bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting of the BclA and BclB proteins to the Bacillus anthracis spore surface
Authors: Thompson Brian M. , Stewart George C. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe exosporium is the outermost layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore. The predominant protein on the exosporium surface is BclA, a collagen‐like glycoprotein. BclA is incorporated on the spore surface late in the B. anthracis sporulation pathway. A second collagen‐like protein, BclB, has been shown to be surface‐exposed on B. anthracis spores. We have identified sequences near the N‐terminus of the BclA and BclB glycoproteins responsible for the incorporation of these proteins into the exosporium layer of the spore and used these targeting domains to incorporate reporter fluorescent proteins onto the spore surface. The BclA and BclB proteins are expressed in the mother cell cytoplasm and become spore‐associated in a two‐step process involving first association of the protein with the spore surface followed by attachment of the protein in a process that involves a proteolytic cleavage event. Protein domains associated with each of these events have been identified. This novel targeting system can be exploited to incorporate foreign proteins into the exosporium of inactivated, spores resulting in the surface display of recombinant immunogens for use as a potential vaccine delivery system.
Periconceptional glycaemic load and intake of sugars and their association with neural tube defects in offspring
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Laurent Cecile , Siega‐Riz Anna M. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: August 2008

SummaryIn a California population, we previously observed increased neural tube defect (NTD) risks associated with maternal intakes of periconceptional diets predicting higher glycaemic responses and higher sucrose. Our objective here was to replicate these results in a larger study of multiple regions within the United States. This population‐based case–control study included deliveries from 1997 to 2003 from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. NTD cases were infants or fetuses born with spina bifida or anencephaly. Infants without malformations were eligible as controls. Interview participation was 71% among case mothers and 68% among control mothers. There were 720 NTD case and 4699 control mothers with completed interviews included in analyses. Diet was assessed using a 58‐item food frequency questionnaire focusing on the year before conception, whereas cereals, beverages and supplement use was assessed periconceptionally. We found no increased risks of NTD‐affected pregnancies with increased intakes (adjusted for kcal/day) of sucrose, glucose, fructose or with maternal diets with a higher glycaemic load. The reasons for current findings to be inconsistent with previous findings are unknown.
Functional dissection of Hydrophilins during in vitro freeze protection
Authors: REYES JOSÉ L. , CAMPOS FRANCISCO , WEI HUI , ARORA RAJEEV , YANG YONGIL , KARLSON DALE T. , COVARRUBIAS ALEJANDRA A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTIn plants, Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins typically accumulate in response to low water availability conditions imposed during development or by the environment. Analogous proteins in other organisms are induced when exposed to stress conditions. Most of this diverse set of proteins can be grouped according to properties such as high hydrophilicity and high content of glycine or other small amino acids in what we have termed hydrophilins. Previously, we showed that hydrophilins protect enzyme activities in vitro from low water availability effects. Here, we demonstrate that hydrophilins can also protect enzyme activities from the adverse effects induced by freeze–thaw cycles in vitro. We monitored conformational changes induced by freeze–thaw on the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) using the fluorophore 1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonate (ANS). Hydrophilin addition prevents enzyme inactivation and this effect is reflected in changes in the ANS‐fluorescence levels determined for LDH. We further show that for selected plant hydrophilins, removal of certain conserved domains affects their protecting capabilities. Thus, we propose that hydrophilins, and in particular specific protein domains, have a role in protecting cell components from the adverse effects caused by low water availability such as those present during freezing conditions by preventing deleterious changes in protein secondary and tertiary structure.
