bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGGLOMERATION, URBAN WAGE PREMIUMS, AND COLLEGE MAJORS
Authors: Liu Shimeng 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to examine the manner and extent to which worker skill type affects agglomeration economies that contribute to productivity in cities. I use college majors to proxy for skill types among workers with a bachelor's degree. Workers with college training in information‐oriented and technical fields (e.g., STEM areas such as engineering, physical sciences, and economics) are associated with economically important within‐field agglomeration economies and also generate sizeable spillovers for workers in other fields. In contrast, within‐field and across‐field spillovers for workers with college training in the arts and humanities are much smaller and often nonexistent. While previous research suggests proximity to college‐educated workers enhances productivity, these findings suggest that not all college‐educated workers are alike. Instead, positive spillover effects appear to derive mostly from proximity to workers with college training in information‐oriented and technical fields.
Warming and nitrogen addition effects on bryophytes are species‐ and plant community‐specific on the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Shou‐Qin , Wang Gen‐Xu , Chang Scott X. , Bhatti Jagtar S. , Tian Wei‐Li , Luo Ji 
Published: October 2016

AbstractQuestionGlobal change is likely to strongly affect alpine and sub‐alpine regions, in which bryophytes are important components. Global change effects on sub‐alpine vegetation, bryophytes in particular, however, have been addressed in few studies. We ask if global warming and increased nitrogen (N) deposition, two of the most important components of global change, will have different effects on bryophyte communities and species in sub‐alpine coniferous and shrubland ecosystems.LocationEastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau.MethodsWe established a warming by N deposition experiment, using a 2 × 2 factorial design, replicated three times, in each of two sub‐alpine ecosystems. Effects on bryophytes at the community and species levels were evaluated after 4 (shrubland) and 5 (coniferous forest) years of warming and N deposition treatments.ResultsBryophyte cover increased in the first two growing seasons and thereafter decreased until the end of the experiment in all treatments, most strongly in warming plots in both ecosystems and in N deposition plots in the coniferous forest. At the species level, the pleurocarpous bryophyte Pleurozium schreberi was resilient to warming but sensitive to N deposition, while the acrocarpous bryophytes Rhizomnium tuomikoskii and Racomitrium japonicum were resilient to N addition but sensitive to warming.ConclusionsEffects of warming and increased N deposition on bryophytes were species‐ and to some extent also ecosystem‐specific in the experiment in the sub‐alpine region, indicating that bryophytes do not respond to global change as one single functional group. The observed species replacements in response to warming and N deposition may affect ecosystem processes.
Left in the dust: differential effectiveness of the two alternative adhesive pad configurations in geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota)
Authors: Russell A. P. , Delaugerre M.‐J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTwo distinctive patterns of adhesive toepad are found in the Gekkota – terminal leaf‐like pads situated at the distal ends of the digits, and basal pads that encroach more proximally along the digits, are proportionally larger and are associated with more than just the ungual and distal portion of the penultimate phalanges. Although these two configurations have long been recognized, there has been no explanation of whether or not they are functionally different. A small offshore island provided a potential arena for testing the possibility of differential functionality of these two patterns. Euleptes europaea, a leaf‐padded taxon, is widespread on Giraglia Island (Corsica), whereas Tarentola mauritanica, a basally padded recent colonizer, has remained restricted to its one concrete building. Challenges to adhesion occur on dusty surfaces, and the self‐cleaning mechanism of gecko setal fields can be rendered ineffective if the dust is ubiquitous. Giraglia is composed of prasinite, an inherently friable and dusty schist. The leaf‐like terminal pads of E. europaea can be withdrawn from close contact with dusty surfaces, leaving the claws alone to provide traction. The digits of T. mauritanica more fully integrate the claws and adhesive pad, with full‐digit hyperextension rendering the claws alone incapable of gripping the surface. Colonization of Giraglia by T. mauritanica has failed because its adhesive system is incompatible with the island's rocky terrain. This has permitted the relictual E. europaea to persist in the face of potentially intense competition. Our findings shed light on the previously noted association of leaf‐like pads with rupicolous habits, and indicate that an enhanced understanding of particular surfaces that leaf‐padded geckos exploit may further clarify how definitive these associations are.
