bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activated natural killer T cells producing interferon-gamma elicit promoting activity to murine dendritic cell-based autoimmune hepatic inflammation
Authors: Nakano M , Saeki C , Takahashi H , Homma S , Tajiri H , Zeniya M 
Published: August 2012

Summary
As natural killer (NK) T cells play an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases, they should have significant roles for the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver disease. Implication of the NK T cells in the generation of autoimmune-related hepatic inflammation was investigated using a novel mouse model. Immunization of mice with dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with hepatocyte-mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma cells (DC/Hepa1-6) induces cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) capable of killing hepatocytes. Subsequent administration of interleukin (IL)-12, a potent interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) inducer, to the immunized mice generates autoimmune hepatic inflammation (AHI), as reported previously. Upon onset of the AHI response, the number of intrahepatic CD3+NK1·1+NK T cells increased markedly, along with a decrease in the number of splenic NK T cells, augmented expression of CXCR6 on intrahepatic NK T cells and CXCL16 in hepatic tissue, suggesting that NK T cells were recruited into the inflamed liver. The NK T cells were strongly positive for CD69 and produced IFN-γ, but not IL-4. AHI activity was attenuated markedly in CD1d–/–NK T cell-deficient mice, indicating that NK T cells play a pivotal role in the development of AHI. Mice treated with DC/Hepa1-6 and alpha-galactosylceramide, a potent NK T cell activator, also exhibited similar hepatic inflammation, in which activated NK T cells producing IFN-γ and CD8+ T cells cytotoxic to hepatocytes were induced in liver-infiltrating mononuclear cells. Activated NK T cells producing IFN-γ potentiate DC-based AHI in the mouse model.
Osmotic dehydration of the Indian fig (Opuntia ficus indica) with binary and ternary solutions
Authors: Vasconcelos Janusa I. L. A. , Andrade Samara A. C. , Maciel Maria I. S. , Guerra Nonete B. , Vasconcelos Margarida A. S. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe objective of this work was to study osmotic dehydration (OD) of the Indian fig with two binary solutions (sucrose/water and glucose/water) and a ternary solution (sucrose/NaCl/water) according to a 23 factorial design with independent variables: temperature (30–50 °C), immersion time (90–240 min) and concentration (40–60 °Brix). The dependent variables were water loss (WL), solid gain (SG) and dehydration efficiency index. The temperature had greater influence on the WL in the three hypertonic solutions studied; the concentration had greater influence on the SG in the three hypertonic solutions investigated and the best conditions for the OD of the Indian fig were in glucose solution at 40 °Brix, 40 °C and 165 min.
The archetype Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteins TssB and TagJ form a novel subcomplex in the bacterial type VI secretion system
Authors: Lossi Nadine S. , Manoli Eleni , Simpson Pete , Jones Cerith , Hui Kailyn , Dajani Rana , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Freemont Paul , Filloux Alain 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn Pseudomonas aeruginosa three type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) coexist, called H1‐ to H3‐T6SSs. Several T6SS components are proposed to be part of a macromolecular complex resembling the bacteriophage tail. The T6SS protein HsiE1 (TagJ) is unique to the H1‐T6SS and absent from the H2‐ and H3‐T6SSs. We demonstrate that HsiE1 interacts with a predicted N‐terminal α‐helix in HsiB1 (TssB) thus forming a novel subcomplex of the T6SS. HsiB1 is homologous to the Vibrio cholerae VipA component, which contributes to the formation of a bacteriophage tail sheath‐like structure. We show that the interaction between HsiE1 and HsiB1 is specific and does not occur between HsiE1 and HsiB2. Proteins of the TssB family encoded in T6SS clusters lacking a gene encoding a TagJ‐like component are often devoid of the predicted N‐terminal helical region, which suggests co‐evolution. We observe that a synthetic peptide corresponding to the N‐terminal 20 amino acids of HsiB1 interacts with purified HsiE1 protein. This interaction is a common feature to other bacterial T6SSs that display a TagJ homologue as shown here with Serratia marcescens. We further show that hsiE1 is a non‐essential gene for the T6SS and suggest that HsiE1 may modulate incorporation of HsiB1 into the T6SS.
