bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Genomic-Library Enrichment and Identification of Solvent Tolerance Genes for
Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Borden Jacob R. , Papoutsakis Eleftherios Terry 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

A
Clostridium acetobutylicum
ATCC 824 genomic library was constructed using randomly sheared DNA. Library inserts conferring increased tolerance to 1-butanol were isolated using two protocols. Protocol I utilized a single round of butanol challenges in batch culture, while protocol II, which gave clearly superior outcomes, was based on the serial transfer of stationary-phase cultures into progressively higher butanol concentrations. DNA microarray analysis made a high-resolution assessment of the dynamic process of library enrichment possible for the first time. Protocol I yielded a library insert containing the entire coding region of the gene CAC0003 (which codes for a protein of unknown function) but also several DNA fragments containing promoter regions. Protocol II enabled the successful identification of DNA fragments containing several intact genes conferring preferential growth under conditions of butanol stress. Since expression using the employed library is possible only from natural promoters, among the enriched genes, we identified 16 genes that constitute the first cistron of a transcriptional unit. These genes include four transcriptional regulators (CAC0977, CAC1463, CAC1869, and CAC2495). After subcloning plasmids carrying the CAC0003 and CAC1869 genes, strains 824(pCAC0003) and 824(pCAC1869) exhibited 13% and an 81% increases, respectively, in butanol tolerance relative to the plasmid control strain. 824(pCAC1869) consistently grew to higher cell densities in challenged and unchallenged cultures and exhibited prolonged metabolism. Our serial enrichment approach provided a more detailed understanding of the dynamic process of library enrichment under conditions of selective growth. Further characterization of the genes identified in this study will likely enhance our understanding of the complex phenotype of solvent tolerance.
Multiple Environmental Stress Tests Show No Common Phenotypes Shared among Contemporary Epidemic Strains of
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Kang Min-Su , Besser Thomas E. , Hancock Dale D. , Call Douglas R. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Phenotypic traits of coexisting epidemic and nonepidemic strains of
Salmonella enterica
serovars Typhimurium and Newport were compared. Different stress conditions were relatively more or less favorable for the epidemic strains. Transcriptional analysis identified specific upregulated genes during defined stress conditions, but there were no common traits shared by epidemic serovars.
The Alternative Sigma Factor σBand the Virulence Gene Regulator PrfA Both Regulate Transcription ofListeria monocytogenesInternalins
Authors: McGann Patrick , Wiedmann Martin , Boor Kathryn J. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTSomeListeria monocytogenesinternalins are recognized as contributing to invasion of mammalian tissue culture cells. While PrfA is well established as a positive regulator ofL. monocytogenesvirulence gene expression, the stress-responsive σBhas been recognized only recently as contributing to expression of virulence genes, including some that encode internalins. To measure the relative contributions of PrfA and σBto internalin gene transcription, we used reverse transcription-PCR to quantify transcript levels for eight internalin genes (inlA, inlB, inlC, inlC2, inlD, inlE, inlF, andinlG) inL. monocytogenes10403S and in isogenic ΔprfA, ΔsigB, and ΔsigBΔprfAstrains. Strains were grown under defined conditions to produce (i) active PrfA, (ii) active σBand active PrfA, (iii) inactive PrfA, and (iv) active σBand inactive PrfA. Under the conditions tested, σBand PrfA contributed differentially to the expression of the various internalins such that (i) both σBand PrfA contributed toinlAandinlBtranscription, (ii) only PrfA contributed toinlCtranscription, (iii) only σBcontributed toinlC2andinlDtranscription, and (iv) neither σBnor PrfA contributed toinlFandinlGtranscription.inlEtranscript levels were undetectable. The important role for σBin regulating expression ofL. monocytogenesinternalins suggests that exposure of this organism to environmental stress conditions, such as those encountered in the gastrointestinal tract, may activate internalin transcription. Interplay between σBand PrfA also appears to be critical for regulating transcription of some virulence genes, includinginlA, inlB, andprfA.
Ex Vivo Stability of the Rodent-Borne Hantaan Virus in Comparison to That of Arthropod-Borne Members of the
Bunyaviridae
Family
Authors: Hardestam J. , Simon M. , Hedlund K. O. , Vaheri A. , Klingström J. , Lundkvist Å. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