Selective IgA Deficiency: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Phenotype, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management
Authors: Yazdani R. , Azizi G. , Abolhassani H. , Aghamohammadi A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSelective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) is the most common primary antibody deficiency. Although more patients with SIgAD are asymptomatic, selected patients suffer from different clinical complications such as pulmonary infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and malignancy. Pathogenesis of SIgAD is still unknown; however, a defective terminal differentiation of B cells and defect in switching to IgA‐producing plasma cells are presumed to be responsible. Furthermore, some cytogenic defects and monogenic mutations are associated with SIgAD. There is no specific treatment for patients with symptomatic IgA deficiency, although prophylactic antibiotic therapy along with circumstantial immunoglobulin replacement with justification and supportive care (using a product that contains minimal IgA) could be helpful for patients with a severe phenotype. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical phenotype, diagnosis, prognosis, management and treatment in patients with SIgAD have been reviewed.
Role of Serum Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgA, IgM, and IgG in the Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Related Pneumonia in School-Age Children and Adolescents
Authors: Lee Wei-Ju , Huang Eng-Yen , Tsai Chih-Min , Kuo Kuang-Che , Huang Yi-Chuan , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Niu Chen-Kuang , Yu Hong-Ren 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is an important causative pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in children. Rapid and reliable laboratory diagnosis of
M. pneumoniae
infection is important so that appropriate antibiotic treatment can be initiated to reduce the misuse of drugs and resistance rates. Anti-
M. pneumoniae
immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an indicator of recent primary infection but can persist for several months after initial infection. It has been suggested that anti-
M. pneumoniae
immunoglobulin A (IgA) can be a reliable indicator for recent
M. pneumoniae
infection in adults. We investigated the clinical diagnostic value of
M. pneumoniae
IgA in school-age children and adolescents with
M. pneumoniae
-related pneumonia. Eighty children with pneumonia and seropositive for
M. pneumoniae
IgM or with a 4-fold increase of anti-
M. pneumoniae
immunoglobulin G (IgG) were enrolled from May 2015 to March 2016. The titers of
M. pneumoniae
IgA, IgM, and IgG, the clinical features, and laboratory examinations of blood, C-reactive protein, and liver enzymes were analyzed. The initial positivity rates for
M. pneumoniae
IgM and IgA upon admission to the hospital were 63.6 and 33.8%, respectively. One week after admission, the cumulative positivity rates for
M. pneumoniae
IgM and IgA increased to 97.5 and 56.3%, respectively. Detection of
M. pneumoniae
IgM was more sensitive than detection of
M. pneumoniae
IgA for the diagnosis of
M. pneumoniae
-related pneumonia in school-age children and adolescents; however, paired sera are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis.
Structural Biology of the Arterivirus nsp11 Endoribonucleases
Authors: Zhang Manfeng , Li Xiaorong , Deng Zengqin , Chen Zhenhang , Liu Yang , Gao Yina , Wu Wei , Chen Zhongzhou 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Endoribonuclease (NendoU) is unique and conserved as a major genetic marker in nidoviruses that infect vertebrate hosts. Arterivirus nonstructural protein 11 (nsp11) was shown to have NendoU activity and play essential roles in the viral life cycle. Here, we report three crystal structures of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) nsp11 mutants. The structures of arterivirus nsp11 contain two conserved compact domains: the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD). The structures of PRRSV and EAV endoribonucleases are similar and conserved in the arterivirus, but they are greatly different from that of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronaviruses (CoV), representing important human pathogens in the
Nidovirales
order. The catalytic center of NendoU activity is located in the CTD, where a positively charged groove is next to the key catalytic residues conserved in nidoviruses. Although the NTD is nearly identical, the catalytic region of the arterivirus nsp11 family proteins is remarkably flexible, and the oligomerization may be concentration dependent. In summary, our structures provide new insight into this key multifunctional NendoU family of proteins and lay a foundation for better understanding of the molecular mechanism and antiviral drug development.

IMPORTANCE
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and equine arteritis virus are two major members of the arterivirus family. PRRSV, a leading swine pathogen, causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. Due to the lack of a suitable vaccine or effective drug treatment and the quick spread of these viruses, infected animals either die quickly or must be culled. PRRSV costs the swine industry around $644 million annually in the United States and almost €1.5 billion in Europe every year. To find a way to combat these viruses, we focused on the essential viral nonstructural protein 11 (nsp11). nsp11 is associated with multiple functions, such as RNA processing and suppression of the infected host innate immunity system. The three structures solved in this study provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of this crucial protein family and will benefit the development of new treatments against these deadly viruses.
