bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of the V1/V2 Loop Region of Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Glycoprotein gp120 in Determining the Strain Specificity of the Neutralizing Antibody Response
Authors: Laird Melissa E. , Igarashi Tatsuhiko , Martin Malcolm A. , Desrosiers Ronald C. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTPlasma samples from individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are known to be highly strain specific in their ability to neutralize HIV-1 infectivity. Such plasma samples exhibit significant neutralizing activity against autologous HIV-1 isolates but typically exhibit little or no activity against heterologous strains, although some cross-neutralizing activity can develop late in infection. Monkeys infected with the simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) clone DH12 generated antibodies that neutralized SHIV DH12, but not SHIV KB9. Conversely, antibodies from monkeys infected with the SHIV clone KB9 neutralized SHIV KB9, but not SHIV DH12. To investigate the role of the variable loops of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 in determining this strain specificity, variable loops 1 and 2 (V1/V2), V3, or V4 were exchanged individually or in combination between SHIV DH12 and SHIV KB9. Despite the fact that both parental viruses exhibited significant infectivity and good replication in the cell lines examined, 3 of the 10 variable-loop chimeras exhibited such poor infectivity that they could not be used further for neutralization assays. These results indicate that a variable loop that is functional in the context of one particular envelope background will not necessarily function within another. The remaining seven replication-competent chimeras allowed unambiguous assignment of the sequences principally responsible for the strain specificity of the neutralizing activity present in SHIV-positive plasma. Exchange of the V1/V2 loop sequences conferred a dominant loss of sensitivity to neutralization by autologous plasma and a gain of sensitivity to neutralization by heterologous plasma. Substitution of V3 or V4 had little or no effect on the sensitivity to neutralization. These data demonstrate that the V1/V2 region of HIV-1 gp120 is principally responsible for the strain specificity of the neutralizing antibody response in monkeys infected with these prototypic SHIVs.
Biosynthesis and Functions of Mycothiol, the Unique Protective Thiol of
Actinobacteria
Authors: Newton Gerald L. , Buchmeier Nancy , Fahey Robert C. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARY

Mycothiol (MSH; AcCys-GlcN-Ins) is the major thiol found in
Actinobacteria
and has many of the functions of glutathione, which is the dominant thiol in other bacteria and eukaryotes but is absent in
Actinobacteria
. MSH functions as a protected reserve of cysteine and in the detoxification of alkylating agents, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antibiotics. MSH also acts as a thiol buffer which is important in maintaining the highly reducing environment within the cell and protecting against disulfide stress. The pathway of MSH biosynthesis involves production of GlcNAc-Ins-P by MSH glycosyltransferase (MshA), dephosphorylation by the MSH phosphatase MshA2 (not yet identified), deacetylation by MshB to produce GlcN-Ins, linkage to Cys by the MSH ligase MshC, and acetylation by MSH synthase (MshD), yielding MSH. Studies of MSH mutants have shown that the MSH glycosyltransferase MshA and the MSH ligase MshC are required for MSH production, whereas mutants in the MSH deacetylase MshB and the acetyltransferase (MSH synthase) MshD produce some MSH and/or a closely related thiol. Current evidence indicates that MSH biosynthesis is controlled by transcriptional regulation mediated by σ
B
and σ
R
in
Streptomyces coelicolor
. Identified enzymes of MSH metabolism include mycothione reductase (disulfide reductase; Mtr), the
S
-nitrosomycothiol reductase MscR, the MSH
S
-conjugate amidase Mca, and an MSH-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase. Mca cleaves MSH
S
-conjugates to generate mercapturic acids (AcCySR), excreted from the cell, and GlcN-Ins, used for resynthesis of MSH. The phenotypes of MSH-deficient mutants indicate the occurrence of one or more MSH-dependent
S
-transferases, peroxidases, and mycoredoxins, which are important targets for future studies. Current evidence suggests that several MSH biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes are potential targets for drugs against tuberculosis. The functions of MSH in antibiotic-producing streptomycetes and in bioremediation are areas for future study.
Influence of compaction temperature on rubberized asphalt mixes and binders
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae , Amirkhanian Serji N. , Shatanawi Khaldoun , Thodesen Carl 
Published: September 2008

