bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actions et récit dans
La Vengeance d'une femme
de Barbey d'Aurevilly
Authors: Vassilev Kris 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

La sixième
Diabolique
offre une perspective privilégiée à qui s'interroge sur le rapport entre vengeance et récit. Le projet vengeur recoupe ici l'acte de narrer. Il s'agit de faire rayonner l'histoire d'une bassesse et d'une grandeur, dont témoignent les faits et gestes de la duchesse de Sierra-Leone, qui se prostitue afin de se venger de son époux, grand d'Espagne. La stratégie adoptée par l'aristocrate consiste à se faire consumer par l'acte même au moyen duquel elle se venge. Rendu public, le récit des circonstances de sa mort doit souiller le nom et le rang de son mari et sceller ainsi son déshonneur. Cependant, ce programme narratif relève, en dernière analyse, d'une ambiguïté, inhérente à l'exécution de l'acte vengeur. Celui-ci semble en effet osciller entre deux scénarios incompatibles. Tantôt il prétend résider dans la transmission même du récit par un intermédiaire, tantôt il rejette la délégation narrative et prétend s'immuniser contre toute diffusion discursive: il se révèle alors comme pure contemplation mentale. C'est que, paradoxalement, la duchesse/fille semble ne raconter son histoire que pour affirmer la gratuité de son récit. L'ambiguïté troublante qui sous-tend la réalisation de cette vengeance est-t-elle levée par la production même du texte de la nouvelle?
Life after Léa: War and Trauma in Colette's
La Fin de Chéri
Authors: Fell Alison S. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

This article considers the effects of the First World War on gender relations as they are perceived and represented in Colette's 1926 novel
La Fin de Chéri.
It discusses two interconnected aspects of the novel's evocation of the upper echelons of post-war French society. First, it focuses on the ways in which the novel intersects with the 1920s debate on gender identity, which conflates with a more generalized sense of cultural despair that was discernible after 1918 in diverse political, social and literary discourses. Whereas some commentators have argued that the novel reproduces reactionary and anti-feminist post-war stereotypes, this article suggests that the ambiguities evident in the figures of Edmée and Chéri work to reveal the inconsistencies and limitations of the ideals of femininity and masculinity that were widely promoted during this period. Second, the article examines in more detail the depiction of a returning soldier suffering from war-induced neurasthenia. I argue that the eponymous hero's psychological trauma is contrasted with Léa's more positive adaptation to a post-war world. I conclude, however, that Colette's novel equally flags up the difficulties inherent for both characters as they attempt to negotiate a space for their identity within the competing gender discourses of 1920s France.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Glucosidase II Is Required for Pathogenicity ofUstilago maydis [W]
Authors: Schirawski Jan , Böhnert Heidi U. , Steinberg Gero , Snetselaar Karen , Adamikowa Lubica , Kahmann Regine 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe identified a nonpathogenic strain of Ustilago maydis by tagging mutagenesis. The affected gene, glucosidase1 (gas1), displays similarity to catalytic α-subunits of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) glucosidase II. We have shown that Gas1 localizes to the ER and complements the temperature-sensitive phenotype of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant lacking ER glucosidase II. gas1 deletion mutants were normal in growth and mating but were more sensitive to calcofluor and tunicamycin. Mutant infection hyphae displayed significant alterations in the distribution of cell wall material and were able to form appressoria and penetrate the plant surface but arrested growth in the epidermal cell layer. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that the plant–fungal interface between mutant hyphae and the plant plasma membrane was altered compared with the interface of penetrating wild-type hyphae. This may indicate that gas1 mutants provoke a plant response.
A novel approach to structural alignment using realistic structural and environmental information
Authors: Chen Yu , Crippen Gordon M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn the era of structural genomics, it is necessary to generate accurate structural alignments in order to build good templates for homology modeling. Although a great number of structural alignment algorithms have been developed, most of them ignore intermolecular interactions during the alignment procedure. Therefore, structures in different oligomeric states are barely distinguishable, and it is very challenging to find correct alignment in coil regions. Here we present a novel approach to structural alignment using a clique finding algorithm and environmental information (SAUCE). In this approach, we build the alignment based on not only structural coordinate information but also realistic environmental information extracted from biological unit files provided by the Protein Data Bank (PDB). At first, we eliminate all environmentally unfavorable pairings of residues. Then we identify alignments in core regions via a maximal clique finding algorithm. Two extreme value distribution (EVD) form statistics have been developed to evaluate core region alignments. With an optional extension step, global alignment can be derived based on environment‐based dynamic programming linking. We show that our method is able to differentiate three‐dimensional structures in different oligomeric states, and is able to find flexible alignments between multidomain structures without predetermined hinge regions. The overall performance is also evaluated on a large scale by comparisons to current structural classification databases as well as to other alignment methods.
