bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Interaction of the Gammaherpesvirus 68 orf73 Protein with Cellular BET Proteins Affects the Activation of Cell Cycle Promoters
Authors: Ottinger Matthias , Pliquet Daniel , Christalla Thomas , Frank Ronald , Stewart James P. , Schulz Thomas F. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Infection of mice with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) provides a valuable animal model for gamma-2 herpesvirus (rhadinovirus) infection and pathogenesis. The MHV-68 orf73 protein has been shown to be required for the establishment of viral latency in vivo. This study describes a novel transcriptional activation function of the MHV-68 orf73 protein and identifies the cellular bromodomain containing BET proteins Brd2/RING3, Brd3/ORFX, and BRD4 as interaction partners for the MHV-68 orf73 protein. BET protein members are known to interact with acetylated histones, and Brd2 and Brd4 have been implicated in fundamental cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation and transcriptional regulation. Using MHV-68 orf73 peptide array assays, we identified Brd2 and Brd4 interaction sites in the orf73 protein. Mutation of one binding site led to a loss of the interaction with Brd2/4 but not the retinoblastoma protein Rb, to impaired chromatin association, and to a decreased ability to activate the BET-responsive cyclin D1, D2, and E promoters. The results therefore pinpoint the binding site for Brd2/4 in a rhadinoviral orf73 protein and suggest that the recruitment of a member of the BET protein family allows the MHV-68 orf73 protein to activate the promoters of G
1
/S cyclins. These findings point to parallels between the transcriptional activator functions of rhadinoviral orf73 proteins and papillomavirus E2 proteins.
Crystal Structure of a Novel Dimeric Form of NS5A Domain I Protein from Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Love Robert A. , Brodsky Oleg , Hickey Michael J. , Wells Peter A. , Cronin Ciarán N. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
A new protein expression vector design utilizing an N-terminal six-histidine tag and tobacco etch virus protease cleavage site upstream of the hepatitis C virus NS5A sequence has resulted in a more straightforward purification method and improved yields of purified NS5A domain I protein. High-resolution diffracting crystals of NS5A domain I (amino acids 33 to 202) [NS5A(33-202)] were obtained by using detergent additive crystallization screens, leading to the structure of a homodimer which is organized differently from that published previously (T. L. Tellinghuisen, J. Marcotrigiano, and C. M. Rice, Nature 435:374-379, 2005) yet is consistent with a membrane association model for NS5A. The monomer-monomer interface of NS5A(33-202) features an extensive buried surface area involving the most-highly conserved face of each monomer. The two alternate structural forms of domain I now available may be indicative of the multiple roles emerging for NS5A in viral RNA replication and viral particle assembly.
Hepatitis Delta Antigen Requires a Minimum Length of the Hepatitis Delta Virus Unbranched Rod RNA Structure for Binding
Authors: Defenbaugh Dawn A. , Johnson Matthew , Chen Renxiang , Zheng Ying Yi , Casey John L. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a subviral pathogen that increases the severity of liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus. Both the small circular RNA genome and its complement, the antigenome, form a characteristic unbranched rod structure in which approximately 70% of the nucleotides are base paired. These RNAs are associated with the sole virally encoded protein, hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), in infected cells; however, the nature of the ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) is not well understood. Previous analyses of binding in vitro using native, bacterially expressed HDAg have been hampered by a lack of specificity for HDV RNA. Here, we show that removal of the C-terminal 35 amino acids of HDAg yields a native, bacterially expressed protein, HDAg-160, that specifically binds HDV unbranched rod RNA with high affinity. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, this protein produced a discrete, micrococcal nuclease-resistant complex with an ∼400-nucleotide (nt) segment of HDV unbranched rod RNA. Binding occurred with several segments of HDV RNA, although with various affinities and efficiencies. Analysis of the effects of deleting segments of the unbranched rod indicated that binding did not require one or two specific binding sites within these RNA segments. Rather, a minimum-length HDV RNA unbranched rod approximately 311 nt was essential for RNP formation. The results are consistent with a model in which HDAg binds HDV unbranched rod RNA as multimers of fixed size rather than as individual subunits.
Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Other Alphaherpesviruses via the Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Type 2 Receptor α
Authors: Arii Jun , Uema Masashi , Morimoto Tomomi , Sagara Hiroshi , Akashi Hiroomi , Ono Etsuro , Arase Hisashi , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) enters cells either via fusion of the virion envelope and host cell plasma membrane or via endocytosis, depending on the cell type. In the study reported here, we investigated a viral entry pathway dependent on the paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor α (PILRα), a recently identified entry coreceptor for HSV-1 that associates with viral envelope glycoprotein B (gB). Experiments using inhibitors of endocytic pathways and ultrastructural analyses of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transduced with PILRα showed that HSV-1 entry into these cells was via virus-cell fusion at the cell surface. Together with earlier observations that HSV-1 uptake into normal CHO cells and those transduced with a receptor for HSV-1 envelope gD is mediated by endocytosis, these results indicated that expression of PILRα produced an alternative HSV-1 entry pathway in CHO cells. We also showed that human and murine PILRα were able to mediate entry of pseudorabies virus, a porcine alphaherpesvirus, but not of HSV-2. These results indicated that viral entry via PILRα appears to be conserved but that there is a PILRα preference among alphaherpesviruses.
The 30-Amino-Acid Deletion in the Nsp2 of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Emerging in China Is Not Related to Its Virulence
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhang Jialong , Zeng Jingwen , Yin Shuoyan , Li Yanhua , Zheng Linying , Guo Xin , Ge Xinna , Yang Hanchun 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
During the past 2 years, an atypical clinical outbreak, caused by a highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) with a unique 30-amino-acid deletion in its Nsp2-coding region, was pandemic in China. In this study, we generated four full-length infectious cDNA clones: a clone of the highly virulent PRRSV strain JXwn06 (pWSK-JXwn), a clone of the low-virulence PRRSV strain HB-1/3.9 (pWSK-HB-1/3.9), a chimeric clone in which the Nsp2 region containing the 30-amino-acid deletion was replaced by the corresponding region of the low-virulence PRRSV strain HB-1/3.9 (pWSK-JXwn-HB1nsp2), and a mutated HB-1/3.9 clone with the same deletion in Nsp2 as JXwn06 (pWSK-HB1-ND30). We also investigated the pathogenicities of the rescued viruses (designated RvJXwn, RvJXwn-HB1nsp2, RvHB-1/3.9, and RvHB1-ND30, respectively) in specific-pathogen-free piglets in order to determine the role of the 30-amino-acid deletion in the virulence of the highly pathogenic PRRSV. All the rescued viruses could replicate stably in MARC-145 cells. Our findings indicated that RvJXwn-HB1nsp2 retained high virulence for piglets, like RvJXwn and the parental virus JXwn06, although the survival time of piglets infected with RvJXwn-HB1nsp2 was obviously prolonged. RvHB1-ND30 exhibited low virulence for piglets, like RvHB-1/3.9 and the parental virus HB-1/3.9. Therefore, we conclude that the 30-amino-acid deletion is not related to the virulence of the highly pathogenic PRRSV emerging in China.
MEDIUM MODIFICATIONS OF LIGHT VECTOR MESONS IN PHOTOPRODUCTION REACTIONS AT JLAB
Authors:   FOR THE CLAS COLLABORATION, WOOD M. H. , DJALALI C. , NASSERIPOUR R. , WEYGAND D. 
Published: February 2009

