bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biophysical modelling of larval drift, growth and survival for the prediction of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) recruitment in the Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic)
Authors: ALLAIN GWENHAEL , PETITGAS PIERRE , LAZURE PASCAL , GRELLIER PATRICK 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFish recruitment is the result of the integration of small‐scale processes affecting larval survival over a season and large oceanic areas. A hydrodynamic model was used to explore and model these physical–biological interaction mechanisms and then to perform the integration from individual to population scales in order to provide recruitment predictions for fisheries management. This method was applied to the case of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Bay of Biscay (NE Atlantic). The main data available to investigate survival mechanisms were past growth (otolith) records of larvae and juveniles sampled at sea. The drift history of these individuals was reconstructed by a backtracking procedure using hydrodynamic simulations. The relationships between (real) growth variation and variations in physical parameters (estimated by hydrodynamic simulations) were explored along the individual trajectories obtained. These relationships were then used to build and adjust individual‐based growth and survival models. Thousands of virtual buoys were released in the hydrodynamic model in order to reproduce the space–time spawning dynamics. Along the buoy trajectories (representative of sub‐cohorts), the biophysical model was run to simulate growth and survival as a function of the environment encountered. The survival rate after 3 months of drift was estimated for each sub‐cohort. The sum of all these survival rates over the season constituted an annual recruitment index. This index was validated over a series of recruitment estimations. The modelling choices, model results and the potential use of the recruitment index for fisheries management are discussed.
Oceanographic investigation of the American Samoa albacore (Thunnus alalunga) habitat and longline fishing grounds
Authors: DOMOKOS RÉKA , SEKI MICHAEL P. , POLOVINA JEFFREY J. , HAWN DONALD R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe American Samoa fishing ground is a dynamic region with strong mesoscale eddy activity and temporal variability on scales of <1 week. Seasonal and interannual variability in eddy activity, induced by baroclinic instability that is fueled by horizontal shear between the eastward‐flowing South Equatorial Counter Current (SECC) and the westward‐flowing South Equatorial Current (SEC), seems to play an important role in the performance of the longline fishery for albacore. Mesoscale eddy variability in the American Samoa Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) peaks from March to April, when the kinetic energy of the SECC is at its strongest. Longline albacore catch tends to be highest at the eddy edges, while albacore catch per effort (CPUE) shows intra‐annual variability with high CPUE that lags the periods of peak eddy activity by about 2 months. When CPUE is highest, the values are distributed toward the northern half of the EEZ, the region affected most by the SECC. Further indication of the possible importance of the SECC for longline performance is the significant drop in eddy variability in 2004 when compared with that observed in 2003 – resulting from a weak SECC – which was accompanied by a substantial drop in albacore CPUE rates and a lack of northward intensification of CPUE. From an ecosystem perspective, evidence to support higher micronekton biomass in the upper 200 m at eddy boundaries is inconclusive. Albacore's vertical distribution seems to be governed by the presence of prey. Albacore spend most of their time between 150 and 250 m, away from the deep daytime and shallow nighttime sonic scattering layers, at depths coinciding with those of small local maxima in micronekton biomass whose backscattering properties are consistent with those of albacore's preferred prey. Settling depths of longline sets during periods of decreased eddy activity correspond to those most occupied by albacore, possibly contributing to the lower CPUE by reducing catchability through rendering bait less attractive to albacore in the presence of prey.
Temperature‐dependent stock‐recruitment model for walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) around northern Japan
Authors: FUNAMOTO TETSUICHIRO 
Published: October 2007

AbstractChanges in fish year‐class strength have been attributed to year‐to‐year variability in environmental conditions and spawning stock biomass (SSB). In particular, sea temperature has been shown to be linked to fish recruitment. In the present study, I examined the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST), SSB and recruitment for two stocks of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) around northern Japan [Japanese Pacific stock (JPS) and northern Japan Sea stock (JSS)] using a temperature‐dependent stock‐recruitment model (TDSRM). The recruitment fluctuation of JPS was successfully reproduced by the TDSRM with February and April SSTs, and February SST was a better environmental predictor than April SST. In addition, the JPS recruitment was positively related to February SST and negatively to April SST. The JSS recruitment modeled by the TDSRM incorporating February SST was also consistent with the observation, whereas the relationship between recruitment and February SST was negative, that is the opposite trend to JPS. These findings suggest that SST in February is important as a predictor of recruitment for both stocks, and that higher and lower SSTs in February act favorably on the recruitment of JPS and JSS respectively. Furthermore, Ricker‐type TDSRM was not selected for either of the stocks, suggesting that the strong density‐dependent effect as in the Ricker model does not exist for JPS and JSS. I formulate hypotheses to explain the links between SST and recruitment, and note that these relationships should be considered in any future attempts to understand the recruitment dynamics of JPS and JSS.
