Biological Sciences

1. Honeybees are positively phototactic when they leave a feeding place and start to fly back to the hive. The strength of this natural phototactic response in individually marked bees was measured without interfering with their foraging behaviour. 2. Absolute sensitivity of this phototactic response to a point light source is in the range of 8.3 ▪ 10 7 quanta s-1 for 537 nm. This corresponds to about 5 absorbed quanta in 28 green receptors over the integration time of 60 ms. 3. We conclude that the properties of the mono-polar cells or higher order visual interneurons rather than those of the photoreceptors control the intensity dependence of the response because the slopes (n) of the response intensity functions (R / log I) are steep (n: 1.0-2.65) and wavelength dependent. Blue light (439 nm) causes the steepest function. 4. The effect of residual light adaptation on the R / log I-function and the spectral sensitivity (S(λ)) is negligible under the experimental conditions chosen, since the time course of dark adaptation is fast (τ ≤ 1 min). 5. The blue and green receptors contribute about equally to the S(λ) of this natural phototactic response, the UV receptors somewhat less (Fig. 5). 6. Colour mixing experiments, used to test colour vision in phototaxis, reveal no significant deviation from a simple linear summation of the quantal fluxes, irrespective of the spectral mixture used. We conclude, therefore, that under the experimental conditions colour vision is very unlikely to play a role in the phototactic behaviour of the honeybee. 7. All our results (steep R/log I-functions, fast dark adaptation, S(λ) and the absence of colour vision) support to notion that the natural phototactic response is controlled by neuronal pooling, most likely in the lamina M1 monopolar cells.

Interactions between the leukocyte adhesion receptor L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 play an important role in regulating the inflammatory response by mediating leukocyte tethering and rolling on adherent leukocytes. In this study, we have examined the effect of post-translational modifications of PSGL-1 including Tyr sulfation and presentation of sialylated and fucosylated O-glycans for L-selectin binding. The functional importance of these modifications was determined by analyzing soluble L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling on CHO cells expressing various glycoforms of PSGL-1 or mutant PSGL-1 targeted at Nterminal Thr or Tyr residues. Simultaneous expression of core-2 ␤1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and fucosyltransferase VII was required for optimal L-selectin binding to PSGL-1. Substitution of Thr-57 by Ala but not of Thr-44, strongly decreased L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling on PSGL-1. Substitution of Tyr by Phe revealed that PSGL-1 Tyr-51 plays a predominant role in mediating L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling whereas Tyr-48 has a minor role, an observation that contrasts with the pattern seen for the interactions between PSGL-1 and P-selectin where Tyr-48 plays a key role. Molecular modeling analysis of L-selectin and Pselectin interactions with PSGL-1 further supported these observations. Additional experiments showed that core-2 O-glycans attached to Thr-57 were also of critical importance in regulating the velocity and stability of leukocyte rolling. These observations pinpoint the structural characteristics of PSGL-1 that are required for optimal interactions with L-selectin and may be responsible for the specific kinetic and mechanical bond properties of the L-selectin-PSGL-1 adhesion receptorcounterreceptor pair.

The Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP) is an integrated long-term study that evaluates ecological effects of alternative treatments designed to reduce woody fuels and to stimulate the herbaceous understory of sagebrush steppe communities of the Intermountain West. This synopsis summarizes results through 3 yr posttreatment. Woody vegetation reduction by prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, or herbicides initiated a cascade of effects, beginning with increased availability of nitrogen and soil water, followed by increased growth of herbaceous vegetation. Response of butterflies and magnitudes of runoff and erosion closely followed herbaceous vegetation recovery. Effects on shrubs, biological soil crust, tree cover, surface woody fuel loads, and sagebrush-obligate bird communities will take longer to be fully expressed. In the short term, cool wet sites were more resilient than warm dry sites, and resistance was mostly dependent on pretreatment herbaceous cover. At least 10 yr of posttreatment time will likely be necessary to determine outcomes for most sites. Mechanical treatments did not serve as surrogates for prescribed fire in how each influenced the fuel bed, the soil, erosion, and sage-obligate bird communities. Woody vegetation reduction by any means resulted in increased availability of soil water, higher herbaceous cover, and greater butterfly numbers. We identified several trade-offs (desirable outcomes for some variables, undesirable for others), involving most components of the study system. Trade-offs are inevitable when managing complex natural systems, and they underline the importance of asking questions about the whole system when developing management objectives. Substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneity in sagebrush steppe ecosystems emphasizes the point that there will rarely be a ''recipe'' for choosing management actions on any specific area. Use of a consistent evaluation process linked to monitoring may be the best chance managers have for arresting woodland expansion and cheatgrass invasion that may accelerate in a future warming climate.

