bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 13C4 Monoclonal Antibody That Neutralizes Shiga Toxin Type 1 (Stx1) Recognizes Three Regions on the Stx1 B Subunit and Prevents Stx1 from Binding to Its Eukaryotic Receptor Globotriaosylceramide
Authors: Smith Michael J. , Carvalho Humberto M. , Melton-Celsa Angela R. , O'Brien Alison D. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
The 13C4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) recognizes the B subunit of Stx1 (StxB1) and neutralizes the cytotoxic and lethal activities of Stx1. However, this MAb does not bind to the B polypeptide of Stx2, despite the 73% amino acid sequence similarity between StxB1 and StxB2. When we compared the amino acid sequences of StxB1 and StxB2, we noted three regions of dissimilarity (amino acids 1 to 6, 25 to 32, and 54 to 61) located near each other on the crystal structure of StxB1. To identify the 13C4 epitope, we generated seven Stx1/Stx2 B chimeric polypeptides that contained one, two, or three of the dissimilar StxB1 regions. The 13C4 MAb reacted strongly with StxB1 and the triple-chimeric B subunit but not with the other chimeras. Mice immunized with the triple-chimeric B subunit survived a lethal challenge with Stx1 but not Stx2, substantiating the identified regions as the 13C4 MAb epitope and suggesting that the incorporation of this epitope into StxB2 altered sites necessary for anti-Stx2-neutralizing Ab production. Next, single amino acid substitutions were made in StxB1 to mimic Stx1d, a variant not recognized by the 13C4 MAb. The 13C4 MAb reacted strongly to StxB1 with the T1A or G25A mutations but not with the N55T change. Finally, we found that the 13C4 MAb blocked the binding of Stx1 to its receptor, globotriaosyl ceramide. Taken together, these results indicate that the 13C4 MAb prevents the interaction of Stx1 with its receptor by binding three nonlinear regions of the molecule that span receptor recognition sites on StxB1, one of which includes the essential residue 55N.
Identification of MglA-Regulated Genes Reveals Novel Virulence Factors in
Francisella tularensis
Authors: Brotcke Anna , Weiss David S. , Kim Charles C. , Chain Patrick , Malfatti Stephanie , Garcia Emilio , Monack Denise M. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

The facultative intracellular bacterium
Francisella tularensis
causes the zoonotic disease tularemia.
F. tularensis
resides within host macrophages in vivo, and this ability is essential for pathogenesis. The transcription factor MglA is required for the expression of several
Francisella
genes that are necessary for replication in macrophages and for virulence in mice. We hypothesized that the identification of MglA-regulated genes in the
Francisella
genome by transcriptional profiling of wild-type and
mglA
mutant bacteria would lead to the discovery of new virulence factors utilized by
F. tularensis
. A total of 102 MglA-regulated genes were identified, the majority of which were positively regulated, including all of the
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI) genes. We mutated novel MglA-regulated genes and tested the mutants for their ability to replicate and induce cytotoxicity in macrophages and to grow in mice. Mutations in MglA-regulated genes within the FPI (
pdpB
and
cds2
) as well as outside the FPI (FTT0989,
oppB
, and FTT1209c) were either attenuated or hypervirulent in macrophages compared to the wild-type strain. All of these mutants exhibited decreased fitness in vivo in competition experiments with wild-type bacteria. We have identified five new
Francisella
virulence genes, and our results suggest that characterizations of additional MglA-regulated genes will yield further insights into the pathogenesis of this bacterium.
Surfactant Protein D Increases Fusion ofMycobacterium tuberculosis- Containing Phagosomes with Lysosomes in Human Macrophages
Authors: Ferguson J. Scott , Martin Jennifer L. , Azad Abul K. , McCarthy Travis R. , Kang Peter B. , Voelker Dennis R. , Crouch Erika C. , Schlesinger Larry S. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTLung surfactant protein D (SP-D) binds toMycobacterium tuberculosissurface lipoarabinomannan and results in bacterial agglutination, reduced uptake, and inhibition of growth in human macrophages. Here we show that SP-D limits the intracellular growth of bacilli in macrophages by increasing phagosome-lysosome fusion but not by generating a respiratory burst.