A functional haplotype and expression of the PADI4 gene associated with increased rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in Chinese
Authors: Fan L. Y. , Wang W. J. , Wang Q. , Zong M. , Yang L. , Zhang H. , Sun L. S. , Lu T. B. , Han J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTo evaluate the association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PADI4 mRNA with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Chinese population, we examined the distribution of four exonic SNPs of the PADI4 gene (padi4_89*G/A, padi4_90*T/C, padi4_92*G/C and padi4_104*T/C) and PADI4 gene expression in 70 RA patients and 81 controls. Increased RA susceptibility was associated with the minor alleles of padi4_89 (P = 0.012), padi4_90 (P = 0.002), padi4_104 (P = 0.001) and the functional haplotype carrying the four minor alleles (P = 0.008). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles were also associated with increased RA susceptibility, and the individuals with minor alleles of four exonic SNPs and SE alleles showed more increased RA susceptibility. The PADI4 expression was significantly higher in RA patients than in controls (P < 0.001). HLA‐DRB1 SE alleles and the genotypes carrying the minor alleles of four SNPs were associated with increased PADI4 expression. It is concluded that PADI4 SNPs, functional haplotype and PADI4 expression may contribute to an inherited predisposition to RA in a Chinese population.
Response of Dendroctonus brevicomis to different release rates of nonhost angiosperm volatiles and verbenone in trapping and tree protection studies
Authors: Fettig C. J. , McKelvey S. R. , Dabney C. P. , Borys R. R. , Huber D. P. W. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA blend of eight nonhost angiosperm volatiles (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, guaiacol, nonanal, salicylaldehyde, (E)‐2‐hexenal, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol and (Z)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol) without [NAV] and with [NAVV] (–)‐verbenone (4,6,6‐trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept‐3‐en‐2‐one) were tested at low (L), medium (M) and high (H) release rates for their ability to reduce attraction of western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, to attractant‐baited (exo‐brevicomin [racemic, 3 mg/d], frontalin [racemic, 3 mg/d] and myrcene [18 mg/d]) multiple funnel traps. NAV‐L (40 mg/d) had no significant effect. Verbenone alone (50 mg/d) and NAV‐M (240 mg/d) both significantly reduced attraction, but no significant difference was observed between the two treatment means. NAV‐H (430 mg/d) significantly reduced catches by ∼60% and 78% compared to verbenone alone and the baited control, respectively. In a second experiment, combining (–)‐verbenone with NAV (NAVV) increased the effects observed in Experiment 1. NAVV‐M (240 mg/d) resulted in an ∼69% and 83% reduction in trap catch compared to verbenone alone and the baited control, respectively. Significantly fewer D. brevicomis were captured in NAVV‐H (430 mg/d) than any other treatment resulting in an ∼93% reduction in trap catch compared to the baited control. In a third experiment, NAVV was tested at three release rates for its ability to protect individual ponderosa pines, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws., from attack by D. brevicomis. Cumulative release rates varied in direct proportion to tree diameter, but represented quarter, half and full NAVV rates. NAVV significantly reduced the density of D. brevicomis attacks, D. brevicomis successful attacks, and levels of tree mortality on attractant‐baited trees. Only three of 15 NAVV‐treated trees died from D. brevicomis attack while ∼93% mortality (14/15) was observed in the untreated, baited control. Quarter and half rates were ineffective for reducing tree mortality.
Effects of elevated CO2 on feeding preference and performance of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae
Authors: Wang X.‐W. , Ji L.‐Z. , Zhang Q.‐H. , Liu Y. , Wang G.‐Q. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMultiple‐choice assays were conducted in the laboratory to examine the effect of CO2‐induced changes in leaf quality on growth, nutritional indices and preferences of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae. The tested tree species, one‐year‐old aspen (Populus pseudo‐simonii Kitag.), two‐year‐old birch (Betula platyphylla) and three‐year‐old oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch.) were transplanted to open‐top chambers at ambient or elevated CO2 (650 ppm) concentrations in May 2005. The present study was conducted in 2006. Leaves from the upper and lower crowns of each tree species were sampled and analysed, respectively. On both measurement dates (24 July 2006 and 16 August 2006), there were significant CO2 effects on levels of condensed tannin, starch, nitrogen and C : N ratio. But only on the latter date, were the concentrations of total phenolics, soluble sugar, carbon and total non‐structural carbohydrates significantly affected by elevated CO2. Leaf dry weight content and specific leaf weight were almost completely unaffected by CO2 enrichment. Gypsy moth larvae exhibited a clear selectivity for tested leaf types (leaves from the upper and lower crowns of each tree species) even in their early instar stage, with the upper leaves of P. pseudo‐simonii being the most preferable and the lower leaves of Q. mongolica being the least preferred. The changes in leaf quality significantly reduced larval growth and altered partial indices of insect performance (e.g., relative growth rate and relative consumption rate). However, at least in this short‐term choice feeding assay (13 days), the CO2‐induced changes in leaf quality had no significant effects on food preference behaviour of the gypsy moth larvae, neither within the limited range of host plants nor within the leaves at different canopy heights of the same tree species.
