bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting to Cultural Differences in Residential Design: The Case of Korean Families Visiting the United States
Authors: Lee Eunsil , Park Nam–Kyu
Published: January 2011

As globalization brings cultural changes, interior designers and architects are striving to understand the new design requirements of changing populations. The purpose of the study is to examine Korean temporary residents’ housing perceptions and housing adjustment behaviors in U.S. residences. Working from Morris and Winter's (1978, 1994) theory of family housing adjustment, qualitative study was conducted with Korean female temporary residents visiting the United States. Using a purposive sampling strategy, 27 women between the ages of 33 and 54 participated in interviews, observations, and documentation of their previous housing conditions in Korea. Results indicated that planned total duration of stay and length of residency in the United States were the primary factors affecting housing perception and adjustment; consequently, four representative types of cross–cultural temporary residents were postulated to define different consumer housing types. These residents voiced a range of views on their U.S. temporary housing. The positive impressions of the temporary housing included surrounding natural environment, built–in storage, combined open kitchen and living room, and exterior building appearance, whereas the sample viewed the following features more negatively: carpeted floor, interior lighting, bathroom condition, foyer, and types of heating systems. In response to the negatively perceived conditions, the temporary residents changed their behaviors, modified existing housing attributes, endured less–than–ideal circumstances, or moved. Among cultural housing attributes, a carpeted floor was the most difficult for Korean temporary residents to adapt to.
A Review of Environmental Symbology: Origins and Contributions toward a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Tan Lindsay
Published: January 2011

Environmental symbology (ES) is the study of symbolic meaning within the human environment including personal, sociocultural, and mythic contexts of understanding. This emerging discipline is part of the web of environment and behavior research, with roots in several fields including semiotics, symbolic anthropology, and psychoanalysis. Symbolic meaning enriches human space with personal and sociocultural value; it communicates attitudes and beliefs, integrates with other sign systems in communication, and regulates social behaviors. Yet, to date, none of the existing literature has acknowledged the full scope of ES and contemporary research into ES remains limited. To understand how ES can contribute to the body of knowledge in interior design, it is necessary to present how this realm of research is both collaborative and additive with other fields. This review explores the theoretical framework of ES research and highlights some of the major contributions from other disciplines. It then explains the role of the environmental symbologist in serving the body of knowledge of interior design through cataloging symbolic artifacts and motifs. Further, the work describes the present author's development of a symbolic typology utilizing Jung's model of archetypes and explains several of the symbolic motifs identified therein. An improved understanding of the symbolic meaning of space can benefit our understanding of the psychological needs of its inhabitants. This review offers an introduction in how and why the environmental symbologist gives primacy to the exploration of the human–environment relationship through the study of the personal, sociocultural, and mythic meanings of space.
Screening for oral cancer: contributing to the debate
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Saman , Cain Nathalie
Published: January 2011

Screening, or “case detection”, is controversial and central to much debate in the world of medicine. In the present study, we evaluate oral cancer screening against the National (UK) Screening Committee criteria in the context of the most recent research in this field. Oral cancer is a complex, debilitating disease that is increasing in incidence in the UK and in most parts of Western Europe. It has multifactorial etiology, and these major risk factors are well researched, allowing definition of an “at‐risk” population. However, our understanding of its natural history of progression from potentially malignant disorders to malignancy is limited; the field lacks high‐quality, randomized, controlled trials, bar one published study. Evidence is also available to suggest that visual screening by sufficiently trained examiners results in earlier detection (down staging) of the disease, which lends itself towards more successful treatment. Sensitive screening tools to aid and confirm findings following a visual inspection are yet to be developed. Nevertheless, new tests continue to arise based on knowledge gleaned from research into the biomarkers. This review discusses the evidence based around the oral cancer screening debate and highlights areas in which more research is required before the advent of a successful and effective screening program.
Effects of Experimental Seaweed Deposition on Lizard and Ant Predation in an Island Food Web
Authors: Piovia-Scott Jonah , Spiller David A. , Schoener Thomas W.
Published: January 2011

In a simple island ecosystem, a rare pulse of resource input alters the interaction between predator species.
Metagenomic Discovery of Biomass-Degrading Genes and Genomes from Cow Rumen
Authors: Hess Matthias , Sczyrba Alexander , Egan Rob , Kim Tae-Wan , Chokhawala Harshal , Schroth Gary , Luo Shujun , Clark Douglas S. , Chen Feng , Zhang Tao , Mackie Roderick I. , Pennacchio Len A. , Tringe Susannah G. , Visel Axel , Woyke Tanja , Wang Zhong , Rubin Edward M.
Published: January 2011

Metagenomic sequencing of biomass-degrading microbes from cow rumen reveals new carbohydrate-active enzymes.
Magnetic Bistability of Molecules in Homogeneous Solution at Room Temperature
Authors: Venkataramani S. , Jana U. , Dommaschk M. , Sönnichsen F. D. , Tuczek F. , Herges R.
Published: January 2011

A photoresponsive ligand is used to reversibly modulate the magnetic properties of a nickel compound.
The Genomic View of Bacterial Diversification
Authors: Enright Mark C. , Spratt Brian G.
Published: January 2011