Alleles 308A and 238A in the Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Gene Promoter Do Not Increase the Risk of Severe Malaria in Children with
Plasmodium falciparum
Infection in Mali
Authors: Cabantous Sandrine , Doumbo Ogobara , Ranque Stéphane , Poudiougou Belco , Traore Abdoulaye , Hou Xunya , Keita Marouf M. , Cisse Mahamadou B. , Dessein Alain J. , Marquet Sandrine 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
The hypothesis that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) aggravates malaria in children is supported by observations that TNF polymorphisms and high TNF levels have been associated with cerebral malaria. Nevertheless, severe malaria was not associated with polymorphisms located at positions −308A and −238A in the TNF alpha gene promoter or with a high TNF level in plasma in children from Bamako, Mali.
Leishmania chagasiT-Cell Antigens Identified through a Double Library Screen
Authors: Martins Daniella R. A. , Jeronimo Selma M. B. , Donelson John E. , Wilson Mary E. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTControl of human visceral leishmaniasis in regions where it is endemic is hampered in part by limited accessibility to medical care and emerging drug resistance. There is no available protective vaccine.Leishmaniaspp. protozoa express multiple antigens recognized by the vertebrate immune system. Since there is not one immunodominant epitope recognized by most hosts, strategies must be developed to optimize selection of antigens for prevention and immunodiagnosis. For this reason, we generated a cDNA library from the intracellular amastigote form ofLeishmania chagasi, the cause of South American visceral leishmaniasis. We employed a two-step expression screen of the library to systematically identify T-cell antigens and T-dependent B-cell antigens. The first step was aimed at identifying the largest possible number of clones producing an epitope-containing polypeptide by screening with a pool of sera from Brazilians with documented visceral leishmaniasis. After removal of clones encoding heat shock proteins, positive clones underwent a second-step screen for their ability to cause proliferation and gamma interferon responses in T cells from immune mice. Six unique clones were selected from the second screen for further analysis. The corresponding antigens were derived from glutamine synthetase, a transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase, elongation factor 1γ, kinesin K39, repetitive protein A2, and a hypothetical conserved protein. Humans naturally infected withL. chagasimounted both cellular and antibody responses to these proteins. Preparations containing multiple antigens may be optimal for immunodiagnosis and protective vaccines.
Inheritance of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) inCucumisspecies as revealed by interspecific hybridization
Authors: Chen Jin-Feng , Ren Gang , Luo Xiang-Dong , Staub Jack , Jahn Molly M. 
Published: November 2006

The inheritance of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) isozymes was investigated in Cucumis sativus L. (CC; 2n = 2x = 14), Cucumis hystrix Chakr. (HH; 2n = 2x = 24), the synthetic amphidiploid species C. hytivus Chen & Kirkbride (HHCC; 2n = 4x = 38), and the allotriploid (HCC; 2n = 3x = 26) from backcrossing C. hytivus to C. sativus. Two polymorphic loci, Aat-1 and Aat-2, and one monomorphic locus, Aat-3, were detected among these parents and their progenies by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cucumis sativus displayed the fast-migrating anodic band for Aat-1 (2), while C. hystrix contained a slow-migrating cathodic band (1). For Aat-2, the slow-migrating cathodic band was observed with C. sativus (1), whereas C. hystrix contained the fast-migrating anodic band (2). Cucumis hytivus, a synthetic species derived from doubling the chromosome number of a F1from a C. sativus × C. hystrix mating, exhibited the typical hybrid dimeric banding pattern resulting from the combination of two parental homomeric products with equal staining intensity and a heteromeric product with intermediate mobility and greater staining intensity than either homomeric product. The difference in band intensity between C. hytivus and its backcross progenies, when C. sativus was the recurrent parent, were due to the dosage effects of alleles at Aat-1 and Aat-2. These banding morphotypes can be used for typing of C. hytivus and BC1progenies that are similar in morphology. Aat-3 was monomorphic in this mating, encoding a single allele Aat-3 (1).
