bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digestive peptidases in Tenebrio molitor and possibility of use to treat celiac disease
Authors: ELPIDINA Elena N. , GOPTAR Irina A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDigestion in Tenebrio molitor larvae occurs in the midgut, where there is a sharp pH gradient from 5.6 in the anterior midgut (AM) to 7.9 in the posterior midgut (PM). Accordingly, digestive enzymes are compartmentalized to the AM or PM. Enzymes in the AM are soluble and have acidic or neutral pH optima, while PM enzymes have alkaline pH optima. The main peptidases in the AM are cysteine endopeptidases presented by two to six subfractions of anionic proteins. The major activity belongs to cathepsin L, which has been purified and characterized. Serine post‐proline cleaving peptidase with pH optimum 5.3 was also found in the AM. Typical serine digestive endopeptidases, trypsin‐like and chymotrypsin‐like, are compartmentalized to the PM. Trypsin‐like activity is due to one cationic and three anionic proteinases. Chymotrypsin‐like activity consists of one cationic and four anionic proteinases, four with an extended binding site. The major cationic trypsin and chymotrypsin have been purified and thoroughly characterized. The predicted amino acid sequences are available for purified cathepsin L, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Additional sequences for putative digestive cathepsins L, trypsins and chymotrypsins are available, implying multigene families for these enzymes. Exopeptidases are found in the PM and are presented by a single membrane aminopeptidase N‐like peptidase and carboxypeptidase A, although multiple cDNAs for carboxypeptidase A were found in the AM, but not in the PM. The possibility of the use of two endopeptidases from the AM – cathepsin L and post‐proline cleaving peptidase – in the treatment of celiac disease is discussed.
Three new species of Arrhopalites (Collembola, Symphypleona, Arrhopalitidae) from Korea
Authors: PARK Kyung‐Hwa , KANG Jin‐Sun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThree new species of Arrhopalites in the Symphypleona from Korea are described and illustrated. This work also records new occurrence of Arrhopalites habei Yosii, 1956, with brief remarks. A key to the identification of the Korean species of Arrhopalites is provided.
First record of the family Cerylonidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) in Korea
Authors: PARK Sun‐Jae , AHN Kee‐Jeong 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe beetle family Cerylonidae, represented by Cautomus hystriculus Sharp, is identified for the first time in Korea. A habitus photo, redescription, diagnostic characters and illustrations of the species are provided.
Proficiency Analysis of Drug Susceptibility Testing by National-Level Tuberculosis Reference Laboratories from 1995 to 2003
Authors: Bai Gill-Han , Kim Sang-Jae , Chang Chulhun L. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

A proficiency review of antituberculous drug susceptibility testing (DST) was undertaken by the regional tuberculosis reference laboratories of the Western Pacific Region of WHO to evaluate the performance of national reference laboratories (NRLs) and to ensure that the results from the participating laboratories are reliable and similar. A panel of 30
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains with various patterns of resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin was sent to the NRLs, and their DST results were analyzed by comparing them with the judicial results. The efficiency scores for each drug were 90 to 99% (mean, 95%) for isoniazid, 77 to 100% (mean, 94%) for rifampin, 82 to 97% (mean, 90%) for ethambutol, and 82 to 98% (mean, 89%) for streptomycin. Significant changes over time in the rates of accordance with the judicial results were observed for rifampin (
P
< 0.0001) and streptomycin (
P
= 0.0002), whereas no changes were observed for ethambutol (
P
= 0.0880). The efficiency score for isoniazid was consistently good throughout the nine rounds. As a whole, NRL02 showed the highest score (95%) in accordance rates for all drugs, while NRL03 (86%) and NRL04 (88%) ranked lowest. Continued proficiency testing with subsequent technical assistance improved the DST quality of participating laboratories, demonstrating the importance of the current WHO/IUATLD external quality assurance program for DST proficiency testing.
