bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription of antifreeze protein genes in Choristoneura fumiferana
Authors: Qin W. , Doucet D. , Tyshenko M. G. , Walker V. K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAntifreeze proteins (AFPs) are encoded by approximately 17 genes in the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Northern analysis using 6 different cDNA probes showed isoform‐specific patterns that varied during development. Transcripts for the majority of isoforms were most abundant in the second instar overwintering stage, but some were also detected in first instar and even in egg stages. In situ hybridization using riboprobes corresponding to two 9 kDa protein isoforms showed differential AFP expression even in second instars; CfAFP10 RNA was detected in all tissues, but CfAFP337 RNA distribution was more limited. Two genomic regions encoding three AFP genes have been isolated. Presumptive regulatory regions conferred transcriptional activity when placed upstream of a luciferase reporter sequence and transfected into a C. fumiferana cell line. The CfAFP2.26 core promoter is an 87 bp sequence containing a TATA box, whereas the CfAFP2.7 core promoter is a 76 bp sequence with both a TATA box and CAAT box, which directed higher reporter activities when tested in vitro. Reporter activity was not enhanced with five different hormones, although lower activities were observed with all intron‐containing constructs. AFP message half‐life, as assessed using reporter assays, was not appreciably influenced by isoform‐specific‐3′UTRs. These studies successfully demonstrate the temporal and spatial diversity of AFP expression encoded by this small gene family, and underscore the complexity of their regulation.
Cloning and interspecific altered expression of heat shock protein genes in two leafminer species in response to thermal stress
Authors: Huang Li‐Hua , Kang Le 
Published: July 2007

AbstractStudies have demonstrated differences in temperature tolerance between two Liriomyza species, L. huidobrensis and L. sativae. To investigate whether the heat shock proteins (Hsps) in the two species have different expression profiles during temperature stress, we cloned hsp90, 70, 60, 40 and 20, and analysed their expression profiles across temperature gradients by real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The results revealed that the number of TATA‐box‐like elements and A/T‐rich insertion/deletions within the 5′ UTRs of the hsps are different in the two species. The temperatures for onset (Ton) or maximal (Tmax) induction of hsp expression in L. huidobrensis were generally 2.5–10 °C lower than those in L. sativae, and the Ton were highly consistent with the temperature limits of the northern boundary of the range of these two leafminer species. These studies confirmed, in terms of gene expression levels, that L. huidobrensis is more cold tolerant than L. sativae, which is more heat tolerant, and suggest that the Ton (or Tmax) of hsps can represent the differences in temperature tolerance of these two leafminer species, and may be used to determine their natural geographical distribution limits.
Gene organization of a novel defensin of Ixodes ricinus: first annotation of an intron/exon structure in a hard tick defensin gene and first evidence of the occurrence of two isoforms of one member of the arthropod defensin family
Authors: Rudenko N. , Golovchenko M. , Grubhoffer L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (defensins) are effectors of the immune system. Herein, we describe a novel Ixodes ricinus defensin gene(s), analyse its structure and compare it with other known antimicrobial peptides from different tick species. For the first time, an intron/exon structure is discovered in a hard‐tick defensin gene. The intron/exon genomic organization of the gene is similar to the organization in Ornithodoros moubata, but not to that of the intronless defensins of Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis. The analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of different recombinants from the I. ricinus cDNA library reveals the presence of two defensin isoforms with three amino acid substitutions. Whether or not these substitutions affect the biological properties of the peptides is currently unknown. The expression of the defensin gene is strongly induced in the tick midgut after infection with Borrelia burgdorferi.
X‐linked QTL for knockdown resistance to high temperature in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Norry F. M. , Sambucetti P. , Scannapieco A. C. , Gomez F. H. , Loeschcke V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractKnockdown Resistance to High Temperature (KRHT) is an adaptive trait of thermotolerance in insects. An interval mapping was performed on chromosome X of Drosophila melanogaster to search for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting KRHT. A backcross population was obtained from two lines that dramatically differ for KRHT. Microsatellites were used as markers. Composite interval mapping identified a large‐effect QTL in the region of band 10 where putative candidate genes map. To further test for this QTL a set of recombinant (but non‐inbred) lines was obtained from backcrosses between the parental lines used for the interval mapping. Recombinant line analysis confirmed that one QTL is targeted by band 10. We identify and discuss candidate loci contained within our QTL region.
The mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1: characterization of the cellular landscape of primary tumours and metastatic tumour foci
Authors: DuPre´ Sally A. , Redelman Doug , Hunter Kenneth W. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe murine mammary carcinoma 4T1 causes a leukemoid reaction with profound granulocytosis coincident with the production of tumour‐derived growth factors. Here, we study the evolving cellular landscape of primary tumours and metastatic tumour foci and correlate haematopoietic cell infiltration with the production of tumour‐derived chemokines. Flow cytometric analysis of enzyme digested primary tumours at different times after transplantation revealed a progressively increasing CD45+ haematopoietic cell infiltrate consisting predominantly of CD11b+ myeloid cells. Most of these cells had an F4/80+/CD11c+ phenotype, many of which also stained Gr‐1+. Smaller numbers of Gr‐1+CD11b+ granulocytes and lymphoid cells were also identified. Progressive increases in Gr‐1+ granulocytes were observed in enzymatic digests of livers and lungs with metastatic tumour foci. Cultured 4T1 tumour cells expressed mRNA transcripts for the myeloid cell chemokines RANTES, MCP‐1 and KC, and enzymatically digested cells from primary 4T1 tumours partially depleted of CD45+ cells expressed transcripts for these chemokines and also MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β. These data demonstrate that 4T1 tumour‐bearing mice have mixed myeloid cell infiltrates of primary tumours and granulocytic infiltrates of metastatic organs. This pathologic presentation correlated with the expression of tumour‐derived chemokines.
Interplay between DtxR and nitric oxide reductase activities: a functional genomics approach indicating involvement of homologous protein domains in bacterial pathogenesis
Authors: Gupta Shwetank , Bansal Saurabh , Deb Jahar K , Kundu Bishwajit 
Published: July 2007