We tested the impact of P deficiency, K deficiency, and their interaction on seed alkaloid concentrations and profile, yield and mineral content in sweet (low-alkaloid) and bitter (high-alkaloid) varieties of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.). P deficiency reduced seed alkaloid concentrations in sweet, but not in bitter, varieties. Under P deficiency, the alkaloid profile in harvested seed of sweet varieties mimicked that of the bitter variety Fest, with 13-hydroxylupanine dominating over lupanine. With adequate or abundant P, lupanine was the predominant alkaloid in sweet varieties. K deficiency was associated with an 8-fold increase of seed alkaloid concentrations in the sweet variety Danja (from 1000 to 8000 mg kg −1 DM), mostly due to the stimulation of lupanine production. There was a significant interaction between P and K that affected seed alkaloid concentrations in two ways: (i) the inhibitory effect of P deficiency was only apparent under K deficiency and (ii) the lowest seed alkaloid concentrations occurred with abundant K (240 mg K kg −1 ) and P (60 mg P kg −1 ). Seed yield of all varieties increased asymptotically with increasing P and reached a maximum at adequate P (30 mg P kg −1 ). There was no impact of K deficiency on seed yield. In sweet and bitter varieties P supply increased seed N, P and Zn concentrations, but not K. In contrast, seed K concentrations increased and P concentrations decreased with increasing K supply. These findings suggest that P fertiliser should be supplemented with K, to avoid high seed alkaloid concentrations stimulated by asymptomatic K deficiency at high P levels. * FAX No: +61-8-9387 8991.

The MspI restriction-modification system, which recognizes the sequence 5'-CCGG-3', has been previously cloned and sequenced (1). We subcloned the methyltransferase gene (M.MspI) downstream of the ptac promoter in the multicopy vector pUC119 and overexpressed it in E. coli. Upon induction with IPTG, M.MspI constitutes more than 10% of cellular protein. A scheme has been devised to purify large amounts of biologically active M.MspI to apparent homogeneity from these overexpressing E. coli cells. Approximately 0.8 mg of pure M.MspI per gram of cells (wet weight) can be obtained. The apparent molecular weight of M.MspI is 49 kD, by SDS gel electrophoresis and 48-54 kD by gel filtration. At low concentrations (less than 0.4 mg/ml), the methyltransferase is a monomer in solution but at higher concentrations (greater than 3.0 mg/ml) it exists predominantly as a dimer. Polyclonal antibodies raised against M.MspI cross-react with the DNA-methyltransferases of several other restricti...

Background: Vitis vinifera L. is one of society's most important agricultural crops with a broad genetic variability. The difficulty in recognizing grapevine genotypes based on ampelographic traits and secondary metabolites prompted the development of molecular markers suitable for achieving variety genetic identification.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive human cancers. Despite current advances in multimodality therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the outcome for patients with high grade glioma remains fatal. The knowledge of how glioma cells develop and depend on the tumor environment might open opportunities for new therapies. There is now a growing awareness that the main limitations in understanding and successfully treating GBM might be bypassed by the identification of a distinct cell type that has defining properties of somatic stem cells, as well as cancer-initiating capacitybrain tumor stem cells, which could represent a therapeutic target. In addition, experimental studies have demonstrated that the combination of antiangiogenic therapy, based on the disruption of tumor blood vessels, with conventional chemotherapy generates encouraging results. Emerging reports have also shown that microglial cells can be used as therapeutic vectors to transport genes and/or substances to the tumor site, which opens up new perspectives for the development of GBM therapies targeting microglial cells. Finally, recent studies have shown that natural toxins can be conjugated to drugs that bind to overexpressed receptors in cancer cells, generating targeted-toxins to selectively kill cancer cells. These targeted-toxins are highly effective against radiation-and chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells, making them good candidates for clinical trials in GBM patients. In this review, we discuss recent studies that reveal new possibilities of GBM treatment taking into account cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, microglial cells and drug delivery in the development of new targeted-therapies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is estimated to develop many years before detectable cognitive decline. Fluid and imaging biomarkers may identify people in early symptomatic and even preclinical stages, possibly when potential treatments can best preserve cognitive function. We previously reported that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid-b 42 (Ab 42 ) serve as an excellent marker for brain amyloid as detected by the amyloid tracer, Pittsburgh compound B (PIB). Using data from 189 cognitively normal participants, we now report a positive linear relationship between CSF tau/ptau 181 (primary constituents of neurofibrillary tangles) with the amount of cortical amyloid. We observe a strong inverse relationship of cortical PIB binding with CSF Ab 42 but not for plasma Ab species. Some individuals have low CSF Ab 42 but no cortical PIB binding. Together, these data suggest that changes in brain Ab 42 metabolism and amyloid formation are early pathogenic events in AD, and that significant disruptions in CSF tau metabolism likely occur after Ab 42 initially aggregates and increases as amyloid accumulates. These findings have important implications for preclinical AD diagnosis and treatment.

