bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role for the Phosphoprotein P Subunit of the Paramyxovirus Polymerase in Limiting Induction of Host Cell Antiviral Responses
Authors: Dillon Patrick J. , Parks Griffith D. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
Six amino acid substitutions in the shared N-terminal region of the P subunit of the viral polymerase and the accessory V protein convert the noncytopathic paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5), which is a poor inducer of host cell responses, into a P/V mutant (P/V-CPI-) that induces high levels of apoptosis, interferon-beta (IFN-beta), and proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we addressed the question of whether these new mutant phenotypes are due to the presence of an altered P protein or of an altered V protein or of both proteins. By the use of the P/V-CPI- mutant as a backbone, new mutant viruses were engineered to express the wild-type (WT) V protein (+V-wt) or WT P protein (+P-wt) from an additional gene inserted between the HN and L genes. In human epithelial cell lines, the +V-wt virus showed reduced activation of apoptosis and lower secretion of IFN-beta and proinflammatory cytokines compared to the parental P/V-CPI- virus. The presence of a V protein lacking the C-terminal cysteine-rich domain (corresponding to the SV5 I protein) did not reduce these host cell responses to P/V-CPI- infection. Unexpectedly, the +P-wt virus, which expressed a WT P subunit of the viral polymerase, also induced much lower levels of host cell responses than the parental P/V-CPI- mutant. For both +V-wt and +P-wt viruses, reduced levels of IFN-beta synthesis correlated with reduced IRF-3 dimerization and nuclear localization of IRF-3 and NF-κB, suggesting that the WT P and V proteins acted at an early stage in antiviral pathways. Host cell responses induced by the various P/V mutants directly correlated with levels of viral mRNA accumulation but not with steady-state levels of genomic RNA. Our results support the hypothesis that WT P and V proteins limit induction of antiviral responses by controlling the production of key viral inducers. A model is presented for the mechanism by which both the P subunit of the viral polymerase and the V accessory protein contribute to the ability of a paramyxovirus to limit activation of antiviral responses.
Subdivision of the Precambrian
Authors: Wright A. E. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The Precambrian record is so fragmentary and from such widely contrasting terrains that attempts to erect any formal subdivisions would appear to be premature. The methods that have been used in the Phanerozoic rocks cannot be used for subdividing the Precambrian as they are peculiarly suitable for fossiliferous largely undeformed sedimentary units in which the sedimentary record is relatively full. Isotopic dating methods also become so imprecise over the major portion of Precambrian time that it is only rarely possible to use them to define particular events with the same precision as those dated in the Phanerozoic record, although this is changing with increasing analytical accuracy.
The use of biological criteria for the erection of a chronostratigraphic scale is seen as a future possibility, but the methods of defining the units that are used in the Phanerozoic are thought inappropriate, and the characterization of a particular chronostratigraphic unit (e.g. by the presence of metazoan trace fossils) is seen as more appropriate.
International agreement on the time for particular boundaries in the Precambrian is regarded as an attempt merely to define the terms already in use rather than having any scientific basis. It is possible that future research may reveal global events which are recognized to be unique and these may provide more reliable datum planes to use. If they are also related to changes in the way the earth behaved through time it would be logical to use these as markers for any major subdivisions of Precambrian time. None have
Some key rules for the calibration of the numerical time-scale
Authors: Odin G. S. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
The building of an acceptable numerical time-scale, in whole or in part, is a complex matter. At the present time, it is often impossible to obtain even a nearly correct figure on which everyone can agree. This is often due to the selective rejection of data which, although considered unsatisfactory by some are accepted by others, and by the existence of data which appear at the time to be mutually incompatible. However, it is possible to draw a series of recommendations which could help in obtaining a result less open to criticism.
As a general scheme, a fully documented time-scale (a certainly megalomaniac aim) can only be obtained after a long itinerary of research comprising essentially four stages: (1) the collection of published data; (2) the evaluation of individual data; (3) the combination of data; (4) the drawing of conclusions: this paper summarizes the author's attitudes to these problems.
Papillary microcarcinoma and papillary cancer of the thyroid ≤1cm
Authors: Marienhagen J. , Agha A. , Rozeboom S. , Bachmeier E. , Schlitt H. , Eilles C. , Schönberger J. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
Aims: Major controversies exist regarding the treatment of papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid (PMC). Prior to 2003 PMC was defined by the WHO as a papillary carcinoma of 1cm or less in diameter. In 2004 that definition changed, with the new classification requiring that the tumour also must be found incidentally. Patients, methods: In this study we reviewed the clinical records of 67 patients with papillary tumours of the thyroid ≤1 cm, taking into account the new WHO definition (54 pts. with incidentally found PMC, median age: 53 years, 13 pts. with suspicion of thyroid neoplasm before resection, median age: 38 years). Clinical presentation, surgical treatment, further therapy and follow-up are presented. Results: Median tumour size was 7 mm in both groups (1.10 mm). Multicentric tumours were found in 15 pts. (22%), 8 had more than one PMC on the same side, and 7 displayed PMC bilaterally. Eleven (16%) of the primary tumors had metastatic involvement of regional lymph nodes at the time of initial surgery or during follow-up. Two patients showed distant metastases. No correlation between tumour size and multifocality or the presence of lymph node metastases could be seen. The gender of patients was the only significant independent variable for all patients; age and lymph node involvement was significantly different between incidentally and non-incidentally found PMC. Conclusions: Despite the majority of patients with PMC having an excellent outcome, there are also cases showing an unfavorable course. Currently no predictive parameter exists to anticipate the course and long-term outcome for an individual patient. Until this problem is solved, each patient should have the option to decide for him or herself whether to be treated similarly or differently than for conventional thyroid cancer.
Clinical Outcomes of Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstructions Using Tendon Grafts
Authors: Nicholas Stephen J. , Lee Steven J. , Mullaney Michael J. , Tyler Timothy F. , McHugh Malachy P. 
Published: August 2007

