bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Perch in Small North Carolina Reservoirs: What Explains Variation in Population Structure?
Authors: Bethke Bethany J. , Rice James A. , Aday D. Derek
Published: January 2014

White Perch Morone americana have been introduced into many inland systems throughout the United States. To determine factors affecting White Perch abundance and size structure, we compared White Perch growth, timing of maturity, and trophic level; the abundance of a predator (Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides); the abundance of an ecologically significant mid‐level omnivore (Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum); prey availability (chironomid and zooplankton abundances); and environmental variables (specific conductivity, Secchi depth, dissolved oxygen concentration, and temperature) among four reservoirs (two with high White Perch abundance and two with low abundance). White Perch size structure was closely tied to abundance, with truncated size structure as abundance increased. Among the other variables we tested, only Largemouth Bass abundance had a significant (negative) relationship with White Perch abundance. White Perch size structure appeared to be highly density dependent, and variables that commonly explain variation in abundance of introduced fishes did not explain differences in the four White Perch populations we studied. Further study of the competitive and predatory interactions of White Perch and Largemouth Bass over ontogeny could shed light on the mechanism(s) potentially shaping population structure of the two species where they coexist.
Geographic Variability in Elevation and Topographic Constraints on the Distribution of Native and Nonnative Trout in the Great Basin
Authors: Warren Dana R. , Dunham Jason B. , Hockman‐Wert David
Published: January 2014

Understanding local and geographic factors influencing species distributions is a prerequisite for conservation planning. Our objective in this study was to model local and geographic variability in elevations occupied by native and nonnative trout in the northwestern Great Basin, USA. To this end, we analyzed a large existing data set of trout presence (5,156 observations) to evaluate two fundamental factors influencing occupied elevations: climate‐related gradients in geography and local constraints imposed by topography. We applied quantile regression to model upstream and downstream distribution elevation limits for each trout species commonly found in the region (two native and two nonnative species). With these models in hand, we simulated an upstream shift in elevation limits of trout distributions to evaluate potential consequences of habitat loss. Downstream elevation limits were inversely associated with latitude, reflecting regional gradients in temperature. Upstream limits were positively related to maximum stream elevation as expected. Downstream elevation limits were constrained topographically by valley bottom elevations in northern streams but not in southern streams, where limits began well above valley bottoms. Elevation limits were similar among species. Upstream shifts in elevation limits for trout would lead to more habitat loss in the north than in the south, a result attributable to differences in topography. Because downstream distributions of trout in the north extend into valley bottoms with reduced topographic relief, trout in more northerly latitudes are more likely to experience habitat loss associated with an upstream shift in lower elevation limits. By applying quantile regression to relatively simple information (species presence, elevation, geography, topography), we were able to identify elevation limits for trout in the Great Basin and explore the effects of potential shifts in these limits that could occur in response to changing climate conditions that alter streams directly (e.g., through changes in temperature and precipitation) or indirectly (e.g., through changing water use).
Coastwide Stock Structure of Winter Flounder Using Nuclear DNA Analyses
Authors: Wirgin Isaac , Maceda Lorraine , Grunwald Cheryl , Roy Nirmal K. , Waldman John R.
Published: January 2014

Many Winter Flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus populations have declined dramatically. In U.S. waters, Winter Flounder are managed as three stocks: Gulf of Maine, southern New England–Mid‐Atlantic Bight, and Georges Bank. Historically, it was believed that the spawning of inshore stocks occurs exclusively within natal estuaries. Based on the supposition of estuary‐specific spawning, we hypothesized that Winter Flounder exhibit greater stock structure than predicted by the three‐stock model and, in fact, that they exhibit genetic differentiation at the level of individual estuaries. We tested this hypothesis by conducting microsatellite DNA analysis at 12 loci and single‐nucleotide polymorphism analysis at 4 loci on young‐of‐the year and adult Winter Flounder collected from 27 estuaries from Newfoundland to Delaware as well as from Georges Bank. We found highly significant coastwide genetic stock structure among Winter Flounder; however, there was little evidence of estuary‐specific structure. Pooled collections from north and south of Cape Cod were genetically distinct, as were many individual collections compared between these two regions. However, there was little genetic heterogeneity among estuarine collections within either of these major geographic regions. The two Canadian collections from the Miramichi River and Newfoundland were genetically distinct from those in the Gulf of Maine. Our collection from Georges Bank was marginally distinct from the inshore collections from north and south of Cape Cod. Overall, our genetic results support the three‐stock model used to manage Winter Flounder in U.S. waters and indicate the presence of at least two genetic stocks in Canadian waters (the Miramichi River in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Passamaquoddy Bay in the Bay of Fundy). Furthermore, our data suggest that the spawning of Winter Flounder in nearshore coastal waters is more extensive than previously thought or that homing is weaker, contributing to the absence of genetic differentiation among populations from proximal estuaries.
Early Ocean Dispersal Patterns of Columbia River Chinook and Coho Salmon
Authors: Fisher J. P. , Weitkamp L. A. , Teel D. J. , Hinton S. A. , Orsi J. A. , Farley E. V. , Morris J. F. T. , Thiess M. E. , Sweeting R. M. , Trudel M.
Published: January 2014