Pneumococcal phosphorylcholine esterase, Pce, contains a metal binuclear center that is essential for substrate binding and catalysis
Authors: Lagartera Laura , González Ana , Hermoso Juan A. , Saíz José L. , García Pedro , García José L. , Menéndez Margarita 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe phosphorylcholine esterase from Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pce, catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphorylcholine residues from teichoic and lipoteichoic acids attached to the bacterial envelope and comprises a globular N‐terminal catalytic module containing a zinc binuclear center and an elongated C‐terminal choline‐binding module. The dependence of Pce activity on the metal/enzyme stoichiometry shows that the two equivalents of zinc are essential for the catalysis, and stabilize the catalytic module through a complex metal‐ligand coordination network. The pH dependence of Pce activity toward the alternative substrate p‐nitrophenylphosphorylcholine (NPPC) shows that kcat and kcat/Km depend on the protonation state of two protein residues that can be tentatively assigned to the ionization of the metal‐bound water (hydrogen bonded to D89) and to H228. Maximum activity requires deprotonation of both groups, although the catalytic efficiency is optimum for the single deprotonated form. The drastic reduction of activity in the H90A mutant, which still binds two Zn2+ ions at neutral pH, indicates that Pce activity also depends on the geometry of the metallic cluster. The denaturation heat capacity profile of Pce exhibits two peaks with Tm values of 39.6°C (choline‐binding module) and 60.8°C (catalytic module). The H90A mutation reduces the high‐temperature peak by about 10°C. Pce is inhibited in the presence of 1 mM zinc, but this inhibition depends on pH, buffer, and substrate species. A reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of kinetic data, the structural model of the Pce:NPPC complex, and the currently accepted mechanism for other Zn‐metallophosphoesterases.
Disruption of an intermonomer salt bridge in the p53 tetramerization domain results in an increased propensity to form amyloid fibrils
Authors: Galea Charles , Bowman Prentice , Kriwacki Richard W. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe describe in molecular detail how disruption of an intermonomer salt bridge (Arg337–Asp352) leads to partial destabilization of the p53 tetramerization domain and a dramatically increased propensity to form amyloid fibrils. At pH 4.0 and 37°C, a p53 tetramerization domain mutant (p53tet‐R337H), associated with adrenocortical carcinoma in children, readily formed amyloid fibrils, while the wild‐type (p53tet‐wt) did not. We characterized these proteins by equilibrium denaturation, 13Cα secondary chemical shifts, {1H}‐15N heteronuclear NOEs, and H/D exchange. Although p53tet‐R337H was thermodynamically less stable, NMR data indicated that the two proteins had similar secondary structure and molecular dynamics. NMR derived pKa values indicated that at low pH the R337H mutation partially disrupted an intermonomer salt bridge. Backbone H/D exchange results showed that for at least a small population of p53tet‐R337H molecules disruption of this salt bridge resulted in partial destabilization of the protein. It is proposed that this decrease in p53tet‐R337H stability resulted in an increased propensity to form amyloid fibrils.
