bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelagicoccus croceus sp. nov., a novel marine member of the family Puniceicoccaceae within the phylum ‘Verrucomicrobia’ isolated from seagrass
Authors: Yoon Jaewoo , Oku Naoya , Matsuda Satoru , Kasai Hiroaki , Yokota Akira
Published: November 2007

An obligately aerobic, spherical, non-motile, pale-yellow pigmented bacterium was isolated from a piece of leaf of seagrass,Enhalus acoroides(L.f.) Royle, grown in Okinawa, Japan and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel isolate N5FB36-5Tshared approximately 96–98 % sequence similarity with the species of the genusPelagicoccusof the familyPuniceicoccaceaewithin the phylum ‘Verrucomicrobia’. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain N5FB36-5TwithPelagicoccus mobilis02PA-Ca-133TandPelagicoccus albusYM14-201Twere below 70 %, which is accepted as the phylogenetic definition of a novel species.β-Lactam antibiotic susceptibility test and amino acid analysis of the cell wall hydrolysates indicated the absence of muramic acid and diaminopimelic acid in the cell walls, which suggested that this strain lacks an ordinary Gram-negative type of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. The DNA G+C content of strain N5FB36-5Twas 51.6 mol%; MK-7 was the major menaquinone; and the presence of C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7cand anteiso-C15 : 0as the major cellular fatty acids supported the identification of the novel isolate as a member of the genusPelagicoccus. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic data, it was concluded that this strain should be classified as a novel species of the genusPelagicoccus, for which the namePelagicoccus croceussp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N5FB36-5T(=MBIC08282T=KCTC 12903T).
Spirosoma rigui sp. nov., isolated from fresh water
Authors: Baik Keun Sik , Kim Mi Sun , Park Seong Chan , Lee Dong Wan , Lee Soon Dong , Ka Jong-Ok , Choi Sang Ki , Seong Chi Nam
Published: November 2007

A Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented bacterium capable of gliding motility, designated strain WPCB118T, was isolated from fresh water collected from the Woopo wetland (Republic of Korea). Cells were rod-shaped and sometimes filamentous. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 02-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c(45.6 %), C16 : 1ω5c(18.5 %), iso-C15 : 0(9.5 %) and C16 : 0(8.8 %). The predominant menaquinone and polar lipid were MK-7 and phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 53.3 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain WPCB118Thad an evolutionary lineage within the radiation encompassing the members of the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’, its closest neighbour beingSpirosoma lingualeLMG 10896T(93.7 % gene sequence similarity). Data from this polyphasic study indicated that strain WPCB118Tcould not be assigned to any recognized species. Strain WPCB118Trepresents a novel species of the genusSpirosoma, for which the nameSpirosoma riguisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WPCB118T(=KCTC 12531T=NBRC 101117T).
Emended descriptions of the genus Lewinella and of Lewinella cohaerens, Lewinella nigricans and Lewinella persica, and description of Lewinella lutea sp. nov. and Lewinella marina sp. nov.
Authors: Khan Shams Tabrez , Fukunaga Yukiyo , Nakagawa Yasuyoshi , Harayama Shigeaki
Published: November 2007

Two strains, MKG-38T and FYK2402M69T, were isolated from a marine sediment sample and a sea snail, respectively, both collected on the Pacific coast of Japan. Phylogeny of these new isolates based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that they are members of the genus Lewinella. Morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of these two isolates, together with the type strains of the three previously described species of the genus Lewinella, were characterized. The new isolates were Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, chemo-organotrophic and able to degrade starch and CM-cellulose. A comparative polyphasic study showed that these two isolates represent two novel species of the genus Lewinella, for which the names Lewinella marina sp. nov. (type strain, MKG-38T=NBRC 102633T=NCIMB 14312T) and Lewinella lutea sp. nov. (type strain, FYK2402M69T=NBRC 102634T=NCIMB 14313T) are proposed. Emended descriptions of the genus Lewinella (Sly et al. 1998) and of Lewinella cohaerens, Lewinella nigricans and Lewinella persica are also proposed.
Reclassification of Aquaspirillum itersonii and Aquaspirillum peregrinum as Novispirillum itersonii gen. nov., comb. nov. and Insolitispirillum peregrinum gen. nov., comb. nov.
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Kang So-Jung , Park Sooyeon , Lee Soo-Young , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: November 2007

Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed thatAquaspirillum itersoniiandAquaspirillum peregrinumform distinct phylogenetic lineages within theAlphaproteobacteria, whereasAquaspirillum serpens, the type species of the genusAquaspirillum, belongs to theBetaproteobacteria.A.itersoniiandA.peregrinumexhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 82.0–82.4 % to the type strain ofA.serpensand of 91.8–92.0 % to each other.A.itersoniiandA.peregrinumwere clearly distinguishable fromA.serpensby differences in ubiquinone types and fatty acid profiles.A.itersoniisubsp.itersoniiLMG 4337TandA.itersoniisubsp.nipponicumLMG 7370Tcontained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone, andA.peregrinumsubsp.peregrinumLMG 4340TandA.peregrinumsubsp.integrumLMG 5407Tcontained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone, whereasA.serpensLMG 3734Thad Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone.A.itersoniiandA.peregrinumwere also distinguishable fromA.serpensby some differences in the fatty acid composition, including major fatty acids and hydroxy fatty acids. On the basis of these data,A.itersoniiandA.peregrinumshould be reclassified into two novel genera and species, for which the namesNovispirillum itersoniigen. nov., comb. nov. andInsolitispirillum peregrinumgen. nov., comb. nov., respectively, are proposed.
Quaternionic Dolbeault complex and vanishing theorems on hyperkähler manifolds
Authors: Verbitsky Misha
Published: November 2007

