bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gadamer and Davidson on Language and Thought
Authors: Vessey David
Published: January 2012

Recently philosophers interested in bridging the gap between continental and analytic philosophy have looked to connecting Hans‐Georg Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics with Donald Davidson’s philosophy of language. Both seem to share a number of positions, and each was familiar with the other’s writings. In this essay, I look at Davidson’s criticisms of Gadamer’s hermeneutics—in particular Gadamer’s view that dialogue always depends on a shared language and, when successful, produces a new common language to understand a topic. I argue that Davidson’s objections miss the way Gadamer is using conversation (Gespräch) as a technical term. Working out the difference between what Davidson and Gadamer mean reveals a deeper divide between their views about the relation between language and thought.
Helminth–host immunological interactions: prevention and control of immune‐mediated diseases
Authors: Elliott David E. , Weinstock Joel V.
Published: January 2012

Exposure to commensal and pathogenic organisms strongly influences our immune system. Exposure to helminths was frequent before humans constructed their current highly hygienic environment. Today, in highly industrialized countries, contact between humans and helminths is rare. Congruent with the decline in helminth infections is an increase in the prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It is possible that exclusion of helminths from the environment has permitted the emergence of immune‐mediated disease. We review the protective effects of helminths on expression of inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and animal models of these and other inflammatory diseases. We also review the immune pathways altered by helminths that may afford protection from these illnesses. Helminth exposure tends to inhibit IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production, promote IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β release, induce CD4+ T cell Foxp3 expression, and generate regulatory macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells. Helminths enable protective pathways that may vary by specific species and disease model. Helminths or their products likely have therapeutic potential to control or prevent immune‐mediated illness.
A crosstalk between bone and gonads
Authors: Oury Franck
Published: January 2012

The sex steroid hormones testosterone and estrogen are essential determinants not only of reproductive functions but also for bone growth and the maintenance of skeletal integrity. The importance of this latter form of regulation is best exemplified by the fact that gonadal failure triggers bone loss in both genders and causes osteoporosis in postmenauposal women. Traditionally, bone physiology is studied with the view that the skeleton is simply a recipient of hormonal inputs. However, a richer picture of bone physiology has recently emerged, and it is now clear that the skeleton is an endocrine organ itself. This is particularly relevant to the interplay between bone and gonads because genetics and biochemical evidence have established that bone, via the osteoblast‐derived hormone osteocalcin, promotes testosterone biosynthesis. This review will present the mechanism of action of osteocalcin and will discuss the implications of this novel regulation.
Social Change and Adolescent Developmental Tasks: The Case of Postcommunist Europe
Authors: Tomasik Martin J. , Silbereisen Rainer K.
Published: January 2012

Abstract— The radical political transformations of the 1990s in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, overlaid by effects of globalization and related economic crises, have had an effect on young people, particularly by changing contexts relevant for psychosocial development. According to research on major developmental tasks in adolescence, young people benefited from new freedoms, such as the open borders and advanced communication technologies, but they also faced new economic uncertainties concerning work and family for which they have tried to compensate by postponing traditional transitions to adulthood. Nevertheless, results show that the nature of the developmental tasks was not in jeopardy and that effects on development overall were moderate. This article reviews the research against the backdrop of a general model on how change at the macro level translates into individual adaptation in societies affected by the challenges of globalization, individualization, and demographic shifts.
Efficacy of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Dispersion of Liposome with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Alpha‐Lipoic Acid and Kinetin
Authors: Maia Campos Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves , de Camargo Júnior Flávio Bueno , de Andrade Jirrah Pedro , Gaspar Lorena Rigo
Published: January 2012

The present study aimed to evaluate the photoprotective effects of cosmetic formulations containing a dispersion of liposome with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) and kinetin, as well as their effects on the hydration and viscoelastic skin properties. The photoprotection was determined in vitro (antioxidant activity) and in vivo on UV‐irradiated hairless mouse skin. The hydration effects were performed with the application of the formulations under study on the forearm of human volunteers and skin conditions were analyzed before and after a single application and daily applications during 4 weeks in terms of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin moisture and viscoelastic properties. The raw material under study possessed free‐radical scavenging activity and the formulation with it protected hairless mouse skin barrier function against UV damage. After 4 weeks of application on human skin, the formulation under study enhanced stratum corneum skin moisture and also showed hydration effects in deeper layers of the skin. Thus, it can be concluded that the cosmetic formulation containing a dispersion of liposome with MAP, ALA and kinetin under study showed photoprotective effects in skin barrier function as well as pronounced hydration effects on human skin, which suggests that this dispersion has potential antiaging effects.
Toward responsible stock enhancement: broadcast spawning dynamics and adaptive genetic management in white seabass aquaculture
Authors: Gruenthal Kristen M. , Drawbridge Mark A.
Published: January 2012