Several evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) of Columbia River asin Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytschaand Coho SalmonO. kisutchare listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Yet little is known about the spatial and temporal distributions of these ESUs immediately following ocean entry, when year‐class success may be determined. We documented differences in dispersal patterns during the early ocean period among groups defined by ESU, adult run timing, and smolt age. Between 1995 and 2006, 1,896 coded‐wire‐tagged juvenile fish from the Columbia River basin were recovered during 6,142 research trawl events along the West Coast of North America. Three distinct ocean dispersal patterns were observed: (1) age‐1 (yearling) mid and upper Columbia River spring‐run and Snake River spring–summer‐run Chinook Salmon migrated rapidly northward and by late summer were not found south of Vancouver Island; (2) age‐0 (subyearling) lower Columbia River fall, upper Columbia River summer, upper Columbia River fall, and Snake River fall Chinook Salmon dispersed slowly, remaining mainly south of Vancouver Island through autumn; and (3) age‐1 lower Columbia River spring, upper Columbia River summer, and upper Willamette River spring Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon were widespread along the coast from summer through fall, indicating a diversity of dispersal rates. Generally, the ocean dispersal of age‐1 fish was faster and more extensive than that of age‐0 fish, with some age‐1 fish migrating as fast as 10–40 km/d (0.5–3.0 body lengths/s). Within groups, interannual variation in dispersal was moderate. Identification of the distinct temporal and spatial ocean distribution patterns of juvenile salmon from Columbia River basin ESUs is important in order to evaluate the potential influence of changing ocean conditions on the survival and long term sustainability of these fish populations.
Minimal regularity conditions for the end-point estimate of bilinear Calderón-Zygmund operators
Authors: Pérez Carlos , Torres Rodolfo
Published: January 2014

Minimal regularity conditions on the kernels of bilinear operators are identified and shown to be sufficient for the existence of end-point estimates within the context of the bilinear Calderón-Zygmund theory.
The open conformation of WASP regulates its nuclear localization and gene transcription in myeloid cells
Authors: Looi Chung Yeng , Sasahara Yoji , Watanabe Yuko , Satoh Miki , Hakozaki Ikuko , Uchiyama Meri , Wong Won Fen , Du Wei , Uchiyama Toru , Kumaki Satoru , Tsuchiya Shigeru , Kure Shigeo
Published: January 2014

Mutations in the gene encoding the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) are responsible for Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome and WASP is a major actin regulator in the cytoplasm. Although rare gain-of-function mutations in the WASP gene are known to result in X-linked neutropenia (XLN), the molecular pathogenesis of XLN is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that all reported constitutively activating mutants (L270P, S272P and I294T) of WASP were hyperphosphorylated by Src family tyrosine kinases and demonstrated higher actin polymerization activities compared with wild-type (WT) WASP. Further analysis showed a tendency of activating WASP mutants to localize in the nucleus compared with WT or the Y291F mutant of WASP. In addition, we found that WASP could form a complex with nuclear RNA-binding protein, 54kDa (p54nrb) and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). ChIP assays revealed that WASP associated with DNA, although the affinity was relatively weaker than RNAP II. To determine whether gene transcription was affected by WASP mutation in myeloid cells, we performed microarray analysis and found different expression profiles between WT and L270P WASP-transfected K562 cells. Among the genes affected, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor, Runx1, and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor c were included. ChIP on chip analysis of genomic DNA showed WT and L270P WASP had a highly similar DNA-binding pattern but differed in binding affinity at the same locus. Therefore, our results suggest that the open conformation of WASP regulates its nuclear localization and plays requisite roles in regulating gene transcription that would contribute to the outcome in the nucleus of myeloid cells.
The structure ofPlasmodium yoeliimerozoite surface protein 119, antibody specificity and implications for malaria vaccine design
Authors: Curd Rachel D. , Birdsall Berry , Kadekoppala Madhusudan , Ogun Solabomi A. , Kelly Geoffrey , Holder Anthony A.
Published: January 2014

Merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) has been identified as a target antigen for protective immune responses against asexual blood stage malaria, but effective vaccines based on MSP1 have not been developed so far. We have modified the sequence ofPlasmodium yoeliiMSP119(the C-terminal region of the molecule) and examined the ability of the variant proteins to bind protective monoclonal antibodies and to induce protection by immunization. In parallel, we examined the structure of the protein and the consequences of the amino acid changes. Naturally occurring sequence polymorphisms reduced the binding of individual protective antibodies, indicating that they contribute to immune evasion, but immunization with these variant proteins still provided protective immunity. One variant that resulted in the localized distortion of a loop close to the N-terminus of MSP119almost completely ablated protection by immunization, indicating the importance of this region of MSP119as a target for protective immunity and in vaccine development.
Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA, gyrB and catA genes and DNA–DNA hybridization reveal that Rhodococcus jialingiae is a later synonym of Rhodococcus qingshengii
Authors: Táncsics A. , Benedek T. , Farkas M. , Máthé I. , Márialigeti K. , Szoboszlay S. , Kukolya J. , Kriszt B.
Published: January 2014