Design andIn VivoCharacterization of Immunoconjugates Targeting HIV gp160
Authors: Pincus Seth H. , Song Kejing , Maresh Grace A. , Frank Anderson , Worthylake David , Chung Hye-Kyung , Polacino Patricia , Hamer Dean H. , Coyne Cody P. , Rosenblum Michael G. , Marks John W. , Chen Gang , Weiss Deborah , Ghetie Victor , Vitetta Ellen S. , Robinson James E. , Hu Shiu-Lok 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe envelope (Env) glycoprotein of HIV is expressed on the surface of productively infected cells and can be used as a target for cytotoxic immunoconjugates (ICs), in which cell-killing moieties, including toxins, drugs, or radionuclides, are chemically or genetically linked to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) or other targeting ligands. Such ICs could be used to eliminate persistent reservoirs of HIV infection. We have found that MAbs which bind to the external loop of gp41, e.g., MAb 7B2, make highly effective ICs, particularly when used in combination with soluble CD4. We evaluated the toxicity, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the ICs targeted with 7B2 in mice and in simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques. In the macaques, we tested immunotoxins (ITs), consisting of protein toxins bound to the targeting agent. ITs were well tolerated and initially efficacious but were ultimately limited by their immunogenicity. In an effort to decrease immunogenicity, we tested different toxic moieties, including recombinant toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and tubulin inhibitors. ICs containing deglycosylated ricin A chain prepared from ricin toxin extracted from castor beans were the most effective in killing HIV-infected cells. Having identified immunogenicity as a major concern, we show that conjugation of IT to polyethylene glycol limits immunogenicity. These studies demonstrate that cytotoxic ICs can target virus-infected cellsin vivobut also highlight potential problems to be addressed.IMPORTANCEIt is not yet possible to cure HIV infection. Even after years of fully effective antiviral therapy, a persistent reservoir of virus-infected cells remains. Here we propose that a targeted conjugate consisting of an anti-HIV antibody bound to a toxic moiety could function to kill the HIV-infected cells that constitute this reservoir. We tested this approach in HIV-infected cells grown in the lab and in animal infections. Our studies demonstrated that these immunoconjugates are effective bothin vitroand in test animals. In particular, ITs constructed with the deglycosylated A chain prepared from native ricin were the most effective in killing cells, but their utility was blunted because they provoked immune reactions that interfered with the therapeutic effects. We then demonstrated that coating of the ITs with polyethylene glycol minimized the immunogenicity, as has been demonstrated with other protein therapies.
Carbon Monoxide Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication by the Cyclic GMP/Protein Kinase G and NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Angke , Zhao Lijuan , Li Na , Duan Hong , Liu Hongliang , Pu Fengxing , Zhang Gaiping , Zhou En-Min , Xiao Shuqi 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses to the pork industry worldwide each year. Our previous research demonstrated that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can suppress PRRSV replication via an unknown molecular mechanism. In this study, inhibition of PRRSV replication was demonstrated to be mediated by carbon monoxide (CO), a downstream metabolite of HO-1. Using several approaches, we demonstrate that CO significantly inhibited PRRSV replication in both a PRRSV permissive cell line, MARC-145, and the predominant cell type targeted during
in vivo
PRRSV infection, porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Our results showed that CO inhibited intercellular spread of PRRSV; however, it did not affect PRRSV entry into host cells. Furthermore, CO was found to suppress PRRSV replication via the activation of the cyclic GMP/protein kinase G (cGMP/PKG) signaling pathway. CO significantly inhibits PRRSV-induced NF-κB activation, a required step for PRRSV replication. Moreover, CO significantly reduced PRRSV-induced proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that CO exerts its anti-PRRSV effect by activating the cellular cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and by negatively regulating cellular NF-κB signaling. These findings not only provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of HO-1 inhibition of PRRSV replication but also suggest potential new control measures for future PRRSV outbreaks.

IMPORTANCE
PRRSV causes great economic losses each year to the swine industry worldwide. Carbon monoxide (CO), a metabolite of HO-1, has been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral activities in infected cells. Our previous research demonstrated that HO-1 can suppress PRRSV replication. Here we show that endogenous CO produced through HO-1 catalysis mediates the antiviral effect of HO-1. CO inhibits PRRSV replication by activating the cellular cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and by negatively regulating cellular NF-κB signaling. These findings not only provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of HO-1 inhibition of PRRSV replication but also suggest potential new control measures for future PRRSV outbreaks.