The evolutionary effects captive‐bred individuals that can have on wild conspecifics are necessary considerations for stock enhancement programs, but breeding protocols are often developed without the knowledge of realized reproductive behavior. To help fill that gap, parentage was assigned to offspring produced by a freely mating group of 50 white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis), a representative broadcast spawning marine finfish cultured for conservation. Similar to the well‐known and closely related red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), A. nobilis exhibited large variation in reproductive success. More males contributed and contributed more equally than females within and among spawns in a mating system best described as lottery polygyny. Two females produced 27% of the seasonal offspring pool and female breeding effective size averaged 1.85 per spawn and 12.38 seasonally, whereas male breeding effective size was higher (6.42 and 20.87, respectively), with every male contributing 1–7% of offspring. Further, females batch spawned every 1–5 weeks, while males displayed continuous reproductive readiness. Sex‐specific mating strategies resulted in multiple successful mate pairings and a breeding effective to census size ratio of ≥0.62. Understanding a depleted species’ mating system allowed management to more effectively utilize parental genetic variability for culture, but the fitness consequences of long‐term stocking can be difficult to address.
Cholesterol metabolism in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Uhía Iria , Galán Beatriz , Kendall Sharon L. , Stoker Neil G. , García José L.
Published: January 2012

The metabolism of cholesterol in Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 has been investigated by using a microarray approach. The transcriptome of M. smegmatis growing in cholesterol was compared with that of cells growing in glycerol as the sole carbon and energy sources during the middle exponential phase. Microarray analyses revealed that only 89 genes were upregulated at least threefold during growth on cholesterol compared with growth on glycerol. The upregulated genes are scattered throughout the 7 Mb M. smegmatis genome and likely reflect a general physiological adaptation of the bacterium to grow on this highly hydrophobic polycyclic compound. Nevertheless, 39 of the catabolic genes are organized in three specific clusters. These results not only supported the role of KstR and KstR2 as auto‐regulated repressors of cholesterol catabolism, and revealed some metabolic similarities and differences on actinobacteria, but more important, they have facilitated the identification of new catabolic genes, opening a research scenario that might provide important clues on the role of cholesterol in tuberculosis infection.
Membrane recruitment of autophagy proteins in selective autophagy
Authors: Morita Eiji , Yoshimori Tamotsu
Published: January 2012

Autophagy is a stress response that is upregulated in response to signals such as starvation, growth factor deprivation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and pathogen infection. Defects in this pathway are the underlying cause of a number of diseases, including metabolic aberrations, infectious diseases, and cancer, which are closely related to hepatic disorders. To date, more than 30 human ATG (autophagy) genes have been reported to regulate autophagosome formation. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how ATG proteins behave during autophagosome formation in both non‐selective and selective autophagy.
Prevalence and predictive factors of diabetes in hepatitis virus positive liver cirrhosis with fasting plasma glucose level of <126 mg/dL
Authors: Matsumoto Naoki , Arase Yasuji , Seko Yuya , Imai Norihiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Akuta Norio , Kobayashi Mariko , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saito Satoshi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Aida Kaoru , Kobayashi Tetsuro
Published: January 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictive factors of diabetes in hepatitis virus positive liver cirrhotic patients with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of <126 mg/dL.

Methods:  A total of 263 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive liver cirrhosis, FPG level of <126 mg/dL, and had diabetes status evaluated by the use of 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were enrolled in this study. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were analyzed periodically for 3 h after oral glucose loading. Diabetes was defined as a 2‐h post‐load glucose on the OGTT of ≥200 mg/dL. The prevalence of diabetes by use of OGTT and predictive factors for diabetes were evaluated by the use of the Mann–Whitney U‐test, Fisher's exact probability test or multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin level of <3.9 g/dL. Elevated indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG R15) was regarded as ≥ 25%.

Results:  Out of 263 patients, 44 (16.7%) were diagnosed as having diabetes. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes occurred when patients had hypoalbuminemia of <3.9 g/dL (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% confidential interval [CI] = 1.04–5.24; P = 0.040) and ICG R15 of <25% (OR 2.36; 95%CI = 1.01–5.58).

Conclusions:  Hypoalbuminemia and elevated ICG R15 in hepatitis virus related cirrhotic patients with FPG level of <126 mg/day enhance diabetes pattern after OGTT with significant difference.
Using a Galerkin Approach to Define Terrain Surfaces
Authors: Chemistruck Heather M. , Ferris John B. , Gorsich David
Published: January 2012

Terrain is the principal source of vertical excitation to the vehicle and must be accurately represented in order to correctly predict the vehicle response. Ideally, an efficient terrain surface definition could be developed that maintains the high-fidelity information required to accurately excite vehicle models. It is also desirable to minimize the effect of the choice of measurement system used to sample the terrain surface. Nondeformable, anisotropic (path-specific) terrain surfaces are defined as a sequence of vectors, where each vector comprises terrain heights at locations oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel. A vector space is formed by the span of these vectors and a corresponding set of empirical basis vectors is developed. A set of analytic basis vectors is formed from Gegenbauer polynomials, parameterized to approximate the empirical basis vectors. A weighted inner product is defined to form a Hilbert space and the terrain surface vectors are projected onto the set of analytic basis vectors. The weighting matrix is developed such that these projections are insensitive to the number and placement of the discrete transverse locations at which the terrain heights are defined. This method is successfully demonstrated on sets of paved road surfaces to show that a high-fidelity but compact definition of terrain surfaces is developed. This representation is applied to an example of off-road terrain to demonstrate the representation’s scope of applicability. Future work will investigate generating stochastic terrain surfaces with these vectors.
Comment on “Late Mousterian Persistence near the Arctic Circle”
Authors: Zwyns Nicolas , Roebroeks Wil , McPherron Shannon P. , Jagich Adam , Hublin Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2012

