bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf cutter ants: a possible missing source of biogenic halocarbons
Authors: Mead M. I. , Khan M. A. H. , Nickless G. , Greally B. R. , Tainton D. , Pitman T. , Shallcross D. E.
Published: February 2008

Environmental context. With large reductions in anthropogenic emissions of many ozone-depleting gases in response to the Montreal Protocol, gases with biogenic sources have become relatively more important in recent years. The global budgets of the biogenic halocarbons are unbalanced with known sinks outweighing sources, suggesting that additional natural sources are required to balance the budgets. In the present study, an investigation has been carried out to determine the importance of leaf cutter ants as a missing source of the biogenic halocarbons, which will reduce the discrepancy of the global budget of the halocarbons. Abstract. Leaf cutter ant colonies are shown to be a potentially significant new source of biogenic halocarbons. Fungus cultivated by these ant species may emit CH3Br, CH3I, CH3Cl, CH2Cl2 and CHCl3 in significant quantities, contributing to their respective global atmospheric budgets. The study suggests that the mixing ratios of CH3Br, CH3I, CH3Cl, CH2Cl2 and CHCl3 in the ant colony under test were significantly higher than background levels, by on average a factor of 1.5–5.0. Sampling was carried out during three stages of ant colony development (new, moderately active and highly active) and it was found that levels of these halocarbons were elevated during the active phases of the ant colony life cycle. A very rough estimate of the possible emission of CH3Br, CH3I, CH3Cl, CH2Cl2 and CHCl3 from ant colonies globally are 0.50, 0.02, 0.80, 0.15 and 0.22 Gg year–1.
Trace metal dynamic speciation studied by scanned stripping chronopotentiometry (SSCP)
Authors: Domingos Rute F. , Lopez Rócio , Pinheiro José P.
Published: February 2008

Environmental context. Natural aquatic systems are subject to changing conditions and practically never reach chemical equilibrium. Therefore, a quantitative understanding of the interaction of the trace metals with heterogeneous samples and their kinetic characteristics requires the dynamic characterisation of trace metal speciation. We show that scanned stripping chronopotentiometry (SSCP) is able to discriminate the dynamic nature of the complexes, although it still overestimates the average stability constants obtained from the SSCP wave characteristics using the Freundlich isotherm to account for the chemical heterogeneity. Abstract. The ability of scanned stripping chronopotentiometry (SSCP) to obtain dynamic information for metal complexation with heterogeneous colloidal ligands was evaluated by measurements of lead(II) and cadmium(II) complexation by humic and fulvic acids extracted from an ombrotrophic peat bog. Average stability constants were calculated, using a first order chemical heterogeneity approach, and compared with those obtained by an ion selective electrode (ISE). SSCP average stability constants were overestimated in comparison to those obtained by the ISE, which suggests that the first order heterogeneity approach did not fully account for the ligand heterogeneity. However, the comparison of the stability constants obtained from the two SSCP signals (the shift of the half-wave potential and the decrease of transition time) provides information about the dynamic nature of the metal complexes formed with the humic matter. These results were in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions of the dynamic theory for colloidal systems.
Sexually transmissible infections among female sex workers: an international review with an emphasis on hard-to-access populations
Authors: Cwikel Julie G. , Lazer Tal , Press Fernanda , Lazer Simcha
Published: February 2008