Evolution of an acylase active on cephalosporin C
Authors: Pollegioni Loredano , Lorenzi Simona , Rosini Elena , Marcone Giorgia Letizia , Molla Gianluca , Verga Roberto , Cabri Walter , Pilone Mirella S. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSemisynthetic cephalosporins are synthesized from 7‐amino cephalosporanic acid, which is produced by chemical deacylation or by a two‐step enzymatic process of the natural antibiotic cephalosporin C. The known acylases take glutaryl‐7‐amino cephalosporanic acid as a primary substrate, and their specificity and activity are too low for cephalosporin C. Starting from a known glutaryl‐7‐amino cephalosporanic acid acylase as the protein scaffold, an acylase gene optimized for expression in Escherichia coli and for molecular biology manipulations was designed. Subsequently we used error‐prone PCR mutagenesis, a molecular modeling approach combined with site‐saturation mutagenesis, and site‐directed mutagenesis to produce enzymes with a cephalosporin C/glutaryl‐7‐amino cephalosporanic acid catalytic efficiency that was increased up to 100‐fold, and with a significant and higher maximal activity on cephalosporin C as compared to glutaryl‐7‐amino cephalosporanic acid (e.g., 3.8 vs. 2.7 U/mg protein, respectively, for the A215Y‐H296S‐H309S mutant). Our data in a bioreactor indicate an ∼90% conversion of cephalosporin C to 7‐amino‐cephalosporanic acid in a single deacylation step. The evolved acylase variants we produced are enzymes with a new substrate specificity, not found in nature, and represent a hallmark for industrial production of 7‐amino cephalosporanic acid.
Distinct interaction modes of an AKAP bound to two regulatory subunit isoforms of protein kinase A revealed by amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange
Authors: Burns‐Hamuro Lora L. , Hamuro Yoshitomo , Kim Jack S. , Sigala Paul , Fayos Rosa , Stranz David D. , Jennings Patricia A. , Taylor Susan S. , Woods Virgil L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe structure of an AKAP docked to the dimerization/docking (D/D) domain of the type II (RIIα) isoform of protein kinase A (PKA) has been well characterized, but there currently is no detailed structural information of an AKAP docked to the type I (RIα) isoform. Dual‐specific AKAP2 (D‐AKAP2) binds in the nanomolar range to both isoforms and provided us with an opportunity to characterize the isoform‐selective nature of AKAP binding using a common docked ligand. Hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange combined with mass spectrometry (DXMS) was used to probe backbone structural changes of an α‐helical A‐kinase binding (AKB) motif from D‐AKAP2 docked to both RIα and RIIα D/D domains. The region of protection upon complex formation and the magnitude of protection from H/D exchange were determined for both interacting partners in each complex. The backbone of the AKB ligand was more protected when bound to RIα compared to RIIα, suggesting an increased helical stabilization of the docked AKB ligand. This combined with a broader region of backbone protection induced by the AKAP on the docking surface of RIα indicated that there were more binding constraints for the AKB ligand when bound to RIα. This was in contrast to RIIα, which has a preformed, localized binding surface. These distinct modes of AKAP binding may contribute to the more discriminating nature of the RIα AKAP‐docking surface. DXMS provides valuable structural information for understanding binding specificity in the absence of a high‐resolution structure, and can readily be applied to other protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions.
Functional expression of eukaryotic membrane proteins in Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Monné Magnus , Chan Ka Wai , Slotboom Dirk‐Jan , Kunji Edmund R.S. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe overproduction of eukaryotic membrane proteins is a major impediment in their structural and functional characterization. Here we have used the nisin‐inducible expression system of Lactococcus lactis for the overproduction of 11 mitochondrial transport proteins from yeast. They were expressed at high levels in a functional state in the cytoplasmic membrane. The results also show that the level of expression is influenced by the N‐terminal regions of the transporters. Expression levels were improved >10‐fold either by replacing or truncating these regions or by adding lactococcal signal peptides. The observed expression levels are now compatible with a realistic exploration of crystallization conditions. The lactococcal expression system may be used for the high‐throughput functional characterization of eukaryotic membrane proteins and structural genomics.
Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus in marine fish and its implications for fish farming – a review
Authors: Skall H F , Olesen N J , Mellergaard S 
Published: November 2005

AbstractViral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) has, in recent decades, been isolated from an increasing number of free‐living marine fish species. So far, it has been isolated from at least 48 fish species from the northern hemisphere, including North America, Asia and Europe, and fifteen different species including herring, sprat, cod, Norway pout and flatfish from northern European waters. The high number of VHSV isolations from the Baltic Sea, Kattegat, Skagerrak, the North Sea and waters around Scotland indicate that the virus is endemic in these waters. The VHSV isolates originating from wild marine fish show no to low pathogenicity to rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, although several are pathogenic for turbot. Marine VHSV isolates are so far serologically indistinguishable from freshwater isolates. Genotyping based on VHSV G‐ and N‐genes reveals four groups indicating the geographical origin of the isolates, with one group representing traditional European freshwater isolates and isolates of north European marine origin, a second group of marine isolates from the Baltic Sea, a third group of isolates from the North Sea, and a group representing North American isolates. Examples of possible transfer of virus from free‐living marine fish to farmed fish are discussed, as are measures to prevent introduction of VHSV from the marine environment to aquaculture.
