bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Roles of Aggregation-Promoting-Like Factor in Stress Tolerance and Adherence of
Lactobacillus acidophilus
NCFM
Authors: Goh Yong Jun , Klaenhammer Todd R. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Aggregation-promoting factors (Apf) are secreted proteins that have been associated with a diverse number of functional roles in lactobacilli, including self-aggregation, the bridging of conjugal pairs, coaggregation with other commensal or pathogenic bacteria, and maintenance of cell shape.
In silico
genome analysis of
Lactobacillus acidophilus
NCFM identified LBA0493 as a 696-bp
apf
gene that encodes a putative 21-kDa Apf protein. Transcriptional studies of NCFM during growth in milk showed
apf
to be one of the most highly upregulated genes in the genome. In the present study, reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) analysis revealed that the
apf
gene was highly induced during the stationary phase compared to that during the logarithmic phase. To investigate the functional role of Apf in NCFM, an Δ
apf
deletion mutant was constructed. The resulting Δ
apf
mutant, NCK2033, did not show a significant difference in cell morphology or growth compared to that of the NCFMΔ
upp
reference strain, NCK1909. The autoaggregation phenotype of NCK2033 in planktonic culture was unaffected. Additional phenotypic assays revealed that NCK2033 was more susceptible to treatments with oxgall bile and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Survival rates of NCK2033 decreased when stationary-phase cells were exposed to simulated small-intestinal and gastric juices. Furthermore, NCK2033 in the stationary phase showed a reduction of
in vitro
adherence to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells, mucin glycoproteins, and fibronectin. The data suggest that the Apf-like proteins may contribute to the survival of
L. acidophilus
during transit through the digestive tract and, potentially, participate in the interactions with the host intestinal mucosa.
Cyclic di-GMP Signaling Regulates Invasion by
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
of Human Monocytes
Authors: Kumagai Yumi , Matsuo Junji , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Rikihisa Yasuko 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger produced by GGDEF domain-containing proteins. The genome of
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
, an obligatory intracellular bacterium that causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis, encodes a single protein that contains a GGDEF domain, called PleD. In this study, we investigated the effects of c-di-GMP signaling on
E. chaffeensis
infection of the human monocytic cell line THP-1. Recombinant
E. chaffeensis
PleD showed diguanylate cyclase activity as it generated c-di-GMP
in vitro
. Because c-di-GMP is not cell permeable, the c-di-GMP hydrophobic analog 2′-
O
-di(
tert
-butyldimethylsilyl)-c-di-GMP (CDGA) was used to examine intracellular c-di-GMP signaling. CDGA activity was first tested with
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. CDGA inhibited well-defined c-di-GMP-regulated phenomena, including cellulose synthesis, clumping, and upregulation of
csgD
and
adrA
mRNA, indicating that CDGA acts as an antagonist in c-di-GMP signaling. [
32
P]c-di-GMP bound several
E. chaffeensis
native proteins and two
E. chaffeensis
recombinant I-site proteins, and this binding was blocked by CDGA. Although pretreatment of
E. chaffeensis
with CDGA did not reduce bacterial binding to THP-1 cells, bacterial internalization was reduced. CDGA facilitated protease-dependent degradation of particular, but not all, bacterial surface-exposed proteins, including TRP120, which is associated with bacterial internalization. Indeed, the serine protease HtrA was detected on the surface of
E. chaffeensis
, and TRP120 was degraded by treatment of
E. chaffeensis
with recombinant
E. chaffeensis
HtrA. Furthermore, anti-HtrA inhibited CDGA-induced TRP120 degradation. Our results suggest that
E. chaffeensis
invasion is regulated by c-di-GMP signaling, which stabilizes some bacterial surface-exposed proteins against proteases.
Kinetic Evidence for the Presence of Putative Germination Receptors in
C
lostridium difficile
Spores
Authors: Ramirez Norma , Liggins Marc , Abel-Santos Ernesto 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
is a spore-forming bacterium that causes
Clostridium difficile
-associated disease (CDAD). Intestinal microflora keeps
C. difficile
in the spore state and prevents colonization. Following antimicrobial treatment, the microflora is disrupted, and
C. difficile
spores germinate in the intestines. The resulting vegetative cells are believed to fill empty niches left by the depleted microbial community and establish infection. Thus, germination of
C. difficile
spores is the first required step in CDAD. Interestingly,
C. difficile
genes encode most known spore-specific protein necessary for germination, except for germination (Ger) receptors. Even though
C. difficile
Ger receptors have not been identified, taurocholate (a bile salt) and glycine (an amino acid) have been shown to be required for spore germination. Furthermore, chenodeoxycholate, another bile salt, can inhibit taurocholate-induced
C. difficile
spore germination. In the present study, we examined
C. difficile
spore germination kinetics to determine whether taurocholate acts as a specific germinant that activates unknown germination receptors or acts nonspecifically by disrupting spores' membranes. Kinetic analysis of
C. difficile
spore germination suggested the presence of distinct receptors for taurocholate and glycine. Furthermore, taurocholate, glycine, and chenodeoxycholate seem to bind to
C. difficile
spores through a complex mechanism, where both receptor homo- and heterocomplexes are formed. The kinetic data also point to an ordered sequential progression of binding where taurocholate must be recognized first before detection of glycine can take place. Finally, comparing calculated kinetic parameters with intestinal concentrations of the two germinants suggests a mechanism for the preferential germination of
C. difficile
spores in antibiotic-treated individuals.
Comparing Tibet-Himalayan and Caledonian crustal architecture, evolution and mountain building processes
Authors: Streule M. J. , Strachan R. A. , Searle M. P. , Law R. D. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

