bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycosylation of the Self-RecognizingEscherichia coliAg43 Autotransporter Protein
Authors: Sherlock Orla , Dobrindt Ulrich , Jensen Jeppe B. , Munk Vejborg Rebecca , Klemm Per 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTGlycosylation is a common modulation of protein function in eukaryotes and is biologically important. However, in bacteria protein glycosylation is rare, and relatively few bacterial glycoproteins are known. InEscherichia colionly two glycoproteins have been described to date. Here we introduce a novel member to this exclusive group, namely, antigen 43 (Ag43), a self-recognizing autotransporter protein. By mass spectrometry Ag43 was demonstrated to be glycosylated by addition of heptose residues at several positions in the passenger domain. Glycosylation of Ag43 by the action of the Aah and TibC glycosyltransferases was observed in laboratory strains. Importantly, Ag43 was also found to be glycosylated in a wild-type strain, suggesting that Ag43-glycosylation may be a widespread phenomenon. Glycosylation of Ag43 does not seem to interfere with its self-associating properties. However, the glycosylated form of Ag43 enhances bacterial binding to human cell lines, whereas the nonglycosylated version of Ag43 does not to confer this property.
The CiaRH System ofStreptococcus pneumoniaePrevents Lysis during Stress Induced by Treatment with Cell Wall Inhibitors and by Mutations inpbp2xInvolved in β-Lactam Resistance
Authors: Mascher Thorsten , Heintz Manuel , Zähner Dorothea , Merai Michelle , Hakenbeck Regine 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTThe two-component signal-transducing system CiaRH ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeplays an important role during the development of beta-lactam resistance in laboratory mutants. We show here that a functional CiaRH system is required for survival under many different lysis-inducing conditions. Mutants with an activated CiaRH system were highly resistant to lysis induced by a wide variety of early and late cell wall inhibitors, such as cycloserine, bacitracin, and vancomycin, and were also less susceptible to these drugs. In contrast, loss-of-function CiaRH mutants were hypersusceptible to these drugs and were apparently unable to maintain a stationary growth phase in normal growth medium and under choline deprivation as well. Moreover, disruption of CiaR in penicillin-resistant mutants with an alteredpbp2xgene encoding low-affinity PBP2x resulted in severe growth defects and rapid lysis. This phenotype was observed withpbp2xgenes containing point mutations selected in the laboratory and with highly altered mosaicpbp2xgenes from penicillin-resistant clinical isolates as well. This documents for the first time that PBP2x mutations required for development of beta-lactam resistance are functionally not neutral and are tolerated only in the presence of the CiaRH system. This might explain whyciamutations have not been observed in penicillin-resistant clinical isolates. The results document that the CiaRH system is required for maintenance of the stationary growth phase and for prevention of autolysis triggered under many different conditions, suggesting a major role for this system in ensuring cell wall integrity.
ION TRACK-BASED NANOELECTRONICS
Authors: FINK D. , PETROV A.V. , FAHRNER W. R. , HOPPE K. , PAPALEO R. M. , BERDINSKY A. S. , CHANDRA A. , ZRINEH A. , CHADDERTON L. T. 
Published: February 2006

In the last years, concepts have been developed to use etched ion tracks in insulators, such as polymer foils or silicon oxide layers as hosts for nano- and microelectronic structures. Depending on their etching procedure and the thickness of the insulating layer in which they are embedded, such tracks have typical diameters between some 10 nm and a few μm and lengths between some 100 nm and some 10 μm. Due to their extremely high aspect ratios, and due to the possibility to cover very large sample areas, they exceed the potential of nanolithography.In this paper, the strategies of etched ion track manipulation are briefly outlined, that lead to the formation of nanotubules, nanowires, or tubular arrangements of nanoclusters. Examples where nanoelectronic structures are based on single ion tracks, are nanocondensors or sensors for temperature, light, pressure, humidity and/or alcohol vapor. By combination of ion track metallization and conducting track-to-track connections on the foil surface, micromagnets, microtransformers and microcondensors could be formed within polymer foils.Finally, we present our new "TEMPOS" (Tunable Electronic Material with Pores in Oxide on Silicon) concept where nanometric pores, produced by etching of tracks in silicon oxide on silicon wafers, are used as charge extraction (or injection) channels. In comparison with the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOS-FETs), the TEMPOS structures have a number of additional parameters (such as the track diameter, density, and shape, and the material embedded therein and its spatial distribution) which makes these novel structures much more complex. This eventually leads to higher compactation of the TEMPOS circuits and to unexpected electronic properties. TEMPOS structures can overtake the function of tunable resistors, condensors, photocells, hygrocells, diodes, sensors, and other elements. As an example, some corresponding current/voltage relations and TEMPOS circuits are presented. In this work we concentrate on TEMPOS structures with fullerene and phthalocyanine. Though not yet verified, TEMPOS structures could, in principle, be scaled down to nanometer sizes.