The results of 16S rRNA, gyrB and catA gene sequence comparisons and reasserted DNA–DNA hybridization unambiguously proved that

Rhodococcus jialingiae

Wang et al. 2010 and

Rhodococcus qingshengii

Xu et al. 2007 represent a single species. On the basis of priority

R. jialingiae

must be considered a later synonym of

R. qingshengii

.
Proposal to change General Consideration 5 and Principle 2 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M.
Published: January 2014

A proposal is submitted to the ICSP to change the wording of General Consideration 5 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP), deleting the words Schizophycetes, Cyanophyceae and
Cyanobacteria
from the groups of organisms whose nomenclature is covered by the Code. It is further proposed to change the terms Zoological Code and International Code of Botanical Nomenclature in General Consideration 5 and in Principle 2 to International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants, respectively.
Methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins 3 and 4 are responsible for Campylobacter jejuni chemotaxis and jejuna colonization in mice in response to sodium deoxycholate
Authors: Li Zhifeng , Lou Hongqiang , Ojcius David M. , Sun Aihua , Sun Dexter , Zhao Jinfang , Lin Xu'ai , Yan Jie
Published: January 2014

Methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), also termed transducer-like proteins (Tlps), serve as sensors in bacterial chemotactic signalling, and detect attractants and promote bacterial movement towards suitable sites for colonization. Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human enteritis, but the mechanisms responsible for bacterial chemotaxis and early colonization in the jejunum of hosts are poorly understood. In the present study, we identified several types of bile and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) acting as chemotactic attractants of C. jejuni strain NCTC 11168-O in
vitro, in which SDC was the most efficient chemoattractant. In mice with bile duct ligation, the wild-type strain displayed a markedly attenuated ability for colonization. Blockage of Tlp3 or Tlp4 protein with antibody or disruption of the tlp3 or tlp4 gene (Δtlp3 or Δtlp4) caused a significant inhibition of SDC-induced chemotaxis and attenuation for colonization on jejunal mucosa in mice of the bacterium. Disruption of both the genes (Δtlp3/Δtlp4) resulted in the absence of bacterial chemotaxis and colonization, while the tlp-gene-complemented mutants (CΔtlp3 and CΔtlp4) reacquired these abilities. The results indicate that SDC is an effective chemoattractant for C. jejuni, and Tlp3 and Tlp4 are the SDC-specific sensor proteins responsible for the bacterial chemoattraction.
1910s' brains revisited. Cortical complexity in early 20th century patients with intellectual disability or with dementia praecox
Authors: Sandu A.‐L. , Paillère Martinot M.‐L. , Artiges E. , Martinot J.‐L.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The idea of cortical surface anomalies in subjects with intellectual disability (mental retardation) and schizophrenia can be traced back to early 20th century qualitative observations. Since it is unknown whether modern quantitative measures of cortical complexity and folding would retrieve those early empirical observations, we measured fractal dimension and sulcal span index in photographs of human brains taken in the 1910's.

Method

Brain photographs were compared between 36 patients with mental retardation and 21 patients with dementia praecox for the fractal dimension and sulcal span index. Also, a mental retardation subgroup with no‐or‐non‐understandable speech (n = 12) was compared with a subgroup with comprehensible speech (n = 23).

Results

Mental retardation group had a lower whole‐brain fractal dimension than dementia praecox, and a higher sulcal span index in left posterior cortex. The mental retardation subgroup with comprehensible speech had a lower fractal dimension in left hemisphere than the subgroup with no‐or‐non‐understandable speech and a lower sulcal index in left posterior cortex.

Conclusion

Measures of cortical complexity and folding suggest differences between mental retardation and dementia praecox, and regional variations according to language abilities in mental retardation. The findings provide a unique picture of cortical surface changes in their original untreated form, one century ago.
Evaluation of the medium‐term outcomes and impact of the Rowan Nicks Scholarship Programme
Authors: Masterton John P. , Moss Daliah , Korin Stephanie J. , Watters David A. K.
Published: January 2014

Background

Rowan Nicks was a cardiothoracic surgeon in Sydney. He endowed the Rowan Nicks Scholarship Programme of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, which was initiated in 1991 to provide opportunities for clinicians from developing countries so that they return to their countries as leaders and teachers. This paper's objective was to evaluate the outcomes and impact of the scholarship on individuals and their communities.

Methods

A survey was undertaken of 34 eligible scholars of whom 29 participated. It was directed at whether objectives were achieved in technical skills, patient management and in competency in research and leadership.

Results

Ninety‐eight per cent of scholars returned to work in their home country. Twenty‐eight of 29 were working in their chosen specialty and had returned to their former positions. The clinical/operative skills obtained were regarded as useful by 86%, and 22/29 (76%) scholars reported they had gained worthwhile leadership and administrative skills. Improved clinical outcomes for patients were achieved as evidenced by reduced mortality and less disability. There was also a positive impact on health systems. The best documented of these were improved trauma management, development of paediatric surgery in rural Bangladesh, a new cardiac unit in Myanmar, organ transplantation and better injury outcomes in Papua New Guinea.

