bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF A SIMPLE METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF NB AND TA AT THE SUB‐μG/G LEVEL IN SILICATE ROCKS BY ICP‐MS
Authors: POITRASSON Franck , PIN Christian , TELOUK Philippe , IMBERT Jean Louis
Published: May 2007

We report Nb and Ta data for 15 international silicate rock standards, obtained by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) measurement following decomposition with HF‐HNOs‐HCI.95 Moand185Re were used as internal standards, and calibration lines were constructed with artificial solutions. Typical relative standard deviations are better than 10% above 0.2 μg/g, and detection limits for Nb and Ta are 40 and 0.8 ng/g, respectively. The results are generally in good agreement with published data. Moreover, this study points out the Nb‐Ta heterogeneity of some standard reference materials on the 100 mg scale.
UPDATE (1984–1995) ON TWO GIT ‐ IWG GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE SAMPLES: ALBITE FROM ITALY, AL‐I AND IRON FORMATION SAMPLE FROM GREENLAND, IF‐G
Authors: GOVINDARAJU K.
Published: May 2007

For the two IWG reference samples, Albite AL‐I and Iron Formation Sample IF‐G, new data on trace elements and those published in the 1984 compilation report are presented along with a brief description of their preparation in large quantities, 169 kg for AL‐I and 760 kg for IF‐G. Recommended working values with confidence limits have been assigned for over fifty major, minor and trace elements. A distinguishing feature of both the samples is their low abundances of trace elements.
MEASUREMENT OF THERMAL NEUTRON ABSORPTION CROSS SECTION IN SELECTED GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE MATERIALS
Authors: HARVEY P.K. , LOVELL M.A. , BREWER T.S. , LOCKE J. , MANSLEY E.
Published: May 2007

The thermal neutron absorption cross‐section () of a sample is a measure of its ability to absorb neutrons and is a linear function of its total chemistry. is measured automatically by some downhole logging tools and is an important parameter for the lithological characterisation of formations. As part of a programme to accurately determine the of lithologies commonly encountered in the Ocean Drilling Program, it was necessary to evaluate the measurement of and this was, in part, achieved by measuring on a number of geochemical reference standards. Computed and measured values are reported here for thirteen geochemical reference standards.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS BY LASER ABLATION ICPMS: INSTRUMENTAL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND CALIBRATION VALUES OF NIST GLASSES
Authors: NORMAN M.D. , PEARSON N.J. , SHARMA A. , GRIFFIN W.L.
Published: May 2007

A UV laser ablation microprobe coupled to an ICPMS has been used to determine trace element concentrations in solids with a spatial resolution of 50 microns and detection limits ranging from 2 μg/g for Ni to 50 ng/g for the REE, The, and U. Experiments designed to optimize laser operating conditions show that pulse rates of 4 Hz produce a steady state signal with less inter‐element fractionation per unit time than higher pulse rates (10–20 Hz). Comparisons of laser microprobe analyses of garnets and pyroxenes using the NIST 610 and 612 glasses as calibration standards, with proton microprobe, solution ICPMS, INAA and XRF data show no significant matrix effects. Laser microprobe analyses of the NIST 610 and 612 glasses have a precision and accuracy of 2–5%, and error analysis shows that counting statistics and the precision on the internal standard concentration accounts for the analytical uncertainty. The NIST glasses appear to be useful calibration materials for trace element analysis of geological materials by laser microprobe.
DETERMINATION OF PLATINUM GROUP ELEMENTS IN FOUR NEW REFERENCE SAMPLES OF MARINE SEDIMENTS AND NODULES BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS AFTER NICKEL SULPHIDE FIRE ASSAY PRECONCENTRATION
Authors: Xiaolin LI , Chunhan TONG , Jieqing ZHU , Yimin WANG
Published: May 2007

Platinum group elements were determined in two new reference samples of marine sediments (GSMS‐2 and GSMS‐3) and in two new reference samples of manganese nodules (GSPN‐2 and GSPN‐3) by neutron activation analysis after nickel sulphide fire assay preconcentration. Analytical data obtained are presented along with a brief description of the analytical procedure.
REEVALUATION OF THE HOMOGENEITY OF REE, THE AND U IN GEOCHEMICAL REFERENCE ZIRCON 61.308B
Authors: BEDARD L. Paul
Published: May 2007

In a previous study of the reference sample zircon 61.308B, it has been suggested that either the sample is heterogeneous or inter‐method comparisons introduce analytical dispersions. New determinations by LA‐ICP‐MS show relative standard deviation in the order of 20% for Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE). This is four times the variation attributable to analytical method. A possible explanation is that HREE concentration varations in geochemical reference zircon were created by crystal fractionation or oscillatory variation in the host magma. This confirms that zircon 61.308B is heterogeneous for trace elements.
A Methodology for Creating Ontologies for Engineering Design
Authors: Ahmed Saeema , Kim Sanghee , Wallace Ken M.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a six-stage methodology for developing ontologies for engineering design, together with the research methods and evaluation of each stage. The methodology focuses upon understanding a user’s domain models through empirical research. A case study of an ontology for searching, indexing, and retrieving engineering knowledge is described. The root concepts of the ontology were elicited from engineering designers. Relationships between concepts are extracted as the ontology is populated. The contribution of this research is a methodology to allow researchers and industry to create ontologies for their particular purpose and a thesaurus for the terms within the ontology.
Implementation of the Interactive Bicycle Simulator with Its Functional Subsystems
Authors: Yin Song , Yin Yuehong
Published: May 2007