This research investigates the influence of compaction temperature on rubberized asphalt mixes and binders. For this, four Superpave mix designs for four asphalt binders (control, 3% styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified, 10% rubber-modified, and 15% rubber-modified) were carried out. A total of 160 specimens were manufactured at four compaction temperatures of 116, 135, 154, and 173 °C. The binders were artificially short-term aged for 2 h at the mixture compaction temperatures prior to the binder tests. The results from this study showed that: (i) the control and SBS-modified mixtures could have almost the same air–void contents at a wide range of compaction temperatures; (ii) the compaction temperatures significantly affected the volumetric properties of the rubberized mixes; (iii) the aging difference of asphalt binder in the mixture depending on the compaction temperature is not considered to be a main factor affecting the volumetric properties of the mixtures.
Fertilization in the white chiton, Stenosemus albus, with implications for its phylogenetic position
Authors: Buckland-Nicks J. , Schander C. 
Published: September 2008

Gamete structure and fertilization biology of the white chiton, Stenosemus albus (L., 1767), were studied with light and electron microscopy. Sperm structure was found to be similar to other Chitonina, but acrosomes are homogeneous in this species, like those of Chaetopleura apiculata (Say in Conrad, 1834). The egg of S. albus is covered by long spines with hooked tips. The bases of spines are perforated along their perimeters by a series of pores that provide sperm with direct access to the vitelline layer. This feature appears to be plesiomorphic and characterizes also Chaetopleura but not most Chitonina, which have a continuous dense layer overlying the hull. Beneath the vitelline layer, the egg membrane is formed into a series of cups with raised edges elaborated into microvilli that coincide with the bases of hull spines. Free-spawned sperm of S. albus were able to find the egg and penetrate a pore in the hull within 20 s. Evidence presented here, and previously, indicates that S. albus shares a number of key characters in common with Callochitonidae, which is a basal family within Chitonida. Taken together, the evidence suggests that Stenosemus belongs to a basal taxon within Chitonina, outside the Ischnochitoninae, in which it is currently placed.
The ability of high- and low-grooming lines of honey bees to remove the parasitic mite Varroa destructor is affected by environmental conditions
Authors: Currie R. W. , Tahmasbi G. H. 
Published: September 2008

This study assessed how variation in temperature and humidity affect the costs and benefits of grooming as a defense against Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, 2000 in high-grooming and low-grooming groups of honey bee (Apis mellifera L., 1758) workers. Grooming was quantified as the proportion of mites falling to the bottom of cages containing worker bees or to the bottom of colonies of bees during winter. Cages of 100 mite-infested bees from each line of workers were assigned to environments with three treatment combinations of temperature (10, 25, and 34 °C) and humidity (low, medium, and high), and bee and mite mortality rates were quantified. The results showed relative effectiveness of high- and low-grooming groups being affected by the environment. Differences in grooming between lines were greatest at 25 °C and were slightly higher under conditions of low humidity than at higher levels. Mite mortality rates were greater in high-grooming groups of caged bees than in low-grooming bees held at 25 and 34 °C but were similar at 10 °C. During winter, colonies with high-grooming bees had higher daily mite mortality rates than unselected colonies. Bee mortality rates were greater in high-grooming lines than in low-grooming lines under low temperatures, indicating that there may be a biological cost associated with grooming behaviour at low temperature.
Experimental trials of the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) traversing managed rainforest landscapes: perceptual range and fine-scale movements
Authors: Flaherty E. A. , Smith W. P. , Pyare S. , Ben-David M. 
Published: September 2008

