bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid shifts in picoeukaryote community structure in response to ocean acidification
Authors: Meakin Nicholas G , Wyman Michael
Published: March 2011

Rapid shifts in picoeukaryote community structure were observed during a CO2 perturbation experiment in which we followed the development of phytoplankton blooms in nutrient-amended mesocosms under the present day or predicted future atmospheric pCO2 (750 μatm, seawater pH 7.8). Analysis of rbcL clone libraries (encoding the large subunit of RubisCO) and specific quantitative PCR assays showed that two prasinophytes closely related to Micromonas pusilla and Bathycoccus prasinos were present, but responded very differently to high CO2/acidification. We found that the abundance of Micromonas-like phylotypes was significantly higher (>20-fold) under elevated CO2/low pH, whereas the Bathycoccus-like phylotypes were more evenly distributed between treatments and dominated the prasinophyte community under ambient conditions.
Seasonal bloom dynamics and ecophysiology of the freshwater sister clade of SAR11 bacteria ‘that rule the waves’ (LD12)
Authors: Salcher Michaela M , Pernthaler Jakob , Posch Thomas
Published: March 2011

Alphaproteobacteria are common members of marine bacterioplankton assemblages, but are believed to be rare in lacustrine systems. However, uncultured Alphaproteobacteria of the freshwater LD12 lineage form a tight monophyletic sister group with the numerically dominant bacteria in marine epipelagic waters, the SAR11 clade or genus Pelagibacter. Comparative rRNA sequence analysis reveals a global occurrence of LD12 bacteria in freshwater systems. The association of genotypic subclades with single-study systems moreover suggests a regional diversification. LD12 bacteria exhibit distinct and annually recurring spatio-temporal distribution patterns in prealpine lakes, as assessed by seasonally resolved vertical profiling and high-throughput cell counting. During the summer months, these ultramicrobacteria can form cell densities in the surface (epilimnetic) water layers that are comparable to those of their marine counterparts (>5 × 108 cells per l). LD12 bacteria had a pronounced preference for glutamine and glutamate over 7 other amino acids in situ, and they exhibited substantially higher uptake of these two substrates (and glycine) than the microbial assemblage in general. In addition, members of LD12 were also able to exploit other monomeric sources of organic carbon such as glucose, fructose or acetate. LD12 seemed to follow an oligotrophic lifestyle with slow but efficient uptake already at low substrate concentrations. Thus, LD12 bacteria do not only share phenotypic and metabolic traits with Pelagibacter, but also seem to thrive in the analogous spatiotemporal niche in freshwaters. The two groups together form one of the rare monophyletic lineages of ultramicrobacteria that have successfully traversed the barrier between marine and freshwater habitats.
Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) signalling desensitization is counteracted via PAR4 signalling in human platelets
Authors: Fälker Knut , Haglund Linda , Gunnarsson Peter , Nylander Martina , Lindahl Tomas L. , Grenegård Magnus
Published: March 2011

PARs (protease-activated receptors) 1 and 4 belong to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors which induce both Gα12/13 and Gαq signalling. By applying the specific PAR1- and PAR4-activating hexapeptides, SFLLRN and AYPGKF respectively, we found that aggregation of isolated human platelets mediated via PAR1, but not via PAR4, is abolished upon homologous receptor activation in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. This effect was not due to receptor internalization, but to a decrease in Ca2+ mobilization, PKC (protein kinase C) signalling and α-granule secretion, as well as to a complete lack of dense granule secretion. Interestingly, subthreshold PAR4 activation rapidly abrogated PAR1 signalling desensitization by differentially reconstituting these affected signalling events and functional responses, which was sufficient to re-establish aggregation. The lack of ADP release and P2Y12 receptor-induced Gαi signalling accounted for the loss of the aggregation response, as mimicking Gαi/z signalling with 2-MeS-ADP (2-methylthioadenosine-5′-O-diphosphate) or epinephrine (adrenaline) could substitute for intermediate PAR4 activation. Finally, we found that the re-sensitization of PAR1 signalling-induced aggregation via PAR4 relied on PKC-mediated release of both ADP from dense granules and fibrinogen from α-granules. The present study elucidates further differences in human platelet PAR signalling regulation and provides evidence for a cross-talk in which PAR4 signalling counteracts mechanisms involved in PAR1 signalling down-regulation.
Functional analysis of Dictyostelium IBARa reveals a conserved role of the I-BAR domain in endocytosis
Authors: Veltman Douwe M. , Auciello Giulio , Spence Heather J. , Machesky Laura M. , Rappoport Joshua Z. , Insall Robert H.
Published: March 2011

I-BAR (inverse-Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs)-domain-containing proteins such as IRSp53 (insulin receptor substrate of 53 kDa) associate with outwardly curved membranes and connect them to proteins involved in actin dynamics. Research on I-BAR proteins has focussed on possible roles in filopod and lamellipod formation, but their full physiological function remains unclear. The social amoeba Dictyostelium encodes a single I-BAR/SH3 (where SH3 is Src homology 3) protein, called IBARa, along with homologues of proteins that interact with IRSp53 family proteins in mammalian cells, providing an excellent model to study its cellular function. Disruption of the gene encoding IBARa leads to a mild defect in development, but filopod and pseudopod dynamics are unaffected. Furthermore, ectopically expressed IBARa does not induce filopod formation and does not localize to filopods. Instead, IBARa associates with clathrin puncta immediately before they are endocytosed. This role is conserved: human BAIAP2L2 (brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1-associated protein 2-like 2) also tightly co-localizes with clathrin plaques, although its homologues IRSp53 and IRTKS (insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate) associate with other punctate structures. The results from the present study suggest that I-BAR-containing proteins help generate the mem-brane curvature required for endocytosis and implies an unexpected role for IRSp53 family proteins in vesicle trafficking.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 activates methionine adenosyltransferase 2A transcription by multiple pathways in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Yang Heping , Li Tony W. H. , Peng Jian , Mato José M. , Lu Shelly C.
Published: March 2011