The Himalaya-Tibet and Caledonide orogens are comparable in scale and are similar in various aspects. Regional suture zones are recognizable in both, although their identification is more problematic in the deeply eroded Caledonide orogen. Crustal-scale thrust belts, regional Barrovian metamorphism characterized by clockwise
P
–
T
paths, and migmatitic cores with crustally-derived leucogranite complexes are the dominant structural feature of both orogens. Both orogens also record calc-alkaline magmatism attributed to subduction activity prior to collision. Syn-orogenic extension accompanied crustal thickening in both orogens, however, the Caledonides also have a protracted record of late- to post-orogenic extension that is attributed to lithospheric delamination in combination with oblique plate divergence. The oblique nature of the Caledonian collision is also reflected in the development of regionally significant sinistral strike-slip faults and shear zones, whereas such structures are apparently not as significant within the Himalayan orogen. The major difference between the two orogens relates to their contrasting gross structure: the Caledonides has bivergent geometry with thrust belts developed in the pro- and retro-wedges, whereas the Himalaya has a thrust belt located only in the pro-wedge segment. These differing geometries are probably explicable with reference to pre-collision contrasts in rheology and/or inherited structures. As such, there is no reason to suggest that either example should be viewed as being a ‘typical’ product of collisional orogenesis – they likely represent end-members of a range of possible orogenic profiles.
Microstructures and crystal fabrics of the Moine Thrust zone and Moine Nappe: history of research and changing tectonic interpretations
Authors: Law R. D. , Johnson M. R. W. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
In this paper we review microstructural and petrofabric work carried out on the Moine Thrust zone and overlying thrust nappes. Our review is primarily historical, and starts with contributions made by both ‘amateur’ and ‘professional’ geologists from the 1880s through to the early 1920s during, and immediately following, the original field-mapping of the Moine Thrust zone by the Geological Survey. From the 1920s to the early 1950s contributions were first dominated by Geological Survey work on the microstructural and metamorphic transition between the thrust zone mylonites and the overlying Moine metasedimentary rocks. Subsequent university-based quartz petrofabric work, primarily focused on the Moines, would ultimately lead to the ‘Moine Petrofabric Controversy’ that ran from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. The later stages of this controversy overlapped, from the early 1950s–mid 1960s, with a phase of microstructural and quartz petrofabric work that concentrated on the thrust zone mylonites and immediately overlying Moine Schists. Our review concludes with an overview of microstructural, petrofabric and related strain analyses undertaken since the early 1970s, both within the Moine Thrust zone and its immediate foreland and in the overlying higher grade thrust sheets. Throughout our review we emphasize and track the changing tectonic interpretations that have been placed on available microstructural and petrofabric data.
Moine Thrust zone mylonites at the Stack of Glencoul: I – microstructures, strain and influence of recrystallization on quartz crystal fabric development
Authors: Law R. D. , Mainprice D. , Casey M. , Lloyd G. E. , Knipe R. J. , Cook B. , Thigpen J. R. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Since the early descriptions published by Callaway in 1884, the gently dipping mylonites exposed along the Moine Thrust at the Stack of Glencoul have drawn generations of geologists to the northern part of the Assynt district. These mylonites, derived from Cambrian quartzites (footwall) and Moine pelites and psammites (hanging wall), have figured prominently in: a) early research into the influence of crystal plastic deformation and recrystallization on microstructural and crystal fabric evolution; b) debates on the kinematic interpretation of macro- and micro-structures and crystal fabrics; and c) debates on the tectonic significance of such kinematic data. In this paper first we briefly review the historical aspects of this research and then, using both previously published and unpublished data, document the finite strain and quartz fabric development at this classic mylonite locality. A tectonic interpretation of these data, together with quantitative estimates of flow vorticities associated with mylonite formation at the Stack of Glencoul, are presented in a companion paper by
Law (2010)
.
Nanotextures of aragonite in stromatolites from the quasi-marine Satonda crater lake, Indonesia
Authors: Benzerara Karim , Meibom Anders , Gautier Quentin , Kaźmierczak Józef , Stolarski Jarosław , Menguy Nicolas , Brown Gordon E. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Stromatolites have been extensively used as indicators of ancient life on Earth. Although much work has been done on modern stromatolites, the extent to which biological processes control their structure, and the respective contributions of biological and abiotic processes in their formation are, however, still poorly constrained. A better description of the mineralogical textures of these formations at the submicrometre scale may help improve our understanding of how carbonates nucleate and grow in stromatolites. Here, we used a combination of microscopy and microspectroscopy techniques to study the chemical composition and the texture of aragonite in lacustrine stromatolites from the alkaline crator lake in Satonda, Indonesia. Several textural features are described, including morphological variations of aragonite from nanosized grains to micrometre-sized fibres, the presence of striations in the aragonite laminae showing a striking similarity with growth bands in corals, and clusters of small aragonite crystals sharing a common crystallographic orientation. These nanotextural features are compared with those observed in scleractinian corals, and possible processes involved in their formation are discussed.
Plasma Bilirubin and UGT1A1*28 Are Not Protective Factors Against First-Time Myocardial Infarction in a Prospective, Nested Case–Referent Setting
Authors: Ekblom Kim , Marklund Stefan L. , Jansson Jan-Håkan , Osterman Pia , Hallmans Göran , Weinehall Lars , Hultdin Johan 
Published: June 2010