A hydraulic clam dredging experiment was conducted on a deep (70-80 m) offshore sandy bank on the Scotian Shelf in order to examine the immediate impacts of hydraulic dredging on physical habitat and to follow processes of recovery over a 3-year period. Seabed structural complexity in this low-relief habitat consists of small-scale sedimentary features including pits and bivalve burrow openings as well as polychaete tubes and empty mollusc shells. The most obvious effect of dredging was a dramatic change in seabed topography due to the numerous deep (20 cm), wide (4 m) curvilinear furrows that were cut by the dredges. The loss of burrows, tubes, and shells through destruction or burial, and local sedimentation created a smooth surface. Both spatial scale and sampling resolution were critical in identifying longer-term impacts. Dredge furrows were no longer visible in video 1 year after dredging due to their low relief; however, they persisted, while undergoing changes, as evidenced in sidescan sonograms. The margins of furrows were gradually degraded, likely through the combined actions of slumping, sediment transport and bioturbation. Over time, dredge furrows act as traps for empty shells. Differences in patterns of acoustic reflectance between dredge furrows and the surrounding seabed indicate long-lasting effects on sediment structure. Densities of large burrows were reduced by up to 90% after dredging with no signs of recovery after 3 years due to the high mortalities of their architect, the propellerclam, Cyrtodaria siliqua. Dredging effects were detectable against a background of natural temporal (annual) and large-scale spatial variability in physical habitat. r

interaction infant − Oxytocin shapes parental motion during father Supplementary data ml An infant-oriented parental repertoire contributes to an infant's development and well-being. The role of oxytocin (OT) in promoting affiliative bonds and parenting has been established in numerous animal and human studies. Recently, acute administration of OT to a parent was found to enhance the carer's, but at the same time also the infant's, physiological and behavioural readiness for dyadic social engagement. Yet, the exact cues that are involved in this affiliative transmission process remain unclear. The existing literature suggests that motion and vocalization are key social signals for the offspring that facilitates social participation, and that distance and motion perception are modulated by OT in humans. Here, we employed a computational method on video vignettes of human parent-infant interaction including 32 fathers that were administered OT or a placebo in a crossover experimental design. Results indicate that OT modulates parental proximity to the infant, as well as the father's head speed and head acceleration but not the father's vocalization during dyadic interaction. Similarly, the infant's OT reactivity is positively correlated with father's head acceleration. The current findings are the first to report a relationship between the OT system and parental motion characteristics, further suggesting that the cross-generation transmission of parenting in humans might be underlaid by nuanced, infant-oriented, gestures relating to the carer's proximity, speed and acceleration within the dyadic context.

Transcription factor IIICZ (TFIIICZ), together with other transcription factors (TFIIIB and TFIIICl), is required for the in vitro transcription of tRNA and adenovirus VA genes by RNA polymerase 111. Previous studies have shown that TFIIICZ is a high molecular weight (-500,000) protein which binds with high affinity to the B-box promoter element of tRNA-type genes. A polypeptide of M , -250,000 is in close association with DNA in the specific complex between TFIIICZ and the B-box promoter element. Here we describe the purification of TFIIICZ by a factor of -25,000 from nuclear extracts of HeLa cells by ionic exchange, affinity, and hydrophobic chromatography and sedimentation velocity centrifugation. The most purified fractions contain polypeptides of approximately 230 kDa (corresponding to the polypeptide which can be cross-linked to VA1 DNA), 110,100,80, and 60 kDa which co-sediment with TFIIICZ B-box specific binding and in vitro transcriptional activities.

