bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abrogation of contaminating RNA activity in HIV-1 Gag VLPs
Authors: Valley-Omar Ziyaad , Meyers Ann E , Shephard Enid G , Williamson Anna-Lise , Rybicki Edward P 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundHIV-1 Gag virus like particles (VLPs) used as candidate vaccines are regarded as inert particles as they contain no replicative nucleic acid, although they do encapsidate cellular RNAs. During HIV-1 Gag VLP production in baculovirus-based expression systems, VLPs incorporate the baculovirus Gp64 envelope glycoprotein, which facilitates their entry into mammalian cells. This suggests that HIV-1 Gag VLPs produced using this system facilitate uptake and subsequent expression of encapsidated RNA in mammalian cells - an unfavourable characteristic for a vaccine.MethodsHIV-1 Gag VLPs encapsidating reporterchloramphenicol acetyl transferase(CAT) RNA, were made in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. The presence of Gp64 on the VLPs was verified by western blotting and RT-PCR used to detect and quantitate encapsidated CAT RNA. VLP samples were heated to inactivate CAT RNA. Unheated and heated VLPs incubated with selected mammalian cell lines and cell lysates tested for the presence of CAT protein by ELISA. Mice were inoculated with heated and unheated VLPs using a DNA prime VLP boost regimen.ResultsHIV-1 Gag VLPs produced had significantly high levels of Gp64 (~1650 Gp64 molecules/VLP) on their surfaces. The amount of encapsidated CAT RNA/μg Gag VLPs ranged between 0.1 to 7 ng. CAT protein was detected in 3 of the 4 mammalian cell lines incubated with VLPs. Incubation with heated VLPs resulted in BHK-21 and HeLa cell lysates showing reduced CAT protein levels compared with unheated VLPs and HEK-293 cells. Mice inoculated with a DNA prime VLP boost regimen developed Gag CD8 and CD4 T cell responses to GagCAT VLPs which also boosted a primary DNA response. Heating VLPs did not abrogate these immune responses but enhanced the Gag CD4 T cell responses by two-fold.ConclusionsBaculovirus-produced HIV-1 Gag VLPs encapsidating CAT RNA were taken up by selected mammalian cell lines. The presence of CAT protein indicates that encapsidated RNA was expressed in the mammalian cells. Heat-treatment of the VLPs altered the ability of protein to be expressed in some cell lines tested but did not affect the ability of the VLPs to stimulate an immune response when inoculated into mice.
Association study of monoamine oxidase A/B genes and schizophrenia in Han Chinese
Authors: Wei Yi-Liang , Li Cai-Xia , Li Sheng-Bin , Liu Yao , Hu Lan 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) catalyze the metabolism of dopaminergic neurotransmitters. Polymorphisms of isoforms MAOA and MAOB have been implicated in the etiology of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. Association studies detected these polymorphisms in several populations, however the data have not been conclusive to date. Here, we investigated the association of MAOA and MAOB polymorphisms with schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population.

Methods
Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs6323 of MAOA and rs1799836 of MAOB, were selected for association analysis in 537 unrelated schizophrenia patients and 536 healthy controls. Single-locus and Haplotype associations were calculated.

Results
No differences were found in the allelic distribution of rs6323. The G allele of rs1799836 was identified as a risk factor in the development of schizophrenia (P = 0.00001). The risk haplotype rs6323T-rs1799836G was associated with schizophrenia in female patients (P = 0.0002), but the frequency difference was not significant among male groups.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that MAOB is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. In contrast, no significant associations were observed for the MAOA functional polymorphism with schizophrenia in Han Chinese. These data support further investigation of the role of MAO genes in schizophrenia.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Isoxazoline-N-oxides through Conjugate Addition–Cyclization under Phase-Transfer Conditions
Authors: Kano Taichi , Yamamoto Akihiro , Song Sunhwa , Maruoka Keiji 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of various isoxazoline-N-oxides having a tetrasubstituted carbon has been accomplished by asymmetric phase-transfer conjugate addition of bromomalonate to nitroolefins and subsequent ring-closing O-alkylation. The obtained isoxazoline-N-oxide was readily converted to the corresponding oxime, isoxazoline, and lactam without loss of optical purity.
