bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutational analysis of active‐site residues in the Mycobacterium leprae RecA intein, a LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease: Asp122 and Asp193 are crucial to the double‐stranded DNA cleavage activity whereas Asp218 is not
Authors: Singh Pawan , Tripathi Pankaj , Muniyappa K. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMycobacterium leprae recA harbors an in‐frame insertion sequence that encodes an intein homing endonuclease (PI‐MleI). Most inteins (intein endonucleases) possess two conserved LAGLIDADG (DOD) motifs at their active center. A common feature of LAGLIDADG‐type homing endonucleases is that they recognize and cleave the same or very similar DNA sequences. However, PI‐MleI is distinctive from other members of the family of LAGLIDADG‐type HEases for its modular structure with functionally separable domains for DNA‐binding and cleavage, each with distinct sequence preferences. Sequence alignment analyses of PI‐MleI revealed three putative LAGLIDADG motifs; however, there is conflicting bioinformatics data in regard to their identity and specific location within the intein polypeptide. To resolve this conflict and to determine the active‐site residues essential for DNA target site recognition and double‐stranded DNA cleavage, we performed site‐directed mutagenesis of presumptive catalytic residues in the LAGLIDADG motifs. Analysis of target DNA recognition and kinetic parameters of the wild‐type PI‐MleI and its variants disclosed that the two amino acid residues, Asp122 (in Block C) and Asp193 (in functional Block E), are crucial to the double‐stranded DNA endonuclease activity, whereas Asp218 (in pseudo‐Block E) is not. However, despite the reduced catalytic activity, the PI‐MleI variants, like the wild‐type PI‐MleI, generated a footprint of the same length around the insertion site. The D122T variant showed significantly reduced catalytic activity, and D122A and D193A mutations although failed to affect their DNA‐binding affinities, but abolished the double‐stranded DNA cleavage activity. On the other hand, D122C variant showed approximately twofold higher double‐stranded DNA cleavage activity, compared with the wild‐type PI‐MleI. These results provide compelling evidence that Asp122 and Asp193 in DOD motif I and II, respectively, are bona fide active‐site residues essential for DNA cleavage activity. The implications of these results are discussed in this report.
Primary sequence and site‐selective hydroxylation of prolines in isoforms of a major peanut allergen protein Ara h 2
Authors: Li Jinxi , Shefcheck Kevin , Callahan John , Fenselau Catherine 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe Ara h 2 proteins are major determinants of peanut allergens. These proteins have not been fully studied at the molecular level. It has been previously proposed that there are two isoforms of Ara h 2, based on primary structures that were deduced from two reported cDNA sequences. In this report, four isoforms have been purified and characterized individually. Mass spectrometric methods have been used to determine the protein sequences and to define post‐translational modifications for all four isoforms. Two pairs of isoforms have been identified, corresponding to a long‐chain form and a form that is shorter by 12 amino acids. Each pair is further differentiated by the presence or absence of a two amino acid sequence at the carboxyl terminus of the protein. Modifications that were characterized include site‐specific hydroxylation of proline residues, but no glycosylation was found, in contrast to previous reports.