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.
Simultaneously Mitigating Near-Term Climate Change and Improving Human Health and Food Security
Authors: Shindell Drew , Kuylenstierna Johan C. I. , Vignati Elisabetta , van Dingenen Rita , Amann Markus , Klimont Zbigniew , Anenberg Susan C. , Muller Nicholas , Janssens-Maenhout Greet , Raes Frank , Schwartz Joel , Faluvegi Greg , Pozzoli Luca , Kupiainen Kaarle , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Emberson Lisa , Streets David , Ramanathan V. , Hicks Kevin , Oanh N. T. Kim , Milly George , Williams Martin , Demkine Volodymyr , Fowler David
Published: January 2012

Why Wait?

Tropospheric ozone can be dangerous to human health, can be harmful to vegetation, and is a major contributor to climate warming. Black carbon also has significant negative effects on health and air quality and causes warming of the atmosphere.

Shindell
et al.

(p.
183
) present results of an analysis of emissions, atmospheric processes, and impacts for each of these pollutants. Seven measures were identified that, if rapidly implemented, would significantly reduce global warming over the next 50 years, with the potential to prevent millions of deaths worldwide from outdoor air pollution. Furthermore, some crop yields could be improved by decreasing agricultural damage. Most of the measures thus appear to have economic benefits well above the cost of their implementation.
Response to “Comment on Late Mousterian Persistence near the Arctic Circle”
Authors: Slimak Ludovic , Svendsen John Inge , Mangerud Jan , Plisson Hugues , Heggen Herbjørn Presthus , Brugère Alexis , Pavlov Pavel Yurievich
Published: January 2012

Contrary to what Zwyns
et al
. claim on a bibliographical basis, the lithic industry of Byzovaya cannot belong to the Streletskayan complex or be considered as Upper Palaeolithic (UP). Direct analysis of northern assemblages and of Streletskayan technologies reveals incompatible features between these industries. Byzovaya is structured on specific Mousterian technologies and does not show any unique features of the UP.
Periodic Emission from the Gamma-Ray Binary 1FGL J1018.6–5856
Authors: The Fermi LAT Collaboration
Published: January 2012

Binary Revelation

Binary star systems that contain a neutron star or a black hole are expected to emit gamma rays. These gamma-ray binaries are a rare class of objects, which are also expected to emit x-rays. Indeed, several such systems were initially detected through their x-ray emission. The
Fermi LAT Collaboration
(p.
189
; see the Perspective by

Mirabel

) reports the detection of a gamma-ray binary that was previously unknown as an x-ray source. Follow-up observations reveal that the system is also a source of x-rays and that the companion star is a class O star, a type that is very hot and very luminous.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Signaling Requires iRhom2 to Promote Trafficking and Activation of TACE
Authors: Adrain Colin , Zettl Markus , Christova Yonka , Taylor Neil , Freeman Matthew
Published: January 2012

TACE Trafficking

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a major driver of inflammation and contributes to the immune pathology seen in a variety of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis. Soluble TNF is produced by cleavage of its ectodomain by the ADAM family metalloprotease, TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE). However, the molecular regulation of TACE is not understood (see the Perspective by

Lichtenthaler

).

Adrain
et al.

(p.
225
) and

McIlwain
et al.

(p.
229
) now show that the rhomboid family member iRhom2 interacts with TACE in macrophages and is required for its proper intracellular trafficking and activation. In the absence of iRhom2, TACE was not released from the endoplasmic reticulum, and active protease did not reach the cell surface. Because of an inability to produce TNF, iRhom2-deficient mice were more resistant to lipopolysaccharide-induced septic shock but could not adequately control a
Listeria monocytogenes
infection.
Institutionalizing Ethical Research
Behind Closed Doors
IRBs and the Making of Ethical Research

by Laura Stark

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2012. 237 pp. $85. ISBN 9780226770864. Paper, $27.50. ISBN 9780226770871. Morality and Society.
Authors: Lidz Charles W.
Published: January 2012