Lack of Repeat Transduction by Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5/5 Vectors in the Mouse Airway
Authors: Sumner-Jones Stephanie G. , Gill Deborah R. , Hyde Stephen C. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
While recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors promote long-term transgene expression in the lungs and other organs, the goal of correcting chronic inherited lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis with this type of viral gene transfer vector is limited by the requirement of achieving stable potent transgene expression, potentially requiring vector readministration. Here we evaluated the abilities of rAAV type 5/5 (rAAV5/5) vectors based on the genome and capsid of AAV5 to efficiently transduce the lungs and nasal epithelium of mice after repeated administration. Transduction efficiency as judged by reporter gene expression was markedly reduced on a second rAAV5/5 administration and effectively abolished on a third. Varying the period between administrations from 8 to 36 weeks did not allow efficient repeated administration. A rapid rise in anti-AAV5 antibodies was noted after rAAV5/5 vector administration that was sustained for the entire period of investigation (in some cases exceeding 9 months). Furthermore, this antibody response and subsequent failure to repeatedly administer the vector were not rescued by the in vivo expression of CTLA4Ig from an rAAV5/5 vector. These results suggest that without the development of an effective and clinically acceptable immunosuppression strategy, treatments for chronic diseases that require repeated administration of rAAV5/5 vectors will be unsuccessful.
Selection and Analysis of Mutations in an Encephalomyocarditis Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site That Improve the Efficiency of a Bicistronic Flavivirus Construct
Authors: Orlinger Klaus K. , Kofler Regina M. , Heinz Franz X. , Hoenninger Verena M. , Mandl Christian W. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
Flaviviruses have a positive-stranded RNA genome, which simultaneously serves as an mRNA for translation of the viral proteins. All of the structural and nonstructural proteins are translated from a cap-dependent cistron as a single polyprotein precursor. In an earlier study (K. K. Orlinger, V. M. Hoenninger, R. M. Kofler, and C. W. Mandl, J. Virol. 80:12197-12208, 2006), it was demonstrated that an artificial bicistronic flavivirus genome, TBEV-bc, in which the region coding for the viral surface glycoproteins prM and E from tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) had been removed from its natural context and inserted into the 3′ noncoding region under the control of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) produces viable, infectious virus when cells are transfected with this RNA. The rates of RNA replication and infectious particle formation were significantly lower with TBEV-bc, however, than with wild-type TBEV. In this study, we have identified two types of mutations, selected by passage in BHK-21 cells, that enhance the growth properties of TBEV-bc. The first type occurred in the E protein, and these most likely increase the affinity of the virus for heparan sulfate on the cell surface. The second type occurred in the inserted EMCV IRES, in the oligo(A) loop of the J-K stem-loop structure, a binding site for the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G. These included single-nucleotide substitutions as well as insertions of additional adenines in this loop. An A-to-C substitution in the oligo(A) loop decreased the efficiency of the IRES itself but nevertheless resulted in improved rates of virus particle formation and overall replication efficiency. These results demonstrate the need for proper balance in the competition for free template RNA between the viral RNA replication machinery and the cellular translation machinery at the two different start sites and also identify specific target sites for the improvement of bicistronic flavivirus expression vectors.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses Elicit an Attenuated Type I Interferon Response in Polarized Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zeng Hui , Goldsmith Cynthia , Thawatsupha Pranee , Chittaganpitch Malinee , Waicharoen Sunthareeya , Zaki Sherif , Tumpey Terrence M. , Katz Jacqueline M. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
The unparalleled spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses has resulted in devastating outbreaks in domestic poultry and sporadic human infections with a high fatality rate. To better understand the mechanism(s) of H5N1 virus pathogenesis and host responses in humans, we utilized a polarized human bronchial epithelial cell model that expresses both avian alpha-2,3- and human alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid receptors on the apical surface and supports productive replication of both H5N1 and H3N2 viruses. Using this model, we compared the abilities of selected 2004 HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from humans and a recent human H3N2 virus to trigger the type I interferon (IFN) response. H5N1 viruses elicited significantly less IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) nuclear translocation, as well as delayed and reduced production of IFN-β compared with the H3N2 virus. Furthermore, phosphorylation of Stat2 and induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), such as MX1, ISG15, IRF7, and retinoic acid-inducible gene I, were substantially delayed and reduced in cells infected with H5N1 viruses. We also observed that the highly virulent H5N1 virus replicated more efficiently and induced a weaker IFN response than the H5N1 virus that exhibited low virulence in mammals in an earlier study. Our data suggest that the H5N1 viruses tested, especially the virus with the high-pathogenicity phenotype, possess greater capability to attenuate the type I IFN response than the human H3N2 virus. The attenuation of this critical host innate immune defense may contribute to the virulence of H5N1 viruses observed in humans.