Let (M,I,J,K) be a compact hyperkähler manifold, $\dim _{\mathbb {H}}M=n$, and L a non-trivial holomorphic line bundle on (M,I). Using the quaternionic Dolbeault complex, we prove the following vanishing theorem for holomorphic cohomology of L. If c1(L) lies in the closure $\hat K$ of the dual Kähler cone, then Hi(L)=0 for i>n. If c1(L) lies in the opposite cone $-\hat K$, then Hi(L)=0 for i<n. Finally, if c1(L) is neither in $\hat K$ nor in $-\hat K$, then Hi(L)=0 for $i\neq n$.
Higher Nash blowups
Authors: Yasuda Takehiko
Published: November 2007

For each non-negative integer n we define the nth Nash blowup of an algebraic variety, and call them all higher Nash blowups. When n=1, it coincides with the classical Nash blowup. We study higher Nash blowups of curves in detail and prove that any curve in characteristic zero can be desingularized by its nth Nash blowup with n large enough. Moreover, we completely determine for which n the nth Nash blowup of an analytically irreducible curve singularity in characteristic zero is normal, in terms of the associated numerical monoid.
On Rubin’s variant of the p-adic Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture
Authors: Agboola A.
Published: November 2007

We study Rubin’s variant of the p-adic Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture for CM elliptic curves concerning certain special values of the Katz two-variable p-adic L-function that lie outside the range of p-adic interpolation.
Quasiregular self-mappings of manifolds and word hyperbolic groups
Authors: Bridson Martin , Hinkkanen Aimo , Martin Gaven
Published: November 2007

An extension of a result of Sela shows that if Γ is a torsion-free word hyperbolic group, then the only homomorphisms Γ→Γ with finite-index image are the automorphisms. It follows from this result and properties of quasiregular mappings, that if M is a closed Riemannian n-manifold with negative sectional curvature ($n\neq 4$), then every quasiregular mapping f:M→M is a homeomorphism. In the constant-curvature case the dimension restriction is not necessary and Mostow rigidity implies that f is homotopic to an isometry. This is to be contrasted with the fact that every such manifold admits a non-homeomorphic light open self-mapping. We present similar results for more general quotients of hyperbolic space and quasiregular mappings between them. For instance, we establish that besides covering projections there are no π1-injective proper quasiregular mappings f:M→N between hyperbolic 3-manifolds M and N with non-elementary fundamental group.
Local solutions to positive characteristic non-Archimedean differential equations
Authors: dos Santos João Pedro Pinto
Published: November 2007

In the complex domain, one can integrate (solve) holomorphic ordinary differential equations (ODEs) near a non-singular point. We study the existence of solutions in the case of a positive characteristic base field k which is complete with respect to a non-Archimedean absolute value. ODEs are substituted by modules over a ring of analytic functions endowed with an action of all differential operators. The monodromy groups associated to the corresponding category are computed.
On number fields with given ramification
Authors: Chenevier Gaëtan
Published: November 2007

Let E be a CM number field and let S be a finite set of primes of E containing the primes dividing a given prime number l and another prime u split above the maximal totally real subfield of E. If ES denotes a maximal algebraic extension of E which is unramified outside S, we show that the natural maps $\mathrm {Gal}(\overline {E_u}/E_u) \longrightarrow \mathrm {Gal}(E_S/E)$ are injective. We discuss generalizations of this result.
Power Efficiency of the Rotational-to-Linear Infinitely Variable
Cobotic Transmission
Authors: Faulring Eric L. , Colgate J. Edward , Peshkin Michael A.
Published: November 2007

Cobots are a class of robots that use infinitely variable transmissions to develop high fidelity programmable constraint surfaces. Cobots consume very little electrical power even when resisting high forces, and their transmissions are highly power efficient across a broad range of transmission ratios. We have recently introduced the Cobotic Hand Controller, a haptic display that illustrates the high dynamic range and low-power consumption achievable by cobots. In this paper, we present models of the rotational-to-linear rolling contact transmissions utilized in the Cobotic Hand Controller. We compare their efficiency to fixed-ratio gear trains. We also compare the overall power efficiency of the cobotic architecture to the power efficiency of a conventional electromechanical actuation scheme, for both constant and dynamic power flows. The cobotic architecture is shown to be more efficient at frequencies and power levels characteristic of voluntary human motions.
Nodal Based Mappings Between Finite Element Meshes
Authors: Field David A.
Published: November 2007

Due to the demands on mathematical models that simulate physical properties and behaviors of automotive components, different finite element meshes often partition the same component for each disparate simulation. Commercial packages that transfer mesh dependent results from one finite element analysis to initialize another typically use a variation of a specific nodal based mapping. The simplicity and ease of implementation make this mapping very attractive. In its simplest form, the mapping first assigns a node in the analyzed model the average value of the elements that share the node. A node in the unanalyzed mesh receives its value from the closest node in the analyzed mesh. Nodal based interpolants on the new element initialize elemental values. When an element in the unanalyzed mesh requires a constant value such as its thickness, the element receives the average value at the nodes that define the element. This brief paper documents some undesirable characteristics of this nodal based transfer of material properties from one mesh to another.
Priority-Based Geometric Constraint Satisfaction
Authors: Pu Jiantao , Ramani Karthik
Published: November 2007