Environmental and physiological conditions affecting Tetrahymena sp. infection in guppies, Poecilia reticulata Peters
Authors: Pimenta Leibowitz M , Ariav R , Zilberg D 
Published: November 2005

AbstractParasitic infections caused by Tetrahymena sp. constitute a serious problem in guppies, Poecilia reticulata. Tetrahymena was isolated from skin lesions of naturally infected guppies in a commercial aquaculture farm, cultured in vitro and used in subsequent experimental infections. In addition to guppies, angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, platyfish, Xiphophorus maculates, and neontetra, Paracheirodon innesi, were susceptible, whereas tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ×O. aureus) was resistant. The ciliate had a high affinity for dead fish. Skin abrasion did not affect the infection, but fish with gas bubble disease exhibited a significantly higher infection than non‐affected fish. Infection was significantly higher when fish were exposed to high levels of ammonia, high organic load and low water temperatures. Under shipment conditions, infection was significantly elevated. Full recovery was achieved at a low fish density. Results suggest that poor environmental and physiological conditions enhance infection with Tetrahymena sp.
Detection and identification of Flavobacterium psychrophilum from gill washings and benthic diatoms by PCR‐based sequencing analysis
Authors: Izumi S , Fujii H , Aranishi F 
Published: November 2005

AbstractA nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technique was used to detect Flavobacterium psychrophilum from washings of fish gill surfaces and benthic diatoms as environmental samples. Gill washing samples were prepared from kawamutsu, Zacco temminckii (Temminck & Schlegel) and oikawa, Z. platypus (Temminck & Schlegel). Benthic diatom samples were collected from stone surfaces. All samples were collected from rivers in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan from November 2003 to January 2004. Following simple DNA extraction using a chelating resin, nested PCR techniques targeting 16S‐rDNA and gyrB regions were performed, and PCR products were cloned and sequenced. With nested PCR amplification for the 16S‐rDNA gene, ambiguous PCR products were detected from two of six samples, and by cloning and sequencing analysis were found not to be DNA fragments amplified from F. psychrophilum. Using nested PCR for the gyrB gene, however, five of six samples were clearly positive for F. psychrophilum in agarose gel electrophoresis, and were found to be identical with nucleotide sequences of F. psychrophilumgyrB deposited in DNA databases by sequencing analysis. Results indicate that nested PCR for the gyrB region is a useful technique to detect low levels of F. psychrophilum from environmental samples contaminated with many other organisms.
Hypersensitivity to Forcipomyia taiwana (biting midge): clinical analysis and identification of major For t 1, For t 2 and For t 3 allergens
Authors: Chen Y.‐H. , Lee M.‐F. , Lan J.‐L. , Chen C.‐S. , Wang H.‐L. , Hwang G.‐Y. , Wu C.‐H. 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Forcipomyia taiwana is a tiny, blood‐sucking midge that cause intense pruritis and swelling in sensitive individuals. It is distributed island‐wide in rural Taiwan and Southern China.Objective:  This study aimed to study the allergic immune responses and identify F. taiwana allergens.Methods:  Crude whole body F. taiwana extracts were prepared with phosphate‐buffered saline. The specific IgE antibody was determined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay and immunoblotting. Protein was analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.Results:  Among the 372 subjects that were exposed to F. taiwana bites, 179 (48%) reported an immediate skin reaction with/without delay reaction and 41(11.1%) reported a solely delay reaction. The skin of 21 subjects was tested with F. taiwana extract. Of these 21 subjects, 12 (57.1%) produced immediate skin reactions and contained high levels of specific IgE antibody against F. taiwana. Immunoblotting revealed that 11 allergenic components are able to bind specific IgE. Allergens of 22, 24, 35, 36, and 64 kDa bound 50, 50, 75, 66.7, and 75% of IgE‐containing sera tested, respectively. Tryptic fragments of the 24, 35, 36, and 64 kDa allergens were analyzed by ESI‐MS/MS. Selected tryptic peptides of 24, 35, and 36, and 64 kDa allergens exhibited significant sequence identity with triosephosphate isomerase of Anopheles merus,Tenebrio molitor,Ochlerotatus togoi, and Chrysops vittatus, fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase of Antheraea yamamai and Homalodisca coagulata, and a slow muscle myosin S1 heavy chain of Homarusamericanus and a protein with unknown function from A. gambiae, respectively. The 35 and 36 kDa proteins may represent different isoforms of the fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase.Conclusion:  We conclude that immediate reaction to F. taiwana bites is IgE mediated and the 24 (For t 1), 35 (For t 2), and 64 kDa (For t 3) proteins are candidates for major F. taiwana allergens. Further studies are needed to confirm these allergens.