Delay Management with Rerouting of Passengers
Authors: Dollevoet Twan , Huisman Dennis , Schmidt Marie , Schöbel Anita 
Published: October 2011

The question of delay management (DM) is whether trains should wait for a delayed feeder train or should depart on time. In classical DM models, passengers are assumed to take their originally planned routes. After the wait-depart decisions are made, passengers will certainly change to the best-possible route according to these decisions. In this paper, we propose a model where such a rerouting of passengers is incorporated in the DM process. To describe the problem, we represent it as an event-activity network similar to the one used in classical DM, with some additional events to incorporate origin and destination of the passengers. We present an integer programming formulation of this problem. Furthermore, we discuss the variant in which we assume fixed costs for maintaining connections, and we present a polynomial algorithm for the special case of only one origin-destination pair that we later use to derive a strong lower bound for the integer program. Finally, computational experiments based on real-world data from Netherlands Railways show that significant improvements with respect to the passengers' traveling times can be obtained by taking the rerouting of passengers into account in the model.
Contribution of cathepsin L to secretome composition and cleavage pattern of mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Tholen Stefan , Biniossek Martin L. , Geßler Anna-Lena , Müller Sebastian , Weißer Juliane , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Reinheckel Thomas , Schilling Oliver 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The endolysosomal cysteine endoprotease cathepsin L is secreted from cells in a variety of pathological conditions such as cancer and arthritis. We compared the secretome composition and extracellular proteolytic cleavage events in cell supernatants of cathepsin L-deficient and wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Quantitative proteomic comparison of cell conditioned media indicated that cathepsin L deficiency affects, albeit in a limited manner, the abundances of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, signaling proteins, and further proteases as well as endogenous protease inhibitors. Immunodetection corroborated that cathepsin L deficiency results in decreased abundance of the ECM protein periostin and elevated abundance of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2. While mRNA levels of MMP-2 were not affected by cathepsin L ablation, periostin mRNA levels were reduced, potentially indicating a downstream effect. To characterize cathepsin L contribution to extracellular proteolysis, we performed terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS), an N-terminomic technique for the identification and quantification of native and proteolytically generated protein N-termini. TAILS identified >1500 protein N-termini. Cathepsin L deficiency predominantly reduced the magnitude of collagenous cleavage sites C-terminal to a proline residue. This contradicts cathepsin L active site specificity and indicates altered activity of further proteases as a result of cathepsin L ablation.
Gold nanoparticles in the clinical laboratory: principles of preparation and applications
Authors: Azzazy Hassan M.E. , Mansour Mai M.H. , Samir Tamer M. , Franco Ricardo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn order to meet the challenges of effective healthcare, the clinical laboratory is constantly striving to improve testing sensitivity while reducing the required time and cost. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are proposed as one of the most promising tools to meet such goals. They have unique optophysical properties which enable sensitive detection of biomarkers, and are easily amenable to modification for use in different assay formats including immunoassays and molecular assays. Additionally, their preparation is relatively simple and their detection methods are quite versatile. AuNPs are showing substantial promise for effective practical applications and commercial utilization is already underway. This article covers the principles of preparation of AuNPs and their use for development of different diagnostic platforms.
Variation in the Vernalization Response of a Geographically Diverse Collection of Timothy Genotypes
Authors: Fiil Alice , Jensen Louise Bach , Fjellheim Siri , Lübberstedt Thomas , Andersen Jeppe Reitan 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTTimothy (Phleum pratense L.) has earlier been characterized as a long‐day plant, which neither requires vernalization to induce flowering nor shows a vernalization response. Variation in flowering time of timothy has thus been ascribed to differences in critical photoperiods. We studied vernalization response in a geographically diverse collection of timothy and found that vernalization accelerates heading in all 38 genotypes included in this study. In addition, considerable variation in vernalization response, ranging from 711 to >1400 growing degree days, was observed between genotypes, and a vernalization requirement to induce flowering was indicated for five genotypes of Nordic origin. While heading time, irrespective of vernalization treatment, was found to be correlated to geographic origin of genotypes, a strong vernalization response was identified in genotypes of different geographic origin. Genotypes of non‐Nordic origin with a strong vernalization response were either di‐ or tetraploid, whereas respective Nordic genotypes were hexaploid. The ploidy level in relation to vernalization response is discussed. This study clearly demonstrates the presence of considerable genetic variation for vernalization response within timothy, and future studies will elucidate the underlying causative genetic variation.
