bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a Rapid Viability Assay for
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
by Using alamarBlue
Authors: Carroll James , Douarre Pierre , Coffey Aidan , Buckley Jim , Cashman Bill , O'Farrell Kevin , O'Mahony Jim 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

A microtiter alamarBlue assay was adapted and optimized for
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Using cell concentrations ranging from 10
4
to 10
8
CFU/ml, a minimum incubation time to indicate viability was obtained after 24 h. Rifampin (rifampicin) was used to demonstrate that this method has applications for high-throughput screening against
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
.
Development of a Markerless Genetic Exchange System for
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough and Its Use in Generating a Strain with Increased Transformation Efficiency
Authors: Keller Kimberly L. , Bender Kelly S. , Wall Judy D. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the genetic manipulation of the sulfate-reducing bacterium
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough has seen enormous progress. In spite of this progress, the current marker exchange deletion method does not allow for easy selection of multiple sequential gene deletions in a single strain because of the limited number of selectable markers available in
D. vulgaris
. To broaden the repertoire of genetic tools for manipulation, an in-frame, markerless deletion system has been developed. The counterselectable marker that makes this deletion system possible is the pyrimidine salvage enzyme, uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, encoded by
upp
. In wild-type
D. vulgaris
, growth was shown to be inhibited by the toxic pyrimidine analog 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), whereas a mutant bearing a deletion of the
upp
gene was resistant to 5-FU. When a plasmid containing the wild-type
upp
gene expressed constitutively from the
aph
(3′)-II promoter (promoter for the kanamycin resistance gene in Tn
5
) was introduced into the
upp
deletion strain, sensitivity to 5-FU was restored. This observation allowed us to develop a two-step integration and excision strategy for the deletion of genes of interest. Since this in-frame deletion strategy does not retain an antibiotic cassette, multiple deletions can be generated in a single strain without the accumulation of genes conferring antibiotic resistances. We used this strategy to generate a deletion strain lacking the endonuclease (
hsdR
, DVU1703) of a type I restriction-modification system that we designated JW7035. The transformation efficiency of the JW7035 strain was found to be 100 to 1,000 times greater than that of the wild-type strain when stable plasmids were introduced via electroporation.
Importance of Trehalose Biosynthesis for
Sinorhizobium meliloti
Osmotolerance and Nodulation of Alfalfa Roots
Authors: Domínguez-Ferreras Ana , Soto María J. , Pérez-Arnedo Rebeca , Olivares José , Sanjuán Juan 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

The disaccharide trehalose is a well-known osmoprotectant, and trehalose accumulation through de novo biosynthesis is a common response of bacteria to abiotic stress. In this study, we have investigated the role of endogenous trehalose synthesis in the osmotolerance of
Sinorhizobium meliloti
. Genes coding for three possible trehalose synthesis pathways are present in the genome of
S
.
meliloti
1021: OtsA, TreYZ, and TreS. Among these, OtsA has a major role in trehalose accumulation under all of the conditions tested and is the main system involved in osmoadaptation. Nevertheless, the other two systems are also important for growth in hyperosmotic medium. Genes for the three pathways are transcriptionally responsive to osmotic stress. The presence of at least one functional trehalose biosynthesis pathway is required for optimal competitiveness of
S
.
meliloti
to nodulate alfalfa roots.
Roles of the
Bacillus anthracis
Spore Protein ExsK in Exosporium Maturation and Germination
Authors: Severson Kari M. , Mallozzi Michael , Bozue Joel , Welkos Susan L. , Cote Christopher K. , Knight Katherine L. , Driks Adam 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