By comparing whole genome sequences, researchers reconstruct the evolution and global spread of an antibiotic-resistant strain.
Why Starving Cells Eat Themselves
Authors: Hardie D. Grahame
Published: January 2011

In cells starved of nutrients, the process of autophagy is induced to recycle surplus cellular components to support cell survival.
Pressure Growing to Set a Date to Destroy Remaining Smallpox Stocks
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: January 2011

The fate of the world's last stocks of the deadly smallpox virus is once again being debated. Last week, the executive board of the World Health Organization began discussing what research remains to be done with the live virus.
Last-Ditch Effort to Save Embattled Ape
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: January 2011

At only 22 individuals, the Hainan gibbon may be the world's most endangered primate. Government protection and high fecundity have helped the species recapture some lost ground, giving researchers reason for guarded optimism.
Going the Distance
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2011

One challenge to studying migration energetics: Not every bird will fly for hours in a wind tunnel.
Serum Neopterin Levels as a Diagnostic Marker of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Syndrome
Authors: Ibarra Maria F. , Klein-Gitelman Marisa , Morgan Elaine , Proytcheva Maria , Sullivan Christine , Morgan Gabrielle , Pachman Lauren M. , O'Gorman Maurice R. G.
Published: January 2011

The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the utility of serum neopterin as a diagnostic marker of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The medical records of patients diagnosed with HLH (familial and secondary) between January 2000 and May 2009 were reviewed retrospectively, and clinical and laboratory information related to HLH criteria, in addition to neopterin levels, was recorded. A group of 50 patients with active juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) (who routinely have neopterin levels assessed) served as controls for the assessment of the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of neopterin as a diagnostic test for HLH. The Pearson correlation was used to measure the association between serum neopterin levels and established HLH-related laboratory data. Serum neopterin levels were measured using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. During the time frame of the study, 3 patients with familial HLH and 18 patients with secondary HLH were identified as having had serum neopterin measured (all HLH patients were grouped together). The mean neopterin levels were 84.9 nmol/liter (standard deviation [SD], 83.4 nmol/liter) for patients with HLH and 21.5 nmol/liter (SD, 10.13 nmol/liter) for patients with JDM. A cutoff value of 38.9 nmol/liter was 70% sensitive and 95% specific for HLH. For HLH patients, neopterin levels correlated significantly with ferritin levels (r= 0.76,P= 0.0007). In comparison to the level in a control group of JDM patients, elevated serum neopterin was a sensitive and specific marker for HLH. Serum neopterin has value as a diagnostic marker of HLH, and prospective studies are under way to further evaluate its role as a marker for early diagnosis and management of patients.
Elevated Serum Levels of CCL17 Correlate with Increased Peripheral Blood Platelet Count in Patients with Active Tuberculosis in China
Authors: Feng Yonghong , Yin Hongyun , Mai Guangliang , Mao Ling , Yue Jun , Xiao Heping , Hu Zhongyi
Published: January 2011

The serum levels of Th2 markers, including CCL17 (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine [TARC]), CCL22 (macrophage-derived chemokine [MDC]), and soluble CD30, were measured in 101 HIV-negative tuberculosis patients, 103 healthy community controls, and 18 tuberculosis patients in recovery. The levels of CCL17/TARC (249.8 ± 19.91 versus 143.9 ± 10.54,P< 0.0001) and sCD30 (7.78 ± 0.44 versus 4.93 ± 0.23,P< 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with active tuberculosis than in controls; however, the CCL22/MDC serum level had no statistical difference between the groups (579.9 ± 16.42 versus 556.5 ± 15.29,P= 0.298). The counts of platelet and eosinophil in the peripheral blood of patients with active tuberculosis are significantly increased as well (289.4 ± 8.14 versus 248.3 ± 5.34 [P< 0.0001] and 165.1 ± 14.33 versus 102.5 ± 10.72 [P= 0.0005], respectively), and the platelet counts were positively correlated with serum TARC levels (Pearsonr= 0.456,P< 0.0001), which indicates a new source of Th2 bias showing in active TB patients.
Analysis of Invasiveness of Pneumococcal Serotypes and Clones Circulating in Portugal before Widespread Use of Conjugate Vaccines Reveals Heterogeneous Behavior of Clones Expressing the Same Serotype
Authors: Sá-Leão Raquel , Pinto Francisco , Aguiar Sandra , Nunes Sónia , Carriço João A. , Frazão Nelson , Gonçalves-Sousa Natacha , Melo-Cristino José , de Lencastre Hermínia , Ramirez Mário
Published: January 2011