Stark combines a history of rules for the treatment of human subjects in biomedical research with firsthand observations of institutional review boards.
Plant Species Richness and Ecosystem Multifunctionality in Global Drylands
Authors: Maestre Fernando T. , Quero José L. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Escudero Adrián , Ochoa Victoria , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , García-Gómez Miguel , Bowker Matthew A. , Soliveres Santiago , Escolar Cristina , García-Palacios Pablo , Berdugo Miguel , Valencia Enrique , Gozalo Beatriz , Gallardo Antonio , Aguilera Lorgio , Arredondo Tulio , Blones Julio , Boeken Bertrand , Bran Donaldo , Conceição Abel A. , Cabrera Omar , Chaieb Mohamed , Derak Mchich , Eldridge David J. , Espinosa Carlos I. , Florentino Adriana , Gaitán Juan , Gatica M. Gabriel , Ghiloufi Wahida , Gómez-González Susana , Gutiérrez Julio R. , Hernández Rosa M. , Huang Xuewen , Huber-Sannwald Elisabeth , Jankju Mohammad , Miriti Maria , Monerris Jorge , Mau Rebecca L. , Morici Ernesto , Naseri Kamal , Ospina Abelardo , Polo Vicente , Prina Aníbal , Pucheta Eduardo , Ramírez-Collantes David A. , Romão Roberto , Tighe Matthew , Torres-Díaz Cristian , Val James , Veiga José P. , Wang Deli , Zaady Eli
Published: January 2012

Global Ecosystem Analysis

The relationship between species richness and the functional properties of their ecosystems has often been studied at small scales in experimental plots.

Maestre
et al.

(p.
214
; see the Perspective by

Midgley

) performed field measurements at 224 dryland sites from six continents and assessed 14 ecosystem functions related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling. Positive relationships were observed between perennial plant species richness and ecosystem functionality. The relative importance of biodiversity was found to be as large as, or larger than, many key abiotic variables. Thus, preservation of plant biodiversity is important to buffer negative effects of climate change and desertification in drylands, which collectively cover 41% of Earth's land surface and support over 38% of the human population.
A Composite Matter of Alignment
Authors: Fratzl Peter
Published: January 2012

Magnetic fields are used to orient reinforcing particles in polymer composites and strengthen high-stress regions that can be prone to failure.
Sheddase Gets Guidance
Authors: Lichtenthaler Stefan F.
Published: January 2012

The release of a cytokine from immune cells requires a protein to guide a protease to the cell surface.
SWEET! The Pathway Is Complete
Authors: Braun David M.
Published: January 2012

A protein moves sucrose out of leaf cells prior to entry into the plant vascular system.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Authors: Midgley Guy F.
Published: January 2012

A study of drylands across the world highlights the importance of species richness for ecosystem function.
Paul Mead Doty (1920–2011)
Authors: Meselson Matthew
Published: January 2012

A chemist, whose DNA work underlies powerful biochemical and genetic tools, sought to control nuclear arms and foster science communication to policy-makers.
It's the Teachers
Authors: Burris John E.
Published: January 2012

The poor performance of U.S. students on International Measures of Science and Math has been bemoaned by everyone from the president to concerned parents. The first Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) results were released in 1995 and the first Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test results in 2000. The education reforms that they helped to motivate have had little impact on U.S. performance, and the country continues to hope for a simple solution that will miraculously turn the tide. But there are no quick fixes in the world of education. Instead, the United States must commit to the laborious task of improving the teachers we train and the environment in which they teach, while providing teachers with a respect and trust commensurate with their critical societal roles.
Pleading Poverty, NSF Delays Plans for Giant Telescope
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: January 2012

The most the architects of the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty Meter Telescope can hope for right now from the U.S. National Science Foundation is a chance at $1.25 million over 5 years to continue their planning.
A Quick (Partial) Fix for an Ailing Atmosphere
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: January 2012

A group of scientists has come up with 14 practicable approaches, described in this week's issue of
Science
, to cleaning the world's air and cutting global warming.
The Peopling of the Aleutians
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: January 2012

Few Aleuts still live in their ancestral homeland, but their genetics and archaeology offer a rare glimpse into one of humanity's last great migrations—and into the mysterious peopling of the Americas.
New Lease for Leftover Light
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: January 2012

Researchers reported at the meeting that they've devised polarizing filters made from organic solar cells that recycle some of the absorbed light from liquid crystal displays.
Development of a Bead-Based Multiplex Immunoassay for Simultaneous Quantitative Detection of IgG Serum Antibodies against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Virus
Authors: Smits Gaby P. , van Gageldonk Pieter G. , Schouls Leo M. , van der Klis Fiona R. M. , Berbers Guy A. M.
Published: January 2012

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is normally used to quantify the amount of serum IgG antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster virus (MMRV). However, this method is time- and material-consuming. Therefore, a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous quantitative detection of antibodies against MMRV was developed. In-house as well as commercially available antigens can be used, making the assay available for all laboratories. The multiplex assay is much more sensitive than the separate ELISAs and has a high specificity, and only 5 μl of serum is needed. Heterologous inhibition did not exceed 11.5%, while homologous inhibition varied between 91.3 and 97.9%. Good correlations with the in-house ELISAs for measles (R2= 0.98), mumps (R2= 0.97), and rubella (R2= 0.97) virus as well as with the ELISA kit for varicella-zoster virus (R2= 0.95) were obtained. In conclusion, the MMRV multiplex assay is a good alternative to the conventional ELISAs and suitable for use in serosurveillance and vaccine studies.
Postvaccination Increase in Serotype 19A Pneumococcal Disease in Norway Is Driven by Expansion of Penicillin-Susceptible Strains of the ST199 Complex
Authors: Vestrheim Didrik F. , Steinbakk Martin , Aaberge Ingeborg S. , Caugant Dominique A.
Published: January 2012