Genetic Analysis of Murine Hepatitis Virus nsp4 in Virus Replication
Authors: Sparks Jennifer S. , Lu Xiaotao , Denison Mark R. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus replicase polyproteins are translated from the genomic positive-strand RNA and are proteolytically processed by three viral proteases to yield 16 mature nonstructural proteins (nsp1 to nsp16). nsp4 contains four predicted transmembrane-spanning regions (TM1, -2, -3, and -4), demonstrates characteristics of an integral membrane protein, and is thought to be essential for the formation and function of viral replication complexes on cellular membranes. To determine the requirement of nsp4 for murine hepatitis virus (MHV) infection in culture, engineered deletions and mutations in TMs and intervening soluble regions were analyzed for effects on virus recovery, growth, RNA synthesis, protein expression, and intracellular membrane modifications. In-frame partial or complete deletions of nsp4; deletions of TM1, -2, and -3; and alanine substitutions of multiple conserved, clustered, charged residues in nsp4 resulted in viruses that were nonrecoverable, viruses highly impaired in growth and RNA synthesis, and viruses that were nearly wild type in replication. The results indicate that nsp4 is required for MHV replication and that while putative TM1, -2, and -3 and specific charged residues may be essential for productive virus infection, putative TM4 and the carboxy-terminal amino acids K
398
through T
492
of nsp4 are dispensable. Together, the experiments identify important residues and regions for studies of nsp4 topology, function, and interactions.
Mutational Analysis of the N-Terminal Domain of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Capsid Protein
Authors: Auerbach Marcy R. , Brown Kristy R. , Singh Ila R. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
Retroviral capsid (CA) proteins contain a structurally conserved N-terminal domain (NTD) consisting of a β-hairpin and six to seven α-helices. To examine the role of this domain in Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) replication, we analyzed 18 insertional mutations in this region. All mutants were noninfectious. Based on the results of this analysis and our previous studies on additional mutations in this domain, we were able to divide the NTD of MoMLV CA into three functional regions. The first functional region included the region near the N terminus that forms the β-hairpin and was shown to control normal maturation of virions. The second region included the helix 4/5 loop and was essential for the formation of spherical cores. The third region encompassed most of the NTD except for the above loop. Mutants of this region assembled imperfect cores, as seen by detailed electron microscopy analyses, yet the resulting particles were efficiently released from cells. The mutants were defective at a stage immediately following entry of the core into cells. Despite possessing functional reverse transcriptase machinery, these mutant virions did not initiate reverse transcription in cells. This block could be due to structural defects in the assembling core or failure of an essential host protein to interact with the mutant CA protein, both of which may prevent correct disassembly upon entry of the virus into cells. Future studies are needed to understand the mechanism of these blocks and to target these regions pharmacologically to inhibit retroviral infection at additional stages.
