Why a right to life rules out infanticide: A final reply to Räsänen

Joona Räsänen has argued that pro‐life arguments against the permissibility of infanticide are not persuasive, and fail to show it to be immoral. We responded to Räsänen’s arguments, concluding that his critique of pro‐life arguments was misplaced. Räsänen has recently replied in ‘Why pro‐life arguments still are not convincing: A reply to my critics’, providing some additional arguments as to why he does not find pro‐life arguments against infanticide convincing. Here, we respond briefly to Räsänen’s critique of the substance view, and also to his most important claim: that possession of a right to life by an infant does not rule out the permissibility of infanticide. We demonstrate that this claim is unfounded, and conclude that Räsänen has not refuted pro‐life arguments against infanticide.     

A dubious defense of ‘after‐birth abortion’: A reply to Räsänen

Scholars have offered various critiques of Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's controversial article, ‘After‐birth abortion: Why should the baby live?’ My book The Ethics of Abortion: Women's Rights, Human Life, and the Question of Justice presents four such critiques. First, Giubilini and Minerva argue from the deeply controversial to the even more controversial. Second, they presuppose a false view of personal identity called body‐self dualism. Third, their view cannot secure human equality. And fourth, their account of harm cannot account for harm found in some cases of murder. In the article, ‘Pro‐life arguments against infanticide and why they are not convincing’, J. Räsänen examines and finds wanting these four critiques. This essay responds to Räsänen's defense of infanticide and argues that his responses to the four objections fail.     

Pro‐Life Arguments Against Infanticide and Why they are Not Convincing

Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's controversial article ‘After‐Birth Abortion: Why Should the Baby Live?’ has received a lot of criticism since its publishing. Part of the recent criticism has been made by pro‐life philosopher Christopher Kaczor, who argues against infanticide in his updated book ‘Ethics of Abortion’. Kaczor makes four arguments to show where Giubilini and Minerva's argument for permitting infanticide goes wrong. In this article I argue that Kaczor's arguments, and some similar arguments presented by other philosophers, are mistaken and cannot show Giubilini and Minerva's view to be flawed. I claim that if one wants to reject the permissibility of infanticide, one must find better arguments for doing so.     

c‐Met function requires n‐linked glycosylation modification of pro‐Met

c‐Met, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is cell surface tyrosine kinase that controls cancer cell growth, survival, invasion, and metastasis. Post‐translational modification, such as glycosylation, plays an essential role in regulating the function of cell surface molecules. Whether glycosylation modification regulates the enzymatic properties of c‐Met is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of glycosylation on the function of c‐Met. We found that c‐Met is an N‐linked glycosylated protein. Both pro‐Met and p145Met (the β subunit of mature c‐Met) have N‐linked glycosylation. Glycosylation inhibitor studies revealed that the N‐glycosylation modification of p145Met is from pro‐Met, but not due to the further modification of pro‐Met. Importantly, blocking the N‐glycosylation targets pro‐Met to cytoplasm and initiates its phosphorylation independent of HGF engagement. Nonglycosylated pro‐Met activates c‐Met downstream pathways to a certain extent to compensate for the degradation of p145Met induced by glycosylation blocking‐mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 816–822, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Unravelling the Philosophies Underlying ‘Animal Personality’ Studies: A Brief Re‐Appraisal of the Field

The last decade has seen lots of studies on ‘animal personality’ (i.e. the study of consistent between‐individual behavioural differences). As timely and promising as this field is, its development has come with a diversity of research questions. As an unfortunate consequence, it now suffers from substantial confusion about what ‘animal personality’ is, and how relevant related research frameworks are. Here, we stress the current inconsistencies and sources of confusion pertaining to the field, and their consequences on terminology used and miscommunication between researchers. In an attempt to unravel and clarify the concepts underlying the field, we identify two distinct, but complementary, theory‐driven conceptual frameworks: the intra‐individual variability (IIV) approach and the life‐history (LH) approach, which we believe encompass the vast majority of existing ‘personality studies’. Finally, we argue in favour of theory‐driven studies of consistent behavioural differences and state that the integrative statistical properties of random regression models should not override the merit of alternative conceptual frameworks. We then provide brief guidelines and warnings for a parsimonious and sound use of terminology.     