We have previously reported that the expression of MAT2A (methionine adenosyltransferase 2A) is increased in human colon cancer and in colon cancer cells treated with IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), which was required for its mitogenic effect. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IGF-1-mediated MAT2A induction. Nuclear run-on analysis confirmed that the increase in MAT2A expression lies at the transcriptional level. DNase I footprinting of the MAT2A promoter region revealed a similar protein-binding pattern in colon cancer and IGF-1-treated RKO cells. IGF-1 induced MAT2A promoter activity and increased nuclear protein binding to USF (upstream stimulatory factor)/c-Myb, YY1 (Yin and Yang 1), E2F, AP-1 (activator protein 1) and NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) consensus elements. IGF-1 increased the expression of c-Jun, FosB, MafG, p65, c-Myb, E2F-1 and YY1 at the pre-translational level. Knockdown of p65, MafG, c-Myb or E2F-1 lowered basal MAT2A expression and blunted the inductive effect of IGF-1 on MAT2A, whereas knockdown of YY1 increased basal MAT2A expression and had no effect on IGF-1-mediated MAT2A induction. Consistently, mutation of AP-1, NF-κB, E2F and USF/c-Myb elements individually blunted the IGF-1-mediated increase in MAT2A promoter activity, and combined mutations completely prevented the increase. In conclusion, IGF-1 activates MAT2A transcription by both known and novel pathways. YY1 represses MAT2A expression.
Testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50) promotes cell proliferation through the activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway
Authors: Song Zhen-Bo , Bao Yong-Li , Zhang Yu , Mi Xu-Guang , Wu Ping , Wu Yin , Yu Chun-Lei , Sun Ying , Zheng Li-Hua , Huang Yan-Xin , Liu Biao , Li Yu-Xin
Published: March 2011

TSP50 (testes-specific protease 50) is a testis-specific expression protein, which is expressed abnormally at high levels in breast cancer tissues. This makes it an attractive molecular marker and a potential target for diagnosis and therapy; however, the biological function of TSP50 is still unclear. In the present study, we show that overexpression of TSP50 in CHO (Chinese-hamster ovary) cells markedly increased cell proliferation and colony formation. Mechanistic studies have revealed that TSP50 can enhance the level of TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α)- and PMA-induced NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-responsive reporter activity, IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB) α degradation and p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, the knockdown of endogenous TSP50 in MDA-MB-231 cells greatly inhibited NF-κB activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated an interaction of TSP50 with the NF-κB–IκBα complex, but not with the IKK (IκB kinase) α/β–IKKγ complex, which suggested that TSP50, as a novel type of protease, promoted the degradation of IκBα proteins by binding to the NF-κB–IκBα complex. Our results also revealed that TSP50 can enhance the expression of NF-κB target genes involved in cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of a dominant-negative IκB mutant that is resistant to proteasome-mediated degradation significantly reversed TSP50-induced cell proliferation, colony formation and tumour formation in nude mice. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that TSP50 promotes cell proliferation, at least partially, through activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway.
Structural basis for CARM1 inhibition by indole and pyrazole inhibitors
Authors: Sack John S. , Thieffine Sandrine , Bandiera Tiziano , Fasolini Marina , Duke Gerald J. , Jayaraman Lata , Kish Kevin F. , Klei Herbert E. , Purandare Ashok V. , Rosettani Pamela , Troiani Sonia , Xie Dianlin , Bertrand Jay A.
Published: March 2011

CARM1 (co-activator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1) is a PRMT (protein arginine N-methyltransferase) family member that catalyses the transfer of methyl groups from SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) to the side chain of specific arginine residues of substrate proteins. This post-translational modification of proteins regulates a variety of transcriptional events and other cellular processes. Moreover, CARM1 is a potential oncological target due to its multiple roles in transcription activation by nuclear hormone receptors and other transcription factors such as p53. Here, we present crystal structures of the CARM1 catalytic domain in complex with cofactors [SAH (S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine) or SNF (sinefungin)] and indole or pyazole inhibitors. Analysis of the structures reveals that the inhibitors bind in the arginine-binding cavity and the surrounding pocket that exists at the interface between the N- and C-terminal domains. In addition, we show using ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry) that the inhibitors bind to the CARM1 catalytic domain only in the presence of the cofactor SAH. Furthermore, sequence differences for select residues that interact with the inhibitors may be responsible for the CARM1 selectivity against PRMT1 and PRMT3. Together, the structural and biophysical information should aid in the design of both potent and specific inhibitors of CARM1.
Spinal Cord Injury, Life Sustaining Treatment, and Clinical Ethics—Nuances in Respecting and Understanding Autonomous Choice
Authors: Wagner Lynne Brady
Published: March 2011

When a patient decides to forego life-sustaining treatment it can be a challenging situation for all parties involved. Patients who have decision-making capacity have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment. It is critical for clinicians to understand how to deal with these cases and what information and supports can be provided to patients to help them make fully informed and self-determining decisions. When a patient is facing a life with severe disability special considerations and an experienced approach are important in helping patients understand the full range of options. This case-based discussion will explore some of the issues involved in a scenario of a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury who requests to terminate his ventilator. Suggestions for managing situations such as these will be described.
Radiation-use efficiency and the harvest index of winter wheat at different nitrogen levels and their relationships to canopy spectral reflectance
Authors: Li H. L. , Luo Y. , Ma J. H.
Published: March 2011