To estimate the invasive disease potential of serotypes and clones circulating in Portugal before extensive use of the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, we analyzed 475 invasive isolates recovered from children and adults and 769 carriage isolates recovered from children between 2001 and 2003. Isolates were serotyped and genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and a selection of isolates were also characterized by multilocus sequence typing. We found that the diversities of serotypes and genotypes of pneumococci responsible for invasive infections and carriage were identical and that most carried clones could also be detected as causes of invasive disease. Their ability to do so, however, varied substantially. Serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7F, 8, 9N, 9L, 12B, 14, 18C, and 20 were found to have an enhanced propensity to cause invasive disease, while serotypes 6A, 6B, 11A, 15B/C, 16F, 19F, 23F, 34, 35F, and 37 were associated with carriage. In addition, significant differences in invasive disease potential between clones sharing the same serotype were found among several serotypes, namely, 3, 6A, 6B, 11A, 14, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, 34, and NT. This heterogeneous behavior of the clones was found irrespective of the serotype's overall invasive disease potential. Our results highlight the importance of the genetic background when analyzing the invasive disease potential of certain serotypes and provide an important baseline for its monitoring following conjugate vaccine use. Continuous surveillance should be maintained, and current research should focus on uncovering the genetic determinants that contribute to the heterogeneity of invasive disease potential of clones sharing the same serotype.
Utility of a Panviral Microarray for Detection of Swine Respiratory Viruses in Clinical Samples
Authors: Nicholson Tracy L. , Kukielka Deborah , Vincent Amy L. , Brockmeier Susan L. , Miller Laura C. , Faaberg Kay S.
Published: January 2011

Several factors have recently converged, elevating the need for highly parallel diagnostic platforms that have the ability to detect many known, novel, and emerging pathogenic agents simultaneously. Panviral DNA microarrays represent the most robust approach for massively parallel viral surveillance and detection. The Virochip is a panviral DNA microarray that is capable of detecting all known viruses, as well as novel viruses related to known viral families, in a single assay and has been used to successfully identify known and novel viral agents in clinical human specimens. However, the usefulness and the sensitivity of the Virochip platform have not been tested on a set of clinical veterinary specimens with the high degree of genetic variance that is frequently observed with swine virus field isolates. In this report, we investigate the utility and sensitivity of the Virochip to positively detect swine viruses in both cell culture-derived samples and clinical swine samples. The Virochip successfully detected porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in serum containing 6.10 × 10
2
viral copies per microliter and influenza A virus in lung lavage fluid containing 2.08 × 10
6
viral copies per microliter. The Virochip also successfully detected porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in serum containing 2.50 × 10
8
viral copies per microliter and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) in turbinate tissue homogenate. Collectively, the data in this report demonstrate that the Virochip can successfully detect pathogenic viruses frequently found in swine in a variety of solid and liquid specimens, such as turbinate tissue homogenate and lung lavage fluid, as well as antemortem samples, such as serum.
Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Phialemonium and Lecythophora Isolates from Clinical Samples
Authors: Perdomo H. , Sutton D. A. , García D. , Fothergill A. W. , Gené J. , Cano J. , Summerbell R. C. , Rinaldi M. G. , Guarro J.
Published: January 2011

Several members of the fungal genera
Phialemonium
and
Lecythophora
are occasional agents of severe human and animal infections. These species are difficult to identify, and relatively little is known about their frequency in the clinical setting. The objective of this study was to characterize morphologically and molecularly, on the basis of the analysis of large-subunit ribosomal DNA sequences, a set of 68 clinical isolates presumed to belong to these genera. A total of 59 isolates were determined to be
Phialemonium
species (
n
= 32) or a related
Cephalotheca
species (
n
= 6) or
Lecythophora
species (
n
= 20) or a related
Coniochaeta
species (
n
= 1). Nine isolates identified to be
Acremonium
spp. or
Phaeoacremonium
spp. were excluded from further study. The most common species were
Phialemonium obovatum
and
Phialemonium curvatum
, followed by
Lecythophora hoffmannii
,
Cephalotheca foveolata
, and
Lecythophora mutabilis
.
Simultaneous Detection of Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses and Subtyping of Influenza A H3N2 Virus and H1N1 (2009) Virus by Multiplex Real-Time PCR
Authors: Chen Yu , Cui Dawei , Zheng Shufa , Yang Shigui , Tong Jia , Yang Dagan , Fan Jian , Zhang Jie , Lou Bin , Li Xuefen , Zhuge Xiaoling , Ye Bo , Chen Baode , Mao Weilin , Tan Yajun , Xu Genyun , Chen Zhenjin , Chen Nan , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2011

A multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed to simultaneously detect and discriminate influenza A virus subtypes, including novel H1N1 (2009) and seasonal H3N2 virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a single test tube, with detection sensitivity and specificity of 99% and 100%, respectively, for the four pathogens.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b Carriage and Novel Bacterial Population Structure among Children in Urban Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Williams E. J. , Lewis J. , John T. , Hoe J. C. , Yu L. , Dongol S. , Kelly D. F. , Griffiths D. T. , Shah A. , Limbu B. , Pradhan R. , Mawas F. , Shrestha S. , Thorson S. , Werno A. M. , Murdoch D. R. , Adhikari N. , Pollard A. J.
Published: January 2011