Background: Women who work commercially in sex work (female sex workers [FSW]) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmissible infections (STI), yet the level of reported pathogens varies in studies around the world. This study reviewed STI rates reported in 42 studies of FSW around the world published between 1995 and 2006 and analysed the trends and types of populations surveyed, emphasising difficult to access FSW populations. Methods:Studies were retrieved by PUBMED and other search engines and were included if two or more pathogens were studied and valid laboratory methods were reported. Results: The five most commonly assessed pathogens were Neisseria gonorrhea (prevalence 0.5–41.3), Chlamydia trachomatis (0.61–46.2), Treponema pallidum (syphilis; 1.5–60.5), HIV (0–76.6), and Trichomonas vaginalis (trichmoniasis; 0.11–51.0). Neisseria gonorrhea and C. trachomatis were the most commonly tested pathogens and high prevalence levels were found in diverse areas of the world. HIV was highly prevalent mostly in African countries. Although human papillomavirus infection was surveyed in few studies, prevalence rates were very high and its aetiological role in cervical cancer warrant its inclusion in future FSW monitoring. Hard-to-access FSW groups tended to have higher rates of STI. Conclusions: The five most commonly detected pathogens correspond to those that are highly prevalent in the general population, however there is an urgent need to develop rapid testing diagnostics for all five pathogens to increase prevention and treatment, especially in outreach programs to the most vulnerable groups among FSW.
Screening for hepatitis C in sexual health clinic attendees
Authors: Mapagu M. Cristina , Martin Sarah J. , Currie Marian J. , Bowden Francis J.
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence has been shown to be higher in some sexual health clinic attendees than the general population. Screening for HCV in sexual health clinics may be based on risk assessment or universal screening. The aim of this audit was to explore the value of routine HCV screening in a sexual health centre population. Methods: Medical records and pathology data concerning all patients tested for HCV between 2000 and 2002 at Canberra Sexual Health Centre were audited to determine whether the diagnosis of HCV was already known and which, if any, risk factors were identified at the time of testing. Results: A total of 3845 tests were conducted on 3156 individuals over the 3-year period. HCV seropositivity was confirmed in 95 patients (3.0%; 95% CI 2.4–3.7), of which 29 (30.5%) were new diagnoses. A total of 85.3% of all patients with confirmed HCV infection reported a history of injecting drug use. Tattoos and body piercings were the most common risk factor in those who denied ever injecting. Risk factor assessment correctly identified all but one positive patient. Conclusions: HCV testing based on clinician-led risk assessment is an effective approach to HCV screening.
Longitudinal predictability of sexual perceptions on subsequent behavioural intentions among Bahamian preadolescents
Authors: Yu Shuli , Marshall Sharon , Cottrell Lesley , Li Xiaoming , Liu Hongjie , Deveaux Lynette , Harris Carole , Brathwaite Nanika , Lunn Sonja , Stanton Bonita
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To assess the relationship of baseline behavioural intentions and sexual perceptions with subsequent intentions regarding sexual initiation and condom use in Bahamian preadolescents. Method: Longitudinal data were obtained at baseline and 8 months later from 424 sexually inexperienced Bahamian youth aged 9–12 years, who served as ‘controls’ in a HIV risk-reduction intervention study. Sexual perceptions were measured based on a social cognitive model, protection motivation theory. Results: Baseline intention to have sex was a strong predictor of follow-up intention to engage in sex for boys, but was not a predictor for girls. Baseline condom use intention was not related to subsequent intention to use condoms for either male or female youth. Perceptions of girls, compared with boys, were less endorsing of sexual initiation. Some protection motivation theory constructs regarding sexual perceptions were predictive of subsequent behavioural intentions. Among boys, low perceived self-efficacy to avoid sexual intercourse and positive feelings about having sex predicted their intention to have sex. Among girls, perceived peer sexual behaviour and a limited understanding of the adverse consequences of sexual intercourse were predictors of their subsequent intention to initiate sex. Perceived self-efficacy to use condoms and response efficacy of condom use were significant predictors of condom use intention for both boys and girls. Conclusions: These results suggest that prevention intervention efforts should target predictive perceptions and consider sex differences in sexual perceptions.
Incidence of putative HIV superinfection and sexual practices among HIV-infected men who have sex with men
Authors: Sidat Mohsin M. , Mijch Anne M. , Lewin Sharon R. , Hoy Jennifer F. , Hocking Jane , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To determine the upper limit for the incidence of clinically important HIV superinfection among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) and its relationship with engagement in unsafe sexual practices. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort and nested case-control study. Electronic files of all HIV-infected MSM not on antiretroviral therapy were reviewed. Those clients with sudden, unexplained and sustained declines in CD4 T-cell counts and increases in plasma HIV RNA were considered as being putatively superinfected with HIV and were recruited as cases, whereas those without these features were recruited as controls (four per case) to answer a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Ten cases were identified from 145 eligible MSM (7%, 95% confidence interval 3–11%), comprising a rate of 3.6 per 100 person-years at risk. Cases had an annual decline in CD4 T-cell counts of 201 cells µL–1 compared with 9 cells µL–1 for controls. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls with regard to sexual practices that may have exposed them to acquisition of HIV superinfection (P-value ≥ 0.4), nor in their perceptions or beliefs of HIV superinfection (P-value ≥ 0.3). Only a minority reported no previous knowledge of HIV superinfection (17%, 5/30). Overall, both cases and controls were engaging frequently in unsafe sexual practices with casual partners who were HIV infected (80 and 52%, respectively; P-value = 0.4) or whose HIV serostatus was unknown (40 and 50%, respectively; P-value = 1.0). Conclusions: Despite considerable unsafe sexual practices occurring among this cohort of sexually active MSM the incidence of clinically significant HIV superinfection was likely to be less than 4% per year.
Sex trade in a male-to-female transgender population: psychosocial correlates of inconsistent condom use
Authors: Clements-Nolle Kristen , Guzman Robert , Harris Susan G.
Published: February 2008

Background: Research suggests that because of economic necessity, many male-to-female (MTF) transgender individuals trade sex for money, drugs, housing, and other things they may need. To date, no studies have quantitatively assessed psychosocial correlates of condom use with this population. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with 190 MTF transgender individuals involved in sex trade in San Francisco, California. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with inconsistent condom use during receptive anal sex with exchange partners. Results: About one fifth of our participants reported inconsistent condom use during receptive anal sex in the past 6 months. In the multivariate model, low self-esteem [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.28, 7.47)], a history of forced sex or rape [AOR = 2.91; 95% CI (1.06, 8.01)], and use of crack-cocaine [AOR = 2.59; 95% CI (1.09, 6.13)] were independently associated with inconsistent condom use. Conclusions: Our findings highlight an urgent need for multilevel risk reduction interventions for MTF transgender individuals involved in sex trade. Such interventions will be most effective if they address the psychosocial context of sexual risk taking by focusing on issues such as low self-esteem, sexual violence, and illicit drug use.
Sexual agency versus relational factors: a study of condom use antecedents among high-risk young African American women
Authors: Crosby Richard A. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M. , Salazar Laura F. , Head Sara , Rose Eve , McDermott-Sales Jessica
Published: February 2008