The
Bacillus anthracis
spore is the causative agent of the disease anthrax. The outermost structure of the
B. anthracis
spore, the exosporium, is a shell composed of approximately 20 proteins. The function of the exosporium remains poorly understood and is an area of active investigation. In this study, we analyzed the previously identified but uncharacterized exosporium protein ExsK. We found that, in contrast to other exosporium proteins, ExsK is present in at least two distinct locations, i.e., the spore surface as well as a more interior location underneath the exosporium. In spores that lack the exosporium basal layer protein ExsFA/BxpB, ExsK fails to encircle the spore and instead is present at only one spore pole, indicating that ExsK assembly to the spore is partially dependent on ExsFA/BxpB. In spores lacking the exosporium surface protein BclA, ExsK fails to mature into high-molecular-mass species observed in wild-type spores. These data suggest that the assembly and maturation of ExsK within the exosporium are dependent on ExsFA/BxpB and BclA. We also found that ExsK is not required for virulence in murine and guinea pig models but that it does inhibit germination. Based on these data, we propose a revised model of exosporium maturation and assembly and suggest a novel role for the exosporium in germination.
Structural and Genetic Analysis of X-Ray Scattering by Spores of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Qiu Xiangyun , Setlow Peter 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Dormant spores of
Bacillus subtilis
exhibit two prominent X-ray scattering peaks. These peaks persisted in spores lacking most α/β-type small, acid-soluble protein or the CotE protein responsible for assembly of much spore coat protein, but they were absent from spores of strains lacking the late sporulation-specific transcription factor GerE.
Eccentric hip adduction and abduction strength in elite soccer players and matched controls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thorborg K , Couppé C , Petersen J , Magnusson S P , Hölmich P 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundEccentric hip adduction and abduction strength plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of groin injuries in soccer players. Lower extremity strength deficits of less than 10% on the injured side, compared to the uninjured side, have been suggested as the clinical milestone before returning to sports following injury.ObjectiveTo examine whether a side-to-side eccentric hip adduction or abduction strength symmetry can be assumed in non-injured soccer players and matched controls.Material and MethodsNine elite soccer players 19.4 (1.5) years and nine recreational athletes 19.5 (2.0) years matched for sex, height and weight were included. Eccentric hip adduction and abduction strength of the dominant and non-dominant leg was tested for all the participants using an eccentric break test with a handheld dynamometer.ResultsThe dominant leg was 14% stronger than the non-dominant leg for hip adduction in the soccer players (p<0.05). No other side-to-side strength differences existed in soccer players or controls. In soccer players, hip abduction strength was 17–31% greater than controls for the dominant (p<0.05) and non-dominant leg (p<0.001).ConclusionEccentric hip adduction strength was greater in the dominant leg than in the non-dominant leg in soccer players, but not in matched controls. Eccentric hip abduction strength was greater in soccer players than matched controls, but soccer does not seem to induce a similar eccentric strength adaptation in the hip adductors.
A simulation model to predict the fiscal and public health impact of a change in cigarette excise taxes
Authors: van Walbeek Corné 
Published: October 2009