Australian spiny mountain crayfish (Euastacus, Parastacidae) and their ecotosymbiotic temnocephalan flatworms (Temnocephalida, Platyhelminthes) may have co-occurred and interacted through deep time, during a period of major environmental change. Therefore, reconstructing the history of their association is of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation significance. Here, time-calibrated Bayesian phylogenies of Euastacus species and their temnocephalans (Temnohaswellia and Temnosewellia) indicate near-synchronous diversifications from the Cretaceous. Statistically significant cophylogeny correlations between associated clades suggest linked evolutionary histories. However, there is a stronger signal of codivergence and greater host specificity in Temnosewellia, which co-occurs with Euastacus across its range. Phylogeography and analyses of evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) suggest that regional differences in the impact of climate warming and drying had major effects both on crayfish...

DNA double-strand breaks represent one of the most severe forms of DNA damage in mammalian cells. One pathway for repairing these breaks occurs via nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) and depends on XRCC4, LigaseIV, and Cernunnos, also called XLF. Although XLF stimulates XRCC4/LigaseIV to ligate mismatched and noncohesive DNA ends, the mechanistic basis for this function remains unclear. Here we report the structure of a partially functional 224 residue N-terminal fragment of human XLF. Despite only weak sequence similarity, XLF 1-170 shares structural homology with XRCC4 1-159 . However, unlike the highly extended 130 Å helical domain observed in XRCC4, XLF adopts a more compact, folded helical C-terminal region involving two turns and a twist, wrapping back to the structurally conserved N terminus. Mutational analysis of XLF and XRCC4 reveals a potential interaction interface, suggesting a mechanism for how XLF stimulates the ligation of mismatched ends.

Following the intravenous administration of thromboxane (TX) i~, the stable hydration product of TXA z, to human and nonhuman prim_~.t~,~ file mo~¢ abundant urinary metabolites are 2,3-dinor-TXl~ and ll-dehydro-TXl~. However, it is not known w£,.+~~' ,,+-.-::,~:~,::,~:. :+ ~,:,,~ ~,'-~+on of TXlg z to its enzymatic metabolites is an accurate representation of TXA z metabolism. Thus, we have compared the metabolic disposition of synthetic TXA z and TXB z via the fl-oxidation and ll-OH-dehydrogenase pathways in vivo in the monkey. TXA, or ~ (20 ng/kg) was intravenously administered to four cynomolgus monkeys pretreated with aspirin in order to suppress endogenous TXA z production. Urinary TXI~, 2,3-diuor-TXl~ and ll-dehydro-TXl~ were measm'ed before, during and up to 24 h after thromboxane administration by means of reversed-phase high-pedormance liquid chromatography radioimmunoassay. Aspirin treatment suppressed urinary 2,3-dinor-TXl~ and ll-dehydro-TXl~ by approx. 75%. A similar fractional conversion of TXA, and ~ into 2,3-dinor-TXl~ and ll-dehydro-TXl~ was found. These results suggest that TXA 2 is hydrolyzod to ~ prior to enzymatic degradation and that metabolites of the latter represent reliable indices of TXA 2 biosynthesis. Due to the variability in the conversion of thromboxanes into 2,3-dinor-TXi~ and II-dehydro-TXBz, the measurement of both metabolites seems to represent a more reliable index of acute changes in TXA, production.

Telemetry has allowed researchers to document the upstream migrations of anadromous fish in freshwater. In many anadromous alosine telemetry studies, researchers use downstream movements (''fallback'') as a behavioral field bioassay for adverse tag effects. However, these downstream movements have not been uniformly reported or interpreted. We quantified movement trajectories of radio-tagged anadromous alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) in the Ipswich River, Massachusetts (USA) and tested blood chemistry of tagged and untagged fish held 24 h. A diverse repertoire of movements was observed, which could be quantified using (a) direction of initial movements, (b) timing, and (c) characteristics of bouts of coupled upstream and downstream movements (e.g., direction, distance, duration, and speed). Because downstream movements of individual fish were almost always made in combination with upstream movements, these should be examined together. Several of the movement patterns described here could fall under the traditional definition of ''fallback'' but were not necessarily aberrant. Because superficially similar movements could have quite different interpretations, post-tagging trajectories need more precise definitions. The set of metrics we propose here will help quantify tag effects in the field, and provide the basis for a conceptual framework that helps define the complicated behaviors seen in telemetry studies on alewives and other fish in the field.