Successful dispersal in many species may be a function of the distance at which animals can perceive a particular landscape feature (i.e., perceptual range), as well as energetic costs associated with traversing the distance towards that feature. We used a model, relating perceptual range to body size of mammals, to predict the perceptual range of the northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus (Shaw, 1801)) in fragmented forests of Southeast Alaska. We hypothesized that the perceptual range of flying squirrels would be 325.5–356.5 m in clearcuts and 159.7–174.9 m in second-growth stands. The distance advantage in clearcuts may, however, be lost if the cost of transport in that habitat is higher. Our results suggest that as heuristically predicted by the model, the perceptual range of flying squirrels was greater in clearcut habitats than in second-growth stands. Nonetheless, for both habitats the actual perceptual range was significantly shorter than predicted by the model. We found that precipitation, and associated cloud cover and illumination, and wind speed, which affect olfaction capabilities, influenced orientation success. Although squirrels more often oriented towards the forest edge in clearcuts, they paused more often during their movements, which may lead to higher costs of dispersing through this habitat. The application of the mass-based model to nonagricultural landscapes should be done with caution, and variables such as wind and illumination be measured concurrently. Our data illustrate that dispersing squirrels likely will not venture into managed habitats because logging creates clearcuts larger than the perceptual range of these mammals.
The beginning of a fantastic, unanswered question: is 5-HT involved in systemic hypertension?
Authors: Watts Stephanie W. 
Published: September 2008

This essay examines the historical significance of an APS classic paper that is freely available online: McGregor DD, Smirk FH. Vascular responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine in genetic and renal hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol 219: 687–690, 1970. ( http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/219/3/687 )
Depletion of Dendritic Cells Delays Ovarian Cancer Progression by Boosting Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Huarte Eduardo , Cubillos-Ruiz Juan R. , Nesbeth Yolanda C. , Scarlett Uciane K. , Martinez Diana G. , Buckanovich Ronald J. , Benencia Fabian , Stan Radu V. , Keler Tibor , Sarobe Pablo , Sentman Charles L. , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) and cytokines that expand myeloid progenitors are widely used to treat cancer. Here, we show that CD11c+DEC205+ DCs coexpressing α-smooth muscle actin and VE-cadherin home to perivascular areas in the ovarian cancer microenvironment and are required for the maintenance of tumor vasculature. Consequently, depletion of DCs in mice bearing established ovarian cancer by targeting different specific markers significantly delays tumor growth and enhances the effect of standard chemotherapies. Tumor growth restriction was associated with vascular apoptosis after DC ablation followed by necrosis, which triggered an antitumor immunogenic boost. Our findings provide a mechanistic rationale for selectively eliminating tumor-associated leukocytes to promote antitumor immunity while impeding tumor vascularization and to develop more effective DC vaccines based on a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment. [Cancer Res 2008;68(18):7684–91]
Combinations ofN-Acetyl-S-(N-2-Phenethylthiocarbamoyl)-L-Cysteine andmyo-Inositol Inhibit Tobacco Carcinogen–Induced Lung Adenocarcinoma in Mice
Authors: Kassie Fekadu , Matise Ilze , Negia Mesfin , Lahti David , Pan Yunqian , Scherber Robyn , Upadhyaya Pramod , Hecht Stephen S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe have previously generated convincing evidence that combinations of N-acetyl-S-(N-2-phenethylthiocarbamoyl)-L-cysteine (PEITC-NAC; 3 μmol/g diet) and myo-inositol (MI; 56 μmol/g diet) were significantly more effective than the individual compounds as inhibitors of tobacco smoke carcinogen–induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice. In this study, we further investigated the efficacy of combinations of PEITC-NAC (9 or 15 μmol/g diet) and MI (56 μmol/g diet). Female A/J mice were treated with a mixture of the tobacco smoke carcinogens 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and benzo[a]pyrene by gavage once weekly for 8 weeks. PEITC-NAC plus MI was given in the diet beginning at 1 day after the 4th of eight carcinogen treatments (temporal sequence A) or 1 week after the last carcinogen treatment (temporal sequence B). Regardless of the dose of carcinogen or PEITC-NAC plus MI, or temporal sequence, administration of PEITC-NAC plus MI significantly reduced the multiplicity of gross tumors and, in most instances, adenocarcinoma. PEITC-NAC plus MI was particularly effective against bigger tumors. The observed inhibition of lung tumorigenesis by PEITC-NAC plus MI was attributed, at least partly, to inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. These results clearly show the efficacy of PEITC-NAC plus MI in the prevention of tobacco carcinogen–induced lung adenocarcinoma in A/J mice and provide a basis for future evaluation of PEITC-NAC plus MI in clinical trials as a chemopreventive agent for current and former smokers.
Inertially Induced Connections between Subgyres in the South Indian Ocean
Authors: Palastanga V. , Dijkstra H. A. , de Ruijter W. P. M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
A barotropic shallow-water model and continuation techniques are used to investigate steady solutions in an idealized South Indian Ocean basin containing Madagascar. The aim is to study the role of inertia in a possible connection between two subgyres in the South Indian Ocean. By increasing inertial effects in the model, two different circulation regimes are found. In the weakly nonlinear regime, the subtropical gyre presents a recirculation cell in the southwestern basin, with two boundary currents flowing westward from the southern and northern tips of Madagascar toward Africa. In the highly nonlinear regime, the inertial recirculation of the subtropical gyre is found to the east of Madagascar, while the East Madagascar Current overshoots the island’s southern boundary and connects through a southwestward jet with the current off South Africa.
G6PD deficiency, absence of α-thalassemia, and hemolytic rate at baseline are significant independent risk factors for abnormally high cerebral velocities in patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Bernaudin Françoise , Verlhac Suzanne , Chevret Sylvie , Torres Martine , Coic Lena , Arnaud Cécile , Kamdem Annie , Hau Isabelle , Grazia Neonato Maria , Delacourt Christophe 
Published: September 2008

