bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROTEOLYTIC DEGRADATION AND AMINO ACID LIBERATION DURING EXTENSIVE HYDROLYSIS OF PORCINE BLOOD HEMOGLOBIN BY PROTEASE ADMIXTURE
Authors: GUO SHAN‐GUANG , ZHAO MOU‐MING , WANG JIN‐SHUI , CUI CHUN
Published: September 2007

The hydrolysis process of porcine blood hemoglobin by enzyme admixture was characterized for protein degradation, amino acid release and hydrophobicity of recovered hydrolysates with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) to investigate their relationships with protein recovery (PR) and bitterness. DH increased during the process; however, PR increased with increasing reaction time in the initial phase up to 92.9%, then decreased with increasing time. It means PR was not directly proportional to DH except in the initial phase. Molecular mass of recovered hydrolysates ranged from >15 kDa to free amino acid (FAA) (<1 kDa). The resulting extracted peptides, especially for high molecular weight (>15 kDa) and for containing more hydrophobic amino acids, aggregated and became insoluble during hydrolysis stationary and thus sharply decreased PR. Some FAAs, including methionine, tyrosine, serine and arginine, were likely to contribute to a minor decrease of PR in the test. High average hydrophobic FAA liberation rate in the hydrolysis reduced the hydrophobicity of recovered hydrolysates and possibly decreased the bitterness of the recovery. The hydrophobicity based on Q values and determined by amino acid composition supported Ney's Q rule as a predictor of bitterness for porcine hemoglobin peptides.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Porcine blood generated in industrial abattoirs is an abundant by‐product that can be used in the food industry at a low cost. Hemoglobin (Hb), the major fraction of blood, is still rarely used in food. This article deals with hydrolysis of Hb by enzyme admixture, which obtained no bitterness of hydrolysate. A complete study of the extensive hydrolysis process, protein degradation and amino acid liberation of Hb is shown. Knowledge about the process may lead to development of new technologies for making nonbitter functional peptides and thus may increase applications of blood protein hydrolysates.
MODELING OF PHASE EQUILIBRIA FOR AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF SUGARS USING A CUBIC EQUATION OF STATE
Authors: PEROZIN DENISE , OLIVEIRA ALESSANDRA L. , CABRAL FERNANDO A.
Published: September 2007

PRSV, which is the Peng‐Robinson equation of state improved by Stryjek and Vera in 1986, was used to model and predict the thermodynamic properties of water‐sucrose, water‐glucose, water‐fructose, water‐maltose and water‐xylose solutions. Binary interaction parameters were obtained by fitting the model to binary vapor‐liquid equilibrium data expressed as water activity. The water activity of synthetic honey and the boiling point temperature of pure sucrose solutions were calculated and compared with the experimental data. The fugacities of glucose and xylose were also estimated in aqueous saturated solutions at equilibrium with the solid phase, and these values were compared with data from the extrapolated sublimation pressure. The results showed that this method was able to estimate the water activity of sugar mixtures and the order of magnitude of the vapor pressure of sugars.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Nowadays there is a tendency to employ high‐pressure processes, but activity coefficient models of the type UNIQUAC and UNIFAC are not appropriate for modeling phase equilibria. In these cases, the model employing the equation of state has been recommended to predict the thermodynamic properties. However, a simple cubic equation of state such as the original Peng‐Robinson equation of state (PR‐EOS) does not accurately predict the vapor pressure of pure water, which is critical for the calculation of equilibrium when the water molar fraction xw→1, so the temperature dependence of the attractive term of PR‐EOS was calculated from the PRSV‐EOS, the analytical form of the 1986 Stryjek and Vera equation, which can predict the vapor pressure of water. The main purpose of the present study was to model sugar‐water systems at low pressure, which should be useful for high‐pressure processes.
PREVENTION IS A SOUND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT*
Authors: CATALANO RICHARD F.
Published: September 2007

Research Summary:

My colleagues and I are working to develop a science of prevention through reducing risk and enhancing social development and though rigorous testing of preventive interventions. We have shown that adolescent health and behavior problems can be prevented through a social development approach in a variety of settings.

Policy Implications:

In the United States, we now have the tools and prevention programs that could make a significant impact on youth development. The research base for prevention policy and practice has grown over the last three decades to the point that exponential growth in professionalism and effective practice are now a wise and cost‐effective public and private investment.
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH AND THE LEGAL THREAT TO PRESUMPTIVE SENTENCING GUIDELINES
Authors: BUSHWAY SHAWN D. , PIEHL ANNE MORRISON
Published: September 2007

Research Summary:

The general tone of articles by policy makers is satisfaction that presumptive sentencing, as practiced in the United States, although threatened, has not been greatly damaged by Blakely v. Washington and related cases. Sentencing research, because it usually does not consider how discretion operates before and after the sentencing stage, does not actually provide an empirical basis for such satisfaction. Illustrations from several jurisdictions show that the presumptive sentence guidelines may not have been as effective at reducing discretion and disparity as policy makers seem to believe. In addition, the policy choices embedded in the sentencing grid itself can contribute to disparity, and the grid can and should be analyzed to assess its role.