A well-constrained geometric system seldom occurs in practice, especially at the sketch-based initial conceptual design stage. Usually, it is either under- or overconstrained because design is a progressive process and it is difficult for a designer to specify all involved constraints in a consistent way. This paper presents a priority-based graph-reduction solution, in which each constraint is assigned with a priority to guide the reduction of a geometric constraint graph. The advantage of this method lies in its ability to find the optimal solutions to a geometric constraint system automatically, without requiring interactive intervention from users.
Simple and Efficient Tetrahedral Finite Elements With Rotational Degrees of Freedom for Solid Modeling
Authors: Hua X. , To C. W. S.
Published: November 2007

A mixed variational principle and derivation of two simple and efficient tetrahedral finite elements with rotational degrees of freedom (DOF) are presented. Each element has four nodes. Every node has six DOF, which include three translational and three rotational DOF. Each element is capable of providing six rigid-body modes. The rotational DOF are based on the displacement formulation, while the translational DOF are hinged on the hybrid strain Hellinger–Reissner functional. Explicit expressions for stiffness matrices are obtained. Element performance has been evaluated with benchmark problems, indicating that they have superior accuracy compared with other lower-order tetrahedral elements.
Toward a High-Resolution View of Nuclear Dynamics
Authors: Trinkle-Mulcahy Laura , Lamond Angus I.
Published: November 2007

The nucleus is the defining feature of eukaryotic cells. It is a highly dynamic, membrane-bound organelle that encloses chromatin and thereby partitions gene transcription from sites of protein translation in the cytoplasm. Major cellular events, including DNA replication, messenger RNA synthesis and processing, and ribosome subunit biogenesis, take place within the nucleus, resulting in a continuous flux of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus through dedicated nuclear pore complexes in the nuclear envelope. Here, we review the impact of new technologies, especially in areas of fluorescence microscopy and proteomics, which are providing major insights into dynamic processes affecting both structure and function within the nucleus.
Crossing the Nuclear Envelope: Hierarchical Regulation of Nucleocytoplasmic Transport
Authors: Terry Laura J. , Shows Eric B. , Wente Susan R.
Published: November 2007

Transport of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm is a critical cellular process for eukaryotes, and the machinery that mediates nucleocytoplasmic exchange is subject to multiple levels of control. Regulation is achieved by modulating the expression or function of single cargoes, transport receptors, or the transport channel. Each of these mechanisms has increasingly broad impacts on transport patterns and capacity, and this hierarchy of control directly affects gene expression, signal transduction, development, and disease.
Response to Comment on "Decagonal and Quasi-Crystalline Tilings in Medieval Islamic Architecture"
Authors: Lu Peter J. , Steinhardt Paul J.
Published: November 2007

Our study showed that both Gunbad-i Kabud and Darb-i Imam tessellations belong to a sequence of Islamic tilings that resolve into a common set of girih tiles, so local similarities are expected. However, historically accurate reconstructions show that Darb-i Imam is unique, the only known example that does not repeat periodically and that displays a self-similar transformation enabling its continuation ad infinitum to a perfect quasi-crystalline pattern.
Plants Tolerant of High Boron Levels
Authors: Miwa Kyoko , Takano Junpei , Omori Hiroyuki , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Fujiwara Toru
Published: November 2007

Reduced crop productivity due to soils containing toxic levels of boron (B) is a worldwide problem in food production. It is estimated that up to 17% of the barley yield losses in southern Australia are caused by B toxicity. We found that the expression of AtBOR4, an Arabidopsis paralog of BOR1, the first identified boron transporter gene, generates plants that are tolerant of high B levels. BOR4 is a polarly localized borate exporter that enhances B efflux from roots. The present study is a foundation for the improvement of crop productivity in soils containing excess B, which are distributed in arid areas of the world.
Boron-Toxicity Tolerance in Barley Arising from Efflux Transporter Amplification
Authors: Sutton Tim , Baumann Ute , Hayes Julie , Collins Nicholas C. , Shi Bu-Jun , Schnurbusch Thorsten , Hay Alison , Mayo Gwenda , Pallotta Margaret , Tester Mark , Langridge Peter
Published: November 2007

Both limiting and toxic soil concentrations of the essential micronutrient boron represent major limitations to crop production worldwide. We identified
Bot1
, a
BOR1
ortholog, as the gene responsible for the superior boron-toxicity tolerance of the Algerian barley landrace Sahara 3771 (Sahara).
Bot1
was located at the tolerance locus by high-resolution mapping. Compared to intolerant genotypes, Sahara contains about four times as many
Bot1
gene copies, produces substantially more
Bot1
transcript, and encodes a Bot1 protein with a higher capacity to provide tolerance in yeast.
Bot1
transcript levels identified in barley tissues are consistent with a role in limiting the net entry of boron into the root and in the disposal of boron from leaves via hydathode guttation.
5'-Triphosphate-Dependent Activation of PKR by RNAs with Short Stem-Loops
Authors: Nallagatla Subba Rao , Hwang Jungwook , Toroney Rebecca , Zheng Xiaofeng , Cameron Craig E. , Bevilacqua Philip C.
Published: November 2007