Environmental effects on the covariation among pace‐of‐life traits

Pace‐of‐life syndromes (POLSs) are suites of life‐history, physiological and behavioural traits that arise due to trade‐offs between allocation to current and future reproduction. Traits generally show covariation that can arise from genetic and environmental influences on phenotypes and constrain the independent evolution of traits, resulting in fitness consequences and impacts on population dynamics. The notion that correlations among traits may vary among populations along environmental gradients suggests an important role for the environment in shaping and maintaining POLSs. However, no synthesis has been attempted of the myriad ways in which environmental factors should influence POLSs. Here, we formulate a series of hypotheses targeting the critical interfaces of the environment and life‐history ‐ behaviour associations across different organisms. We discuss the hypotheses in light of findings from a systematic review of studies that measured changes in the association between behaviour and life‐history traits as a function of environmental conditions. The review revealed that POLSs are often shaped by environmental variation, where harshness of the environment in early life has the most consistent effects on POLS. However, only partial or no effects of environmental variation were found in a number of studies, which may result from the highly variable study systems, traits and environments studied. We highlight promising directions arising from the available studies and identify knowledge gaps that, if unaddressed, will impede progress in the field.     

Obligate annual and successive facultative diapause establish a bet‐hedging strategy of Rhagoletis cerasi (Diptera: Tephritidae) in seasonally unpredictable environments

To cope with temporal and spatial heterogeneity of habitats, herbivorous insects in the temperate zone usually enter diapause that facilitates synchronization of their life cycle with specific stages of host plants, such as fruit ripening. In the present study, we address those factors regulating dormancy responses as part of a ‘longer strategy’ to persist and thrive in temperate environments, focusing on Rhagoletis cerasi, a univoltine, oligophagous species, which overwinters as pupae and emerges when host fruits are available for oviposition at local scale. To ensure population survival and reproduction at habitats with ecological heterogeneity, R. cerasi has evolved a sophisticated diapause strategy based on a combination of local adaptation and diversified bet‐hedging strategies. Diapause duration is determined both by (i) the adaptive response to local host fruit phenology patterns (annual diapause) and (ii) the plastic responses to unpredictable inter‐annual (temporal) climatic variability that drives a proportion of the populations to extend dormancy by entering a second, successive, facultative cycle of prolonged diapause as part of a bet‐hedging strategy. Besides the dormant periods, post‐diapause development (which varies among populations) exerts ‘fine tune’ adjustments that assure synchronization and may correct possible errors. Adults emerging from pupae with prolonged diapause are larger in body size compared with counterparts emerging during the first year of diapause. However, female fecundity rates are reduced, followed by an extended post‐oviposition period, whereas adult longevity remains unaffected. Overall, it appears that R. cerasi populations are adapted to ecological conditions of local habitats and respond plastically to unpredictable environmental (climatic) conditions.     

C‐terminal tails mimicking bioactive intermediates cause different plasma degradation patterns and kinetics in neuropeptides γ‐MSH, α‐MSH,and neurotensin

Peptides are attractive drugs because of their specificity and minimal off‐target effects. Short half‐lives are within their major drawbacks, limiting actual use in clinics. The golden standard in therapeutic peptide development implies identification of a minimal core sequence, then modified to increase stability through several strategies, including the introduction of nonnatural amino acids, cyclization, and lipidation. Here, we investigated plasma degradations of hormone sequences all composed of a minimal active core peptide and a C‐terminal extension. We first investigated pro‐opimelanocortin (POMC) γ2/γ3‐MSH hormone behavior and extended our analysis to POMC‐derived α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone/adrenocorticotropic hormone signaling neuropeptides and neurotensin. We demonstrated that in all the three cases analyzed in this study, few additional residues mimicking the natural sequence alter both peptide stability and the mechanism(s) of degradation of the minimal conserved functional pattern. Our results suggest that the impact of extensions on the bioactivity of a peptide drug has to be carefully evaluated throughout the optimization process.     

MiR‐377 inhibits wear particle‐induced osteolysis via targeting RANKL

Periprosthetic osteolysis caused by wear particles is the main factor that affects the long‐term efficacy of artificial joint replacement, and macrophages play a vital role in the pathogenesis of periprosthetic osteolysis, while the potential mechanism underlying this is still unclear. To investigate the underlying role of miR‐377 in wear particle‐induced osteolysis (PIO), blood samples from patients undergoing arthroplasty were collected for analyzing the correlation between miR‐377 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of PIO. Peripheral blood macrophages were obtained to compare the miR‐377 and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expressions. Bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) following titanium (Ti) particle treatment and/or miR‐377 mimic transfection were used. The expressions of RANKL, pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the osteoclast‐related molecules tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K (CTSK) were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blotting or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or TRAP staining, when appropriate. The interaction between miR‐377 and RANKL was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. The in vivo role of miR‐377 in PIO was evaluated using a mouse calvarial osteolysis model. There were significant differences in downregulated miR‐377 expression between the different numbers of particles in the joint prostheses. The Ti particle treatment increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, downregulated RANKL and increased osteoclast activity in BMMs, while miR‐377 overexpression led to the opposite effect. Taken together, miR‐377 downregulated the target gene RANKL, resulting in PIO inhibition. MiR‐377 relieved PIO by negatively regulating RANKL.     