Theoretical calculations predict the modification of properties of vector mesons, such as a shift in their masses and/or broadening of their widths in dense nuclear matter. These effects can be related to partial restoration of chiral symmetry at high density or temperature. The light vector mesons (ρ, ω, and ϕ) were photo-produced on 2 H , C , Ti , Fe , and Pb targets at the Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS). The data were taken with a beam of tagged photons with energies up to 4 GeV. The properties of the ρ vector meson at normal nuclear densities and zero temperature,were investigated via their rare leptonic decay to e+e-. This decay channel is preferred over hadronic modes in order to eliminate final state interactions in the nuclear matter. A combinatorial background was subtracted from the invariant mass spectra using a well-established event-mixing technique. The ρ meson mass spectrum was extracted after the ω and ϕ signals were removed in a nearly model-independent way. The rho meson mass distributions were extracted for each of the targets. Comparisons were made between the ρ mass spectra from the heavy targets ( A > 2) with the mass spectrum extracted from the deuterium target. With respect to the ρ-meson mass, we obtain a small shift compatible with zero. Also, we measure widths consistent with standard nuclear many-body effects such as collisional broadening and Fermi motion. In this experiment, due to the long lifetimes and momenta greater than 0.8 GeV, the ω and ϕ mesons have a high probability of decaying outside the nucleus in their vacuum state. However, their in-medium widths can be accessed through their absorption inside the nucleus. Preliminary results on the ratios of the nuclear transparencies of the ω and ϕ mesons as a function of the number of target nucleons A, have been obtained and indicate a substantial widening in the medium.
ISOSPIN DEPENDENCE OF THE η' MESON PRODUCTION IN NUCLEON-NUCLEON COLLISIONS
Authors:   FOR THE COSY–11 COLLABORATION, PRZERWA J. , MOSKAL P. , BUDZANOWSKI A. , CZERWIŃSKI E. , CZYŻYKIEWICZ R. , GIL D. , GRZONKA D. , JARCZYK L. , JOHANSSON T. , KAMYS B. , KHOUKAZ A. , KLAJA P. , KRZEMIEŃ W. , OELERT W. , PISKOR-IGNATOWICZ C. , RITMAN J. , REJDYCH B. , SEFZICK T. , SIEMASZKO M. , SILARSKI M. , SMYRSKI J. , TÄSCHNER A. , WOLKE M. , WÜSTNER P. , ZDEBIK J. , ZIELIŃSKI M. J. , ZIPPER W. 
Published: February 2009