Policy Implications:

Although not definitive, these analyses suggest that policy makers need to be more cautious with any conclusion about the relative benefits of presumptive versus voluntary guidelines. Analyses of sentencing variation must vary with the institutional setting. In a presumptive sentencing state, more of the total sentencing variation is likely to be contained in the grid or exercised in the charge bargaining stage (or earlier) compared with a less‐structured sentencing system, where appreciable variation may remain at the sentencing stage.
Oesophagogastric ulceration in pigs: a visual morphological scoring guide
Authors: Kopinski JS , McKenzie RA
Published: September 2007

Objective  To provide a visual guide for oesophagogastric ulcer scoring and recognition of different morphological changes in the pars oesophagea.

Design   Pig stomachs were collected at slaughter and visually evaluated and scored for parakeratosis, erosion and ulceration in the pars oesophagea.

Results  A visual and descriptive guide is presented that will aid in the objective assessment and scoring of oesophagogastric ulceration in pigs within the pig health monitoring system (PHMS), namely to the four categories of 0 = normal stomach, 1 = parakeratosis and thickened epithelium, 2 = erosions and 3 = developed ulcers with and without stenosis.

Conclusion  A visual guide has been developed that illustrates the full range of morphological changes that can occur in the pars oesophagea of the stomach within the few currently recognised stages of the disease.
Orogenic Gold Mineralization in the Qolqoleh Deposit, Northwestern Iran
Authors: Aliyari Farhang , Rastad Ebrahim , Zengqian Hou
Published: September 2007

The Qolqoleh gold deposit is located in the northwestern part of the Sanandai‐Sirjan Zone, northwest of Iran. Gold mineralization in the Qolqoleh deposit is almost entirely confined to a series of steeply dipping ductile–brittle shear zones generated during Late Cretaceous–Tertiary continental collision between the Afro‐Arabian and the Iranian microcontinent. The host rocks are Mesozoic volcano‐sedimentary sequences consisting of felsic to mafic metavolcanics, which are metamorphosed to greenschist facies, sericite and chlorite schists. The gold orebodies were found within strong ductile deformation to late brittle deformation. Ore‐controlling structure is NE–SW‐trending oblique thrust with vergence toward south ductile–brittle shear zone. The highly strained host rocks show a combination of mylonitic and cataclastic microstructures, including crystal–plastic deformation and grain size reduction by recrystalization of quartz and mica. The gold orebodies are composed of Au‐bearing highly deformed and altered mylonitic host rocks and cross‐cutting Au‐ and sulfide‐bearing quartz veins. Approximately half of the mineralization is in the form of dissemination in the mylonite and the remainder was clearly emplaced as a result of brittle deformation in quartz–sulfide microfractures, microveins and veins. Only low volumes of gold concentration was introduced during ductile deformation, whereas, during the evident brittle deformation phase, competence contrasts allowed fracturing to focus on the quartz–sericite domain boundaries of the mylonitic foliation, thus permitting the introduction of auriferous fluid to create disseminated and cross‐cutting Au‐quartz veins. According to mineral assemblages and alteration intensity, hydrothermal alteration could be divided into three zones: silicification and sulfidation zone (major ore body); sericite and carbonate alteration zone; and sericite–chlorite alteration zone that may be taken to imply wall‐rock interaction with near neutral fluids (pH 5–6). Silicified and sulfide alteration zone is observed in the inner parts of alteration zones. High gold grades belong to silicified highly deformed mylonitic and ultramylonitic domains and silicified sulfide‐bearing microveins. Based on paragenetic relationships, three main stages of mineralization are recognized in the Qolqoleh gold deposit. Stage I encompasses deposition of large volumes of milky quartz and pyrite. Stage II includes gray and buck quartz, pyrite and minor calcite, sphalerite, subordinate chalcopyrite and gold ores. Stage III consists of comb quartz and calcite, magnetite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and gold ores. Studies on regional geology, ore geology and ore‐forming stages have proved that the Qolqoleh deposit was formed in the compression–extension stage during the Late Cretaceous–Tertiary continental collision in a ductile–brittle shear zone, and is characterized by orogenic gold deposits.
Petroleum Resources of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Kawagle Simon A.
Published: September 2007

Papua New Guinea’s petroleum sector has substantially grown in the last 2 years. There is an increase in exploration expenditure, which also sees a corresponding increase in the number of exploration licences. Two new petroleum projects have been commissioned and these have added to production of the existing projects. The oilfields are small by world standards. The sector is the second major contributor to the export income and taxation revenue of the country, after minerals.
Coping With Unemployment: Relationships Between Duration of Unemployment, Coping Styles, and Subjective Well‐Being
Authors: Langens Thomas A. , Mose Erika
Published: September 2007

The present study examined whether the association between duration of unemployment and impairment in emotional and physical well‐being is mediated by a change in the general pattern of coping responses. A cross‐sectional study with 119 unemployed participants found that (1) duration of unemployment is associated with a decrease in productive coping and an increase in nonproductive coping and that (2) the association between duration of unemployment and somatic complaints is mediated by an increase in nonproductive coping. Further results showed that neuroticism and mood regulation expectancies were meaningfully related to productive and nonproductive coping. These results are discussed within the framework of theories of self‐regulation.
Novel Plasmid-Mediated 16S rRNA m
1
A1408 Methyltransferase, NpmA, Found in a Clinically Isolated
Escherichia coli
Strain Resistant to Structurally Diverse Aminoglycosides
Authors: Wachino Jun-ichi , Shibayama Keigo , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Kimura Kouji , Yamane Kunikazu , Suzuki Satowa , Shibata Naohiro , Ike Yasuyoshi , Arakawa Yoshichika
Published: September 2007