Objectives(1) To present a model that predicts changes in cigarette consumption and excise revenue in response to excise tax changes, and (2) to demonstrate that, if the industry has market power, increases in specific taxes have better tobacco control consequences than increases in ad valorem taxes.DesignAll model parameters are user-determined. The model calculates likely changes in cigarette consumption, smoking prevalence and excise tax revenues due to an excise tax change. The model is applicable to countries that levy excise tax as specific or ad valorem taxes.ResultsFor a representative low-income or middle-income country a 20% excise tax increase decreases cigarette consumption and industry revenue by 5% and increases excise tax revenues by 14%, if there is no change in the net-of-tax price. If the excise tax is levied as a specific tax, the industry has an incentive to raise the net-of-tax price, enhancing the consumption-reducing impact of the tax increase. If the excise tax is levied as an ad valorem tax, the industry has no such incentive. The industry has an incentive to reduce the net-of-tax price in response to an ad valorem excise tax increase, undermining the public health and fiscal benefits of the tax increase.ConclusionsThis paper presents a simple web-based tool that allows policy makers and tobacco control advocates to estimate the likely consumption, fiscal and mortality impacts of a change in the cigarette excise tax.If a country wishes to reduce cigarette consumption by increasing the excise tax, a specific tax structure is better than an ad valorem tax structure.
Secondhand smoke exposure (PM2.5) in outdoor dining areas and its correlates: Figure 1
Authors: Cameron Melissa , Brennan Emily , Durkin Sarah , Borland Ron , Travers Mark J , Hyland Andrew , Spittal Matthew J , Wakefield Melanie A 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundThis study assessed the magnitude of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure when people smoke in outdoor dining areas and explored conditions influencing exposure levels.MethodsData were gathered from 69 outdoor dining areas in Melbourne, Australia, during April/May 2007. Sitting at tables within 1 metre of an active smoker, the authors measured the concentration of particulate pollution (PM2.5) using TSI SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitors. PM2.5data were recorded by the monitor at 30-second intervals, and data were collected over an average of 25.8 minutes per venue. Information was collected about the presence of overhead coverings and the number of patrons and lit cigarettes.ResultsThe average background level of PM2.5was 8.4 μg/m3(geometric mean (GM)=6.1 μg/m3), increasing to an average of 17.6 μg/m3(GM=12.7 μg/m3) over the observational period and 27.3 μg/m3(GM=17.6 μg/m3) during the time that cigarettes were actively smoked near the monitor. There was substantial variation in exposure levels, with a maximum peak concentration of 483.9 μg/m3when there were lit cigarettes close to the monitor. Average exposure levels increased by around 30% for every additional active smoker within 1 metre of the monitor. Being situated under an overhead cover increased average exposure by around 50%.ConclusionsWhen individuals sit in outdoor dining venues where smokers are present it is possible that they will be exposed to substantial SHS levels. Significant increases in exposure were observed when monitors were located under overhead covers, and as the number of nearby smokers increased. The role of outdoor smoking restrictions in minimising exposure to SHS must be considered.
Tests of an exact-exchange-based density-functional theory on transition-metal complexes
Authors: Johnson Erin R. , Becke Axel D. 
Published: October 2009

We have compiled a benchmark set of mean ligand-removal enthalpies for 32 transition-metal complexes of relevance in organometallic and catalysis chemistry. Our recent exact-exchange-based density-functional model, DF07 ( J. Chem. Phys. 2007, 127 (12), 124108 ), is assessed on this benchmark set along with other representative GGA, meta-GGA, and hybrid functionals. DF07 performs remarkably well, despite its exact-exchange foundation, indicating that it properly describes nondynamical correlation in transition-metal–ligand bonds.
Tree-line dynamics in relation to climate variability in the Shennongjia Mountains, central China
Authors: Dang Haishan , Zhang Kerong , Zhang Yanjun , Tan Shuduan , Jiang Mingxi , Zhang Quanfa 
Published: October 2009

Subalpine tree lines are particularly sensitive to climate variability. In this study, tree-ring chronologies and age structure of the subalpine fir Abies fargesii Franch. are developed to examine subalpine tree-line dynamics in relation to climate variability on the northern and southern aspects of the Shennongjia Mountains in central China. Response function analysis shows that radial growth is significantly positively correlated with temperatures during the previous November and in February and March of the current year on the northern aspect and with temperatures during the previous October and in March, April, and June of the current year on the southern aspect. Recruitment of A. fargesii is positively influenced by temperature in March and April on the northern aspect and in February, March, and May on the southern aspect. Precipitation shows no significant correlation with radial growth or recruitment of A. fargesii on either aspect. Thus, spring temperatures are the major factor limiting both radial growth and seedling establishment of this subalpine fir species. Radial growth and recruitment of A. fargesii show similar responses to climate variability and provide critical information for assessing the impacts of climate warming on tree-line dynamics, such as an increase in tree density and an upward shift of the altitudinal tree line in this mountainous region of central China.
Carbon pools of managed and unmanaged stands of ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests in Wyoming
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Vance G. F. , Tinker D. B. 
Published: October 2009