An easterly tip jet off Cape Farewell, Greenland. II: Simulations and dynamics
Authors: Outten S. D. , Renfrew I. A. , Petersen G. N. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAn easterly tip jet that occurred on 21 February 2007 off Cape Farewell, Greenland, is examined. In Part I of this article aircraft observations were described. Now, in Part II, numerical simulations and an analysis of the dynamical forcing mechanisms are presented. The simulations make use of a limited‐area 12 km resolution configuration of the Met Office's Unified Model. Sea‐surface temperatures and sea‐ice concentrations have been replaced using the Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Ice Analysis (OSTIA) product, addressing a boundary‐layer temperature bias, while roughness lengths over sea ice have been updated, addressing a wind‐speed bias. These modifications ensured a reasonably accurate simulation: generally within 1–2 K and 2–3 m s−1 when compared with dropsonde observations. A momentum‐budget analysis along a curved locus through the core of the jet has been derived. Off southeast Greenland, the easterly tip jet was in cross‐jet geostrophic balance, but was being accelerated downstream by an along‐jet pressure gradient. Over the curved part of the locus, as the jet rounded Cape Farewell, a cross‐jet residual suggests that the jet was unbalanced at the height of the jet core. This residual decreases with height so that an approximate gradient wind balance applies in the upper part of the jet. The anticyclonic curvature, characteristic of easterly tip jets, was caused by a dramatic decrease in the cross‐jet pressure‐gradient force at the end of the barrier, after which the jet aligned with the synoptic‐scale isobars and returned to approximate geostrophic balance. The momentum budget is shown to be robust and applicable to other cases. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Towards Designer Microparticles: Simultaneous Control of Anisotropy, Shape, and Size
Authors: Bhaskar Srijanani , Pollock Kelly Marie , Yoshida Mutsumi , Lahann Joerg 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBiodegradable, compositionally anisotropic microparticles with two distinct compartments that exhibit controlled shapes and sizes are fabricated. These multifunctional particles are prepared by electrohydrodynamic co‐jetting of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) polymer solutions. By varying different solution and process parameters, namely, concentration and flow rate, a variety of non‐equilibrium bicompartmental shapes, such as discoid and rod‐shaped microparticles are produced in high yields. Optimization of jetting parameters, combined with filtration, results in near‐perfect, bicompartmental spherical particles in the size range of 3–5 µm. Simultaneous control over anisotropy, size, shape, and surface structure provides an opportunity to create truly multifunctional microparticles for a variety of biological applications, such as drug delivery, diagnostic assays, and theranostics.
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) alters its feeding niche in response to changing food resources: direct observations in simulated ponds
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mustafizur , Kadowaki Shusaku , Balcombe Stephen Richard , Wahab Md. Abdul 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe used customized fish tanks as model fish ponds to observe grazing, swimming, and conspecific social behavior of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) under variable food‐resource conditions to assess alterations in feeding niche. Different food and feeding situations were created by using only pond water or pond water plus pond bottom sediment or pond water plus pond bottom sediment and artificial feeding. All tanks were fertilized twice, prior to stocking and 2 weeks later after starting the experiment to stimulate natural food production. Common carp preferred artificial feed over benthic macroinvertebrates, followed by zooplankton. Common carp did not prefer any group of phytoplankton in any treatment. Common carp was mainly benthic in habitat choice, feeding on benthic macroinvertebrates when only plankton and benthic macroinvertebrates were available in the system. In the absence of benthic macroinvertebrates, their feeding niche shifted from near the bottom of the tanks to the water column where they spent 85% of the total time and fed principally on zooplankton. Common carp readily switched to artificial feed when available, which led to better growth. Common carp preferred to graze individually. Behavioral observations of common carp in tanks yielded new information that assists our understanding of their ecological niche. This knowledge could be potentially used to further the development of common carp aquaculture.
Ethanol increases GABA release in the embryonic avian retina
Authors: Pohl‐Guimarães Fernanda , Calaza Karin da Costa , Yamasaki Edna Nanami , Kubrusly Regina Célia Cussa , de Melo Reis Ricardo Augusto 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSeveral mechanisms underlying ethanol action in GABAergic synapses have been proposed, one of these mechanisms is on GABA release. Here, we report that in ovo exposure to ethanol induces an increase on GABA release in the embryonic chick retina. Eleven‐day‐old chick embryos (E11) received an injection of either phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or ethanol (10%, v/v, diluted in PBS), and were allowed to develop until E16. A single glutamate stimulus (2 mM) showed approximately a 40% increase on GABA release in E16 retinas when compared to controls. The effect was dependent on NMDA receptors and GAD65 mRNA levels, which were increased following the ethanol treatment. However, the numbers of GABA‐, GAD‐, and NR1‐immunoreactive cells, and the expression levels of these proteins, were not affected. We conclude that ethanol treatment at a time point when synapses are being formed during development selectively increases GABA release in the retina via a NMDA receptor‐dependent process.