A Phytophthora conserved transposon‐like DNA element as a potential target for soyabean root rot disease diagnosis
Authors: Dai T.‐T. , Meng J. , Dong S. , Lu C.‐C. , Ye W. , Zheng X. , Wang Y.‐C. 
Published: August 2012

A transposon‐like element, A3aPro, with multiple copies in the Phytophthora sojae genome, was identified as a suitable detection target for this devastating soyabean root rot pathogen. The PCR primers TrapF1/TrapR1 were designed based on unique sequences derived from the transposon‐like sequence. A 267‐bp DNA fragment was amplified using this primer pair, the specificity of which was evaluated against 118 isolates of P. sojae, 72 isolates of 25 other Phytophthora spp., isolates of Pythium spp. and isolates of true fungi. In tests with P. sojae genomic DNA, detection sensitivities of 10 pg and 10 fg DNA were achieved in standard PCR (TrapF1/TrapR1) and nested PCR (TrapF1/TrapR1 and TrapF2/TrapR2), respectively. Meanwhile, PCR with TrapF1/TrapR1 primers detected the pathogen at the level of a single oospore, and even one zoospore. These primers also proved to be efficient in detecting pathogens from diseased soyabean tissues, residues and soils. In addition, real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays coupled with the TrapF1/TrapR1 primers were developed to detect and quantify the pathogen. The results demonstrated that the TrapF1/TrapR1 and TrapF2/TrapR2 primer‐based PCR assay provides a rapid and sensitive tool for the detection of P. sojae in plants and in production fields.
Detection of phytopathogens of the genus Dickeya using a PCR primer prediction pipeline for draft bacterial genome sequences
Authors: Pritchard L. , Humphris S. , Saddler G. S. , Parkinson N. M. , Bertrand V. , Elphinstone J. G. , Toth I. K. 
Published: August 2012

This study used a novel computational pipeline to exploit draft bacterial genome sequences in order to predict, automatically and rapidly, PCR primer sets for Dickeya spp. that were unbiased in terms of diagnostic gene choice. This pipeline was applied to 16 draft and four complete Dickeya genome sequences to generate >700 primer sets predicted to discriminate between Dickeya at the species level. Predicted diagnostic primer sets for both D. dianthicola (DIA‐A and DIA‐B) and ‘D. solani’ (SOL‐C and SOL‐D) were validated against a panel of 70 Dickeya reference strains, representative of the known diversity of this genus, to confirm primer specificity. The classification of the four previously sequenced strains was re‐examined and evidence of possible misclassification of three of these strains is presented.
Spatial variability of watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway during the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian–Toarcian)
Authors: HARAZIM DARIO , VAN DE SCHOOTBRUGGE BAS , SORICHTER KATRIN , FIEBIG JENS , WEUG ANDRIES , SUAN GUILLAUME , OSCHMANN WOLFGANG 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn order to constrain spatial variability in watermass conditions within the European Epicontinental Seaway prior to, during and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, carbon (δ13Cbel, δ13Ccarb) and oxygen (δ18Obel, δ18Ocarb) isotope records were obtained from three sections in the Grands Causses Basin (southern France). These data were then compared with similar records along a north–south transect across the European Epicontinental Seaway. As the conclusions reached here strongly depend on the reliability of belemnite calcites as archives of palaeoceanographic changes, an attempt was made to improve the understanding of isotope signals recorded in belemnite calcite. Intra‐rostral carbon and oxygen‐isotope data from six belemnite specimens belonging to the genusPassaloteuthiswere collected. Intra‐rostral carbon‐isotopes are influenced by vital effects, whereas oxygen‐isotopes reflect relative changes in temperature and salinity. Palaeotemperatures calculated from δ18Obel‐isotope records from the Grands Causses Basin confirm relatively low temperatures throughout the Late Pliensbachian. Similar cool water conditions have previously been shown in Germany, England, Spain and Portugal. A temperature increase of up to 6 °C is observed across the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary. A pronounced negative shift of at least −3‰ (Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite) is recorded in bulk carbonate carbon during the lowerHarpoceras serpentinumzone, typical of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. Before and after the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a good correlation between δ13Ccarband δ13Cbelexists, indicating well‐ventilated bottom‐waters and normal marine conditions. Instead, data for the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event indicate the development of a strong north–south gradient in salinity stratification and surface‐water productivity for the Western Tethyan realm. This study thus lends further support to a pronounced regional overprint on carbon and oxygen‐isotope records in epicontinental seaways.