Background: The influence that female partners exert regarding condom use is not well known. In the present study, the relative roles of personal sexual agency and relational factors in determining whether young African American women engaged in unprotected vaginal sex (UVS) were studied. Methods: A cross sectional study of 713 young, African American women (aged 15–21 years) was conducted. Data were collected using an audio-computer assisted self-interview. Three measures of sexual agency were assessed and three relational factors were assessed. To help assure validity in the outcome measure, condom use was assessed in five different ways. Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether variables independently predicted UVS. Results: Two of the six predictor variables achieved multivariate significance with all five measures of condom use: (1) fear of negotiating condom use with male partners, and (2) indicating that stopping to use condoms takes the fun out of sex. A relational factor (male-dominated power imbalances) achieved multivariate significance for four of the five measures of UVS. A sexual agency factor (whether young women greatly enjoyed sex) achieved multivariate significance for three of the five measures. Conclusion: The results suggest that young African American women at high-risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI)/HIV acquisition may experience male-dominated power imbalances and also fear the process of negotiating condom use with their male partners. Although these factors were independently associated with UVS, two factors pertaining to sexual agency of these young women were also important predictors of UVS. Intervention efforts designed to avert STI/HIV acquisition among young African American women should therefore include programs to address both sexual agency and relational factors.
Syncope as a probable side effect to combination antiretroviral therapy initiated during primary HIV-1 infection
Authors: Lybaek Dorte , Larsen Carsten Schade
Published: February 2008

A previously healthy young man experienced several episodes of syncope while being treated with tenofovir, emtricitabine and nevirapine initiated during primary HIV-1 infection. Symptoms disappeared after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy and we suggest that syncope may be a side effect to one of the three antiretroviral drugs that has not been described previously.
Control of canonical NF-κB activation through the NIK–IKK complex pathway
Authors: Zarnegar Brian , Yamazaki Soh , He Jeannie Q. , Cheng Genhong
Published: February 2008

Articles in recent years have described two separate and distinct NF-κB activation pathways that result in the differential activation of p50- or p52-containing NF-κB complexes. Studies examining tumor-necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) have identified positive roles for TRAF2, TRAF5, and TRAF6, but not TRAF3, in canonical (p50-dependent) NF-κB activation. Conversely, it recently was reported that TRAF3 functions as an essential negative regulator of the noncanonical (p52-dependent) NF-κB pathway. In this article, we provide evidence that TRAF3 potently suppresses canonical NF-κB activation and gene expressionin vitroandin vivo. We also demonstrate that deregulation of the canonical NF-κB pathway in TRAF3-deficient cells results from accumulation of NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), the essential kinase mediating noncanonical NF-κB activation. Thus, our data demonstrate that inhibition of TRAF3 results in coordinated activation of both NF-κB activation pathways.
Border formation in a Bmp gradient reduced to single dissociated cells
Authors: Hu Jia Sheng , Doan Linda T. , Currle D. Spencer , Paff Michelle , Rheem Justin Y. , Schreyer Rachel , Robert Benoit , Monuki Edwin S.
Published: February 2008

Conversions of signaling gradients into sharp “all-or-none” borders are fundamental to tissue and organismal development. However, whether such conversions can be meaningfully reduced to dissociated cells in culture has been uncertain. Here we describe ultrasensitivity, the phenomenon equivalent to an all-or-none response, in dissociated neural precursor cells (NPCs) exposed to bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4). NPC ultrasensitivity is evident at the population and single-cell levels based on Msx1 induction, a well known Bmp target response, and occurs in the context of gene expression changes consistent with Bmp4 activity as a morphogen. Dissociated NPCs also display immediate early kinetics and irreversibility for Msx1 induction after brief Bmp4 exposure, which are attractive features for initial border formation. Relevance to border formation
in vivo
is provided by Bmp4 gain-of-function studies in explants and evidence for single-cell ultrasensitivity in normal and mutant Bmp gradient contexts in the developing forebrain. Together, these studies demonstrate relatively simple, robust, and reducible cell-intrinsic properties that contribute to developmental border formation within a signaling gradient.
Akt and CHIP coregulate tau degradation through coordinated interactions
Authors: Dickey Chad A. , Koren John , Zhang Yong-Jie , Xu Ya-fei , Jinwal Umesh K. , Birnbaum Morris J. , Monks Bobby , Sun Mei , Cheng Jin Q. , Patterson Cam , Bailey Rachel M. , Dunmore Judith , Soresh Sareh , Leon Carlos , Morgan Dave , Petrucelli Leonard
Published: February 2008