Diving behaviour of a Baird’s beaked whale, Berardius bairdii, in the slope water region of the western North Pacific: first dive records using a data logger
Authors: MINAMIKAWA SHINGO , IWASAKI TOSHIHIDE , KISHIRO TOSHIYA 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA depth and temperature data logger was deployed by air gun on an individual Baird’s beaked whale (Berardius bairdii) off the Pacific coast of Japan. The retrieved data logger recorded 81 dives over approximately 29 h. The maximum recorded depth and the longest dive duration were 1777 m and 64.4 min, respectively. All dives were classified into three categories by depth: deep dives (>1000 m), intermediate dives (100–1000 m), and shallow dives (<100 m). Several intermediate dives generally followed a deep dive, and sequential shallow dives followed several intermediate dives in the record of the Baird’s beaked whale.
Multiple G‐protein‐coupling specificity of β‐adrenoceptor in macrophages
Authors: Magocsi Maria , Vizi E. Sylvester , Selmeczy Zsolt , Brózik Anna , Szelenyi Judith 
Published: October 2007

SummaryAdrenergic signalling of the immune system is one of the important modulator pathways of the inflammatory immune response realized via G protein‐mediated pathways. The resulted signal depends on the type of the receptor‐coupled G‐protein (GPCR) that, according to the classical paradigm in the case of β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR), is Gs‐type. Recently, alternate and/or multiple G protein coupling specificity of GPCRs have been demonstrated including a switch from Gs to Gi binding. The possibility of a Gs/Gi switch and its role in the immune response of macrophages has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrate that β‐adrenergic stimulation itself is able to induce a transient mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation in murine peritoneal macrophages in a pertussis toxin‐sensitive manner, suggesting that the Gs/Gi switch also occurs in the immune system. Although this process is very rapid, it can influence different signalling pathways and can reprogramme effector functions suggesting that sympathetic modulation of the defence mechanism of the innate immune system has an additional, Gs/Gi switch‐dependent component.
Antigen processing and CD24 expression determine antigen presentation by splenic CD4+ and CD8+ dendritic cells
Authors: Askew David , Harding Clifford V. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryTo examine heterogeneity in dendritic cell (DC) antigen presentation function, murine splenic DCs were separated into CD4+ and CD8+ populations and assessed for the ability to process and present particulate antigen to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CD4+ and CD8+ DCs both processed exogenous particulate antigen, but CD8+ DCs were much more efficient than CD4+ DCs for both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presentation and MHC class I cross‐presentation. While antigen processing efficiency contributed to the superior antigen presentation function of CD8+ DCs, our studies also revealed an important contribution of CD24. CD8+ DCs were also more efficient than CD4+ DCs in inducing naïve T cells to acquire certain effector T‐cell functions, for example generation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing CD4+ T cells. In summary, CD8+ DCs are particularly potent antigen‐presenting cells that express critical costimulators and efficiently process exogenous antigen for presentation by both MHC class I and II molecules.