We have isolated a multiple-aminoglycoside-resistant
Escherichia coli
strain, strain ARS3, and have been the first to identify a novel plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methyltransferase, NpmA. This new enzyme shared a relatively low level of identity (30%) to the chromosomally encoded 16S rRNA methyltransferase (KamA) of
Streptomyces tenjimariensis
, an actinomycete aminoglycoside producer. The introduction of a recombinant plasmid carrying
npmA
could confer on
E. coli
consistent resistance to both 4,6-disubstituted 2-deoxystreptamines, such as amikacin and gentamicin, and 4,5-disubstituted 2-deoxystreptamines, including neomycin and ribostamycin. The histidine-tagged NpmA elucidated methyltransferase activity against 30S ribosomal subunits but not against 50S subunits and the naked 16S rRNA molecule in vitro. We further confirmed that NpmA is an adenine N-1 methyltransferase specific for the A1408 position at the A site of 16S rRNA. Drug footprinting data indicated that binding of aminoglycosides to the target site was apparently interrupted by methylation at the A1408 position. These observations demonstrate that NpmA is a novel plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methyltransferase that provides a panaminoglycoside-resistant nature through interference with the binding of aminoglycosides toward the A site of 16S rRNA through N-1 methylation at position A1408.
Physiological Adaptation of a Nitrate-Storing
Beggiatoa
sp. to Diel Cycling in a Phototrophic Hypersaline Mat
Authors: Hinck Susanne , Neu Thomas R. , Lavik Gaute , Mussmann Marc , de Beer Dirk , Jonkers Henk M.
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the supposed vertical diel migration and the accompanying physiology of
Beggiatoa
bacteria from hypersaline microbial mats. We combined microsensor, stable-isotope, and molecular techniques to clarify the phylogeny and physiology of the most dominant species inhabiting mats of the natural hypersaline Lake Chiprana, Spain. The most dominant morphotype had a filament diameter of 6 to 8 μm and a length varying from 1 to >10 mm. Phylogenetic analysis by 16S rRNA gene comparison revealed that this type appeared to be most closely related (91% sequence identity) to the narrow (4-μm diameter) nonvacuolated marine strain MS-81-6. Stable-isotope analysis showed that the Lake Chiprana species could store nitrate intracellularly to 40 mM. The presence of large intracellular vacuoles was confirmed by fluorescein isothiocyanate staining and subsequent confocal microscopy. In illuminated mats, their highest abundance was found at a depth of 8 mm, where oxygen and sulfide co-occurred. However, in the dark, the highest
Beggiatoa
densities occurred at 7 mm, and the whole population was present in the anoxic zone of the mat. Our findings suggest that hypersaline
Beggiatoa
bacteria oxidize sulfide with oxygen under light conditions and with internally stored nitrate under dark conditions. It was concluded that nitrate storage by
Beggiatoa
is an optimal strategy to both occupy the suboxic zones in sulfidic sediments and survive the dark periods in phototrophic mats.
Propagation of Arthropod-Borne
Rickettsia
spp. in Two Mosquito Cell Lines
Authors: Sakamoto Joyce M. , Azad Abdu F.
Published: September 2007

Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria that include pathogenic species in the spotted fever, typhus, and transitional groups. The development of a standardized cell line in which diverse rickettsiae can be grown and compared would be highly advantageous to investigate the differences among and between pathogenic and nonpathogenic species of rickettsiae. Although several rickettsial species have been grown in tick cells, tick cells are more difficult to maintain and they grow more slowly than insect cells.
Rickettsia
-permissive arthropod cell lines that can be passaged rapidly are highly desirable for studies on arthropod-
Rickettsia
interactions. We used two cell lines (
Aedes albopictus
cell line Aa23 and
Anopheles gambiae
cell line Sua5B) that have not been used previously for the purpose of rickettsial propagation. We optimized the culture conditions to propagate one transitional-group rickettsial species (
Rickettsia felis
) and two spotted-fever-group rickettsial species (
R. montanensis
and
R. peacockii
) in each cell line. Both cell lines allowed the stable propagation of rickettsiae by weekly passaging regimens. Stable infections were confirmed by PCR, restriction digestion of
rompA
, sequencing, and the direct observation of bacteria by fluorescence in situ hybridization. These cell lines not only supported rickettsial growth but were also permissive toward the most fastidious species of the three,
R. peacockii
. The permissive nature of these cell lines suggests that they may potentially be used to isolate novel rickettsiae or other intracellular bacteria. Our results have important implications for the in vitro maintenance of uncultured rickettsiae, as well as providing insights into
Rickettsia
-arthropod interactions.
Fate of the Two-Component Lantibiotic Lacticin 3147 in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Gardiner Gillian E. , Rea Mary C. , O'Riordan Brid , O'Connor Paula , Morgan Sheila M. , Lawlor Peadar G. , Lynch P. Brendan , Cronin Michael , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin
Published: September 2007