Phyllotreta cruciferae and Phyllotreta striolata responses to insecticidal seed treatments with different modes of action
Authors: Tansey J. A. , Dosdall L. M. , Keddie B. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe strategy used most commonly in western North America to protect seedlings of canola (Brassica rapa L. and Brassica napus L.) from attack by adults of the flea beetles Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) involves planting seed coated with insecticide for systemic activity. Previous research determined that the two beetle species responded differently to the most commonly used neonicotinoid seed dressings. However, other insecticides that exploit different modes of action have commercial potential for managing infestations of these pests, but no information exists on their efficacies for these flea beetle species. Studies were conducted to compare effects of the neonicotinoid compounds, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, to spinosyn and fipronil as systemic seed treatments for reducing feeding damage to canola seedlings and increasing mortality of P. cruciferae and P. striolata. Phyllotreta cruciferae experienced greater mortality and caused less feeding damage than P. striolata to seedlings treated with the neonicotinoid compounds. Mortality increased and feeding damage decreased significantly when beetles fed upon seedlings treated with fipronil, indicating its potential usefulness for control of these pests. However, spinosyn seed treatment was relatively ineffective against either beetle species. Higher rates of P. striolata mortality with fipronil than thiamethoxam suggest that fipronil may provide improved flea beetle control over hundreds of thousands of hectares in western North America where flea beetle populations are dominated by P. striolata, and control with thiamethoxam has been suboptimal.
Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana for control of Tribolium castaneum with reduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide
Authors: Lord J. C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of atmosphere modification, a widely adopted means of insect control in stored products, on the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana for one of the most difficult to control pests, Tribolium castaneum. Oxygen reduction to 5% (±1%) as opposed to CO2 elevation to 40% (±2%) for the first 72 h of fungus exposure resulted in significantly greater larval mortality than fungus exposure under ambient atmospheres. Both treatments reduced pupation of older larvae suggesting that slowed development may be a beneficial factor for fungal efficacy. CO2 elevation but not O2 reduction significantly affected the mortality of adult beetles that were exposed to the fungus. Carbon dioxide elevation significantly reduced B. bassiana’s germination and growth rates, but oxygen reduction did not.
Erythropoietin and its non‐erythropoietic derivative: Do they ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial injury in ureteral obstruction?