Different types of in vitro generated human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells release exosomes with distinct phenotypes
Authors: Johansson Sara M. , Admyre Charlotte , Scheynius Annika , Gabrielsson Susanne 
Published: October 2007

SummaryHuman in vitro generated dendritic cells and the exosomes they release are potential tools for the modulation of immune responses. Here, we characterized differently generated monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and their exosomes. Culturing of peripheral CD14+ cells from the same individuals with either interleukin (IL)‐4 and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) (conventional MDDCs) or alternatively with IL‐4 and IL‐3 generated immature MDDCs in 7 days. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that the IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs had significantly lower percentages of CD1a+, CD40+ and CD80+ cells and a higher percentage of CD86+ cells as compared with conventional MDDCs. In addition, IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs had significantly higher densities of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐ABC], MHC class II (HLA‐DR), CD11c and the tetraspanin CD81 as compared with conventional MDDCs. In a comparison of their ability to stimulate CD8+ T cells, we found that the IL‐4/IL‐3 MDDCs were slightly more efficient than the conventional MDDCs at inducing interferon (IFN)‐γ release in response to viral peptides. Exosome morphology was confirmed by electron microscopy and exosome phenotypes were analysed by flow cytometry and western blot. In comparison to exosomes from conventional MDDCs, exosomes from IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs showed significantly stronger signals for HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR, CD11c, CD63 and CD81. Thus, phenotypically the exosomes largely reflected their MDDCs of origin. When exosomes were loaded with viral peptides, both types of exosomes induced IFN‐γ release from CD8+ T cells. Our findings might have significance for the development of DC‐ and exosome‐based therapies.
Comparison of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 secretion from T helper 0, 1 and 2 lymphocytes alone and in coculture with macrophages
Authors: Oviedo‐Orta Ernesto , Bermudez‐Fajardo Alexandra , Karanam Sharada , Benbow Ulrike , Newby Andrew C. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryMetalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in extracellular matrix remodelling and regulatory signalling during chronic inflammatory states such as atherosclerosis formation. However, the sources and mediators of MMP upregulation need clarification. We investigated whether proinflammatory mouse T helper type 1 (Th1) lymphocytes are more active in MMP secretion than naïve Th0 or anti‐inflammatory Th2 phenotypes, in the absence of specific antigenic stimulation, under baseline conditions and after contact with irradiated macrophages. We also compared the effect of Th0, Th1 or Th2 lymphocyte‐conditioned medium and irradiated lymphocytes on MMP production from macrophages. Finally, we investigated whether CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions were involved in T‐cell‐stimulated MMP secretion from macrophages. Under baseline conditions, MMP‐2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were greater in Th1 than Th0 or Th2 lymphocytes; MMP‐9 mRNA, but not protein, was also upregulated. In the presence of irradiated macrophages MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 production from Th1 and Th2 was greater than from Th0 lymphocytes. Conditioned media from Th1 but not Th0 or Th2 cells increased MMP‐9 secretion from macrophages. Irradiated Th1 lymphocytes stimulated both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 secretion from macrophages more than irradiated Th2 or Th0 cells; this activation was independent of CD40–CD40L interaction. These findings demonstrate for the first time greater MMP secretion by Th1 than Th2 or Th0 lymphocytes and their greater ability to upregulate macrophage MMP secretion in the absence of specific antigenic stimulation. These mechanisms could promote matrix turnover in inflammatory states and, for example, promote atherosclerotic plaque rupture.
Comparison of open and double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges in diagnosis of food hypersensitivity amongst children
Authors: Venter C. , Pereira B. , Voigt K. , Grundy J. , Clayton C. B. , Gant C. , Higgins B. , Dean T. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Correct diagnosis of food hypersensitivity (FHS) is important to ensure appropriate patient care and to accurately establish the population prevalence and incidence. Food challenges play a very important role in the diagnosis of FHS, but it is unclear when open food challenges (OFCs) opposed to double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) should be used. This study investigated the use of OFCs and DBPCFCs when diagnosing FHS.Methods  Children with a reported history of FHS or with sensitization to a food without known previous consumption were invited to undergo food challenges. Children of consenting parents underwent an OFC and those with a positive OFC were approached to undergo a DBPCFC. Food challenges were either performed as 1‐day or 1‐week challenges depending on sensitization status and clinical history.Results  Forty‐one children underwent both OFCs and DBPCFCs. The positive predictive values for 1‐day and 1‐week OFCs were 73% (8/11; 95% CI: 39–94%) and 57% (20/35; 95% CI: 39–74%) respectively. There was no evidence to indicate that the younger children were more likely to have a positive OFC confirmed by a DBPCFC compared to older children (Fisher’s exact P = 0.53). In the 1‐day challenges parents indicated a preference for OFC rather than DBPCFC. By contrast, in the 1‐week challenge parents indicated a preference for DBPCFC (P = 0.0192).Conclusion  Open food challenge may be suitable for diagnosing immediate objective symptoms, whereas DBPCFC may be needed for the diagnosis of delayed and mainly subjective symptoms, irrespective of the child’s age.