A comparison of the close–to–threshold total cross section for the η' production in pp → ppη' and pn → pnη' reactions constitutes a tool to investigate the η' meson structure and the reaction mechanism in the channels of isospin I = 0 and I = 1 and may provide insight into the flavour-singlet (perhaps also into gluonium) content of the η' meson. In this contribution we present preliminary results of measurement of the quasi-free production of the η' meson in the proton-neutron collisions conducted using the COSY-11 facility.
Anti-Opium Visual Propaganda and the Deglamorisation of Opium in China, 1895–1937
Authors: Paulès Xavier 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAn ambiguous image of opium prevailed before the 1890s. At that time, despite opponents who often warned of the physical and moral damage it caused, the drug was considered to have positive aspects. In particular, opium was an expression of wealth and a wonderful way to socialise, and its analgesic properties made it the equivalent of a panacea. But from the last decade of the nineteenth century onwards, anti-opium visual propaganda succeeded in imposing the cliché of the smoker as a skinny man dressed in rags. This way of representing smokers went far beyond the limits of specialised anti-opium posters and publications: it became, indeed, almost universal. The use of skinniness to portray opium smokers contributed to creating a system whereby the opium smoker was tagged as a destitute person, of a low social position. This successful 'deglamorisation' of opium drove more and more people to turn away from the use of the drug. It is a crucial factor in explaining why consumption was much less alarming in the 1920s and 1930s than it used to be in the late nineteenth century.
Living on Past Glories and Future Dreams The Effects of Depopulation on Early Modern Urban Development in the Former Castle Town of Kanazawa
Authors: Phillipps Jeremy 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDepopulation of urban areas is a serious issue in twenty-first century Japan, as shown by the recent large-scale amalgamation of municipalities and programmes to combat declining central city areas. However, this is not the first time depopulation has had a significant effect on urban development: the decline in castle towns after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 had profound effects on both urban form and development concepts. Kanazawa, once one of the largest cities in Japan, suffered from an initial and long-lasting drop and then a more insidious decline as its Japan Sea coast location cut it off from the bulk of industrial and trade development. This article uses a two-fold approach to examine depopulation: first, an examination of the physical effects of depopulation based on statistical analysis of pre-war land registers shows the patterns of decline and regrowth throughout the modern period. Second, the impact of depopulation on the city's image of itself is examined through period documents such as council records and local newspapers. The need to regain status through population rank became an overarching goal of the urban leaders, and formed the basis of Kanazawa's reactions to the modern era and eventually towards imperialism.
Three-Week Re-Education to Koreanness
Authors: Prébin Elise 
Published: February 2009

