Lost in transduction: Critical considerations when using viral vectors

The application of retroviral vectors in the laboratory requires considerations that often go overlooked but are often easy to circumvent. Here, we discuss the relationship between the observed transduction efficiency of a cell population and per-cell viral insertions—and describe how differential cell-type susceptibilities can confound results. We consider the math underlying this problem and review an alternative approach to the commonly used “multiplicity of infection” (MOI) method of titering and using viral vectors in the biomedical research laboratory

The sweet spot in sustainability: a framework for corporate assessment in sugar manufacturing

The assessment of corporate sustainability has become an increasingly important topic, both within academia and in industry. For manufacturing companies to conform to their commitments to sustainable development, a standard and reliable measurement framework is required. There is, however, a lack of sector-specific and empirical research in many areas, including the sugar industry. This paper presents an empirically developed framework for the assessment of corporate sustainability within the Thai sugar industry. Multiple case studies were conducted, and a survey using questionnaires was also employed to enhance the power of generalisation. The developed framework is an accurate and reliable measurement instrument of corporate sustainability, and guidelines to assess qualitative criteria are put forward. The proposed framework can be used for a company’s self-assessment and for guiding practitioners in performance improvement and policy decision-maki

The Jet and Circumnuclear Environment of 3C 293

We present the new HST near-infrared polarimetry, broad and narrow-band imaging, and MERLIN 4.5GHz Multi-Frequency Synthesis radio imaging of 3C 293, a unique radio galaxy whose host is an obvious merger remnant, in an exceptionally under-dense region of space. We have discovered near-infrared, optical, and ultra-violet synchrotron emission from the jet. In the optical, the jet is mostly obscured by a dust lane, but three knots are clear in our HST NICMOS images at 1.6 and 2.0 microns, clearly aligning with features in the radio. The outer jet knot is highly polarized (~15%) at 2 microns, confirming the synchrotron emission mechanism. The radio-IR spectral index steepens significantly with distance from the nucleus, as in 3C 273 and in contrast to M 87. The inner knot is visible (with hindsight) on the WFPC2 and STIS images obtained for the earlier 3CR HST snapshot surveys. There is no [Fe II] emission seen associated with the jet, constraining the role of shock-induced ionisation by the jet. Overall there is a strong implication that the NIR jet emission is indeed synchrotron. From our NIR images, the core of the galaxy is clearly identifiable with the main feature in the western extension of the radio ``jet'' image, although no unresolved AGN component is identifiable even at K-band, consistent with an FRII-like nucleus obscured by an optically thick torus. The galaxy appears to have a single nucleus, with any multiple nuclei falling within the central </~100 pc.Comment: ApJ accepted. 31 pages, 12 figures reproduced here at low resolution. High resolution version available from http://www.stsci.edu/~floyd/BIBLIOTECA/3c293

A rational framework for evaluating the next generation of vaccines against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis

Since the early 1980s, several investigations have focused on developing a vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne\u27s disease in cattle and sheep. These studies used whole-cell inactived vaccines that have proven useful in limiting disease progression, but have not prevented infection. In contrast, modified live vaccines that invoke a Th1 type immune response, may improve protection against infection. Spurred by recent advances in the ability to create defined knockouts in MAP, several independent laboratories have developed modified live vaccine candidates by transcriptional mutation of virulence and metablolic genes in MAP. In order to accelerate the process of identification and comparative elvaluation of he most promising modified live MAP vaccine candidates, members of a multi-institutional USDA- funded research consortium, the Johne\u27s disease integrated program (JDIP), met to established a standardized testing platform using agreed upon protocols. A total of 22 candidates vaccine strains developed in five independent laboratories in the United States and New Zealand voluntarily entered into a double blind gated trial pipeline. In Phase I, the survival characteristics of each candidate were determined in bovine macrophages. Attenuated strains moved to Phase II, where tissue colonization of C57/BL6 mice were evaluated in a challenge model. In Phase III, five promising candidates from Phase I and II were evaluated for their ability to reduce fecal shedding, tissue colonization and pathology in a baby goat challenge model. Formation of a multi-institutional consortium for vaccine strain evaluation has revealed insights for the implementation of vaccine trials for Johne\u27s disease and other animals pathogens. We conclude by suggesting the best way forward based on this 3-phase trial experience and challenge the rationale for use of a macrophage-to-mouse-to native host pipeline for MAP vaccine development

Fibronectin rescues estrogen receptor α from lysosomal degradation in breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is expressed in tissues as diverse as brains and mammary glands. In breast cancer, ERα is a key regulator of tumor progression. Therefore, understanding what activates ERα is critical for cancer treatment in particular and cell biology in general. Using biochemical approaches and superresolution microscopy, we show that estrogen drives membrane ERα into endosomes in breast cancer cells and that its fate is determined by the presence of fibronectin (FN) in the extracellular matrix; it is trafficked to lysosomes in the absence of FN and avoids the lysosomal compartment in its presence. In this context, FN prolongs ERα half-life and strengthens its transcriptional activity. We show that ERα is associated with β1-integrin at the membrane, and this integrin follows the same endocytosis and subcellular trafficking pathway triggered by estrogen. Moreover, ERα+ vesicles are present within human breast tissues, and colocalization with β1-integrin is detected primarily in tumors. Our work unravels a key, clinically relevant mechanism of microenvironmental regulation of ERα signaling.Fil: Sampayo, Rocío Guadalupe. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Toscani, Andrés Martin. Universidad Nacional de Luján; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Rubashkin, Matthew G.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Thi, Kate. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Masullo, Luciano Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Violi, Ianina Lucila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias "Elizabeth Jares Erijman"; ArgentinaFil: Lakins, Jonathon N.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Caceres, Alfredo Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Hines, William C.. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Coluccio Leskow, Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján; ArgentinaFil: Stefani, Fernando Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Chialvo, Dante Renato. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología. Centro Internacional de Estudios Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Bissell, Mina J.. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Weaver, Valerie M.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Simian, Marina. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentin

O/IR Polarimetry for the 2010 Decade (PSF): Science at the Edge, Sharp Tools for All

Science opportunities and recommendations concerning optical/infrared polarimetry for the upcoming decade in the fields of planetary systems and star formation. Community-based White Paper to Astro2010 in response to the call for such papers.Comment: White Paper to the Planetary Systems and Star Formation (PSF) Science Frontiers Panel of the Astro2010 Decadal Surve

Understanding Polarized Foreground from Dust: Towards Reliable Measurements of CMB Polarization

Science opportunities and recommendations concerning optical/infrared polarimetry for the upcoming decade in the field of cosmology. Community-based White Paper to Astro2010 in response to the call for such papers.Comment: White Paper to the Cosmology and Fundamental Physics (GCT) Science Frontiers Panel of the Astro2010 Decadal Surve