The component peptides of lacticin 3147 were degraded by α-chymotrypsin in vitro with a resultant loss of antimicrobial activity. Activity was also lost in ileum digesta. Following oral ingestion, neither of the lacticin 3147 peptides was detected in the gastric, jejunum, or ileum digesta of pigs, and no lacticin 3147 activity was found in the feces. These observations suggest that lacticin 3147 ingestion is unlikely to have adverse effects, since it is probably inactivated during intestinal transit.
Bacterial Endosymbiont of the Slender Pigeon Louse,Columbicola columbae, Allied to Endosymbionts of Grain Weevils and Tsetse Flies
Authors: Fukatsu Takema , Koga Ryuichi , Smith Wendy A. , Tanaka Kohjiiro , Nikoh Naruo , Sasaki-Fukatsu Kayoko , Yoshizawa Kazunori , Dale Colin , Clayton Dale H.
Published: September 2007

The current study focuses on a symbiotic bacterium found in the slender pigeon louse,Columbicola columbae(Insecta: Phthiraptera). Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that the symbiont belongs to the gamma subdivision of the classProteobacteriaand is allied toSodalis glossinidius, the secondary symbiont of tsetse flies (Glossinaspp.) and also to the primary symbiont of grain weevils (Sitophilusspp.). Relative-rate tests revealed that the symbiont ofC. columbaeexhibits accelerated molecular evolution in comparison with the tsetse fly symbiont and the weevil symbiont. Whole-mount in situ hybridization was used to localize the symbiont and determine infection dynamics during host development. In first- and second-instar nymphs, the symbionts were localized in the cytoplasm of oval bacteriocytes that formed small aggregates on both sides of the body cavity. In third-instar nymphs, the bacteriocytes migrated to the central body and were finally located in the anterior region of the lateral oviducts, forming conspicuous tissue formations called ovarial ampullae. In adult females, the symbionts were transmitted from the ovarial ampullae to developing oocytes in the ovarioles. In adult males, the bacteriocytes often disappeared without migration. A diagnostic PCR survey of insects collected from Japan, the United States, Australia, and Argentina detected 96.5% (109/113) infection, with a few uninfected male insects. This study provides the first microbial characterization of a bacteriocyte-associated symbiont from a chewing louse. Possible biological roles of the symbiont are discussed in relation to the host nutritional physiology associated with the feather-feeding lifestyle.
Artemisinin Induces Calcium-Dependent Protein Secretion in the Protozoan ParasiteToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Nagamune Kisaburo , Beatty Wandy L. , Sibley L. David
Published: September 2007

Intracellular calcium controls several crucial cellular events in apicomplexan parasites, including protein secretion, motility, and invasion into and egress from host cells. The plant compound thapsigargin inhibits the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), resulting in elevated calcium and induction of protein secretion inToxoplasma gondii. Artemisinins are natural products that show potent and selective activity against parasites, making them useful for the treatment of malaria. While the mechanism of action is uncertain, previous studies have suggested that artemisinin may inhibit SERCA, thus disrupting calcium homeostasis. We cloned the single-copy gene encoding SERCA inT. gondii(TgSERCA) and demonstrate that the protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum in the parasite. In extracellular parasites, TgSERCA partially relocalized to the apical pole, a highly active site for regulated secretion of micronemes. TgSERCA complemented a calcium ATPase-defective yeast mutant, and this activity was inhibited by either thapsigargin or artemisinin. Treatment ofT. gondiiwith artemisinin triggered calcium-dependent secretion of microneme proteins, similar to the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin. Artemisinin treatment also altered intracellular calcium in parasites by increasing the periodicity of calcium oscillations and inducing recurrent, strong calcium spikes, as imaged using Fluo-4 labeling. Collectively, these results demonstrate that artemisinin perturbs calcium homeostasis inT. gondii, supporting the idea that Ca2+-ATPases are potential drug targets in parasites.
Safety and Protective Efficacy of Intramuscular Vaccination with a LivearoADerivative ofPasteurella multocidaB:2 against Experimental Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Calves
Authors: Dagleish Mark P. , Hodgson J. Christopher , Ataei Saeed , Finucane Anna , Finlayson Jeanie , Sales Jill , Parton Roger , Coote John G.
Published: September 2007

Three groups of five calves, namely, V1, V2, and V3, were immunized intramuscularly at 4 and 8 weeks of age with ca. 109, 108, and 107CFU, respectively, of a derivative ofPasteurella multocidaB:2 wild-type strain 85020 containing a deletion in thearoAgene (strain JRMT12). The first and second vaccinations resulted in significantly (P< 0.01) higher rectal temperature responses in groups V1 and V2 than in group V3. Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG titers did not increase in any group until after the second vaccination and were then significantly higher in groups V1 and V2 than in group V3 (P= 0.001 for both IgM and IgG). All vaccinated groups and three unvaccinated challenge control calves (group CC) were injected subcutaneously at 10 weeks of age with ca. 107CFU of strain 85020. Vaccinated calves survived the challenge, but two CC animals developed clinical disease and were killed for humane reasons. After challenge, mean serum amyloid A concentrations were significantly higher (P< 0.001) in the CC group than in the vaccinated groups. Postmortem examination revealed that calves in the CC group showed the most extensive range of bacteriologically positive tissues and gross and histopathological lesions. Overall, a clear dose-dependent response was present, with those receiving a higher vaccine dose being less affected clinically, bacteriologically, and pathologically by the wild-type challenge. The V2 treatment appeared to give the best combination of high immune response, protection, and safety.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
PknD Exhibits Dual Amino Acid Specificity and Phosphorylates Cpn0712, a Putative Type III Secretion YscD Homolog
Authors: Johnson Dustin L. , Mahony James B.
Published: September 2007