Conclusion

The programme has resulted in potential and actual leaders returning to their home countries where they positively impacted on health and surgical services. This has resulted in a reduced burden of surgical disease in the scholars' countries as measured by less death, disability and deformity.
Advances in understanding the leukaemia microenvironment
Authors: Tabe Yoko , Konopleva Marina
Published: January 2014

Dynamic interactions between leukaemic cells and cells of the bone marrow are a feature of haematological malignancies. Two distinct microenvironmental niches in the bone marrow, the ‘osteoblastic (endosteal)’ and ‘vascular’ niches, provide a sanctuary for subpopulations of leukaemic cells to evade chemotherapy‐induced death and allow acquisition of drug resistance. Key components of the bone marrow microenvironment as a home for normal haematopoietic stem cells and the leukaemia stem cell niches, and the molecular pathways critical for microenvironment/leukaemia interactions via cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules as well as hypoxic conditions, are described in this review. Finally, the genetic abnormalities of leukaemia‐associated stroma are discussed. Further understanding of the contribution of the bone marrow niche to the process of leukaemogenesis may provide new targets that allow destruction of leukaemia stem cells without adversely affecting normal stem cell self‐renewal.
Effects of Novel Diarylpentanoid Analogues of Curcumin on Secretory Phospholipase A2, Cyclooxygenases, Lipo‐oxygenase, and Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase‐1
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , Kumolosasi Endang , Jantan Ibrahim , Bukhari Syed N. A. , Jasamai Malina
Published: January 2014

Arachidonic acid and its metabolites have generated a heightened interest due to their significant role in inflammation. Inhibiting the enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism has been considered as the synergistic anti‐inflammatory effect. A series of novel curcumin diarylpentanoid analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on activity of secretory phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases, soybean lipo‐oxygenase as well as microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1. Among the curcumin analogues, compounds 3, 6, 9, 12, and 17 exhibited strong inhibition of secretory phospholipase A2 activity, with IC50 values ranging from 5.89 to 11.02 μm. Seven curcumin analogues 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12 showed inhibition of cyclooxygenases‐2 with IC50 values in the range of 46.11 to 94.86 μm, which were lower than that of curcumin. Compounds 3, 6, 7, 12, and 17 showed strong inhibition of lipo‐oxygenase enzyme activity. Preliminary screening of diarylpentanoid curcumin analogues for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 activity revealed that four diarylpentanoid curcumin analogues 5, 6, 7, and 13 demonstrated higher inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 activity with IC50 ranging from 2.41 to 4.48 μm, which was less than that of curcumin. The present results suggest that some of these diarylpentanoid analogues were able to inhibit the activity of these enzymes. This raises the possibility that diarylpentanoid analogues of curcumin might serve as useful starting point for the design of improved anti‐inflammatory agents.
Interactive effects of higher temperature and dissolved organic carbon on planktonic communities in fishless mountain lakes
Authors: Weidman Paul R. , Schindler David W. , Thompson Patrick L. , Vinebrooke Rolf D.
Published: January 2014

We tested the hypothesis that higher temperature and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration increase dissolved and particulate carbon (C) relative to phosphorus (P), thereby reducing algal food quality for P‐limited cladocerans while not affecting N‐limited copepods. Also, we expected alpine zooplankton to respond more strongly than those from warmer montane lakes to increased water temperature.

Plankton from two alpine lakes and two montane lakes were incubated in vitro for 30 days at 10 or 17 °C and with ambient or +80% DOC, which was achieved by concentrating humic substances from each lake via reverse osmosis.

Dissolved organic carbon amendments and warming significantly increase particulate C : P under montane, but not alpine conditions. While higher water temperature and DOC separately reduced phytoplankton abundance, together they increased phytoplankton by stimulating uptake of P. Warming stimulated only Daphnia while suppressing the abundance of the calanoid copepod Hesperodiaptomus when they originated from the three coldest lakes. Particulate C : P was positively correlated with Daphnia abundance and negatively correlated with Hesperodiaptomus, probably due to greater P‐retention by Daphnia.

Our findings highlight the importance of interactions between the ecological effects of higher temperature and increased inputs of terrestrial organic matter to forecasts of the net impact of global warming on mountain lakes. Such predictions may be confounded if they are derived solely from the expected sum of single effects by each climatic factor.
Estimation of the Change in Hydraulic Conductivity Above Mined Longwall Panels
Authors: Tammetta Paul
Published: January 2014

The change in hydraulic conductivity (K) above subsided longwall panels at underground coal mines is determined using a data base of pre‐mining and post‐mining K measurements made at multiple locations down the depth profile at each of a number of sites worldwide. Results show that, following caving of roof strata, there is a clear difference in the magnitude of changes in K above and below the top of the collapsed zone. Within the collapsed zone, relative increases in K are larger, even when taking account of measurements made in potentially unsaturated strata. A generalized conceptual model is presented for K change above subsided longwall panels. These results form a third independent database supporting the height of desaturation reported in an earlier study.
Incidence of group awareness information on students' collaborative learning processes
Authors: Pifarré M. , Cobos R. , Argelagós E.
Published: January 2014