Molecular patterns in pathogenic RNAs can be recognized by the innate immune system, and a component of this response is the interferon-induced enzyme RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). The major activators of PKR have been proposed to be long double-stranded RNAs. We report that RNAs with very limited secondary structures activate PKR in a 5′-triphosphate–dependent fashion in vitro and in vivo. Activation of PKR by 5′-triphosphate RNA is independent of RIG-I and is enhanced by treatment with type 1 interferon (IFN-α). Surveillance of molecular features at the 5′ end of transcripts by PKR presents a means of allowing pathogenic RNA to be distinguished from self-RNA. The evidence presented here suggests that this form of RNA-based discrimination may be a critical step in mounting an early immune response.
Charge Transfer Equilibria Between Diamond and an Aqueous Oxygen Electrochemical Redox Couple
Authors: Chakrapani Vidhya , Angus John C. , Anderson Alfred B. , Wolter Scott D. , Stoner Brian R. , Sumanasekera Gamini U.
Published: November 2007

Undoped, high-quality diamond is, under almost all circumstances, one of the best insulators known. However, diamond covered with chemically bound hydrogen shows a pronounced conductivity when exposed to air. This conductivity arises from positive-charge carriers (holes) and is confined to a narrow near-surface region. Although several explanations have been proposed, none has received wide acceptance, and the mechanism remains controversial. Here, we report the interactions of hydrogen-terminated, macroscopic diamonds and diamond powders with aqueous solutions of controlled pH and oxygen concentration. We show that electrons transfer between the diamond and an electrochemical reduction/oxidation couple involving oxygen. This charge transfer is responsible for the surface conductivity and also influences contact angles and zeta potentials. The effect is not confined to diamond and may play a previously unrecognized role in other disparate systems.
Extended Male Growth in a Fossil Hominin Species
Authors: Lockwood Charles A. , Menter Colin G. , Moggi-Cecchi Jacopo , Keyser Andre W.
Published: November 2007

In primates that are highly sexually dimorphic, males often reach maturity later than females, and young adult males do not show the size, morphology, and coloration of mature males. Here we describe extended male development in a hominin species,
Paranthropus robustus
. Ranking a large sample of facial remains on the basis of dental wear stages reveals a difference in size and robusticity between young adult and old adult males. Combined with estimates of sexual dimorphism, this pattern suggests that male reproductive strategy focused on monopolizing groups of females, in a manner similar to that of silverback gorillas. However, males appear to have borne a substantial cost in the form of high rates of predation.
Interleukin-15 Increases Vaccine Efficacy through a Mechanism Linked to Dendritic Cell Maturation and Enhanced Antibody Titers
Authors: Saikh Kamal U. , Kissner Teri L. , Nystrom Steven , Ruthel Gordon , Ulrich Robert G.
Published: November 2007

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is generally considered to sustain T-cell memory and to be a growth factor for natural killer cells. Previous data from our laboratory demonstrated that IL-15 is also an important factor for developing human dendritic cells. For this study, we investigated the effects of IL-15 on antibody responses in mice to a recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) vaccine (STEBVax) in a preclinical model of toxic shock syndrome induced by SEB. We observed that mouse spleen cells treated with IL-15 in ex vivo culture gained a dendritic cell-like phenotype. Administration of IL-15 to mice also resulted in an increased number of mature CD11c+dendritic cells in mouse spleens. A significant, IL-15 dose-dependent increase in antigen-specific antibody was observed after coadministration with the vaccine and an aluminum-based adjuvant (alhydrogel). Furthermore, the coadministration of IL-15 with STEBVax and alhydrogel also protected mice from lethal toxic shock above the levels that obtained without IL-15. Thus, the vaccine response enhanced by IL-15 appears to be mediated by mature dendritic cells and results in prevalent seroconversion to Th2-dependent antibodies. This suggests a potential use of IL-15 as an adjuvant for antibody-dependent responses to vaccines.
Gamma/Delta T-Cell Functional Responses Differ after Pathogenic Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Nonpathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infections
Authors: Kosub David A. , Lehrman Ginger , Milush Jeffrey M. , Zhou Dejiang , Chacko Elizabeth , Leone Amanda , Gordon Shari , Silvestri Guido , Else James G. , Keiser Philip , Jain Mamta K. , Sodora Donald L.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to functionally assess gamma/delta (γδ) T cells following pathogenic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of humans and nonpathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of sooty mangabeys. γδ T cells were obtained from peripheral blood samples from patients and sooty mangabeys that exhibited either a CD4-healthy (>200 CD4+T cells/μl blood) or CD4-low (<200 CD4 cells/μl blood) phenotype. Cytokine flow cytometry was utilized to assess production of Th1 cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon following ex vivo stimulation with either phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin or the Vδ2 γδ T-cell receptor agonist isopentenyl pyrophosphate. Sooty mangabeys were observed to have higher percentages of γδ T cells in their peripheral blood than humans did. Following stimulation, γδ T cells from SIV-positive (SIV+) mangabeys maintained or increased their ability to express the Th1 cytokines regardless of CD4+T-cell levels. In contrast, HIV-positive (HIV+) patients exhibited a decreased percentage of γδ T cells expressing Th1 cytokines following stimulation. This dysfunction is primarily within the Vδ2+γδ T-cell subset which incurred both a decreased overall level in the blood and a reduced Th1 cytokine production. Patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy exhibited a partial restoration in their γδ T-cell Th1 cytokine response that was intermediate between the responses of the uninfected and HIV+patients. The SIV+sooty mangabey natural hosts, which do not proceed to clinical AIDS, provide evidence that γδ T-cell dysfunction occurs in HIV+patients and may contribute to HIV disease progression.
Pathogenesis and Immune Responses in Gnotobiotic Calves after Infection with the Genogroup II.4-HS66 Strain of Human Norovirus
Authors: Souza M. , Azevedo M. S. P. , Jung K. , Cheetham S. , Saif L. J.
Published: November 2007

