bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Gene Transfer of
ftsI
, Encoding Penicillin-Binding Protein 3, in
Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Takahata Sho , Ida Takashi , Senju Nami , Sanbongi Yumiko , Miyata Aiko , Maebashi Kazunori , Hoshiko Shigeru 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Horizontal gene transfer has been identified in only a small number of genes in
Haemophilus influenzae
, an organism which is naturally competent for transformation. This report provides evidence for the genetic transfer of the
ftsI
gene, which encodes penicillin-binding protein 3, in
H. influenzae
. Mosaic structures of the
ftsI
gene were found in several clinical isolates of
H. influenzae
. To identify the origin of the mosaic sequence, complete sequences of the corresponding gene from seven type strains of
Haemophilus
species were determined. Comparison of these sequences with mosaic regions identified a homologous recombination of the
ftsI
gene between
H. influenzae
and
Haemophilus haemolyticus
. Subsequently, ampicillin-resistant
H. influenzae
strains harboring identical
ftsI
sequences were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Divergent PFGE patterns among β-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) strains from different hospitals indicated the potential for the genetic transfer of the mutated
ftsI
gene between these isolates. Moreover, transfer of the
ftsI
gene from BLNAR strains to β-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-susceptible (BLNAS)
H. influenzae
strains was evaluated in vitro. Coincubation of a BLNAS strain (a rifampin-resistant mutant of strain Rd) and BLNAR strains resulted in the emergence of rifampin- and cefdinir-resistant clones at frequencies of 5.1 × 10
−7
to 1.5 × 10
−6
. Characterization of these doubly resistant mutants by DNA sequencing of the
ftsI
gene, susceptibility testing, and genotyping by PFGE revealed that the
ftsI
genes of BLNAR strains had transferred to BLNAS strains during coincubation. In conclusion, horizontal transfer of the
ftsI
gene in
H. influenzae
can occur in an intraspecies and an interspecies manner.
Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase Enhances Middle Ear Mucosal Proliferation during Bacterial Otitis Media
Authors: Furukawa Masayuki , Ebmeyer Jörg , Pak Kwang , Austin Darrell A. , Melhus Åsa , Webster Nicholas J. G. , Ryan Allen F. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Mucosal hyperplasia is a characteristic component of otitis media. The present study investigated the participation of signaling via the Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase in middle ear mucosal hyperplasia in animal models of bacterial otitis media. Otitis media was induced by the inoculation of nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
into the middle ear cavity. Western blotting revealed that phosphorylation of JNK isoforms in the middle ear mucosa preceded but paralleled mucosal hyperplasia in this in vivo rat model. Nuclear JNK phosphorylation was observed in many cells of both the mucosal epithelium and stroma by immunohistochemistry. In an in vitro model of primary rat middle ear mucosal explants, bacterially induced mucosal growth was blocked by the Rac/Cdc42 inhibitor
Clostridium difficile
toxin B, the mixed-lineage kinase inhibitor CEP11004, and the JNK inhibitor SP600125. Finally, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly inhibited mucosal hyperplasia during in vivo bacterial otitis media in guinea pigs. Inhibition of JNK in vivo resulted in a diminished proliferative response, as shown by a local decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that activation of JNK is a critical pathway for bacterially induced mucosal hyperplasia during otitis media, influencing tissue proliferation.
FARSJUM, A FUZZY SYSTEM FOR RANKING SPARSE JUDGMENT MATRICES: A CASE STUDY IN SOCCER TOURNAMENTS
Authors: GHOLAMIAN M. R. , FATEMI GHOMI S. M. T. , GHAZANFARI M. 