Chlamydophila pneumoniae
is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes bronchitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia and may be involved in atherogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Genome sequencing has identified three eukaryote-type serine/threonine protein kinases, Pkn1, Pkn5, and PknD, that may be important signaling molecules in
Chlamydia
. Full-length PknD was cloned and expressed as a histidine-tagged protein in
Escherichia coli
. Differential centrifugation followed by sodium carbonate treatment of
E. coli
membranes demonstrated that His-PknD is an integral membrane protein. Fusions of overlapping PknD fragments to alkaline phosphatase revealed that PknD contains a single transmembrane domain and that the kinase domain is in the cytoplasm. To facilitate solubility, the kinase domain was cloned and expressed as a glutathione
S
-transferase (GST) fusion protein in
E. coli
. Purified GST-PknD kinase domain autophosphorylated, and catalytic mutants (K33G, D156G, and K33G-D156G mutants) and activation loop mutants (T185A and T193A) were inactive. PknD phosphorylated recombinant Cpn0712, a type III secretion YscD homolog that has two forkhead-associated domains. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that the PknD kinase domain autophosphorylated on threonine and tyrosine and phosphorylated the FHA-2 domain of Cpn0712 on serine and tyrosine. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a bacterial protein kinase with amino acid specificity for both serine/threonine and tyrosine residues and this is the first study to show phosphorylation of a predicted type III secretion structural protein.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaAlgR Represses the Rhl Quorum-Sensing System in a Biofilm-Specific Manner
Authors: Morici Lisa A. , Carterson Alexander J. , Wagner Victoria E. , Frisk Anders , Schurr Jill R. , zu Bentrup Kerstin Höner , Hassett Daniel J. , Iglewski Barbara H. , Sauer Karin , Schurr Michael J.
Published: September 2007

AlgR controls numerous virulence factors inPseudomonas aeruginosa, including alginate, hydrogen cyanide production, and type IV pilus-mediated twitching motility. In this study, the role of AlgR in biofilms was examined in continuous-flow and static biofilm assays. Strain PSL317 (ΔalgR) produced one-third the biofilm biomass of wild-type strain PAO1. Complementation withalgR, but notfimTU-pilVWXY1Y2E, restored PSL317 to the wild-type biofilm phenotype. Comparisons of the transcriptional profiles of biofilm-grown PAO1 and PSL317 revealed that a number of quorum-sensing genes were upregulated in thealgRdeletion strain. Measurement ofrhlA::lacZandrhlI::lacZpromoter fusions confirmed the transcriptional profiling data when PSL317 was grown as a biofilm, but not planktonically. Increased amounts of rhamnolipids andN-butyryl homoserine lactone were detected in the biofilm effluent but not the planktonic supernatants of thealgRmutant. Additionally, AlgR specifically bound to therhlAandrhlIpromoters in mobility shift assays. Moreover, PAO1 containing a chromosomal mutated AlgR binding site in itsrhlIpromoter formed biofilms and produced increased amounts of rhamnolipids similarly to thealgRdeletion strain. These observations indicate that AlgR specifically represses the Rhl quorum-sensing system during biofilm growth and that such repression is necessary for normal biofilm development. These data also suggest that AlgR may control transcription in a contact-dependent or biofilm-specific manner.
Do workers with self-reported symptoms have an elevated risk of developing upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders three years later?
Authors: Descatha A , Chastang J F , Cyr D , Leclerc A , Roquelaure Y , Evanoff B
Published: September 2007

Objectives:

Few prospective studies have evaluated outcomes of workers with self-reported symptoms of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD). The objective was to study the three-year outcomes of workers with self-reported symptoms, with or without a positive physical examination.

Methods:

In 1993–4, 598 subjects highly exposed to repetitive work filled out a Nordic-style questionnaire. They underwent a standardised physical examination at that time and again in 1996–7 by the same occupational physician. The three-year outcomes (based on physical examination) of workers with a self-administered questionnaire positive at baseline for UEMSD, with or without a positive physical examination, were studied.

Results:

The three-year incidence rate was 44.1%; one third of these incident cases had self-reported symptoms in 1993–4. Workers with a positive questionnaire had a significantly higher risk of UEMSD at physical examination three years later (80.1% UEMSD cases with positive questionnaires n = 354, vs 44.2% cases without positive questionnaires n = 69, p<0.001). Moreover, workers with positive questionnaires but without UEMSD diagnosed in 1993–4 (n = 177) also had a significantly higher risk of UEMSD at physical examination three years later (60.5% cases with positive questionnaires n = 26, vs 38.8% cases without positive questionnaires n = 52, p = 0.01). Results were similar when gender and age were taken into account.