Fungal Sex: The
Ascomycota
Authors: Bennett Richard J. , Turgeon B. Gillian 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

This article provides an overview of sexual reproduction in the ascomycetes, a phylum of fungi that is named after the specialized sacs or “asci” that hold the sexual spores. They have therefore also been referred to as the Sac Fungi due to these characteristic structures that typically contain four to eight ascospores. Ascomycetes are morphologically diverse and include single-celled yeasts, filamentous fungi, and more complex cup fungi. The sexual cycles of many species, including those of the model yeasts
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
and the filamentous saprobes
Neurospora crassa
,
Aspergillus nidulans
, and
Podospora anserina
, have been examined in depth. In addition, sexual or parasexual cycles have been uncovered in important human pathogens such as
Candida albicans
and
Aspergillus fumigatus
, as well as in plant pathogens such as
Fusarium graminearum
and
Cochliobolus heterostrophus
. We summarize what is known about sexual fecundity in ascomycetes, examine how structural changes at the mating-type locus dictate sexual behavior, and discuss recent studies that reveal that pheromone signaling pathways can be repurposed to serve cellular roles unrelated to sex.
Latent
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Infection and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays
Authors: Pai Madhukar , Behr Marcel 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

The identification of individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is useful for both fundamental understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and for clinical and public health interventions (i.e., to prevent progression to disease). Basic research suggests there is a pathogenetic continuum from exposure to infection to disease, and individuals may advance or reverse positions within the spectrum, depending on changes in the host immunity. Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic test that resolves the various stages within the spectrum of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection. Two main immune-based approaches are currently used for identification of LTBI: the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). TST can use either the conventional purified protein derivative or more specific antigens. Extensive research suggests that both TST and IGRA represent indirect markers of
M. tuberculosis
exposure and indicates a cellular immune response to
M. tuberculosis
. The imperfect concordance between these two tests suggests that neither test is perfect, presumably due to both technical and biological reasons. Neither test can accurately differentiate between LTBI and active TB. Both IGRA and TST have low sensitivity in a variety of immunocompromised populations. Cohort studies have shown that both TST and IGRA have low predictive value for progression from infection to active TB. For fundamental applications, basic research is necessary to identify those at highest risk of disease with a positive TST and/or IGRA. For clinical applications, the identification of such biomarkers can help prioritize efforts to interrupt progression to disease through preventive therapy.
Mycobacterium bovisBCG and New Vaccines for the Prevention of Tuberculosis
Authors: Lahey Timothy , von Reyn C. Fordham 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTTuberculosis infects millions of people worldwide and remains a leading global killer despite widespread neonatal administration of the tuberculosis vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). BCG has clear and sustained efficacy, but after 10 years, its efficacy appears to wane, at least in some populations. Fortunately, there are many new tuberculosis vaccines in development today, some in advanced stages of clinical trial testing. Here we review the epidemiological need for tuberculosis vaccination, including evolving standards for administration to at risk individuals in developing countries. We also examine proven sources of immune protection from tuberculosis, which to date have exclusively involved natural or vaccine exposure to whole cell mycobacteria. After summarizing evidence for the use and efficacy of BCG, we detail the most promising new candidate vaccines against tuberculosis. The global need for a new tuberculosis vaccine is acute and huge, but clinical trials to be completed in the coming few years are likely either to identify a new tuberculosis vaccine or to substantially reframe how we understand immune protection from this historical scourge.
Inclusion of walnut in the diets of adults at risk for type 2 diabetes and their dietary pattern changes: a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial
Authors: Njike Valentine Yanchou , Yarandi Niloufarsadat , Petraro Paul , Ayettey Rockiy G , Treu Judith A , Katz David L 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundIn our recently published study, including walnuts in the diets of adults with prediabetes led to overall improvement in diet quality. This report adds to those study findings by examining the food groups displaced during walnut inclusion in the diets of those adults with prediabetes.MethodsRandomized, controlled, modified Latin square parallel design with 2 treatment arms. The 112 participants (31 men, 81 women) were randomly assigned to a diet with or without dietary counseling to regulate calorie intake in a 1:1 ratio. Within each treatment arm, participants were further randomized to 1 of 2 sequence permutations to receive a walnut-included diet with 56 g (366 kcal) of walnuts per day and a walnut-excluded diet. Participants in the calorie-regulated arm received advice from a dietitian to preserve an isocaloric condition while including walnuts. We analyzed the 12 components of the 2010 Healthy Eating Index to examine dietary pattern changes of study participants.ResultsSeafood and plant protein foods intake significantly increased with walnut inclusion, compared with their exclusion (2.14±2.06 vs −0.49±2.33; p=0.003). The ingestion of healthful fatty acids also significantly increased with walnut inclusion, compared with their exclusion (1.43±4.53 vs −1.76±4.80; p=0.02). Dairy ingestion increased with walnut inclusion in the calorie-regulated phase, compared with walnut inclusion without calorie regulation (1.06±4.42 vs −2.15±3.64; p=0.02).ConclusionsOur data suggest that walnut inclusion in the diets of adults at risk for diabetes led to an increase in intake of other healthful foods.Trial registration numberNCT02330848.