Characterization of HMW‐PBPs from the rod‐shaped actinomycete Corynebacterium glutamicum: peptidoglycan synthesis in cells lacking actin‐like cytoskeletal structures
Authors: Valbuena Noelia , Letek Michal , Ordóñez Efrén , Ayala Juan , Daniel Richard A. , Gil José A. , Mateos Luis M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryAnalysis of the complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium glutamicum indicated that, in addition to ftsI, there are eight proteins with sequence motifs that are strongly conserved in penicillin binding proteins (PBPs): four genes that code for high‐molecular‐weight (HMW)‐PBPs (PBP1a, PBP1b, PBP2a and PBP2b), two genes encoding low‐molecular‐weight PBPs (PBP4 and PBP4b) and two probable β‐lactamases (PBP5 and PBP6). Here, the function of the four HMW‐PBPs in C. glutamicum was investigated using a combination of genetic knockouts, enhanced green fluorescent protein 2 (EGFP2) fusions and penicillin staining of membrane preparations. The four HMW‐PBPs were expressed in a growing culture of C. glutamicum, but none of four pbp genes was individually essential for the growth of the bacterium, and only the simultaneous disruption of both pbp1b and pbp2b was lethal. The fused EGFP2–PBP proteins were functional in vivo, which allowed correct determination of their cellular localization. EGFP2 fusions to PBP1a, PBP1b and PBP2b localized at the poles and at the septum, whereas EGFP2–PBP2a was predominantly found at the septum. Cefsulodin treatment specifically delocalized PBP1a and PBP1b (class A HMW‐PBPs), whereas mecillinam caused the specific delocalization of PBP2b and PBP2a (class B HMW‐PBPs). The results provide new insight into the mechanisms involved in the synthesis of the cell wall in this bacterial species, which lacks a known actin‐like cytoskeletal structure.
Carrier Potential Properties of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A Toxins for a Diphtheria Toxin Epitope
Authors: Guerrero G. G. , Moreno‐Fierros L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe N‐terminal half or toxic fragment of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins is comprised of three structural domains. In a previous paper, we showed that this region plays an important role in the immunogenicity of the B. thuringiensis Cry proteins. Due to this ability and along with their stability it is worthy of investigating whether this region has carrier potential. To approach this, an eight amino acid hydrophobic motif in α‐helix 7 of wild‐type (WT) Cry1A toxins was exchanged for a diphtheria toxin epitope (DTB). The resultant recombinant toxins were tested for their ability to induce specific anti‐Cry and anti‐diphtheria toxin antibodies in mice after intraperitoneal and nasal immunization. We found that recombinant Cry1A toxins retained their ability to induce serum and mucosal anti‐Cry Ab as well as IgG subclasses, although with a varied magnitude. By the systemic route, the effect of the amino acid substitution in the ratio of the IgG1/IgG2a Ab, leading in some sites toward IgG1 or IgG2a is more evident. Interestingly, mice produced specific anti‐DTB IgG, and IgA after intranasal immunization. Together, our results support and show the immunogenic properties of the WT Cry1A toxins as well as its carrier potential for a DTB.