This paper studies how the integration of group awareness tools in the knowledge management system called KnowCat (Knowledge Catalyser), which promotes collaborative knowledge construction, may both foster the students' perception about the meaningfulness of visualization of group awareness information and promote better collaborative processes as well as enhance better task performance. Forty‐seven university students participated in a research study, where one group of 23 students used KnowCat without the awareness console (non‐awareness group); the other 24 students used KnowCat with the awareness console (awareness group). Both groups used KnowCat during one semester. Data analysis revealed that the awareness group means were higher than those of the non‐awareness group in terms of participation, cognitive and metacognitive learning activities, and task performance. Moreover, students revealed that knowing what, where and how much their classmates were contributing acted as positive feedback by encouraging participation and orienting their own behaviour and their contribution to the collaborative work. In this paper, we claim that the visualization group awareness information in KnowCat, a utility allowing students to visualize and track what, where, how much and how often other participants contributed to the KnowCat knowledge area, had a positive impact on the students' collaborative behaviour.
In vitro effect of cortisol and urotensin I on arginine vasotocin and isotocin secretion from pituitary cells of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata
Authors: Kalamarz‐Kubiak H. , Meiri‐Ashkenazi I. , Kleszczyńska A. , Rosenfeld H.
Published: January 2014

This study aimed at determining whether in vitro secretion of two neuropeptides, arginine vasotocin (AVT) and isotocin (IT), from pituitary cells of gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata was affected by cortisol and urotensin (UI). Pituitary cells were exposed to 1·4 × 10−8, 1·4 × 10−7 and 0·4 × 10−6 M cortisol and 10−12, 10−10 and 10−8 M UI for 6, 24 and 48 h, respectively. AVT and IT contents were determined in the culture media by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An increase in AVT secretion and a decrease in IT secretion were observed at all cortisol doses. UI increased AVT secretion after 6 h of incubation at all doses. After 24 h, however, only the highest dose of UI still displayed an effect. IT secretion was not influenced by UI. It was thus demonstrated that cortisol does influence AVT and IT secretion from S. aurata pituitary cells, while UI regulates AVT secretion, as a component of hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal (HPI) axis in this species.
Sex differences in activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by methamphetamine
Authors: Zuloaga Damian G. , Johnson Lance A. , Agam Maayan , Raber Jacob
Published: January 2014

Dysregulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation is associated with changes in addiction‐related behaviors. In this study, we tested whether sex differences in the acute effects of methamphetamine (MA) exposure involve differential activation of the HPA axis. Male and female mice were injected with MA (1 mg/kg) or saline for comparison of plasma corticosterone and analysis of the immediate early gene c‐Fos in brain. There was a prolonged elevation in corticosterone levels in female compared to male mice. C‐Fos was elevated in both sexes following MA in HPA axis‐associated regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), central amygdala, cingulate, and CA3 hippocampal region. MA increased the number of c‐Fos and c‐Fos/glucocorticoid receptor (GR) dual‐labeled cells to a greater extent in males than females in the cingulate and CA3 regions. MA also increased the number of c‐fos/vasopressin dual‐labeled cells in the PVN as well as the number and percentage of c‐Fos/GR dual‐labeled cells in the PVN and central amygdala, although no sex differences in dual labeling were found in these regions. Thus, sex differences in MA‐induced plasma corticosterone levels and activation of distinct brain regions and proteins involved in HPA axis regulation may contribute to sex differences in acute effects of MA on the brain.

image

Methamphetamine induces a prolonged plasma corticosterone response in females compared to males. This may be mediated by increased neural activation, involving a greater activation of glucocorticoid receptor‐positive cells, in males in the CA3 and cingulate brain regions, which are involved in negative feedback functions. These findings indicate a sex difference in the neural regulation of methamphetamine‐induced plasma corticosterone release.
CNIH4 Interacts with Newly Synthesized GPCR and Controls Their Export from the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Sauvageau Etienne , Rochdi Moulay D. , Oueslati Morad , Hamdan Fadi F. , Percherancier Yann , Simpson Jeremy C. , Pepperkok Rainer , Bouvier Michel
Published: January 2014

The molecular mechanisms regulating G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) trafficking from their site of synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to their site of function (the cell surface) remain poorly characterized. Using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer‐based proteomic screen, we identified a novel GPCR‐interacting protein; the human cornichon homologue 4 (CNIH4). This previously uncharacterized protein is localized in the early secretory pathway where it interacts with members of the 3 family of GPCRs. Both overexpression and knockdown expression of CNIH4 caused the intracellular retention of GPCRs, indicating that this ER‐resident protein plays an important role in GPCR export. Overexpression of CNIH4 at low levels rescued the maturation and cell surface expression of an intracellularly retained mutant form of the β2‐adrenergic receptor, further demonstrating a positive role of CNIH4 in GPCR trafficking. Taken with the co‐immunoprecipitation of CNIH4 with Sec23 and Sec24, components of the COPII coat complex responsible for ER export, these data suggest that CNIH4 acts as a cargo‐sorting receptor, recruiting GPCRs into COPII vesicles.
Muscle Oxygenation Asymmetry in Ice Speed Skaters: Not Compensated by Compression
Authors: Born Dennis-Peter , Zinner Christoph , Herlitz Britta , Richter Katharina , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

The current investigation assessed tissue oxygenation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m race simulations in elite speed skaters on ice and the effects of leg compression on physiological, perceptual, and performance measures.

