A trans-acting locus regulates an anti-viral expression network and type 1 diabetes risk

Combined analyses of gene networks and DNA sequence variation can provide new insights into the aetiology of common diseases that may not be apparent from genome-wide association studies alone. Recent advances in rat genomics are facilitating systems-genetics approaches. Here we report the use of integrated genome-wide approaches across seven rat tissues to identify gene networks and the loci underlying their regulation. We defined an interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7)-driven inflammatory network (IDIN) enriched for viral response genes, which represents a molecular biomarker for macrophages and which was regulated in multiple tissues by a locus on rat chromosome 15q25. We show that Epstein-Barr virus induced gene 2 (Ebi2, also known as Gpr183), which lies at this locus and controls B lymphocyte migration, is expressed in macrophages and regulates the IDIN. The human orthologous locus on chromosome 13q32 controlled the human equivalent of the IDIN, which was conserved in monocytes. IDIN genes were more likely to associate with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D)-a macrophage-associated autoimmune disease-than randomly selected immune response genes (P = 8.85 x 10(-6)). The human locus controlling the IDIN was associated with the risk of T1D at single nucleotide polymorphism rs9585056 (P = 7.0 x 10(-10); odds ratio, 1.15), which was one of five single nucleotide polymorphisms in this region associated with EBI2 (GPR183) expression. These data implicate IRF7 network genes and their regulatory locus in the pathogenesis of T1D

Identification to the species level of the plant pathogens Phytophthora and Pythium by using unique sequences of the ITS1 region of ribosomal DNA as capture probes for PCR ELISA

The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 region was sequenced for 10 species of Phythium and eight species of Phytophthora. Alignment of the sequences revealed considerable sequence microheterogeneity, which was utilized to prepare a capture probe of unique sequence for each species. The capture probes were tested by PCR ELISA, combining the sensitivity and specificity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The probes were entirely species specific, enabling the detection and identification of the amplified DNA of species from individual Cultures or front mixed samples of the DNAs of two different species. This approach to species identification, which provides a molecular technology to process large numbers of samples and still identify the fungi with a high level of confidence, may greatly reduce the resources and the time of highly trained specialists currently needed to identify these important species of plant pathogenic fungi. (C) 2002 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved

Samian Pottery in Britain: Exploring its Distribution and Archaeological Potential

This paper presents some of the results of an English Heritage funded study of the distribution of samian pottery (Terra Sigillata). It aims to highlight the value of samian pottery as a resource for exploring a range of archaeological questions beyond its essential role in providing dating evidence. The work to date has comprised a pilot study designed to assemble an initial database of stratified samian groups, to test methodologies and to explore the character of samian distribution. Some substantive patterns identified from the database are reproduced here and discussed. The opportunity is also taken to clarify baseline trends in the occurrence of samian within Roman pottery assemblages, and to place patterns in the incidence of this ware within the wider context of Roman Britain. A number of other aspects of archaeological value, for instance, the nature of samian from rural sites and the potential use of samian in ritual actions, are also evaluated. A written report and (hardcopy) database were produced in 1997 (Willis 1997b), which presented the results of phase 1 of the survey, with approximately 50 copies circulated for comment. The middle section of the present paper draws on this report. It is hoped that in due course the database will be accessible to all potential users (including excavators, students, curators and academics), for the comparison of samian assemblages from different sites. The database should establish whether there are ‘normal patterns’ of samian occurrence/supply, by region, time, and site type, against which individual site assemblages may be compared. The focus of the pilot study, being funded by English Heritage, has been upon sites within England. However, evidence from sites in Wales and Scotland, both military and civilian, has equal relevance constituting important comparative data. Samian assemblages from these parts of Britain are hence included in the current discussion. Considering the larger canvas, samian work in Britain is part of an international context of study, of what was a widely distributed and imitated material. Specialists in Britain are closely networked with workers elsewhere in western Europe. One of the most fruitful aspects of this liaison is the potential for identifying similarities and differences in the incidence of samian from region to region. It is hoped that the present paper, identifying trends in the British evidence, can contribute to inter-provincial comparisons. This paper has four principal sections. First, the background to the project is outlined, with previous quantitative and comparative studies of samian noted. The second section deals with broad aspects of samian distribution, considering its status during the Roman era, its geographic incidence and its occurrence as a component of pottery groups. Trends in the occurrence of samian types are then examined, while in the final components several areas of special interest are explored. The concluding sections emphasize the main findings and outline the prospects for future work; the manner in which samian information is published in reports is also considered

Garantenstellung des Wohnungsinhabers bei Angriffen auf einen Gast

Garantenstellung des Wohnungsinhabers bei Angriffen auf einen Gast. - In: Juristische Schulung. 18. 1978. S. 308-31