Published: February 2007

The establishment of the priorities from pairwise comparison matrices is the major constituent of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). However, the number of pairwise comparisons necessary in real problems often becomes overwhelming. In such cases, generally the experts are not able to answer all questions and consequently sparse judgment matrix is generated which caused "equal ranks" and "rank reversal" based on AHP method. In this paper, a new ranking system (FARSJUM) is developed for such sparse judgment matrix. The system is constructed on fuzzy rules and fuzzy reasoning methods. The numerical example of world cup soccer tournament is brought to clarify the performance of the developed system comparing with AHP method in ranking the sparse judgment matrices.
Soluble PD-1 Facilitates 4-1BBL–Triggered Antitumor Immunity against Murine H22 Hepatocarcinoma In vivo
Authors: Xiao Han , Huang Bo , Yuan Ye , Li Dong , Han Ling-Fei , Liu Yi , Gong Wei , Wu Feng-Hua , Zhang Gui-Mei , Feng Zuo-Hua 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Purpose: The use of costimulatory molecules targeting distinct T-cell signaling pathways has provided a means for triggering and enhancing antitumor immunity; however, it is still not fully understood what types of costimulatory molecules are suitable for the combination in tumor therapy. Our purpose in this study is to establish an effective antitumor immune approach by using costimulatory molecule 4-1BBL in combination with soluble PD-1.
Experimental Design: The murine H22 hepatocarcinoma served as an ectopic tumor model. Local gene transfer was done by injection with naked plasmid p4-1BBL and/or psPD-1. The synergistic mechanism of dual-gene therapy was elucidated by detecting the change of gene expression of immunoregulatory factors in tumor microenvironment. The effects of immunotherapy were evaluated by testing the function of tumor-specific T cells, measuring tumor weight or volume, survival of mice, and H&E staining of tissues.
Results: 4-1BBL expressed by normal nonimmune cells effectively enhanced antitumor immune response but up-regulated PD-L1 and did not reduce IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). sPD-1 synergized with 4-1BBL to establish efficient antitumor immune environment, including down-regulation of IL-10 and TGF-β, further up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-2 and IFN-γ, and higher CD8+ T-cell infiltration. The combined treatment by 4-1BBL/sPD-1 eradicated tumors from mice with small amounts of preexistent tumor cells or tumors from ∼60% of individuals with larger amounts of preexistent tumor cells.
Conclusions: Our findings in this report imply a great potential of 4-1BBL in combination with sPD-1 in tumor therapeutics with the in vivo existent tumor cells as antigens.
Histoarchitecture and Δ5-3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase profile in ovaries of the non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating insectivorous rat-tailed bat, Rhinopoma microphyllum kinneari
Authors: Trivedi Seema , Lall Suresh Bihari 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe histoarchitecture and profile of Δ5-3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were studied in an insectivorous seasonally-breeding microchiropteran, Rhinopoma microphyllum kinneari (rattailed bat) ovaries during non-pregnant, pregnant and lactation phases. Mid-sections of follicles and ova showed variation in their diameter (0.013-0.182 mm and 0.010-0.075 mm, respectively). Though dextral and sinistral ovaries are functionally equivalent, ovulation occurs only once (alternately from one ovary) in each annual cycle. An extroverted corpus luteum (0.792 mm) was observed in either the dextral or sinistral ovary of a pregnant R. m. kinneari. This exhibited two types of cells. Follicular atresia was pronounced in ovaries during these reproductive stages. No post-partum 'heat' was discerned. Δ5-3β HSDH is a crucial catalyst in steroid hormone biosynthesis and the reaction product indicates status of steroidogenesis in different follicle types. Differential Δ5-3β HSDH activity evident from reaction product staining in three reproductive states and in different ovarian components was seen. Consistent sites of enzyme activity were thecal cells and ovarian stroma. However, intensity varied in different reproductive states.
