bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of amino acid substitutions in the VP2 B-C loop on antigenicity and pathogenicity of serotype Asia1 foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Xue Mei , Wang Haiwei , Li Wan , Zhou Guohui , Tu Yabin , Yu Li 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) exhibits a high degree of antigenic variability. Studies of the antigenic diversity and determination of amino acid changes involved in this diversity are important to the design of broadly protective new vaccines. Although extensive studies have been carried out to explore the molecular basis of the antigenic variation of serotype O and serotype A FMDV, there are few reports on Asia1 serotype FMDV.

Methods
Two serotype Asia1 viruses, Asia1/YS/CHA/05 and Asia1/1/YZ/CHA/06, which show differential reactivity to the neutralizing monoclonal antibody (nMAb) 1B4, were subjected to sequence comparison. Then a reverse genetics system was used to generate mutant versions of Asia1/YS/CHA/05 followed by comparative analysis of the antigenicity, growth property and pathogenicity in the suckling mice.

Results
Three amino acid differences were observed when the structural protein coding sequences of Asia1/1/YZ/CHA/06 were compared to that of Asia1/YS/CHA/05. Site-directed mutagenesis and Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the amino acid substitution in the B-C loop of the VP2 protein at position 72 is responsible for the antigenic difference between the two Asia1 FMDV strains. Furthermore, alignment of the amino acid sequences of VP2 proteins from serotype Asia1 FMDV strains deposited in GenBank revealed that most of the serotype Asia1 FMDV strains contain an Asn residue at position 72 of VP2. Therefore, we constructed a mutant virus carrying an Asp-to-Asn substitution at position 72 and named it rD72N. Our analysis shows that the Asp-to-Asn substitution inhibited the ability of the rD72N virus to react with the MAb 1B4 in immunofluorescence and neutralization assays. In addition, this substitution decreased the growth rate of the virus in BHK-21 cells and decreased the virulence of the virus in suckling mice compared with the Asia1/YS/CHA/05 parental strain.

Conclusions
These results suggest that variations in domains other than the hyper variable VP1 G-H loop (amino acid 140 to 160) are relevant to the antigenic diversity of FMDV. In addition, amino acid substitutions in the VP2 influenced replicative ability and virulence of the virus. Thus, special consideration should be given to the VP2 protein in research on structure-function relationships and in the development of an FMDV vaccine.
Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load in relation to HbA1c in Japanese obese adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the Saku Control Obesity Program
Authors: Goto Maki , Morita Akemi , Goto Atsushi , Sasaki Satoshi , Aiba Naomi , Shimbo Takuro , Terauchi Yasuo , Miyachi Motohiko , Noda Mitsuhiko , Watanabe Shaw 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Dietary glycemic index or load is thought to play an important role in glucose metabolism. However, few studies have investigated the relation between glycemic index (GI) or load (GL) and glycemia in Asian populations. In this cross-sectional analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the Saku Control Obesity Program, we examined the relation between the baseline GI or GL and glycemia (HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose [FPG] levels), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (HOMA-β), and other metabolic risk factors (lipid levels, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and adiposity measures).

Methods
The participants were 227 obese Japanese women and men. We used multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounding factors such as age, sex, visceral fat area, total energy intake, and physical activity levels.

Results
After adjustments for potential confounding factors, GI was not associated with HbA1c, but GL was positively associated with HbA1c. For increasing quartiles of GI, the adjusted mean HbA1c were 6.3%, 6.7%, 6.4%, and 6.4% (P for trend = 0.991). For increasing quartiles of GL, the adjusted mean HbA1c were 6.2%, 6.2%, 6.6%, and 6.5% (P for trend = 0.044). In addition, among participants with HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, 20 out of 28 (71%) had a high GL (≥ median); the adjusted odds ratio for HbA1c ≥ 7.0% among participants with higher GL was 3.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2 to 8.1) compared to the participants with a lower GL (<median). Further, among 16 participants with FPG ≥ 150 mg/dL, 13 participants (81.3%) had a higher GL; the adjusted odds ratio for FPG ≥ 150 mg/dL among participants with a higher GL was 8.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.7 to 43.4) compared to those with a lower GL. In contrast, GI and GL were not associated with metabolic risk factors other than glycemia.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that participants with poor glycemic control tend to have a higher GL in an obese Japanese population.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Pain-, Nerve- and Neurotrophin -Related Gene Expression in the Degenerating Human Annulus
Authors: Gruber Helen E , Hoelscher Gretchen L , Ingram Jane A , Hanley Edward N 
Published: September 2012

