bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Counteraction of HLA-C-Mediated Immune Control of HIV-1 by Nef
Authors: Specht Anke , Telenti Amalio , Martinez Raquel , Fellay Jacques , Bailes Elizabeth , Evans David T. , Carrington Mary , Hahn Beatrice H. , Goldstein David B. , Kirchhoff Frank 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

A host genetic variant (−
35C
/
T
) correlates with increased human leukocyte antigen C (HLA-C) expression and improved control of HIV-1. HLA-C-mediated immunity may be particularly protective because HIV-1 is unable to remove HLA-C from the cell surface, whereas it can avoid HLA-A- and HLA-B-mediated immunity by Nef-mediated down-modulation. However, some individuals with the protective −
35CC
genotype exhibit high viral loads. Here, we investigated whether the ability of HIV-1 to replicate efficiently in the “protective” high-HLA-C-expression host environment correlates with specific functional properties of Nef. We found that high set point viral loads (sVLs) were not associated with the emergence of Nef variants that had acquired the ability to down-modulate HLA-C or were more effective in removing HLA-A and HLA-B from the cell surface. However, in individuals with the protective −
35CC
genotype we found a significant association between sVLs and the efficiency of Nef-mediated enhancement of virion infectivity and modulation of CD4, CD28, and the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-associated invariant chain (Ii), while this was not observed in subjects with the −
35TT
genotype. Since the latter Nef functions all influence the stimulation of CD4
+
T helper cells by antigen-presenting cells, they may cooperate to affect both the activation status of infected T cells and the generation of an antiviral cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response. In comparison, different levels of viremia in individuals with the common −
35TT
genotype were not associated with differences in Nef function but with differences in HLA-C mRNA expression levels. Thus, while high HLA-C expression may generally facilitate control of HIV-1, Nef may counteract HLA-C-mediated immune control in some individuals indirectly, by manipulating T-cell function and MHC-II antigen presentation.
A Herpes Simplex Virus Vector System for Expression of Complex Cellular cDNA Libraries
Authors: Wolfe Darren , Craft April M. , Cohen Justus B. , Glorioso Joseph C. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Viral vector-based gene expression libraries from normal or diseased tissues offer opportunities to interrogate cellular functions that influence or participate directly in specific biological processes. Here we report the creation and characterization of a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based expression library consisting of cDNAs derived from PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. A replication-defective HSV vector backbone was engineered to contain both a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and the Invitrogen
in vitro
Gateway recombination system, creating DBAC-GW. A cDNA library was produced and transferred into the DBAC-GW genome by
in vitro
recombination and selection in bacteria to produce DBAC-L. DBAC-L contained at least 15,000 unique cDNAs, as shown by DNA array analysis of PCR-amplified cDNA inserts, representing a wide range of cancer- and neuron-related cellular functions. Transfection of the recombinant DBAC-L DNA into complementing animal cells produced more than 1 million DBAC-L virus particles representing the library genes. By microarray analysis of vector-infected cells, we observed that individual members of this vector population expressed unique PC12 cDNA-derived mRNA, demonstrating the power of this system to transfer and express a variety of gene activities. We discuss the potential utility of this and similarly derived expression libraries for genome-wide approaches to identify cellular functions that participate in complex host-pathogen interactions or processes related to disease and to cell growth and development.
