Identified grassland-livestock production systems and related models

This report describes grassland-livestock production systems, as selected for model-basedstudies. A list of grassland models was identified for evaluation against such datasets(WP2) and application at reference farm (WP3) and regions (WP4) across Europe and peri-European countries

Datasets classification and criteria for data requirements

This deliverable focuses on the collation, screening, and consolidation of data for selected grassland sites in Europe and peri-Mediterranean regions

Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain WG5

Escherichia colistrain WG5 is a widely used host for phage detection, in-cluding somatic coliphages employed as standard ISO method 10705-1 (2000). Here,we present the complete genome sequence of a commercialE. coliWG5 strain

Structural and functional protein network analyses predict novel signaling functions for rhodopsin

Proteomic analyses, literature mining, and structural data were combined to generate an extensive signaling network linked to the visual G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin. Network analysis suggests novel signaling routes to cytoskeleton dynamics and vesicular trafficking

Accumulation of the PX domain mutant Frank-ter Haar syndrome protein Tks4 in aggresomes

BACKGROUND: Cells deploy quality control mechanisms to remove damaged or misfolded proteins. Recently, we have reported that a mutation (R43W) in the Frank-ter Haar syndrome protein Tks4 resulted in aberrant intracellular localization. RESULTS: Here we demonstrate that the accumulation of Tks4(R43W) depends on the intact microtubule network. Detergent-insoluble Tks4 mutant colocalizes with the centrosome and its aggregate is encaged by the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Both the microtubule inhibitor nocodazole and the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A inhibit markedly the aggresome formation in cells expressing Tks4(R43W). Finally, pretreatment of cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 markedly increases the level of aggresomes formed by Tks4(R43W). Furthermore, two additional mutant Tks4 proteins (Tks4(1-48) or Tks4(1-341)) have been investigated. Whereas the shorter Tks4 mutant, Tks4(1-48), shows no expression at all, the longer Tks4 truncation mutant accumulates in the nuclei of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that misfolded Frank-ter Haar syndrome protein Tks4(R43W) is transported via the microtubule system to the aggresomes. Lack of expression of Tks4(1-48) or aberrant intracellular expressions of Tks4(R43W) and Tks4(1-341) strongly suggest that these mutations result in dysfunctional proteins which are not capable of operating properly, leading to the development of FTHS

The addition of rituximab to fludarabine improves clinical outcome in untreated patients with ZAP-70-negative chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Clinical trials of monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy have reported previously unattained response rates in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL); however, the analysis of ZAP-70 protein and/or CD38 may explain better the discordant outcomes independent of treatment

MeerKLASS: MeerKAT Large Area Synoptic Survey

We discuss the ground-breaking science that will be possible with a wide area survey, using the MeerKAT telescope, known as MeerKLASS (MeerKAT Large Area Synoptic Survey). The current specifications of MeerKAT make it a great fit for science applications that require large survey speeds but not necessarily high angular resolutions. In particular, for cosmology, a large survey over $\sim 4,000 \, {\rm deg}^2$ for $\sim 4,000$ hours will potentially provide the first ever measurements of the baryon acoustic oscillations using the 21cm intensity mapping technique, with enough accuracy to impose constraints on the nature of dark energy. The combination with multi-wavelength data will give unique additional information, such as exquisite constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity using the multi-tracer technique, as well as a better handle on foregrounds and systematics. Such a wide survey with MeerKAT is also a great match for HI galaxy studies, providing unrivalled statistics in the pre-SKA era for galaxies resolved in the HI emission line beyond local structures at z > 0.01. It will also produce a large continuum galaxy sample down to a depth of about 5\,$\mu$Jy in L-band, which is quite unique over such large areas and will allow studies of the large-scale structure of the Universe out to high redshifts, complementing the galaxy HI survey to form a transformational multi-wavelength approach to study galaxy dynamics and evolution. Finally, the same survey will supply unique information for a range of other science applications, including a large statistical investigation of galaxy clusters as well as produce a rotation measure map across a huge swathe of the sky. The MeerKLASS survey will be a crucial step on the road to using SKA1-MID for cosmological applications and other commensal surveys, as described in the top priority SKA key science projects (abridged).Comment: Larger version of the paper submitted to the Proceedings of Science, "MeerKAT Science: On the Pathway to the SKA", Stellenbosch, 25-27 May 201

