bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transposons for insect transformation.
Authors: O'Brochta D. A. , George K. , Xu HanFu Xu HanFu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief review of the characteristics and properties of transposable elements that have been shown to be active in insects and upon which various genetic technologies have been assembled, followed by a brief description of those technologies and where they have been applied in insect biology. DNA transposons have proven to be versatile molecular machines with robust capabilities for carrying transgenes into genomes, and have become indispensable for the functional genomics of insects.
Transposon-based technologies for insects.
Authors: O'Brochta D. A. , George K. , Xu HanFu Xu HanFu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

To illustrate the diverse uses of DNA transposons in insects, this chapter reviews the existing transposon-based technologies and their current ranges of application within insects. These techniques include mutagenesis, germ-line transformation, modular expression systems, cell/genetic ablation, transgene mis-expression, transgenic gene silencing, site-specific recombination, and use of genetic sensors.
Sex-, tissue- and stage-specific transgene expression.
Authors: Hammond A. M. , Nolan T. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Regulated transgene expression is critical for the development of novel insect control strategies and also for experiments aimed to improve our understanding of insect biology. This chapter describes research aimed at discovering components that regulate sex-, tissue- and stage-specific expression, emphasizing mosquitoes, and illustrates these with examples on how this knowledge has been utilized to influence transgene expression.
Docking systems for site-directed transgene integration.
Authors: Eggleston P. , Meredith J. M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This paper focuses on the deployment of docking systems in non-drosophilid insects, making reference to work on D. melanogaster where appropriate. Some protocols developed for Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes are presented. The two phases of site-specific transgenesis are explained. In phase 1, a conventional transposon (such as piggyBac) is used to introduce a docking site for the site-specific recombinase. Subsequently, phase 2 transformation involves the insertion of a transgene specifically at the docking site, mediated by the recombinase.
Antipathogen effector molecules: current and future strategies.
Authors: Riehle M. A. , Luckhart S. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

The idea of replacing natural insect vector populations with genetically engineered ones that are incapable of transmitting important disease pathogens was first envisioned nearly 25 years ago by Curtis and Graves. For such an approach to be successful 3 key technologies are needed: (i) methods for genetic transformation of mosquitoes; (ii) identification of effector molecules that can block pathogen invasion or development; and (iii) identification of mechanisms for distributing effector molecules through vector populations in endemic areas. This chapter examines effectors against Plasmodium spp. and a few other pathogens as well as strategies to block dengue virus replication that have been identified to date. It also explores new potential targets and strategies that could both block pathogen development and improve vector fitness to enhance the effectiveness of population replacement with refractory vectors.
Sexual sterilization of mosquitoes.
Authors: Gabrieli P. , Marois E. , Catteruccia F. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This chapter discusses how genetic sterility can be induced by transgenic methods in mosquitoes, with a focus on Anopheles gambiae. It examines mechanisms for inducing sterility that have already been identified or that represent promising targets, and reviews current research on genetic sterility in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In the last section, this chapter discusses how some of the most promising gene engineering technologies can be utilized to introduce the desired mutations in the mosquito genome.
Paratransgenesis in mosquitoes and other insects: microbial ecology and bacterial genetic considerations.
Authors: Lampe D. J. , Bongio N. J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

In principle, it should be possible to modify the vector phenotype to prevent disease transmission in 2 ways: by modifying the genotype through transgenesis (i.e. adding or removing genes in the genome) or by modifying some aspect of the vector's internal environment. For vector insects, the environments in question are the tissues and structures necessary for pathogen replication and transmission. Very often these environments are co-colonized by symbiotic microorganisms. Manipulation of these microorganisms can lead to a change in the pathogen transmission phenotype of the insect. Changing the phenotype in this way is called paratransgenesis. This chapter covers efforts to implement paratransgenesis in mosquitoes and focuses mainly on efforts to control malaria. It examines the microbial ecology of mosquitoes relevant to paratransgenesis and bacterial genetic tools that may prove useful in creating paratransgenic bacterial strains suitable for release in the field. Although the examples used will emphasize mosquitoes, the methods should be generally applicable to paratransgenesis for other vectors of plant and animal diseases.
Asaia paratransgenesis in mosquitoes.
Authors: Favia G. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