Background—
Bilirubin, an effective antioxidant, shows a large variation in levels between individuals and has been positively associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A major reason for the variability is a common promoter polymorphism, UGT1A1*28, which reduces the transcription of the enzyme that conjugates bilirubin, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible protective effect of plasma bilirubin and the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against myocardial infarction in a prospective case-referent setting.

Methods and Results—
Subjects (n=618) with a first-ever myocardial infarction (median event age, 60.5 years; median lag time, 3.5 years) and 1184 matched referents were studied. Plasma bilirubin was lower in cases versus referents. Despite a strong gene-dosage effect on bilirubin levels in both cases and referents, the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism did not influence the risk of myocardial infarction. Among multiple other variables, serum iron showed one of the strongest associations with bilirubin levels.

Conclusions—
We found no evidence for a protective effect of the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism against myocardial infarction and consequently neither for bilirubin. The lower bilirubin levels in cases might be caused by decreased production, increased degradation, or increased elimination.
A Comprehensive Genetic Study on Left Atrium Size in Caribbean Hispanics Identifies Potential Candidate Genes in 17p10
Authors: Wang Liyong , Di Tullio Marco R. , Beecham Ashley , Slifer Susan , Rundek Tatjana , Homma Shunichi , Blanton Susan H. , Sacco Ralph L. 
Published: June 2010

Background—
Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Genetic factors contributing to the LA dimension are poorly understood. We sought to map susceptibility genes for LA size in a large Dominican family data set and an independent population-based sample from the Northern Manhattan Study.