When equipped with a handlebar and pedal force display subsystem, motion-generating subsystem, and visual subsystem, the interactive bicycle simulator can bring riders a realistic cycling feeling. In the interactive bicycle simulator, the most important component is the rider-bicycle dynamic model. The Newton-Euler method is adopted to formulate this model. Real-time data gathered by sensors and identified from a terrain database system are used for calculation of the rider-bicycle dynamics. Simple and effective devices are constructed and driven by the outputs of the rider-bicycle dynamic model. These devices are successfully applied to the interactive bicycle simulator.
Seawater Chemistry and Early Carbonate Biomineralization
Authors: Porter Susannah M.
Published: May 2007

The first appearances of aragonite and calcite skeletons in 18 animal clades that independently evolved mineralization during the late Ediacaran through the Ordovician (~550 to 444 million years ago) correspond to intervals when seawater chemistry favored aragonite and calcite precipitation, respectively. Skeletal mineralogies rarely changed once skeletons evolved, despite subsequent changes in seawater chemistry. Thus, the selection of carbonate skeletal minerals appears to have been dictated by seawater chemistry at the time a clade first acquired its mineralized skeleton.
Quantum Register Based on Individual Electronic and Nuclear Spin Qubits in Diamond
Authors: Dutt M. V. Gurudev , Childress L. , Jiang L. , Togan E. , Maze J. , Jelezko F. , Zibrov A. S. , Hemmer P. R. , Lukin M. D.
Published: May 2007

The key challenge in experimental quantum information science is to identify isolated quantum mechanical systems with long coherence times that can be manipulated and coupled together in a scalable fashion. We describe the coherent manipulation of an individual electron spin and nearby individual nuclear spins to create a controllable quantum register. Using optical and microwave radiation to control an electron spin associated with the nitrogen vacancy (NV) color center in diamond, we demonstrated robust initialization of electron and nuclear spin quantum bits (qubits) and transfer of arbitrary quantum states between them at room temperature. Moreover, nuclear spin qubits could be well isolated from the electron spin, even during optical polarization and measurement of the electronic state. Finally, coherent interactions between individual nuclear spin qubits were observed and their excellent coherence properties were demonstrated. These registers can be used as a basis for scalable, optically coupled quantum information systems.
Complex I Binding by a Virally Encoded RNA Regulates Mitochondria-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Reeves Matthew B. , Davies Andrew A. , McSharry Brian P. , Wilkinson Gavin W. , Sinclair John H.
Published: May 2007

Human cytomegalovirus infection perturbs multiple cellular processes that could promote the release of proapoptotic stimuli. Consequently, it encodes mechanisms to prevent cell death during infection. Using rotenone, a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial enzyme complex I (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide–ubiquinone oxido-reductase), we found that human cytomegalovirus infection protected cells from rotenone-induced apoptosis, a protection mediated by a 2.7-kilobase virally encoded RNA (β2.7). During infection, β2.7 RNA interacted with complex I and prevented the relocalization of the essential subunit genes associated with retinoid/interferon–induced mortality–19, in response to apoptotic stimuli. This interaction, which is important for stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential, resulted in continued adenosine triphosphate production, which is critical for the successful completion of the virus' life cycle. Complex I targeting by a viral RNA represents a refined strategy to modulate the metabolic viability of the infected host cell.
Gene Expression Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells during Measles Virus Infection
Authors: Zilliox Michael J. , Moss William J. , Griffin Diane E.
Published: May 2007

Measles virus continues to cause morbidity and mortality despite the existence of a safe and efficacious vaccine. Measles is associated with induction of both a long-lived protective immune response and immunosuppression. To gain insight into immunological changes during measles virus infection, we examined gene expression in blood mononuclear cells from children with acute measles and children in the convalescent phase compared to uninfected control children. There were 13 significantly upregulated and 206 downregulated genes. Upregulated genes included the immune regulatory molecules interleukin 1β (IL-1β), CIAS-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, PDE4B, PTGS2, IL-8, CXCL2, CCL4, ICAM-1, CD83, GOS-2, IER3 (IEX-1), and TNFAIP3 (A20). Plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-8 were elevated during measles virus infection. Downregulated genes mainly involved three gene ontology biological processes, transcription, signal transduction, and the immune response, and included IL-16 and cell surface receptors IL-4R, IL-6R, IL-7R, IL-27RA, CCR2, and CCR7. Most mRNAs had not returned to control values 1 month after discharge, consistent with prolonged immune response abnormalities during measles virus infection.
Identification of a Novel Immunosubversion Mechanism Mediated by a Virologue of the B-Lymphocyte Receptor TACI
Authors: Grant Jason R. , Moise Alexander R. , Jefferies Wilfred A.
Published: May 2007

TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand [CAML] interactor) is a part of a novel network of ligands and receptors involved in B-cell survival and isotype switching. The TACI protein mediates its effects through CAML, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized protein that controls Ca2+efflux. The adenovirus E3-6.7K protein prevents inflammatory responses and also confers resistance from a variety of apoptotic stimuli and maintains ER Ca2+homeostasis; however, the mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that E3-6.7K shares sequence homology with TACI and inhibits apoptosis and ER Ca2+efflux through an interaction with CAML, a Ca2+-modulating protein. We demonstrate a direct interaction between E3-6.7K and CAML and reveal that the two proteins colocalize in an ER-like compartment. Furthermore, the interaction between the two proteins is localized to the N-terminal domain of CAML and to a 22-amino-acid region near the C terminus of E3-6.7K termed the CAML-binding domain (CBD). Mutational analysis of the CBD showed that an interaction with CAML is required for E3-6.7K to inhibit thapsigargin-induced apoptosis and ER Ca2+efflux. E3-6.7K appears to be the first virologue of TACI to be identified. It targets CAML in a novel immunosubversive mechanism to alter ER Ca2+homeostasis, which consequently inhibits inflammation and protects infected cells from apoptosis.
Parasite-Induced Chronic Inflammation Is Not Exacerbated by Immunotherapy before or duringTrypanosoma cruziInfection
Authors: Duthie Malcolm S. , Kahn Maria , Zakayan Arsen , White Maria , Kahn Stuart J.
Published: May 2007

Trypanosoma cruziinfection causes Chagas' disease, a chronic inflammatory disease. The specific inflammatory responses that cause Chagas' disease remain unclear, but data argue that parasites that persist in the host stimulate chronic self-damaging immune responses. BecauseT. cruziappears to stimulate self-damaging responses, the enthusiasm to develop vaccines that boost antiparasite responses that might increase self-damaging responses has been limited. We previously demonstrated that immunization with aT. cruzi trans-sialidase protein or adoptive transfer oftrans-sialidase-specific T-cell clones decreased parasitemia, morbidity, and mortality. Here we report that immunization or adoptive transfer with the protein or clones, before or duringT. cruziinfection, boosts the anti-T. cruziimmune response without exacerbating acute or chronic tissue inflammation. These results argue that prophylactic and therapeutic immunotherapy for Chagas' disease can be developed safely.
Human Polyomavirus Type 1 (BK Virus) Agnoprotein Is Abundantly Expressed but Immunologically Ignored
Authors: Leuenberger David , Andresen Per Arne , Gosert Rainer , Binggeli Simone , Ström Erik H. , Bodaghi Sohrab , Rinaldo Christine Hanssen , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: May 2007

Impaired BK virus (BKV)-specific immunity is a key risk factor of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. We hypothesized that BKV agnoprotein might constitute an important immune target, as it is highly expressed after infection in vitro. We demonstrate abundant expression of BKV agnoprotein in vivo by immunostaining of kidney transplant (KT) biopsy specimens. Antibody responses to the recombinant affinity-purified BKV agnoprotein, large tumor (LT), and VP1 antigens in 146 sera from 38 KT patients and in 19 sera from 16 healthy donors (HD) were compared by enzyme immunoassay. In HD, low titers of anti-agnoprotein immunoglobulin G (IgG) were found in 15% of sera, compared to 41% for anti-LT antigen and 63% for anti-VP1. No anti-BKV IgM was detectable. In KT patients, anti-agnoprotein IgG and IgM were found in 8% and 3.6% of sera, compared to 63% and 18% for anti-LT IgG and IgM and 80% and 41% for anti-VP1 IgG and IgM, respectively. Anti-LT antigen and anti-VP1, but not anti-agnoprotein, activities increased during and after BKV viremia in KT patients. To investigate specific cellular immune responses, we compared levels of gamma interferon production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 10 HD and 30 KT patients by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. In HD, the median numbers of gamma interferon spot-forming units per million PBMC for the agnoprotein, LT antigen, and VP1 peptides were 1, 23, and 25, respectively, whereas the responses in KT patients were 2, 24, and 99, respectively. We conclude that BKV agnoprotein, though abundantly expressed in vivo, is poorly recognized immunologically.
Clonal Distribution of Superantigen Genes in ClinicalStaphylococcus aureusIsolates
Authors: Holtfreter S. , Grumann D. , Schmudde M. , Nguyen H. T. T. , Eichler P. , Strommenger B. , Kopron K. , Kolata J. , Giedrys-Kalemba S. , Steinmetz I. , Witte W. , Bröker B. M.
Published: May 2007

Staphylococcus aureusis both a successful human commensal and a major pathogen. The elucidation of the molecular determinants of virulence, in particular assessment of the contributions of the genetic background versus those of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), has proved difficult in this variable species. To address this, we simultaneously determined the genetic backgrounds (spatyping) and the distributions of all 19 known superantigens and the exfoliative toxins A and D (multiplex PCR) as markers for MGEs. Methicillin- sensitiveS. aureusstrains from Pomerania, 107 nasal and 88 blood culture isolates, were investigated. All superantigen-encoding MGEs were linked more or less tightly to the genetic background. Thus, eachS. aureusclonal complex was characterized by a typical repertoire of superantigen and exfoliative toxin genes. However, within eachS. aureusclonal complex and even within the samespatype, virulence gene profiles varied remarkably. Therefore, virulence genes of nasal and blood culture isolates were separately compared in each clonal complex. The results indicated a role in infection for the MGE harboring the exfoliative toxin D gene. In contrast, there was no association of superantigen genes with bloodstream invasion. In summary, we show here that the simultaneous assessment of virulence gene profiles and the genetic background increases the discriminatory power of genetic investigations into the mechanisms ofS. aureuspathogenesis.
Evaluation of the GenoType MTBDRplus Assay for Rifampin and Isoniazid Susceptibility Testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Strains and Clinical Specimens
Authors: Hillemann Doris , Rüsch-Gerdes Sabine , Richter Elvira
Published: May 2007