Serotype replacement in invasive pneumococcal disease has been observed after widespread use of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). Replacement is dominated by penicillin-nonsusceptible serotype 19A in several countries. Antibiotic selection pressure has been proposed to interact with immunization, leading to rapid replacement. In Norway, where prescription of antibiotics is limited, post-PCV7 replacement by serotype 19A is dominated by penicillin-susceptible clones. Hence, serotype 19A replacement occurs, although it is not driven by antibiotic selection pressure.
Flagellin from Recombinant Attenuated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Reveals a Fundamental Role in Chicken Innate Immunity
Authors: Pan Zhiming , Cong Qiuxia , Geng Shizhong , Fang Qiang , Kang Xilong , You Meng , Jiao Xinan
Published: January 2012

Recombinant attenuatedSalmonellavaccines have been extensively studied, with a focus on eliciting specific immune responses against foreign antigens. However, very little is known about the innate immune responses, particularly the role of flagellin, in the induction of innate immunity triggered by recombinant attenuatedSalmonellain chickens. In the present report, we describe twoSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium vaccine strains, wild-type (WT) or flagellin-deficient (flhD)Salmonella, both expressing the fusion protein (F) gene of Newcastle disease virus. We examined the bacterial load and spatiotemporal kinetics of expression of inflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) genes in the cecum, spleen, liver, and heterophils following oral immunization of chickens with the twoSalmonellastrains. TheflhDmutant exhibited an enhanced ability to establish systemic infection compared to the WT. In contrast, the WT strain induced higher levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), CXCLi2, and TLR5 mRNAs in cecum, the spleen, and the heterophils than theflhDmutant at different times postinfection. Collectively, the present data reveal a fundamental role of flagellin in the innate immune responses induced by recombinant attenuatedSalmonellavaccines in chickens that should be considered for the rational design of novel vaccines for poultry.
Effects of North American Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)-Based Modified Live Vaccines on Preimmunized Sows Artificially Inseminated with European PRRSV-Spiked Semen
Authors: Han Kiwon , Seo Hwi Won , Oh Yeonsu , Kang Ikjae , Park Changhoon , Chae Chanhee
Published: January 2012

The objective of the present study was to determine if the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted via spiked semen to preimmunized sows and induce reproductive failure. Sows were immunized with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine (Ingelvac PRRS MLV; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, St. Joseph, MO) and were artificially inseminated. The sows were randomly divided into three groups. The vaccinated (group 2) and nonvaccinated (group 3) sows developed a PRRSV viremia at 7 to 28 days postinsemination with the European PRRSV-spiked semen. The number of genomic copies of the European PRRSV in serum samples was not significantly different between vaccinated and nonvaccinated sows. All negative-control sows in group 1 farrowed at the expected date. The sows in groups 2 and 3 farrowed between 103 and 110 days after the first insemination. European PRRSV RNA was detected in the lungs of 8 out of 11 live-born piglets and 46 out of 54 stillborn fetuses. In addition, PRRSV RNA was detected usingin situhybridization in other tissues from vaccinated sows that had been inseminated with European PRRSV-spiked semen (group 2). The present study has demonstrated that vaccinating sows with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine does not prevent reproductive failure after insemination with European PRRSV-spiked semen.
Draft Genome Sequences of the Pseudomonas fluorescens Biocontrol Strains Wayne1R and Wood1R
Authors: Rong Xiaoqing , Baysal Gurel Fulya , Meulia Tea , McSpadden Gardener Brian B.
Published: January 2012

Pseudomonas fluorescens
strains Wayne1R and Wood1R have proven capacities to improve plant health. Here we report the draft genome sequences and automatic annotations of both strains. Genome comparisons reveal similarities with
P. fluorescens
strain Pf-5, reveal the novelty of Wood1R, and indicate some genes that may be related to biocontrol.
Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium casei UCMA 3821, Isolated from a Smear-Ripened Cheese
Authors: Monnet Christophe , Loux Valentin , Bento Pascal , Gibrat Jean-François , Straub Cécile , Bonnarme Pascal , Landaud Sophie , Irlinger Françoise
Published: January 2012

Corynebacterium casei
is one of the most prevalent species present on the surfaces of smear-ripened cheeses, where it contributes to the production of the desired organoleptic properties. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Corynebacterium casei
UCMA 3821 to provide insights into its physiology.
Complete Genome Sequence of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp.
mesenteroides
Strain J18, Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Jung Ji Young , Lee Seung Hyeon , Lee Se Hee , Jeon Che Ok
Published: January 2012