Authors: Srisawat Nattachai , Manotham Krissanapong , Eiam‐Ong Somchit , Katavetin Pisut , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam‐Ong Somchai 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  Pleiotropic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) have recently been discovered in many non‐renal animal models. The renoprotective effects of EPO and carbamylated‐erythropoietin (CEPO), a novel EPO which has a small stimulatory effect on hemoglobin, have never been explored in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), a chronic tubulointerstitial (TI) disease model which is independent of systemic factors.Methods:  In order to examine the effects of EPO and CEPO treatments on renal TI injury, 36 male Sprague‐Dawley rats, weighing 250–320 g, underwent: UUO without treatment (group 1, n = 12), UUO with EPO (groups 2, n = 12), and UUO with CEPO (group 3, n = 12). EPO and CEPO were injected subcutaneously at a dose of 5000 u/kg to each respective rat at 1 day pre‐UUO and at day 3, 7 and 10 post‐UUO. After days 3, 7, and 14 of UUO, TI injury, collagen, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) positive cell, ED1‐positive cell, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cell, and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were determined. Bcl‐2 expression was also assessed to verify the mechanism of apoptosis.Results:  At day 14 UUO caused severe TI injury with a significant increase in collagen, α‐SMA, ED1‐positive cell, TUNEL‐positive cell, and TGF‐β1 mRNA expression. Administration of EPO and CEPO significantly attenuated TI injury, collagen, ED1‐positive cells, and TUNEL‐positive cells. Only CEPO‐treated rats had decreased α‐SMA positive cells and TGF‐β1 mRNA. The expression of Bcl‐2 was demonstrated only in EPO‐treated rats. The hematocrit levels in EPO‐treated rats were higher than the control and CEPO‐treated rats.Conclusions:  EPO and CEPO can limit 14‐day UUO‐induced TI injury by reducing inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular apoptosis.
Is liquidity the missing link?
Authors: Limkriangkrai Manapon , Durand Robert B. , Watson Iain 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Durand et al. (2006a) argue that the Australian market is both internationally integrated and domestically segmented. They find that the US‐based three‐factor model captures returns of the largest stocks in Australia (evidence of international integration), but that it is unable to account for the returns of the smallest stocks (evidence of domestic segmentation). This study resolves the puzzle left by Durand et al. (2006a). Incorporating a liquidity factor provides the missing link in their analysis: it results in a model that permits both the international integration of the largest stocks and the model can account for the returns of the smallest stocks. Our analysis highlights the important role of liquidity in Australian asset pricing.
Silencing by RNAi of the gene for Pns12, a viroplasm matrix protein of Rice dwarf virus, results in strong resistance of transgenic rice plants to the virus
Authors: Shimizu Takumi , Yoshii Motoyasu , Wei Taiyun , Hirochika Hirohiko , Omura Toshihiro 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe non‐structural protein Pns12 of Rice dwarf virus is one of the early proteins expressed in cultured insect cells, and it is one of 12 proteins that initiate the formation of the viroplasm, the putative site of viral replication. Pns4 is also a non‐structural protein, visible as minitubules after nucleation of the viroplasm. We introduced Pns12‐ and Pns4‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) constructs into rice plants. The resultant transgenic plants accumulated short interfering RNAs specific to the constructs. The progeny of rice plants with Pns12‐specific RNAi constructs, after self‐fertilization, were strongly resistant to viral infection. By contrast, resistance was less apparent in the case of rice plants with Pns4‐specific RNAi constructs, and delayed symptoms appeared in some plants of each line. Our results suggest that interference with the expression of a protein that is critical for viral replication, such as the viroplasm matrix protein Pns12, might be a practical and effective way to control viral infection in crop plants.
Primary pupils' use of information and communication technologies at school and home
Authors: Selwyn Neil , Potter John , Cranmer Sue 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBased on survey data from 612 pupils in five English primary schools, this paper investigates children's engagement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) inside and outside the school context. Analysis of the data shows pupils' engagements with ICTs to be often perfunctory and unspectacular, especially within the school setting, where the influence of year group and school attended are prominent. Whilst the majority of children felt that ICT use led to gains in learning, the paper discusses how there was a strong sense of educational uses of ICTs being constrained by the nature of the schools within which ‘educational’ use was largely framed and often situated. The paper concludes by suggesting possible changes to ICT provision in primary schools, most notably relaxing school restrictions regarding Internet access and developing meaningful dialogues with pupils about future forms of educational ICT use.