Background: In spite of its high clinical relevance, the relationship between disc degeneration and low back pain is still not well understood. Recent studies have shown that genome-wide gene expression studies utilizing ontology searches provide an efficient and valuable methodology for identification of clinically relevant genes. Here we use this approach in analysis of pain-, nerve-, and neurotrophin-related gene expression patterns in specimens of human disc tissue. Control, non-herniated clinical, and herniated clinical specimens of human annulus tissue were studied following Institutional Review Board approval. Results: Analyses were performed on more generated (Thompson grade IV and V) discs vs. less degenerated discs (grades I-III), on surgically operated discs vs. control discs, and on herniated vs. control discs. Analyses of more degenerated vs. less degenerated discs identified significant upregulation of well-recognized pain-related genes (bradykinin receptor B1, calcitonin gene-related peptide and catechol- 0-methyltransferase). Nerve growth factor was significantly upregulated in surgical vs. control and in herniated vs. control discs. All three analyses also found significant changes in numerous proinflammatory cytokine- and chemokine-related genes. Nerve, neurotrophin and pain-ontology searches identified many matrix, signaling and functional genes which have known importance in the disc. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to confirm the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide, catechol-0-methyltransferase and bradykinin receptor B1 at the protein level in the human annulus. Conclusions: Findings point to the utility of microarray analyses in identification of pain-, neurotrophin and nerve-related genes in the disc, and point to the importance of future work exploring functional interactions between nerve and disc cells in vitro and in vivo. Nerve, pain and neurotrophin ontology searches identified numerous changes in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines which also have significant relevance to disc biology. Since the degenerating human disc is primarily an avascular tissue site into which disc cells have contributed high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, these substances are not cleared from the tissue and remain there over time. We hypothesize that as nerves grow into the human annulus, they encounter a proinflammatory cytokine-rich milieu which may sensitize nociceptors and exacerbate pain production.
Perceptions of neighborhood social environment and drug dependence among incarcerated women and men: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Rogers Jessica D , Ramaswamy Megha , Cheng Chin-I , Richter Kimber , Kelly Patricia J 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Perception of neighborhood social environment can influence an individual’s susceptibility to drug dependence. However, this has never been examined with a jailed sample, where frequent transitions between local jails and disadvantaged neighborhoods are common. Understanding these associations could aid in the design of targeted programs to decrease drug dependence and recidivism among the incarcerated.

Methods
For this study, 596 women and men from three Kansas City jails were surveyed over the course of six months in 2010. Drug dependence was assessed with DSM-IV criteria. Independent variables included fear of one’s neighborhood, perceived level of neighborhood violence, and social capital. All data were self-reported and were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results
Controlling for gender and age, fear of neighborhood violence was associated with increased odds of having drug dependence (OR = 1.27, CI 1.02, 1.58) and a higher level of social capital prior to incarceration was associated with lower odds of drug dependence (OR = 0.65, CI 0.44, 0.96). Mental health problem diagnosis and past year intimate partner violence were significant mediating factors. Gender and race/ethnicity were significant moderating factors between neighborhood disadvantage and drug dependence.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that drug dependence programs for women and men who cycle between jails and communities require both individual- and community-level interventions. To be most effective, programs at the community-level should focus on helping specific groups navigate their communities, as well as address individual health needs associated with drug dependence.
Monitoring of adverse drug reactions associated with antihypertensive medicines at a university teaching hospital in New Delhi
Authors: Khurshid Fowad , Aqil Mohammed , Alam Mohammad Shamshir , Kapur Prem , Pillai Krishna K 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo monitor the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by antihypertensive medicines prescribed in a university teaching hospital.MethodsThe present work was an open, non-comparative, observational study conducted on hypertensive patients attending the Medicine OPD of Majeedia Hospital, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India by conducting patient interviews and recording the data on ADR monitoring form as recommended by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Government of India.ResultsA total of 21 adverse drug reactions were observed in 192 hypertensive patients. Incidence of adverse drug reactions was found to be higher in patients more than 40 years in age, and females experienced more ADRs (n = 14, 7.29%) than males, 7 (3.64%). Combination therapy was associated with more number of adverse drug reactions (66.7%) as against monotherapy (33.3%). Calcium channel blockers were found to be the most frequently associated drugs with adverse drug reactions (n = 7), followed by diuretics (n = 5), and β-blockers (n = 4). Among individual drugs, amlodipine was found to be the commonest drug associated with adverse drug reactions (n = 7), followed by torasemide (n = 3). Adverse drug reactions associated with central nervous system were found to be the most frequent (42.8%) followed by musculo-skeletal complaints (23.8%) and gastro-intestinal disorders (14.3%).ConclusionsThe present pharmacovigilance study represents the adverse drug reaction profile of the antihypertensive medicines prescribed in our university teaching hospital. The above findings would be useful for physicians in rational prescribing. Calcium channel blockers were found to be the most frequently associated drugs with adverse drug reactions.
Solutions are solutions, and gels are almost solutions
Authors: This Hervé 
Published: September 2012