Leuconostoc mesenteroides
subsp.
mesenteroides
is one of the most predominant lactic acid bacterial groups during kimchi fermentation. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
L. mesenteroides
subsp.
mesenteroides
J18, which was isolated from kimchi. The genome of the strain consists of a 1,896,561-bp chromosome and five plasmids.
Genome Sequence of Strain HIMB30, a Novel Member of the Marine Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Huggett Megan J. , Rappé Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Strain HIMB30 was isolated from coastal Hawaii seawater by extinction culturing in seawater-based oligotrophic medium. It is a phylogenetically unique member of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
that is only distantly related to its closest cultured relatives. Here we present the genome sequence of strain HIMB30, including genes for proteorhodopsin-based phototrophy and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle.
Genetic Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus Strains That Induced Epidemics in Korea during 2007–2009
Authors: Lee Hyeokjin , Jeong Hyesook , Yun Heasun , Kim Kisang , Kim Jong-Hyun , Yang Jai Myung , Cheon Doo-Sung
Published: January 2012

Hepatitis A virus is one of the most prominent causes of fecally transmitted acute hepatitis worldwide. In order to characterize the viral agents causing an outbreak in Korea (comprising North and South Korea) from June 2007 to May 2009, we collected specimens and performed genotyping of the VP1/P2A and VP3/VP1 regions of hepatitis A virus. We then used a multiple-alignment algorithm to compare the nucleotide sequences of the 2 regions with those of reference strains. Hepatitis A virus antibodies were detected in 64 patients from 5 reported outbreaks (North Korea, June 2007 [
n
= 11]; Jeonnam, April 2008 [
n
= 15]; Daegu, May 2008 [
n
= 13]; Seoul, May 2009 [
n
= 22]; and Incheon, May 2009 [
n
= 3]). We found 100% homology between strains isolated from the Kaesong Industrial Region and Jeonnam. While those strains were classified as genotype IA strains, strains from Seoul and Incheon were identified as genotype IIIA strains and showed 98.9 to 100% homology. Genotype IIIA was also dominant in Daegu, where strains were 95.7 to 100% homologous. All hepatitis A virus strains isolated from the Kaesong Industrial Region, Jeonnam, Seoul, and Incheon belonged to a single cluster. However, strains from Daegu could be classified into 2 clusters, suggesting that the outbreak had multiple sources. This study indicates that hepatitis A virus strains of 2 different genotypes are currently cocirculating in Korea. Moreover, it documents an increasing prevalence of genotype IIIA strains in the country.
Incidence and Virulence Determinants of Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections in the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium, in 2008–2010
Authors: Buvens Glenn , De Gheldre Yves , Dediste Anne , de Moreau Anne-Isabelle , Mascart Georges , Simon Anne , Allemeersch Daniël , Scheutz Flemming , Lauwers Sabine , Piérard Denis
Published: January 2012

The incidence of verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC) was investigated by PCR in all human stools from Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB) and in selected stools from six other hospital laboratories in the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium, collected between April 2008 and October 2010. The stools selected to be included in this study were those from patients with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), patients with a history of bloody diarrhea, patients linked to clusters of diarrhea, children up to the age of 6 years, and stools containing macroscopic blood. Verocytotoxin genes (vtx) were detected significantly more frequently in stools from patients with the selected conditions (2.04%) than in unselected stools from UZB (1.20%) (P= 0.001). VTEC was detected most frequently in patients with HUS (35.3%), a history of bloody diarrhea (5.15%), or stools containing macroscopic blood (1.85%). Stools from patients up to the age of 17 years were significantly more frequentlyvtxpositive than those from adult patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years (P= 0.022). Although stools from patients older than 65 years were also more frequently positive forvtxthan those from patients between 18 and 65 years, this trend was not significant. VTEC was isolated from 140 (67.9%)vtx-positive stools. One sample yielded two different serotypes; thus, 141 isolates could be characterized. Sixty different O:H serotypes harboring 85 different virulence profiles were identified. Serotypes O157:H7/H− (n= 34), O26:H11/H− (n= 21), O63:H6 (n= 8), O111:H8/H− (n= 7), and O146:H21/H− (n= 6) accounted for 53.9% of isolates. All O157 isolates carriedvtx2,eae, and a complete O island 122 (COI-122); 15 also carriedvtx1. Non-O157 isolates (n= 107), however, accounted for the bulk (75.9%) of isolates. Fifty-nine (55.1%) isolates were positive forvtx1, 36 (33.6%) were positive forvtx2, and 12 (11.2%) carried bothvtx1andvtx2. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed wide genetic diversity; however, small clusters of O157, O26, and O63:H6 VTEC that could have been part of unidentified outbreaks were identified. Antimicrobial resistance was observed in 63 (44.7%) isolates, and 34 (24.1%) showed multidrug resistance. Our data show that VTEC infections were not limited to patients with HUS or bloody diarrhea. Clinical laboratories should, therefore, screen all stools for O157 and non-O157 VTEC using selective media and a method for detecting verocytotoxins orvtxgenes.
First Comprehensive Evaluation of the M.I.C. Evaluator Device Compared to Etest and CLSI Reference Dilution Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Clinical Strains of Anaerobes and Other Fastidious Bacterial Species
Authors: Rennie R. P. , Turnbull L. , Brosnikoff C. , Cloke J.
Published: January 2012