The dipteran parasitoid Exorista bombycis induces pro‐ and anti‐oxidative reactions in the silkworm Bombyx mori: Enzymatic and genetic analysis

Hymenopteran parasitoids inject various factors including polydnaviruses along with their eggs into their host insects that suppress host immunity reactions to the eggs and larvae. Less is known about the mechanisms evolved in dipteran parasitoids that suppress host immunity. Here we report that the dipteran, Exorista bombycis, parasitization leads to pro‐oxidative reactions and activation of anti‐oxidative enzymes in the silkworm Bombyx mori larva. We recorded increased activity of oxidase, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin peroxidase, catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), and peroxidases in the hemolymph plasma, hemocytes, and fat body collected from B. mori after E. bombycis parasitization. Microarray and qPCR showed differential expression of genes encoding pro‐ and anti‐oxidant enzymes in the hemocytes. The significance of this work lies in increased understanding of dipteran parasitoid biology.     

Macroevolutionary evidence suggests trait‐dependent coevolution between behavior and life‐history

Species with fast life‐histories typically prioritize current over future reproductive events, compared to species with slow life‐histories. These species therefore require greater energetic input into reproduction, and also likely have less time to realize their reproductive potential. Hence, behaviors that increase access to both resources and mating opportunities, at a cost of increased mortality risk, could coevolve with the pace of life‐history. However, whether this prediction holds across species, remains untested under standardized conditions. Here, we test how risky behaviors, which facilitate access to resources and mating opportunities (i.e., activity, boldness, and aggression), along with metabolic rate, coevolve with the pace of life‐history across 20 species of killifish that present remarkable divergences in the pace of life‐history. We found a positive association between the pace of life‐history and aggression, but interestingly not with other behavioral traits or metabolic rate. Aggression is linked to interference competition, and in killifishes is often employed to secure mates, while activity and boldness are more relevant for exploiting energetic resources. Our results suggest that the trade‐off between current and future reproduction plays a more prominent role in shaping mating behavior, while behaviors related to energy acquisition may be influenced by ecological factors.     

Ecological speciation in sympatric palms: 2. Pre‐ and post‐zygotic isolation

We evaluated reproductive isolation in two species of palms (Howea) that have evolved sympatrically on Lord Howe Island (LHI, Australia). We estimated the strength of some pre‐ and post‐zygotic mechanisms in maintaining current species boundaries. We found that flowering time displacement between species is consistent across in and ex situ common gardens and is thus partly genetically determined. On LHI, pre‐zygotic isolation due solely to flowering displacement was 97% for Howea belmoreana and 80% for H. forsteriana; this asymmetry results from H. forsteriana flowering earlier than H. belmoreana and being protandrous. As expected, only a few hybrids (here confirmed by genotyping) at both juvenile and adult stages could be detected in two sites on LHI, in which the two species grow intermingled (the Far Flats) or adjacently (Transit Hill). Yet, the distribution of hybrids was different between sites. At Transit Hill, we found no hybrid adult trees, but 13.5% of younger palms examined there were of late hybrid classes. In contrast, we found four hybrid adult trees, mostly of late hybrid classes, and only one juvenile F1 hybrid in the Far Flats. This pattern indicates that selection acts against hybrids between the juvenile and adult stages. An in situ reciprocal seed transplant between volcanic and calcareous soils also shows that early fitness components (up to 36 months) were affected by species and soil. These results are indicative of divergent selection in reproductive isolation, although it does not solely explain the current distribution of the two species on LHI.     

POSTMan (POST‐translational modification analysis), a software application for PTM discovery

Post‐translationally modified peptides present in low concentrations are often not selected for CID, resulting in no sequence information for these peptides. We have developed a software POSTMan (POST‐translational Modification analysis) allowing post‐translationally modified peptides to be targeted for fragmentation. The software aligns LC‐MS runs (MS₁ data) between individual runs or within a single run and isolates pairs of peptides which differ by a user defined mass difference (post‐translationally modified peptides). The method was validated for acetylated peptides and allowed an assessment of even the basal protein phosphorylation of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PHA) in intact cells.     