Functional Analysis of the Influenza Virus H5N1 Nucleoprotein Tail Loop Reveals Amino Acids That Are Crucial for Oligomerization and Ribonucleoprotein Activities
Authors: Chan Wai-Hon , Ng Andy Ka-Leung , Robb Nicole C. , Lam Mandy Ka-Han , Chan Paul Kay-Sheung , Au Shannon Wing-Ngor , Wang Jia-Huai , Fodor Ervin , Shaw Pang-Chui 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Homo-oligomerization of the nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A virus is crucial for providing a major structural framework for the assembly of viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. The nucleoprotein is also essential for transcription and replication during the virus life cycle. In the H5N1 NP structure, the tail loop region is important for NP to form oligomers. Here, by an RNP reconstitution assay, we identified eight NP mutants that had different degrees of defects in forming functional RNPs, with the RNP activities of four mutants being totally abolished (E339A, V408S P410S, R416A, and L418S P419S mutants) and the RNP activities of the other four mutants being more than 50% decreased (R267A, I406S, R422A, and E449A mutants). Further characterization by static light scattering showed that the totally defective protein variants existed as monomers
in vitro
, deviating from the trimeric/oligomeric form of wild-type NP. The I406S, R422A, and E449A variants existed as a mixture of unstable oligomers, thus resulting in a reduction of RNP activity. Although the R267A variant existed as a monomer
in vitro
, it resumed an oligomeric form upon the addition of RNA and retained a certain degree of RNP activity. Our data suggest that there are three factors that govern the NP oligomerization event: (i) interaction between the tail loop and the insertion groove, (ii) maintenance of the tail loop conformation, and (iii) stabilization of the NP homo-oligomer. The work presented here provides information for the design of NP inhibitors for combating influenza virus infection.
HIV-2 Genetic Evolution in Patients with Advanced Disease Is Faster than That in Matched HIV-1 Patients
Authors: Skar Helena , Borrego Pedro , Wallstrom Timothy C. , Mild Mattias , Marcelino José Maria , Barroso Helena , Taveira Nuno , Leitner Thomas , Albert Jan 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to estimate and compare the evolutionary rates of HIV-2 and HIV-1. Two HIV-2 data sets from patients with advanced disease were compared to matched HIV-1 data sets. The estimated mean evolutionary rate of HIV-2 was significantly higher than the estimated rate of HIV-1, both in the gp125 and in the V3 region of the
env
gene. In addition, the rate of synonymous substitutions in gp125 was significantly higher for HIV-2 than for HIV-1, possibly indicating a shorter generation time or higher mutation rate of HIV-2. Thus, the lower virulence of HIV-2 does not appear to translate into a lower rate of evolution.
A Spread-Deficient Cytomegalovirus for Assessment of First-Target Cells in Vaccination
Authors: Mohr Christian Andreas , Arapovic Jurica , Mühlbach Hermine , Panzer Marc , Weyn Annelies , Dölken Lars , Krmpotic Astrid , Voehringer David , Ruzsics Zsolt , Koszinowski Ulrich , Sacher Torsten 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a human pathogen that causes severe disease primarily in the immunocompromised or immunologically immature individual. To date, no vaccine is available. We describe use of a spread-deficient murine CMV (MCMV) as a novel approach for betaherpesvirus vaccination. To generate a spread-deficient MCMV, the conserved, essential gene
M94
was deleted. Immunization with MCMV-Δ
M94
is apathogenic and protective against wild-type challenge even in highly susceptible IFNαβR
−/−
mice. MCMV-Δ
M94
was able to induce a robust CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-cell response as well as a neutralizing antibody response comparable to that induced by wild-type infection. Endothelial cells were identified as activators of CD8
+
T cells
in vivo
. Thus, the vaccination with a spread-deficient betaherpesvirus is a safe and protective strategy and allows the linkage between cell tropism and immunogenicity. Furthermore, genomes of MCMV-
ΔM94
were present in lungs 12 months after infection, revealing first-target cells as sites of genome maintenance.
Deregulated Estrogen Receptor α and p53 Heterozygosity Collaborate in the Development of Mammary Hyperplasia
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Edgar S. , Furth Priscilla A. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Both increased estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression and germline disruption of one p53 allele increase breast cancer risk in women. Genetically engineered mouse models of deregulated ERα expression and p53 haploinsufficiency were used to investigate similarities and differences of each genetic lesion alone and in combination on mammary preneoplasia development. Each genetic lesion independently and in combination led to development of age-dependent preneoplasia, but the highest prevalence was found in compound mice with increased ERα expression coupled with p53 heterozygosity. All genetic lesions were associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation; however, only p53 heterozygous and compound mice showed increased levels of phosphorylated AKT and decreased p27 expression. The highest levels of cell proliferation were found in compound mice, but increased levels were also found with either increased ERα expression or p53 heterozygosity. Mice with increased ERα expression showed predicted higher levels of nuclear-localized ERα, but this was attenuated in compound mice in association with a relative increase in Src phosphorylation. Parity protection was limited to p53 heterozygous mice and not found in mice with increased ERα alone. In summary, increased and deregulated ERα collaborates with p53 heterozygosity in increasing the risk of mammary preneoplasia development. Cancer Res; 70(10); 3965–74. ©2010 AACR.