Variation in the diet of the Lataste's viper Vipera latastei in the Iberian Peninsula: seasonal, sexual and size-related effects
Authors: Santos Xavier , Llorente Gustavo , Pleguezuelos Juan , Brito José , Fahd Soumia , Parellada Xavier 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Several life-history traits may increase vulnerability of species to extinction. Among snakes, ambush predation and dietary specialisation are factors that increase this vulnerability. European viper species, genus Vipera, display such traits and are categorised as endangered in several parts of its range. For their conservation management, a deeper knowledge of their ecology and habitat use is highly relevant. One of the species with less ecological data is the Lataste's viper Vipera latastei, a species which lives in the Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Africa. Here, we describe its diet based on the analysis of gut content of 435 museum specimens plus nine bibliographic data from the entire Iberian range. The species showed seasonal and ontogenetic shift in diet but no sexual variations. Feeding activity (percentage of vipers with prey) was low in accordance with its ambush predation tactics, being lower in spring than in summer and autumn. Prey spectrum included two main (reptiles and small mammals), and three sporadic, types of prey (arthropods, amphibians and birds). The consumption of reptiles and mammals was seasonal; the former decreased in occurrence from spring to autumn, whereas the latter showed an opposite pattern. There was an ontogenetic shift in the diet: juveniles fed mainly on reptiles and arthropods, whereas adult vipers progressively substitute this prey with insectivores, and the largest vipers primarily foraged on rodents and birds. Our results suggest that the seasonal variation in prey type was related to prey availability, whereas the ontogenetic shift was linked to gape limitation. The apparently wide prey spectrum of V. latastei must therefore be examined, taking into account that there are seasonal and ontogenetic dietary variations as well as geographic differences, the latter probably driven by climatic contrasts into the Iberian Peninsula. This new data of the endangered Iberian V. latastei can aid the effective conservation management of this species.
Factors affecting spider prey selection by Sceliphron mud-dauber wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in northern Italy
Authors: Polidori Carlo , Federici Matteo , Pesarini Carlo , Andrietti Francesco 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Predatory habits of apoid wasps are well documented for many species, revealing a choice of prey ranging from generalist to specialised, but few studies tested the degree of specialisation when compared with the availability of prey in the environment. In a study carried out in northern Italy, nests of the mud-dauber wasps Sceliphron spirifex L. and S. caementarium Drury were collected to obtain the spider prey of the wasps, and a survey of the nesting area was performed to ascertain frequency of the available spider prey species in the environment. Wasps preyed preferably upon spiders of the family Araneidae. Adult preferred spider prey size ranged from 4 to 6 mm in length. The factor which most affected prey selection was the ecology of the spiders, with orb-web spiders being the preferred prey despite the fact that terricolous, non-web groups were the most abundant in the locality. Sex (female, male or juvenile) of prey was also important in prey selection: juvenile spiders were the most preferred even though males and females were equally and most abundant (respectively). Sceliphron spp. seem almost to be specialised rather than generalist predators. These results suggest that the terms 'generalist' or 'specialised' should not be applied to predators solely on the basis of prey collected from wasp nests, but should also be related to local prey availability.
Silvering of European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.): seasonal changes of morphological and metabolic parameters
Authors: van Ginneken Vincent , Durif Caroline , Balm S. Paul , Boot Ron , Verstegen Martin , Antonissen Erik , van Den Thillart Guido 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The transformation of yellow eel into silver eel is called 'silvering', and takes place prior to migration. We found the sedentary yellow phase in spring, the migratory silver phase in autumn, while August was a cross-over month. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to characterise the morphological and physiological changes that accompany silvering in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.). Silvering is positively related to external parameters such as eye size, internal maturation parameters like GSI, vitellogenine (VIT), and blood-substrates such as phospholipids, Free Fatty Acids (FFA), and cholesterol. The Hepatosomatic Index was not significantly different between yellow and silver groups. In contrast, a significant difference was observed for parameters of body constitution (fat, protein, dry matter) between yellow and silver stages. Furthermore, the process of silvering is accompanied with increased levels of cortisol in autumn, which plays a role in mobilisation of metabolic energy from body stores towards migratory activity and gonadal growth. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with physiological, morphological and endocrinological parameters, it is concluded that during the process of silvering, several developmental stages can be recognised, with a timeframe of the premigratory sedentary yellow phase from April until July, August is a cross-over month, and the migratory silver phase is found from September until November.