The possible effect of virus adaptation to different transmission routes on virus stability in the environment is not well known. In this study we have compared the stabilities of three viruses within the
Bunyaviridae
family: the rodent-borne
Hantavirus
Hantaan virus (HTNV), the sand fly-borne
Phlebovirus
sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), and the tick-borne
Nairovirus
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). These viruses differ in their transmission routes: SFSV and CCHFV are vector borne, whereas HTNV is spread directly between its hosts, and to humans, via the environment. We studied whether these viruses differed regarding stability when kept outside of the host. Viral survival was analyzed at different time points upon exposure to different temperatures (4°C, 20°C, and 37°C) and drying at 20°C. We observed clearly different stabilities under wet conditions, particularly at 4°C, where infectious SFSV, HTNV, and CCHFV were detectable after 528, 96, and 15 days, respectively. All three viruses were equally sensitive to drying, as shown by drying on aluminum discs. Furthermore, HTNV and SFSV partially survived for 2 min in 30% ethanol, whereas CCHFV did not. Electron microscopy images of HTNV, SSFSV, and CCHFV stored at 37°C until infectivity was lost still showed the occurrence of virions, but with abnormal shapes and densities compared to those of the nonincubated samples. In conclusion, our study points out important differences in ex vivo stability among viruses within the
Bunyaviridae
family.
Evolution of the Mating Type Locus: Insights Gained from the Dimorphic Primary Fungal Pathogens
Histoplasma capsulatum
,
Coccidioides immitis
, and
Coccidioides posadasii
Authors: Fraser James A. , Stajich Jason E. , Tarcha Eric J. , Cole Garry T. , Inglis Diane O. , Sil Anita , Heitman Joseph 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Sexual reproduction of fungi is governed by the mating type (
MAT
) locus, a specialized region of the genome encoding key transcriptional regulators that direct regulatory networks to specify cell identity and fate. Knowledge of
MAT
locus structure and evolution has been considerably advanced in recent years as a result of genomic analyses that enable the definition of
MAT
locus sequences in many species as well as provide an understanding of the evolutionary plasticity of this unique region of the genome. Here, we extend this analysis to define the mating type locus of three dimorphic primary human fungal pathogens,
Histoplasma capsulatum
,
Coccidioides immitis
, and
Coccidioides posadasii
, using genomic analysis, direct sequencing, and bioinformatics. These studies provide evidence that all three species possess heterothallic bipolar mating type systems, with isolates encoding either a high-mobility-group (HMG) domain or an α-box transcriptional regulator. These genes are intact in all loci examined and have not been subject to loss or decay, providing evidence that the loss of fertility upon passage in
H. capsulatum
is not attributable to mutations at the
MAT
locus. These findings also suggest that an extant sexual cycle remains to be defined in both
Coccidioides
species, in accord with population genetic evidence. Based on these
MAT
sequences, a facile PCR test was developed that allows the mating type to be rapidly ascertained. Finally, these studies highlight the evolutionary forces shaping the
MAT
locus, revealing examples in which flanking genes have been inverted or subsumed and incorporated into an expanding
MAT
locus, allowing us to propose an expanded model for the evolution of the
MAT
locus in the phylum
Ascomycota
.
The MAD1 Adhesin of
Metarhizium anisopliae
Links Adhesion with Blastospore Production and Virulence to Insects, and the MAD2 Adhesin Enables Attachment to Plants
Authors: Wang Chengshu , St Leger Raymond J. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Metarhizium anisopliae
is a fungus of considerable metabolic and ecological versatility, being a potent insect pathogen that can also colonize plant roots. The mechanistic details of these interactions are unresolved. We provide evidence that
M. anisopliae
adheres to insects and plants using two different proteins, MAD1 and MAD2, that are differentially induced in insect hemolymph and plant root exudates, respectively, and produce regional localization of adhesive conidial surfaces. Expression of
Mad1
in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
allowed this yeast to adhere to insect cuticle. Expression of
Mad2
caused yeast cells to adhere to a plant surface. Our study demonstrated that as well as allowing adhesion to insects, MAD1 at the surface of
M. anisopliae
conidia or blastospores is required to orientate the cytoskeleton and stimulate the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle. Consequently, the disruption of
Mad1
in
M. anisopliae
delayed germination, suppressed blastospore formation, and greatly reduced virulence to caterpillars. The disruption of
Mad2
blocked the adhesion of
M. anisopliae
to plant epidermis but had no effects on fungal differentiation and entomopathogenicity. Thus, regulation, localization, and specificity control the functional distinction between
Mad1
and
Mad2
and enable
M. anisopliae
cells to adapt their adhesive properties to different habitats.
Translation and validation of a Japanese version of the irritable bowel syndrome-quality of life measure (IBS-QOL-J)
Authors: Kanazawa Motoyori , Drossman Douglas A , Shinozaki Masae , Sagami Yasuhiro , Endo Yuka , Palsson Olafur S , Hongo Michio , Whitehead William E , Fukudo Shin 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Aims
To compare quality of life (QOL) for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) between the U.S. and Japan, it is indispensable to develop common instruments. The IBS-QOL, which is widely used in Western countries, was translated into Japanese as there has been a lack of Japanese disease-specific QOL measures for IBS.