Haemophilus influenzae
type b (Hib) is a major cause of invasive bacterial infection in children that can be prevented by a vaccine, but there is still uncertainty about its relative importance in Asia. This study investigated the age-specific prevalence of Hib carriage and its molecular epidemiology in carriage and disease in Nepal. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from children in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 3 different settings: a hospital outpatient department (OPD), schools, and children's homes. Hib was isolated using Hib antiserum agar plates, and serotyping was performed with latex agglutination. Hib isolates from children with invasive disease were obtained during active microbiological surveillance at Patan Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Genotyping of disease and carriage isolates was undertaken using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Swabs were taken from 2,195 children, including 1,311 children at an OPD, 647 children attending schools, and 237 children in homes. Overall, Hib was identified in 5.0% (110/2,195; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.9% to 6.4%). MLST was performed on 108 Hib isolates from children carrying Hib isolates and 15 isolates from children with invasive disease. Thirty-one sequence types (STs) were identified, and 20 of these were novel STs. The most common ST isolates were sequence type 6 (ST6) and the novel ST722. There was marked heterogeneity among the STs from children with disease and children carrying Hib. STs identified from invasive infections were those commonly identified in carriage. This study provides evidence of Hib carriage among children in urban Nepal with genetically diverse strains prior to introduction of universal vaccination. The Hib carriage rate in Nepal was similar to the rates observed in other populations with documented high disease rates prior to vaccination, supporting implementation of Hib vaccine in Nepal in 2009.
Rapid Molecular Detection of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis by the Automated GeneXpert MTB/RIF System
Authors: Hillemann Doris , Rüsch-Gerdes Sabine , Boehme Catharina , Richter Elvira
Published: January 2011

In total, 521 nonrespiratory specimens (91 urine, 30 gastric aspirate, 245 tissue, 113 pleural fluid, 19 cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], and 23 stool specimens) submitted to the German National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria (NRL) from May 2009 to August 2010 were comparatively investigated with the new molecular-based GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay system and conventional liquid and solid culture methods. Twenty (3.8%) of the 521 specimens gave no interpretable result. Whereas the sensitivity of the Xpert assay with tissue specimens was 69.0% (20 out of 29 culture-positive cases detected), 100% sensitivity was found with the urine and stool specimens. The combined sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay were calculated to be 77.3% and 98.2%, respectively.
Disseminated Fusariosis Occurring in Two Patients Despite Posaconazole Prophylaxis
Authors: Bose Prithviraj , Parekh Hiral D. , Holter Jennifer L. , Greenfield Ronald A.
Published: January 2011

Posaconazole is widely used for prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections in patients undergoing myeloablative therapy. Disseminated fusariosis is a serious invasive mold infection in such patients. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate activity of posaconazole against
Fusarium
. We describe two cases of disseminated fusariosis that occurred despite posaconazole prophylaxis.
N1L Is an Ectromelia Virus Virulence Factor and Essential forIn VivoSpread upon Respiratory Infection
Authors: Gratz Meike S. , Suezer Yasemin , Kremer Melanie , Volz Asisa , Majzoub Monir , Hanschmann Kay-Martin , Kalinke Ulrich , Schwantes Astrid , Sutter Gerd
Published: January 2011

The emergence of zoonotic orthopoxvirus infections and the threat of possible intentional release of pathogenic orthopoxviruses have stimulated renewed interest in understanding orthopoxvirus infections and the resulting diseases. Ectromelia virus (ECTV), the causative agent of mousepox, offers an excellent model system to study an orthopoxvirus infection in its natural host. Here, we investigated the role of the vaccinia virus ortholog N1L in ECTV infection. Respiratory infection of mice with an N1L deletion mutant virus (ECTVΔN1L) demonstrated profound attenuation of the mutant virus, confirming N1 as an orthopoxvirus virulence factor. Upon analysis of virus disseminationin vivo, we observed a striking deficiency of ECTVΔN1L spreading from the lungs to the livers or spleens of infected mice. Investigating the immunological mechanism controlling ECTVΔN1L infection, we found the attenuated phenotype to be unaltered in mice deficient in Toll-like receptor (TLR) or RIG-I-like RNA helicase (RLH) signaling as well as in those missing the type I interferon receptor or lacking B cells. However, in RAG-1−/−mice lacking mature B and T cells, ECTVΔN1L regained virulence, as shown by increasing morbidity and virus spread to the liver and spleen. Moreover, T cell depletion experiments revealed that ECTVΔN1L attenuation was reversed only by removing both CD4+and CD8+T cells, so the presence of either cell subset was still sufficient to control the infection. Thus, the orthopoxvirus virulence factor N1 may allow efficient ECTV infection in mice by interfering with host T cell function.
LEDGF Dominant Interference Proteins Demonstrate Prenuclear Exposure of HIV-1 Integrase and Synergize with LEDGF Depletion To Destroy Viral Infectivity
Authors: Meehan Anne M. , Saenz Dyana T. , Morrison James , Hu Chunling , Peretz Mary , Poeschla Eric M.
Published: January 2011