Radiation-use efficiency (RUE, g/MJ) and the harvest index (HI, unitless) are two helpful characteristics in interpreting crop response to environmental and climatic changes. They are also increasingly important for accurate crop yield simulation, but they are affected by various environmental factors. In this study, the RUE and HI of winter wheat and their relationships to canopy spectral reflectance were investigated based on the massive field measurements of five nitrogen (N) treatments. Crop production can be separated into light interception and RUE. The results indicated that during a long period of slow growth from emergence to regreening, the effect of N on crop production mainly showed up in an increased light interception by the canopy. During the period of rapid growth from regreening to maturity, it was present in both light interception and RUE. The temporal variations of RUEAPAR (aboveground biomass produced per unit of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the canopy) during the period from regreening to maturity had different patterns corresponding to the N deficiency, N adequacy and N-excess conditions. Moreover, significant relationships were found between the RUEAPAR and the accumulative normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the integrated season (R2 = 0.68), between the HI and the accumulative NDVI after anthesis (R2 = 0.89), and between the RUEgrain (ratio of grain yield to the total amount of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by the canopy) and the accumulative NDVI of the whole season (R2 = 0.89) and that after anthesis (R2 = 0.94). It suggested that canopy spectral reflectance has the potential to reveal the spatial information of the RUEAPAR, HI and RUEgrain. It is hoped that this information will be useful in improving the accuracy of crop yield simulation in large areas.
The effects of changes in the order of verbal labels and numerical values on children's scores on attitude and rating scales
Authors: Betts Lucy , Hartley James
Published: March 2011

Research with adults has shown that variations in verbal labels and numerical scale values on rating scales can affect the responses given. However, few studies have been conducted with children. The study aimed to examine potential differences in children's responses to Likert‐type rating scales according to their anchor points and scale direction and to see whether or not such differences were stable over time. A total of 130 British children, aged 9 to 11 years, completed six sets of Likert‐type rating scales, presented in four different ways varying the position of positive labels and numerical values. The results showed, both initially and 8–12 weeks later, that presenting a positive label or a high score on the left of a scale led to significantly higher mean scores than did the other variations. These findings indicate that different arrangements of rating scales can produce different results, which has clear implications for the administration of scales with children.
Learning citizenship through social participation outside and inside school: An international, multilevel study of young people's learning of citizenship
Authors: Hoskins Bryony , Janmaat Jan Germen , Villalba Ernesto
Published: March 2011

In this article we revisit and re‐analyse data from the 1999 IEA CIVED transnational study to examine the factors associated with the ways in which young people learn positive attitudes towards participation in, and knowledge and skills about democracy. Less formal learning, wherever it takes place, has recently been conceptualised as a process of social participation, and we explore its effects using Lave and Wenger's and Wenger's understanding of learning through communities of practice. This is then contrasted with the effect of the volume of civic education. The analysis shows that learning through social participation, both inside and outside school, and in particular through meaning‐making activities shows a strong positive relationship with citizenship knowledge, skills and dispositions across a wide range of countries. Moreover, it demonstrates the usefulness of situated learning theory in the field of civic learning, and its applicability in large‐scale, quantitative studies.
Effect of Precipitation Method and Ce Doping on the Catalytic Activity of Copper Manganese Oxide Catalysts for CO Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Xue-bin , Ma Kuo-yan , Zhang Ling-hui , Yong Guo-ping , Dai Ya , Liu Shao-min
Published: March 2011

The influence of Ce doping and the precipitation method on structural properties and the catalytic activity of copper manganese oxides for CO oxidation at ambient temperature have been investigated. The catalysts were characterized by means of the powder X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption, the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, the temperature programmed reduction, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra, and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that after doping little amount of Ce in copper manganese oxide, CeO2 phase was highly dispersed and could prevent sintering and aggregating of the catalyst, the size of the catalytic material was decreased, the reducibility was enhanced, the specific surface area was increased and the formation of the active sites for the oxidation of CO was improved significantly. Therefore, the activity of the rare earth promoted catalyst was enhanced remarkably.
Tight function zonula occludens-3 regulates cyclin D1–dependent cell proliferation
Authors: Capaldo Christopher T. , Koch Stefan , Kwon Michael , Laur Oskar , Parkos Charles A. , Nusrat Asma
Published: March 2011

Coordinated regulation of cell proliferation is vital for epithelial tissue homeostasis, and uncontrolled proliferation is a hallmark of carcinogenesis. A growing body of evidence indicates that epithelial tight junctions (TJs) play a role in these processes, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In this study, we identify and characterize a novel plasma membrane pool of cyclin D1 with cell-cycle regulatory functions. We have determined that the zonula occludens (ZO) family of TJ plaque proteins sequesters cyclin D1 at TJs during mitosis, through an evolutionarily conserved class II PSD-95, Dlg, and ZO-1 (PDZ)-binding motif within cyclin D1. Disruption of the cyclin D1/ZO complex through mutagenesis or siRNA-mediated suppression of ZO-3 resulted in increased cyclin D1 proteolysis and G0/G1cell-cycle retention. This study highlights an important new role for ZO family TJ proteins in regulating epithelial cell proliferation through stabilization of cyclin D1 during mitosis.
Sequential Adoption of Package Technologies: The Dynamics of Stacked Trait Corn Adoption
Authors: Aldana Ursula , Foltz Jeremy D. , Barham Bradford L. , Useche Pilar
Published: March 2011