Summary Corynebacterium diphtheriae pathogenesis depends on the production of toxin (Dtx), which in turn depends on a micromolar concentration of nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated deactivation of DtxR (an iron‐dependent regulator). Inside a host, the pathogen often encounters excess of NO that acts as an oxidative toxicant. Therefore a critical level of NO needs to be maintained by the pathogen. This necessitates reduction of excess NO by the presence of a reductase, namely nitric oxide reductase (NOR). Similar to the expression of toxin, the expression of NOR is possibly regulated by another regulator NorR, as has been found in other gram positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Therefore, a correlation between concentration of NO on the deactivation of DtxR and transactivation of NorR becomes apparent. However, unlike many other pathogens the presence of NOR and NorR in C. diphtheriae has not been established. We applied a combination of bioinformatics and comparative genomics approach on C. diphtheriae genome using Escherichia coli as a model organism to find some structural and functional homologoues for the two genes in question. The various domain characteristics for the two proteins (NOR and NorR) have been taken into account in this analysis. Through extensive genome and proteome search we have been able to identify key regulatory genes, which are possibly involved in coordination and control of NO stress in C. diphtheriae. Our finding will progress the understanding of the complete regulatory mechanism for evasion and maintenance of pathogenesis by this and other pathogenic organisms.
Bond strength of two total‐etching bonding systems on caries‐affected and sound primary teeth dentin
Authors: TOSUN GUL , KOYUTURK ALP ERDIN , SENER YAGMUR , SENGUN ABDULKADIR 
Published: July 2007