p120-Catenin Is Transcriptionally Downregulated by FOXC2 in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Mortazavi Fariborz , An Jiabin , Dubinett Steven , Rettig Matthew 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
p120-catenin (p120ctn) plays a major role in cell adhesion and motility through the regulation of E-cadherin and interaction with RhoGTPase and Rac1. p120ctn is downregulated in several malignancies including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we investigated transcriptional regulation of p120ctn in NSCLC. We cloned a 1,400-bp amplicon of chromosome 11 from position −1,082 to +320 relative to the transcription start site into a firefly luciferase reporter vector and prepared serial deletion constructs to pinpoint cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of p120ctn. We transfected NSCLC cell lines and immortalized normal human respiratory epithelial cells with the abovementioned constructs. We found reduced p120ctn promoter activity, protein level, and mRNA message in lung cancer cells compared with noncancerous immortalized lung epithelial cells. Serial deletion analysis of p120ctn promoter identified a region between positions +267 and +282, which mediated the transcriptional repression of p120ctn. This region harbored putative binding sites for FOXC2 and FOXL1 transcription factors. Direct binding of FOXC2 to the p120ctn promoter between positions +267 and +282 was confirmed by electromobility shift assay. RNAi-mediated silencing of FOXC2 in A549, H157, and H358 cells resulted in increasing p120ctn promoter activity as well as mRNA and protein levels. Finally, silencing FOXC2 in these NSCLC cells enhanced E-cadherin level, which was reversed by simultaneous silencing of p120ctn. In summary, our data support the notion that FOXC2 mediates the transcriptional repression of p120ctn in NSCLC. Mol Cancer Res; 8(5); 762–74. ©2010 AACR.
Cortical Spatio-temporal Dynamics Underlying Phonological Target Detection in Humans
Authors: Chang Edward F. , Edwards Erik , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Fogelson Noa , Dalal Sarang S. , Canolty Ryan T. , Kirsch Heidi E. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Knight Robert T. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSelective processing of task-relevant stimuli is critical for goal-directed behavior. We used electrocorticography to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of cortical activation during a simple phonological target detection task, in which subjects press a button when a prespecified target syllable sound is heard. Simultaneous surface potential recordings during this task revealed a highly ordered temporal progression of high gamma (HG, 70–200 Hz) activity across the lateral hemisphere in less than 1 sec. The sequence demonstrated concurrent regional sensory processing of speech syllables in the posterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) and speech motor cortex, and then transitioned to sequential task-dependent processing from prefrontal cortex (PFC), to the final motor response in the hand sensorimotor cortex. STG activation was modestly enhanced for target over nontarget sounds, supporting a selective gain mechanism in early sensory processing, whereas PFC was entirely selective to targets, supporting its role in guiding response behavior. These results reveal that target detection is not a single cognitive event, but rather a process of progressive target selectivity that involves large-scale rapid parallel and serial processing in sensory, cognitive, and motor structures to support goal-directed human behavior.