Forest management practices can have a significant effect on above- and below-ground carbon (C) pools. To better understand the distribution of forest C pools, we evaluated representative forest stands within two dominant Wyoming forest types to assess differences resulting from management practices that have occurred over several decades. Study sites included four ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C.Lawson) treatments (100-year-old unmanaged, 46-year-old even-aged, 110-year-old uneven-aged, and 90-year-old intensively harvested) and two lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Engelm. var. latifolia (Engelm. ex Wats.) Critchfield) treatments (145-year-old unmanaged and 45-year-old even-aged). Comparisons of aboveground C pools revealed that distributions of live and dead biomass C pools were different between unmanaged and managed stands; however, belowground soil C pools were similar among stands within the two forest types. Overall, unmanaged stands of both forest types had higher total ecosystem C pools (249 and 247 Mg C·ha–1for ponderosa and lodgepole pine, respectively) compared with managed stands (ponderosa pine: even-aged, 164 Mg C·ha–1; uneven-aged, 170 Mg C·ha–1; intensively harvested, 200 Mg C·ha–1; and lodgepole pine even-aged, 117 Mg C·ha–1). Our results indicate timber harvesting has a major influence on total ecosystem C pools by reducing live tree biomass.
Adolescent Consent and Confi dentiality in the UK
Authors: Cave Emma 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn R (Axon) v Secretary of State for Health the Gillick competence test was confirmed. Commitment to childhood autonomy and privacy rights caused renewed academic criticism of the 'refusal' cases. This paper considers the form any changes to the law may take, and the potential consequences for the rights of parents and young people. Silber J.'s contention that parental Article 8 rights cease when the child makes a competent decision is potentially problematic if applied to refusal cases, especially in the context of the distinction between competence to consent to treatment and to the disclosure of information.
Testing the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis in male Moor Frogs (Rana arvalis) exhibiting a conspicuous nuptial colouration
Authors: Hettyey Attila , Hoi Herbert , Herczeg Gábor 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe conspicuous blue nuptial colouration of Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) males has been associated with sexual selection; it may provide females with information about benefits to be gained through mate choice. Here we investigated the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis suggesting that exaggerated traits may advertise fertilization ability. We evaluated conspicuousness of males' colouration and related this to the number of sperm stored in their testes. Contrary to our expectation, we did not find a positive relationship between blueness of males and the number of sperm stored in the testes. We discuss this result in the light of alternative traits that may be advertised by colouration, such as sperm quality or good genes for offspring survival. We now need direct studies of female mate choice and the physiology of the blue nuptial colouration to clarify the evolutionary background of the striking temporal sexual dichromatism in the Moor Frog.
Multiple paternity in the moor frog, Rana arvalis
Authors: Knopp Theresa , Merilä Juha 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe frequency of multiple paternity in 21 moor frog (Rana arvalis) egg clutches from one Swedish breeding locality was investigated using nine microsatellite loci. By genotyping on average 24 fertilized eggs per female, two different analyzes revealed multiple paternity in 14% and 29% of the egg clutches examined, respectively. In the multiply sired broods, approximately 23% of the individual eggs belonged to a second male. The observed frequency of multiple paternity was relatively high and in line with earlier amphibian studies. The evolutionary significance and proximate reason (active multiple mating or sperm leakage at communal lek) for the observed patterns remain unclear.
Valuing interdependence
Authors: Abdulahad Raika , Delaney Roger , Brownlee Keith 
Published: October 2009

English This study examined whether gender, ethnic group, age, years in Canada, level of education and country where educated influenced the acculturation process for Iraqi immigrants to Canada. For the 153 participants in this study, a continuing strong identification with traditional values was found to exist irrespective of differences in demographic factors. French La présente recherche s’intéresse à l’influence du genre, du groupe ethnique, de l’âge, du nombre d’années au Canada, du niveau de scolarisation et du pays dans lequel la scolarisation a été effectuée sur le processus d’acculturation vécu par les immigrants d’origine irakienne établis au Canada. Chez les 153 participants à l’étude, le maintien d’une forte identification aux valeurs traditionnelles se présente de façon indépendante des différences sociodémographiques. Spanish Se examina si el género, el grupo étnico, la edad, años en Canadá, nivel de educación, y país donde fueron educados influye en la aculturación de inmigrantes iraquíes en Canadá. Se halla que respecto a los 153 participantes en este estudio, la fuerte identificación con valores tradicionales continúa, independientemente de los factores demográficos.
Registration in New Zealand social work
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Duke Jan 
Published: October 2009

