and sequencing analysis clearly indicate phytoplasmal association with phyllody disease of gerbera.
Induction of Chlamydospores in Trichoderma harzianum and Gliocladium roseum by Antifungal Compounds Produced by Bacillus subtilis C2
Authors: Li L. , Qu Q. , Tian B. , Zhang K. Q.
Published: November 2005

One bacterial strain was isolated from a Panax notoginseng field and identified as Bacillus subtilis C2 by its physiological and biochemical characteristics. The culture filtrate of the bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Trichoderma harzianum and Gliocladium roseum. The antifungal compound termed 10M was purified from the culture filtrates of B. subtilis C2 through organic solvent extraction, silica gel H and Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography. Chlamydospores were formed either inside the conidia or from hyphae, when the conidia of T. harzianum and G. roseum were cultured on the surface of the potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing relatively low concentrations of 10M for 48 h. While they were cultured on the surface of PDA containing relatively high concentrations of 10M for 48 h the cells were swollen and then lysed. The 10M had high similarity to iturin A as showed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. This is the first report that antifungal compounds produced by B. subtilis can induce chlamydospore formation in biocontrol fungi at relatively low concentrations.
Molecular Characterization of Alternanthera yellow vein virus: a new Begomovirus Species Infecting Alternanthera philoxeroides
Authors: Guo X. , Zhou X.
Published: November 2005

A virus isolate designated Hn51 was obtained in 2004 from Alternanthera philoxeroides with yellow vein symptoms in Danzhou, Hainan Province, China. A specific 500 bp product was consistently detected in total DNA extracts, amplified with universal primers for members of the genus Begomovirus. The complete nucleotide sequence of the Hn51 DNA‐A like molecule was determined to be 2745 nucleotides and most closely related to that of Ageratum yellow vein virus (65.2% sequence identity). The molecular data show that the isolate Hn51 is a new Begomovirus species, for which the name Alternanthera yellow vein virus is proposed. This is the first report of a begomovirus infecting an aquatic plant (the GenBank accession number of the sequence reported in this study is AM050736).
Occurrence of Puccinia helianthi Races on Sunflower in Mozambique
Authors: Zazzerini A. , Tosi L. , Mondjana A. M.
Published: November 2005

Sunflower rust, caused by Puccinia helianthi, is common and widespread in Mozambique. Investigations conducted during 1996–1997 to gather information on the incidence and severity of rust infections in southern Mozambique indicated that race 4 (or 700) was the predominant race in the rust population. Further surveys in 2002 revealed an increase in rust infection and the occurrence of a new race (314) identified using the new triplet coding system. Rust isolates collected in 2003 and 2004 were identified as race 314, the predominant race, whereas in 2003 only the new race 315 was recovered.
Application of Talc Formulations of Pseudomonas fluorescens Migula and Trichoderma viride Pers. ex S.F. Gray Decrease the Sheath Blight Disease and Enhance the Plant Growth and Yield in Rice
Authors: Mathivanan N. , Prabavathy V. R. , Vijayanandraj V. R.
Published: November 2005

The effect of talc formulations of Pseudomonas fluorescens Migula and Trichoderma viride Pers. ex S.F. Gray applications either alone or in combination on crop growth, sheath blight disease and grain yield in rice was investigated in three different field experiments. Increased root and shoot lengths, dry weight and plant height were recorded following treatment of plants with P. fluorescens and T. viride either alone or in combination when compared with control. Application of P. fluorescens and T. viride resulted in a significant reduction of sheath blight incidence caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and was comparable to the treatment with a systemic fungicide, Carbendazim. The number of productive tillers, grains per panicle and grain test weight were also significantly increased in the treated plots with commensurate increase in grain and straw yields when compared with control. The promotion of plant growth and yield and suppression of sheath blight disease were marginally improved following combined application of P. fluorescens and T. viride. Although the combined application of both biocontrol agents did not lead to statistically significant additive effects in reducing the sheath blight and increasing grain yield when compared with their individual applications, no negative effect was recorded in this combined application treatment. Hence, the talc formulations of biocontrol agents either alone or in combination can be recommended as one of the crop protection strategies for the management of sheath blight of rice.
Using Real‐time PCR to Discriminate and Quantify the Closely Related Wheat Pathogens Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis
Authors: Walsh K. , Korimbocus J. , Boonham N. , Jennings P. , Hims M.
Published: November 2005