The new M.I.C. Evaluator strip uses test methodology and the recording of results that are similar to those of Etest. For this first assessment, 102 clinical strains of anaerobic bacteria from 12 genera and 155 strains from 7 genera and 8 species of fastidious bacteria were tested by M.I.C. Evaluator, Etest, and agar dilution or broth microdilution as a reference standard. Ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, imipenem, levofloxacin, metronidazole, penicillin, and tetracycline were tested depending on the species. Agar dilution for anaerobes was performed according to CLSI document M11-A7. For the fastidious bacteria, CLSI document M45-A2 was followed. For the anaerobes, essential and categorical agreement between M.I.C. Evaluator and Etest was >90%. Compared to agar dilution, essential agreement was low for both strip tests, and many very major errors were observed for metronidazole (13 to 14%) and penicillin (8 to 9%) with isolates from the
Bacteroides fragilis
group and
Clostridium
species. For fastidious species, essential agreements for M.I.C. Evaluator and Etest plus or minus one doubling dilution were >95%. Compared to broth microdilution, essential agreements were low (40 to 90%) plus or minus one dilution and were >90% plus or minus two dilutions, with high overall category agreement (CA). Major and minor errors were within established parameters for all strains tested. The M.I.C. Evaluator strips were equivalent to Etest for anaerobes and fastidious species. These observations require further investigation to determine which methods provide the most accurate MIC for clinical utility. The further evaluation of additional M.I.C. Evaluator agents will be performed as they become available.
A Highly Efficient Ziehl-Neelsen Stain: Identifying
De Novo
Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Improving Detection of Extracellular M. tuberculosis in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Chen Ping , Shi Ming , Feng Guo-Dong , Liu Jia-Yun , Wang Bing-Ju , Shi Xiao-Dan , Ma Lei , Liu Xue-Dong , Yang Yi-Ning , Dai Wen , Liu Ting-Ting , He Ying , Li Jin-Ge , Hao Xiao-Ke , Zhao Gang
Published: January 2012

Tuberculous meningitis leads to a devastating outcome, and early diagnosis and rapid chemotherapy are vital to reduce morbidity and mortality. Since
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is a kind of cytozoic pathogen and its numbers are very few in cerebrospinal fluid, detecting
M. tuberculosis
in cerebrospinal fluid from tuberculous meningitis patients is still a challenge for clinicians. Ziehl-Neelsen stain, the current feasible microbiological method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, often needs a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid specimen but shows a low detection rate of
M. tuberculosis
. Here, we developed a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain, involving cytospin slides with Triton processing, in which only 0.5 ml of cerebrospinal fluid specimens was required. This method not only improved the detection rate of extracellular
M. tuberculosis
significantly but also identified intracellular
M. tuberculosis
in the neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes clearly. Thus, our modified method is more effective and sensitive than the conventional Ziehl-Neelsen stain, providing clinicians a convenient yet powerful tool for rapidly diagnosing tuberculous meningitis.
Evaluation of the Yeast Traffic Light PNA FISH Probes for Identification of Candida Species from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Hall Leslie , Le Febre Kara M. , Deml Sharon M. , Wohlfiel Sherri L. , Wengenack Nancy L.
Published: January 2012

The Yeast Traffic Light PNA FISH kit (YTL) correctly identified
Candida
spp. in 207/216 (96%) positive blood cultures. Discordant results were seen with known cross-reacting species and cultures containing
Candida lambica
and
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa
. The YTL provides rapid, reliable identification of the five common
Candida
species found in blood cultures.
Entry of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Is Augmented by Heparin Sulfate Proteoglycans Bearing Short Heparin-Like Structures
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Jinno-Oue Atsushi , Shimizu Nobuaki , Hoque Ariful , Mori Takahisa , Islam Salequl , Nakatani Youko , Shinagawa Masahiko , Hoshino Hiroo
Published: January 2012

Three molecules have been identified as the main cellular factors required for binding and entry of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1): glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), heparan sulfate (HS), and neuropilin 1 (NRP-1). However, the precise mechanism of HTLV-1 cell tropism has yet to be elucidated. Here, we examined the susceptibilities of various human cell lines to HTLV-1 by using vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotypes bearing HTLV-1 envelope proteins. We found that the cellular susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection did not correlate with the expression of GLUT1, HS, or NRP-1 alone. To investigate whether other cellular factors were responsible for HTLV-1 susceptibility, we conducted expression cloning. We identified two HS proteoglycan core proteins, syndecan 1 and syndecan 2, as molecules responsible for susceptibility to HTLV-1. We found that treatment of syndecan 1-transduced cells (expressing increased HS) with heparinase, a heparin-degradative enzyme, reduced HTLV-1 susceptibility without affecting the expression levels of HS chains. To further elucidate these results, we characterized the expression of HS chains in terms of the mass, number, and length of HS in several syndecan 1-transduced cell clones as well as human cell lines. We found a significant correlation between HTLV-1 susceptibility and the number of HS chains with short chain lengths. Our findings suggest that a combination of the number and the length of HS chains containing heparin-like regions is a critical factor which affects the cell tropism of HTLV-1.
Rapid and Massive Virus-Specific Plasmablast Responses during Acute Dengue Virus Infection in Humans
Authors: Wrammert Jens , Onlamoon Nattawat , Akondy Rama S. , Perng Guey C. , Polsrila Korakot , Chandele Anmol , Kwissa Marcin , Pulendran Bali , Wilson Patrick C. , Wittawatmongkol Orasri , Yoksan Sutee , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn , Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Ahmed Rafi
Published: January 2012