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are family C G-protein-coupled receptors that participate in the modulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability throughout the central nervous system. The mGluRs bind glutamate within a large extracellular domain and transmit signals through the receptor protein to intracellular signaling partners. A great deal of progress has been made in determining the mechanisms by which mGluRs are activated, proteins with which they interact, and orthosteric and allosteric ligands that can modulate receptor activity. The widespread expression of mGluRs makes these receptors particularly attractive drug targets, and recent studies continue to validate the therapeutic utility of mGluR ligands in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

؉ T-cell responses are believed to play an important role in the control of human HBV infection. In the present study, HBcAg-specific, HLA-DR13*-restricted CD4 ؉ Th1-type T-cell clones were generated which secreted both gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha after in vitro antigen stimulation. These HBcAg-specific CD4 ؉ Th1-type T cells were able to lyse HBc peptide-loaded Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid target cells in vitro. To examine whether these HLA-DR13*-restricted human CD4 ؉ Th1 T cells also display the same cytotoxic effects in vivo, we transferred peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) derived from HBV-infected donors or an HBV-naïve donor sharing the DR13*, together with the HBcAg-specific CD4 ؉ Th1-type T

Three interconnected positions are advocated: (1) although serving as a useful model, the immune self does not exist as such; (2) instead of a self/nonself demarcation, the immune system 'sees' itself, i.e., it does not ignore the 'self' or attack the 'other;' but exhibits a spectrum of responses, which when viewed from outside the system appear as discrimination of 'self' and 'nonself' based on certain criteria of reactivity. When immune reactions are conceived in terms of normal physiology and open exchange with the environment, where borders dividing host and foreign are elusive and changing, host defense is only part of the immune system's functions, which actually comprise two basic tasks: protection, i.e., to preserve host integrity, and maintenance of organismic identity. And thus (3) if the spectrum of immunity is enlarged, differentiating low reactive 'autoimmune' reactions from activated immune responses against the '...

Simple, low-cost and accurate genotyping methods for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are in high demand in the post-genome-sequencing era. We present a graphical tool called SNPicker, implemented in Java, which significantly facilitates the design of mutagenic endonuclease restriction assays. SNPicker uses the online NEB REBASE to automatically scan for all possible designs of mutagenic primers that can facilitate the picking of mismatched PCR primers to artificially introduce or abolish a restriction site at the target SNP site. We successfully applied SNPicker in designing endonuclease restriction assays for 14 SNPs for the MTHFR gene, the Coagulation Factor II gene and the Coagulation Factor V gene. The SNP assays designed using SNPicker were cross-validated using the MassARRAY technology.

Capsaicin, the principal component of Capsicum fruits, strongly inhibited the in vitro mutagenic activity of five heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 by hamster liver microsomes. This correlated with the inhibition of microsome associated demethylation of methoxyresorufin (MROD) by capsaicin. MROD activity is mediated by cytochrome P450 1A2 and CYP450 1A2 mediates the metabolic activation of HCAs. Enzyme kinetics studies indicated a noncompetitive type of inhibition by capsaicin. Liver microsomes prepared from hamsters 6 h and 24 h after administration of a single oral dose of capsaicin in olive oil at either 2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg body weight expressed a small but statistically significant inhibition of MROD activity compared with microsomes from control (untreated) animals. These results suggest that capsaicin can modulate the activity of cytochrome P450 1A2.

Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix)hexa) was assessed when used for primary vaccination at 3, 4 and 5 months of age (N = 2163), compared to the separate administration of DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines (N = 720). A similar safety and reactogenicity profile was demonstrated for both vaccine regimens, as well as a good immune response for all antigen components. By offering protection against six diseases in a series of single injections, the hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was shown to be a safe, well tolerated and immunogenic alternative to primary immunization with licensed separately administered vaccines.