We previously characterized the pathogenesis of two host-specific bovine enteric caliciviruses (BEC), the GIII.2 norovirus (NoV) strain CV186-OH and the phylogenetically unassigned NB strain, in gnotobiotic (Gn) calves. In this study we evaluated the Gn calf as an alternative animal model to study the pathogenesis and host immune responses to the human norovirus (HuNoV) strain GII.4-HS66. The HuNoV HS66 strain caused diarrhea (five/five calves) and intestinal lesions (one/two calves tested) in the proximal small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) of Gn calves, with lesions similar to, but less severe than, those described for the Newbury agent 2 (NA-2) and NB BEC. Viral capsid antigen was also detected in the jejunum of the proximal small intestine of one of two calves tested by immunohistochemistry. All inoculated calves shed virus in feces (five/five calves), and one/five had viremia. Antibodies and cytokine (proinflammatory, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]; Th1, interleukin-12 [IL-12] and gamma interferon [IFN-γ]; Th2, IL-4; Th2/T-regulatory, IL-10) profiles were determined in serum, feces, and intestinal contents (IC) of the HuNoV-HS66-inoculated calves (n= 5) and controls (n= 4) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the acute (postinoculation day 3 [PID 3]) and convalescent (PID 28) stages of infection. The HuNoV-HS66-specific antibody and cytokine-secreting cells (CSCs) were quantitated by ELISPOT in mononuclear cells of local and systemic tissues at PID 28. Sixty-seven percent of the HuNoV-HS66-inoculated calves seroconverted, and 100% coproconverted with immunoglobulin A (IgA) and/or IgG antibodies to HuNoV-HS66, at low titers. The highest numbers of antibody-secreting cells (ASC), both IgA and IgG, were detected locally in intestine, but systemic IgA and IgG ASC responses also occurred in the HuNoV-HS66-inoculated calves. In serum, HuNoV-HS66 induced higher peaks of TNF-α and IFN-γ at PIDs 2, 7, and 10; of IL-4 and IL-10 at PID 4; and of IL-12 at PIDs 7 and 10, compared to controls. In feces, cytokines increased earlier (PID 1) than in serum and TNF-α and IL-10 were elevated acutely in the IC of the HS66-inoculated calves. Compared to controls, at PID 28 higher numbers of IFN-γ and TNF-α CSCs were detected in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) or spleen and Th2 (IL-4) CSCs were elevated in intestine; IL-10 CSCs were highest in spleen. Our study provides new data confirming HuNoV-HS66 replication and enteropathogenicity in Gn calves and reveals important and comprehensive aspects of the host's local (intestine and MLN) and systemic (spleen and blood) immune responses to HuNoV-HS66.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Forms a Highly Stable, EDTA-Resistant Complex with Its Principal Receptor, Integrin αvβ6: Implications for Infectiousness
Authors: DiCara Danielle , Burman Alison , Clark Stuart , Berryman Stephen , Howard Mark J. , Hart Ian R. , Marshall John F. , Jackson Terry
Published: November 2007

The initial stage of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection is virus binding to cell surface integrins via the RGD motif in the GH loop of the VP1 capsid protein. As for all ligand/integrin interactions, the initial contact between FMDV and its integrin receptors is cation dependent and hence inhibited by EDTA. We have investigated this binding process with RGD-containing peptides derived from the VP1 capsid protein of FMDV and discovered that, upon binding, some of these peptides form highly stable, EDTA-resistant associations with integrin αvβ6. Peptides containing specific substitutions show that this stable binding is dependent on a helical structure immediately C terminal to the RGD and, specifically, two leucine residues at positions RGD +1 and RGD +4. These observations have a biological consequence, as we show further that stable, EDTA-resistant binding to αvβ6 is a property also exhibited by FMDV particles. Thus, the integrin-binding loop of FMDV appears to have evolved to form very stable complexes with the principal receptor of FMDV, integrin αvβ6. An ability to induce such stable complexes with its cellular receptor is likely to contribute significantly to the high infectiousness of FMDV.
Differential Targeting of Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins in Poliovirus-Infected Cells
Authors: Park Nogi , Katikaneni Pavan , Skern Tim , Gustin Kurt E.
Published: November 2007