Molecular gastronomy is the scientific discipline that looks for mechanisms of phenomena occurring during dish preparation and consumption. Solutions are studied because most foods, being based on animal and plant tissues, are gels, with a liquid fraction and a continuous solid phase. This is why food can be studied in situ using liquid NMR spectroscopy in the frequency domain (isq NMR). Using such tools, processes of the kind F@M → F' @ M' (where F stands for the food matrix, M for its environment, and @ for inclusion) were investigated for various processes as classified using the complex disperse system/non-periodical organization of space formalism (“disperse systems formalism”, DSF). As an application of these studies, “note by note cuisine” was promoted as a new paradigm for culinary activities.
On the Competitive Effects of Bidding Syndicates
Authors: Mares Vlad , Shor Mikhael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Firms commonly form syndicates to bid jointly for financial assets. Recently, this practice has come under legal scrutiny motivated by models which suggest syndicates are anti-competitive. These models do not account for two important features of financial markets: bidders' value estimates are likely to be correlated, and complicated mechanisms known to be optimal in such settings are usually eschewed in favor of simpler auction formats. We show that these features make it possible for syndicate bidding to generate higher revenues for the auctioneer than bidding among independent firms, even when syndicates are asymmetric or lead to a highly concentrated market. This occurs because syndication can make the industry more suitable to the simple auction format in use. We identify conditions under which syndicates are pro-competitive and discuss the implications for antitrust.
Do Smart Growth Strategies Have a Role in Curbing Vehicle Miles Traveled? A Further Assessment Using Household Level Survey Data
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sudip , Taylor Emily 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This paper draws on McFadden’s location choice theory and incorporates households’ residential choice decisions as a hierarchical process in a structural travel demand model. The paper argues that such an approach can effectively tackle the problems of self-selection and multicollinearity. Contrary to previous findings, empirical results based on OLS and 3SLS reveal that travel demand is highly elastic to certain smart-growth features, if they are measured at different spatial scales. The results are robust against alternative sequencing of the hierarchical choice process. An analysis of the quantitative impact of a change in the smart-growth and fuel-tax policies reveals significant returns under both policies. Finally, a simulation based on California suggests that smart growth policies substantially reduce household travel demand.
Paradoxical inhibition of cellular protein expression by proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Gartel Andrei L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractProteasome inhibitors are used as anticancer drugs, however, the precise mechanisms of their selective activity against cancer cells are not understood well. While proteasome inhibitors stabilize the majority of cellular proteins through inhibition of proteasome activity, they also paradoxically downregulate several other proteins. We recently discovered that proteasome inhibitors suppress mRNA and protein expression of FOXM1, NPM, and ARF proteins that are involved in cancer. We postulated that proteasome inhibitors preferentially stabilize negative regulators of transcription of these genes, which overrides their protein stabilization. These data suggest a presence of multiple secondary mechanisms that may regulate transcription, degradation, or localization of cellular proteins after treatment with proteasome inhibitors. Future experiments will identify these mechanisms and additional proteins suppressed by proteasome inhibitors, and will help explain the role of protein suppression by proteasome inhibitors in their anticancer activity.
Southern expansion of the brown alga Colpomenia peregrina Sauvageau (Scytosiphonales) in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Green Lindsay A. , Mathieson Arthur C. , Neefus Christopher D. , Traggis Hannah M. , Dawes Clinton J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Blackler first recorded Colpomenia peregrina in the Northwest Atlantic based on collections from Nova Scotia, Canada. Five decades later we found large quantities of C. peregrina in Maine, USA, even though it was absent during earlier floristic studies in this region. Thus, C. peregrina has undergone a rapid southern expansion along the Northwest Atlantic coast. While the causes of such an expansion are unknown, it could have a major effect on both shellfish cultivation and native seaweeds within New England because of competitive interactions and increased drag.
Both Symptom and Disease: Relating Medical Malpractice to Health-Care Costs
Authors: Sage William M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTort reformers blame the high cost of American health care on defensive responses to rampant medical malpractice litigation. Defenders of the tort system counter that holding health care providers liable for negligence improves safety and ensures compensation for injury. The relationship between medical malpractice and health care expenditures is more complex than either of these positions reflects. The existing medical malpractice system increases medical spending mainly because it has evolved in tandem with other inflationary features of the health care system and may make those features even more difficult to change. In other words, medical malpractice is both a symptom of a costly health care system and a costly disease in its own right.
Effects of climatic test parameters on acetic acid emission from beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