TICAD after 10 Years: A Preliminary Assessment and Proposals for the Future
Authors: Horiuchi Shinsuke 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTen years have passed since the first Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) was held in 1993. Since then, TICAD II, III, and Ministerial Level Meetings followed with each meeting producing either internationally agreed upon documents or action plans. There are many similar initiatives for development of African countries. In fact, cynics in and out of Africa castigate TICAD and other international initiatives as waste of time and energy because they have not been associated with any useful and concrete projects and the overall growth of Africa. This paper sets out to assess positive contributions that have been made by international initiatives including TICAD. The premise of this paper is that we are all in the game of globalization and development of Africa is a sub-game of globalization. Any game is played by the rules. Functions of international conferences for development could be defined in terms of setting development rules, guiding strategies and providing opportunities to build capacity for development. The paper examines what TICAD has offered to African countries as well as international community over ten years within this simple framework of analysis.
Nigeria's Fledgling Friendship with Japan: The Beginning of a 'Special Partnership'?
Authors: Ampiah Kweku 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSince the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo as President of Nigeria Japan's attitude towards the West African state seems to have been positively transformed. The relationship between the two countries kicked-off with panache after the President's first visit to Tokyo in April 1999 as President elect to renew acquaintances. The two countries are now bound together in a "Special Relationship", which provides them with a coherent framework for regular and constructive consultations. The recent developments replace a period of immobilist diplomacy between Tokyo and Abuja especially during when Nigerian domestic politics was infested with military dictatorships.Tokyo's recent initiatives toward Abuja have to be seen within the context of Japan's invigorated diplomatic initiatives toward sub-Saharan Africa as manifested through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The relationship is also premised on Nigeria's hegemonic position within the sub-region of West Africa. As a result, Japan has relatively increased its economic assistance to Nigeria in recent years and is seemingly showing signs of interest in the economic development of Nigeria. On his part, President Obasanjo has pledged his country's determination "to change from the way and manner business was done in Nigeria in the recent past in order to institute a new regime of accountability and transparency in conformity with internationally accepted codes of business ethics".