Target cell overexpression of the integrase binding domain (IBD) of LEDGF/p75 (LEDGF) inhibits HIV-1 replication. The mechanism and protein structure requirements for this dominant interference are unclear. More generally, how and when HIV-1 uncoating occurs postentry is poorly defined, and it is unknown whether integrase within the evolving viral core becomes accessible to cellular proteins prior to nuclear entry. We used LEDGF dominant interference to address the latter question while characterizing determinants of IBD antiviral activity. Fusions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) with multiple C-terminal segments of LEDGF inhibited HIV-1 replication substantially, but minimal chimeras of either polarity (GFP-IBD or IBD-GFP) were most effective. Combining GFP-IBD expression with LEDGF depletion was profoundly antiviral. CD4
+
T cell lines were rendered virtually uninfectable, with single-cycle HIV-1 infectivity reduced 4 logs and high-input (multiplicity of infection = 5.0) replication completely blocked. We restricted GFP-IBD to specific intracellular locations and found that antiviral activity was preserved when the protein was confined to the cytoplasm or directed to the nuclear envelope. The life cycle block triggered by the cytoplasm-restricted protein manifested after nuclear entry, at the level of integration. We conclude that integrase within the viral core becomes accessible to host cell protein interaction in the cytoplasm. LEDGF dominant interference and depletion impair HIV-1 integration at distinct postentry stages. GFP-IBD may trigger premature or improper integrase oligomerization.
Variations of Coxsackievirus B3 Capsid Primary Structure, Ligands, and Stability Are Selected for in a Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor-Limited Environment
Authors: Carson Steven D. , Chapman Nora M. , Hafenstein Susan , Tracy Steven
Published: January 2011

While group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) use the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) as the receptor through which they infect susceptible cells, some CVB strains are known for their acquired capacity to bind other molecules. The CVB3/RD strain that emerged from a CVB3/Nancy population sequentially passaged in the CAR-poor RD cell line binds decay-accelerating factor (DAF) (CD55) and CAR. A new strain, CVB3/RDVa, has been isolated from RD cells chronically infected with CVB3/RD and binds multiple molecules in addition to DAF and CAR. The capsid proteins of CVB3/RD differ from those of CVB3/28, a cloned strain that binds only CAR, by only four amino acids, including a glutamate/glutamine dimorphism in the DAF-binding region of the capsid. The capsid proteins of CVB3/RD and CVB3/RDVa differ by seven amino acids. The ability of CVB3/RDVa to bind ligands in addition to CAR and DAF may be attributed to lysine residues near the icosahedral 5-fold axes of symmetry. Considered with differences in the stability of the CVB3 strains, these traits suggest that
in vitro
selection in a CAR-limited environment selects for virus populations that can associate with molecules on the cell surface and survive until CAR becomes available to support infection.
Biosynthesis of Classical Swine Fever Virus Nonstructural Proteins
Authors: Lamp Benjamin , Riedel Christiane , Roman-Sosa Gleyder , Heimann Manuela , Jacobi Sylvaine , Becher Paul , Thiel Heinz-Jürgen , Rümenapf Tillmann
Published: January 2011

Proteolytic processing of polyproteins is considered a crucial step in the life cycle of most positive-strand RNA viruses. An enhancement of NS2-3 processing has been described as a major difference between the noncytopathogenic (non-CP) and the cytopathogenic (CP) biotypes of pestiviruses. The effects of accelerated versus delayed NS2-3 processing on the maturation of the other nonstructural proteins (NSP) have never been compared. In this study, we analyzed the proteolytic processing of NSP in
Classical swine fever virus
(CSFV). Key to the investigation was a panel of newly developed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that facilitated monitoring of all nonstructural proteins involved in virus replication (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B). Applying these MAbs in Western blotting and radioimmunoprecipitation allowed an unambiguous identification of the mature proteins and precursors in non-CP CSFV-infected cells. Furthermore, the kinetics of processing were determined by pulse-chase analyses for non-CP CSFV, CP CSFV, and a CP CSFV replicon. A slow but constant processing of NS4A/B-5A/B occurred in non-CP CSFV-infected cells, leading to balanced low-level concentrations of mature NSP. In contrast, the turnover of the polyprotein precursors was three times faster in CP CSFV-infected cells and in cells transfected with a CP CSFV replicon, causing a substantial increase of mature NSP concentrations. We conclude that a delayed processing not only of NS3 but further of all NSP represents a hallmark of regulation in non-CP pestiviruses.
The Measles Virus V Protein Binds to p65 (RelA) To Suppress NF-κB Activity
Authors: Schuhmann Kerstin M. , Pfaller Christian K. , Conzelmann Karl-Klaus
Published: January 2011

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factors are involved in controlling numerous cellular processes, including inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, and cell survival. Here we show that the immunosuppressive measles virus (MV;
Morbillivirus
genus,
Paramyxoviridae
) has evolved multiple functions to interfere with canonical NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells. The MV P, V, and C proteins, also involved in preventing host cell interferon responses, were found to individually suppress NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression in response to activation of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor, RIG-I-like receptors, or Toll-like receptors. NF-κB activity was most efficiently suppressed in the presence of V, while expression of P or C resulted in moderate inhibition. As indicated by reporter gene assays involving overexpression of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, which phosphorylates the inhibitor of κB to liberate NF-κB, V protein targets a downstream step in the signaling cascade. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that V specifically binds to the Rel homology domain of the NF-κB subunit p65 but not of p50. Notably, the short C-terminal domain of the V protein, which is also involved in binding STAT2, IRF7, and MDA5, was sufficient for the interaction and for preventing reporter gene activity. As observed by confocal microscopy, the presence of V abolished nuclear translocation of p65 upon TNF-α stimulation. Thus, MV V appears to prevent NF-κB-dependent gene expression by retaining p65 in the cytoplasm. These findings reveal NF-κB as a key target of MV and stress the importance of the V protein as the major viral immune-modulatory factor.
Differences in HIV-Specific T Cell Responses between HIV-Exposed and -Unexposed HIV-Seronegative Individuals
Authors: Ritchie Adam J. , Campion Suzanne L. , Kopycinski Jakub , Moodie Zoe , Wang Z. Maggie , Pandya Kruti , Moore Stephen , Liu Michael K. P. , Brackenridge Simon , Kuldanek Kristin , Legg Kenneth , Cohen Myron S. , Delwart Eric L. , Haynes Barton F. , Fidler Sarah , McMichael Andrew J. , Goonetilleke Nilu
Published: January 2011