Authors: Steckel Vera , Knöpfle Anna , Ohlmeyer Martin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Acetic acid (AA) emission from beech samples was studied in test chambers operated according to ISO 16000 part 9 and as a function of temperature and relative humidity (RH). The impact of RH was higher than that of temperature. AA emission was about 45% higher at 75% RH than under standard parameters (50% RH, 23°C). Probably, RH influences AA emission both by enhanced hydrolysis of acetyl groups, as well as by facilitating the release of AA into the surrounding air by diffusion. The concentration of AA in test chamber air was determined with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) as well as with ion chromatography (IC). Both techniques provided similar results. The values measured by IC ranged constantly 15% below those obtained with TD-GC-MS. This can be ascribed to losses during sampling of test chamber air.
N-terminal acetylation of annexin A2 is required for S100A10 binding
Authors: Nazmi Ali Reza , Ozorowski Gabriel , Pejic Milena , Whitelegge Julian P. , Gerke Volker , Luecke Hartmut 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Annexin A2 (AnxA2), a Ca2+-regulated phospholipid binding protein involved in membrane-cytoskeleton contacts and membrane transport, exists in two physical states, as a monomer or in a heterotetrameric complex mediated by S100A10. Formation of the AnxA2-S100A10 complex is of crucial regulatory importance because only the complex is firmly anchored in the plasma membrane, where it functions in the plasma membrane targeting/recruitment of certain ion channels and receptors. The S100A10 binding motif is located in the first 12 residues of the AnxA2 N-terminal domain, but conflicting reports exist as to the importance of N-terminal AnxA2 acetylation with regard to S100A10 binding. We show here that AnxA2 is subject to N-terminal modification when expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli. Met1 is removed and Ser2 is acetylated, yielding the same modification as the authentic mammalian protein. Bacterially expressed and N-terminally acetylated AnxA2 binds S100A10 with an affinity comparable to AnxA2 from porcine tissue and is capable of forming the AnxA2-S100A10 heterotetramer. Complex formation is competitively inhibited by acetylated but not by non-acetylated peptides covering the N-terminal AnxA2 sequence. These results demonstrate that N-terminal acetylation of AnxA2 is required for S100A10 binding and that this common eukaryotic modification is also obtained upon expression in bacteria.
Integration of cellular bioenergetics with mitochondrial quality control and autophagy
Authors: Hill Bradford G. , Benavides Gloria A. , Lancaster Jack R. , Ballinger Scott , Dell’Italia Lou , Zhang Jianhua , Darley-Usmar Victor M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Bioenergetic dysfunction is emerging as a cornerstone for establishing a framework for understanding the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration. Recent advances in cellular bioenergetics have shown that many cells maintain a substantial bioenergetic reserve capacity, which is a prospective index of ‘healthy’ mitochondrial populations. The bioenergetics of the cell are likely regulated by energy requirements and substrate availability. Additionally, the overall quality of the mitochondrial population and the relative abundance of mitochondria in cells and tissues also impinge on overall bioenergetic capacity and resistance to stress. Because mitochondria are susceptible to damage mediated by reactive oxygen/nitrogen and lipid species, maintaining a ‘healthy’ population of mitochondria through quality control mechanisms appears to be essential for cell survival under conditions of pathological stress. Accumulating evidence suggest that mitophagy is particularly important for preventing amplification of initial oxidative insults, which otherwise would further impair the respiratory chain or promote mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The processes underlying the regulation of mitophagy depend on several factors, including the integrity of mtDNA, electron transport chain activity, and the interaction and regulation of the autophagic machinery. The integration and interpretation of cellular bioenergetics in the context of mitochondrial quality control and genetics is the theme of this review.
Interim evaluation of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.: continuation of evidence
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Yu Lu , Chan Alex C.W. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
An interim evaluation study was conducted to understand the implementation of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) in the 2008/09 school year. One hundred and twenty-eight schools were randomly selected to provide information on the implementation details of the program via interviews, telephone interviews and self-completed questionnaires. Results showed that a majority of the workers perceived that the students had positive responses to the program and the program was helpful to the students. Program workers’ views toward the implementation of the Tier 1 Program were positive across different grades and program implementation modes. In conjunction with previous studies, the present findings suggest that the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. is well received by different stakeholders.
Qualitative evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: focus groups based on Secondary 3 program implementers
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Ten focus groups comprising 42 program implementers recruited from 10 schools were conducted to evaluate the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 3) of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs) in the 2008/09 school year. Results showed that a majority of the program implementers used positive descriptors and metaphors to represent the program and they perceived that the program benefited the program participants in various psychosocial domains. In conjunction with the previous research findings, the present study provides further support for the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.