The influence of the CYP2D6 polymorphism on psychopathological and extrapyramidal symptoms in the patients on long-term antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Plesnicčar Blanka Kores , Zalar Bojan , Breskvar Katja , Dolzžan Vita 
Published: February 2006

Poor response to antipsychotics treatment and extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are the most challenging problems in the treatment of schizophrenia. Several studies were investigating the impact of polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 gene ( CYP2D6) on EPS but the results were conflicting. There are practically no clinical studies of long-term treatment of schizophrenia and CYP2D6 polymorphism. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of CYP2D6 genotype on psychopathological symptoms and the occurrence of EPS in Slovenian outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in stable remission, receiving long-term maintenance antipsychotic treatment. In total 131 outpatients meeting the DSM IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and receiving maintenance therapy with haloperidol, fluphenazine, zuclopethixole or risperidone were genotyped for 14 polymorphic CYP2D6alleles. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS). EPS were assessed with the Simpson Angus Scale (SAS), the Barnes Akathisia Scale and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Six patients (4.6%) were genotyped as poor metabolizers (PMs). PMs scored significantly higher on the negative subscale for PANSS. There were no statistically significant differences between the group of PMs and the group of patients with at least one functional CYP2D6 allele in view of patient's characteristics or any of the items of the AIMS, the SAS or the Barnes Akathisia Scale. CYP2D6 genotype may not be the major factor that determines the susceptibility to antipsychotic-induced EPS in Slovenian patients in stable remission and on maintenance therapy with antipsychotics that are mainly CYP2D6 substrates. However, CYP2D6 genotype might be a factor contributing to the persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Long-term results and competing risk analysis of the H89 trial in patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma: a study by the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte (GELA)
Authors: Fermé Christophe , Mounier Nicolas , Casasnovas Olivier , Brice Pauline , Divine Marine , Sonet Anne , Bouafia Fahdela , Bastard-Stamatoullas Aspasia , Bordessoule Dominique , Voillat Laurent , Reman Oumedaly , Blanc Michel , Gisselbrecht Christian ,   for the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte
Published: February 2006

AbstractFrom 1989 to 1996, 533 eligible patients with stage IIIB/IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) were randomly assigned to receive 6 cycles of hybrid MOPP/ABV (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone/Adriamycin [doxorubicin], bleomycin, vinblastine; n = 266) or ABVPP (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone; n = 267). Patients in complete remission (CR) or partial response of at least 75% after 6 cycles received 2 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy (CT) (n = 208) or subtotal nodal irradiation (RT) (n = 210). A better survival probability was observed after ABVPP alone: the 10-year overall survival (OS) estimates were 90% for ABVPP×8, 78% for MOPP/ABV×8, 82% for MOPP/ABV with RT, and 77% for ABVPP×6 with RT (P = .03); and the 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) estimates were 70%, 76%, 79%, and 76%, respectively (P = .09). The 10-year DFS estimates for patients treated with consolidation CT or RT were 73% and 78% (P = .07), and OS estimates were 84% and 79%, respectively (P = .29). These results showed that RT was not superior to consolidation CT after a doxorubicin-induced CR in patients with advanced HL. An analysis of competing risks identified age more than 45 years as a significant risk factor for death, relapse, and second cancers. Prospective evaluation of late adverse events may improve the management of patients with HL.
Expression of Jak2V617F causes a polycythemia vera–like disease with associated myelofibrosis in a murine bone marrow transplant model
Authors: Wernig Gerlinde , Mercher Thomas , Okabe Rachel , Levine Ross L. , Lee Benjamin H. , Gilliland D. Gary 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAn acquired somatic mutation, Jak2V617F, was recently discovered in most patients with polycythemia vera (PV), chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF), and essential thrombocythemia (ET). To investigate the role of this mutation in vivo, we transplanted bone marrow (BM) transduced with a retrovirus expressing either Jak2 wild-type (wt) or Jak2V617F into lethally irradiated syngeneic recipient mice. Expression of Jak2V617F, but not Jak2wt, resulted in clinicopathologic features that closely resembled PV in humans. These included striking elevation in hemoglobin level/hematocrit, leukocytosis, megakaryocyte hyperplasia, extramedullary hematopoiesis resulting in splenomegaly, and reticulin fibrosis in the bone marrow. Histopathologic and flow cytometric analyses showed an increase in maturing myeloid lineage progenitors, although megakaryocytes showed decreased polyploidization and staining for acetylcholinesterase. In vitro analysis of primary cells showed constitutive activation of Stat5 and cytokine-independent growth of erythroid colony-forming unit (CFU-E) and erythropoietin hypersensitivity, and Southern blot analysis for retroviral integration indicated that the disease was oligoclonal. Furthermore, we observed strain-specific differences in phenotype, with Balb/c mice demonstrating markedly elevated leukocyte counts, splenomegaly, and reticulin fibrosis compared with C57Bl/6 mice. We conclude that Jak2V617F expression in bone marrow progenitors results in a PV-like syndrome with myelofibrosis and that there are strain-specific modifiers that may in part explain phenotypic pleiotropy of Jak2V617F-associated myeloproliferative disease in humans.