Poliovirus disrupts nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and results in the cleavage of two nuclear pore complex (NPC) proteins, Nup153 and Nup62. The NPC is a 125-MDa complex composed of multiple copies of 30 different proteins. Here we have extended the analysis of the NPC in infected cells by examining the status of Nup98, an interferon-induced NPC protein with a major role in mRNA export. Our results indicate that Nup98 is targeted for cleavage after infection but that this occurs much more rapidly than it does for Nup153 and Nup62. In addition, we find that cleavage of these NPC proteins displays differential sensitivity to the viral RNA synthesis inhibitor guanidine hydrochloride. Inhibition of nuclear import and relocalization of host nuclear proteins to the cytoplasm were only apparent at later times after infection when all three nucleoporins (Nups) were cleaved. Surprisingly, analysis of the distribution of mRNA in infected cells revealed that proteolysis of Nup98 did not result in an inhibition of mRNA export. Cleavage of Nup98 could be reconstituted by the addition of purified rhinovirus type 2 2A
pro
to whole-cell lysates prepared from uninfected cells, suggesting that the 2A protease has a role in this process in vivo. These results indicate that poliovirus differentially targets subsets of NPC proteins at early and late times postinfection. In addition, targeting of interferon-inducible NPC proteins, such as Nup98, may be an additional weapon in the arsenal of poliovirus and perhaps other picornaviruses to overcome host defense mechanisms.
Integrin α
V
β
3
Binds to the RGD Motif of Glycoprotein B of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus and Functions as an RGD-Dependent Entry Receptor
Authors: Garrigues H. Jacques , Rubinchikova Yelena E. , DiPersio C. Michael , Rose Timothy M.
Published: November 2007

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) envelope-associated glycoprotein B (gB) is involved in the initial steps of binding to host cells during KSHV infection. gB contains an RGD motif reported to bind the integrin α
3
β
1
during virus entry. Although the ligand specificity of α
3
β
1
has been controversial, current literature indicates that α
3
β
1
ligand recognition is independent of RGD. We compared α
3
β
1
to the RGD-binding integrin, α
V
β
3
, for binding to envelope-associated gB and a gB(RGD) peptide. Adhesion assays demonstrated that β
3
-CHO cells overexpressing α
V
β
3
specifically bound gB(RGD), whereas α
3
-CHO cells overexpressing α
3
β
1
did not. Function-blocking antibodies to α
V
β
3
inhibited the adhesion of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells to gB(RGD), while antibodies to α
3
β
1
did not. Using affinity-purified integrins and confocal microscopy, α
V
β
3
bound to gB(RGD) and KSHV virions, demonstrating direct receptor-ligand interactions. Specific α
V
β
3
antagonists, including cyclic and dicyclic RGD peptides and α
V
β
3
function-blocking antibodies, inhibited KSHV infection by 70 to 80%. Keratinocytes from α
3
-null mice lacking α
3
β
1
were fully competent for infection by KSHV, and reconstitution of α
3
β
1
function by transfection with α
3
cDNA reduced KSHV infectivity from 74% to 55%. Additional inhibitory effects of α
3
β
1
on the cell surface expression of α
V
β
3
and on α
V
β
3
-mediated adhesion of α
3
-CHO cells overexpressing α
3
β
1
were detected, consistent with previous reports of transdominant inhibition of α
V
β
3
function by α
3
β
1
. These observations may explain previous reports of an inhibition of KSHV infection by soluble α
3
β
1
. Our studies demonstrate that α
V
β
3
is a cellular receptor mediating both the cell adhesion and entry of KSHV into target cells through binding the virion-associated gB(RGD).
Cell Factors Stimulate Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcription In Vitro
Authors: Warrilow David , Meredith Luke , Davis Adam , Burrell Christopher , Li Peng , Harrich David
Published: November 2007

After fusion of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope with the host cell membrane, the HIV-1 core enters the cell cytoplasm. Core components are then restructured to form the reverse transcription complex (RTC); the biochemical details of this process are currently unclear. To investigate early RTC formation, we characterized the endogenous reverse transcription activity of virions, which was less efficient than reverse transcription during cell infection and suggested a requirement for a cell factor. The addition of detergent to virions released reverse transcriptase and capsid, and reverse transcription products became susceptible to the action of exogenous nucleases, indicating virion disruption. Disruption was coincident with the loss of the endogenous reverse transcription activity of virions, particularly late reverse transcription products. Consistent with this observation, the use of a modified “spin thru” method, which uses brief detergent exposure, also disrupted virions. The addition of lysates made from mammalian cell lines (Jurkat, HEK293T, and NIH 3T3 cells) to virions delipidated by detergent stimulated late reverse transcription efficiency. A complex with reverse transcription activity that was slower sedimenting than virions on a velocity gradient was greatly stimulated to generate full-length reverse transcription products and was associated with only relatively small amounts of capsid. These experiments suggest that cell factors are required for efficient reverse transcription of HIV-1.
Establishment of Canine RNA Polymerase I-Driven Reverse Genetics for Influenza A Virus: Its Application for H5N1 Vaccine Production
Authors: Murakami Shin , Horimoto Taisuke , Yamada Shinya , Kakugawa Satoshi , Goto Hideo , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: November 2007

In the event of a new influenza pandemic, vaccines whose antigenicities match those of circulating strains must be rapidly produced. Here, we established an alternative reverse genetics system for influenza virus using the canine polymerase I (PolI) promoter sequence that works efficiently in the Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line, a cell line approved for human vaccine production. Using this system, we were able to generate H5N1 vaccine seed viruses more efficiently than can be achieved with the current system that uses the human PolI promoter in African green monkey Vero cells, thus improving pandemic vaccine production.
Work in the textile industry in Spain and bladder cancer
Authors: Serra C , Kogevinas M , Silverman D T , Turuguet D , Tardon A , Garcia-Closas R , Carrato A , Castaño-Vinyals G , Fernandez F , Stewart P , Benavides F G , Gonzalez S , Serra A , Rothman N , Malats N , Dosemeci M
Published: November 2007

Background/objective:

Textile manufacturing is a complex industry that has frequently been associated with bladder cancer. However, results have not been consistent. This study investigated the risk of bladder cancer in Spanish textile workers.