Cephalanthera longifolia (Neottieae, Orchidaceae) is mixotrophic: a comparative study between green and nonphotosynthetic individuals
Authors: Abadie Jean-Claude , Püttsepp Ülle , Gebauer Gerhard , Faccio Antonella , Bonfante Paola , Selosse Marc-André 
Published: November 2006

We investigated an Estonian population of the orchid Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch. (Neottieae tribe), which harbours green and achlorophyllous individuals (= albinos), to understand albino survival and compare mycorrhizal associates, development, and nutrition of the two phenotypes. Albinos never changed phenotype over 14 years and had development similar to green individuals; their chlorophyll content was reduced by 99.4%, making them heterotrophic. Molecular typing by polymerase chain reaction amplification of fungal intergenic transcribed spacer and microscopic analyses showed that Thelephoraceae (Basidiomycetes, usually forming ectomycorrhizae with trees) were mycorrhizal on both phenotypes. Molecular typing also demonstrated that additional fungi were present on roots, including many endophytes (such as Helotiales) and various ectomycorrhizal taxa, whose role and pattern of colonization remained unclear. Mycorrhizal colonization was increased in albinos by about twofold, but no obvious difference in fungal partners compared with green individuals was demonstrated. Analysis of stable isotope composition (N and C) showed that albinos were dependent on their fungi for carbon (mycoheterotrophy), while green individuals recovered 33% of their carbon from fungi (mixotrophy). Surrounding trees, which formed ectomycorrhizae with at least one Thelephoraceae found in orchids, were likely the ultimate carbon source. These data are discussed in the framework of evolution of mycoheterotrophy in orchids, especially in Neottieae.
Cell wall degrading enzymes in fusarium wilt of chickpea: correlation between pectinase and xylanase activities and disease development in plants infected with two pathogenic races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris
Authors: Jorge Inmaculada , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Jiménez-Díaz Rafael M. , Tena Manuel 
Published: November 2006

Production of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) polygalacturonase (PG), pectate lyase (PL), and xylanase was studied in chickpeas ( Cicer arietinum L. ‘P-2245’) inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Padwick) Matuo & K. Sato races 0 (mildly virulent, causing a yellowing syndrome) and 5 (highly virulent, causing a wilting syndrome) by the water-culture method. These CWDEs were similarly produced in both syndromes. PG and PL were the only enzymes occurring in roots and stems and attained the highest specific activity, this being generally higher for race 5 than for race 0. Gel filtration chromatography revealed a similar complement of in planta expressed pectinase isoforms, dominated by an endo-PG and two endo-PLs, the endo-PLs being differentially expressed by the two races. CWDE activities in roots and stems were positively correlated with development of yellowing and wilting. Exceptions to this were PG in stems, which was negatively correlated with the development of yellowing, and PG in roots, which showed a negative trend with development of either syndrome. The levels of CWDEs that significantly correlated with disease development were adequately described by exponential functions of disease progress. Results have implications for the role played by CWDEs in the early and later stages of pathogenesis in chickpea fusarium wilt.
Phylogenetic relationships of Neonectria/Cylindrocarpon on Fagus in North AmericaMention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture.
Authors: Castlebury Lisa A. , Rossman Amy Y. , Hyten Aimee S. 
Published: November 2006

The relationship of two species of Neonectria associated with beech bark canker in North America was evaluated by comparing isolates of these and additional species of the Neonectria coccinea (Pers.:Fr.) Rossman & Samuels group found on Fagus. Gene regions in the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and β-tubulin were sequenced and analyzed. Results indicate that the fungus associated with beech bark disease previously known as Neonectria coccinea var. faginata Lohman et al. (≡ Nectria coccinea (Pers.:Fr.) Fr. var. faginata Lohman et al.) should be recognized as a separate species, Neonectria faginata , distinct from Neonectria coccinea . Neonectria faginata including its anamorphic state, Cylindrocarpon faginatum C. Booth, is known only on Fagus in North America. A second species associated with beech bark disease in North America is Neonectria ditissima (Tul. & C. Tul.) Samuels & Rossman, which can be distinguished morphologically from Neonectria faginata based on ascospore size, conidial size and shape, and colony pigmentation. Morphological and molecular data indicate that Neonectria ditissima represents an older name for Neonectria galligena Bres. Similarly, the anamorphic state of Neonectria ditissima is the older epithet Cylindrocarpon heteronema with Cylindrocarpon willkommii as a synonym. Neonectria ditissima occurs on a variety of hardwood trees in North America and Europe. Neonectria coccinea occurs only on Fagus in Europe. Neonectria major (Wollenw.) Castl. & Rossman is recognized as a species that occurs only on Alnus in Canada (British Columbia), France, Norway, and the United States (Washington). The following nomenclatural changes are proposed: Neonectria faginata comb. and stat. nov., Neonectria fuckeliana comb. nov., Neonectria hederae comb. nov., Neonectria major comb. and stat. nov., and Neonectria punicea comb. nov.