The finding of the strict ecological association between the bacterial genus Asaia (Family Acetobacteraceae) and mosquitoes has opened up possibilities for the paratransgenic control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Paratransgenesis is the genetic engineering of a microorganism associated with its insect host. Asaia is circulating among several mosquito species, infecting the majority of the members of a population if not all. Furthermore, it infects all the developmental stages and several anatomical features thus offering the possibility of using this bacterium for innovative mosquito control strategies. Particularly strategic for the paratransgenic control of malaria, gut microbiota is very relevant since the most vulnerable stage of Plasmodium development in the mosquito occurs within this organ. This chapter reviews available research evidence supporting the feasibility of using transgenic Asaia to control mosquito-borne diseases. It also highlights the capability of Asaia spp. to cross-colonize insects of different genera and orders.
RIDL: modelling release of insects carrying a dominant lethal.
Authors: Alphey N. , Bonsall M. B. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL) technology in achieving a version of sterility using genetic engineering rather than sterilizing radiation or chemosterilization. The importance of mathematical models in the development and assessment of this new genetics-based approach in insect pest control is also discussed.
Risk analysis and the regulation of transgenic insects.
Authors: Beech C. , Miller T. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the evaluation of the potential benefits and harms that transgenic insects could bring to human health and the environment. The environmental risks associated with the introduction of large numbers of mass-reared insects and specific risks that may be associated with the process of genetic modification are due to the release of genetically engineered insects into the environment are also discussed.
The Cartagena protocol on the transboundary movement of living modified organisms: the regulation of trade in transgenic organisms under international and European environmental law.
Authors: Pereira R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

This chapter assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the present international legal framework involving the transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms. It also draws some insights into the extent to which international law framework for the transboundary movement of living modified organisms is capable of dealing with the legal challenges surrounding the movement of transgenic mosquitoes.
Structure and molecular characterization of barley nudix hydrolase genes
Authors: Tanaka Sayuri , Kihara Makoto , Sugimoto Manabu 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Putative nudix hydrolase (NUDX) genes, which encode amino acid sequences showing homology with those of Arabidopsis NUDXs and conserve nudix motif, were identified from barley. The 14 deduced barley NUDXs (HvNUDX1-14) were classified into established subfamilies, except for 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate (8-oxo-dGTP) pyrophosphohydrolase and mRNA decapping enzyme subfamilies, and three substrate-unknown subfamilies. Drought and UV-C stresses, respectively, up-regulated 7 and 4 HvNUDX genes, but some homologs of Arabidopsis NUDXs showed different responses to abiotic stress. HvNUDX12 gene, belonging to diadenosine tetraphosphates (Ap4A) pyrophosphohydrolase subfamily gene and up-regulated by UV-C, was expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant protein showed 8-oxo-dGTP, Ap4A, and guanosine-3′,5′-tetraphosphate (ppGpp) pyrophosphohydrolase activities, and the suppression of the lacZ amber mutation in a mutT-deficient E. coli cells caused by the incorporation of 8-oxo-GTP into mRNA was prevented to a significant degree. These results suggest that barley NUDXs have unique constitution and response of NUDX to abiotic stress.
Subject to Address in a Digital Literacy Initiative: Neoliberal Agency and the Promises and Predicaments of Participation
Authors: LaDousa Chaise 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBakhtin’s concept of addressivity affords an investigation of why my students and I were frustrated by the seeming lack of a connection between our participation in a self-tutorial in preparation for a digital literacy initiative, on the one hand, and the benefits of the acquisition of digital literacy, on the other hand. More than one structure of addressivity emerged from the tutorial, such that my students and I found the one that provided clues to the benefits of digital literacy utterly irrelevant to the completion of the self-tutorial and future tutorials. Structures of addressivity identified herein demonstrate that the individuals involved in the self-tutorial are not poised to benefit from interdiscursive ties beyond the self-tutorial and future tutorials. Such benefits are relegated to organizations. This article thus locates what has been identified as neoliberal agency within the addressivity structures that underpin a digital literacy initiative.
Understanding Practice: Factors That Influence Physician Hand Hygiene Compliance
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Linklater Stefanie , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Graham Ian D. , Sullivan Katrina , Bruce Natalie , Gartke Kathleen , Karovitch Alan , Roth Virginia , Stockton Karen , Trickett John , Worthington Jim , Suh Kathryn N. 
Published: November 2014