Changes in biomarkers of bone resorption over the first six months after pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Polgreen L. E. , Rudser K. , Deyo M. , Smith A. , Baker K. S. , Petryk A. 
Published: August 2012

Polgreen LE, Rudser K, Deyo M, Smith A, Baker KS, Petryk A. Changes in biomarkers of bone resorption over the first six months after pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation.Abstract:  Bone loss has been observed within the first six months after HCT in both children and adults. While there is some evidence that bone formation may be reduced in children after HCT, it is currently unknown whether bone resorption is increased. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate changes in markers of bone resorption over the first six months after pediatric HCT. Twenty‐six participants (eight females) aged 10.9 ± 3.4 yr entered the study prior to HCT. Bone resorption was measured by urine DPD and PYD, and by plasma NTX and CTX. Seventeen participants who completed day +30 visit and either day +100 or +180 visits were included in the analysis. DPD increased between days +30 and +100 (mean change, 11.3 nmol/nmol creatinine; p = 0.012) and between days +30 and +180 (13.7 nmol/nmol creatinine; p = 0.036). PYD increased between days +30 and +100 (32 nmBCE/L; p = 0.019). CTX increased between baseline and day +100 (5.9 μg/L; p = 0.012). Changes in NTX levels were not statistically significant. This study shows that markers of bone resorption increase in children after HCT, suggesting that increased resorption may be a contributing factor to the pathophysiology of bone loss after pediatric HCT.
Inheritance of an extended diapause trait in theNorthern corn rootworm,Diabrotica barberi(Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)
Authors: French B. W. , Coates B. S. , Sappington T. W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDiapause is an adaptive trait that delays development or reproduction under unfavourable circumstances. The northern corn rootworm,Diabrotica barberiSmith &Lawrence, an important maize,Zea maysL., pest in the Diabroticite species complex, overwinters in diapause during the egg stage. SomeNCRpopulations are adapted to crop rotation by expressing an extended diapause (ED) trait that delays embryonic development for 2 years. ThisEDtrait has increased in frequency and geographic distribution since first reported inIllinois in 1932. Reciprocal single pair crosses among beetles from a laboratory colony with the ancestral 1‐year diapause trait and field collected beetles with the 2‐yearEDtrait indicated thatEDfemales laid significantly moreEDeggs than did females with the 1‐year diapause trait regardless of male genotype. TheEDtrait was highly heritable [realized heritability (h2) = 0.698 ± 0.314], with genetic dominance (D) of the trait strongly influenced by female genotype. Selection of theEDtrait and maintenance of polymorphic diapause phenotypes within maize‐soybean cropping systems is discussed in relation to response to a fluctuating environment and as a potentially advantageous life history adaptation.