AbstractToday, international adoptees are welcomed to South Korea by the government, adoption agencies and different associations. These institutions organise educational programmes called 'cultural programmes'. Relatively cheap, these programmes generally include a tour of South Korea, visits to welfare facilities, and classes related to Korean culture: music, language, history, cuisine, martial arts. International adoptees are seen as Koreans of the diaspora, and as such need re-education to discover their true identity. When they return to their adoptive countries, they will be able to represent their birth country accurately and therefore contribute to Korea's successful globalisation. However, what is at stake in these programmes is less political and economical than social. I argue that most of the activities can be viewed as rites of passage and that the entire programme is constructed according to that logic. As a problematic category, international adoptees must be redefined by ritualised actions inside South Korean society. Recent studies considered these ceremonies as mock rituals; however, this article aims to show that these rituals have a valid purpose although they lead not to integration but to separation: defining the diaspora continues to rely on defining what is outside the national territory.
Some Studies on HAF Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Rozik N.N. , Asaad J.N. , Iskander B.A. , Abd-El-Messieh S.L. 
Published: February 2009

Epoxy composites loaded with different concentrations (5—50 wt%) of high abrasion furnace carbon black (HAF) with and without the addition of 10 wt% Mg(OH)2 were prepared and subjected to electrical, mechanical, flammability, and thermal measurements. It was found that the permittivity ε' and dielectric loss ε'' increased by increasing HAF content. This increase is slightly lowered by the addition of Mg(OH)2. The electrical conductivity of HAF-epoxy composites increased from the pure polymer towards that of pure carbon. A low frequency region with relaxation time τ 1 in the range 3.5—4.5 × 10-4 s is found to be unaffected by either filler content or the presence of Mg(OH)2. The higher frequency range with relaxation time τ2 is nearly the same for lower concentrations of HAF up to 10 wt% (percolation threshold concentration). Above this concentration a dramatic increase was noticed. Incorporation of 10 wt% of HAF led to an increase in the compressive strength value. Further increase in HAF content resulted in a decrease in compressive strength values. The tensile strength values of the composite samples before and after the addition of 10 wt% Mg(OH)2 are higher than that of the unloaded one. The addition of 10 wt% Mg(OH)2 improved both the thermal stability and the fire retardant efficiency of HAF—epoxy composites.
Characterization of the neurohypophysial hormone gene loci in elephant shark and the Japanese lamprey: origin of the vertebrate neurohypophysial hormone genes
Authors: Gwee Pai-Chung , Tay Boon-Hui , Brenner Sydney , Venkatesh Byrappa 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Vasopressin and oxytocin are mammalian neurohypophysial hormones with distinct functions. Vasopressin is involved mainly in osmoregulation and oxytocin is involved primarily in parturition and lactation. Jawed vertebrates contain at least one homolog each of vasopressin and oxytocin, whereas only a vasopressin-family hormone, vasotocin, has been identified in jawless vertebrates. The genes encoding vasopressin and oxytocin are closely linked tail-to-tail in eutherian mammals whereas their homologs in chicken, Xenopus and coelacanth (vasotocin and mesotocin) are linked tail-to-head. In contrast, their pufferfish homologs, vasotocin and isotocin, are located on the same strand of DNA with isotocin located upstream of vasotocin and separated by five genes. These differences in the arrangement of the two genes in different bony vertebrate lineages raise questions about their origin and ancestral arrangement. To trace the origin of these genes, we have sequenced BAC clones from the neurohypophysial gene loci in a cartilaginous fish, the elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii), and in a jawless vertebrate, the Japanese lamprey (Lethenteron japonicum). We have also analyzed the neurohypophysial hormone gene locus in an invertebrate chordate, the amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae).

Results
The elephant shark neurohypophysial hormone genes encode vasotocin and oxytocin, and are linked tail-to-head like their homologs in coelacanth and non-eutherian tetrapods. Besides the hypothalamus, the two genes are also expressed in the ovary. In addition, the vasotocin gene is expressed in the kidney, rectal gland and intestine. These expression profiles indicate a paracrine role for the two hormones. The lamprey locus contains a single neurohypophysial hormone gene, the vasotocin. The synteny of genes in the lamprey locus is conserved in elephant shark, coelacanth and tetrapods but disrupted in teleost fishes. The amphioxus locus encodes a single neurohypophysial hormone, designated as [Ile4]vasotocin.