The Role of NKG2D Signaling in Inhibition of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Lysis by the Murine Cytomegalovirus Immunoevasinm152/gp40
Authors: Pinto Amelia K. , Jamieson Amanda M. , Raulet David H. , Hill Ann B. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThree proteins encoded by murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)— gp34, encoded bym04(m04/gp34), gp48, encoded bym06(m06/gp48), and gp40, encoded bym152(m152/gp40)—act together to powerfully impact the ability of primed cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes (CTL) to kill virus-infected cells. Of these three, the impact ofm152/gp40 on CTL lysis appears greater than would be expected based on its impact on cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. In addition to MHC class I,m152/gp40 also downregulates the RAE-1 family of NKG2D ligands, which can provide costimulation for CD8 T cells. We hypothesized thatm152/gp40 may impact CTL lysis so profoundly because it inhibits both antigen presentation and NKG2D-mediated costimulation. We therefore tested the extent to whichm152/gp40's ability to inhibit CTL lysis of MCMV-infected cells could be accounted for by its inhibition of NKG2D signaling. As was predictable from the results reported in the literature, NKG2D ligands were not detected by NKG2D tetramer staining of cells infected with wild-type MCMV, whereas those infected with MCMV lackingm152/gp40 displayed measurable levels of the NKG2D ligand. To determine whether NKG2D signaling contributed to the ability of CTL to lyse these cells, we used a blocking anti-NKG2D antibody. Blocking NKG2D signaling did affect the killing of MCMV-infected cells for some epitopes. However, for all epitopes, the impact ofm152/gp40 on CTL lysis was much greater than the impact of inhibition of NKG2D signaling. We conclude that the downregulation of NKG2D ligands by MCMV makes only a small contribution to the impact ofm152/gp40 on CTL lysis and only for a small subset of CTL.
Fiber Shaft-Chimeric Adenovirus Vectors Lacking the KKTK Motif Efficiently Infect Liver Cells In Vivo
Authors: Di Paolo Nelson C. , Kalyuzhniy Oleksandr , Shayakhmetov Dmitry M. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
The molecular mechanisms governing the infectivity of adenovirus (Ad) toward specific cell and tissue types in vivo remain poorly understood. The direct Ad binding to hepatic heparan sulfate proteoglycans via the KKTK motif within the fiber shaft domain was suggested to be the major mechanism of Ad liver cell infection in vivo. Here, we describe the generation and in vitro and in vivo infectivity studies of Ad5-based vectors possessing long Ad31- or Ad41-derived fiber shaft domains, which lack the KKTK motif. We found that all the critical early steps of Ad infection, including attachment to the cellular receptor, internalization, and virus genome transfer into the nucleus, occurred with similar levels of efficiency for fiber shaft-chimeric vectors and unmodified Ad5. Upon intravenous delivery into mice, fiber shaft-chimeric vectors accumulated in liver tissue, transduced liver cells, and induced the production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6) and the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 at levels indistinguishable from those observed for Ad5. Thus, our data provide evidence that the Ad5 fiber shaft amino acid sequence does not play any substantial role in determining adenovirus infectivity toward hepatic cells in vivo. The data obtained contribute to improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms determining Ad infectivity and biodistribution in vivo and may aid in designing novel Ad-based vectors for gene therapy applications.
Tectonics of the Variscides in North-Western Germany based on seismic reflection measurements
Authors: Meissner R. , Springer M. , Flüh E. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
In the area of the Variscides in Germany five seismic reflection surveys were carried out between 1968 and 1978. Near Aachen, at the very northern part of the Variscan deformation front, a thin-skinned overthrust fault was found, while farther south, at the Hunsrück border fault, a steep listric fault zone was mapped which seems to have been initiated as an overthrust, but developed into a deep reaching extensional fault during the post-Variscan formation of the Saar-Nahe trough. The reflection signature of the different experiments, the low seismic velocity in the middle and lower crust, and the generally small crustal thickness together with many geological and petrological observations are compatible with the assumption that during the Variscan orogenies an interstacking of predominantly sialic platelets took place in a generally high-temperature environment. The shifting of the collisional belts from SE to NW is opposite to that of the Appalachian orogenies, although time periods and tectonic framework were similar. A simplified concept of approaching thin sialic platelets toward the rugged remnants of the Caledonian orogeny is presented.