Elevated Cortisol at Retrieval Suppresses False Memories in Parallel with Correct Memories
Authors: Diekelmann Susanne , Wilhelm Ines , Wagner Ullrich , Born Jan 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Retrieving a memory is a reconstructive process in which encoded representations can be changed and distorted. This process sometimes leads to the generation of “false memories,” that is, when people remember events that, in fact, never happened. Such false memories typically represent a kind of “gist” being extracted from single encountered events. The stress hormone cortisol is known to substantially impair memory retrieval. Here, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, we tested the effect of an intravenous cortisol infusion before retrieval testing on the occurrence of false memories and on recall of correct memories using a modified Deese–Roediger–McDermott paradigm. Subjects studied sets of abstract shapes, with each set being derived from one prototype that was not presented during learning. At retrieval taking place 9 hr after learning, subjects were presented with studied shapes, nonstudied shapes, and the prototypes, and had to indicate whether or not each shape had been presented at learning. Cortisol administration distinctly reduced susceptibility to false memories (i.e., false recognition of prototypes) and, in parallel, impaired retrieval of correct memories (i.e., correct recognition of studied shapes). Response bias as well as confidence ratings and remember/know/guess judgments were not affected. Our results support gist-based theories of false memory generation, assuming a simultaneous storage of the gist and specific details of an event. Cortisol, by a general impairing influence on retrieval operations, decreases, in parallel, retrieval of false (i.e., gist) and correct (i.e., specific) memories for the event.
Perception and Action Selection Dissociate Human Ventral and Dorsal Cortex
Authors: Ikkai Akiko , Jerde Trenton A. , Curtis Clayton E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe test theories about the functional organization of the human cortex by correlating brain activity with demands on perception versus action selection. Subjects covertly searched for a target among an array of 4, 8, or 12 items (perceptual manipulation) and then, depending on the color of the array, made a saccade toward, away from, or at a right angle from the target (action manipulation). First, choice response times increased linearly as the demands increased for each factor, and brain activity in several cortical areas increased with increasing choice response times. Second, we found a double dissociation in posterior cortex: Activity in ventral regions (occipito-temporal cortex) increased linearly with perceptual, but not action, selection demands; conversely, activity in dorsal regions (parietal cortex) increased linearly with action, but not perceptual, selection demands. This result provides the clearest support of the theory that posterior cortex is segregated into two distinct streams of visual processing for perception and action. Third, despite segregated anatomical projections from posterior ventral and dorsal streams to lateral pFC, we did not find evidence for a functional dissociation between perception and action selection in pFC. Increasing action, but not perceptual, selection demands evoked increased activation along both the dorsal and the ventral lateral pFC. Although most previous studies have focused on perceptual variables (e.g., space vs. object), these data suggest that understanding the computations underlying action selection will be key to understanding the functional organization of pFC.
Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities: Generic Social Processes and the Pragmatic Accomplishment of Group Life
Authors: Prus Robert 
Published: May 2010

AbstractDeriving inspiration from the Jörg Niewöhner and Thomas Scheffer collection on dilemmas of ethnographic comparison, this paper addresses some of the processes and problematics of ethnographic comparative analysis. In contrast to the broader, methodologically inclusive and conceptually more diffuse approach in the collection, I present a more focused theoretical, methodological, and conceptual approach. Locating ethnographic comparative analysis within the quest for conceptuality and authenticity across the human sciences, this paper introduces a set of trans-situational concepts or generic social processes which focuses comparisons on activity (and interchange).
Producing Comparability Ethnographically. Reply to Robert Prus. Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities: Generic Social Processes and the Pragmatic Accomplishment of Group Life
Authors: Scheffer Thomas , Niewöhner Jörg 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis short contribution is a response to Robert Prus’ commentary paper “Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities.” We agree with many of the points raised and merely reiterate three aspects of our position in order to reinforce the unique features of our notion of thick comparison: First, ethnography has an important role to play in social inquiry. Second, ethnographers appropriate fields by getting involved in them. This involvement enables the production of comparability, which we do not understand to be an inherent quality of the world. Third, producing comparability is an ongoing process at the heart of thick comparison. Its failure and limitations are productive.