Pheromones inhibit the hatching of diapausing Anostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)
Authors: Beladjal Lynda , Dierckens Kristof , Mertens Johan 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Hatching of resting eggs of Streptocephalus torvicornis (Waga, 1942) and Branchipus schaefferi Fischer, 1834, two sympatric fairy shrimps, was tested using medium in which these two species and Chirocephalus diaphanus (Prévost, 1803) had been raised. The medium of adults inhibited the hatching of conspecific nauplii, even when diluted by 50% using distilled water. Streptocephalus torvicornis resting eggs hatch in the medium of C. diaphanus but not in the medium of B. schaefferi. Resting eggs of B. schaefferi hatched in low numbers in S. torvicornis medium, and in high numbers in that of C. diaphanus.There appears to be one or more substances associated with the presence of adults of conspecifics and sympatrics which exceed the influences of abiotic factors, such as light, pH, conductivity and osmotic pressure in fresh media. We propose that this substance(s) functions as a pheromone to inhibit further hatching once a population of adults is present.
Kinetics of primary antibody responses to sheep red blood cells in birds: a literature review and new data from great tits and European starlings
Authors: Snoeijs Tinne , Eens Marcel , Van Den Steen Evi , Pinxten Rianne 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Measuring the primary antibody immune response to an injection with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) is a routine application in poultry science. Recently, this technique is also becoming an increasingly popular tool to investigate humoral immunocompetence in free-living birds in studies of ecological immunology and immunotoxicology. However, an extensive search of the literature revealed that many of these studies have been measuring the primary immune response to SRBC without verifying first when maximum levels of antibodies are reached in the bird species under study. In addition, most studies assessed antibody titres to SRBC approximately 6 days after their inoculation assuming a similar pattern as found in poultry. We tested this assumption of a uniform pattern of kinetics of the primary humoral immune response to SRBC across bird species and investigated it in detail in two important model species, namely the great tit Parus major and the European starling Sturnus vulgaris. In general, the pattern was found to be the same in both passerine species and strongly resembled the pattern observed in chickens. Maximum antibody levels (the plateau phase) were reached on, respectively, day 5 and day 6 (with day of inoculation = day 0) of the immune response in the great tit and the starling and lasted for 3 days in both species. We found no effects of age, sex or time spent in captivity. Furthermore, our findings suggest that antibody levels to SRBC should not be obligatory assessed during the plateau phase of maximum antibody levels although it still remains most accurate to do so or at least shortly before or after it. Overall, we conclude that antibody levels have been reliably assessed in most avian studies using this technique.
Thermal dependence of food assimilation and locomotor performance in juvenile blue-tailed skinks, Eumeces elegans
Authors: Du Wei-Guo , Lu Yi-Wei , Shu Lin , Bao Yi-Xin 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Variation in the physiological performance and behaviour of ectotherms as a result of changes in body temperature can affect important life-history traits. Studies investigating the effects of temperature on physiological performance and behaviour have thus clear ecological significance. We captured juvenile blue-tailed skinks, Eumeces elegans, from a population in Zhejiang, eastern China, and determined the effects of temperature on their food assimilation and locomotor performance. Food intake of the juveniles generally increased with increase in temperatures within the range of 24-30°C and decreased at higher temperatures. The temperature significantly affected the apparent digestive coefficient (ADC) and the assimilation efficiency (AE) of juveniles; the ADC and AE of the skinks at 32°C were higher than those of skinks at other temperatures. The sprint speed increased with increase in temperature within the range of 12-32°C and decreased at higher temperatures. These results suggest the patterns of thermal sensitivity may differ in various functional performances, and hence support the 'multiple optima hypothesis', which suggests that no specific temperature maximises all functional performance. In addition, this study indicates significant between-age difference in thermal physiology by comparing our data with those on adult skinks, including different thermal sensitivity of AE, and different ranges of thermal-performance breadth for food intake and locomotor performance between juvenile and adult E. elegans.