Methods
The original 34 items of the IBS-QOL were translated from English into Japanese through two independent forward translations, resolution, back translation, and resolution of differences. Forty nine patients who had GI symptoms but did not have any organic diseases (including 30 IBS patients diagnosed by Rome II criteria) were recruited from Tohoku University Hospital in Sendai, Japan and completed a Japanese version of the IBS-QOL (IBS-QOL-J) concomitant with a Japanese version of the IBS severity index (IBSSI-J) twice within 7–14 days.

Results
The IBS-QOL-J demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha; 0.96) and high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient; 0.92, p < 0.001). Convergent analyses confirmed that the overall score of IBS-QOL-J was significantly correlated with overall severity of IBS symptoms on the IBSSI-J (r = -0.36, p = 0.01) and with the individual items on the IBSSI-J that assess interference with life in general (r = -0.47, p = 0.001) and dissatisfaction with bowel habits (r = -0.32, p < 0.05). Eight patients who reported continuous abdominal pain in the past 6 months had significantly lower scores in the IBS-QOL-J than those who did not (53.7 +- 12.7 vs. 73.6 +- 19.5, p < 0.01). Age, sex, education or marital status did not affect scores on the measure.

Conclusion
The IBS-QOL-J is a reliable instrument to assess the disease-specific QOL for IBS. Considering cross-cultural comparison, this measure is likely to be a valuable tool to investigate the QOL in Japanese patients with IBS.
Fractal landscape method: an alternative approach to measuring area-restricted searching behavior
Authors: Tremblay Yann , Roberts Antony J. , Costa Daniel P. 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY
Quantifying spatial and temporal patterns of prey searching is of primary importance for understanding animals' critical habitat and foraging specialization. In patchy environments, animals forage by exhibiting movement patterns consisting of area-restricted searching (ARS) at various scales. Here, we present a new method, the fractal landscape method, which describes the peaks and valleys of fractal dimension along the animal path. We describe and test the method on simulated tracks, and quantify the effect of track inaccuracies. We show that the ARS zones correspond to the peaks from this fractal landscape and that the method is near error-free when analyzing high-resolution tracks, such as those obtained using the Global Positioning System (GPS). When we used tracks of lower resolution, such as those obtained with the Argos system, 9.6–16.3% of ARS were not identified, and 1–25% of the ARS were found erroneously. The later type of error can be partially flagged and corrected. In addition, track inaccuracies erroneously increased the measured ARS size by a factor of 1.2 to 2.2. Regardless, the majority of the times and locations were correctly flagged as being in or out of ARS (from 83.8 to 89.5% depending on track quality). The method provides a significant new tool for studies of animals' foraging behavior and habitat selection, because it provides a method to precisely quantify each ARS separately, which is not possible with existing methods.
Limitations to maximum running speed on flat curves
Authors: Chang Young-Hui , Kram Rodger 
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY
Why is maximal running speed reduced on curved paths? The leading explanation proposes that an increase in lateral ground reaction force necessitates a decrease in peak vertical ground reaction force, assuming that maximum leg extension force is the limiting factor. Yet, no studies have directly measured these forces or tested this critical assumption. We measured maximum sprint velocities and ground reaction forces for five male humans sprinting along a straight track and compared them to sprints along circular tracks of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 m radii. Circular track sprint trials were performed either with or without a tether that applied centripetal force to the center of mass. Sprinters generated significantly smaller peak resultant ground reaction forces during normal curve sprinting compared to straight sprinting. This provides direct evidence against the idea that maximum