Methods and Results—

One hundred Dominican families comprising 1350 individuals were studied to estimate heritability and map quantitative trait loci for LA size using variance components analysis. LA dimension was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. A polygenic covariate screening was used to identify significant covariates. LA size had a moderate estimate of heritability (h
2
=0.42) after adjusting for significant covariates. Linkage analysis revealed suggestive evidence on chromosome 10p19 (D10S1423, MLOD=2.00) and 17p10 (D17S974, MLOD=2.05). Ordered subset analysis found significantly enhanced (
P
<0.05 for increase of LOD score) evidence for linkage at 17p10 (MLOD=2.9) in families with lower LDL level. Single nucleotide polymophisms (n=2233)were used to perform a peak-wide association mapping across 17p10 in 825 NOMAS individuals. Evidence for association were found in
NTN1
,
MYH10
,
COX10
, and
MYOCD
genes (
P
=0.00005 to 0.005).

Conclusions—

Using nonbiased genome-wide linkage followed by peak-wide association analysis, we identified several possible susceptibility genes affecting LA size. Among them, MYOCD has been shown to serve as a key transducer of hypertrophic signals in cardiomyocytes. Our data support that polymorphisms in
MYOCD
modify LA size.
The Visibilization of Religious Minorities in Spain
Authors: Díez De Velasco Francisco 
Published: June 2010

The author presents the increasing visibilization of the multitude of religious possibilities that are currently on offer in Spain and that form such a clear counterpoint to what for centuries was the one and only religion in this country: Catholicism. He proposes a presentation divided into three parts, which analyse the following visibilization factors: 1) The heritage factor, as seen in the multiplication of visible alternatives of all kinds that minority religions put forward; 2) The legal factor, which in Spain divides religious groups into five categories, characterized by differences, inequalities and privileges; 3) The numerical factor, a problematic aspect that relates to the difficulties of religious quantification in Spain, reflective of the complexity of religious identity in this country and the struggle to obtain reliable statistical data.
The atypical chemokine receptor CCX-CKR scavenges homeostatic chemokines in circulation and tissues and suppresses Th17 responses
Authors: Comerford Iain , Nibbs Robert J. B. , Litchfield Wendel , Bunting Mark , Harata-Lee Yuka , Haylock-Jacobs Sarah , Forrow Steve , Korner Heinrich , McColl Shaun R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOur previous in vitro studies led to proposals that the atypical chemokine receptor CCX-CKR is a scavenger of CCR7 ligand homeostatic chemokines. In the present study, we generated CCX-CKR−/− mice and confirm this scavenger function in vivo. Compared with wild-type mice, CCX-CKR−/− have a 5-fold increase in the level of CCL21 protein in blood, and 2- to 3-fold increases in CCL19 and CCL21 in peripheral lymph nodes. The effect of these protein increases on immunity was investigated after immunization with MOG35-55 peptide emulsified in complete Freund adjuvant (CFA). The subsequent characteristic paralysis develops with enhanced kinetics and severity in CCX-CKR−/− versus wild-type mice. Despite this effect, antigen-specific immune responses in the draining lymph nodes are diminished in CCX-CKR−/− mice. Instead, the earlier onset of disease is associated with enhanced T-cell priming in the CCX-CKR−/− spleen and a skewing of CD4+ T-cell responses toward Th17 rather than Th1. This observation correlates with increased expression of IL-23 in the CCX-CKR−/− spleen and increased CCL21 levels in the central nervous system postimmunization. The early onset of disease in CCX-CKR−/− mice is reversed by systemic administration of neutralizing anti-CCL21 antibodies. Thus, by regulating homeostatic chemokine bioavailability, CCX-CKR influences the localization, kinetics, and nature of adaptive immune responses in vivo.
Targeting of DEC-205 on human dendritic cells results in efficient MHC class II–restricted antigen presentation
Authors: Birkholz Katrin , Schwenkert Michael , Kellner Christian , Gross Stefanie , Fey Georg , Schuler-Thurner Beatrice , Schuler Gerold , Schaft Niels , Dörrie Jan 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The use of dendritic cells (DCs) in therapeutic cancer vaccination requires their loading with tumor-specific antigen(s). DEC-205, a phagocytosis receptor mediating antigen uptake, is associated with CD8+ T-cell responses in mice. Here we fused an anti–DEC-205scFv to an HLA-DP4–restricted epitope from the tumor antigen MAGE-A3, and examined the suitability and efficacy of DEC-205 to deliver a helper epitope to human monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). The construct specifically bound DEC-205 on human moDCs without negative impact on DC phenotype and function. We measured antigen presentation with specific autologous CD4+ T cells, generated by TCR-RNA transfection. DEC-205 targeting resulted in significant major histocompatibility complex class II–restricted antigen presentation, and was superior to loading DCs by electroporation of mRNA encoding endosome-targeted MAGE-A3-DCLAMP or by direct peptide pulsing. Anti–DEC-205scFv-MAGE-A3 was presented 100 times more efficiently than the control constructs. DC maturation before or during incubation with anti–DEC-205scFv-MAGE-A3 reduced the interleukin-10/interleukin-2 ratio. Moreover, we successfully applied the DEC-205 targeting strategy to moDCs from malignant melanoma patients. Again, DEC-205–targeted mature DCs (mDCs) presented the antigen more efficiently than peptide-pulsed DCs and maintained their stimulatory capacity after cryoconservation. Thus, DEC-205 targeting represents a feasible and effective method to deliver helper epitopes to DCs in anticancer vaccine strategies, which may also be suitable for DC targeting in vivo.
Osteopontin expression and relation to disease severity in human asthma
Authors: Samitas K. , Zervas E. , Vittorakis S. , Semitekolou M. , Alissafi T. , Bossios A. , Gogos H. , Economidou E. , Lötvall J. , Xanthou G. , Panoutsakopoulou V. , Gaga M. 
Published: June 2010