Objective.To identify the behavioral determinants—both barriers and enablers—that may impact physician hand hygiene compliance.Design.A qualitative study involving semistructured key informant interviews with staff physicians and residents.Setting.An urban, 1,100-bed multisite tertiary care Canadian hospital.Participants.A total of 42 staff physicians and residents in internal medicine and surgery.Methods.Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was based on the theoretical domains framework (TDF), a behavior change framework comprised of 14 theoretical domains that explain health-related behavior change. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis involving a systematic 3-step approach: coding, generation of specific beliefs, and identification of relevant TDF domains.Results.Similar determinants were reported by staff physicians and residents and between medicine and surgery. A total of 53 specific beliefs from 9 theoretical domains were identified as relevant to physician hand hygiene compliance. The 9 relevant domains were knowledge; skills; beliefs about capabilities; beliefs about consequences; goals; memory, attention, and decision processes; environmental context and resources; social professional role and identity; and social influences.Conclusions.We identified several key determinants that physicians believe influence whether and when they practice hand hygiene at work. These beliefs identify potential individual, team, and organization targets for behavior change interventions to improve physician hand hygiene compliance.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(12):1511–1520
The Effect of Preoperative Skin Preparation Products on Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Young Heather L. , Reese Sara , Knepper Bryan , Miller Amber , Mauffrey Cyril , Price Connie S. 
Published: November 2014