Formal control and social control in domestic and international buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Li Yuan , Xie En , Teo Hock‐Hai , Peng Mike W. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFocusing on long‐term buyer–supplier relationships, this article addresses two questions: (1) What are the antecedents that lead to the adoption of formal control, social control, or both? (2) What is the nature of the relationship between formal control and social control ‐ are they substitutes or complements? We develop a model to investigate the impact of the length of cooperation and institutionalization on the use of control mechanisms. Further, we argue that in China, formal control and social control may be substitutes in domestic buyer–supplier relationships, but they may be complements in international relationships. Survey data collected nationwide with executives in 380 domestic and 200 international buyer–supplier relationships in China are used to test our hypotheses.
Sets of zero discrete harmonic density
Authors: GRAHAM COLIN C. , HARE KATHRYN E. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLet G be a compact, connected, abelian group with dual group Γ. The set E ⊂ has zero discrete harmonic density (z.d.h.d.) if for every open U ⊂ G and μ ∈ Md(G) there exists ν ∈ Md(U) with = on E. I0 sets in the duals of these groups have z.d.h.d. We give properties of such sets, exhibit non-Sidon sets having z.d.h.d., and prove union theorems. In particular, we prove that unions of I0 sets have z.d.h.d. and provide a new approach to two long-standing problems involving Sidon sets.
L’âgisme : Adaptation française d’une mesure et test d’un modèle structural des effets de l’empathie, l’orientation à la dominance sociale et le dogmatisme sur l’âgisme
Authors: Boudjemad Valérian , Gana Kamel 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThis article presents two studies dealing with ageism. The objective of the first study was to adapt to French language and validate the Fraboni of Ageism Scale-Revised (FSA-R) which contains 23 items, while the objective of the second study was to test a structural model containing ageism as measured by the FSA-R and the “Big Three”: empathy, social dominance orientation, and dogmatism, controlled for by sex and age. The results of the first study (n = 323) generated a version of the FSA-R comprising 14 items, of which the psychometric properties were very satisfactory. Using structural equation modelling and bootstrap procedure, the results of the second study (n = 284) showed a direct negative and significant effect of empathy on agism. They also showed that this negative effect was mediated by dogmatism and social dominance orientation, which both exerted a positive effect on ageism.
Genetic improvement for alpaca fibre production in the Peruvian Altiplano: the Pacomarca experience
Authors: Morante R. , Goyache F. , Burgos A. , Cervantes I. , Pérez-Cabal M.A. , Gutiérrez J.P. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryPacomarca is an experimental ranch founded by the INCA group to act as a selection nucleus from which basic genetic improvement of alpaca fibre can spread throughout the rural communities in the Peruvian Altiplano. State-of-art techniques in animal science, such as performance recording or assisted reproduction including embryo transfer, are applied to demonstrate their usefulness in the Altiplano conditions. Pacomarca has developed useful software (Paco Pro) to carry out the integral processing of production and reproduction data. Mating is carried out individually, and gestation is diagnosed via ultrasound. Breeding values estimated from a modern genetic evaluation are used for selection, and embryo transfer is applied to increase the selection intensity. However, the objective of Pacomarca goes beyond, extending its advances to the small rural communities. Training courses for farmers are organised while searching for new ways of improving the performance of alpacas both technically and scientifically.
Razas locales y fibras caprinas, bases para un desarrollo rural del norte de la Patagonia Argentina
Authors: Lanari M.R. , Pérez Centeno M. , Arrigo J. , Debenedetti S. , Abad M. 