The dicey dinner dilemma: Asymmetry in predator–prey risk‐taking,a broadly applicable alternative to the life‐dinner principle

Forty years ago, the ‘life‐dinner principle’ was proposed as an example of an asymmetry that may lead prey species to experience stronger selection than their predators, thus accounting for the high frequency with which prey escape alive from interaction with a predator. This principle remains an influential concept in the scientific literature, despite several works suggesting that the concept relies on many under‐appreciated assumptions and does not apply as generally as was initially proposed. Here, we present a novel model describing a very different asymmetry to that proposed in the life‐dinner principle, but one that could apply broadly. We argue that asymmetries between the relative costs and benefits to predators and prey of selecting a risky behaviour during an extended predator–prey encounter could lead to an enhanced likelihood of escape for the prey. Any resulting advantage to prey depends upon there being a behaviour or choice that introduces some inherent danger to both predator and prey if they adopt it, but which if the prey adopts the predator must match in order to have a chance of successful predation. We suggest that the circumstances indicated by our model could apply broadly across diverse taxa, including both risky spatial or behavioural choices.     

EVOLUTION OF THE SOCIAL‐LEARNER‐EXPLORER STRATEGY IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY HETEROGENEOUS TWO‐ISLAND MODEL

Social‐learner‐explorer (SE) is a learning strategy that combines accurate social learning with exploratory individual learning in that order. Arguably, it is one of the few plausible learning strategies that can support cumulative culture. We investigate numerically the factors that affect the evolution of SE in an environmentally heterogeneous two‐island model. Conditions favorable to the evolution of SE include a small exogenous cost of social learning, the occurrence of migration after social learning but before individual learning, the ability to adaptively modify the behavioral phenotype in the postmigration environment (asymmetrical individual learning), and a relatively high migration rate. The implications of our model for the evolution of SE in humans are discussed. Of particular interest is the prediction that behaviors affecting fitness would have to be socially learned in the natal environment and then subsequently modified by individual learning in the postmigration environment, suggesting a life‐cycle stage dependent reliance on the two types of learning.     

Pro‐angiogenic potential of human chorion‐derived stem cells: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Human chorion‐derived stem cells (hCDSC) were previously shown to demonstrate multipotent properties with promising angiogenic characteristics in monolayer‐cell culture system. In our study, we investigated the angiogenic capability of hCDSC in 3‐dimensional (3D) in vitro and in vivo angiogenic models for the purpose of future application in the treatment of ischaemic diseases. Human CDSC were evaluated for angiogenic and endogenic genes expressions by quantitative PCR. Growth factors secretions were quantified using ELISA. In vitro and in vivo vascular formations were evaluated by histological analysis and confocal microscopic imaging. PECAM‐1⁺ and vWF⁺ vascular‐like structures were observed in both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis models. High secretions of VEGF and bFGF by hCDSC with increased expressions of angiogenic and endogenic genes suggested the possible angiogenic promoting mechanisms by hCDSC. The cooperation of hCDSC with HUVECS to generate vessel‐like structures in our systems is an indication that there will be positive interactions of hCDSC with existing endothelial cells when injected into ischaemic tissues. Hence, hCDSC is suggested as the novel approach in the future treatment of ischaemic diseases.     

3‐Cl‐AHPC inhibits pro‐HGF maturation by inducing matriptase/HAI‐1 complex formation

Matriptase is an epithelia‐specific membrane‐anchored serine protease, and its dysregulation is highly related to the progression of a variety of cancers. Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor‐1 (HAI‐1) inhibits matriptase activity through forming complex with activated matriptase. The balance of matriptase activation and matriptase/HAI‐1 complex formation determines the intensity and duration of matriptase activity. 3‐Cl‐AHPC, 4‐[3‐(1‐adamantyl)‐4‐hydroxyphenyl]‐3‐chlorocinnamic acid, is an adamantly substituted retinoid‐related molecule and a ligand of retinoic acid receptor γ (RARγ). 3‐Cl‐AHPC is of strong anti‐cancer effect but with elusive mechanisms. In our current study, we show that 3‐Cl‐AHPC time‐ and dose‐ dependently induces matriptase/HAI‐1 complex formation, leading to the suppression of activated matriptase in cancer cells and tissues. Furthermore, 3‐Cl‐AHPC promotes matriptase shedding but without increasing the activity of shed matriptase. Moreover, 3‐Cl‐AHPC inhibits matriptase‐mediated cleavage of pro‐HGF through matriptase/HAI‐1 complex induction, resulting in the suppression of pro‐HGF‐stimulated signalling and cell scattering. Although 3‐Cl‐AHPC binds to RARγ, its induction of matriptase/HAI‐1 complex is not RARγ dependent. Together, our data demonstrates that 3‐Cl‐AHPC down‐regulates matriptase activity through induction of matriptase/HAI‐1 complex formation in a RARγ‐independent manner, providing a mechanism of 3‐Cl‐AHPC anti‐cancer activity and a new strategy to inhibit abnormal matriptase activity via matriptase/HAI‐1 complex induction using small molecules.