Single dose topical corticosteroid inhibits IL‐5 and IL‐13 in nasal lavage following grass pollen challenge
Authors: Erin E. M. , Leaker B. R. , Zacharasiewicz A. S. , Higgins L. A. , Williams T. J. , Boyce M. J. , de Boer P. , Durham S. R. , Barnes P. J. , Hansel T. T. 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Nasal lavage is a noninvasive method of obtaining inflammatory exudates following nasal allergen challenge (NAC), and permits cells and released mediators to be evaluated.Objective:  To determine the effects of a single dose of topical steroid on eosinophils and levels of chemokines and cytokines in nasal lavage fluid following NAC in patients with allergic rhinitis.Methods:  Patients with grass pollen seasonal allergic rhinitis (n = 32) out of the allergy season received either nasal budesonide (100 μg per nostril) or matched placebo before allergen challenge in a double blind two‐way crossover design. A semi‐automated mixed bead array system was employed to measure multiple chemokines and cytokines in small volumes (50 μl) of nasal lavage supernatants.Results:  Following NAC there was a rapid onset of nasal symptoms together with nasal eosinophilia, and the appearance of IL‐5 and IL‐13 in lavages between 4 and 8 h. Elevated levels of eotaxin, RANTES, IL‐8 and MCP‐1 were also detected following allergen challenge. A single dose of nasal budesonide caused a decrease in symptoms (P < 0.05) and nasal eosinophils (P < 0.05) with selective abrogation of IL‐5 and IL‐13 responses (P < 0.05), but a lack of effect on levels of eotaxin, RANTES, IL‐8 and MCP‐1.Conclusion:  This study suggests that a single dose of nasal steroid has the capacity to selectively abolish IL‐5 and IL‐13 responses following NAC. This model should be convenient for testing novel anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory agents intended for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Exhaled nitric oxide predicts airway hyper‐responsiveness to hypertonic saline in children that wheeze
Authors: de Meer G. , van Amsterdam J. G. C. , Janssen N. A. H. , Meijer E. , Steerenberg P. A. , Brunekreef B. 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) has shown good validity for the assessment of airway inflammation in asthmatic children. In large‐scale epidemiological studies, this method would be preferred above airway challenge tests, because it is a quick and easy applicable tool.Objective:  In this study, we aimed to assess the discriminatory capacity of eNO, and prechallenge FEV1 for airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) in 8–13‐year old schoolchildren.Materials and methods:  Parents completed the ISAAC questionnaire, and children were tested for atopy, AHR to hypertonic (4.5%) saline (HS), and eNO. Diagnostic value was assessed by the area under the receiver operating curves (ROC), and calculation of positive and negative predicted values at different cut‐off points for eNO and prechallenge FEV1.Results:  Areas under the ROC‐curves of AHR were 0.65 for eNO and 0.62 for FEV1. Values increased to 0.71 and respectively 0.75 for a combined occurrence of AHR and current wheeze. Highest sensitivity and specificity were obtained at a cut‐off value of 43 ppb for eNO and 103% predicted for FEV1. At these cut‐off values, the positive predictive values for the presence of AHR in symptomatic children were respectively 83% (eNO) and 33% (FEV1), and negative predictive values in asymptomatic children were, respectively, 90 (eNO) and 80% (FEV1).Conclusion:  Exhaled nitric oxide is a valid screening tool for AHR to HS in children that present with current wheeze, and it outperforms FEV1 as a predictor of AHR.