Aim.  As bond strength of currently available adhesive systems in caries‐affected teeth dentin on primary tooth dentin was not well known, the bond strength of two bonding systems (PQI and OptiBond Solo Plus) was evaluated on caries‐affected and sound primary molar tooth dentin and observed the micromorphology of the adhesive–dentin interfaces.Methods.  By grinding both the sound (n = 30) and caries‐affected (n = 30) approximal surfaces of teeth, flat dentin surfaces were obtained. The prepared surfaces were bonded with one of the each adhesive systems and a composite resin. After storing the bonded specimens in water at 37 °C for 24 h, the samples were sectioned and the bond strength of the adhesive systems was tested by the microshear test method. The data were statistically analysed.Results.  Microshear bond strengths of PQI group for caries‐affected and sound primary tooth dentin were 9.43 ± 2.44 (MPa) and 9.32 ± 2.95 (MPa) (P > 0.05), respectively, and the bond strengths of OptiBond Solo Plus group for caries‐affected and sound primary tooth dentin were 15.33 ± 3.59 (MPa) and 11.96 ± 2.30 (MPa) (P < 0.05), respectively. Micromorphological features between sound and caries‐affected dentin were similar in both PQI and OptiBond Solo Plus groups.Conclusion.  Both the adhesives showed significantly different bond strengths in caries‐affected dentin but showed similar bond strengths in sound dentin.
Effect of Nei–Guan point (P6) acupressure on ketonuria levels, nausea and vomiting in women with hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Shin Hye Sook , Song Young A , Seo Sunhee 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTitle.  Effect of Nei–Guan point (P6) acupressure on ketonuria levels, nausea and vomiting in women with hyperemesis gravidarum Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the effect of Nei–Guan point acupressure on nausea, vomiting and ketonuria levels in women diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum.Background.  Previous studies have shown that acupressure application on the Nei–Guan point is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy and surgery. However, no findings have been supported by physiological data.Method.  A randomized control group pretest–post‐test design was implemented from 1 April 2003 to 30 April 2004 using three groups: a Nei–Guan point acupressure group, a placebo group and a control group which received only conventional intravenous treatment. The participants were 66 women admitted to two general hospitals in Korea with hyperemesis gravidarum.Results.  The degree of nausea and vomiting was statistically significantly lower in the Nei–Guan point acupressure group in comparison with the placebo and control groups. Ketonuria levels were reduced over time and, on days three and four of hospitalization, levels in the treatment group were statistically significantly lower than in the placebo or control groups (P < 0·05).Conclusion.  Nei–Guan point acupressure is a useful treatment for relieving symptoms experienced by women with hyperemesis gravidarum.
Northwick Park Care Needs Assessment: adaptation for inpatient neurological rehabilitation settings
Authors: Williams Heather , Harris Ruth , Turner‐Stokes Lynne 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTitle.  Northwick Park Care Needs Assessment: adaptation for inpatient neurological rehabilitation settings Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to establish which timings and assumptions of the Northwick Park Dependency Scale and Care Needs Assessment are appropriate to the inpatient rehabilitation setting and which, if any, require adjustment.Background.  Cost‐effective provision of nursing care relies on being able to adjust staffing levels in accordance with patient dependency. The Northwick Park Dependency Scale and Care Needs Assessment enables direct assessment of nursing care needs in community settings.Method.  An observational study was conducted in 2004 to record the time taken to complete direct nursing care interventions in a rehabilitation ward and to compare these times with simultaneously recorded time‐estimates provided by the Care Needs Assessment. A total of 1168 nursing interactions were timed for 50 care episodes.Results.  There was considerable variation in the time taken for each nursing intervention, depending on overall patient dependency and the number of nurses required. Although there was good correlation between observed care times and those estimated by the Care Needs Assessment, observation confirmed that most interventions took substantially less time than the estimates. There was also a very different pattern of care in hospital compared with the community, with shorter, more frequent interactions as nurses distribute their time between different patients, and activities other than direct patient care.Conclusion.  The Northwick Park Care Needs Assessment tool already has widespread application in other countries and its continued use for estimating community care needs remains relevant. The tool, once fully developed, will have the potential to contribute to international rehabilitation nursing workforce planning and research.
Male reproductive senescence: the price of immune‐induced oxidative damage on sexual attractiveness in the blue‐footed booby
Authors: TORRES ROXANA , VELANDO ALBERTO 
Published: July 2007

Summary

In animals, male reproduction is commonly a function of sexual attractiveness, based on the expression of sexually dimorphic traits that advertise genuinely the male's quality. Male performance may decline with age because physiological functions underlying sexual attractiveness may be affected by senescence.
Here we show that a sexual signal (foot colour) declines with age, due probably to the deleterious effects of oxidative damage.
We found that in the blue‐footed booby Sula nebouxii foot colour during courtship was less attractive in senescent than in middle‐aged males.
In addition, we increased reactive oxygen species experimentally by immunizing males with lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial cell wall component that induces marked oxidative stress in animals. The immune system activation induced greater lipid peroxidation and invoked changes on colour expression (less attractive), particularly in senescent males.
These results support the idea that oxidative stress affects reproductive senescence, and suggest that oxidative damage might be a proximal mechanism underlying age‐reproductive patterns in long‐lived animals.
The Viggers & Hearn conundrum: a kangaroo home range study with no implications for land management
Authors: MARTIN JENNIFER K. , COULSON GRAEME , DI STEFANO JULIAN , RITCHIE EUAN G. , GREENFIELD ANDREW , CATANCHIN HELEN , EVANS LISA N. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Viggers & Hearn (2005) examined the encroachment of native herbivores on to farmland. They presented kangaroo home range estimates and pasture biomass data for three sites in south‐eastern Australia, then made broad management recommendations regarding the preservation of remnant habitat.
While Viggers & Hearn identified potentially important patterns, we believe that their data were neither sufficient nor appropriate to reveal the processes that underlie these patterns.
Specifically, their study was unreplicated at the land‐use level, used inappropriate density estimates for their study populations, failed to measure resources adequately, used flawed methods of home range analysis, and demonstrated limited understanding of key concepts and of their study species and thus could not draw valid conclusions.
Synthesis and applications. In view of these fundamental problems, we recommend that decisions on the management of kangaroos and remnant vegetation not be based on the work reported by Viggers & Hearn.
Positive linear relationship between productivity and diversity: evidence from the Eurasian Steppe
Authors: BAI YONGFEI , WU JIANGUO , PAN QINGMIN , HUANG JIANHUI , WANG QIBING , LI FUSHENG , BUYANTUYEV ALEXANDER , HAN XINGGUO 
Published: July 2007