Oculimacula yallundae and O. acuformis are the causal agents of eyespot disease of wheat and other cereals. The two fungi react differently to the application of fungicides, but they cannot be distinguished visually and their occurrence is often masked by other less damaging pathogens. Current methods to detect and distinguish Oculimacula species are impractical when testing large numbers of samples. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, suitable for large‐scale testing, was developed and used for quantitative detection and discrimination of O. yallundae and O. acuformis. As the available DNA sequences differ by only a small number of conserved nucleotide polymorphisms, three different methods were investigated to achieve the desired specificity. A combination of mutagenically separated PCR and a shortened primer gave the best specificity for O. yallundae and O. acuformis, respectively. Although the comparison illustrated the practicalities of each method, it was not possible to devise a fixed set of rules for the design of primers to discriminate two closely related sequences; it is assumed that sequence context is an overriding and difficult to predict factor, and that a range of empirical approaches may need to be taken to reach the specificity required.
A Factor Endowment Theory of Endogenous Growth and International Trade
Authors: Hu Yunfang , Kemp Murray C. , Shimomura Koji
Published: November 2005

This paper presents a dynamic general equilibrium model of multi‐country, two‐good and two‐factor, in which both long‐run growth and international trade patterns are examined. In each country, government expenditure on a public intermediate good plays a crucial role in the realization of persistent growth. It is shown that the long‐run pattern of international trade is determined in a Heckscher‐Ohlin manner.
Health Infrastructure, Demographic Transition and Growth
Authors: Hashimoto Ken‐ichi , Tabata Ken
Published: November 2005

Empirical studies show that the fertility rate (mortality rate) exhibits an inverted u‐shaped dynamic in some countries, while it decreases monotonically in other countries. This paper formulates the concept of public health infrastructure and constructs a growth model that replicates various historically observed patterns of fertility and mortality rates.
Basic information processing of neurotics and stables: An experimental ERP approach to personality and distractibility
Authors: FJELL ANDERS M. , WALHOVD KRISTINE B. , MELING SINDRE , JOHANSEN MARTE B.
Published: November 2005

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of level of neuroticism on electrophysiological event‐related potentials (ERPs) to different kinds of stimuli. The neuroticism items from the NEO‐PI‐R were administered to 168 female, right‐handed undergraduates between 19 and 29 years of age. 20 highly neurotic and 22 highly stable persons underwent an ERP task that was designed to be a combination of an auditory P3a and a visual P3b oddball task. No significant differences in the P3a and P3b were detected. It is concluded that highly neurotic and highly stable persons do not differ in fast neurocognitive processing of neutral stimuli, and that cognitive differences between the groups may be located at another level in the sequence of information processing stages.
Ideological commitment and posttraumatic stress in former Tamil child soldiers
Authors: KANAGARATNAM PUSHPA , RAUNDALEN MAGNE , ASBJØRNSEN ARVE E.
Published: November 2005

This study focuses on the impact of present ideological commitment on posttraumatic stress symptoms in former child soldiers living in exile. Eighteen men and two women (aged 25–37), who had joined different Tamil armed groups in Sri Lanka between the ages of 13 and 17 years, participated. The Impact of Event Scale was used to measure posttraumatic symptoms. Qualitative methods were used to investigate the participants’ ideological commitment. Participants reported being exposed to many potentially traumatizing events, and had high scores on the Impact of Event Scale. Twenty‐five percent of the sample showed strong ideological commitment to the “cause”. Ideological commitment at the present seemed to predict better mental health when exposure was less intense and overwhelming. Time had a negative impact on ideological commitment.
FROM A CENTRED TO A DECENTRED TROPICALITY: FRANCOPHONE COLONIAL AND POSTCOLONIAL GEOGRAPHY IN MONSOON ASIA
Authors: Bruneau Michel
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses four key phases in the study of the tropical milieu of monsoon Asia by French geographers and colonial actors over the last 150 years. First, it sees how the natural milieu initially occupied a central and determining place in French colonial and scientific assessments of Indochina, and how the notion of monsoon Asia appeared within the framework of an academic geography (and formatively in the two regional theses produced by Charles Robequain and Pierre Gourou). It then shows how, after the Second World War, francophone geographers developed a “tropicalist” approach to monsoon Asia, one that was inextricably linked with the culturalist approach that was pioneered by Gourou, which later evolved into new, model‐building and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of tropical systems. It argues that these successive phases have marked a shift from a centred tropicality ‐ a system of knowledge anchored in French colonialism and centring on debate about the determinist influence of the natural milieu ‐ to a decentred tropicality that rejects environmental determinism, questions the ethnocentric character of tropical geography and integrates the study of tropical geography into the wider social sciences. The paper concludes with the suggestion that tropicality has had an epistemologically stronger and more institutionalised relationship with francophone geography than was the case in anglophone geography.