Conclusion
The vasopressin- and oxytocin-family of neurohypophysial hormones evolved in a common ancestor of jawed vertebrates through tandem duplication of the ancestral vasotocin gene. The duplicated genes were linked tail-to-head like their homologs in elephant shark, coelacanth and non-eutherian tetrapods. In contrast to the conserved linkage of the neurohypophysial genes in these vertebrates, the neurohypophysial hormone gene locus has experienced extensive rearrangements in the teleost lineage.
The HELLP syndrome: Clinical issues and management. A Review
Authors: Haram Kjell , Svendsen Einar , Abildgaard Ulrich 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe HELLP syndrome is a serious complication in pregnancy characterized by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count occurring in 0.5 to 0.9% of all pregnancies and in 10–20% of cases with severe preeclampsia. The present review highlights occurrence, diagnosis, complications, surveillance, corticosteroid treatment, mode of delivery and risk of recurrence.MethodsClinical reports and reviews published between 2000 and 2008 were screened using Pub Med and Cochrane databases.Results and conclusionAbout 70% of the cases develop before delivery, the majority between the 27th and 37th gestational weeks; the remainder within 48 hours after delivery. The HELLP syndrome may be complete or incomplete. In the Tennessee Classification System diagnostic criteria for HELLP are haemolysis with increased LDH (> 600 U/L), AST (≥ 70 U/L), and platelets < 100·109/L. The Mississippi Triple-class HELLP System further classifies the disorder by the nadir platelet counts. The syndrome is a progressive condition and serious complications are frequent. Conservative treatment (≥ 48 hours) is controversial but may be considered in selected cases < 34 weeks' gestation. Delivery is indicated if the HELLP syndrome occurs after the 34th gestational week or the foetal and/or maternal conditions deteriorate. Vaginal delivery is preferable. If the cervix is unfavourable, it is reasonable to induce cervical ripening and then labour. In gestational ages between 24 and 34 weeks most authors prefer a single course of corticosteroid therapy for foetal lung maturation, either 2 doses of 12 mg betamethasone 24 hours apart or 6 mg or dexamethasone 12 hours apart before delivery. Standard corticosteroid treatment is, however, of uncertain clinical value in the maternal HELLP syndrome. High-dose treatment and repeated doses should be avoided for fear of long-term adverse effects on the foetal brain. Before 34 weeks' gestation, delivery should be performed if the maternal condition worsens or signs of intrauterine foetal distress occur. Blood pressure should be kept below 155/105 mmHg. Close surveillance of the mother should be continued for at least 48 hours after delivery.
Carboxypeptidase 4 gene variants and early-onset intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer
Authors: Ross Phillip L , Cheng Iona , Liu Xin , Cicek Mine S , Carroll Peter R , Casey Graham , Witte John S 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Carboxypeptidase 4 (CPA4) is a zinc-dependent metallocarboxypeptidase on chromosome 7q32 in a region linked to prostate cancer aggressiveness. CPA4 is involved in the histone hyperacetylation pathway and may modulate the function of peptides that affect the growth and regulation of prostate epithelial cells. We examined the association between genetic variation in CPA4 and intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer.

Methods
We studied 1012 men (506 cases and 506 controls) from Cleveland, Ohio. All cases had Gleason ≥ 7, clinical stage ≥ T2c, or PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL at diagnosis. Six CPA4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped, and evaluated for their relation to prostate cancer. We also evaluated whether CPA4 variants influence risk of disease among men diagnosed at an earlier age (< 66 years).

Results
The nonsynonymous coding SNP (rs2171492, Cys303Gly) in CPA4 was associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer among younger patients (< 66 years). Specifically, men carrying the TT genotype had an approximately two-fold increased risk for being diagnosed with intermediate-to-high risk disease (Odds Ratio = 1.83, p = 0.04). In the overall population (all ages) none of the CPA4 SNPs demonstrated a statistically significant association with prostate cancer.

Conclusion
Coding variation in CPA4 may confer increased risk of intermediate-to-high risk prostate cancer among younger patients. Further work is needed to identify the functional aspects of this variation and understand its biological effects on prostate cancer. Such work may translate into more precise screening of higher risk individuals as well as guiding clinicians and patients toward earlier and more definitive treatment modalities in patients genetically identified as higher risk.