SummaryUnderstanding the productivity–diversity relationship (PDR) is a key issue in biodiversity–ecosystem functioning research, and has important implications for ecosystem management. Most studies have supported the predominance of a hump‐shaped form of PDR in which species richness peaks at an intermediate level of productivity. However, this view has been challenged recently on several grounds.Based on data from 854 field sites across the Inner Mongolia region of the Eurasian Steppe, we tested the form of PDR at different organizational levels (association type, vegetation type and biome) and multiple spatial scales (local, landscape and regional).Our results showed that a positive linear, rather than hump‐shaped, form was ubiquitous across all organizational levels and spatial scales examined. On the regional scale, this monotonic PDR pattern corresponded closely with the gradient in mean annual precipitation (MAP) and soil nitrogen. Increasing species dissimilarity with productivity could also contribute to the positive linear form of PDR.Our results also indicated that grazing decreased both primary productivity and species richness but, intriguingly, not the form of PDR.Synthesis and applications.This study provides the first direct test of the productivity–diversity relationship for the world's largest contiguous terrestrial biome – the Eurasian Steppe. The predominance of a positive linear relationship in this region defies the commonly held view that a unimodal form of PDR dominates terrestrial ecosystems, supported mainly by studies in Africa, Europe and North America. It suggests that precipitation has a greater control on the productivity–diversity relationship in the Eurasian Steppe than grasslands elsewhere. Also, the positive linear relationship is surprisingly robust to grazing. Our results provide new insight into the productivity–diversity relationship and have several implications for restoring degraded lands and understanding ecological consequences of climate change in the Eurasian Steppe.
Ecological restoration and estuarine management: placing people in the coastal landscape
Authors: Weinstein Michael P. 
Published: July 2007

Summary

Amid signs that estuarine ecosystems are increasingly degraded and may reach new thresholds of irreversible decline, restoration ecologists and coastal managers world‐wide have joined the debate on how best to reverse the trends of the recent past.
Any meaningful effort at reversal must, however, recognize that humans are an integral part of the landscape, particularly in urban estuarine settings, and that natural resource baselines have permanently shifted. Consequently, the human dimensions component of sustainability science has become an integral part of ecological restoration/rehabilitation planning, and new schema evolving out of coastal governance and management are not only increasingly underpinned by transdisciplinary science, but are beginning to address the sacrifices and compromises that will be necessary to achieve a balance between human uses of estuarine resources and biotic integrity.
The challenge will be to preserve ecosystem functions and use natural capital at a variety of scales while simultaneously sustaining local communities, social and formal institutions, economies and markets at the highest levels of system organization.
How we manage competing uses while at the same time preserving the dynamic properties and resilience of ecosystems will be a significant test. Current ecosystem management and restoration goals appear to be weighted towards returning and/or preserving natural functions decoupled from system reliability. In human‐dominated systems, however, they should be redirected towards goals and mandates to rehabilitate the functions associated with service reliability.
Synthesis and applications. If we are to avoid the harsh lessons of the utilization of terrestrial resources, scientists, practitioners and coastal managers will have to find a middle ground between continued economic growth and preservation/conservation of coastal resources. Success will require broad acceptance that humans are as coastally dependent as any part of the biota, and that future plans for managing, restoring and/or rehabilitating estuarine ecosystems must recognize that humans occupy the highest level of the ecological–cultural landscape.
A new multidisciplinary approach to integrating best evidence into musculoskeletal practice
Authors: Stevenson Kay , Bird Lesley , Sarigiovannis Panagiotis , Dziedzic Krysia , Foster Nadine E. , Graham Carol 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRationale  The effective integration of research evidence into everyday clinical practice continues to be an important challenge.Aims  The group aimed to answer locally relevant clinical question and produce recommendations for practice based on the best available evidence.Methods  Through a new initiative, a multidisciplinary group with a specific interest in musculoskeletal disease has been established in order to help address this problem. The group consists of clinical and academic professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, clinical researchers and information technology librarians representing the health economy.Results  Results from the group’s activities are shared locally through presentations and clinical algorithms and nationally through conference presentations and the National Electronic Library for Health.Conclusion  As well as clinical recommendations, other benefits of the group have been improved networking, enhanced continual professional development and identifying areas in need of further research.