The new GenoType MTBDRplus assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) was tested with 125 clinical isolates and directly with 72 smear-positive sputum specimens for its ability to detect rifampin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) strains. In total, 106 RMP
r
/INH
r
, 10 RMP
s
/INH
r
, and 80 RMP
s
/
INH
s
MTBC strains were comparatively analyzed with the new and the old MTBDR assays. Besides the detection of mutations within the 81-bp hot spot region of
rpoB
and
katG
codon 315, the GenoType MTBDRplus assay is designed to detect mutations in the regulatory region of
inhA
. The applicability of the new assay directly to specimens was shown, since 71 of 72 results for smear-positive sputa and all 125 results for clinical isolates were interpretable and no discrepancies compared with the results of real-time PCR or DNA sequencing were obtained. In comparison to conventional drug susceptibility testing, both assays were able to identify RMP resistance correctly in 74 of 75 strains (98.7%) and 30 of 31 specimens (96.8%). The misidentification of RMP resistance was obtained for two strains containing
rpoB
P533L mutations. Compared to the old MTBDR assay, the new GenoType MTBDRplus assay enhanced the rate of detection of INH resistance from 66 (88.0%) to 69 (92.0%) among the 75 INH-resistant strains and 36 (87.8%) to 37 (90.2%) among the 41 specimens containing INH-resistant strains. Thus, the new GenoType MTBDRplus assay represents a reliable and upgraded tool for the detection of INH and RMP resistance in strains or directly from smear-positive specimens.
A Mutation on Influenza C Virus M1 Protein Affects Virion Morphology by Altering the Membrane Affinity of the Protein
Authors: Muraki Yasushi , Murata Toshio , Takashita Emi , Matsuzaki Yoko , Sugawara Kanetsu , Hongo Seiji
Published: May 2007

Reverse genetics has been documented for influenza A, B, and Thogoto viruses belonging to the family
Orthomyxoviridae
. We report here the reverse genetics of influenza C virus, another member of this family. The seven viral RNA (vRNA) segments of C/Ann Arbor/1/50 were expressed in 293T cells from cloned cDNAs, together with nine influenza C virus proteins. At 48 h posttransfection, the infectious titer of the culture supernatant was determined to be 2.51 × 10
3
50% egg infectious doses/ml, which is lower than the number of influenza C virus-like particles (VLPs) (10
6
/ml) generated using the same system. By generating influenza C VLPs containing a given vRNA segment, we showed that each of the vRNA segments was similarly synthesized in the plasmid-transfected cells but that some segments were less efficiently incorporated into the VLPs. This finding leads us to speculate that the differences in incorporation efficiency into VLPs between segments might be a reason for the inefficient production of infectious viruses. Second, we generated a mutant recombinant virus, rMG96A, which possesses an Ala→Thr mutation at residue 24 of the M1 protein, a substitution demonstrated to be involved in the morphology (filamentous or spherical) of the influenza C VLPs. As expected, rMG96A exhibited a spherical morphology, whereas recombinant wild-type of C/Ann Arbor/1/50, rWT, exhibited a mainly filamentous morphology. Membrane flotation analysis of the cells infected with rWT or rMG96A revealed a difference in the ratio of membrane-associated M1 proteins, suggesting that the affinity of M1 protein to the cell membrane is a determinant for virion morphology.
Genetic Adaptation to Untranslated Region-Mediated Enterovirus Growth Deficits by Mutations in the Nonstructural Proteins 3AB and 3CD
Authors: de Sessions Paola Florez , Dobrikova Elena , Gromeier Matthias
Published: May 2007

Both untranslated regions (UTRs) of plus-strand RNA virus genomes jointly control translation and replication of viral genomes. In the case of the
Enterovirus
genus of the
Picornaviridae
family, the 5′UTR consists of a cloverleaf-like terminus preceding the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and the 3′ terminus is composed of a structured 3′UTR and poly(A). The IRES and poly(A) have been implicated in translation control, and all UTR structures, in addition to
cis
-acting genetic elements mapping to the open reading frame, have been assigned roles in RNA replication. Viral UTRs are recognized by viral and host cell RNA-binding proteins that may codetermine genome stability, translation, plus- and minus-strand RNA replication, and scaffolding of viral replication complexes within host cell substructures. In this report, we describe experiments with coxsackie B viruses with a cell type-specific propagation deficit in Sk-N-Mc neuroblastoma cells conferred by the combination of a heterologous IRES and altered 3′UTR. Serial passage of these constructs in Sk-N-Mc cells yielded genetic adaptation by mutations within the viral nonstructural proteins 3A and 3C. Our data implicate 3A and/or 3C or their precursors 3AB and/or 3CD in a functional complex with the IRES and 3′UTR that drives viral propagation. Adaptation to neuroblastoma cells suggests an involvement of cell type-specific host factors or the host cell cytoplasmic milieu in this phenomenon.
Dynein-Dependent Transport of the Hantaan Virus Nucleocapsid Protein to the Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Intermediate Compartment
Authors: Ramanathan Harish N. , Chung Dong-Hoon , Plane Steven J. , Sztul Elizabeth , Chu Yong-kyu , Guttieri Mary C. , McDowell Michael , Ali Georgia , Jonsson Colleen B.
Published: May 2007