Genetically modified corn seed companies have recently created stacked varieties which combine more than one trait. This work develops a Bayesian model that demonstrates how uncertainty with a package technology can lead to an adoption pattern in which farmers move from single trait to stacked varieties. We then develop a semi‐parametric panel data estimation to measure the effects of experience on the adoption of stacked varieties. The results underscore the importance of early experience in the subsequent adoption of stacked varieties. There is also evidence that farmers with more human capital learn faster and that, as time evolves, the importance of early experience decreases.
A Reduced‐Form Model for Dynamic Efficiency Measurement: Application to Dairy Farms in Germany and The Netherlands
Authors: Emvalomatis Grigorios , Stefanou Spiro E. , Lansink Alfons Oude
Published: March 2011

The stochastic distance function model is extended to allow for the inefficiency component of the error term to be autocorrelated, as implied by a dynamic model of firm behavior. The autocorrelation parameter can then be interpreted as a measure of the persistence of inefficiency. The model is viewed from a state‐space perspective, and Kalman filtering techniques are proposed for estimation. The model is applied to two panels of dairy farms from Germany and the Netherlands. The results suggest a very high degree of persistence of inefficiency through time.
Severe Pediatric Rumination Syndrome: Successful Interdisciplinary Inpatient Management
Authors: Green Alex D , Alioto Anthony , Mousa Hayat , Di Lorenzo Carlo
Published: March 2011

Background:

Rumination syndrome is a condition that occurs when people constantly regurgitate and expel or reswallow food soon after they eat. The most severe cases of rumination syndrome can be debilitating, requiring total parenteral nutrition or enteral tube feedings. We report our experience with the treatment of children with severe rumination syndrome.

Patients and Methods:

Five patients with severe rumination syndrome received a novel inpatient interdisciplinary approach, which involved pediatric psychology, pediatric gastroenterology, clinical nutrition, child life, therapeutic recreation, and massage therapy.

Results:

Inpatient hospitalization lasted between 9 and 13 days. The treatment was successful in all 5 of the patients. They left with complete caloric intake orally.

Conclusions:

This treatment protocol could benefit pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatricians, and child psychologists in managing both standard and severe cases of rumination syndrome.
Interleukin-7 matures suppressive CD127+ forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells into CD127- CD25high FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Di Caro V , D'Anneo A , Phillips B , Engman C , Harnaha J , Lakomy R , Styche A , Trucco M , Giannoukakis N
Published: March 2011

We have identified a novel interleukin (IL)-7-responsive T cell population [forkhead box P3 (FoxP3+) CD4+ CD25+ CD127+] that is comparably functionally suppressive to conventional FoxP3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Although IL-2 is the most critical cytokine for thymic development of FoxP3+ Tregs, in the periphery other cytokines can be compensatory. CD25+ CD127+ T cells treated with IL-7 phenotypically ‘matured’ into the known ‘classical’ FoxP3+ CD4+ CD25highCD127- FoxP3+ Tregs. In freshly isolated splenocytes, the highest level of FoxP3 expression was found in CD127+ CD25+ T cells when compared with CD127- CD25+ or CD127+ CD25- cells. IL-7 treatment of CD4+ CD25+ T cells induced an increase in the accumulation of FoxP3 in the nucleus in vitro. IL-7-mediated CD25 cell surface up-regulation was accompanied by a concurrent down-regulation of CD127 in vitro. IL-7 treatment of the CD127+ CD25+ FoxP3+ cells also resulted in up-regulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 without any changes in CD45RA at the cell surface. Collectively, these data support emerging evidence that FoxP3+ T cells expressing CD127 are comparably functionally suppressive to CD25+ CD127- FoxP3+ T cells. This IL-7-sensitive regulation of FoxP3+ Treg phenotype could underlie one peripheral non-IL-2-dependent compensatory mechanism of Treg survival and functional activity, particularly for adaptive Tregs in the control of autoimmunity or suppression of activated effector T cells.
Dextran sulphate sodium increases splenic Gr1+CD11b+ cells which accelerate recovery from colitis following intravenous transplantation
Authors: Zhang R , Ito S , Nishio N , Cheng Z , Suzuki H , Isobe K-I
Published: March 2011

While Gr1+CD11b+ cells are known to regulate immune responses and accumulate in most cancer tissues, the function of Gr1+CD11b+ cells in inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated the role of Gr1+CD11b+ cells in a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-treated mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC). C57BL/6 mice were treated with 2% DSS in drinking water for 5 days. Disease progression and recovery were assessed by body weight, disease activity index score (DAI) score and colon length. Splenic Gr1+CD11b+ cell number was greatly increased during the recovery phase of DSS-induced colitis. DSS-derived splenic Gr1+CD11b+ cells were administered intravenously to recipient (C57BL/6) mice during the early phase of DSS treatment. The transplanted splenic DSS-induced Gr1+CD11b+ cells improved DSS-induced colitis and promoted efficient colonic mucosal healing. We found that the CD11b+ single positive cells increased in the course of DSS-induced colitis in lamina propria. The transplantation of splenic Gr1+CD11b+ cells induced feedback suppression of myeloid-lineage cell development. Namely, the transplantation of splenic Gr1+CD11b+ cells greatly suppressed the migration of CD11b+ single positive cells to the lamina propria. Further, transplantation of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells greatly suppressed the increase of the same population, especially during the late phase of DSS colitis both in spleen and bone marrow.
High temperature reduces apple fruit colour via modulation of the anthocyanin regulatory complex
Authors: LIN‐WANG KUI , MICHELETTI DIEGO , PALMER JOHN , VOLZ RICHARD , LOZANO LIDIA , ESPLEY RICHARD , HELLENS ROGER P. , CHAGNÈ DAVID , ROWAN DARYL D. , TROGGIO MICHELA , IGLESIAS IGNASI , ALLAN ANDREW C.
Published: March 2011