Lactate Dehydrogenase‐elevating Virus Infection at the Sensitization and Challenge Phases Reduces the Development of Delayed Eosinophilic Allergic Rhinitis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Sasaki Y. , Hayashi T. , Hasegawa K. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe present study was conducted to determine whether lactate dehydrogenase‐elevating virus (LDV) infection at the sensitization and challenge phases affect the development of delayed allergic eosinophilic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in BALB/c mice (DAR group). Compared to the DAR group, LDV infection at the priming (DAR/LDVs group) and immunizing (DAR/LDVc group) phases reduced the induction of eosinophils in the bone marrow (BM) and/or blood. However, the number of eosinophils in the BM was not affected in the DAR/LDVc group. In addition, total blood IgE values were reduced in the DAR/LDVs but not the DAR/LDVc groups. Compared to the production of cytokines from splenic cells and blood IgE values in the DAR group, OVA‐specific IL‐4 and IFN‐γ productions and IgE values were reduced in the DAR/LDVs, whereas OVA‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐4 productions were increased and decreased, respectively in the DAR/LDVc,but not the DAR/LDVs groups. Both DAR/LDVs and DAR/LDVc groups reduced the development of eosinophilic rhinitis associated with reduced VCAM‐1 expression on endothelium in blood vessels and ICAM‐1 expression on nasal respiratory epithelium at inflamed areas. The present study suggests that LDV infection at the sensitization phase may reduce the development of T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 responses, whereas LDV infection at the challenge phase may inhibit the development of Th2 response by shifting to Th1 response. These may be responsible for the reduction of the development of DAR by LDV infection.
Lung Tissue and Tumour‐infiltrating T Lymphocytes in Patients with Non‐small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Moderate/Severe Versus Mild Stage of COPD1
Authors: Marc M. M. , Korosec P. , Kern I. , Sok M. , Ihan A. , Kosnik M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCytotoxic CD8+ T cells have been suggested to be key players in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We wanted to investigate the phenotype of lung tissue T lymphocytes (LTL) and tumour‐infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) in smokers with peripheral non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with moderate/severe versus mild COPD. Lung tissue and tumour samples were obtained from patients with moderate/severe stage of COPD (n = 10) and from patients with mild stage of COPD (n = 7) at lung resection for a solitary peripheral NSCLC, processed and analysed by flow cytometry. The flow‐cytometric results showed that lung tissue T cells, regardless of the severity of COPD, were mostly of the activated phenotype, expressed the CXCR3 chemokine receptor characteristic of type 1 T cells, and did neither significantly differ in the expression of activation markers (CD69, CD25 and HLA‐DR), differentiation markers (CD27 and CD28) and chemokine receptors (CXCR3 and CCR4) between the selected groups, nor showed any significant correlation with lung function measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) or TLCO. Compared with LTL, a significantly greater proportion of TIL expressed the activation markers CD69 and CD25, but a lower proportion showed a fully differentiated CD27−28− phenotype. We conclude that lung LTL patterns are similar in NSCLC patients with moderate/severe or mild stages of COPD, and are not significantly related to lung function. LTL and TIL possess different phenotype characteristics. The majority of tumour tissue T cells are activated, but it seems that their process of differentiation is incomplete.
Investigation on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a 0.4% topical stannous fluoride preparation (MedEquine® Gel) for the treatment of bacterial skin infections in horses: a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Akucewich Lisa 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this prospective, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel gel containing 0.4% stannous fluoride (MedEquine®) for the treatment of cutaneous bacterial infections in horses. Twenty privately owned horses diagnosed with bacterial skin infections based on physical findings and cytology results were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an active ingredient treatment group. The product was applied on affected areas daily for 4 weeks. Cytology and clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Owners scored pruritus weekly. Both owners and investigators were blinded to the allocation to the groups. At the end of the study, stannous fluoride gel treatment significantly decreased the investigator's clinical scores and owners’ pruritus scores while no significant changes were detected in the vehicle treatment group. At the end of the trial, none of the horses in the stannous fluoride group required additional therapy while four of ten horses in the vehicle group required systemic therapy to resolve the infection. No adverse effects were detected in any of the groups. The gel formulation made compliance easier for owners compared to the traditional bathing regimen and allowed spot treatment, which was particularly helpful in animals with localized infections. These favourable aspects of the treatment were highlighted by the owners of the horses enrolled in the study. In conclusion, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (MedEquine®) was an effective and safe therapy for the topical management of bacterial skin infections in the horses included in the study.