Higher serum levels of soluble intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule predict peripheral artery disease in haemodialysis patients
Authors: CHENG CHI‐HUNG , CHEN YI‐SHYAN , SHU KUO‐HSIUNG , CHANG HORNG‐RONG , CHOU MING‐CHIH 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Serum levels of soluble intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), are elevated in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the levels of these cell adhesion molecules in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are unclear.Method:  A total of 112 HD patients were included and PAD was diagnosed using the ankle‐brachial index and Doppler ultrasound. Serum levels of sICAM‐1, sVCAM‐1 and MCP‐1 were assayed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  Out of 106 HD patients, 31 (27.7%) were diagnosed with PAD. After adjusting for risk factors, higher serum levels of sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 were associated with PAD in HD patients, with an odds ratio of 5.3 (95% CI 3.3–65.5) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.2–21.8) respectively. Using sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 for diagnosis of PAD in HD patients, sVCAM‐1 had a sensitivity of 72.4% and specificity of 62.3% for sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 had a sensitivity of 89.3% and a specificity of 40%. MCP‐1 was not associated with PAD in HD patients. In addition, the fistula of HD patients with PAD had a lower A‐V access flow.Conclusion:  sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 was associated with higher risk of PAD in HD patients. Moreover, HD patients with PAD had a lower blood flow and lower A‐V access flow. Our results showed that sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1 may be used as screening markers for PAD in HD patients.
Assessing the vulnerability of an assemblage of subtropical rainforest vertebrate species to climate change in south‐east Queensland
Authors: HAGGER VALERIE , FISHER DIANA , SCHMIDT SUSANNE , BLOMBERG SIMON 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGlobal climate change is a threat to ecosystems that are rich in biodiversity and endemism, such as the World Heritage‐listed subtropical rainforests of central eastern Australia. Possible effects of climate change on the biota of tropical rainforests have been studied, but subtropical rainforests have received less attention. We analysed published data for an assemblage of 38 subtropical rainforest vertebrate species in four taxonomic groups to evaluate their relative vulnerability to climate change. Focusing on endemic and/or threatened species, we considered two aspects of vulnerability: (i) resistance, defined by indicators of rarity (geographical range, habitat specificity and local abundance); and (ii) resilience, defined by indicators of a species potential to recover (reproductive output, dispersal potential and climatic niche). Our analysis indicated that frogs are most vulnerable to climate change, followed by reptiles, birds, then mammals. Many species in our assemblage are regionally endemic montane rainforest specialists with high vulnerability. Monitoring of taxa in regenerating rainforest showed that many species with high resilience traits also persisted in disturbed habitat, suggesting that they have capacity to recolonize habitats after disturbance, that is climate change‐induced events. These results will allow us to prioritize adaptation strategies for species most at risk. We conclude that to safeguard the most vulnerable amphibian, reptile and bird species against climate change, climatically stable habitats (cool refugia) that are currently without protection status need to be identified, restored and incorporated in the current reserve system. Our study provides evidence that montane subtropical rainforest deserves highest protection status as habitat for vulnerable taxa.
Coccidioidomycosis in returned Australian travellers
Authors: Subedi S. , Broom J. , Caffery M. , Bint M. , Sowden D. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides species. The disease has wide clinical presentation and a distinct geographical distribution. We describe two cases of coccidioidomycosis in returned Australian travellers who presented to Nambour Hospital. Knowledge of the international geographical distribution of endemic fungal infections and their clinical manifestations can assist in earlier diagnosis and appropriate management.
Foraging sequence, energy intake and torpor: an individual‐based field study of energy balancing in desert golden spiny mice
Authors: Levy Ofir , Dayan Tamar , Rotics Shay , Kronfeld‐Schor Noga 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe studied the relationship between sequence of foraging, energy acquired and use of torpor as an energy‐balancing strategy in diurnally active desert golden spiny mice. We hypothesised that individuals that arrive earlier to forage will get higher returns and consequently spend less time torpid. If that is the case, then early foragers can be viewed as more successful; if the same individuals arrive repeatedly early, they are likely to have higher fitness under conditions of resource limitation. For the first time, we show a relationship between foraging sequence and amount of resources removed, with individuals that arrive later to a foraging patch tending to receive lower energetic returns and to spend more time torpid. Torpor bears not only benefits but also significant costs, so these individuals pay a price both in lower energy intake and in extended periods of torpor, in what may well be a positive feedback loop.