The biosynthesis of anthocyanin in many plants is affected by environmental conditions. In apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), concentrations of fruit anthocyanins are lower under hot climatic conditions. We examined the anthocyanin accumulation in the peel of maturing ‘Mondial Gala’ and ‘Royal Gala’ apples, grown in both temperate and hot climates, and using artificial heating of on‐tree fruit. Heat caused a dramatic reduction of both peel anthocyanin concentration and transcripts of the genes of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Heating fruit rapidly reduced expression of the R2R3 MYB transcription factor (MYB10) responsible for coordinative regulation for red skin colour, as well as expression of other genes in the transcriptional activation complex. A single night of low temperatures is sufficient to elicit a large increase in transcription of MYB10 and consequently the biosynthetic pathway. Candidate genes that can repress anthocyanin biosynthesis did not appear to be responsible for reductions in anthocyanin content. We propose that temperature‐induced regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis is primarily caused by altered transcript levels of the activating anthocyanin regulatory complex.
Distribution of canker lesions on the surface of diseased grapefruit
Authors: Bock C. H. , Gottwald T. R. , Parker P. E.
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the distribution of citrus canker lesions (caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri) on the surface of grapefruits, and provide evidence for splash‐driven infection of fruit. Based on fruit diameter, each fruit was sliced in four by taking three horizontal planes across the vertical axis such that each horizontal zone (Z1–Z4, from peduncle to flower scar) had the same vertical height. Each zone had equal surface area. Lesion number was counted on each zone of the fruit. Although lesion number among fruits was variable, both lesion number and percentage of total lesions showed a decline from the uppermost zone (lesion number: 10·5, 7·0, 3·4 and 2·4; percentage: 44·6, 30·5, 14·4 and 10·5 on Z1–Z4, respectively). General linear modelling (GLM) using a Poisson distribution with a log‐link function demonstrated a significant effect of zone and cultivar on lesion number, and significant differences between all zones and both cultivars. An analysis of covariance showed no effect of lesion number on fruit size, although cultivars differed in total lesion count. Canker‐susceptible citrus fruit is susceptible for a prolonged period after fruit set and minimizing inoculum and reducing wind speed and splash, and use of copper sprays during that period, will help reduce disease on fruit, particularly on the upper surfaces that appear to be more prone to infection.
Sex‐ratio variation and maternal investment in relation to social environment among farmed silver‐fox vixens (Vulpes vulpes) of high competition capacity
Authors: Bakken M.
Published: March 2011

The sex ratio and body weights of offspring from 13 non‐infanticidal farmed silver‐fox vixens of high‐competition capacity (HCC), reared under two different neighbouring conditions, were measured. Seven vixens had other HCC vixens as neighbours, whereas the other group had neighbouring vixens of low‐competition capacity (LCC). The vixens with LCC neighbours gave birth to and weaned more cubs, with a significantly higher proportion of males (73%), and female cubs of a relatively better quality at 30 days of age (female cubs on average 11 g heavier than their brothers), than the vixens with HCC neighbours (31% males, female cubs on average 79 g lighter than their brothers). This study indicates sex‐ratio regulation in relation to social environment among farmed silver‐fox vixens of high‐competition capacity. The results are discussed in relation to the future behavioural and reproductive consequences for the female cubs.

Variabilität des Geschlechtsverhältnisses und maternaler Investition in Bezug zur sozialen Umwelt von Farm‐Silberfuchsweibchen (Vulpes vulpes) starker Wettbewerbskapazität.

Geschlechtsverhältnis und Körpergewicht von Nachkommen von 13 nicht‐infantiziden Silberfüchsinnnen starker Wettbewerbskapazität (ACC) wurden unter zwei unterschiedlichen Nachbarverhältnissen beobachtet. Insgesamt sieben Füchsinnen hatten ander HCC Füchsinnen als Nachbarn, während bei der anderen Gruppe die benachbarten Weibchen geringe Wettbewerbskapazität (LCC) gezeigt hatten. Letztere hatten größere Würfe und setzten mehr Junge ab mit signifikant höherem Anteil von männlichen (73%) und die weiblichen Jungen hatten relativ bessere Qualität bei 30 Tagen Alter (11 g schwerer als ihre Brüder). Füchsinnen mit HCC Nachbarn (31% männlich, weibliche Junge im Durchschnitt 79 g leichter als ihre Brüder) zeigten deutlich schlechtere Muttereigenschaften. Die Untersuchung weist auf Geschlechtsverhältnisregulationen in Bezug zur sozialen Umwelt von Silberfuchsweibchen hoher Wettbewerbskapazität. Ergebnisse werden in Bezug gesetzt zu zukünftigem Verhalten und zu reproduktiven Konsequenzen für die weiblichen Jungen.
Derivation of economic weights for carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle from field records
Authors: Hirooka Hiroyuki , Sasaki Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2011

Economic weights for carcass traits of 5333 Japanese Black steers each month were derived from April 1988 to December 1990 by multiple regression analysis. The carcass traits considered were marbling score (BMS No.), rib‐eye area, rib thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness. Two economic variables were adopted as aggregate genotype (i.e. breeding objectives): carcass unit price (yen/kg carcass) and carcass sale price (yen/head). The economic weight for marbling score increased from 1988 to 1990, indicating that the relative economic importance of marbling score increased during the 3 years in Japan. Correlations among two indices calculated from different economic weights (i.e. a maximum value versus a minimum value of each trait) were very high, whichever economic variable was adopted.