Photosynthetic downregulation in the conifer Metasequoia glyptostroboides growing under continuous light: the significance of carbohydrate sinks and paleoecophysiological implications
Authors: Equiza M. Alejandra , Day Michael E. , Jagels Richard , Li Xiaochun 
Published: November 2006

During the Eocene (ca. 45 Ma) a temperate climate at high northern latitudes provided an environment unlike any that currently exists on Earth. The growing season was characterized by long (up to 4 months) periods of continuous, low- to moderate-intensity illumination. While this remarkable light regime offered opportunities for substantial growth, it also imposed physiological challenges consequential to potential carbon sink–source imbalance and resulting downregulation of photosynthetic capacity. To better understand the physiology of adaptation to a continuous-light (CL) environment, we experimentally investigated the effects of CL and carbon sink–source relationships in the deciduous conifer Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng, an extant representative of a genus that was the dominant tree component of many Eocene high-latitude forests. We tested the importance of branch-level and whole-plant sinks in curtailing feedback inhibition and the specific roles of starch and sugars in that process using manipulative experiments. Trees growing under either normal day–night cycles or continuous illumination were subjected to reduction of local, branch-level sinks or both local and whole-tree sinks. Reduction in sink strength led to downregulation of photosynthetic capacity, as evidenced by reduction of photosynthetic rates, carboxylation capacity, and electron transfer capacity. Our results suggest that photosynthetic downregulation is minimized by maintenance of both whole-tree sinks and local sinks. downregulation showed a greater correlation with starch than with sugar content, and ultrastructural evidence indicated that foliar starch accumulated only in chloroplasts, and was accompanied by reduction in functional chloroplast grana, but showed no evidence of physical disruption of thylakoids.
APPLICATION OF A NEW MEASURING METHOD USING AN OPTICAL FIBER STRAIN SENSOR TO AN UNDERGROUND TUNNEL
Authors: FUKURO ATSUSSHI , TORIGOE TOSHIHIKO , MIZUGUCHI HIROYUKI , UEDA TAKAO 
Published: November 2006

The measuring methods using optical fiber strain sensors are being considered as structural monitoring technologies for concrete structures. B-OTDR method using optical fiber strain sensors can measure continuous strain along an optical fiber over 80km. Because of this advantage, it is expected to measure deformations in large-scale structures. But, this new measuring method, B-OTDR method, is just in development. There is very few case of applying this measuring method to actual structures. This paper describes a new measuring method using optical fiber strain sensors (B-OTDR method) applying to an actual concrete underground tunnel which was expected to deform by new shaft work near this tunnel. As a result, this method using optical fiber strain sensors can measure the deformation of the underground tunnel.
BASIC STUDY OF CONCRETE MADE USING ASH DERIVED FROM THE INCINERATING SEWAGE SLUDGE
Authors: SASAOKA NOBUTAKA , YOKOI KATSUNORI , YAMANAKA TAKASHI 
Published: November 2006

Sewage sludge incinerated ash is discharged as waste. Those are increasing with progress of a sewage enterprise every year. However, the reservation of the last disposal place for reclaiming the generated incineration ash is becoming quickly difficult. In this situation of sewage sludge processing, it is very important to promote more reducing and development of new reusing method. Recently, in the construction industry, reusing technology that was used sewage sludge incinerated ash as aggregate for concrete products is developed. But there are many unknown points in the performance and durability of concrete. In this study, sewage sludge incinerated ash is used instead of natural aggregate for concrete. It is investigated about fresh characteristics, chloride content, strength, resistance to frost damage and drying shrinkage of concrete using sewage sludge incinerated ash. As the results of this research, the compressive strength increases with ratio of sewage sludge incinerated ash. And the relationship between the compressive strength and the dynamic modulus of elasticity can be comparatively expressed as the linear relationship. If this concrete includes proper air content, the resistance to frost damage is enough. The drying shrinkage is become larger with increase of substitute rate of sewage sludge incinerated ash.