Skin preparation products contribute to surgical site infection (SSI) prevention. In a case-control study, diabetes was associated with increased SSI (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.74 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–27.0]), while the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) plus isopropyl alcohol versus CHG alone was found to be protective (adjusted OR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.12–6.20]).Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;35(12):1535–1538
Airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging to help assess impacts of stationary fishing gear on the north Brazilian mangrove coast
Authors: Krumme Uwe , Giarrizzo Tommaso , Pereira Rodolfo , de Jesus Allan Jamesson Silva , Schaub Christoph , Saint-Paul Ulrich 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Assessing artisanal fishing effort and catches in remote tropical coastal areas is a continuous challenge for fisheries data collection. This is the first spatio-temporal analysis of the large tidal weir (LTW) fishery operating on intertidal sand banks along the world’s longest mangrove coast, north Brazil. Airborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images and aerial photos were integrated with field sampling to investigate catch and discard compositions of seven LTW during the main fishing season. LTW measurements on the SAR images were used to generate estimates on daily catch, wood extraction, and sand accumulation. In a coastal stretch of 67 km, 793 LTW were identified on SAR images from 2004, including 573 active LTW. The number of active LTW in Taperaçú Bay and Caeté Bay had increased from 87 in 1998 to 132 in 2004 (52% increase), and from 92 to 202 (106% increase), respectively. Sixty-five fish species from 24 families were captured in the LTW. Ariidae, Sciaenidae, Haemulidae, and Carangidae accounted for 45, 20, 10, and 7% of the total sampled catch weight of 3441 kg, respectively. The mean daily catch per LTW was 110 kg ± 9 SE. Total discards in outer estuarine LTW were &gt;3 times higher than in inner estuarine LTW. All Aspredinidae, Belonidae, Tetraodontidae, and Trichiuridae, and &gt;75% of Auchenipteridae, Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Ephippidae, Loricariidae, Scombridae, and Soleidae were discarded. The LTW fishery apparently practices balanced harvesting; however, the massive LTW increase suggests fishing effort reduction to moderate levels. Mangrove wood extraction for LTW construction (22 835 m3 or 855 390 trees) and sand accumulation (144 802 m3) likely have only local scale effects, negligible for the overall ecosystem dynamics. The study highlights the potential of SAR images for use in fisheries data collection and management of tropical coasts, emphasizing the need for integration with ground-truthing field studies.
Seasonality of strandings and bycatch of harbour porpoises in the Sea of Azov: the effects of fisheries, weather conditions, and life history
Authors: Vishnyakova Karina , Gol'din Pavel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this study, we analyse seasonal aspects of harbour porpoise strandings in the Sea of Azov and discuss factors affecting the stranding rate. Data on 633 strandings were obtained from monitoring of a 35-km long area of the south coast of the Sea of Azov in 1999–2013. A distinct peak of strandings fell in July and August: it depended on the bycatch peak and calving season. Stranding rates depended neither on weather conditions nor on the seasonal fishing activities (including IUU fisheries). Moreover, stranding peaks in the neighbouring Black Sea were also tied to the calving season rather than to the fishing activities. We suggest that the seasonal mortality patterns are indirectly determined by nutritional stress: in Atlantic, winter-stranding oceanic populations and summer-stranding inner-sea populations occur that also possibly differ in the seasonal dynamics of body mass, weaning time or duration of mother–calf association, and dentine structure. In a typical summer-stranding population, summer is the season of nutritional stress, parturition, independent foraging of yearlings and lactation of nursing females, which leads to the risky foraging behaviour near gillnets. Another possible factor of increased bycatch is the seasonal habitat preference, corresponding to the gillnet preferences. Therefore, stranding and bycatch seasonality of porpoises can largely be explained by the aspects of their life history and foraging behaviour rather than by weather conditions and fisheries. This supports the time–area closure strategy as an adequate conservation measure, which would consider minimizing the conflict of interest with fisheries.
Role of Spinal CXCL1 (GROα) in Opioid Tolerance
Authors: Lin Chih-Peng , Kang Kai-Hsiang , Lin Tzu-Hung , Wu Ming-Yueh , Liou Houng-Chi , Chuang Woei-Jer , Sun Wei-Zen , Fu Wen-Mei 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract
In human cancer patients as well as rats, chronic opioid administration causes the enhanced expression of CXCL1. The spinal administration of CXCL1 to rats speeds the onset and increases the severity of opioid tolerance.

Background:
The pivotal role of glial activation and up-regulated inflammatory mediators in the opioid tolerance has been confirmed in rodents but not yet in humans. Here, the authors investigated the intraspinal cytokine and chemokine profiles of opioid-tolerant cancer patients; and to determine if up-regulated chemokines could modify opioid tolerance in rats.

Methods:
Cerebrospinal fluid samples from opioid-tolerant cancer patients and opioid-naive subjects were compared. The cerebrospinal fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CXCL1, CXCL10, CCL2, and CX3CL1 were assayed. The rat tail flick test was utilized to assess the effects of intrathecal CXCL1 on morphine-induced acute antinociception and analgesic tolerance.

Results:
CXCL1 level in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly up-regulated in the opioid-tolerant group (n = 30, 18.8 pg/ml vs. 13.2 pg/ml, P = 0.02) and was positively correlated (r2 = 0.49, P < 0.01) with opioid dosage. In rat experiment, after induction of tolerance by morphine infusion, the spinal cord CXCL1 messenger RNA was up-regulated to 32.5 ± 11.9-fold. Although CXCL1 infusion alone did not affect baseline tail-flick latency, the analgesic efficacy of a single intraperitoneal injection of morphine dropped significantly on day 1 to day 3 after intrathecal infusion of CXCL1. After establishing tolerance by intrathecal continuous infusion of morphine, its development was accelerated by coadministration of CXCL1 and attenuated by coadministration of CXCL1-neutralizing antibody or CXCR2 antagonist.