Conditional up-regulation of IL-2 production by p38 MAPK inactivation is mediated by increased Erk1/2 activity
Authors: Kogkopoulou Olga , Tzakos Evaggelos , Mavrothalassitis George , Baldari Cosima T , Paliogianni Fotini , Young Howard A , Thyphronitis George 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates many cellular processes in almost all eukaryotic cell types. In T cells, p38 was shown to regulate thymic development and cytokine production. Here, the role of p38 on interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by human peripheral blood CD4+ T cells was examined. When T cells were stimulated under weak stimulation conditions, pharmaceutical and molecular p38 inhibitors induced a dramatic increase of IL-2 production. In contrast, IL-2 levels were not affected significantly when strong stimulation was provided to T cells. The increase in IL-2 production, following p38 inhibition, was associated with a strong up-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activity. Furthermore the Erk inhibitor U0126 was able to counteract the effect of p38 inhibition on IL-2 production, supporting the conclusion that p38 mediates its effect through Erk. These results suggest that the p38 kinase, through its ability to control Erk activation levels, acts as a gatekeeper, which prevents inappropriate IL-2 production. Also, the finding that p38 acts in a strength-of-stimulation-dependent way provides an explanation for previously reported, contradictory results regarding the role of this kinase in IL-2 expression.
The long pentraxin PTX3 as a link among innate immunity, inflammation, and female fertility
Authors: Bottazzi Barbara , Bastone Antonio , Doni Andrea , Garlanda Cecilia , Valentino Sonia , Deban Livija , Maina Virginia , Cotena Alessia , Moalli Federica , Vago Luca , Salustri Antonietta , Romani Luigina , Mantovani Alberto 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is member of a complex superfamily of multifunctional proteins characterized by a cyclic multimeric structure. PTX3 is highly conserved in evolution and is produced by innate-immunity cells in response to proinflammatory signals and Toll-like receptor engagement. PTX3 plays complex, nonredundant functions in vivo, acting as a predecessor of antibodies, recognizing microbes, activating complement, facilitating pathogen recognition by phagocytes, and hence, playing a nonredundant role in resistance against selected pathogens. In addition, PTX3 is essential in female fertility by acting as a nodal point for the assembly of the cumulus oophorus hyaluronan-rich extracellular matrix. Thus, the prototypic long pentraxin PTX3 is a multifunctional, soluble pattern recognition receptor acting as a nonredundant component of the humoral arm of innate immunity and involved in matrix deposition and female fertility.
An in vivo study of exocytosis of cement proteins from barnacle Balanus improvisus (D.) cyprid larva
Authors: Ödling Kristin , Albertsson Christian , Russell James T. , Mårtensson Lena G. E. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY
Barnacles, like many marine invertebrates, cause serious biofouling to marine industrial constructions and hulls of vessels as they attach themselves to such surfaces. Precise biochemical understanding of the underwater adhesion to surfaces requires a detailed characterization of the biology of the control of barnacle cement secretion and the proteins that make up the cement. In this study, we have investigated cement secretion by cyprid larvae of Balanus improvisus (D.) and the morphology of their cement glands. We studied the cement protein organization within cement granules and categorized the granules into four different types according to their size and morphology,before and after stimulation of secretion. In addition, we followed the exocytotic process of cement secretion in vivo and discovered that granules undergo a dramatic swelling during secretion. Such swelling might be due to an increased osmotic activity of granule contents, following a process of hydration. We hypothesize that this hydration is essential for exocytotic secretion and conclude that cement protein exocytosis is a more complex process than previously thought and is similar to exocytotic secretion in vertebrate systems, such as histamine secretion from mast cells and exocrine secretion in the salivary gland and the pancreas.