The purpose of this paper is to present the experimental device and the work in progress performed in search for objective organic correlation of damage to hearing, examining possible acoustic otofunctional effects on the cochlear epithelium of the rat due to exposure to microwaves (900 MHz). Two experiments using male Sprague-Dawley rats were carried out with a far-field exposure in a cubic chamber. No statistically significant evidence was obtained at both specific absorption rate (SAR) values. The exposure system and the diagnostic apparatus are extremely useful to investigate a potential effect on the auditory system: however, with the parameters applied in these experiments, no evidence was observed.

Biogas and biohydrogen are compatible gaseous biofuels that can be blended with natural gas for reticulated fuel supply to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainably grown woody biomass is emerging as a potential feedstock in the production of biofuels. Woody biomass is widely available, uses non-arable land for plantation, does not require synthetic fertilisers to grow and acts as a carbon sink. The cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of wood are renewable sources of sugars that can be used for fermentative production of gaseous biofuels. However, widespread use of wood as a gaseous biofuel feedstock is constrained due to the recalcitrant nature of wood to enzymatic hydrolysis. Pretreatment makes cellulose and hemicellulose accessible to microbial enzymes to produce fermentable sugars. Here we review wood composition, its structure and different pretreatment techniques in the context of their effects on deconstruction of wood to improve hydrolysis and fermentative gaseous fuel ...

As expressed in the Ramsar Convention, the wise use of wetlands, including coastal lagoons, is one of the greatest environmental concerns across the globe. Seagrass beds are the key element for sustaining coastal lagoon ecosystems. Eutrophication, especially by nitrogen and phosphorus, has degraded many coastal waters and has been invoked as a major cause of seagrass disappearance worldwide. Seagrass had been used as fertilizer in Japan, and the removal of seagrass contributed to the decline of nutrients in the water. The shifts of primary producers from rooted macrophytes to phytoplankton occurred simultaneously between the mid-1950s and 1965 in Japanpresumably because of the wide use of herbicides for rice paddies. Increased phytoplankton induced the increase of fishery yield of clam on one hand and non-edible biofouling species on the other. Because a phytoplankton-dominated ecosystem is easily oxygen depleted at the bottom with the accumulation of organic matter of phytoplankton origin, preventing hypoxia is the key factor to maintain high secondary production for bivalve fisheries and sustainable use of the ecosystem of coastal lagoons.

We investigated the role of foetal spine position in the first and second labour stages to determine the probability of OPP detection at birth and the related obstetrical implications. We conducted an observational-longitudinal cohort study on uncomplicated cephalic single foetus pregnant women at term. We evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound in predicting occiput position at birth, influence of fetal spine in occiput position during labour, labour trend, analgesia request, type of delivery, and indication to CS. The accuracy of the foetal spinal position to predict the occiput position at birth was high at the first labour stage. At the second labour stage, CS (40.3%) and operative vaginal deliveries (23.9%) occurred more frequently in OPP than in occiput anterior position (7% and 15.2%, resp.), especially in cases of the posterior spine. In concordant posterior positions labour length was greater than other ones, and analgesia request rate was 64.1% versus 14.7% for all the others. The assessment of spinal position could be useful in obstetrical management and counselling, both before and during labour. The detection of spinal position, more than OPP, is predictive of successful delivery. In concordant posterior positions, the labour length, analgesia request, operative delivery, and caesarean section rate are higher than in the other combination.

Suppose that a large number of individuals are randomly matched into groups where each group plays a finite symmetric game. Individuals breed true according to their individual material payoffs, but the expected number of surviving offspring may depend on the material payoff vector to the whole group. We show that the mean-field equation for the induced population dynamic is equivalent to the replicator dynamic for a game with payoffs derived from those in the original game. We apply this selection dynamic to a number of examples, including prisoners' dilemma games, coordination games, hawk-dove games, a prisoners' dilemma with a punishment option, and common-pool games. For each of these, we provide conditions under which our selection dynamic leads to other outcomes than those obtained under the usual replicator dynamic. By way of a revealedpreference argument, we show how our selection dynamic can explain certain stable behaviors that are consistent with individuals having social preferences.