In contrast to most negative-stranded RNA viruses, hantaviruses and other viruses in the family
Bunyaviridae
mature intracellularly, deriving the virion envelope from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi compartment. While it is generally accepted that Old World hantaviruses assemble and bud into the Golgi compartment, some studies with New World hantaviruses have raised the possibility of maturation at the plasma membrane as well. Overall, the steps leading to virion assembly remain largely undetermined for hantaviruses. Because hantaviruses do not have matrix proteins, the nucleocapsid protein (N) has been proposed to play a key role in assembly. Herein, we examine the intracellular trafficking and morphogenesis of the prototype Old World hantavirus, Hantaan virus (HTNV). Using confocal microscopy, we show that N colocalized with the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) in HTNV-infected Vero E6 cells, not with the ER, Golgi compartment, or early endosomes. Brefeldin A, which effectively disperses the ER, the ERGIC, and Golgi membranes, redistributed N with the ERGIC, implicating membrane association; however, subcellular fractionation experiments showed the majority of N in particulate fractions. Confocal microscopy revealed that N was juxtaposed to and distributed along microtubules and, over time, became surrounded by vimentin cages. To probe cytoskeletal association further, we probed trafficking of N in cells treated with nocodazole and cytochalasin D, which depolymerize microtubules and actin, respectively. We show that nocodazole, but not cytochalasin D, affected the distribution of N and reduced levels of intracellular viral RNA. These results suggested the involvement of microtubules in trafficking of N, whose movement could occur via molecular motors such as dynein. Overexpression of dynamitin, which is associated with dynein-mediated transport, creates a dominant-negative phenotype blocking transport on microtubules. Overexpression of dynamitin reduced N accumulation in the perinuclear region, which further supports microtubule components in N trafficking. The combined results of these experiments support targeting of N to the ERGIC prior to its movement to the Golgi compartment and the requirement of an intact ERGIC for viral replication and, thus, the possibility of virus factories in this region.
Distinct Gene Expression Profiling after Infection of Immature Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells by the Attenuated Poxvirus Vectors MVA and NYVAC
Authors: Guerra Susana , Nájera José Luis , González José Manuel , López-Fernández Luis A. , Climent Nuria , Gatell José M. , Gallart Teresa , Esteban Mariano
Published: May 2007

Although recombinants based on the attenuated poxvirus vectors MVA and NYVAC are currently in clinical trials, the nature of the genes triggered by these vectors in antigen-presenting cells is poorly characterized. Using microarray technology and various analysis conditions, we compared specific changes in gene expression profiling following MVA and NYVAC infection of immature human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC). Microarray analysis was performed at 6 h postinfection, since these viruses induced extensive cytopathic effects, rRNA breakdown, and apoptosis at late times postinfection. MVA- and NYVAC-infected MDDC shared upregulation of 195 genes compared to uninfected cells: MVA specifically upregulated 359 genes, and NYVAC upregulated 165 genes. Microarray comparison of NYVAC and MVA infection revealed 544 genes with distinct expression patterns after poxvirus infection and 283 genes specifically upregulated after MVA infection. Both vectors upregulated genes for cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and molecules involved in antigen uptake and processing, including major histocompatibility complex genes. mRNA levels for interleukin 12β (IL-12β), beta interferon, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were higher after MVA infection than after NYVAC infection. The expression profiles of transcription factors such as NF-κB/Rel and STAT were regulated similarly by both viruses; in contrast, OASL, MDA5, and IRIG-I expression increased only during MVA infection. Type I interferon, IL-6, and Toll-like receptor pathways were specifically induced after MVA infection. Following MVA or NYVAC infection in MDDC, we found similarities as well as differences between these virus strains in the expression of cellular genes with immunological function, which should have an impact when these vectors are used as recombinant vaccines.
General Strategy for Decoration of Enveloped Viruses with Functionally Active Lipid-Modified Cytokines
Authors: Kueng Hans J. , Leb Victoria M. , Haiderer Daniela , Raposo Graça , Thery Clotilde , Derdak Sophia V. , Schmetterer Klaus G. , Neunkirchner Alina , Sillaber Christian , Seed Brian , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: May 2007

Viral particles preferentially incorporate extra- and intracellular constituents of host cell lipid rafts, a phenomenon central to pseudotyping. Based on this mechanism, we have developed a system for the predictable decoration of enveloped viruses with functionally active cytokines that circumvents the need to modify viral proteins themselves. Human interleukin-2 (hIL-2), hIL-4, human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF), and murine IL-2 (mIL-2) were used as model cytokines and fused at their C terminus to the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) acceptor sequence of human Fcγ receptor III (CD16b). We show here that genetically modified cytokines are all well expressed on 293 producer cells. However, only molecules equipped with GPI anchors but not those linked to transmembrane/intracellular regions of type I membrane proteins are efficiently targeted to lipid rafts and consequently to virus-like particles (VLP) induced by Moloney murine leukemia virus Gag-Pol. hIL-4::GPI and hGM-CSF::GPI coexpressed on VLP were found to differentiate monocytes towards dendritic cells. Apart from myeloid-committed cell types, VLP-bound cytokines also act efficiently on lymphocytes. hIL-2::GPI strongly costimulated T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 dependent T-cell activation in vitro and mIL-2::GPI-coactivated antigen-specific T cells in vivo. On a molar basis, the functional activity of VLP-bound hIL-2::GPI was found to be comparable to that of soluble hIL-2. VLP decorated with hIL-2::GPI and coexpressing a TCR/CD3 ligand have an IL-2-specific activity of 5 × 104units/mg protein. Virus particles decorated with lipid-modified cytokines might help to improve viral strains for vaccination purposes, the propagation of factor-dependent cell types, as well as gene transfer by viral systems in the future.
Enterovirus 70 Receptor Utilization Is Controlled by Capsid Residues That Also Regulate Host Range and Cytopathogenicity
Authors: Kim Melissa Stewart , Racaniello Vincent R.
Published: May 2007