AbstractStroke is predicted by abnormally high cerebral velocities by transcranial doppler (TCD). This study aimed at defining predictive factors for abnormally high velocities (≥ 2 m/sec) based on the Créteil pediatric sickle cell anemia (SCA) cohort composed of 373 stroke-free SCA children. α genes and β-globin haplotypes were determined. Biologic parameters were obtained at baseline. α-thalassemia was present in 155 of 325 and G6PD deficiency in 36 of 325 evaluated patients. TCD was abnormal in 62 of 373 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that G6PD deficiency (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-10.33; P = .034), absence of alpha-thalassemia (OR = 6.45, 95% CI 2.21-18.87; P = .001), hemoglobin (OR per g/dL = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.97; P = .038), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (OR per IU/L = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000-1.002; P = .047) were independent risk factors for abnormally high velocities. This study confirms the protective effect of alpha-thalassemia and shows for the first time that G6PD deficiency and hemolysis independently increase the risk of cerebral vasculopathy.
Sirolimus is associated with veno-occlusive disease of the liver after myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cutler Corey , Stevenson Kristen , Kim Haesook T. , Richardson Paul , Ho Vincent T. , Linden Erica , Revta Carolyn , Ebert Ruth , Warren Diane , Choi Sung , Koreth John , Armand Philippe , Alyea Edwin , Carter Shelly , Horowitz Mary , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Sirolimus is an effective agent used in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after allogeneic transplantation. It also has antiproliferative effects on vascular endothelium when used to coat coronary artery stents. We noted an excess of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in a clinical trial, and retrospectively reviewed the records of 488 patients to determine the association between sirolimus and VOD. When used with cyclophosphamide/total body irradiation (Cy/TBI) conditioning, sirolimus is associated with an increased incidence of VOD (OR 2.35, P = .005). The concomitant use of methotrexate further increased this rate (OR 3.23, P < .001), while sirolimus without methotrexate was not associated with an increased risk of VOD (OR 1.55, P = .33). Mortality after VOD diagnosis was unaffected, and overall treatment-related mortality was lowest when sirolimus was used without methotrexate. Similar findings were noted in matched, related, and unrelated as well as mismatched donor subgroups. When used with busulfan-based conditioning, sirolimus use was associated with an even higher rate of VOD (OR 8.8, P = .008). Our findings suggest that sirolimus use is associated with VOD after TBI-based transplantation when used with methotrexate after transplantation. Sirolimus-based GVHD prophylaxis without methotrexate is associated with the greatest overall survival. Myeloablative doses of busulfan should not be used with sirolimus-based immunosuppression.
Diversity in genomic organisation, developmental regulation and distribution of the murine PR72/B" subunits of protein phosphatase 2A
Authors: Zwaenepoel Karen , Louis Justin V , Goris Jozef , Janssens Veerle 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine-specific phosphatase displaying vital functions in growth and development through its role in various signalling pathways. PP2A holoenzymes comprise a core dimer composed of a catalytic C and a structural A subunit, which can associate with a variable B-type subunit. The importance of the B-type subunits for PP2A regulation cannot be overestimated as they determine holoenzyme localisation, activity and substrate specificity. Three B-type subunit families have been identified: PR55/B, PR61/B' and PR72/B", of which the latter is currently the least characterised.