Stand Maintenance and Genetic Diversity of Bermudagrass Pastures under Different Grazing Management Strategies during a 38‐Year Period
Authors: Rouquette Francis M. , Anderson William F. , Harris‐Shultz Karen R. , Smith Gerald R. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTStocking rate can affect production and persistence of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures. ‘Coastal’ and common bermudagrass pastures were grazed at different stocking rates to maintain specific low, medium, and high herbage mass (HM) during a 38‐yr period. From 1969 to 1984, pastures received identical fertilization, and from 1985 to 2005, regimens of N plus annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) vs. no N plus clover (Trifolium spp.) were superimposed on each bermudagrass × HM. Stand of both Coastal and common bermudagrass was negatively affected by decreasing HM and no N fertilizer. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) was the primary non‐bermudagrass invasive species on no‐N pastures. Invasive bermudagrass ecotypes were more abundant at 73 to 86% on low HM Coastal with clover or ryegrass, respectively. On common bermudagrass, ecotypes were present at about 25 and 40%, respectively, on clover and ryegrass but not affected by HM. During October 2005, 125 whole plant‐root core ecotypes were collected and fingerprinted using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, analyzed via coefficient of genetic similarity matrix, and clustered in genetically related groups. Four groups were identified in Coastal and five in common bermudagrass. The Coastal and Coastal‐similar ecotypes were different from common bermudagrass and common bermudagrass‐similar ecotypes in plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf coarseness. Plant inflorescence characteristics of ecotype ranked similar to those of growth traits. The bermudagrass were most sustainable under moderate to high HM and with N fertilization.
Salinity Tolerance of Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars and Selections Using an Overhead Irrigated Screening Technique
Authors: Koch Matthew J. , Huang Bingru , Bonos Stacy A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTAn increasing amount of reclaimed water is being used in turfgrass management; however, reclaimed water is often high in total dissolved salts and can result in salt stress injury and poor turf quality. The objective of this study was to use an overhead irrigated greenhouse screening technique to identify Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars with increased salinity tolerance, using growth parameters and physiological measurements. Salt treatments were applied using an overhead sprinkler system. Twenty‐four Kentucky bluegrasses and Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.) × Kentucky bluegrass hybrids were established in 100% sand tanks and evaluated at a control (1 dS m−1) and three salinity concentrations (3, 6, and 9 dS m−1) for a total of 10 wk. Plants were arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Percent green ratings and digital images were collected weekly and clipping weights were collected biweekly. Root and shoot weights were taken at the end of the study. Significant differences were observed between salinity treatments and cultivars. The cultivars Eagleton, Moonshadow, Fairfax, Cabernet, and Liberator exhibited the most salt tolerance, having the least decrease in growth parameters compared to the control plants (1 dS m−1), while cultivars Baron, A03‐84, and A03‐TB246 were the most salt sensitive when compared to control plants. Relative water content and photochemical efficiency were useful to quantify physiological differences between tolerant and susceptible cultivars.
Flaccidgrass Forage Mass and Canopy Characteristics Related to Steer Digesta Kinetics and Intake
Authors: Burns J.C. , Fisher D.S. , Pond K.R. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT‘Carostan’ flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.) has potential as a perennial, warm‐season grass for pastures. This 2‐yr study examined digesta kinetics, dry matter intake (DMI), and diet of steers as related to canopy characteristics. Steers (Bos taurus L.) were continuously and variably stocked at canopy heights of Short (15 to 20 cm), Medium (30 to 40 cm), and Tall (45 to 55 cm) with forage mass (FM) of 1245, 2600, and 3585 kg ha−1, respectively (linear; p < 0.01). Neither mean retention time nor passage rate of either liquid or digesta phases were altered by FM. Fecal output increased linearly (p = 0.04) from Short to Tall (0.643 to 0.739 kg 100 −1 kg body weight [BW]) indicating a possible variation in DMI. However, DMI and digestible DMI (based on leaf in vitro dry matter disappearance [IVDMD]) were similar among FM (mean = 1.99 and 1.29 kg 100−1 kg BW). Leaf composed 24.3% of the three canopies and was not altered by FM. Stem increased linearly (p = 0.01) from 40.1 to 53.1% with height whereas dead tissue declined linearly (p = 0.06) from 34.8 to 23.4%. Steers selected diets (1 yr data), regardless of FM, similar in IVDMD (mean = 713 g kg−1) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (mean = 486 g kg−1). In general, steer digesta kinetics were not influenced by FM as animals adjusted grazing behavior to result in similar responses. Flaccidgrass canopies were flexible and no particular optimum FM was detecting for an optimum diet. The influence of FM on pasture productivity (regrowth after defoliation) requires additional study.