leg extension force is always achieved and is the limiting factor. Use of the tether increased sprint speed, but not to expected values. During curve sprinting, the inside leg consistently generated smaller peak forces compared to the outside leg. Several competing biomechanical constraints placed on the stance leg during curve sprinting likely make the inside leg particularly ineffective at generating the ground reaction forces necessary to attain maximum velocities comparable to straight path sprinting. The ability of quadrupeds to redistribute function across multiple stance legs and decouple these multiple constraints may provide a distinct advantage for turning performance.
Overcoming Physical Barriers to Diabetes Self-Care: Reframing Disability as an Opportunity for Ingenuity
Authors: Coonrod Beth Ann 
Published: March 2007

In Brief
Physical barriers can pose a challenge in helping individuals achieve self-care goals. This article describes types of physical barriers and the decision-making process for developing strategies to overcome them. It also directs readers to resources offering information about, and detailed strategies for overcoming, specific physical barriers.
How Do We Diagnose Diabetes and Measure Blood Glucose Control?
Authors: Davidson Mayer B. 
Published: March 2007

In Brief
In 1979, criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes were selected based on levels of glycemia on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) that were associated with the subsequent development of retinopapthy. Since then, five long-term studies have demonstrated that when HbA1c levels are maintained below 7% (normal 6%), development of retinopathy and microalbuminuria is practically nil. Approximately 60% of people with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations of 126–139 mg/dl and 70% of those with 2-h values on the OGTT of 200–239 mg/dl have normal HbA1c levels, with another third having values between 6 and 7%. This article offers an alternative approach to diagnosis using both FPG and HbA1c values.
Fine-Tuning Control: Pattern Management Versus Supplementation
Authors: Hirsch Irl B. , Farkas-Hirsch Ruth 
Published: March 2007

In Brief
Sliding-scale insulin has a long history and, today, a variety of connotations. With the development of more sophisticated insulin regimens and insulin analogs, it is important to differentiate different types of insulin algorithms from more traditional sliding-scale insulin regimens, which have many disadvantages. For a flexible diabetes regimen to be effective, emphasis must also be given to matching food intake with the appropriate amount of insulin.
Optimal Exercise Intensity for Individuals With Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Wright David C. , Swan Pamela D. 
Published: March 2007

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a transitory state between normoglycemia and frank diabetes. One in three individuals with IGT will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years if left untreated. A strong rationale exists for the implementation of strategies designed to reverse or stabilize the deterioration in glucose homeostasis in individuals with IGT.
Recent physical activity guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine have suggested that intermittent moderate-intensity exercise is beneficial and can improve the health status of these individuals. Specifically, the guidelines recommend that every American should accumulate 30 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
The current guidelines are based predominantly on epidemiological data, and very little clinical evidence exists that this level of physical activity can significantly improve glycemic status. More intense exercise prescriptions would appear to be needed to improve glucose tolerance and insulin action. Although higher exercise intensity is a key determinant for improvements in glucose homeostasis, it may produce mechanical and oxidative damage that can result in transitory impairments in insulin action and glucose tolerance. Therefore, the optimal exercise intensity for an individual with IGT appears to lie between these two extremes.
Adding a Daily Dosage of Diabetes Wisdom to Your Prescription
Authors: Levetan Claresa 
Published: March 2007