Enterovirus type 70, an etiologic agent of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, may bind different cellular receptors depending on cell type. To understand how EV70-receptor interaction is controlled, we studied two variants of the virus with distinct receptor utilization. EV70-Rmk, derived by passage in rhesus monkey kidney cells, replicates poorly in HeLa cells and does not cause cytopathic effects. Decay accelerating factor (DAF) is not a cell receptor for EV70-Rmk. Passage of EV70-Rmk in HeLa cells lead to isolation of EV70-Dne, which does not replicate in rhesus monkey kidney cells but grows to high titers in HeLa cells and causes cytopathic effects. DAF is sufficient for cell entry of EV70-Dne. EV70-Rmk replicates in human eye and brain-derived cell lines, whereas the Dne strain replicates only in HeLa cells and in conjunctiva-derived 15C4 cells. The two EV70 strains differ by five amino acid changes in the viral capsid. Single substitution of four of the five EV70-Rmk amino acids with the residue from EV70-Dne leads to lytic replication in HeLa cells. Conversely, substitution of any of the five EV70-Dne amino acids with the EV70-Rmk amino acid does not alter replication in HeLa cells. Three of these capsid amino acids are predicted to be located in the canyon encircling the fivefold axis of symmetry, one amino acid is found at the fivefold axis of symmetry, and one is located the interior of the capsid. The five EV70 residues define a region of the capsid that controls viral host range, DAF utilization, and cytopathogenicity.
Genetic structure and phylogeography of rice landraces in Yunnan, China, revealed by SSR
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Sun Junli , Wang Meixing , Liao Dengqun , Zeng Yawen , Shen Shiquan , Yu Ping , Mu Ping , Wang Xiangkun , Li Zichao
Published: May 2007

Yunnan Province is one of the largest centers of genetic diversity of Oryza sativa L. in China, and in the world. Using a genetically representative core collection of 692 rice landraces from Yunnan, the genetic structure, differentiation, and geographic diversity of this rice germplasm were analyzed. The accessions were classified into different populations, according to the model-based structure analysis. Model-based populations were characterized through the reconstruction of a neighbor-joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and the estimation of morphologic and SSR variations. Finally, the distribution of genetic diversity and differentiation among districts were studied. Seven model-based populations were identified on the basis of the structure analysis. This classification was partly consistent with Ting’s 5-level taxonomic system. Differentiation between 2 rice subspecies is the most apparent, with a clearer differentiation between soil-watery ecotypes in japonica than in indica; however, differentiation among seasonal ecotypes in indica is clearer than in japonica. Cropping system and man-made restricted-growth environments could be considered to be the main forces driving the intraspecific differentiation of cultivated rice. It has been suggested that, because it possesses the highest genetic diversity and all the necessary conditions as a center of genetic diversity, the southwest region of Yunnan, encompassing Simao, Lincang, and Xishuangbanna districts, is the center of genetic diversity of Yunnan rice landraces.
The 5S DNA sequences in Hordeum bogdanii and in the H. brevisubulatum complex, and the evolution and the geographic dispersal of the diploidHordeumspecies (Triticeae: Poaceae)
Authors: Baum Bernard R. , Johnson Douglas A.
Published: May 2007

The molecular diversity of 5S rDNA from the closely related Asiatic diploid species, Hordeum bogdanii and the H. brevisubulatum complex has been catalogued and analysed. As in previous studies in Hordeum , we found that the sequences are constrained in such an manner that unit classes can be defined. The long H1 unit class, known to occur in all Eurasian species, was frequently found in these 2 taxa. In addition, we identified a new unit class, called the short H3 to reflect the H genome found in these 2 taxa. Although the 2 taxa are very close morphologically, the variation in the long H1 DNA units is constrained to such a great degree that, in many cases, the accessions in a unit class from a single species are clustered. In H. bogdanii, the majority of the sequences are grouped in this manner, whereas in the H. brevisubulatum complex, the tendency to be constrained is lower in some but not all subspecies. These results support keeping H. brevisubulatum ssp. violaceum and ssp. iranicum as 1 species with the long H1 and short H1 unit classes, while retaining ssp. nevskianum and ssp. turkestanicum in the H. brevisubulatum complex. We have summarized our work on the presence/absence of the 10 unit classes found in all diploid species of Hordeum. A phylogenetic analysis, based strictly on the presence/absence of unit classes, indicated clearly that all the South American diploids and all the North American diploids possess long H2 and long Y2 unit classes and, except for H. californicum and H. pusillum, which contain long H1 in addition to the long H2 and long Y2 classes, are devoid of the long H1 unit class. This suggests that the gene gain/loss process from a common ancestor has been concomitant with intercontinental dispersal between the Old and the New Worlds.
Development and molecular cytogenetic identification of new winter wheat – winter barley (‘Martonvásári 9 kr1’ – ‘Igri’) disomic addition lines
Authors: Szakács É. , Molnár-Láng M.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a series of winter wheat – winter barley disomic addition lines developed from hybrids between winter wheat line Triticum aestivum L. ‘Martonvásári 9 kr1’ and the German 2-rowed winter barley cultivar Hordeum vulgare L. ‘Igri’. The barley chromosomes in a wheat background were identified from the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) patterns obtained with various combinations of repetitive DNA probes: GAA–HvT01 and pTa71–HvT01. The disomic addition lines 2H, 3H, and 4H and the 1HS isochromosome were identified on the basis of a 2-colour FISH with the DNA probe pairs GAA–pAs1, GAA–HvT01, and pTa71–HvT01. Genomic in situ hybridization was used to confirm the presence of the barley chromosomes in the wheat genome. The identification of the barley chromosomes in the addition lines was further confirmed with simple-sequence repeat markers. The addition lines were also characterized morphologically.
Investigation of the origin and transmission of linear mitochondrial plasmid based on phylogenetic analysis in Japanese rapeseed varieties
Authors: Handa Hirokazu
Published: May 2007