Conclusions:
CXCL1 is up-regulated in both opioid-tolerant patients and rodents. The onset and extent of opioid tolerance was affected by antagonizing intrathecal CXCL1/CXCR2 signaling. Therefore, the CXCL1/CXCR2 signal pathway may be a novel target for the treatment of opioid tolerance.
Overexpression of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Effluent Protein MRP4 Induces an Altered Response to β-Adrenergic Stimulation in the Senescent Rat Heart
Authors: Carillion Aude , Feldman Sarah , Jiang Cheng , Atassi Fabrice , Na Na , Mougenot Nathalie , Besse Sophie , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Riou Bruno , Amour Julien 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract
MRP4 is overexpressed in the senescent rat heart and is involved in the limited positive inotropic response of the senescent heart to β-adrenergic stimulation. MRP4 may be a therapeutic target for altering the inotropic reserve of elderly patients.

Background:
In the senescent heart, the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation is reduced, partly by dysregulation of β1- and β3-adrenoceptors. The multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) takes part in the control of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration by controlling its efflux but the role of MRP4 in the β-adrenergic dysfunction of the senescent heart remains unknown.

Methods:
The β-adrenergic responses to isoproterenol were investigated in vivo (stress echocardiography) and in vitro (isolated cardiomyocyte by Ionoptix® with sarcomere shortening and calcium transient) in young (3 months old) and senescent (24 months old) rats pretreated or not with MK571, a specific MRP4 inhibitor. MRP4 was quantified in left ventricular homogenates by Western blotting. Data are mean ± SD expressed as percent of baseline value.

Results:
The positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol was reduced in senescent rats in vivo (left ventricular shortening fraction 120 ± 16% vs. 158 ± 20%, P < 0.001, n = 16 rats) and in vitro (sarcomere shortening 129 ± 37% vs. 148 ± 35%, P = 0.004, n = 41 or 43 cells) as compared to young rats. MRP4 expression increased 3.6-fold in senescent compared to young rat myocardium (P = 0.012, n = 8 rats per group). In senescent rats, inhibition of MRP4 by MK571 restored the positive inotropic effect of isoproterenol in vivo (143 ± 11%, n = 8 rats). In vitro in senescent cardiomyocytes pretreated with MK571, both sarcomere shortening (161 ± 45% vs. 129 ± 37%, P = 0.007, n = 41 cells per group) and calcium transient amplitude (132 ± 25% vs. 113 ± 27%, P = 0.007) increased significantly.

Conclusion:
MRP4 overexpression contributes to the reduction of the positive inotropic response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation in the senescent heart.
Housing subsidies and taxation in six EU countries
Authors: Wieser Robert , Mundt Alexis 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to examine the main characteristics of the housing taxation and subsidy systems in six European Union countries. The structure of this support over the past two decades, before and after the global financial crisis has been investigated and its total effective dimensions have been approximated.Design/methodology/approach– Official national data and existing literature on housing policy expenses have been analysed and the authors add their own estimations of missing data, where possible. Latest changes in housing policy guidelines and expenses were interpreted.Findings– It was found that state support for housing is heavily underestimated by official data in most countries, mainly due to missing estimates for the value of imputed rents tax relief, reduced VAT rates and low real estate and capital gains taxation. Our estimates suggest that total public support for the housing sector reaches more than 3 per cent of the gross domestic product in three of the six countries, and about 2 per cent in the others. State support to the housing sector has developed quite differently in the investigated countries over the past decades. In particular, there was no universal downward trend.Originality/value– This is the first attempt to provide a more comprehensive analysis of national housing policy expenses applying a very broad definition of state support for housing. In particular, we consider indirect tax advantages to the housing sector that are generally not taken into account. Furthermore, we apply a discounted present value approach of current housing policy expenses to facilitate international comparison.