The Scottish Catholic Mission Stations in Bauchi Province, Nigeria: 1957-1970
Authors: Horn Karen 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn 1963 the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Gordon Joseph Gray, asked for volunteers to staff a mission station in the Bauchi province in the north of Nigeria. By the end of 1969 the Bauchi experiment was deemed a success; however, the process of establishing the mission was littered with complications. Not only had this station been abandoned by the Society of African Missions since 1957, it was also firmly located in an Islam-dominated area where Catholic priests had to compete not only with Muslims but also with American Protestant missionaries and indigenous religions. To make matters worse, the years between 1963 and 1970 included two coups and a civil war during which religion became the focus of much of the violence. This article looks at the correspondence between Archbishop Gray and the volunteers in Bauchi in order to provide insight into how the missionaries experienced their task of establishing a Scottish Catholic presence an area others considered too hostile.
Daily locomotor activity in five domestic animals
Authors: Piccione Giuseppe , Giannetto Claudia , Casella Stefania , Caola Giovanni 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare locomotor activity in five domestic animals. Five female Comisana sheep, five female Maltese goats, five female Bruna cows, and five female Thoroughbred horses were housed separately in a soundproof box equipped with an airflow system and five female Blue Vienna rabbits were individually housed in metallic cages. Animals were kept under a 12/12 Light/Dark cycle and indoor ambient temperature (16-20°C). To record activity, an Actiwatch-Mini® was placed on each animal by means of a collar. Analysis by the cosinor procedure indicated a daily rhythm of locomotor activity in each of the five species studied. The main activity was observed during the photophase in sheep, goats, cows and horses, and during the scotophase in rabbits. The comparison among the species studied underlined a stable daily rhythm of locomotor activity in cows and horses, while sheep, goats and rabbits showed a weak daily rhythm of locomotor activity.
Age-related changes of song traits in female European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Pavlova Denitza , Pinxten Rianne , Eens Marcel 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn contrast to male bird song, female song complexity, learning and expression have received much less attention. Female European starlings can produce song of a comparable complexity as males and are also capable of adult vocal learning. Here we recorded song during 3 successive years and investigated variation in song traits (song complexity, song duration and song versatility) in relation to age in captive adult female starlings. We looked at whether individual song traits differ among different age classes (cross-sectional analyses) and whether they change over successive years (longitudinal analyses). Further we studied the repertoire turnover throughout the years, female song sharing in the first year of recording and whether different song traits consistently vary among females across the years. Overall, both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses showed that repertoire size significantly declined with female age, suggesting that some constraints exist in adult females to maintain large repertoires. Song duration and song versatility appeared to be unrelated to age. Female starlings intensely modified their repertoire across the years by adding new/deleting old phrase types, suggesting a high plasticity as reported in males. Females showed a high variation (between 14% and 83%) in sharing their repertoire, with older females having higher song sharing rates. The individual differences in song complexity and performance were repeatable across the years, which may suggest that song in female starlings is a potential quality indicator trait.
A study on the blood cells of the fire-bellied toad, Bombina bombina L. (Anura: Bombinatoridae)
Authors: Arikan Hüseyin , Alpagut-Keskin Nurşen , Çevik İ Ethem , Erişmiş Uğur 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the blood cells parameters of Anatolian and Thracian Bombina bombina populations. The size and counts of various blood cells were analyzed in 29 mature Bombina bombina specimens belonging to two populations (Durusu-Istanbul and Döşeme Bataklığı–Adapazarı) in northwest Anatolia. The mean erythrocyte count was determined as 251.429/mm3, that of leucocytes was 2.114/mm3, and that of thrombocytes was 12.857/mm3. There was no significant sexual variation in blood cell counts of our B. bombina sample which was collected during their breeding season. The leucocyte differential counts and staining properties of blood cells were also determined. Interspecific comparisons indicate that northwest Anatolian B. bombina samples share general features with other anurans but differ from other populations of the same species in blood cell parameters. The lower number of erythrocyte and their relatively large surface area of our samples suggest a lower level of metabolism and relatively higher oxygen uptake. We suggest that this structure is probably not only due to adaptations to different geographic regions and altitude but also a combination of recent habitat reductions due to human actions and agricultural contaminants may account for the blood cell parameters as well as other genetic and morphologic patterns of these isolated and small populations of this species.