Methods:

Ten (6 female) elite ice speed skaters completed 2 on-ice trials with and without leg compression. Tissue oxygenation and local blood volume in both vastus lateralis muscles were assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. Continuous measures of oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, and velocity were conducted throughout the race simulations, as well as blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion before and after the trials. In addition, lap times were assessed.

Results:

The investigation of tissue oxygenation in both vastus lateralis muscles revealed an asymmetry (P < .00; effect size = 1.81) throughout the 3000-m race simulation. The application of leg compression did not affect oxygenation asymmetry (smallest P = .99; largest effect size = 0.31) or local blood volume (P = .33; 0.95). Lap times (P = .88; 0.43), velocity (P = .24; 0.84), oxygen uptake (P = .79; 0.10), ventilation (P = .11; 0.59), heart rate (P = .21; 0.89), blood lactate concentration (P = .82; 0.59), and ratings of perceived exertion (P = .19; 1.01) were also unaffected by the different types of clothing.

Conclusion:

Elite ice speed skaters show an asymmetry in tissue oxygenation of both vastus lateralis muscles during 3000-m events remaining during the long gliding phases along the straight sections of the track. Based on the data, the authors conclude that there are no performance-enhancing benefits from wearing leg compression under a normal racing suit.
Repeated-Sprint Ability and Team Selection in Australian Football League Players
Authors: Rossignol Peter Le , Gabbett Tim J. , Comerford Dan , Stanton Warren R.
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between selected physical capacities and repeated-sprint performance of Australian Football League (AFL) players and to determine which physical capacities contributed to being selected for the first competition game.

Methods:

Sum of skinfolds, 40-m sprint (with 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-m splits), repeated-sprint ability (6 × 30-m sprints), and 3-km-run time were measured during the preseason in 20 AFL players. The physical qualities of players selected to play the first match of the season and those not selected were compared. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship among variables, and a regression analysis identified variables significantly related to repeated-sprint performance.

Results:

In the regression analysis, maximum velocity was the best predictor of repeated-sprint time, with 3-km-run time also contributing significantly to the predictive model. Sum of skinfolds was significantly correlated with 10-m (r = .61, P < .01) and 30-m (r = .53, P < .05) sprint times. A 2.6% ± 2.1% difference in repeated-sprint time (P < .05, ES = 0.88 ± 0.72) was observed between those selected (25.26 ± 0.55 s) and not selected (25.82 ± 0.80 s) for the first game of the season.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that maximum-velocity training using intervals of 30–40 m may contribute more to improving repeated-sprint performance in AFL players than short 10- to 20-m intervals from standing starts. Further research is warranted to establish the relative importance of endurance training for improving repeated-sprint performance in AFL football.
Thirty-Eight Years of Training Distribution in Olympic Speed Skaters
Authors: Orie Jac , Hofman Nico , de Koning Jos J. , Foster Carl
Published: January 2014

During the last decade discussion about training-intensity distribution has been an important issue in sports science. Training-intensity distribution has not been adequately investigated in speed skating, a unique activity requiring both high power and high endurance.

Purpose:

To quantify the training-intensity distribution and training hours of successful Olympic speed skaters over 10 Olympiads.

Methods:

Olympic-medal-winning trainers/coaches and speed skaters were interviewed and their training programs were analyzed. Each program was qualified and quantified: workout type (specific and nonspecific) and training zones (zone 1 ≤2 mMol/L lactate, zone 2 2–4 mMol/L lactate, zone 3 lactate >4 mMol/L). Net training times were calculated.

Results:

The relation between total training hours and time (successive Olympiads) was not progressive (r = .51, P > .5). A strong positive linear relation (r = .96, P < .01) was found between training distribution in zone 1 and time. Zones 2 and 3 both showed a strong negative linear relation to time (r = –.94, P < .01; r = –.97, P < .01). No significant relation was found between speed skating hours and time (r = –.11, P > .05). This was also the case for inline skating and time (r = –.86, P > .05).

Conclusions:

These data indicate that in speed skating there was a shift toward polarized training over the last 38 y. This shift seems to be the most important factor in the development of Olympic speed skaters. Surprisingly there was no relation found between training hours, skating hours, and time.
Performance of a Redesigned HIV Selectest Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Optimized To Minimize Vaccine-Induced Seropositivity in HIV Vaccine Trial Participants
Authors: Penezina Oksana , Krueger Neil X. , Rodriguez-Chavez Isaac R. , Busch Michael P. , Hural John , Kim Jerome H. , O'Connell Robert J. , Hunter Eric , Aboud Said , Higgins Keith , Kovalenko Victor , Clapham David , Crane David , Levin Andrew E. ,   the HIV Selectest Study Group
Published: January 2014