A structural cross-section through SW Devon
Authors: Chapman T. J. , Fry R. L. , Heavey P. T. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
A new interpretation for the Variscan structure of SW Devon is presented in the form of a structural cross-section. It is argued that the lowest outcropping part of the Lower Devonian, the Dartmouth Beds, has been transported northwards (NW to NNW) over the upper part of the Lower Devonian and the Middle Devonian. It is also suggested that the Middle Devonian (including the Plymouth Limestone) is thrust northwards over the Upper Devonian. Both these thrusts have previously been recognized in SE Devon.
Chemical and isotopic studies of a core of Marl Slate from NE England: influence of freshwater influx into the Zechstein Sea
Authors: Turner P. , Magaritz M. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
Detailed mineralogical, chemical and stable isotope analyses have been made of single core through the Marl Slate in order to investigate the Zechstein transgression and its associated mineralization. The core (VT8), drilled by the National Coal Board off the coast of NE England, contains three subfacies: (1) dark grey, organic-rich, sapropelic siltstones; (2) organic-dolomite laminites; (3) massive finely crystalline dolostones. Two cycles of deposition which include the sequence sapropel→laminite→dolostone are present although the lower one (112 cm) is much thicker than the upper (32 cm).

There are some close correlations between the lithological and geochemical variables, including the stable isotope values. The sapropelic units are characterized by high Fe content (as iron sulphide) and strongly negative
δ
18
O values in associated carbonate minerals. Quartz silt and organic carbon are also higher in these units but diminish upwards in each depositional cycle. Each cycle of deposition appears to have been initiated by an influx of freshwater into the Zechstein basin which promoted surface productivity, water stratification and regional anoxic conditions. The relative change in
δ
13
C to more positive values higher in the Marl Slate is independent of lithological variation and indicates progressive enrichment of
13
C in the Zechstein Sea in response to the precipitation of large amounts of organic matter.

The distribution of base metals in the Marl Slate in this core strongly suggests that they were introduced by freshwater influx. Although Pb shows no clear relationship to the depositional cycles, Cu and Zn contents are relatively low in the lower sapropelic parts of the cycles and become higher in the upper parts. We take this to indicate that Cu and Zn sulphides were precipitated interstitially when more ‘normal’ marine conditions were re-established in the later part of each cycle.
The conodont
Merrillina divergens
(Bender & Stoppel) from the Upper Permian of England
Authors: Swift A. 
Published: September 2007

Summary

Conodont elements have been recovered from English Zechstein Cycle 1 carbonate rocks (EZ1 Ca) from three localities in NE England. Most of the elements belong to the apparatus of a single species,
Merrillina divergens
(Bender & Stoppel). The systematic concept of this species is revised.
Diagenesis of nearshore carbonate rocks in the Sprotbrough Member of the Cadeby (Magnesian Limestone) Formation (Upper Permian) of eastern England
Authors: Kaldi J. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
The petrographic textures in the upper member of the Cadeby (Magnesian Limestone) Formation demonstrate the combined effects of original depositional setting and later diagenetic alteration of a carbonate rock.
Dolomitization was the most ubiquitous diagenetic process to affect these rocks. Dolomites formed (1) penecontemporaneously, (2) perhaps as primary precipitates, (3) as cements during early diagenesis, and (4) as locally controlled late diagenetic replacement and cement. These dolomite textures were subsequently altered by the advent of new diagenetic environments. A drop in Zechstein sea-level exposed much of the upper (Sprotbrough) member to the influence of meteoric waters. The mixing of fresh and marine waters produced solutions capable of dissolving unstable carbonate matter, dolomitizing more resistant grains and replacing earlier dolomite textures with new ones. Generally, later dolomitization events produced coarser crystal textures than the earlier.

Evaporite minerals were formed as early nodules within supratidal sediments or as late diagenetic pore-filling cements in the sub-surface. Their dissolution led to the development of considerable vuggy porosity and the addition of Ca
2+
to ground waters. Ca
2+
-enriched fluids calcitized surrounding dolomites to produce dedolomite.

Porosity was controlled by the changes from one diagenetic environment to another. Primary pores were modified by cementation, recrystallization and pressure-solution. Secondary porosity was created by the dissolution of minerals that were unstable in pore fluids of the later diagenetic episodes.