Published: November 2009

ResumenEn el norte de la Patagonia (Argentina) los sistemas caprinos son extensivos de subsistencia, con baja incorporación de tecnología. Unos 6000 pequeños productores, crían 700.000 cabras de Razas locales (Criolla Neuquina, Colorada Pampeana y otras) y 550.000 Angora, produciendo Cashmere y Mohair. La producción de Cashmere está en desarrollo, estimándose un potencial de 15 tn. Dada la gran variabilidad poblacional para características de fibra se espera buena respuesta a la selección. Apoyados en procesos participativos se busca desarrollar productos artesanales e industriales. La producción de Mohair se encuentra en mejoramiento. Argentina es el cuarto productor mundial de esta fibra (825 tn). Su desarrollo actual es promovido por el “Programa Mohair”, basado en: organización, aplicación de tecnologías apropiadas de esquila y clasificación, manejo reproductivo y mejoramiento. El “Programa” comercializa en conjunto el 10% de la producción total del país, con criterios de calidad y comercio justo. Se observan soluciones a problemas productivos, facilitadas mediante el fortalecimiento de las organizaciones y la participación protagónica de los productores. La extensión y transferencia de tecnologías apropiadas han mejorado los productos en cantidad y calidad además de poner en valor los procesos productivos tradicionales. En los casos del Cashmere y Mohair encontramos productores fuertemente arraigados a su tierra y a sus cabras, de las cuales dependen, que se ven valorizados superando las restricciones propias del sistema.
9aaTAD Prediction result (2006)
Authors: Piskacek Martin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRecently reported, 9aaTAD transcription factors p53, VP16, MLL/ALL, E2A, HSF1, NF-IL6, NFAT1 and NF-kB interact directly with the general coactivator CBP/p300 aside from already referred TAF9. All four domains of CBP/p300 - KIX, TAZ1, TAZ2 and IBiD provide multiple interactions with 9aaTADs, e.g. p53. Annotation of predicted 9aa TAD using Pattern search ScanProsite on ExPASy and relevant experimental data are listed.
Red cell distribution width: an inexpensive and powerful prognostic marker in heart failure
Authors: Al‐Najjar Yahya , Goode Kevin M. , Zhang Jufen , Cleland John G.F. , Clark Andrew L. 
Published: November 2009

AimsRed cell distribution width (RDW) is prognostic in patients with heart failure (HF), but it has not been compared with N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). We sought to make this comparison.Methods and resultsPatients referred to a specialist HF clinic between 2001 and 2008 were assessed comprehensively including medical history, echocardiogram, and blood tests. Cox‐regression was used to assess the multivariable relationship between RDW, NT‐proBNP, and all‐cause mortality. A total of 1087 patients were recruited; median (IQR) follow‐up was 52 months (29–66); age 72 years (64–78); 74% male; 70% ischaemic heart disease; 20% diabetic; 85% NYHA ≥ 2, and 63% with at least moderate LV impairment (EF < 35% equivalent). In a multivariable model, both RDW and NT‐proBNP were independently prognostic (RDW: χ2 = 21.8 vs. 49.1 both P < 0.001). In a model using quartiles of each variable, the relative risk for each was similar for the second and third quartiles compared with the first. A larger increase in risk for NT‐proBNP is seen in the fourth quartile.ConclusionRed cell distribution width is a readily available test in the HF‐population with similar independent prognostic power to NT‐proBNP across the first to third quartiles. Prognostic models in HF should include RDW and further investigation is necessary to determine the pathological mechanism of the relationship.