Radioactivity of some building and raw materials used in Croatia
Authors: Sofilić Tahir , Barišić Delko , Sofilić Una , Đuroković Marija 
Published: October 2011

Radioactivity of some building and raw materials used in Croatia
In the present study, the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K in some building and raw materials used in Croatia were measured by using a gamma-ray spectrometer with the HPGe detector. The average activity concentrations of the studied different building and raw materials ranged from 11.6 ± 1.7 (concrete) to 251.2 ± 25.7 Bqkg-1 (GBFS), 14.0 ± 2.7 (concrete) to 54.4 ± 8.3 (coal fly ash) and 147.2 ± 19.0 (concrete) to 773.7 ± 82.0 Bqkg-1 (tuff) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. Radium equivalent activity, activity concentration index, absorbed gamma dose rate indoor due to the external exposure and corresponding annual effective dose were determined to estimate the exposure risk arising due to the use of these building and raw materials.
High-resolution ammonite, belemnite and stable isotope record from the most complete Upper Jurassic section of the Bakony Mts (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)
Authors: Főzy István , Janssen Nico , Price Gregory 
Published: October 2011

High-resolution ammonite, belemnite and stable isotope record from the most complete Upper Jurassic section of the Bakony Mts (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)This research focuses on the cephalopod fauna and biostratigraphy of the latest Jurassic succession of the Lókút Hill (Bakony Mts, Transdanubia, Hungary). Fossils were collected bed-by-bed from Ammonitico Rosso facies and from the subsequent Biancone type rock. The poorly preserved cephalopods from the lowermost part of the profile, immediately above the radiolarite, may represent a part of the Oxfordian stage. The rich Kimmeridgian ammonite fauna is published for the first time while the formerly illustrated Tithonian fauna is revised. All the successive Kimmeridgian and Early Tithonian Mediterranean ammonite zones can be traced. The highest documented ammonite zone is the Late Tithonian Microcanthum Zone. The beds above yielded no cephalopods. Particular attention was paid to the belemnite fauna of over 120 specimens collected under strict ammonite control. Among the belemnite faunas an Early Tithonian, an early middle Tithonian, a late middle Tithonian, and a latest Tithonian assemblage can be distinguished. Thereby, an association is distinguished in the middle Late Kimmeridgian and one that characterizes the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian boundary beds. The main difference from previously published belemnite data appears to be that the Hungarian assemblages are impoverished with respect to contemporary faunas from Italy and Spain (Mediterranean Province). An isotopic analysis of the belemnites show that the carbon-isotope data are consistent with carbon-isotope stratigraphies of the Western Tethys and show a decrease in values towards the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary.
Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations in the Timok Eruptive Area (eastern Serbia): new biostratigraphic data from planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Ljubović-Obradović Darivojka , Carević Ivana , Mirković Monika , Protić Nenad 
Published: October 2011

Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations in the Timok Eruptive Area (eastern Serbia): new biostratigraphic data from planktonic foraminiferaThe biostratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous volcanoclastic-sedimentary formations cropping out in the Timok Eruptive Area of the eastern Serbian Carpatho-Balkanides is presented. Four lithostratigraphic units of formation rank are recognized in the Timok area: Stublica Clastics (Upper Albian/Cenomanian), Oštrelj (Lower Turonian/Santonian), Bor Clastics (Campanian/Maastrichtian) and Bukovo (Campanian/?Maastrichtian). Forty two species of planktonic foraminifera have been determined in the studied area. Eight planktonic foraminiferal zones of Middle Cenomanian through Middle Campanian age have been recognized. These are:Thalmanninella reicheliInterval Zone (Middle Cenomanian),Rotalipora cushmaniTaxon Range Zone (Upper Cenomanian),Helvetoglobotruncana helveticaTaxon Range Zone (Lower Turonian),Marginotruncana sigali-Dicarinella primitivaInterval Zone (Upper Turonian to lowermost Coniacian),Dicarinella concavataInterval Zone (Lower Coniacian to lowermost Santonian),Dicarinella asymetricaTaxon Range Zone (Santonian),Globotruncanita elevataInterval Zone (Lower Campanian) and theGlobotruncana ventricosaInterval Zone (Middle Campanian). The scarcity or lack of zonal species in the Lower Cenomanian and Upper Campanian/Maastrichtian strata prevents recognition of the nominal zones. The Upper Cretaceous planktonic foraminiferal zones from the Timok Eruptive Area are correlated with coeval zones from adjacent regions of Bulgaria and Romania and from other Tethyan regions.
Nest-site characteristics and breeding density of Magpie Pica pica in Sombor (NW Serbia)
Authors: Mérő Thomas , Žuljević Antun , Varga Katalin 
Published: October 2011

Nest-site characteristics and breeding density of Magpie Pica pica in Sombor (NW Serbia)
In March 2009, active Magpie Pica pica nests were censused in the town of Sombor (Vojvodina, NW Serbia) to study nest-site characteristics, breeding density and spatial distribution. The area of the town can be divided into two parts according to different urban landscapes, i.e. the town centre (150 ha) and the residential area (2,224 ha). In total, 222 Magpie nests were found and their height, tree species and nest-site type determined. Nests were found in 25 tree and two shrub species, the most of them (31.1%) being placed in the commonest tree species in the town, the Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis. The majority of the nests were found in tree avenues (39.6%) and groups of trees (31.5%). Nests in the town centre with a mean height (± SD) of 15.2 ± 4.05 m were significantly higher than those in the residential area with a mean height (± SD) of 11.4 ± 5.13 m. The mean distance of nests from the top of the canopy (± SD) was 1.5 ± 1.33 m, demonstrating the Magpie's tendency to place its nests in the very tops of trees in the urban areas. In the residential area, nests were present in every height class, while in the town centre they were not found lower than 5 m. This difference can be explained by denser human population in the town centre and hence greater disturbance (e.g. pedestrians), as found in several other studies, but also by the negative effect of high buildings that prevail there. Thus, the height of surrounding buildings, too, might play an important role in nest-site selection in Magpies breeding in urban habitats, especially in densely built-up areas. Breeding density of Magpie in Sombor was 0.94 pairs/10 ha, with almost twice as high in the town centre as in the residential area. The findings of this study are compared to those obtained in other studies in Serbia and abroad.
The distribution of breeding birds in the Küçük Menderes Delta in western Turkey
Authors: Bengil Fethi , Uzilday Bariş , Siki Mehmet 
Published: October 2011

The distribution of breeding birds in the Küçük Menderes Delta in western TurkeyBetween 3 and 18 May, 2008, the status and distribution of breeding birds in Küçük Menderes Delta on the coast of the Aegean Sea in western Turkey was investigated. The 49 km2large study area was divided into 49 1 × 1 km UTM squares. In all squares, 2-3 point counts, i.e. a total of 139 counts, were conducted. From a total of 54 bird species for which breeding evidence was obtained, 19 species (35%) were classified as possible breeding and 23 (43%) as probably breeding birds, while for 12 species (22%) breeding was confirmed. The current distribution of all breeding species is presented in maps. Crested LarkGalerida cristata, Cetti's WarblerCettia cetti, House SparrowPasser domesticusand Olivaceous WarblerHippolais pallidawere found in > 50% of all squares. More than 10 breeding species were found in squares containing different aquatic and seasonally flooded habitats along the shore-line of the Aegean Sea and in the surroundings of brackish and freshwater lakes, while in many squares, which contain large portions of agriculturally used land and salt mud-flats, less than 10 breeding species were recorded. Low numbers of breeding waterbirds in the Delta are attributed to the burning of reedbeds during the nesting season and human disturbances, like recreation activities and illegal bird shooting.