HIV-1-specific T lymphocyte responses in individuals exposed to HIV-1 but who remain persistently seronegative (HESNs) have been reported in some but not all previous studies. This study was designed to resolve unequivocally the question of whether HESNs make HIV-1-specific T cell responses. We performed a blind investigation to measure HIV-1-specific T cell responses in both HIV-1-serodiscordant couples and HIV-1-unexposed seronegative controls (HUSNs). We found low-frequency HIV-1-specific T cells in both HESNs and HUSNs but show that the response rates were higher over time in the former (
P
= 0.01). Furthermore, the magnitudes of the HIV-1-specific T cell responses were significantly higher among responding HESNs than among HUSNs over time (
P
= 0.002). In both groups, responses were mediated by CD4 T cells. The responses were mapped to single peptides, which often corresponded to epitopes restricted by multiple HLA-DR types that have previously been detected in HIV-1-infected patients. HIV-1-specific T cell responses in HUSNs and some HESNs likely represent cross-reactivity to self or foreign non-HIV-1 antigens. The significantly greater T cell responses in HESNs, including in two who were homozygous for
CCR5Δ32
, demonstrates that HIV-1-specific T cell responses can be induced or augmented by exposure to HIV-1 without infection.
Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Infects Multiple Cell Types in the Ovine Lung
Authors: Martineau Henny M. , Cousens Chris , Imlach Stuart , Dagleish Mark P. , Griffiths David J.
Published: January 2011

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a transmissible lung cancer of sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). The details of early events in the pathogenesis of OPA are not fully understood. For example, the identity of the JSRV target cell in the lung has not yet been determined. Mature OPA tumors express surfactant protein-C (SP-C) or Clara cell-specific protein (CCSP), which are specific markers of type II pneumocytes or Clara cells, respectively. However, it is unclear whether these are the cell types initially infected and transformed by JSRV or whether the virus targets stem cells in the lung that subsequently acquire a differentiated phenotype during tumor growth. To examine this question, JSRV-infected lung tissue from experimentally infected lambs was studied at early time points after infection. Single JSRV-infected cells were detectable 10 days postinfection in bronchiolar and alveolar regions. These infected cells were labeled with anti-SP-C or anti-CCSP antibodies, indicating that differentiated epithelial cells are early targets for JSRV infection in the ovine lung. In addition, undifferentiated cells that expressed neither SP-C nor CCSP were also found to express the JSRV Env protein. These results enhance the understanding of OPA pathogenesis and may have comparative relevance to human lung cancer, for which samples representing early stages of tumor growth are difficult to obtain.
Primate Gammaretroviruses Require an Ancillary Factor Not Required for Murine Gammaretroviruses To Infect BHK Cells
Authors: Xu Wenqin , Eiden Maribeth V.
Published: January 2011

BHK cells remain resistant to xenotropic murine retrovirus-related virus (XMRV) or gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) infection, even when their respective receptors, Xpr1 or PiT1, are expressed. We set out to determine the stage at which viral infection is blocked and whether this block is mediated by a dominant-negative factor or the absence of a requisite ancillary factor. BHK cells bind neither XMRV nor GALV envelope proteins. BHK cells expressing the appropriate receptors bind XMRV or GALV envelope proteins. BHK cells can be infected by NZB-XMV(New Zealand Black mouse xenotropic murine
v
irus)-enveloped vectors, expressing an envelope derived from a xenotropic retrovirus that, like XMRV, employs Xpr1 as a receptor, and also by vectors bearing the envelope of 10A1 murine leukemia virus (MLV), a murine retrovirus that can use PiT1 as a receptor. The retroviral vectors used in these analyses differ solely in their viral envelope proteins, suggesting that the block to XMRV and GALV infection is mediated at the level of envelope-receptor interactions. N-linked glycosylation of the receptors was not found to mediate resistance of receptor-expressing BHK cells to GALV or XMRV, as shown by tunicamycin treatment and mutation of the specific glycosylation site of the PiT1 receptor. Hybrid cells produced by fusing BHKXpr1 or BHKPiT1 to XMRV- or GALV-resistant cells, respectively, can mediate efficient XMRV or GALV infection. These findings indicate that BHK cells lack a factor that is required for infection by primate xenotropic viruses. This factor is not required for viruses that use the same receptors but were directly isolated from mice.
Tumour marker requesting in primary care and the role of the laboratory
Authors: Walker Patrick L C , Crook Martin
Published: January 2011

Aims

To review the incidence of multiple tumour marker (TM) requesting in the primary care setting and determine whether the rationale for requesting a TM panel is in agreement with evidence-based guidelines.