Evolutionary origin of Lake Tana's (Ethiopia) small Barbus species: indications of rapid ecological divergence and speciation
Authors: De Graaf Martin , Megens Hendrik-Jan , Samallo Johannis , Sibbing Ferdinand 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLake Tana, located in the north-western highlands of Ethiopia, contains a unique assemblage of cyprinid fishes. In addition to the only known intact species flock of large (max. 100 cm forklength (FL)) Labeobarbus species, the lake harbours three small (<10 cm FL) Barbus species: B. humilis Boulenger, 1902, B. pleurogramma Boulenger, 1902 and B. tanapelagius de Graaf, Dejen, Sibbing and Osse, 2000. Phylogenetic relationships of the small Barbus species of Lake Tana were investigated using the mtDNA cytochrome b gene. All small Barbus species occurring in Lake Tana are part of the 'small African diploid' groups identified by Tsigenopoulos et al. (2002). Barbus pleurogramma, only reported in Lake Tana, and populations of the morphologically similar species, B. paludinosus Peters, 1852, collected in rivers and lakes throughout Ethiopia, comprised a monophyletic group with separate clades congruent with drainage basins. Barbus pleurogramma could well be a cryptic species rather than synonymous to B. paludinosus as previously suggested. The genetic divergence between B. humilis and B. tanapelagius was very low, and without lineage sorting of haplotypes. This is probably due to recent (<16 000 years ago) evolution of the pelagic, zooplanktivorous B. tanapelagius from the benthic, omnivorous B. humilis after the formation of Lake Tana.
Reading the Bible Together with Muslims: David as Sinner King and Repentant Prophet
Authors: Steenbrink Karel 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions share many stories. The narratives about Adam, Abraham, Moses, Solomon and many others are modelled one after the other. During the last decades much attention has been given to the 'three religions of Abraham' as sharing the heritage of that great biblical figure. This contribution concentrates on the stories of David in the three religions as expression of the one hermeneutic family. It pleads that Jews and Christians take the Muslim reinterpretation of their heritage serious.
The Awakening of a New Form of Christianity? Catholicism in the Cariri Region (Brazil)
Authors: Rietveld Jan Joris 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Cariri region is the most isolated and poor part of the rural zone of the diocese of Campina Grande in the Paraiba state of Brazil. The Catholic Church has been present here for a relatively short time: 335 years. Moreover the region has an isolated context and this favors conservatism so that only fundamental changes have an impact. These facts make the Cariri an interesting region for a case study about how Catholicism develops. I distinguish five periods, which are described with religious key words and situated in the socio-cultural context. This classification is a schematization: different types of Catholicism often exist together. It is obvious that the dominant features of Catholicism change with time, but in the mainstream of the fifth period we see a small revolution. Now there are not only influences in the socio cultural context and factors in the Church itself that cause changes, but there are also influences of powerful newcomers, the evangelical churches. Their main impact is that many people have left the Catholic Church and are going to live their old faith in a new form. The Catholic Church is searching for adequate ways to respond to this phenomenon.
Ecumenical Relations in Hungary Since 1990
Authors: Vogelaar Huub 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHungary has a Catholic majority, but a substantial number of Protestants (about 20%), most of them Reformed. There are also several smaller Orthodox communities. Many ethnic Hungarians live outside the boundaries of the present Republic of Hungary. During the Communist period ecumenical events were used by the state to control and use religion. In the period after 1989 the first concern of all denominations was the re-establishment their own communities, including roles in education, social and political life. Ecumenical relations also developed and have led to several new institutions, councils and activities. These new developments are described in this contribution.