We describe the finding of a novel viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) Genotype III strain that caused disease of both a neurological and septicaemic nature in seawater-farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in Storfjorden, Norway. In November 2007, an outbreak of VHS associated with slightly elevated mortality was confirmed at a seawater site rearing rainbow trout (90 to 440 g). Within 3 to 4 mo, the disease was recognised in 3 neighbouring sea sites with ongrowing rainbow trout. The clinical, gross pathological and histopathological findings were in accordance with VHS, and the diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of VHSV in brain and internal tissues by immunohistochemistry, cell culture and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Sequence analysis of the G-gene revealed that the isolated virus clustered with VHSV Genotype III and that the Norwegian isolate represents a unique strain of VHSV. The pathogenicity of the virus strain to rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar was examined using infection experiments. In immersion trials, the Norwegian isolate produced a cumulative mortality of 70% in rainbow trout, while nearly 100% mortality was obtained after intraperitoneal injection of the virus. For Atlantic salmon, no mortality was observed in immersion trials, whereas 52% mortality was observed after intraperitoneal injection. The Norwegian isolate thus represents the first VHSV of Genotype III pathogenic to rainbow trout.

Given that aerobic metabolism is the predominant energy pathway for most sports, the respiratory system can be a rate-limiting factor in the exercise capacity of fit and healthy horses. Consequently, respiratory diseases, even in mild forms, are potentially deleterious to any athletic performance. The functional impairment associated with a respiratory condition depends on the degree of severity of the disease and the equestrian discipline involved. Respiratory abnormalities generally result in an increase in respiratory impedance and work of breathing and a reduced level of ventilation that can be detected objectively by deterioration in breathing mechanics and arterial blood gas tensions and/or lactataemia. The overall prevalence of airway diseases is comparatively high in equine athletes and may affect the upper airways, lower airways or both. Diseases of the airways have been associated with a wide variety of anatomical and/or inflammatory conditions. In some instances, the diagnosis is challenging because conditions can be subclinical in horses at rest and become clinically relevant only during exercise. In such cases, an exercise test may be warranted in the evaluation of the patient. The design of the exercise test is critical to inducing the clinical signs of the problem and establishing an accurate diagnosis. Additional diagnostic techniques, such as airway sampling, can be valuable in the diagnosis of subclinical lower airway problems that have the capacity to impair performance. As all these techniques become more widely used in practice, they should inevitably enhance veterinarians' diagnostic capabilities and improve their assessment of treatment effectiveness and the long-term management of equine athletes.

Coralline algae are one of the most important constructors of biogenic habitats. In the Mediterranean Sea, the dominant coralline algae species form crusts comprising formations known as coralligène, considered as very important fishing grounds by fishermen. Due to the destructive effect of fishing gear activities over coralligène, these formations were recently protected from the use of active benthic gears by the EU 1967/2006 Mediterranean fisheries management Regulation. However, the lack of maps and information on their distribution makes the effective application of these measures impossible. The present publication contributes to the mapping of coralligène in the southern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean), and to the study of coralline algae formation morphology, distribution, development conditions and relation to fisheries using a combination of single-beam echo sounder, sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profiler recordings and biological and sedimentological ground-truthing techniques. The coralligène formations were recognized as two distinct acoustic signatures of localized backscatter facies distinguishable from other hard substrate reflectors at depths ranging from 55.9 to 114.0 m, but mainly between 70 and 90 m. Two types of formations were identified: minute reefs 0.5-2.5 m in height and superficial layer formations no more than 0.2 m thick over the substrate. The seismic profiles revealed a cavernous internal structure of the minute reefs and recorded their development on both hard and soft substrates. The distribution of formations was contagious, creating aggregations. The finding of superficial layer formations and coralline shreds around minute coralligène reefs indicated that the former could be an intermediate development type between isolated small coralline pebbles, rhodoliths, and minute reefs. Regarding the development conditions, sidescan sonar imagery indicated that the optimal conditions for the establishment and development of coralligène formations are medium intensity currents. Concerning human activity over coralligène, trawl traces were recorded near but not over minute reefs and both near and crossing superficial layer type aggregations, while a submarine cable was also recorded among minute reefs. The mapping of coralligène aggregation areas is essential for the application of the EU Regulation and the protection of this important marine habitat.