Methods

Data-mining software was used to retrospectively identify multiple TM requests and requesting practices of GP surgeries over a 34-month period for α-fetoprotein, CA125, CA15-3, CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen and prostate-specific antigen. The appropriateness of each test was reviewed by a clinical biochemist in accordance with National Association of Clinical Biochemistry best-practice guidelines.

Results

505 multiple TM requests were identified which corresponded to 1304 TM tests. Comparison with best-practice guidelines suggested that 68% of request cards contained no appropriate TM request, and 84% of the tests requested were inappropriate.

Conclusion

A review of requesting practices in primary care for TMs highlights the need for laboratories to be more proactive in educating their users on their clinical utility and limitations.
Understanding worldwide youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies: an analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors: Koh Howard K , Alpert Hillel R , Judge Christine M , Caughey Robert W , Elqura Loris J , Connolly Gregory N , Warren Charles W
Published: January 2011

Background

Smoke-free policies (SFPs) in public places are increasing globally, but developing countries are lagging behind. Understanding youth attitudes towards SFPs can inform SFP initiatives.

Methods

A multilevel logistic regression analysis of data collected from youth aged 13–15 years (2000–2006) who completed the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 115 countries, primarily in the developing world, was conducted. The analysis examined relationships between support for SFPs and individual-level measures related to smoking status, and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), controlling for demographic and environmental factors of interest and country-level policy factors.

Results

In all, 77.3% of 356 395 youth in 115 countries favoured SFPs, including majorities of non-smokers (78.7%) and smokers (63.6%). In the multivariable analysis knowledge of smoke harm was the strongest predictor of favouring SFPs (OR 2.42, 95% CI 2.27 to 2.67). Exposure to countermarketing (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.57) and school anti-smoking education (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.31) were also positively associated. Current smoking (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.53), susceptibility to smoking (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.52) and exposure to tobacco promotion were negatively associated. Significant country-level variation was observed. The presence of any national smoke-free legislation in a country was positively associated with youth favouring such policies.

Conclusions

The majority of youth worldwide support, yet lack, smoke-free policies in public places, while being regularly exposed to SHS. Youth support of SFPs is most positively associated with knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Redoubling education efforts represents an opportunity to establish smoke-free environments and improve health of children in developing countries.
An Analysis of the Impact of Blogging on Knowledge Processes
Authors: Mariano Stefania
Published: January 2011

This paper investigates the impact of blogging on knowledge processes and proposes a way to manage collective knowledge. Qualitative methods are used to collect data through individual semi-structured interviews, think-aloud protocols, focus groups, and document analysis. Data analysis is pursued with the use of the qualitative software package Atlas.ti®. This qualitative research contributes to our understanding of how a self-organised group of individuals involved in a temporary joint project in the Kingdom of Bahrain creates, transfers, retains and shares knowledge in a blog and provides insights into the knowledge management processes. It reveals the impact of blogging on knowledge management and examines issues concerned with the individual, the groups, and the organisation. It also suggests strategies on how to improve the management of an effective blog. Findings contribute to the debate on knowledge management processes and provide insights for academics and practitioners who are interested in a new theoretical approach connecting individual knowledge to collective knowledge, as well as to those studying online repositories and new information technology tools for the management of organisational knowledge. Future research should be conducted on how blogs may impact the effectiveness of organisational communication. Empirical research should also be conducted to explain how internal and external bloggers contribute to the development of organisational expertise.
Contribution of Knowledge Management Practices in Creating Sustainable Competitive Advantage for Business Schools in India
Authors: Madan Pankaj , Khanka Sheetal
Published: January 2011

Land, labour, capital, raw materials, innovation, human resources, research and development have all been credited as sources of sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Yet sources of sustainable competitive advantages continuously change, and transformations in the business environment cause shifts in the sources. A viable method to generate sustainable competitive advantages is knowledge management, and this study empirically links the concept of knowledge management to sustainable competitive advantage. The study investigates how knowledge management practices can be employed to improve strategic positioning and competitiveness in service industries, particularly business schools.
MATCHING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AXIAL STIFFNESS AND YIELD STRENGTH OF BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES
Authors: JING WU , RENJIE LIANG , ZHISHEN WU
Published: January 2011

The axial stiffness and the yield strength are the two fundamental structural parameters of a buckling restrained brace (BRB) member and can be obtained by existing design procedure. However, they are inter-related in a certain sense. This paper starts from the formulas of the axial stiffness and the yield strength, and based on the discussion on the reasonable range of geometric parameters of a BRB member, establishes the matching relationship between them.
S1P activates store-operated calcium entry via receptor- and non-receptor-mediated pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Park Hopson Kristen , Truelove Jessica , Chun Jerold , Wang Yumei , Waeber Christian
Published: January 2011