A hallmark of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau into fibrillar aggregates. Recent studies suggest that they accumulate because cytosolic chaperones fail to clear abnormally phosphorylated tau, preserving a pool of toxic tau intermediates within the neuron. We describe a mechanism for tau clearance involving a major cellular kinase, Akt. During stress, Akt is ubiquitinated and degraded by the tau ubiquitin ligase CHIP, and this largely depends on the Hsp90 complex. Akt also prevents CHIP-induced tau ubiquitination and its subsequent degradation, either by regulating the Hsp90/CHIP complex directly or by competing as a client protein with tau for binding. Akt levels tightly regulate the expression of CHIP, such that, as Akt levels are suppressed, CHIP levels also decrease, suggesting a potential stress response feedback mechanism between ligase and kinase activity. We also show that Akt and the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 (PAR1/MARK2), a known tau kinase, interact directly. Akt enhances the activity of PAR1 to promote tau hyperphosphorylation at S262/S356, a tau species that is not recognized by the CHIP/Hsp90 complex. Moreover, Akt1 knockout mice have reduced levels of tau phosphorylated at PAR1/MARK2 consensus sites. Hence, Akt serves as a major regulator of tau biology by manipulating both tau kinases and protein quality control, providing a link to several common pathways that have demonstrated dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
Dimer packings with gaps and electrostatics
Authors: Ciucu Mihai
Published: February 2008

Fisher and Stephenson conjectured in 1963 that the correlation function (defined by dimer packings) of two unit holes on the square lattice is rotationally invariant in the limit of large separation between the holes. We consider the same problem on the hexagonal lattice, extend it to an arbitrary finite collection of holes, and present an explicit conjectural answer. In recent work we managed to prove this conjecture in two fairly general cases. The quantity giving the answer can be regarded as the exponential of the negative of the two-dimensional electrostatic energy of a system of charges naturally associated with the holes. We further develop this analogy to electrostatics by presenting two different natural ways to define a field in our setup, and showing that both lead to the electric field, in the limit of large separations between the holes. For one of the fields, this is also stated as a limit shape theorem for random surfaces, with the continuum limit being a sum of helicoids. We conclude by explaining the relationship of our results to previous results in the physics literature on spin correlations in the Ising model.
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase is a gut mucosal defense factor maintained by enteral nutrition
Authors: Goldberg Ross F. , Austen William G. , Zhang Xiaobo , Munene Gitonga , Mostafa Golam , Biswas Shaluk , McCormack Michael , Eberlin Kyle R. , Nguyen John T. , Tatlidede Hamit S. , Warren H. Shaw , Narisawa Sonoko , Millán Jose L. , Hodin Richard A.
Published: February 2008

Under conditions of starvation and disease, the gut barrier becomes impaired, and trophic feeding to prevent gut mucosal atrophy has become a standard treatment of critically ill patients. However, the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of enteral nutrition have remained a mystery. Usingin vitroandin vivomodels, we demonstrate that the brush–border enzyme, intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), has the ability to detoxify lipopolysaccharide and prevent bacterial invasion across the gut mucosal barrier. IAP expression and function are lost with starvation and maintained by enteral feeding. It is likely that the IAP silencing that occurs during starvation is a key component of the gut mucosal barrier dysfunction seen in critically ill patients.
Large-scale model of mammalian thalamocortical systems
Authors: Izhikevich Eugene M. , Edelman Gerald M.
Published: February 2008

The understanding of the structural and dynamic complexity of mammalian brains is greatly facilitated by computer simulations. We present here a detailed large-scale thalamocortical model based on experimental measures in several mammalian species. The model spans three anatomical scales. (i) It is based on global (white-matter) thalamocortical anatomy obtained by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of a human brain. (ii) It includes multiple thalamic nuclei and six-layered cortical microcircuitry based onin vitrolabeling and three-dimensional reconstruction of single neurons of cat visual cortex. (iii) It has 22 basic types of neurons with appropriate laminar distribution of their branching dendritic trees. The model simulates one million multicompartmental spiking neurons calibrated to reproduce known types of responses recordedin vitroin rats. It has almost half a billion synapses with appropriate receptor kinetics, short-term plasticity, and long-term dendritic spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity (dendritic STDP). The model exhibits behavioral regimes of normal brain activity that were not explicitly built-in but emerged spontaneously as the result of interactions among anatomical and dynamic processes. We describe spontaneous activity, sensitivity to changes in individual neurons, emergence of waves and rhythms, and functional connectivity on different scales.
Antisense transcripts from immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus V(D)J and switch regions
Authors: Perlot Thomas , Li Gang , Alt Frederick W.
Published: February 2008

Activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID) is essential for both somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR), two processes involved in antibody diversification. Previously, various groups showed bothin vitroandin vivothat AID initiates SHM and CSR by deaminating cytosines in DNA in a transcription-dependent manner. Althoughin vivoboth DNA strands are equally targeted by AID, manyin vitroand bacterial experiments found that AID almost exclusively targets the nontemplate strand of a transcribed substrate. Here, we report the detection of antisense transcripts in assembled Ig heavy chain (IgH) variable region exons and their immediate downstream region, as well as in switch regions, sequences that, respectively, are targets for SHM and CSRin vivo. In contrast, we did not detect antisense transcripts from the Cμ constant region exons, which lie between the IgH variable region exons and downstream S regions and which are not normally an AID target. Expression of the antisense variable region/flanking region and the S-region transcripts were found in all lymphocytes that transcribe these sequences in the sense direction. Steady-state levels of antisense transcripts appeared very low, and start sites potentially appeared heterogeneous. We discuss the potential implications of antisense IgH locus transcription for AID targeting or other processes.
The organic solute transporter α-β, Ostα-Ostβ, is essential for intestinal bile acid transport and homeostasis
Authors: Rao Anuradha , Haywood Jamie , Craddock Ann L. , Belinsky Martin G. , Kruh Gary D. , Dawson Paul A.
Published: February 2008

The apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (Asbt) is responsible for transport across the intestinal brush border membrane; however, the carrier(s) responsible for basolateral bile acid export into the portal circulation remains to be determined. Although the heteromeric organic solute transporter Ostα-Ostβ exhibits many properties predicted for a candidate intestinal basolateral bile acid transporter, the
in vivo
functions of Ostα-Ostβ have not been investigated. To determine the role of Ostα-Ostβ in intestinal bile acid absorption, the
Ost
α gene was disrupted by homologous recombination in mice.
Ost
α
−/−
mice were physically indistinguishable from wild-type mice. In everted gut sac experiments, transileal transport of taurocholate was reduced by >80% in
Ost
α
−/−
vs. wild-type mice; the residual taurocholate transport was further reduced to near-background levels in gut sacs prepared from
Ost
α
−/−
Mrp3
−/−
mice. The bile acid pool size was significantly reduced (>65%) in
Ost
α
−/−
mice, but fecal bile acid excretion was not elevated. The decreased pool size in
Ost
α
−/−
mice resulted from reduced hepatic Cyp7a1 expression that was inversely correlated with ileal expression of fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15). These data indicate that Ostα-Ostβ is essential for intestinal bile acid transport in mice. Unlike a block in intestinal apical bile acid uptake, genetic ablation of basolateral bile acid export disrupts the classical homeostatic control of hepatic bile acid biosynthesis.
Association of guanine nucleotide-exchange protein BIG1 in HepG2 cell nuclei with nucleolin, U3 snoRNA, and fibrillarin
Authors: Padilla Philip Ian , Uhart Marina , Pacheco-Rodriguez Gustavo , Peculis Brenda A. , Moss Joel , Vaughan Martha
Published: February 2008

BIG1, a brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange protein, activates class I ADP-ribosylation factors (ARF1–3) by catalyzing the replacement of bound GDP by GTP, an action critical for the regulation of protein transport in eukaryotic cells. Our earlier report [Padilla PI, Pancheco-Rodriguez G, Moss J, Vaughan M (2004)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
101:2752–2757] that BIG1 concentrated in nucleoli of serum-starved HepG2 cells prompted us to identify molecules associated with BIG1 in dynamic nucleolar structures. Antibodies against BIG1 or nucleolin coprecipitated both proteins from nuclei, which was abolished by the incubation of nuclei with RNase A or DNase, indicating that the interaction depended on nucleic acids.
32
P labeling of RNAs immunoprecipitated with BIG1 or nucleolin from nuclei revealed bands of ≈210 bases that also hybridized with U3 small nucleolar (sno)RNA-specific oligonucleotides. Clones of U3 snoRNA cDNAs from the material precipitated by antibodies against BIG1 or nucleolin yielded identical nucleotide sequences that also were found in genomic DNA. Later analyses revealed the presence of fibrillarin, nucleoporin p62, and La in BIG1 and nucleolin immunoprecipitates. Our data demonstrate that BIG1, nucleolin, U3, the U3-binding protein fibrillarin, and the RNA-binding protein La may exist together in nuclear complexes, consistent with a potential role for BIG1 in nucleolar processes. Evidence that BIG1 and nucleolin, but not fibrillarin, can be present with p62 at the nuclear envelope confirms the presence of BIG1 and nucleolin in dynamic molecular complexes that change in composition while moving through nuclei. Nuclear functions of BIG1 remain to be determined.
Antibiotic-resistant soil bacteria in transgenic plant fields
Authors: Demanèche Sandrine , Sanguin Hervé , Poté John , Navarro Elisabeth , Bernillon Dominique , Mavingui Patrick , Wildi Walter , Vogel Timothy M. , Simonet Pascal
Published: February 2008