Cutting corners: the dynamics of turning behaviors in two primate species
Authors: Demes Brigitte , Carlson Kristian J. , Franz Theresa M. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY
In an attempt to characterize more fully the variation in substrate reaction forces in the locomotor repertoire of primates, we recorded the forces involved in directional changes for two species. These are the first records of turning forces for vertebrate quadrupeds, much less primates. Three ring-tailed lemurs and two patas monkeys performed turns of approximately 30° as they crossed a force platform. The ring-tailed lemurs also turned on a horizontal branch-like support with a segment attached to the force transducer. Mediolateral forces of up to 40% body weight were recorded. These are considerably higher than during linear locomotion. Pivot limbs in ground turns and turns on the branch differed in the lemurs, suggesting that substrate influences turning strategies. Limbs encountered both medial and lateral reaction forces, and as a result, they may be exposed to variable bending regimes in the frontal plane. The stereotypy in bending regimes suggested by in vivo bone strain studies, therefore, may characterize linear locomotion only. The lemurs showed hindlimb dominance in turns, both in terms of frequency used as well as force magnitude (hindlimb steering). Hindlimb dominance in weight support characterizes both species (and primates in general), but it is more pronounced in the lemurs. In the patas monkeys,forces were more evenly distributed among the two pairs of limbs. The mediolateral turning forces therefore seem to track the amount of weight to be shifted sideways. Overall variance in mediolateral forces was greater in the arboreal and versatile lemurs than in the terrestrial and cursorial patas monkeys.
Crepuscular and nocturnal illumination and its effects on color perception by the nocturnal hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor
Authors: Johnsen Sönke , Kelber Almut , Warrant Eric , Sweeney Alison M. , Widder Edith A. , Lee Raymond L. , Hernández-Andrés Javier 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY
Recent studies have shown that certain nocturnal insect and vertebrate species have true color vision under nocturnal illumination. Thus, their vision is potentially affected by changes in the spectral quality of twilight and nocturnal illumination, due to the presence or absence of the moon,artificial light pollution and other factors. We investigated this in the following manner. First we measured the spectral irradiance (from 300 to 700 nm) during the day, sunset, twilight, full moon, new moon, and in the presence of high levels of light pollution. The spectra were then converted to both human-based chromaticities and to relative quantum catches for the nocturnal hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor, which has color vision. The reflectance spectra of various flowers and leaves and the red hindwings of D. elpenor were also converted to chromaticities and relative quantum catches. Finally, the achromatic and chromatic contrasts (with and without von Kries color constancy) of the flowers and hindwings against a leaf background were determined under the various lighting environments. The twilight and nocturnal illuminants were substantially different from each other, resulting in significantly different contrasts. The addition of von Kries color constancy significantly reduced the effect of changing illuminants on chromatic contrast, suggesting that, even in this light-limited environment,the ability of color vision to provide reliable signals under changing illuminants may offset the concurrent threefold decrease in sensitivity and spatial resolution. Given this, color vision may be more common in crepuscular and nocturnal species than previously considered.
Cardiovascular and behavioural changes during water absorption in toads, Bufo alvarius and Bufo marinus
Authors: Viborg Arne L. , Wang Tobias , Hillyard Stanley D. 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARY
Blood cell flux (BCF) in the pelvic skin of Bufo marinus was lower than Bufo alvarius when toads rehydrated from deionised water (DI) or 50 mmol l–1 NaCl (NaCl). Despite the lower BCF in B. marinus, water absorption was not different between the species when toads rehydrated from DI or NaCl. When fluid contact was limited to the pelvic skin, water uptake from NaCl was lower than from DI, but became greater than uptake from DI as the immersion level increased. Hydrophobic beeswax coating the lateral sides reduced absorption from NaCl but not from DI. Toads settled into water absorption response posture well after maximal BCF was attained in both DI and NaCl, indicating that the behavioural response requires neural integration beyond the increase in BCF. Water exposure increased BCF in hydrated B. alvarius with empty bladders but not in those with stored bladder water. Hydrated B. marinus with an empty bladder did not increase BCF when given water. Handling stress depressed BCF but increased central arterial flow (CAF), measured using a flow probe around the dorsal aorta. In undisturbed toads, CAF increased with the same time course as BCF while heart rate remained relatively constant, suggesting redistribution of blood flow.