It is proposed that the incorporation of a unique parasitic stage in the life-cycle of unionaceans which involves an obligate relationship between a vertebrate host, usually a fish, and a highly modified larval stage, the glochidium, has had far-reaching consequences with respect to overall morphology, extent of species' geographic ranges, and rate of speciation in the group.Glochidia are separable into three main types with respect to overall shape and attachment features, and are retained in variously modified brood pouches. When mature, glochidia are released in several different ways which reflect various adaptations involved in either attracting the fish host and/or increasing the probability of attachment. Glochidia do not seem capable of host selection, and the reaction of the host to the parasite seems to be the main factor in determining specificity. Release of glochidia is synchronized to correspond to periods of predictable host availability, such as during spawing migrations and nesting behaviour. Other adaptations include modifications of glochidial conglutinates to mimic host food items, and modifications of the unionacean mantle edges to attract hosts. In all cases, a good correlation exists between the type of lure used and host food preferences, but, despite these adaptations, host specificity among unionaceans seems low.Parasitism among unionaceans is postulated to be mainly advantageous in terms of predictability of dispersal by habitat-specific hosts, but parasitism is hypothesized to entail constraints in terms of the degree to which shell shape and life-habit can be diversified among unionaceans. The type of host parasitized is considered to affect the rate of diversification among populations and speciation among unionaceans: those that parasitize strictly freshwater hosts are more likely to exhibit highly individualistic populations in different drainages with respect to molecular genetic and soft-part characters, while those that parasitize anadromous or saltwater-tolerant hosts show little differentiation among widely distributed populations.

Coronary artery disease and its sequelae-ischemia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure-are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in man. Considerable effort has been devoted toward improving functional recovery and reducing the extent of infarction after ischemic episodes. As a step in this direction, it was found that the heart was significantly protected against ischemia -reperfusion injury if it was first preconditioned by brief ischemia or by administering a potassium channel opener. Both of these preconditioning strategies were found to require opening of a K ATP channel, and in 1997 we showed that this pivotal role was mediated by the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K + channel (mitoK ATP ). This paper will review the evidence showing that opening mitoK ATP is cardioprotective against ischemiareperfusion injury and, moreover, that mitoK ATP plays this role during all three phases of the natural history of ischemia -reperfusion injury preconditioning, ischemia, and reperfusion. We discuss two distinct mechanisms by which mitoK ATP opening protects the heart-increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the preconditioning phase and regulation of intermembrane space (IMS) volume during the ischemic and reperfusion phases. It is likely that cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and K ATP channel openers (KCOs) arises from utilization of normal physiological processes. Accordingly, we summarize the results of new studies that focus on the role of mitoK ATP in normal cardiomyocyte physiology. Here, we observe the same two mechanisms at work. In low-energy states, mitoK ATP opening triggers increased mitochondrial ROS production, thereby amplifying a cell signaling pathway leading to gene transcription and cell growth. In high-energy states, mitoK ATP opening prevents the matrix contraction that would otherwise occur during high rates of electron transport. MitoK ATP -mediated volume regulation, in turn, prevents disruption of the structure -function of the IMS and facilitates efficient energy transfers between mitochondria and myofibrillar ATPases. D

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne phlebovirus reported to be circulating in most parts of Africa. Since 2009, RVFV has been suspected of continuously circulating in the Union of Comoros. To estimate the incidence of RVFV antibody acquisition in the Comorian ruminant population, 191 young goats and cattle were selected in six distinct zones and sampled periodically from April 2010 to August 2011. We found an estimated incidence of RVFV antibody acquisition of 17.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): [8.9-26.1]) with a significant difference between islands (8.2% in Grande Comore, 72.3% in Moheli and 5.8% in Anjouan). Simultaneously, a longitudinal entomological survey was conducted and ruminant traderelated information was collected. No RVFV RNA was detected out of the 1,568 blood-sucking caught insects, including three potential vectors of RVFV mosquito species. Our trade survey suggests that there is a continuous flow of live animals from eastern Africa to the Union of Comoros and movements of ruminants between the three Comoro islands. Finally, a cross-sectional study was performed in August 2011 at the end of the follow-up. We found an estimated RVFV antibody prevalence of 19.3% (95% CI: [15.6%-23.0%]). Our findings suggest a complex RVFV epidemiological cycle in the Union of Comoros with probable inter-islands differences in RVFV circulation patterns. Moheli, and potentially Anjouan, appear to be acting as endemic reservoir of infection whereas RVFV persistence in Grande Comore could be correlated with trade in live animals with the eastern coast of Africa. More data are needed to estimate the real impact of the disease on human health and on the national economy. Citation: Roger M, Beral M, Licciardi S, Soulé M, Faharoudine A, et al. (2014) Evidence for Circulation of the Rift Valley Fever Virus among Livestock in the Union of Comoros. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 8(7): e3045.