In the words of Dr. Elliott Joslin, “The person with diabetes who knows the most lives the longest.” Despite the technological advances in medicine and health coupled with the successful efforts of the American Diabetes Association and numerous other organizations in raising public awareness of the HbA1c blood test, most people with diabetes still cannot name the test or state their current HbA1c level or target goals.
The amount of patient information needed to manage diabetes on a daily basis is often overwhelming. Providing daily diabetes management tips in a calendar format allows patients to digest self-management techniques one day at a time without causing information overload.
In conjunction with the Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, the peer review organization that conducts quality improvement projects for Medicare and Medicaid in Maryland and the District of Columbia, I set forth to develop a unique information and education resource for Medicare recipients. We first distributed the daily, spiral-bound diabetes calendar logbook in 1997, after conducting focus groups and gathering feedback from Medicare recipients. From 1998–2001, 964 patients with diabetes received the calendars yearly. The initial survey conducted among calendar recipients after the first year of use revealed that 83% found the calendar helpful; 70% liked the reminders, advice, and encouragement; 83% learned about the importance of the HbA1c test; and 92% better understood the importance of a foot exam. Patients attributed the benefits of the calendar to its permanence, content, and inspirational messages.1
Our experience has shown that a daily calendar format that includes concise daily tips, information notes, and inspirational messages about diabetes may be more beneficial to patients than traditional educational materials designed for one-time use. This article presents some of the barriers to delivering optimal self-management training materials and reviews the ongoing process of developing this tool.
Shaping Environments for Reductions in Type 2 Diabetes Risk Behaviors: A Look at CVD and Cancer Interventions
Authors: Miller Stephania T. , Schlundt David G. , Pichert James W. , Ahmed Nasar U. 
Published: March 2007

In Brief
Among the many efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes in the United States, one involves focusing on communities. Evidence from cardiovascular disease and cancer-related community intervention projects indicate that such efforts show promise in reducing behavioral risk factors, many of which are the same for diabetes. Such projects, therefore, may provide insight for diabetes educators, researchers, and others who are interested in designing and implementing diabetes interventions within communities.
Common Drug Pathways and Interactions
Authors: Kroner Beverly A. 
Published: March 2007

In BriefThis article focuses on common prescription drug interactions in the treatment of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. Mechanisms of the drug interactions and recommendations for clinical practice are highlighted. Because of concerns about potentially negative effects some prescription medications may have on glycemic control in people with diabetes, some of these drug-disease interactions are also addressed.
Use of Social Marketing to Develop Culturally Innovative Diabetes Interventions
Authors: Thackeray Rosemary , Neiger Brad L. 
Published: March 2007

Diabetes continues to increase in magnitude throughout the United States and abroad. It is expected to increase by 165% from 2000 to 2050. Diabetes poses a particular burden to those in ethnic minority populations. African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians are more likely to be affected by diabetes, to be less active in health-promoting behavior, and to have fewer resources to address related complications compared with whites.
Because diabetes disproportionately affects ethnic minorities in the United States, it is imperative that interventions be tailored to these audiences. To develop effective interventions, program developers must identify an audience-centered planning process that provides a foundation for culturally innovative interventions.
Social marketing efforts in both domestic and international settings have been successful at improving the lives and health status of targeted individuals and communities. This article describes how the social marketing process can be used to create interventions that are culturally innovative and relevant. The Social Marketing Assessment and Response Tool (SMART) model is used to establish a relationship between social marketing and culturally specific interventions. The model incorporates a systematic and sequential process that includes preliminary planning; audience, channel, and market analyses; materials development and pretesting; implementation; and evaluation. Diabetes interventions that are developed and implemented with this approach hold promise as solutions that are more likely to be adopted by targeted audiences and to result in the desired health status changes.