Understanding the prevalence and polymorphism of antibiotic resistance genes in soil bacteria and their potential to be transferred horizontally is required to evaluate the likelihood and ecological (and possibly clinical) consequences of the transfer of these genes from transgenic plants to soil bacteria. In this study, we combined culture-dependent and -independent approaches to study the prevalence and diversity of
bla
genes in soil bacteria and the potential impact that a 10-successive-year culture of the transgenic Bt176 corn, which has a
bla
TEM marker gene, could have had on the soil bacterial community. The
bla
gene encoding resistance to ampicillin belongs to the beta-lactam antibiotic family, which is widely used in medicine but is readily compromised by bacterial antibiotic resistance. Our results indicate that soil bacteria are naturally resistant to a broad spectrum of beta-lactam antibiotics, including the third cephalosporin generation, which has a slightly stronger discriminating effect on soil isolates than other cephalosporins. These high resistance levels for a wide range of antibiotics are partly due to the polymorphism of
bla
genes, which occur frequently among soil bacteria. The
bla
TEM116 gene of the transgenic corn Bt176 investigated here is among those frequently found, thus reducing any risk of introducing a new bacterial resistance trait from the transgenic material. In addition, no significant differences were observed in bacterial antibiotic-resistance levels between transgenic and nontransgenic corn fields, although the bacterial populations were different.
Toxicity Profile of Lutein and Lutein Ester Isolated From Marigold Flowers (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Harikumar Kuzhuvelil Bhaskarannair , Nimita Chittikappil Venugopal , Preethi Korengath Chandran , Kuttan Ramadasan , Shankaranarayana Madapura Lingappiah , Deshpande Jayant
Published: February 2008

Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and is commonly present in many fruits, vegetables, and egg yolk. Lutein affords protection against the development of the two common eye diseases of aging: cataract and macular degeneration. As the dietary lutein concentration is much lower compared to the actual requirement to reduce macular degeneration, supplementation of lutein is under consideration. There are very few data on the toxicity of lutein. In the present study, the authors have evaluated the short-term and long-term toxicity profile of lutein and its esterified form isolated from marigold flowers ( Tagetes erecta) in young adult male and female Wistar rats. Lutein and its ester form administered orally at doses of 4, 40, and 400 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks for short-term toxicity study and 13 weeks for a subchronic toxicity study did not produced any mortality, change in body weight, food consumption pattern, organ weight, and other adverse side reactions. Administration of lutein and ester form did not alter the hepatic and renal function, and did not produce any change in the hematological parameters and in lipid profile. Histopathological analysis of the organs supported the nontoxicity of lutein and its ester form.
Routes and Modes of Administration of Resorcinol and Their Relationship to Potential Manifestations of Thyroid Gland Toxicity in Animals and Man
Authors: Welsch Frank
Published: February 2008

Medical case reports published in the 20th century over the course of several decades show that resorcinol caused reversible adverse effects on the human thyroid gland (TG) manifested as hypothyroidism. Affected patients had ulcerating leg varicosities and underwent prolonged treatment with ointments containing high concentrations of resorcinol. In animal studies resorcinol failed to induce TG toxicity, unless pharmacokinetic/toxicokinetic (PK/TK) conditions were manipulated (e.g., injection of resorcinol in oil or application in a slow release formulation). A recently completed two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats did not detect any adverse effects on either reproductive or TG end points ( Welsch, Nemec, and Lawrence, 2008 , Int. J. Toxicol. 37, this issue). Resorcinol intake via drinking water up to the palatability limit had resulted in average daily intakes (mg/kg) of 233 in F0 and F1 males and 304 (premating/gestation) or 660 (lactation) in females. Free resorcinol in blood plasma was barely detectable in a few parental animals, indicating rapid metabolism. This short review communication offers a perspective on compromised human skin barrier function as a likely cause of drastic increases in resorcinol absorption. In conjunction with multiple daily applications over many months to hyperemic, inflamed, and lesioned human skin much higher absorption was likely responsible for the reported human TG toxicity.
A 90-Day Oral (Dietary) Toxicity Study of Rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Nikiforov Andrey I , Eapen Alex K
Published: February 2008

Rebaudioside A is one of several glycosides found in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni (Compositae) stevia that has been identified as a potential sweetener. The present study (initiated in April 2006 and completed in October 2006) evaluated the safety of this sweetener when administered as a dietary admix at target exposure levels of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day to Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. There were no treatment-related effects on the general condition and behavior of the animals as determined by clinical observations, functional observational battery, and locomotor activity assessments. Evaluation of clinical pathology parameters revealed no toxicologically relevant, treatment-related effects on hematology, serum chemistry, or urinalysis. Macroscopic and microscopic findings revealed no treatment-related effects on any organ evaluated. Lower mean body weight gains were noted in males in the 2000 mg/kg/day group throughout the study, which was considered to be test article related; however, given the small magnitude of the difference as compared to controls, this effect was not considered to be adverse. Results of this study clearly demonstrate that dietary administration of high concentrations of rebaudioside A for 90 consecutive days to Sprague-Dawley rats was not associated with any signs of toxicity.
What Next for Social Marketing – Developing “Superman” or a Sustainable System?
Authors: Thorpe Allison , Merritt Rowena , Mcvey Dominic , Truss Aiden
Published: February 2008