A linear mitochondrial plasmid is present in some varieties of rapeseed. To elucidate its origin and transmission the author investigated types of mitochondrial genome and the presence of plasmid in 78 rapeseed varieties and landraces in Japan and carried out a comparative analysis using the breeding history of Japanese rapeseed varieties. The mitochondrial genome of rapeseed was classified roughly into 2 types, type I (nap) and type II (cam). Type II rapeseed mitochondria closely resembles that of Brassica rapa , which is a related species of rapeseed. In this study, the author found that all varieties with type II mitochondria originated from interspecific crosses between rapeseed ( B. napus ) and B. rapa. This indicates that type II cytoplasm was introduced to rapeseed through a breeding program. The presence of plasmid was limited to B. rapa landraces and rapeseed varieties that arose by interspecific crosses between B. napus and B. rapa. The results suggest that mitochondrial plasmid is of B. rapa origin and that it has been introduced into rapeseed by interspecific crosses in a modern breeding program, as in the case of the mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic study of Japanese rapeseed varieties suggests the participation not of the mitochondrial genome but, rather, the nuclear genome for the perpetuation of plasmid in progeny varieties.
Mutations in acetylcholinesterase genes of Rhopalosiphum padi resistant to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
Authors: Chen Mao-hua , Han Zhao-jun , Qiao Xian-feng , Qu Ming-jing
Published: May 2007

Apple grain aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), is an important wheat pest. In China, it has been reported that R. padi has developed high resistance to carbamate and organophosphate insecticides. Previous work cloned from this aphid 2 different genes encoding acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is the target enzyme for carbamate and organophosphate insecticides, and its insensitive alteration has been proven to be an important mechanism for insecticide resistance in other insects. In this study, both resistant and susceptible strains of R, padi were developed, and their AChEs were compared to determine whether resistance resulted from this mechanism and whether these 2 genes both play a role in resistance. Bioassays showed that the resistant strain used was highly or moderately resistant to pirimicarb, omethoate, and monocrotophos (resistance ratio, 263.8, 53.8, and 17.5, respectively), and showed little resistance to deltamethrin or thiodicarb (resistance ratio, 5.2 and 3.4, respectively). Correspondingly, biochemistry analysis found that AChE from resistant aphids was very insensitive to the first 3 insecticides (I50 increased 43.0-, 15.2-, and 8.8-fold, respectively), but not to thiodicarb (I50 increased 1.1-fold). Enzyme kinetics tests showed that resistant and susceptible strains had different AChEs. Sequence analysis of the 2 AChE genes cloned from resistant and susceptible aphids revealed that 2 mutations in Ace2 and 1 in Ace1 were consistently associated with resistance. Mutation F368(290)L in Ace2 localized at the same position as a previously proven resistance mutation site in other insects. The other 2 mutations, S329(228)P in Ace1 and V435(356)A in Ace2, were also found to affect the enzyme structure. These findings indicate that resistance in this aphid is mainly the result of insensistive AChE alteration, that the 3 mutations found might contribute to resistance, and that the AChEs encoded by both genes could serve as targets of insecticides.
Field performance comparison of asphalt crack-filling materials: hot pour versus cold pour
Authors: Yildirim Yetkin
Published: May 2007

One of the most important components of pavement maintenance has been the sealing of cracks. The most commonly used materials for crack sealing are hot-pour sealants, such as hot rubber asphalt. However, this material can be hazardous at high operating temperatures and is more likely to be picked up by vehicle tires if the sealant is not sufficiently adhered to the pavement. Thus, cold-pour sealants have been considered as an alternative for crack sealing purposes. This study aims to compare the performance of hot-pour rubber asphalt crack sealant and cold-pour asphalt emulsion crack sealant in five different Texas districts that experience different weather conditions. The comparison includes seven different crack sealants: three cold pour and four hot pour. Five different roads in five districts were selected for comparison of the sealants. The field study results indicate that hot-pour sealants performed better than cold-pour sealants.Key words: sealants, emulsified crack sealants, crack sealing, asphalt pavements.
An experimental study on cyclic behaviour of reinforced concrete connections
Authors: Alva Gerson Moacyr Sisniegas , de Cresce El Debs Ana Lúcia Homce , El Debs Mounir Khalil
Published: May 2007