Conclusion:

Workers highly exposed to repetitive movements have a high risk of developing UEMSD and should be followed closely in surveillance programmes. Workers with self-reported symptoms without UEMSD diagnosed in physical examination represented only one third of new cases three years later. However, their risk of developing UEMSD was significantly increased, compared with those without symptoms.
Population Ecology of Insect Invasions and Their Management
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , Tobin Patrick C.
Published: September 2007

During the establishment phase of a biological invasion, population dynamics are strongly influenced by Allee effects and stochastic dynamics, both of which may lead to extinction of low-density populations. Allee effects refer to a decline in population growth rate with a decline in abundance and can arise from various mechanisms. Strategies to eradicate newly established populations should focus on either enhancing Allee effects or suppressing populations below Allee thresholds, such that extinction proceeds without further intervention. The spread phase of invasions results from the coupling of population growth with dispersal. Reaction-diffusion is the simplest form of spread, resulting in continuous expansion and asymptotically constant radial rates of spread. However, spread of most nonindigenous insects is characterized by occasional long-distance dispersal, which results in the formation of isolated colonies that grow, coalesce, and greatly increase spread. Allee effects also affect spread, generally in a negative fashion. Efforts to slow, stop, or reverse spread should incorporate the spread dynamics unique to the target species.
Codling Moth Management and Chemical Ecology
Authors: Witzgall Peter , Stelinski Lukasz , Gut Larry , Thomson Don
Published: September 2007

Lepidopteran insects use sex pheromones to communicate for mating. Olfactory communication and mate-finding can be prevented by permeating the atmosphere with synthetic pheromone. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption has become a commercially viable pest management technique and is used to control the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, a key insect pest of apple, on 160,000 ha worldwide. The codling moth sex pheromone, codlemone, is species specific and nontoxic. Orchard treatments with up to 100 grams of synthetic codlemone per hectare effectively control codling moth populations over the entire growing season. Practical implementation of the mating disruption technique has been realized at an opportune time, as codling moth has become resistant to many insecticides. We review codling moth chemical ecology and factors underlying the behavioral mechanisms and practical implementation of mating disruption. Area-wide programs are the result of collaborative efforts between academic research institutions, extension, chemical industries, and grower organizations, and they demonstrate the environmental and economic relevance of pheromone research.
Resource Acquisition, Allocation, and Utilization in Parasitoid Reproductive Strategies
Authors: Jervis Mark A. , Ellers Jacintha , Harvey Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2007

Parasitoids display remarkable inter- and intraspecific variation in their reproductive and associated traits. Adaptive explanations have been proposed for many of the between-trait relationships. We present an overview of the current knowledge of parasitoid reproductive biology, focusing on egg production strategies in females, by placing parasitoid reproduction within physiological and ecological contexts. Thus, we relate parasitoid reproduction both to inter- and intraspecific patterns of nutrient allocation, utilization, and acquisition, and to key aspects of host ecology, specifically abundance and dispersion pattern. We review the evidence that resource trade-offs underlie several key intertrait correlations and that reproductive and feeding strategies are closely integrated at both the physiological and the behavioral levels. The idea that parasitoids can be divided into capital-breeders or income-breeders is no longer tenable; such terminology is best restricted to the females’ utilization of particular nutrients.
Ovariectomy augments pressure overload-induced hypertrophy associated with changes in Akt and nitric oxide synthase signaling pathways in female rats
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Shioda Norifumi , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: September 2007

To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying estrogen-mediated cardioprotection in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and remodeling, we analyzed myocardial hypertrophy as well as cardiac function and hypertrophy-related protein expression in ovariectomized, aortic-banded rats. Wistar rats subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) were further treated with abdominal aortic stenosis. Effects on LV morphology and function were assessed using echocardiography, and expression of protein levels was determined by Western blot analysis. The heart-to-body weight ratio was most significantly increased in the OVX-pressure overload (PO) group compared with the OVX group and in the PO group compared with sham. The LV weight-to-body weight ratio was also significantly increased in the OVX-PO group compared with the OVX group and in the PO group compared with sham. The most significant increases in LV end diastolic pressure, LV developed pressure, and ±dp/d tmax were observed in the OVX-PO group compared with the OVX group and represent compensatory phenotypes against hypertrophy. Both endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) synthase expression and activity was markedly reduced in the OVX-PO group, and protein kinase B (Akt) activity was largely attenuated. Marked breakdown of dystrophin was also seen in hearts of OVX-PO groups. Finally, significantly increased mortality was observed in the OVX-PO group following chronic isoproterenol administration. Our results demonstrate that rats subjected to ovariectomy are unable to compensate for hypertrophy, showed deteriorated heart function, and demonstrated increased mortality. Simultaneous impairment of eNOS and Akt activities and reduced dystrophin by ovariectomy likely contribute to cardiac decompensation during PO-induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized rats.
Carbon monoxide and Ca2+-activated K+ channels in cerebral arteriolar responses to glutamate and hypoxia in newborn pigs
Authors: Kanu Alie , Leffler Charles W.
Published: September 2007