Results
We deduced the sequences and genomic organisation of the different murine PR72/B" isoforms: three genes encode nine isoforms, five of which are abundantly expressed and give rise to genuine PP2A subunits. Thereby, one novel subunit was identified. Using Northern blotting, we examined the tissue-specific and developmental expression of these subunits. All subunits are highly expressed in heart, suggesting an important cardiac function. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a striated expression pattern of PR72 and PR130 in heart and skeletal muscle, but not in bladder smooth muscle. The subcellular localisation and cell cycle regulatory ability of several PR72/B" isoforms were determined, demonstrating differences as well as similarities.

Conclusion
In contrast to PR55/B and PR61/B', the PR72/B" family seems evolutionary more divergent, as only two of the murine genes have a human orthologue. We have integrated these results in a more consistent nomenclature of both human and murine PR72/B" genes and their transcripts/proteins. Our results provide a platform for the future generation of PR72/B" knockout mice.
S100A4 overexpression proves to be independent marker for breast cancer progression
Authors: Ismail Nawfal I , Kaur Gurjeet , Hashim Hasnah , Hassan Mohammed S 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer and cause of deaths in women around the world. Oncogene amplification usually occurs late in tumor progression and correlates well with aggressiveness of tumor. In fact the function of the S100A4 protein and its role in metastasis is unclear at present. The purpose of the study was to determine the expression of S100A4 protein in the invasion status and metastatic potential of breast cancer by using tissue microarray and to determine its role in breast cancer based on the expression of S100A4 gene product.MethodsS100A4 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using commercially available tissue microarray containing malignant and normal breast tissue cores from 216 patients.ResultsS100A4 was absent in normal breast tissues while positive in 45.1% of infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) node negative and 48.8% of infiltrating lobular carcinoma node negative. In paired samples, S100A4 protein was expressed in 13.5% of IDC node positive cases and 35.1% of matched lymph node metastasis.ConclusionS100A4 protein expression appears widely expressed in early and advanced breast cancer stages compared with normal breast. Our study suggests S100A4 may play a role in breast cancer progression and may prove to be an independent marker of breast cancer which appears to be down regulated in more advanced stages of breast cancer.
The identification of disease-induced biomarkers in the urine of BSE infected cattle
Authors: Simon Sharon LR , Lamoureux Lise , Plews Margot , Stobart Michael , LeMaistre Jillian , Ziegler Ute , Graham Catherine , Czub Stefanie , Groschup Martin , Knox J David 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic and the emergence of a new human variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) have led to profound changes in the production and trade of agricultural goods. The rapid tests currently approved for BSE monitoring in slaughtered cattle are all based on the detection of the disease related isoform of the prion protein, PrPd, in brain tissue and consequently are only suitable for post-mortem diagnosis. Objectives: In instances such as assessing the health of breeding stock for export purposes where post-mortem testing is not an option, there is a demand for an ante-mortem test based on a matrix or body fluid that would permit easy access and repeated sampling. Urine and urine based analyses would meet these requirements.

Results
Two dimensional differential gel eletrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify proteins exhibiting differential abundance in the urine of BSE infected cattle and age matched controls over the course of the disease. Multivariate analyses of protein expression data identified a single protein able to discriminate, with 100% accuracy, control from infected samples. In addition, a subset of proteins were able to predict with 85% ± 13.2 accuracy the time post infection that the samples were collected.

Conclusion
These results suggest that in principle it is possible to identify biomarkers in urine useful in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of disease progression of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases (TSEs).