The results indicated that the effect of variation in the economic weights on efficiency of selection might be quite small under field conditions. Furthermore, differences between the standard selection index with economic weights and a desired gains selection index were calculated using genetic parameters from the literature and the economic weights derived in this study. It is concluded that the use of the standard selection index with economic weights may be more practical for the improvement of carcass traits of the Japanese Black, because the economic weights can be derived from field data, breeding objectives of farmers may differ from those of breeders and there is little effect of variation of economic weights on selection efficiency in Japan.

Ableitung wirtschaftlicher Gewichte für Schlachtkörpermerkmale bei Japanischen Schwarzen Rindern aus Felddaten

Die wirtschaftlicher Gewichte wurden an Schlachtkörpern von 5333 Ochsen der Japanischen Schwarzen Rasse abgeleitet, Multiple Regressionsanalyse wurde an dem zwischen April 1988 und Dezember 1990 angefallenem Material angewendet. Berücksichtigte Merkamele waren Marmorierungsstärke (BMS), Rückenmuskelfläche, Rippenmuskeldicke und subkutane Fettdicke. Zuchtziele, also aggregierter Genotyp, waren Preis pro Kg Schlachtkörper oder Schlachtkörperwert. Die wirtschafliche Bedeutung der Marmorierung nahm von 1988 bis 1990 zu. Korrelationen wurden zwischen Indices geschätzt, wo die Bedeutung eines Merkmals einmal maximal, das andere mal minimal war (höchster bzw. niedrigster Preis in den 33 Monaten der Untersuchungszeit). Die Korrelation waren eng, d.h. die im Laufe des Untersuchungszeitraumes auftretenden Preisschwankungen haben wenig Wirkung auf einen Index. Es wurde auch ein “erwünschter genetischer Fortschritt” Index unter Verwendung von Literaturwerten erstellt, dessen Korrelation mit den optimalen Indices deutlich niedriger war. Es wird daraus geschlossen, daß ein Standard Selektionsindex mit realen wirtschaftlichen Gewichten vorzuziehen ist, da die wirtschaftlichen Gewichte von Bauern sich von denen der Züchter unterscheiden dürften und die Preisschwankungen relativ geringfügig sich auf Selektionseffizienz durch den Index auswirken.
Properties of a Bayesian approach to detect QTL compared to the flanking markers regression method
Authors: Scheler P. , Mangin B. , Goffinet B. , Roy P. Le , Boichard D. , Elsen J. M.
Published: March 2011

A Bayesian approach to map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) is compared to the flanking markers regression method (asymptotically equivalent to the traditional Interval Mapping method) using simulated backcross data. The main part consists of a comparison of the properties for a one QTL model. The Bayesian approach gives less biases and more accurate estimates of the genetic effect and significance thresholds close to χ2 quantiles when the number of individuals and markers become large. The behaviour of both approaches in the case of two linked QTL is mentioned.

Eigenschaften eines BAYES Ansatz zur QTL Identifikation im Vergleich zur flankierende Marker Regressions‐Methode.

Der Bayes Ansatz zur Kartierung von Quantitativen Merkmals Loci (QTL) wurde mittels simulierter Rückkreuzungsdaten mit der Flankierenden Marker Regressionsmethode (asymptotisch äquivalent mit der traditionellen Intervall Markierung) verglichen. Es werden hauptsächlich die Eigenschaften für ein ein‐QTL Modell geprüft. Der Bayes Ansatz ergibt weniger verzerrte und genauere Schätz‐werte der genetischen Wirkung und Signifikanz Schwellen nahe den χ2 Quantilen bei großen Individuen und Marker Zahlen. Die Eigenschaften beider Ansätze im Falle von zwei gekoppelten QTL werden erwähnt.
Asymmetries and heterosis of bilateral traits in parental lines of chickens and their F1 crosses
Authors: Yang A. , Siegel P. B.
Published: March 2011

Asymmetries and heterosis of bilateral traits were measured in two lines of White Leghorns selected for high (HH) or low (LL) antibody response 5 days after an injection with 0.1 ml of 0.25% suspension of sheep red blood cells and their reciprocal crosses. The bilateral traits were 39‐day shank length and length and weight of the first primary wing feather. Shank length was again measured on day 49 while body, lung, shank, and heart weights and caeca lengths were obtained on day 56. Heterosis was positive for organ sizes and negative for the degree of bilateral asymmetry. Sums of bilateral asymmetries were lower for crosses than their parental lines which, like heterosis, reflected their greater biological and developmental stability and fitness.