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels regulate the physiological functions of many tissues, including cerebrovascular smooth muscle. l-Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and oxygen tension is a dominant local regulator of vascular tone. In vivo, glutamate and hypoxia dilate newborn pig cerebral arterioles, and both dilations are blocked by inhibition of carbon monoxide (CO) production. CO dilates cerebral arterioles by activating KCa channels. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of glutamate and hypoxia on cerebral CO production and the role of KCa channels in the cerebral arteriolar dilations to glutamate and hypoxia. In the presence of iberiotoxin or paxilline that block dilation to the KCa channel opener, NS-1619, neither CO nor glutamate dilated pial arterioles. Conversely, neither paxilline nor iberiotoxin inhibited dilation to acute severe or moderate prolonged hypoxia. Both glutamate and hypoxia increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CO concentration. Iberiotoxin that blocked dilation to glutamate did not attenuate the increase in CSF CO. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), which blocked dilation to sodium nitroprusside, did not inhibit dilation to hypoxia. These data suggest that dilation of newborn pig pial arterioles to glutamate is mediated by activation of KCa channels, consistent with the intermediary signal being CO. Surprisingly, although 1) heme oxygenase (HO) inhibition attenuates dilation to hypoxia, 2) hypoxia increases CSF CO concentration, and 3) KCa channel antagonists block dilation to CO, neither KCa channel blockers nor ODQ altered dilation to hypoxia, suggesting the contribution of the HO/CO system to hypoxia-induced dilation is not by stimulating vascular smooth muscle KCa channels or guanylyl cyclase.
The effect of adrenomedullin on the L-type calcium current in myocytes from septic shock rats: signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hui , Li Gui-Rong , Bourreau Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2007

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is upregulated in cardiac tissue under various pathophysiological conditions, particularly in septic shock. The intracellular mechanisms involved in the effect of ADM on adult rat ventricular myocytes are still to be elucidated. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult rats 4 h after an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg). Membrane potential and L-type calcium current ( ICa,L) were determined using whole cell patch-clamp methods. APD in LPS group was significantly shorter than control values (time to 50% repolarization: LPS, 169 ± 2 ms; control, 257 ± 2 ms, P < 0.05; time to 90% repolarization: LPS, 220 ± 2 ms; control, 305 ± 2 ms, P < 0.05). ICa,Ldensity was significantly reduced in myocytes from the LPS group (−3.2 ± 0.8 pA/pF) compared with that of control myocytes (−6.7 ± 0.3 pA/pF, P < 0.05). The ADM antagonist ADM-(22-52) reversed the shortened APD and abolished the reduction of ICa,Lin shock myocytes. In myocytes from control rats, incubating with ADM for 1 h induced a marked decrease in peak ICa,Ldensity. This effect was reversed by ADM-(22-52). The Giprotein inhibitor, pertussis toxin (PTX), the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, KT-5720, and the specific cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor, nimesulide, reversed the LPS-induced reduction in peak ICa,L. The results suggest a COX-2-involved PKA-dependent switch from Gscoupled to PTX-sensitive Gicoupling by ADM in adult rat ventricular myocytes. The present study delineates the intracellular pathways involved in ADM-mediated effects on ICa,Lin adult rat ventricular myocytes and also suggests a role of ADM in sepsis.
Heat shock treatment results in increased recruitment of labeled PMN following myocardial infarction
Authors: Légaré Jean-Francois , Oxner Adam , Heimrath Olivier , Myers Tanya , Currie R. William
Published: September 2007

One of the proposed mechanisms for the myocardial protective effects of heat shock (HS) treatment has been a reduction in the inflammatory response. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of HS treatment in an established model of polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) migration following myocardial infarction (MI). Isolated purified PMNs (10 × 106cells) labeled with51Cr were injected into Lewis rats following a left thoracotomy and ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery causing MI. Two experimental groups of animals were created: MI group ( n = 11) and HS+MI group ( n = 7). HS treatment consisted of an elevation in core temperature to 42°C for 15 min 24 h prior to MI. An additional group of control animals underwent sham thoracotomy ( n = 5). All animals were euthanized at 24 h after MI, and gamma counts were obtained to estimate PMN migration. Myocardial injury was confirmed in all experimental animals (histology and echocardiography). The serum troponin I and infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) were similar in both groups. Labeled PMN migration was significantly higher in HS+MI animals (14.3 × 104± 3.7 × 104PMN) compared with MI group (9.5 × 104± 3.6 × 104; P = 0.01), suggesting increased PMN migration as a result of HS treatment. HS treatment did not affect PMN migration to positive skin control sites (LPS). ICAM-1 myocardial expression was not significantly increased in HS+MI compared with MI group. In summary, HS treatment results in increased PMN migration into myocardium following MI independent of ICAM-1. These findings suggest that the proposed cardioprotective effect of HS may not be entirely due to a downregulation of myocardial inflammation as previously proposed.
Loss of mXinα, an intercalated disk protein, results in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy with conduction defects
Authors: Gustafson-Wagner Elisabeth A. , Sinn Haley W. , Chen Yen-Lin , Wang Da-Zhi , Reiter Rebecca S. , Lin Jenny L.-C. , Yang Baoli , Williamson Roger A. , Chen Ju , Lin Cheng-I. , Lin Jim J.-C.
Published: September 2007