Methods:

We analysed data from a multicentre hospital-based case-control study carried out in Spain (1998–2001) including 1219 cases of bladder cancer and 1271 controls. Of those, 126 cases and 122 controls reported a history of employment in the textile industry. Lifetime occupational history was obtained using a computer-assisted personal interview. Occupations, locations and materials used in the textile industry were assessed using a detailed questionnaire and expert assessment.

Results:

Overall, no increased risk of bladder cancer was found for textile workers, including duration of employment analysis. Increased risks were observed for weavers (OR  = 1.82, 95% CI 0.95 to 3.47), for workers in winding/warping/sizing (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.58 to 10.71) and for those exposed to synthetic materials (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.56). Working for more than 10 years appeared to be associated with an increased risk for weavers (OR 2.27, 95% CI 0.97 to 5.34), for those who had ever worked in winding/warping/sizing (OR 11.03, 95% CI 1.37, 88.89), for workers in the weaving room (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.24 to 7.01) and for those exposed to synthetic (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.01) or cotton (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.87) materials. Statistically significant higher risks were also found for specific combinations of occupations or locations with exposure to synthetics and cotton.

Conclusions:

There was no overall increased risk for textile workers, but increased risks were found for specific groups of workers. Our findings indicate that observed risks in previous studies may be better evaluated by analysis of materials used or section worked within the industry and occupation.
Smoking cessation attempts among adolescent smokers: a systematic review of prevalence studies
Authors: Bancej Christina , O’Loughlin Jennifer , Platt Robert W , Paradis Gilles , Gervais André
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To synthesise estimates of the prevalence of cessation attempts among adolescent smokers generally, and according to age and level of cigarette consumption.

Data sources:

PubMed, ERIC, and PsychInfo databases and Internet searches of central data collection agencies.

Study selection:

National population-based studies published in English between 1990 and 2005 reporting the prevalence, frequency and/or duration of cessation attempts among smokers aged ⩾10 to <20 years.

Data extraction:

Five reviewers determined inclusion criteria for full-text reports. One reviewer extracted data on the design, population characteristics and results from the reports.

Data synthesis:

In total, 52 studies conformed to the inclusion criteria. The marked heterogeneity that characterised the study populations and survey questions precluded a meta-analysis. Among adolescent current smokers, the median 6-month, 12-month and lifetime cessation attempt prevalence was 58% (range: 22–73%), 68% (range 43–92%) and 71% (range 28–84%), respectively. More than half had made multiple attempts. Among smokers who had attempted cessation, the median prevalence of relapse was 34, 56, 89 and 92% within 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively, following the longest attempt. Younger (age<16 years) and non-daily smokers experienced a similar or higher prevalence of cessation attempts compared with older (age ⩾16 years) or daily smokers. Moreover, the prevalence of relapse by 6 months following the longest cessation attempt was similar across age and smoking frequency.

Conclusions:

The high prevalence of cessation attempts and relapse among adolescent smokers extends to young adolescents and non-daily smokers. Cessation surveillance, research and program development should be more inclusive of these subgroups.
“I always thought they were all pure tobacco”: American smokers’ perceptions of “natural” cigarettes and tobacco industry advertising strategies
Authors: McDaniel Patricia A , Malone Ruth E
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To examine how the US tobacco industry markets cigarettes as “natural” and American smokers’ views of the “naturalness” (or unnaturalness) of cigarettes.

Methods:

Internal tobacco industry documents, the Pollay 20th Century Tobacco Ad Collection, and newspaper sources were reviewed, themes and strategies were categorised, and the findings were summarised.

Results:

Cigarette advertisements have used the term “natural” since at least 1910, but it was not until the 1950s that “natural” referred to a core element of brand identity, used to describe specific product attributes (filter, menthol, tobacco leaf). The term “additive-free”, introduced in the 1980s, is now commonly used to define natural cigarettes. Tobacco company market research, available from 1970 to 1998, consistently revealed that within focus group sessions, smokers initially had difficulty interpreting the term “natural” in relation to cigarettes; however, after discussion of cigarette ingredients, smokers viewed “natural” cigarettes as healthier. Tobacco companies regarded the implied health benefits of natural cigarettes as their key selling point, but hesitated to market them because doing so might raise doubts about the composition of their highly profitable “regular” brands.

Conclusion:

Although our findings support the idea advanced by some tobacco control advocates that informing smokers of conventional cigarettes’ chemical ingredients could promote cessation, they also suggest that such a measure could increase the ubiquity and popularity of “natural” cigarettes. A more effective approach may be to “denaturalise” smoking.
Is a statewide tobacco quitline an appropriate service for specific populations?
Authors: Maher Julie E , Rohde Kristen , Dent Clyde W , Stark Michael J , Pizacani Barbara , Boysun Michael J , Dilley Julia A , Yepassis-Zembrou Patricia L
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To assess whether smoking quit rates and satisfaction with the Washington State tobacco quitline (QL) services varied by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, area of residence (that is, urban versus non-urban), or sex of Washington QL callers.