Educating African American Men about the Prostate Cancer Screening Dilemma: A Randomized Intervention
Authors: Taylor Kathryn L. , Davis Jackson L. , Turner Ralph O. , Johnson Lenora , Schwartz Marc D. , Kerner Jon F. , Leak Chikarlo 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background: Until there is a definitive demonstration that early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer reduces disease-related mortality, it is imperative to promote informed screening decisions by providing balanced information about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. Within a community/academic collaboration, we conducted a randomized trial of a printed booklet and a videotape that were designed for African American (AA) men. The purpose of the trial was to determine the effect of the interventions on knowledge, decisional conflict, satisfaction with the screening decision, and self-reported screening.
Methods: Participants were 238 AA men, ages 40 to 70 years, who were members of the Prince Hall Masons in Washington, DC. Men were randomly assigned to the (a) video-based information study arm, (b) print-based information study arm, or (c) wait list control study arm. Intervention materials were mailed to men at home. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 1 month, and 12 months postintervention. Multivariate analyses, including ANCOVA and logistic regression, were used to analyze group differences.
Results: The booklet and video resulted in a significant improvement in knowledge and a reduction in decisional conflict about prostate cancer screening, relative to the wait list control. Satisfaction with the screening decision was not affected by the interventions. Self-reported screening rates increased between the baseline and the 1-year assessment, although screening was not differentially associated with either of the interventions. In exploratory analyses, prostate-specific antigen testing at 1 year was more likely among previously screened men and was associated with having low baseline decisional conflict.
Conclusions: This study represents one of the first randomized intervention trials specifically designed to address AA men's informed decision making about prostate cancer screening. We have developed and evaluated culturally sensitive, balanced, and disseminable materials that improved knowledge and reduced decisional conflict about prostate cancer screening among AA men. Due to the high incidence and mortality rates among AA men, there is a need for targeted educational materials, particularly materials that are balanced in terms of the benefits and risks of screening. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(11):2179–88)
Family History, Perceived Risk, and Prostate Cancer Screening among African American Men
Authors: Bloom Joan R. , Stewart Susan L. , Oakley-Girvans Ingrid , Banks Priscilla Jane , Chang Subo 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Background: Many African American men have two major risk factors for prostate cancer. By ethnicity alone, they have twice the risk of Euro-American men of developing prostate cancer. Having a family history (brother or father with prostate cancer) also doubles their risk. The major hypotheses tested in this study are that men with a family history perceive their risk to be higher, are more worried about getting prostate cancer, and are more likely to have used cancer screening tests than men without such a history.
Methods: A sample of 208 African American men, ages 40 to 74 years, were recruited through relatives or friends whose prostate cancer diagnosis was reported to the California Cancer Registry during the years 1997 to 2001 and from churches and African American social groups. Following a screening interview to determine eligibility, 88 men with self-reported, first-degree family history of prostate cancer and 120 without such history were interviewed by telephone. Logistic regression was used to create models of perceived risk, prostate cancer worries, receipt of a digital rectal exam, and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
Results: Men with a self-reported family history of prostate cancer did not perceive their risk as higher than men without a family history, nor did they report more cancer worries. They were more likely to report having a recent PSA test, but not a digital rectal exam. Having a higher than average perceived risk was associated with younger age, a college education, and lower mental well-being, and reporting more prostate cancer worries and being more likely to have had a recent PSA test.
Conclusions: Although there continues to be controversy about PSA testing, these data suggest that African American men at above-average risk are inclined to be screened. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(11):2167–73)