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to modulate intracellular Ca2+ through both G protein-coupled receptors and intracellular second messenger pathways. The precise mechanism by which S1P activates store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has not been fully characterized. Because sphingolipids and Ca2+ modulate proliferation and constriction in VSMCs, characterizing the connection between S1P and SOCE may provide novel therapeutic targets for vascular diseases. We found that S1P triggered STIM1 puncta formation and SOCE in VSMCs. S1P-activated SOCE was inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), diethylstilbestrol (DES), and gadolinium (Gd3+). SOCE was observed in VSMCs lacking either S1P2 or S1P3 receptors, suggesting that S1P acts via multiple signaling pathways. Indeed, both extracellular and intracellular S1P application increased the total internal reflection fluorescence signal in VSMCs cells transfected with STIM1-yellow fluorescent protein in a 2-APB-sensitive manner. These data, and the fact that 2-APB, DES, and Gd3+ all inhibited S1P-induced cerebral artery constriction, suggest that SOCE modulates S1P-induced vasoconstriction in vivo. Finally, S1P-induced SOCE was larger in proliferative than in contractile VSMCs, correlating with increases in STIM1, Orai1, S1P1, and S1P3 receptor mRNA. These data demonstrate that S1P can act through both receptors and a novel intracellular pathway to activate SOCE. Because S1P-induced SOCE contributes to vessel constriction and is increased in proliferative VSMCs, it is likely that S1P/SOCE signaling in proliferative VSMCs may play a role in vascular dysfunction such as atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Nitric oxide donors improve prednisone effects on muscular dystrophy in the mdx mouse diaphragm
Authors: Mizunoya Wataru , Upadhaya Ritika , Burczynski Frank J. , Wang Guqi , Anderson Judy E.
Published: January 2011

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), palliative glucocorticoid therapy can produce myopathy or calcification. Since increased nitric oxide synthase activity in dystrophic mice promotes regeneration, the outcome of two nitric oxide (NO) donor drugs, MyoNovin (M) and isosorbide dinitrate (I), on the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory drug prednisone (P) in alleviating progression of dystrophy was tested. Dystrophic mdx mice were treated (18 days) as controls or with an NO donor ± P. Fiber permeability and DNA synthesis were labeled by Evans blue dye (EBD) and bromodeoxyuridine uptake, respectively. P decreased body weight gain, M increased quadriceps mass, and I increased heart mass. P increased fiber permeability (%EBD+ fibers) and calcification in diaphragm. Treatment with NO donors + P (M+P, I+P) reduced %EBD+ fibers and calcification vs. P alone. %EBD+ fibers in M+P diaphragm did not differ from control. NO donor treatment reduced proliferation and the population of c-met+ cells and accelerated fiber regeneration. Concurrent with P, NO donor treatment suppressed two important detrimental effects of P in mice, possibly by accelerating regeneration, rebalancing satellite cell quiescence and activation in dystrophy, and/or increasing perfusion. Results suggest that NO donors could improve current therapy for DMD.
Combined diffusion and strain tensor MRI reveals a heterogeneous, planar pattern of strain development during isometric muscle contraction
Authors: Englund Erin K. , Elder Christopher P. , Xu Qing , Ding Zhaohua , Damon Bruce M.
Published: January 2011

The purposes of this study were to create a three-dimensional representation of strain during isometric contraction in vivo and to interpret it with respect to the muscle fiber direction. Diffusion tensor MRI was used to measure the muscle fiber direction of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of seven healthy volunteers. Spatial-tagging MRI was used to measure linear strains in six directions during separate 50% maximal isometric contractions of the TA. The strain tensor (E) was computed in the TA's deep and superficial compartments and compared with the respective diffusion tensors. Diagonalization of E revealed a planar strain pattern, with one nonzero negative strain (εN) and one nonzero positive strain (εP); both strains were larger in magnitude ( P < 0.05) in the deep compartment [εN= −40.4 ± 4.3%, εP= 35.1 ± 3.5% (means ± SE)] than in the superficial compartment (εN= −24.3 ± 3.9%, εP= 6.3 ± 4.9%). The principal shortening direction deviated from the fiber direction by 24.0 ± 1.3° and 39.8 ± 6.1° in the deep and superficial compartments, respectively ( P < 0.05, deep vs. superficial). The deviation of the shortening direction from the fiber direction was due primarily to the lower angle of elevation of the shortening direction over the axial plane than that of the fiber direction. It is concluded that three-dimensional analyses of strain interpreted with respect to the fiber architecture are necessary to characterize skeletal muscle contraction in vivo. The deviation of the principal shortening direction from the fiber direction may relate to intramuscle variations in fiber length and pennation angle.
NAD(P)H oxidase and renal epithelial ion transport
Authors: Schreck Carlos , O'Connor Paul M.
Published: January 2011

A fundamental requirement for cellular vitality is the maintenance of plasma ion concentration within strict ranges. It is the function of the kidney to match urinary excretion of ions with daily ion intake and nonrenal losses to maintain a stable ionic milieu. NADPH oxidase is a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within many cell types, including the transporting renal epithelia. The focus of this review is to describe the role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS toward local renal tubular ion transport in each nephron segment and to discuss how NADPH oxidase-derived ROS signaling within the nephron may mediate ion homeostasis. In each case, we will attempt to identify the various subunits of NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species involved and the ion transporters, which these affect. We will first review the role of NADPH oxidase on renal Na+ and K+ transport. Finally, we will review the relationship between tubular H+ efflux and NADPH oxidase activity.