Vaccine-induced seropositivity (VISP) or seroreactivity (VISR), defined as the reaction of antibodies elicited by HIV vaccines with antigens used in HIV diagnostic immunoassays, can result in reactive assay results for vaccinated but uninfected individuals, with subsequent misclassification of their infection status. The eventual licensure of a vaccine will magnify this issue and calls for the development of mitigating solutions in advance. An immunoassay that discriminates between antibodies elicited by vaccine antigens and those elicited by infection has been developed to address this laboratory testing need. The HIV Selectest is based on consensus and clade-specific HIV peptides that are omitted in many HIV vaccine constructs. The assay was redesigned to enhance performance across worldwide clades and to simplify routine use via a standard kit format. The redesigned assay was evaluated with sera from vaccine trial participants, HIV-infected and uninfected individuals, and healthy controls. The HIV Selectest exhibited specificities of 99.5% with sera from uninfected recipients of 6 different HIV vaccines and 100% with sera from normal donors, while detecting HIV-1 infections, including intercurrent infections, with 95 to 100% sensitivity depending on the clade, with the highest sensitivities for clades A and C. HIV Selectest sensitivity decreased in very early seroconversion specimens, which possibly explains the slightly lower sensitivity observed for asymptomatic blood donors than for clinical HIV cases. Thus, the HIV Selectest provides a new laboratory tool for use in vaccine settings to distinguish the immune response to HIV vaccine antigens from that due to true infection.
Specific Residues of PB2 and PA Influenza Virus Polymerase Subunits Confer the Ability for RNA Polymerase II Degradation and Virus Pathogenicity in Mice
Authors: Llompart C. M. , Nieto A. , Rodriguez-Frandsen A.
Published: January 2014

Influenza virus transcription requires functional coupling with cellular transcription for the cap-snatching process. Despite this fact, RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) is degraded during infection in a process triggered by the viral polymerase. Reassortant viruses from the A/PR/8/34 (PR8) strain that induce (hvPR8) or do not induce (lvPR8) RNAP II degradation led to the identification of PA and PB2 subunits as responsible for the degradation process. Three changes in the PB2 sequence (I105M, N456D, and I504V) and two in PA (Q193H and I550L) differentiate PA and PB2 of lvPR8 from those of hvPR8. Using recombinant viruses, we observed that changes at position 504 of PB2, together with 550 of PA, confer the ability on lvPR8 for RNAP II degradation and, conversely, abolish hvPR8 degradation capacity. Since hvPR8 is more pathogenic than lvPR8 in mice, we tested the potential contribution of RNAP II degradation in a distant viral strain, the 2009 pandemic A/California/04/09 (CAL) virus, whose PA and PB2 subunits are of avian origin. As in the hvPR8 virus, mutations at positions 504 of PB2 and 550 of PA in CAL virus abolished its RNAP II degradation capacity. Moreover, in an
in vivo
model, the CAL-infected mice lost more body weight, and 75% lethality was observed in this situation compared with 100% survival in mutant-CAL- or mock-infected animals. These results confirm the involvement of specific PB2 and PA residues in RNAP II degradation, which correlates with pathogenicity in mice of viruses containing human or avian polymerase PB2 and PA subunits.

IMPORTANCE
The influenza virus polymerase induces the degradation of RNAP II, which probably cooperates to avoid the antiviral response. Here, we have characterized two specific residues located in the PA and PB2 polymerase subunits that mediate this degradation in different influenza viruses. Moreover, a clear correlation between RNAP II degradation and
in vivo
pathogenicity in mice was observed, indicating that the degradative process constitutes a viral pathogenicity factor.
Amino Acid Substitutions in Polymerase Basic Protein 2 Gene Contribute to the Pathogenicity of the Novel A/H7N9 Influenza Virus in Mammalian Hosts
Authors: Mok Chris Ka Pun , Lee Horace Hok Yeung , Lestra Maxime , Nicholls John Malcolm , Chan Michael Chi Wai , Sia Sin Fun , Zhu Huachen , Poon Leo Lit Man , Guan Yi , Peiris Joseph Sriyal Malik
Published: January 2014

A novel avian-origin influenza A/H7N9 virus emerged in 2013 to cause more than 130 cases of zoonotic human disease, with an overall case fatality rate of around 30% in cases detected. It has been shown that an E-to-K amino acid change at residue 627 of polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) occurred frequently in the H7N9 isolates obtained from humans but not in viruses isolated from poultry. Although this mutation has been reported to confer increased mammalian pathogenicity in other avian influenza subtypes, it has not been experimentally investigated in the H7N9 virus. In this study, we determined the contribution of PB2-E627K in H7N9 virus to its pathogenicity in mammalian hosts. In addition, the compensatory role of the PB2 mutations T271A, Q591K, and D701N in H7N9 virus was investigated. We characterized the activity of polymerase complexes with these PB2 mutations and found that they enhance the polymerase activity in human 293T cells. The rescued mutants enhanced growth in mammalian cells
in vitro
. Mice infected with the H7N9 mutant containing the avian signature protein PB2-627E showed a marked decrease in disease severity (weight loss) and pathology compared to mice infected with the wild-type strain (PB2-627K) or other PB2 mutants. Also, mutants with PB2-627E showed lower virus replication and proinflammatory cytokine responses in the lungs of the virus-infected mice, which may contribute to pathogenicity. Our results suggest that these amino acid substitutions contribute to mouse pathogenicity and mammalian adaptation.