Social marketing is being increasingly used within the UK health system to address a range of health inequality issues. The Department of Health for England plans to increase the use of social marketing at both national and local levels. However, this can only be achieved if the correct resources are in place. Currently we have a shortage of skilled social marketing practitioners within the UK. The Department of Health is therefore looking to academia to help increase capacity and skills to fill this gap. Presently, capacity and capability within the academic system are limited. This article is aimed at promoting debate about how academic capacity is grown within the UK. It also aims to reflect the main challenges we are facing in the UK, which may or may not be reflected in other countries.
Inappropriate Use of Antifungal Medications in a Tertiary Care Center in Thailand: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sutepvarnon Apisada , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Camins Bernard , Mondy Kristin , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: February 2008

The incidence and factors associated with inappropriate use of antifungal medications were studied in a Thai tertiary care center. The incidence of inappropriate antifungal use was 74% (in 42 of 57 patients). Isolation of Candida species from urine (P = .004) was a risk factor, whereas receipt of an infectious diseases consultation (P = .004) was protective.
Detection and Identification of Botrytis Species Associated with Neck Rot, Scape Blight, and Umbel Blight of Onion
Authors: Chilvers Martin I. , du Toit Lindsey J.
Published: February 2008

Diagnosis of detection and identification of Botrytis species associated with neck rot, scape blight, and umbel blight of onion are discussed in detail, including the disease's symptoms and signs, host range, taxonomy, and geographic distribution, as well as methods of isolation, identification (including macroscopic vs. microscopic characteristics), and storage of the pathogens.

Accepted for publication 7 August 2006. Published 27 November 2006.
Occurrence of Ustilago striiformis in Dactylis glomerata Seed Production Fields in Oregon
Authors: Alderman Steve C. , Ocamb Cynthia M. , Mellbye Mark E. , Sedegui Mohamed S.
Published: February 2008

Stripe smut, caused by Ustilago striiformis, is a common disease of grasses grown for turf, but quantitative information concerning its occurrence in grass seed production fields is lacking. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, stripe smut was detected in 16, 17, and 3 out of 51, 42, and 33 Dactylis glomerata (orchardgrass) seed production fields surveyed in western Oregon, respectively. Stripe smut was not previously known to occur in these fields. The percentage of plants per transect with stripe smut in 2004, 2005, and 2006 ranged from 0 to 12, 0 to 4, and 0 to 1, respectively. In additional surveys during 2004-2006, to determine whether stripe smut was also occurring in seed production fields of other grasses in western Oregon, stripe smut was found in one field of Agrostis stolonifera, but was not detected in fields of Agrostis castellana, A. capillaries, Festuca arundinacea, F. longifolia, F. ovina, F. rubra subsp. commutata, F. rubra subsp. rubra, or Lolium perenne.

Accepted for publication 9 July 2007. Published 23 October 2007.
Distribution and Damage Caused by Root-Knot Nematodes on Soybean in Southwest Indiana
Authors: Kruger Greg R. , Xing Lijuan , Santini Judith B. , Westphal Andreas
Published: February 2008

The distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in southwestern Indiana was determined in a county-wide survey in two counties and at two farm operations with a history of Meloidogyne infestation. Meloidogyne spp. were found within the Eolian sand deposits in southern Knox Co. and in the northern and central parts of Daviess Co. Meloidogyne spp. were found in approximately 80% of production fields on the two farms south-southeast of Vincennes, Knox Co. In addition, a transect study was conducted in a soybean (cv. 93M90) field to quantify suspected damage from Meloidogyne incognita. In this field, areas of varying sizes contained stunted and chlorotic soybean plants typical of nematode damage. In single transects through each of three damaged areas, plant weights, nematode-induced root galling, nematode densities, and soil chemical and physical properties were taken at 1.5-m intervals. Multiple regression analysis was conducted with the plant, nematode, and soil parameters determined for each location. The amount of nematode-induced galling had the greatest contribution (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.01) to reduced plant top biomass in the damaged soybean areas.

Accepted for publication 18 July 2007. Published 31 October 2007.
Susceptibility of Some Lilac Cultivars and Other Members of the Oleaceae to Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Shishkoff Nina
Published: February 2008

Lilac is a host of Phytophthora ramorum, but differences in host susceptibility of lilac cultivars and related genera have not been fully studied. This paper describes the symptoms on lilac and some other plants in the Oleaceae (Forsythia, Fraxinus, Ligustrum, and Abeliophyllum) and analyzes their relative susceptibility. Lilacs varied somewhat in susceptibility, with Syringa × josiflexa ‘ James MacFarlane’ showing no symptoms and S. × prestoniae ‘ Alexander's pink’ very few, but most cultivars developed large dark leaf lesions and suffered defoliation of heavily infected leaves. Fraxinus and Ligustrum were somewhat less susceptible than most lilac cultivars. The pathogen could sometimes be isolated from buds, but twig die-back was not observed. One month after the roots of Syringa, Abeliophyllum, Forsythia, and Ligustrum were inoculated, roots remained asymptomatic, but the pathogen could be recovered from washed or surfacesterilized root pieces of all genera tested except Ligustrum.