Humoral immune responses are thought to play a major role in dengue virus-induced immunopathology; however, little is known about the plasmablasts producing these antibodies during an ongoing infection. Herein we present an analysis of plasmablast responses in patients with acute dengue virus infection. We found very potent plasmablast responses that often increased more than 1,000-fold over the baseline levels in healthy volunteers. In many patients, these responses made up as much 30% of the peripheral lymphocyte population. These responses were largely dengue virus specific and almost entirely made up of IgG-secreting cells, and plasmablasts reached very high numbers at a time after fever onset that generally coincided with the window where the most serious dengue virus-induced pathology is observed. The presence of these large, rapid, and virus-specific plasmablast responses raises the question as to whether these cells might have a role in dengue immunopathology during the ongoing infection. These findings clearly illustrate the need for a detailed understanding of the repertoire and specificity of the antibodies that these plasmablasts produce.
Neutralizing Epitopes in the Membrane-Proximal External Region of HIV-1 gp41 Are Influenced by the Transmembrane Domain and the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Montero Marinieve , Gulzar Naveed , Klaric Kristina-Ana , Donald Jason E. , Lepik Christa , Wu Sampson , Tsai Sue , Julien Jean-Philippe , Hessell Ann J. , Wang Shixia , Lu Shan , Burton Dennis R. , Pai Emil F. , DeGrado William F. , Scott Jamie K.
Published: January 2012

Failure to elicit broadly neutralizing (bNt) antibodies (Abs) against the membrane-proximal external region of HIV-1 gp41 (MPER) reflects the difficulty of mimicking its neutralization-competent structure (NCS). Here, we analyzed MPER antigenicity in the context of the plasma membrane and identified a role for the gp41 transmembrane domain (TM) in exposing the epitopes of three bNt monoclonal Abs (MAbs) (2F5, 4E10, and Z13e1). We transiently expressed DNA constructs encoding gp41 ectodomain fragments fused to either the TM of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) or the gp41 TM and cytoplasmic tail domain (CT). Constructs encoding the MPER tethered to the gp41 TM followed by a 27-residue CT fragment (MPER-TM1) produced optimal MAb binding. Critical binding residues for the three Nt MAbs were identified using a panel of 24 MPER-TM1 mutants bearing single amino acid substitutions in the MPER; many were previously shown to affect MAb-mediated viral neutralization. Moreover, non-Nt mutants of MAbs 2F5 and 4E10 exhibited a reduction in binding to MPER-TM1 and yet maintained binding to synthetic MPER peptides, indicating that MPER-TM1 better approximates the MPER NCS than peptides. Replacement of the gp41 TM and CT of MPER-TM1 with the PDGFR TM reduced binding by MAb 4E10, but not 2F5, indicating that the gp41 TM plays a pivotal role in orienting the 4E10 epitope, and more globally, in affecting MPER exposure.
Alpha Interferon and HIV Infection Cause Activation of Human T Cells in NSG-BLT Mice
Authors: Long Brian R. , Stoddart Cheryl A.
Published: January 2012

The development of small animal models for the study of HIV transmission is important for evaluation of HIV prophylaxis and disease pathogenesis. In humanized bone marrow-liver-thymus (BLT) mice, hematopoiesis is reconstituted by implantation of human fetal liver and thymus tissue (Thy/Liv) plus intravenous injection of autologous liver-derived hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPC). This results in reconstitution of human leukocytes in the mouse peripheral blood, lymphoid organs, and mucosal sites. NOD-
scid
interleukin-2 receptor-negative (IL-2Rγ
−/−
) (NSG)-BLT mice were inoculated intravaginally with HIV and were monitored for plasma viremia by a branched DNA assay 4 weeks later. T-cell activation was determined by expression of CD38 and HLA-DR on human CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells in mouse peripheral blood at the time of inoculation and 4 weeks later. Additional BLT mice were treated with human alpha interferon 2b (IFN-α2b) (intron A) and assessed for T-cell activation. Productive HIV infection in BLT mice was associated with T-cell activation (increases in CD38 mean fluorescence intensity and both the frequency and absolute number of CD38
+
HLA-DR
+
T cells) that correlated strongly with plasma viral load and was most pronounced in the CD8
+
T-cell compartment. This T-cell activation phenotype was recapitulated in NSG-BLT mice treated with intron A. HIV susceptibility correlated with the number of HSPC injected, yet a number of mice receiving the Thy/Liv implant alone, with no HSPC injection, were also susceptible to intravaginal HIV. These results are consistent with studies linking T-cell activation to progressive disease in humans and lend support for the use of NSG-BLT mice in studies of HIV pathogenesis.