English Internationally the greater regulation of social work is intended to raise standards and enhance the standing of the profession. Regulatory systems must also be aligned to the demands of an increasingly global workforce. The achievement of limited registration in New Zealand creates challenges and opportunities for the profession. French Une plus grande réglementation du travail social sur la scène internationale vise à hausser les normes et à améliorer la profession. Les systèmes de régulation devraient tenir compte des particularités d’une main-d’oeuvre de plus en plus globalisée. La réalisation d’une inscription limitée en Nouvelle-Zélande crée des défis et des possibilités pour la profession. Spanish Internacionalmente la regularización del trabajo social tiene como objetivo elevar los estándares y mejorar el estatus de la profesión. Los sistemas regulatorios deben tener en cuenta las demandas de un mercado laboral cada vez más globalizado. El registro limitado de Nueva Zelanda crea retos y también oportunidades para la profesión.
Identification of proapoptotic Bim as a tumor suppressor in neoplastic mast cells: role of KIT D816V and effects of various targeted drugs
Authors: Aichberger Karl J. , Gleixner Karoline V. , Mirkina Irina , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Peter Barbara , Ferenc Veronika , Kneidinger Michael , Baumgartner Christian , Mayerhofer Matthias , Gruze Alexander , Pickl Winfried F. , Sillaber Christian , Valent Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractSystemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm involving mast cells (MCs) and their progenitors. In most cases, neoplastic cells display the D816V-mutated variant of KIT. KIT D816V exhibits constitutive tyrosine kinase (TK) activity and has been implicated in increased survival and growth of neoplastic MCs. Recent data suggest that the proapoptotic BH3-only death regulator Bim plays a role as a tumor suppressor in various myeloid neoplasms. We found that KIT D816V suppresses expression of Bim in Ba/F3 cells. The KIT D816–induced down-regulation of Bim was rescued by the KIT-targeting drug PKC412/midostaurin. Both PKC412 and the proteasome-inhibitor bortezomib were found to decrease growth and promote expression of Bim in MC leukemia cell lines HMC-1.1 (D816V negative) and HMC-1.2 (D816V positive). Both drugs were also found to counteract growth of primary neoplastic MCs. Furthermore, midostaurin was found to cooperate with bortezomib and with the BH3-mimetic obatoclax in producing growth inhibition in both HMC-1 subclones. Finally, a Bim-specific siRNA was found to rescue HMC-1 cells from PKC412-induced cell death. Our data show that KIT D816V suppresses expression of proapoptotic Bim in neoplastic MCs. Targeting of Bcl-2 family members by drugs promoting Bim (re)-expression, or by BH3-mimetics such as obatoclax, may be an attractive therapy concept in SM.
Monoallelic and biallelic inactivation of TP53 gene in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: selection, impact on survival, and response to DNA damage
Authors: Malcikova Jitka , Smardova Jana , Rocnova Ludmila , Tichy Boris , Kuglik Petr , Vranova Vladimira , Cejkova Sona , Svitakova Miluse , Skuhrova Francova Hana , Brychtova Yvona , Doubek Michael , Brejcha Martin , Klabusay Martin , Mayer Jiri , Pospisilova Sarka , Trbusek Martin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDeletion of TP53 gene, under routine assessment by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, connects with the worst prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The presence of isolated TP53 mutation (without deletion) is associated with reduced survival in CLL patients. It is unclear how these abnormalities are selected and what their mutual proportion is. We used methodologies with similar sensitivity for the detection of deletions (interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization) and mutations (yeast functional analysis) and analyzed a large consecutive series of 400 CLL patients; a subset of p53–wild-type cases (n = 132) was screened repeatedly during disease course. The most common type of TP53 inactivation, ie, mutation accompanied by deletion of the remaining allele, occurred in 42 patients (10.5%). Among additional defects, the frequency of the isolated TP53 mutation (n = 20; 5%) and the combination of 2 or more mutations on separate alleles (n = 5; 1.3%) greatly exceeded the sole deletion (n = 3; 0.8%). Twelve patients manifested defects during repeated investigation; in all circumstances the defects involved mutation and occurred after therapy. Monoallelic defects had a negative impact on survival and impaired in vitro response to fludarabine. Mutation analysis of the TP53 should be performed before each treatment initiation because novel defects may be selected by previous therapies.