Sell the rumour, buy the fact?
Authors: Marshall Ben R. , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat , Cooper Genevieve 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe document a high‐profile instance of mispricing that is puzzling given the gradual information diffusion hypothesis and the lack of obvious limits to arbitrage. An internet search in 2008 led to a story about United Airlines’ 2002 bankruptcy being re‐released as ‘news’. This resulted in United Airlines losing 73 per cent of its value and caused a $4.2 billion decline in the value of airline stocks and United Airlines suppliers. The incorrect bankruptcy ‘news’ was quickly retracted, which led to a rebound in other airline and supplier firms, but the stock price of United Airlines was adversely affected for 4 days.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials of the effects of low carbohydrate diets on cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Santos F. L. , Esteves S. S. , da Costa Pereira A. , Yancy Jr W. S. , Nunes J. P. L. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryA systematic review and meta‐analysis were carried out to study the effects of low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors (search performed on PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus databases). A total of 23 reports, corresponding to 17 clinical investigations, were identified as meeting the pre‐specified criteria. Meta‐analysis carried out on data obtained in 1,141 obese patients, showed the LCD to be associated with significant decreases in body weight (−7.04 kg [95% CI −7.20/−6.88]), body mass index (−2.09 kg m−2[95% CI −2.15/−2.04]), abdominal circumference (−5.74 cm [95% CI −6.07/−5.41]), systolic blood pressure (−4.81 mm Hg [95% CI −5.33/−4.29]), diastolic blood pressure (−3.10 mm Hg [95% CI −3.45/−2.74]), plasma triglycerides (−29.71 mg dL−1[95% CI −31.99/−27.44]), fasting plasma glucose (−1.05 mg dL−1[95% CI −1.67/−0.44]), glycated haemoglobin (−0.21% [95% CI −0.24/−0.18]), plasma insulin (−2.24 micro IU mL−1[95% CI −2.65/−1.82]) and plasma C‐reactive protein, as well as an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.73 mg dL−1[95%CI 1.44/2.01]). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and creatinine did not change significantly, whereas limited data exist concerning plasma uric acid.LCD was shown to have favourable effects on body weight and major cardiovascular risk factors; however the effects on long‐term health are unknown.
Making European Space in Spatial Planning in Northern Finland
Authors: Luukkonen Juho 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe article explores European integration in northern Finland. It examines the discursive side of the European integration process by investigating the interplay between European‐level spatial policies and regional territorial practices. Spatial planning is often portrayed from an instrumentalist view as a technical, evidence‐based policy. However, spatial planning is highly political and an effective way of space making: As an inclusive and/or exclusive action, it (re‐)defines spatial relations and (re‐)produces spatial scales. Thus, spatial planning is considered here as a central part of the European integration process through which the regions are spatialized as part of Europe. The empirical analysis shows that polycentrism is the main spatial idea underlying the reorganization of European space. The adaptation to European policies manifests itself through the subjectification, rescaling and relocation of the region.
Determinants of Local Highway Spending in North Carolina
Authors: Walden Michael L. , Eryuruk Gunce 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPublic spending, because it is influenced by elected officials, can be swayed by political considerations as well as socio‐economic factors. Previous studies have confirmed the importance of political measures in the allocation of general public spending as well as in spending for infrastructure and highway projects at the state level. This study examines the determinants of the allocation of state highway funds within one state—in North Carolina to counties during the period 1990–2005—and assesses the relative importance of socio‐economic and political factors in these decisions. Determinants were derived from three conceptual approaches to public spending: the median voter model, the special interest model, and the political model. Persistence was found in both highway construction spending and highway maintenance spending. In addition, employment market conditions were a strong determinant of highway construction spending, as was one political factor—the county's relative vote in the most recent election for the state's dominant political party. Highway maintenance spending was found to be dominated by median voter factors with no finding of political influence.