The intercalated disk protein Xin was originally discovered in chicken striated muscle and implicated in cardiac morphogenesis. In the mouse, there are two homologous genes, mXinα and mXinβ. The human homolog of mXinα, Cmya1, maps to chromosomal region 3p21.2–21.3, near a dilated cardiomyopathy with conduction defect-2 locus. Here we report that mXinα-null mouse hearts are hypertrophied and exhibit fibrosis, indicative of cardiomyopathy. A significant upregulation of mXinβ likely provides partial compensation and accounts for the viability of the mXinα-null mice. Ultrastructural studies of mXinα-null mouse hearts reveal intercalated disk disruption and myofilament disarray. In mXinα-null mice, there is a significant decrease in the expression level of p120-catenin, β-catenin, N-cadherin, and desmoplakin, which could compromise the integrity of the intercalated disks and functionally weaken adhesion, leading to cardiac defects. Additionally, altered localization and decreased expression of connexin 43 are observed in the mXinα-null mouse heart, which, together with previously observed abnormal electrophysiological properties of mXinα-deficient mouse ventricular myocytes, could potentially lead to conduction defects. Indeed, ECG recordings on isolated, perfused hearts (Langendorff preparations) show a significantly prolonged QT interval in mXinα-deficient hearts. Thus mXinα functions in regulating the hypertrophic response and maintaining the structural integrity of the intercalated disk in normal mice, likely through its association with adherens junctional components and actin cytoskeleton. The mXinα-knockout mouse line provides a novel model of cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy with conduction defects.
S-allylcysteine mediates cardioprotection in an acute myocardial infarction rat model via a hydrogen sulfide-mediated pathway
Authors: Chuah Shin Chet , Moore Philip K. , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: September 2007

S-allylcysteine (SAC) is an organosulfur-containing compound derived from garlic. Studies have shown that garlic is beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to elucidate if SAC is responsible for this cardioprotection using acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rat models. In addition, we hypothesized that SAC may mediate cardioprotection via a hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-related pathway. Rats were pretreated with saline, SAC (50 mg·kg−1·day−1), SAC + propagylglycine (PAG; 50 mg + 10 mg·kg−1·day−1) or PAG (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 7 days before AMI induction and killed 48 h after. Our results showed that SAC significantly lowered mortality (12.5% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.05) and reduced infarct size. SAC + PAG- and PAG-treated rats had larger infarct sizes than controls (60.9 ± 0.01 and 62.0 ± 0.03%, respectively, vs. 50.0 ± 0.03%; P < 0.05). Pretreatment with SAC did not affect BP, but BP was significantly elevated in SAC + PAG and PAG-treated groups ( P < 0.05). In addition, plasma H2S levels and left ventricular cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) activities were analyzed to investigate the involvement of H2S. CSE is the enzyme responsible for H2S production in the heart. SAC increased left ventricular CSE activity in AMI rats (2.75 ± 0.34 vs. 1.23 ± 0.16 μmol·g protein−1·h−1; P < 0.01). SAC + PAG-treated rats had significantly lower CSE activity compared with the SAC-treated group (1.22 ± 0.27 vs. 2.75 ± 0.34 μmol·g protein−1·h−1; P < 0.05). Similarly, SAC-treated rats had higher plasma H2S concentration compared with controls and the SAC + PAG-treated group. Protein expression studies revealed that SAC upregulated CSE expression (1.1-fold of control; P < 0.05), whereas SAC + PAG and PAG downregulated its expression (0.88-fold of control in both groups; P < 0.005). In conclusion, our study provides novel evidence that SAC is protective in myocardial infarction via an H2S-related pathway.
Theory, Analysis and Implementation of an On‐LineBIST Technique
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Saluja Kewal K.
Published: September 2007

A Built‐ln Concurrent Self‐Test (BICST) technique for testing combinational logic circuits concurrently with their
normal operation is proposed. Concept of sharing the test hardware between identical circuits to reduce the
overall area overhead is introduced. The method was implemented in the design of an ALU with on‐line test
capability in CMOS technology. The additional hardware used for a 12‐bit ALU was 19% of the total chip area
and it did not impose any timing overhead on the operation of the ALU. The overhead decreases with an increase
in the size of the ALU.Following the description of the BICST technique, measures for evaluating the performance of the BICST
technique are defined. Methods for the computation of the performance measures using analytical and simulation
techniques are discussed and results of these methods are reported. Methods for detecting intermittent faults and
for computing the transient fault coverage using BICST are also described. The impact of BICST on the system
diagnostics and system maintenance is discussed.
Built‐In Self‐Test: Milestones and Challenges
Authors: Savir Jacob , Bardell Paul H.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the progress in built‐in self‐test (BIST) since its inception, and the important problems that
still need to be solved to make the technique widely acceptable. The paper includes a reference list and an
extensive bibliography on the subject matter.
Nearly Balanced Quad List Quad Tree ‐A Data Structure for VLSI Layout Systems
Authors: Hsiao Pei-Yung
Published: September 2007

In the past ten years, many researchers have focused attention on developing better data structures for storing graphical information. Among the proposed data structures, the quad tree data structure provides a good way to organize objects on a 2‐D plane. Region searches proceed at logarithmic speeds a desirable characteristic, but no previously proposed VLSI quad tree data structure distributed objects to subdivide the spatial area. This has been a major drawback for operations such as tree searching and window query. In this paper, we present a new division method to reconstruct those quad trees including the multiple storage quad tree (MSQT) and the quad list quad tree (QLQT) into nearly balanced quad tree data structures. Nearly balanced quad trees based on our new spatial division method are constructed by dynamically translating unbalanced multiple storage quad trees or unbalanced quad list quad trees into balanced structures. All benefits of the original quad tree data structures are completely retained. In addition, this method is simple and balanced quad trees memory require less than the original quad trees. Experimental results illustrate that the improvement in region queries of the presented nearly balanced quad trees to both of the QLQT and the MSQT is better than the improvement of the QLQT to the MSQT.