Asymmetrie und Heterosis bilateraler Merkmale in Reinzuchtlinien und ihren F1 Kreuzungen

Die beiden Weße Leghorn Linien waren für hohe (HH) und niedrige (LL) Antikörperreaktion 5 Tage nach Injektion von 0.1 ml einer 0.25%‐igen Suspension von Schaferythrozyten selektiert worden. Die bilateralen Merkmale waren 39‐Tage Schenkellänge und Länge und Gewicht der ersten Primärflügelfeder. Schenkellänge wurde wieder am Tag 49 gemessen und Körper‐, Lungen‐, Schenkel‐ und Herzgewichte am Tag 56 genommen ebenso wie Coecumlängen. Organgrößen zeigten positive, Grad bilateraler Asymmetrie aber negative Heterosiswerte. Summen bilateraler Asymmetrien waren bei Kreuzungen geringer als beiden Elternlinien, was wie die Heterosis Stabilität während Entwicklung und höhere Fitness zeigt.
Population study on the inheritance of Lac‐Z gene in transgenic mice
Authors: Kownacki M. , Sobczyńska M. , Zwierzchowski L.
Published: March 2011

Two populations were created, one experimental, descended from transgenic (bacterial Lac‐Z gene) founder males and the second control, descended from nontransgenic males. The transgenic and nontransgenic males were mated to females obtained from a population mated at random over many generations. In each population and each generation, body weight at the age of 21 and 42 days, weight gains, fertility and prolificacy — litter size at birth, at the age of 21 and 42 days were examined. In the experimental population the frequency of transgenic animals was calculated. In the seventh generation the frequency of transgenic animals was 30%. The results presented here indicate that for most of the traits examined, descendants of transgenic males proved to be of poorer quality than those with nontransgenic sires. The results suggest that the transgenic genotype of the dam has a negative effect on the growth traits. The fertility of both transgenic and nontransgenic animals was high and amounted to nearly 100%.

Eine experimentelle Population ausgehend von transgenen (bakter. Lac‐Z Gen) Gründer‐Vätern und eine Kontrolle, von Nicht‐transgenen Vätern stammend, wurden erstellt. Männchen wurden über 7 Generationen an Weibchen aus einer panmiktischen Population gepaart und in jeder Generation Körpergewicht bei 21 bzw. 42 Tagen, Zuwachs, Fruchtbarkeit und Wurfgröße bei Geburt, 21 und 42 Tagen erhoben. In Generation 7 war die Frequenz transgener Tiers 30%. Nacuhkommen transgener Vatertiere hatten geringere Leistungen als jene nicht‐transgener Väter. Der transgene Genotyp von Muttertieren wirkte sich ungünstig auf Wachstum aus. Fruchtbarkeit aller Tiere war zufrieden stellend.
Gene action of the oMt1a‐oGH transgene in two lines of mice with distinct selection backgrounds*
Authors: Siewerdt F. , Eisen E. J. , Conrad‐Brink J. S. , Murray J. D.
Published: March 2011

Ten transgenic (sheep metallothionein 1a‐sheep growth hormone transgene, oMt1a‐oGH) homozygous male mice were mated to females of two lines with distinct selection backgrounds. Inter se matings yielded F2 mice in each line: selected background and control background. Genotypes with respect to the transgene insert were obtained in all mice. Weekly body weights were taken. Males were dissected at 8 weeks of age and fat pads and organs were weighed. Females were mated at 10 weeks; reproductive data were collected on the 16th day after detection of a copulatory plug. Gene action on body, fat pads and organs weights showed dominance effects. The oMt1a‐oGH transgene caused body and organ weights to increase and fat pad weights to reduce. No unfavourable effects of the transgene insert were found on reproductive traits. Results indicate that incorporation of the oMt1a‐oGH in populations of mice should be successful.

Dix mâles souris, homozygotes pour le oMt1a‐oGH (mouton métallothionein 1a‐mouton hormone de croissance) ont été accouplés aux femelles de deus lignées avec différents fonds de sélection. Inter se accouplés ont rendu F2 souris dans chaque lignée: sélectionnée et contrôle. Les génotypes en ce qui concerne le transgène ont été mésurés dans tous les souris. Poids corporeles ont été obtenus chaque semaine. Les mâles ont été disséqués à huit semaines; dépôts adipaux et orgues ont été pesés. Les femelles ont été accouplés à dix semaines; données de reproduction ont été assemblés au seizième jour après la détéction d'un tampon de copulation. Dominance a été l'action génique sur le poids corporel, dépôts adipaux et orgues. Le transgène a augmenté les poids corporels et les poids des orgues mais il a réduit les poids des dépôts adipaux. Pas d'effects défavourables on été trouvés dans les caractères reproductives. Les résultats indiquent que l'incorporation du oMt1a‐oGH transgène dans populations de souris pourrai réussir.

Genwirkung bei oMt1a‐oGH Transgenen in zwei Mäuselinien mit unterschiedlichem Selektionshintergrund

Zehn transgene (Schaf Metallothionein 1a‐Schaf Wachstumshormon, oMt1a‐oGH) homozypote Mäuseböcke wurde an Weibchen zweier Linien unterschiedlichen Selektionshintergrundes gepaart. Inter se Paarungen resultierten in F2 Mäusen mit Selektions bzw. Kontrollhintergrund. Alle Genotypen bezüglich des Transgeninserts wurden festgestellt. Gewichte wurden wöchentlich erhoben, Männchen im Alter von 8 Wochen seziert und Fettpolster unf Organgewichte bestimmt. Weibchen wurden im Alter von 10 Wochen gepaart und Reproduktionsdaten am 16. Tag nach Erscheinen des Kopulationspfropfen erhoben. Bei Körper‐, Fettpfropfen und Orangewichten zeigten sich Dominanzwirkungen. Das oMt1a‐oGH Transgen steigert Körper und Organgewichte und reduziert jenes des Fettpfropfens. Es zeigt keine ungünstigen Wirkungen auf Reproduktion, sodaß seine Einführung in Mäusepopulationen erfolgreich sein sollte.
Verification of horse maternal lineage based on derived mitochondrial DNA sequence
Authors: Bowling A. T. , Del Valle A. , Bowling M.
Published: March 2011