Beam-column joints are considered critical regions within the structural system — especially under seismic loading — requiring careful design. Results from tests on four exterior reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column subassemblages are presented in this paper as part of an experimental investigation on the behaviour of RC beam-column connections under reversal cyclic loading. The influence of joint transverse reinforcement rate and concrete compressive strength on the RC beam-column connection behaviour was investigated. It is concluded that concrete compressive strength is the major factor that governs the joint shear capacity. The experimental results also indicated that joint transverse reinforcement affects the load-displacement response of such connections.Key words: cyclic loading, seismic analysis, reinforced concrete structures, beam-column connection.
Testing and application of a two-dimensional hydrothermal model for a water supply reservoir: implications of sedimentation
Authors: Gelda Rakesh K , Effler Steven W
Published: May 2007

Validation of a two-dimensional hydrothermal stratification model for 14 years for Schoharie Reservoir, N.Y., an impoundment that experiences substantial drawdown, is documented. The model is demonstrated to perform well in simulating the various features of the reservoir's thermal stratification regime in each of the years, including the timing and duration of stratification, the dimensions and temperature of the layers, and the periods of internal wave oscillations in stratified layers. The average root mean square error for temperature predictions for the 14 years is 1.30 ºC. The validated model is applied in a probabilistic manner to investigate the impacts of sedimentation on the temperature of the withdrawn water (Tw) that enters a stream with a salmonid fishery, and features of the stratification regime. The predicted effects of sedimentation include a shift toward higher Tw values, a shortening of the duration of stratification, and decrease in the depth of the epilimnion in fall. The effects on Tw are exacerbated for the reservoir because of localized sedimentation adjoining the intake that increasingly limits access to cooler layers.Key words: hydrothermal model, temperature, model, reservoir, water supply, model projections, sedimentation.
Trends in drought patterns of Turkey
Authors: Karabörk M Çağatay
Published: May 2007

Trends in annual and seasonal drought patterns in Turkey were investigated on the basis of regionally averaged surface humidity index (SHI) series. For this purpose, two nonparametric approaches, Mann-Kendall test and Sen's T test, were used. For some regions, significant upward trends in fall SHI series were detected due to the increasing precipitation for the period 1951–1998. The North Atlantic Oscillation influences on the SHI series were also investigated and significant negative correlations were found for some regions.Key words: drought, trend, Mann-Kendall test, Sen's T test, Turkey, North Atlantic Oscillation.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation inactivation of airborne fungal spores and bacteria in upper-room air and HVAC in-duct configurations
Authors: Kujundzic Elmira , Hernandez Mark , Miller Shelly L
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) for inactivating airborne fungal spores and bacterial vegetative cells was evaluated under three configurations — intrinsic, upper-room air, and in-duct. Correspondingly, experiments were performed in (1) a pilot-scale chamber (0.8 m3), fitted with four corner UV lamps that irradiated the entire chamber (average UV fluence rate 10.6 ± 0.8 µJ s–1cm–2); (2) a full-scale room (87 m3), fitted with a UVGI system that irradiated the top 30 cm of the room (5 fixtures, 216 W total lamp power, average upper-zone UV fluence rate 26 ± 1 µJ s–1cm–2); and (3) the supply air duct of a heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Fungal spores of Aspergillus versicolor and vegetative cells of bacterium Mycobacterium parafortuitum were aerosolized continuously such that their numbers and physiologic state were comparable both with and without the UVGI lamps operating. The Z value (UVGI inactivation rate normalized to UVGI fluence rate) was estimated to be 1.2 ± 0.4 x 10–4 cm2 µJ–1 for aerosolized A. versicolor. Upper-room air UVGI inactivated culturable airborne fungal spores with a first-order rate constant of 0.4 ± 0.2 h–1. Ultraviolet lamps enclosed in ventilation system ductwork inactivated fungal spores and vegetative bacterial cells at single-pass efficiencies of 75% and 87%, respectively, at an air stream velocity of 2.2 m s–1. There was no detected inactivation of fungal spores and vegetative bacterial cells at an air stream velocity of 5.1 m s–1. Key words: bioaerosols, UVGI, air disinfection.
Chemical toxicity correlations for several protozoas, bacteria, and water fleas based on the Abraham solvation parameter model
Authors: Hoover Kaci R , Flanagan Kelly B , Acree, Jr. William E , Abraham Michael H
Published: May 2007

Chemical toxicity data for three species of water fleas (Daphnia magna, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Daphnia pulex), two protozoas (Tetrahymena pyriformis and Spirostomum ambiguum), and one bacterium (Pseudomonas putida) were retrieved from the published chemical literature. The compiled data were correlated with the Abraham solvation parameter model. Derived mathematical correlations described the observed published toxicity data to within an overall average standard deviation of approximately 0.27 log units. Principal component analysis of the correlation equations showed that the water–octanol system is a poor model for nonspecific aquatic toxicity, but that the water–isobutanol and water–pentanol systems are much better models.Key words: aquatic toxicities, median lethal molar concentration, polar narcosis, nonpolar narcosis, mathematical correlation, solvation parameter model, principal component analysis.