IMPORTANCE
A novel avian H7N9 influenza A virus emerged in east China in 2013 to cause zoonotic human disease associated with significant mortality. It is important to understand the viral genetic markers of mammalian adaptation and disease severity in this H7N9 virus. Since many human (but not avian) H7N9 virus isolates have an amino acid substitution at position E627K in the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) gene, we investigated the role of this and other functionally related mutations for polymerase activity
in vitro
, virus replication competence, and pathogenicity in the mouse model. We found that E627K and functionally related mutations are associated with increased polymerase activity, increased viral replication competence, and increased disease severity in mice.
MyD88-Dependent Immunity to a Natural Model of Vaccinia Virus Infection Does Not Involve Toll-Like Receptor 2
Authors: Davies Michael L. , Sei Janet J. , Siciliano Nicholas A. , Xu Ren-Huan , Roscoe Felicia , Sigal Luis J. , Eisenlohr Laurence C. , Norbury Christopher C.
Published: January 2014

Although the pattern recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is typically thought to recognize bacterial components, it has been described to alter the induction of both innate and adaptive immunity to a number of viruses, including vaccinia virus (VACV). However, many pathogens that reportedly encode TLR2 agonists may actually be artifactually contaminated during preparation, possibly with cellular debris or merely with molecules that sensitize cells to be activated by authentic TLR2 agonists. In both humans and mice, the most relevant natural route of infection with VACV is through intradermal infection of the skin. Therefore, we examined the requirement for TLR2 and its signaling adaptor MyD88 in protective immunity to VACV after intradermal infection. We find that although TLR2 may recognize virus preparations
in vitro
and have a minor role in preventing dissemination of VACV following systemic infection with large doses of virus, it is wholly disposable in both control of virus replication and induction of adaptive immunity following intradermal infection. In contrast, MyD88 is required for efficient induction of CD4 T cell and B cell responses and for local control of virus replication following intradermal infection. However, even MyD88 is not required to induce local inflammation, inflammatory cytokine production, or recruitment of cells that restrict virus from spreading systemically after peripheral infection. Thus, an effective antiviral response does require MyD88, but TLR2 is not required for control of a peripheral VACV infection. These findings emphasize the importance of studying relevant routes of infection when examining innate sensing mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE
Vaccinia virus (VACV) provides the backbone for some of the most widely used and successful viral vaccine vectors and is also related to the human pathogens Cantagalo virus and molluscum contagiosum virus that infect the skin of patients. Therefore, it is vital to understand the mechanisms that induce a strong innate immune response to the virus following dermal infection. Here, we compare the ability of the innate sensing molecule Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and the signaling molecule MyD88 to influence the innate and adaptive immune response to VACV following systemic or dermal infection.
The Human Papillomavirus E7 Proteins Associate with p190RhoGAP and Alter Its Function
Authors: Todorovic Biljana , Nichols Anthony C. , Chitilian Jennifer M. , Myers Michael P. , Shepherd Trevor G. , Parsons Sarah J. , Barrett John W. , Banks Lawrence , Mymryk Joe S.
Published: January 2014

Using mass spectrometry, we identified p190RhoGAP (p190) as a binding partner of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E7. p190 belongs to the GTPase activating protein (GAP) family and is one of the primary GAPs for RhoA. GAPs stimulate the intrinsic GTPase activity of the Rho proteins, leading to Rho inactivation and influencing numerous biological processes. RhoA is one of the best-characterized Rho proteins and is specifically involved in formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers, thereby regulating cell migration and cell spreading. Since this is the first report that E7 associates with p190, we carried out detailed interaction studies. We show that E7 proteins from other HPV types also bind p190. Furthermore, we found that conserved region 3 (CR3) of E7 and the middle domain of p190 are important for this interaction. More specifically, we identified two residues in CR3 of E7 that are necessary for p190 binding and used mutants of E7 with mutations of these residues to determine the biological consequences of the E7-p190 interaction. Our data suggest that the interaction of E7 with p190 dysregulates this GAP and alters the actin cytoskeleton. We also found that this interaction negatively regulates cell spreading on a fibronectin substrate and therefore likely contributes to important aspects of the HPV life cycle or HPV-induced tumorigenesis.

IMPORTANCE
This study identifies p190RhoGAP as a novel cellular binding partner for the human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 protein. Our study shows that a large number of different HPV E7 proteins bind p190RhoGAP, and it identifies regions in both E7 and p190RhoGAP which are important for the interaction to occur. This study also highlights the likelihood that the E7-p190RhoGAP interaction may have important biological consequences related to actin organization in the infected cell. These changes could be an important contributor to the viral life cycle and during progression to cancer in HPV-infected cells. Importantly, this work also emphasizes the need for further study in a field which has largely been unexplored as it relates to the HPV life cycle and HPV-induced transformation.