Extensive pedigree records in stud books characterize many horse breeds and are a resource for scientific studies, for example testing the conservation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleotide sequence through extended generations. This study showed that even without access to biological material from the horses in question, analysis of mtDNA sequence in tail‐female relatives can be used to derive haplotypes and test alternative dam possibilities. DNA sequence of the D‐loop hypervariable region was obtained from fragments generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of mtDNA from peripheral blood samples. PCR primers for the hyperviable region of the D‐loop between tRNAPro and the large central conserved sequence block were designed based on published horse sequence. Horses tracing to the same tail‐female lines had identical DNA sequences, despite separation from common maternal ancestors by more than 80 years and by pedigree loops of up to 17 generations.

Bestätigung von Mutterstutenlinien durch mitochondriale DNS Sequenzen

Die umfangreichen Abstammungsaufzeichnungen von Stutbüchern erlauben die Prüfung der Konservierung mitochondrialer DNA (mtDNA) Nukleotidsequenzen durch viele Generationen. Die Untersuchung zeigt, daß ohne Prüfung des biologischen Materials der fraglichen Stuten ihre Haplotypen durch Analyse der mtDNA Sequenzen entfernter Nachkommen abgeleitet und alternative Möglichkeitne geprüft werden können. Die DNA Sequenzen der D‐Schleifen der hypervariablen Region wurde von Fragmenten nach PCR Amplifikation aus peripheren Blutproben ermittelt. Die PCR primer zwischen tRNAPro und der großen zentralen konservierten Sequenz wurden aus publizierten Pferde Sequenzen konstruiert. Pferde derselben Stutenlinien hatten identische Sequenzen, trotz eines Abstandes von bis zu 17 Generation und 80 Jahren.
Environmental limit to genetic change. An alternative theorem of natural selection
Authors: Beilharz R. G.
Published: March 2011

Interest in molecular biology and cloning of animals is high. It is widely predicted that biotechnological improvements will revolutionize animal production on farms. The environment, as a constraint, is usually ignored. Yet, as organisms need environmental resources to live, there must come a point above which the genetically improved animals are no longer economically sustainable in farm environments. This recognition may be more important than ethical questions about biotechnology. This paper presents a fundamental theorem about natural selection and ‘improvement’ of organisms. This shows that, in evolution and on farms, the environment usually limits organisms and that, as a direct consequence, ‘improvement of genotypes’ beyond this limit is pointless, and does not occur in evolution.

Umwelt als limitierende Grenze der genetischen Verbesserung. Ein alternatives Theorem der Natürlichen Selektion

Grosses Interesse an Biotechnologie führt zu der Erwartung daß Tierproduktion sich revolutionär verändern wird. Die Umwelt, als Hemmfaktor, wird generell übersehen. Trotzdem brauchen Tiere Ressourcen aus der Umwelt um zu leben. Andauernde genetische Verbesserung bringt Tiere unausweichlich zu dem Niveau über welchem sie nicht mehr wirtschaftlich haltbar sein werden in der kommerziellen Tierproducktion. Diese Erkenntnis ist wahrscheinlich wichtiger als ethische Fragen über Anwendung der Biotechnologie an Tieren. Diese Arbeit bringt ein fundamentales Theorem über natürliche Selektion und “Verbesserung” von Organismen. Dieses zeigt daß, in der Evolution und in landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben, die Umwelt normalerweise Grenzen setzt für Organismen. Als direkte Folge ist die “Verbesserung der Genotypen”über solche Grenzen hinaus zwecklos, und kommt auch in der Evolution nicht vor.
Prognostic importance of fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with low alpha‐fetoprotein
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kobayashi Sayo , Takayama Hiroki , Toshimori Junichi , Kuwaki Kenji , Hagihara Hiroaki , Onishi Hideki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Ikeda Fusao , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Kobashi Haruhiko , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim:  Fucosylated alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3) is known to be a marker of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it has been difficult to measure AFP‐L3 under low AFP (≤ 20 ng/mL). The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of AFP‐L3 in HCC patients with low AFP conditions.

Methods:  One hundred and ninety six consecutive newly developed HCC patients with low AFP (≤ 20 ng/mL) were examined for serum AFP‐L3 expression by a newly‐developed micro‐total analysis system that could stably measure AFP‐L3 in low AFP circumstances, and its clinical importance was analyzed.

Results:  Positivity of AFP‐L3 in HCC patients was 13.3% at a cut‐off level of 10%. Five‐year survivals of HCC patients with AFP‐L3 (< 10%) and AFP‐L3 (≥ 10%) were 69.4% and 41.1%, respectively (P = 0.001). Among 18 clinical parameters, low alanine aminotransferase, large tumor size, presence of portal vein tumor thrombus, high AFP and high des‐gamma carboxy prothrombin were observed in the high AFP‐L3 (≥ 10%) group. Multivariate analysis revealed that high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (risk ratio [RR] = 3.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–8.26), the presence of ascites (RR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.22–9.34), multiple tumor number (RR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.33–7.17), and high AFP‐L3 (RR = 8.36, 95% CI = 2.79–25.5) were risk factors for survival. High AFP‐L3 was also a risk factor for survival in HCC patients who received radiofrequency ablation (P = 0.048).

Conclusions:  AFP‐L3 is a strong prognostic factor for survival even in HCC patients with low AFP (≤ 20 ng/mL).