Application of Biome-BGC MuSo in managed grassland ecosystems in the Euro-Mediteranean region

Simulation of the biogeochemical cycles of extensively and intensively managed grasslands and croplands are of particular interest due to the strong connection between ecosystem production, animal husbandry and food security. In the frame of MACSUR LiveM activities, we conducted a series of „blind tests” (i.e. uncalibrated model simulations with previously optimized model) on differently managed grasslands within Europe and Israel. We used the latest version of Biome-BGC MuSo model, the modified version of the widely used biogeochemical Biome-BGC model. Biome-BGC MuSo contains structural improvements, development of management modules, and the extension of the model to simulate herbaceouos ecosystem carbon and water cycles more faithfully. The studied ecosystems were meadows and pastures located in a variety of climate zones from the Atlantic sector to Central Europe, including Mediterranean sites. Managements were intensive and extensive grazing or mowing with or without different kind of fertilizers. Under similar options we simulated ecosystem variables, e.g. Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE). Our experiences show that different sites have different sensitivity to the parameters (maximum root depth, soil parameters, etc.), but overall the model provided realistic fluxes. Experiences gained during the blind tests led us to further improve the model. Biome-BGC MuSo is available as a standalone model in personal computers, but also through virtual laboratory environment and Biome-BGC Projects database (http://ecos.okologia.mta.hu/bbgcdb) developed within the BioVeL project (http://www.biovel.eu). Scientific workflow management, web service and desktop grid technology can support model optimization in the so-called „calibrated runs” within MACSUR

Percent atheroma volume: Optimal variable to report whole-heart atherosclerotic plaque burden with coronary CTA, the PARADIGM study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Different methodologies to report whole-heart atherosclerotic plaque on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) have been utilized. We examined which of the three commonly used plaque burden definitions was least affected by differences in body surface area (BSA) and sex. METHODS:The PARADIGM study includes symptomatic patients with suspected coronary atherosclerosis who underwent serial CCTA >2 years apart. Coronary lumen, vessel, and plaque were quantified from the coronary tree on a 0.5 mm cross-sectional basis by a core-lab, and summed to per-patient. Three quantitative methods of plaque burden were employed: (1) total plaque volume (PV) in mm3, (2) percent atheroma volume (PAV) in % [which equaled: PV/vessel volume * 100%], and (3) normalized total atheroma volume (TAVnorm) in mm3 [which equaled: PV/vessel length * mean population vessel length]. Only data from the baseline CCTA were used. PV, PAV, and TAVnorm were compared between patients in the top quartile of BSA vs the remaining, and between sexes. Associations between vessel volume, BSA, and the three plaque burden methodologies were assessed. RESULTS:The study population comprised 1479 patients (age 60.7 ± 9.3 years, 58.4% male) who underwent CCTA. A total of 17,649 coronary artery segments were evaluated with a median of 12 (IQR 11-13) segments per-patient (from a 16-segment coronary tree). Patients with a large BSA (top quartile), compared with the remaining patients, had a larger PV and TAVnorm, but similar PAV. The relation between larger BSA and larger absolute plaque volume (PV and TAVnorm) was mediated by the coronary vessel volume. Independent from the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk (ASCVD) score, vessel volume correlated with PV (P < 0.001), and TAVnorm (P = 0.003), but not with PAV (P = 0.201). The three plaque burden methods were equally affected by sex. CONCLUSIONS:PAV was less affected by patient's body surface area then PV and TAVnorm and may be the preferred method to report coronary atherosclerotic burden

Anticancer Gene Transfer for Cancer Gene Therapy

Gene therapy vectors are among the treatments currently used to treat malignant tumors. Gene therapy vectors use a specific therapeutic transgene that causes death in cancer cells. In early attempts at gene therapy, therapeutic transgenes were driven by non-specific vectors which induced toxicity to normal cells in addition to the cancer cells. Recently, novel cancer specific viral vectors have been developed that target cancer cells leaving normal cells unharmed. Here we review such cancer specific gene therapy systems currently used in the treatment of cancer and discuss the major challenges and future directions in this field