Recent studies have associated osteopontin (OPN) with allergic inflammation; however, its role in human asthma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to measure OPN levels in the serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and bronchial tissue of healthy controls and asthmatics, identify cellular sources of OPN and examine possible correlations between OPN expression, disease severity and airway remodelling.Serum samples were obtained from 35 mild-to-moderate asthmatics, 19 severe asthmatics and 17 healthy controls in the steady state and in cases of exacerbation. Of these subjects, 29 asthmatics and nine controls underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy and BALF collection. OPN expression was determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Reticular basement membrane thickness and goblet cell hyperplasia were also determined.Serum and BALF OPN levels were significantly increased in all asthmatics in the steady state, whereas serum levels decreased during exacerbations. OPN was upregulated in the bronchial tissue of all patients, and expressed by epithelial, airway and vascular smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, T-lymphocytes and mast cells. OPN expression correlated with reticular basement membrane thickness and was more prominent in subepithelial inflammatory cells in severe compared to mild-to-moderate asthma.OPN expression is upregulated in human asthma and associated with remodelling changes, and its subepithelial expression correlates with disease severity.
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Using Microwave-induced Plasma in Liquid
Authors: Yonezawa Tetsu , Hyono Atsushi , Sato Susumu , Ariyada Osamu 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
As a rapid and easy liquid process for preparation of ZnO nanoparticles, we propose here a microwave-induced plasma in water. Generation of plasma in liquid has been achieved at atmospheric pressure without external gas bubbling. After only several minutes of microwave irradiation, about 0.3 g of ZnO nanoparticles was obtained from an aqueous solution of zinc(II) acetate under alkaline conditions.
Conductance of Single Triangular Dehydrobenzo[12]annulene Derivative Bridged between Au Electrodes
Authors: Kiguchi Manabu , Tahara Kazukuni , Takahashi Yuuta , Hasui Kensuke , Tobe Yoshito 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
A triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulene (DBA) molecule bridged between Au electrodes was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy break junction technique. The conductance of the single DBA molecule was determined to be 2.5 × 10−5 G0 (G0 = 2e2/h). Though the DBA has three anchor units which can bind to metal electrodes, the conductance measurement revealed that two of three anchor units per molecule are most likely to bind to the Au electrodes to form a single molecular junction.