The incidence of and risk factors for MRSA bacteraemia in an HIV‐infected cohort in the HAART era*
Authors: Burkey MD , Wilson LE , Moore RD , Lucas GM , Francis J , Gebo KA 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesTo define the incidence and risk factors for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia in an HIV‐infected population.MethodsFrom January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. We identified all cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB), including MRSA, among patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins Hospital out‐patient HIV clinic. A conditional logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for MRSA bacteraemia compared with methicillin‐sensitive SAB and no bacteraemia in unmatched (1:1) and matched (1:4) nested case‐control analyses, respectively.ResultsOf 4607 patients followed for a total of 11 020 person‐years (PY) of follow‐up, 216 episodes of SAB occurred (incidence: 19.6 cases per 1000 PY), including 94 cases (43.5%) which were methicillin‐resistant. The incidence of MRSA bacteraemia increased from 5.3 per 1000 PY in 2000–2001 to 11.9 per 1000 PY in 2003–2004 (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that independent predictors of MRSA bacteraemia (vs. no bacteraemia) were injection drug use (IDU), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and CD4 count <200 cells/μL.ConclusionsMRSA bacteraemia was an increasingly common diagnosis in our HIV‐infected cohort, especially in patients with history of IDU, low CD4 cell count and ESRD.
Stability of HIV RNA in plasma specimens stored at different temperatures
Authors: Amellal B , Murphy R , Maiga A , Brucker G , Katlama C , Calvez V , Marcelin AG 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesIn resource‐limited countries, HIV‐1 RNA quantification is usually performed in reference laboratories. Samples from remote areas are transported under suboptimal conditions. Here we evaluated HIV‐1 RNA stability in plasma stored at different temperatures for 1 week.MethodsBlood samples collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and processed within 6 h of collection were tested by HIV‐1 RNA quantification using Roche Cobas Ampliprep‐Cobas TaqMan® (Roche Diagnostics). The results were compared with matched HIV‐1 RNA concentrations determined from plasma stored for 1 week at 4, 22, 30 or 37 °C.ResultsA total of 51 samples were evaluated: 10 stored at 4 °C, 15 at 22 °C, 16 at 30 °C and 10 at 37 °C. Keeping plasma at 4, 22 or 30 °C for 1 week did not affect HIV RNA measurement. Compared with HIV‐1 RNA concentrations determined from fresh plasma, the correlation was significant for each of the three temperatures with no RNA decay. In contrast, HIV‐1 RNA levels decreased significantly when plasma was stored at 37 °C. The 10 samples submitted at this temperature showed a weaker correlation (ρ=0.84; P=0.012) and a significantly reduced median HIV‐1 RNA concentration (−0.92 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL; P=0.005).ConclusionPlasma can be saved for up to 1 week at 30 °C before shipping to a reference laboratory for HIV‐1 RNA quantification.
Routine, voluntary HIV testing in Durban, South Africa: correlates of HIV infection*
Authors: Bassett IV , Giddy J , Wang B , Lu Z , Losina E , Freedberg KA , Walensky RP 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundRoutine HIV testing is increasingly recommended in resource‐limited settings. Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with a new diagnosis of HIV infection in a routine HIV testing programme in South Africa.MethodsWe established a routine HIV testing programme in an out‐patient department in Durban, South Africa. All registered adults were offered a rapid HIV test; we surveyed a sample of tested patients.ResultsDuring the 12‐week study, 1414 adults accepted HIV testing. Of those, 463 (32.7%) were HIV‐infected. Seven hundred and twenty (50.9%) were surveyed. Compared with married women, unmarried men were at the highest risk of HIV [odds ratio (OR) 6.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.45–23.55], followed by unmarried women (OR 5.90; 95% CI 3.25–10.70) and married men (OR 4.00; 95% CI 2.04–7.83). Age 30–39 years (compared with ≥50 years; OR 5.10; 95% CI 2.86–9.09), no prior HIV test (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.07–2.27) and an imperfect HIV knowledge score (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.24–4.35) were also associated with HIV infection.ConclusionIn a routine HIV testing programme in South Africa, rates of previously undiagnosed HIV were highest among men, young and unmarried patients, and those with poorer HIV knowledge. Better interventions are needed to improve HIV knowledge and decrease HIV risk behaviour.