Accepted for publication 18 July 2007. Published 1 November 2007.
First Report of Macrophomina phaseolina Causing Leaf and Stem Blight of Tropical Soda Apple in Florida
Authors: Iriarte Fanny , Rosskopf Erin , Hilf Mark , McCollum Greg , Albano Joe , Adkins Scott
Published: February 2008

Leaf necrosis was observed in tropical soda apple plants in Fort Pierce, FL. A fungus was isolated from symptomatic stem tissue and from numerous excised pycnidia. Identity was confirmed by analysis of the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region, and Koch's postulates were completed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of M. phaseolina as a pathogen of S. viarum. This report provides further evidence of this noxious weed serving as a reservoir for potential pathogens of vegetable crops.

Accepted for publication 25 September 2007. Published 15 November 2007.
First Record of Pepper Weevil Infestation in Virginia
Authors: Schultz Peter B. , Kuhar Thomas P.
Published: February 2008

An infestation of pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was detected in bell pepper in Virginia Beach, VA in summer 2007. To our knowledge, and based on our examination of pertinent insect collections, this is the first state record of this pest species in Virginia. The source of the outbreak is unknown, and the authors will monitor for this insect pest again in 2008.

Accepted for publication 8 November 2007. Published 18 January 2008.
Spinetoram Is Compatible with the Key Natural Enemy of Frankliniella Species Thrips in Pepper
Authors: Srivastava Mrittunjai , Bosco Lara , Funderburk Joe , Weiss Anthony
Published: February 2008

Feeding by the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, causes damage to the fruits of pepper, and the species is the key vector of Tomato spotted wilt virus. Effective management integrates conservation of populations of the natural predator, Orius insidiosus, with the use of reduced-risk insecticides, namely spinosad. We conducted field experiments in northern Florida in 2005 and 2006 and in central Florida in 2006 to evaluate the new reduced-risk insecticide spinetoram for control of thrips and to determine the impact on natural populations of O. insidiosus. Spinetoram at 61 g ai/ha was as effective as spinosad at 140 g ai/ha against the western flower thrips and the other common thrips in Florida, Frankliniella tritici and Frankliniella bispinosa. The mean numbers of the predator were very high in all treatments in each experiment, and their numbers relative to the numbers of thrips indicated that predation was sufficient to suppress thrips populations in all treatments. Broad-spectrum insecticides when included in the experiments provided little or no control; sometimes, they flared thrips numbers compared to untreated pepper.

Accepted for publication 25 October 2007. Published 18 January 2008.
Biology is only part of the story …
Authors: Read Dwight , van der Leeuw Sander
Published: February 2008

The origins and development of human cognition constitute one of the most interesting questions to which archaeology can contribute today. In this paper, we do so by presenting an overview of the evolution of artefact technology from the maker's point of view, and linking that development to some hypotheses on the evolution of human cognitive capacity. Our main hypothesis is that these data indicate that, in the first part of the trajectory, biological limits to cognitive capacity were a major constraint that limited technology, whereas, in the second part, this biological constraint seems to have been lifted and others have come in its place. But these are modifiable by means of conceptual frameworks that facilitate concept innovation and therefore enable learning, thereby permitting acceleration in the pace of change in technology. In the last part of the paper, we elaborate on some of the consequences of that acceleration.
Big brains, small worlds: material culture and the evolution of the mind
Authors: Coward Fiona , Gamble Clive
Published: February 2008

New developments in neuroimaging have demonstrated that the basic capacities underpinning human social skills are shared by our closest extant primate relatives. The challenge for archaeologists is to explain how complex human societies evolved from this shared pattern of face-to-face social interaction. We argue that a key process was the gradual incorporation of material culture into social networks over the course of hominin evolution. Here we use three long-term processes in hominin evolution—encephalization, the global human diaspora and sedentism/agriculture—to illustrate how the cultural transmission of material culture allowed the ‘scaling up’ of face-to-face social interactions to the global societies known today. We conclude that future research by neuroimagers and archaeologists will need to investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind human engagement with material culture as well as other persons.
Evolving intentions for social interaction: from entrainment to joint action
Authors: Knoblich Günther , Sebanz Natalie
Published: February 2008

This article discusses four different scenarios to specify increasingly complex mechanisms that enable increasingly flexible social interactions. The key dimension on which these mechanisms differ is the extent to which organisms are able to process other organisms' intentions and to keep them apart from their own. Drawing on findings from ecological psychology, scenario 1 focuses on entrainment and simultaneous affordance in ‘intentionally blind’ individuals. Scenario 2 discusses how an interface between perception and action allows observers to simulate intentional action in others. Scenario 3 is concerned with shared perceptions, arising through joint attention and the ability to distinguish between self and other. Scenario 4 illustrates how people could form intentions to act together while simultaneously distinguishing between their own and the other's part of a joint action. The final part focuses on how combining the functionality of the four mechanisms can explain different forms of social interactions. It is proposed that basic interpersonal processes are put to service by more advanced functions that support the type of intentionality required to engage in joint action, cultural learning, and communication.