Immunogenicity of eight Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis specific antigens in DNA vaccinated and Map infected mice

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the etiological agent of chronic enteritis of the small intestine in domestic and wild ruminants, causes substantial losses to livestock industry. Control of this disease is seriously hampered by the lack of adequate diagnostic tools and vaccines. Here we report on the immunogenicity of eight Map specific antigens, i.e. MAP1693c, Ag3, MAP2677c (identified by post-genomic and immunoproteomic analysis of Map secretome) and Ag5, Ag6, MAP1637c, MAP0388 and MAP3743 (identified by bioinformatic in silico screening of the Map genome). Strong, antigen-specific IFN-γ responses were induced in mice vaccinated with plasmid DNA encoding MAP1693c, MAP1637c, MAP0388 and MAP3743. In contrast, T cell responses in Map infected mice were directed preferentially against Ag5 and to a lesser extent against MAP3743. None of the tested DNA vaccines conferred protection against subsequent challenge with Map.     

Variable selection in near infrared spectra for the biological characterization of soil and earthworm casts

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict six biological properties of soil and earthworm casts including extracellular soil enzymes, microbial carbon, potential nitrification and denitrification. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed with a selection of the most important near infrared wavelengths. They reached coefficients of determination ranging from 0.81 to 0.91 and ratios of performance-to-deviation above 2.3. Variable selection with the variable importance in the projection (VIP) method increased dramatically the prediction performance of all models with an important contribution from the 1750–2500 nm region. We discuss whether selected wavelengths can be attributed to macronutrient availability or to microbial biomass. Wavelength selection in NIR spectra is recommended for improving PLSR models in soil research.     

A new bioclimatic model calibrated with vegetation for Mediterranean forest areas

? Water availability is one of the main factors explaining flora composition and growth in Mediterranean regions, where it may decline with climate change.

? Our goal was to develop a model for forest site assessment in Mediterranean environments, focusing on water availability to assess potential vegetation composition and productivity in any places, whatever their level of disturbance.

? We designed a statistical model, using global climatic and geographic variables, as well as detailed local topographic and edaphic variables, to compute a bioclimatic index for Mediterranean forest environments. This model was calibrated in France with a flora index from 325 old forests. The model explained 80.3% of the flora index variance. The method fills a gap in existing models, bridging scales from the region to forest sites.

? Beyond its theoretical aspect, it was designed to allow practical tools to be derived from it for decision-making and management, such as the assessment of climate change impact on vegetation, and of forest productivity. Its development and adaptation is possible in other Mediterranean regions, and in any region where water is one of the main limiting factors.

     

Rainbow trout FSHR is highly polymorph and is differently expressed throughout gametogenesis

The present study indicates that the primary structure of the putative trout FSH receptor (rtFSHR) is highly polymorph. In addition, we demonstrate that an alternative splicing and stage-dependent expression pattern of rtFSHR messengers occur during male and female gametogenesis.     

Comment on "Late Mousterian persistence near the Arctic Circle"

Slimak et al. (Reports, 13 May 2011, p. 841) reanalyzed the lithic assemblage from the northern site of Byzovaya (Russia) and concluded that it was Mousterian and produced by Neandertals. The previous interpretation of this assemblage as falling within Early Upper Paleolithic variability remains the most parsimonious explanation; pending additional fossil discoveries, there is no evidence supporting the occurrence of Neandertals at these high latitudes.     

Surveys concerning the needs for and evaluation of distance learning in veterinary epidemiology

Distance learning courses in veterinary epidemiology, taught in French and spread over half a year, were organized in 2003 and 2004. They were the subject of surveys concerning need, evaluation, attaining learning objectives, and satisfaction, the results of which will be used to improve the course scheduled to take place in 2005.     

Degradation of chlorophenoxyacid herbicides in aqueous media,using a novel electrochemical method†

The degradation of five chlorophenoxyacid herbicides has been studied using an electrochemical method based on the Fenton reaction (simultaneous reduction of dioxygen and ferric ions). The method consists of electrosynthesizing OH^· radicals, which react rapidly with chlorophenoxyacids in aqueous media. HPLC and GC-MS analysis show the formation of polyhydroxyphenols and quinones in a first step, and the complete destruction of the aromatic nucleus upon exhaustive electrolysis. This offers a possible way for the depollution of natural waters containing chlorophenoxyacid pesticide residues. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Inhibitors of choline acetyltransferase as potential insecticides

Choline acetyltransferase (E.C.2.3.1.6) catalyses the synthesis of acetylcholine and is therefore a target for a new insecticide. We have prepared a variety of compounds, mainly choline analogues, as inhibitors of this enzyme. One of these, 2-isothiocyanatoethyltrimethylammonium iodide, has a K_i of 0.06 μM (K_m for choline is 150 μM ) and is apparently the most powerful inhibitor known for this enzyme. Although some of our compounds are insecticidal we believe, on the basis of electrophysiological studies, that they act, not on choline acetyltransferase, but on the acetylcholine receptor of the insect.     

An interneuronal chemoreceptor required for olfactory imprinting in C. elegans

Animals alter their behavioral patterns in an experience-dependent manner. Olfactory imprinting is a process in which the exposure of animals to olfactory cues during specific and restricted time windows leaves a permanent memory ("olfactory imprint") that shapes the animal's behavior upon encountering the olfactory cues at later times. We found that Caenorhabditis elegans displays olfactory imprinting behavior that is mediated by a single pair of interneurons. To function in olfactory imprinting, this interneuron pair must express a G protein-coupled chemoreceptor family member encoded by the sra-11 gene. Our study provides insights into the cellular and molecular basis of olfactory imprinting and reveals a function for a chemosensory receptor family member in interneurons.