Methods:

From October 2004 into October 2005, we conducted telephone surveys of Washington QL callers about three months after their initial call to the QL. Analyses compared 7-day quit rates and satisfaction measures by race/ethnicity, education level, area of residence and sex (using α = 0.05).

Results:

We surveyed half (n = 1312) of the 2638 adult smokers we attempted to contact. The 7-day quit rate among survey participants at the 3-month follow-up was 31% (CI: 27.1% to 34.2%), 92% (CI: 89.9% to 94.1%) were somewhat/very satisfied overall with the QL programme, 97% (CI: 95.5% to 98.2%) indicated that they would probably/for sure suggest the QL to others and 95% (CI: 92.9% to 96.4%) were somewhat/very satisfied with the QL specialist. Quit rate did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity, education level, area of residence or sex. Satisfaction levels were high across subpopulations. Almost all participants (99%) agreed that they were always treated respectfully during interactions with QL staff.

Conclusions:

The Washington QL appeared effective and well received by callers from the specific populations studied. States choosing to promote their QL more aggressively should feel confident that a tobacco QL can be an effective and well received cessation service for smokers who call from a broad range of communities.
The association between advertising and calls to a tobacco quitline
Authors: Mosbaek Craig H , Austin Donald F , Stark Michael J , Lambert Lori C
Published: November 2007

Objective:

This study assessed the cost effectiveness of different types of television and radio advertisements and the time of day in which advertisements were placed in generating calls to the Oregon tobacco quitline.

Design:

Cost effectiveness was measured by cost per call, calculated as the cost of advertising divided by the number of quitline calls generated by that advertising. Advertising was bought in one-week or two-week blocks and included 27 daytime television buys, 22 evening television buys and 31 radio buys.

Results:

Cost effectiveness varied widely by medium, time of day and advertisement used. Daytime television was seven times more cost effective than evening television and also more cost effective than radio. The most effective advertisements at generating quitline calls were real life testimonials by people who lost family members to tobacco and advertisements that deal practically with how to quit.

Conclusions:

Placement of television advertisements during the day versus the evening can increase an advertisement’s effectiveness in generating calls to a quitline. Some advertising messages were more effective than others in generating calls to a quitline. Quitline providers can apply findings from previous research when planning media campaigns. In addition, call volume should be monitored in order to assess the cost effectiveness of different strategies to promote use of the quitline.
Impact of smoking images in magazines on the smoking attitudes and intentions of youth: an experimental investigation: Table 1
Authors: Carter Owen B J , Donovan Robert J , Weller Narelle M , Jalleh Geoffrey
Published: November 2007

Objective:

To determine the effect of magazine incidental smoking imagery on youths’ smoking intentions.

Methods:

A magazine was developed incorporating photographs of smokers (Smoking Magazine). A second version of the magazine (Non-smoking Magazine) included these photographs with the tobacco paraphernalia digitally erased. Equal numbers of smokers and non-smokers aged 14–17 years (n = 357) were randomly assigned to look through one version of the magazine and then asked a series of questions.

Results:

Smokers made more unprompted mention of smoking imagery than non-smokers after viewingSmoking Magazine(52% vs 34%; p<0.05). Smokers viewingSmoking Magazinewere more likely to report an urge to smoke (54% vs 40%; p<0.05). Female non-smokers who viewedSmoking Magazinewere more likely than those who viewedNon-smoking Magazineto state a future intention to smoke (13% vs 0%; p<0.05). Female smokers were more attracted to the male models appearing inSmoking MagazinethanNon-smoking Magazine(49% vs 24%; p<0.05) and the opposite was true for female non-smokers (28% vs 52%; p<0.05). Female smokers were also marginally more likely to desire looking like the female models inSmoking Magazine(64% vs 46%; p = 0.06) but no difference was observed in the non-smoking females (46% vs 46%). Male smokers and non-smokers did not differ in their responses by magazine type.

Conclusions:

Incidental positive smoking imagery in magazines can generate the same sorts of consumer effects attributed to advertising in general, including tobacco advertising. Sex specific results of our study may be explained by the choice of smoking images used.
MBE GROWN ZnSSe/ZnMgSSe MQW STRUCTURE FOR BLUE VCSEL
Authors: KAZAKOV I. P. , KOZLOVSKY V. I. , MARTOVITSKY V. P. , SKASYRSKY YA. K. , TIBERI M. D. , ZABEZHAYLOV A. O. , DIANOV E. M.
Published: November 2007

ZnSSe / ZnMgSSe MQW structures were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates. The band gap of ZnMgSSe barriers was approximately 3 eV at room temperature. Cathodoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, optical, scanning electron beam, and atomic force microscopy were all used for structure characterization. Decay of the ZnMgSSe solid solution in at least two phases was observed. Improvement in the quality of the crystal lattice and surface morphology was achieved by mismatching the ZnMgSSe from the GaAs substrate by increasing the lattice period by 0.24%.
EFFECTS OF ELECTRON–PHONON INTERACTION IN TUNNELING PROCESSES IN NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: ARSEYEV P. I. , MASLOVA N. S.
Published: November 2007

Tunneling through a system with two discrete electron levels coupled by electron–phonon interaction is considered. The interplay between elastic and inelastic tunneling channels is analyzed for a strong electron–phonon coupling in the resonant case. It is shown that the intensity and the width of peaks in tunneling conductivity are strongly influenced by nonequilibrium effects.