Lessons from the Front Lines: The Prehospital Experience of the 2009 Novel H1N1 Outbreak in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Smith Erin C. , Burkle Frederick M. , Holman Paul F. , Dunlop Justin M. , Archer Frank L. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe H1N1 (swine influenza) 2009 outbreak in Victoria, Australia, provided a unique opportunity to review the prehospital response to a public health emergency. As part of Ambulance Victoria’s response to the outbreak, relevant emergency response plans and pandemic plans were instigated, focused efforts were aimed at encouraging the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and additional questions were included in the call-taking script for telephone triage of emergency calls to identify potential cases of H1N1 from the point of call. As a result, paramedics were alerted to all potential cases of H1N1 influenza or any patient who met the current case definition before their arrival on the scene and were advised to use appropriate PPE. During the period of May 1 to July 2, Ambulance Victoria telephone triaged 1598 calls relating to H1N1 (1228 in metropolitan areas and 243 in rural areas) and managed 127 calls via a referral service that provides specific telephone triage for potential H1N1 influenza cases based on the national call-taking script. The referral service determines whether a patient requires an emergency ambulance or can be diverted to other resources such as flu clinics. Key lessons learned during the H1N1 outbreak include a focused need for continued education and communication regarding infection control and the appropriate use of PPE. Current guidelines regarding PPE use are adequate for use during an outbreak of infectious disease. Compliance with PPE needs to be addressed through the use of intra-agency communications and regular information updates early in the progress of the outbreak. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S154–S159)
Adherence to gastroprotection and the risk of NSAID‐related upper gastrointestinal ulcers and haemorrhage
Authors: VAN SOEST E. M. , STURKENBOOM M. C. J. M. , DIELEMAN J. P. , VERHAMME K. M. C. , SIERSEMA P. D. , KUIPERS E. J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground  Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complications are a well‐recognized risk of NSAID treatment, requiring preventive measures in high‐risk patients. Adherence to gastroprotective agents (GPAs) in NSAID users has been suggested to be suboptimal.Aim  To investigate the association between adherence to GPAs (proton pump inhibitors or H2‐receptor antagonists) and the risk of NSAID‐related UGI ulcers or haemorrhage in high‐risk patients.Methods  A population‐based nested case‐control study was conducted within a cohort of new NSAID users with at least one risk factor for a NSAID‐related UGI complication, identified in the Dutch IPCI database during 1996–2005. Adherence to GPAs was calculated as the proportion of NSAID treatment days covered (PDC) by a GPA prescription. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Results  Fifteen percent of the non‐selective NSAID users received GPAs. The risk of a NSAID‐related UGI complication among NSAID users increased 16% for every 10% decrease in adherence. Compared to patients with a PDC of >80%, patients with PDCs of 20–80% and <20% had a 2.5‐fold (95% CI: 1.0–6.7) respectively 4.0‐fold (95% CI: 1.2–13.0) increased risk.Conclusion  There is a strong inverse relationship between adherence to GPAs and the risk of UGI complications in high‐risk NSAID users.
Review article: the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: ARJAL R. R. , BURTON JR J. R. , VILLAMIL F. , ROSEN H. R. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBackground Recurrent hepatitis C represents a major challenge for the liver transplant community. Given the potentially significant impact that hepatitis C recurrence has on graft and patient survival, several treatment strategies have been utilized to prevent/slow the progression to hepatitis C‐related graft failure.Aim To review the efficacy and applicability of treatment strategies for managing recurrent hepatitis C.Methods Search of MEDLINE (1990 to December 2006) and national meeting abstracts. Search terms included hepatitis C, liver transplantation, treatment, sustained virological response (SVR), and end of treatment virological response. An emphasis was placed on randomized trials.Results The largest study of treatment prior to liver transplantation (n = 124) achieved SVR in 24%. Eight randomized trials (n = 383) examined the efficacy of preemptive therapy with SVR ranging from 0–33%. Eligibility for treatment was low and dose reduction common. Four randomized trials (n = 245; all abstracts) have reported SVR from 33–42% for treating those with histological evidence of recurrent disease.Conclusions Therapies for treating hepatitis C recurrence have limited applicability and tolerability, and they have a low SVR. Based on available results, preemptive therapy is not recommended. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin is currently the preferred choice for treating established recurrence. There is an urgent need for safer and more effective anti‐viral therapy in this situation.