Background Numerous techniques for reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments have been developed to treat acromioclavicular joint separations. A new, stronger method to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligaments using semitendinosus tendon allografts has been previously described. No outcome studies have been published on this new procedure. Hypothesis Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments using tendon grafts produces excellent functional results. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Nine patients underwent coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using augmented cadaveric semitendinosus tendon allografts after a grade V acromioclavicular separation. All patients were evaluated for range of motion, strength, closed kinetic chain testing, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale, Pennsylvania Shoulder Score, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the Acromioclavicular Joint Separation Questionnaire. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared. Results Range of motion measurements were normal in all motions except a loss of 5° ± 4° (P < .05) in extension. No significant strength deficits were found. Functional closed kinetic chain tests scored comparatively to standardized norms. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating scores were 96 ± 5 out of 100; the Pennsylvania Shoulder Scale scores were 97 ± 3 out of 100; the Simple Shoulder Test scores were 11.6 ± 0 out of 12; and Acromioclavicular Joint Separation Questionnaire scores were 28 ± 3 out of 31. Subjects reported an overall subjective satisfaction of 89% ± 7%. Postoperative radiographs showed no loss of reduction of the acromioclavicular joint in any patient. Conclusion Outcome for coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions using augmented semitendinosus tendon grafts was excellent with full recovery of strength, minimal range of motion loss, and no clinical or radiographic loss of reduction of the acromioclavicular joint. Clinical Relevance This procedure provides an excellent treatment for grade V acromioclavicular separations.
C-terminal processing of yeast Spt7 occurs in the absence of functional SAGA complex
Authors: Hoke Stephen MT , Liang Gaoyang , Mutiu A Irina , Genereaux Julie , Brandl Christopher J 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Spt7 is an integral component of the multi-subunit SAGA complex that is required for the expression of ~10% of yeast genes. Two forms of Spt7 have been identified, the second of which is truncated at its C-terminus and found in the SAGA-like (SLIK) complex.

Results
We have found that C-terminal processing of Spt7 to its SLIK form (Spt7SLIK) and to a distinct third form (Spt7Form3) occurs in the absence of the SAGA complex components Gcn5, Spt8, Ada1 and Spt20, the latter two of which are required for the integrity of the complex. In addition, N-terminally truncated derivatives of Spt7, including a derivative lacking the histone fold, are processed, indicating that the C-terminus of Spt7 is sufficient for processing and that processing does not require functional Spt7. Using galactose inducible Spt7 expression, we show that the three forms of Spt7 appear and disappear at approximately the same rate with full-length Spt7 not being chased into Spt7SLIK or Spt7Form3. Interestingly, reduced levels of Spt7SLIK and Spt7Form3 were observed in a strain lacking the SAGA component Ubp8, suggesting a regulatory role for Ubp8 in the truncation of Spt7.

Conclusion
We conclude that truncation of Spt7 occurs early in the biosynthesis of distinct Spt7 containing complexes rather than being a dynamic process linked to the action of the SAGA complex in transcriptional regulation.
Analysis of KLFtranscription factor family gene variants in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gutiérrez-Aguilar Ruth , Benmezroua Yamina , Vaillant Emmanuel , Balkau Beverley , Marre Michel , Charpentier Guillaume , Sladek Rob , Froguel Philippe , Neve Bernadette 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family consists of transcription factors that can activate or repress different genes implicated in processes such as differentiation, development, and cell cycle progression. Moreover, several of these proteins have been implicated in glucose homeostasis, making them candidate genes for involvement in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods
Variants of nine KLF genes were genotyped in T2D cases and controls and analysed in a two-stage study. The first case-control set included 365 T2D patients with a strong family history of T2D and 363 normoglycemic individuals and the second set, 750 T2D patients and 741 normoglycemic individuals, all of French origin. The SNPs of six KLF genes were genotyped by Taqman® SNP Genotyping Assays. The other three KLF genes (KLF2, -15 and -16) were screened and the identified frequent variants of these genes were analysed in the case-control studies.

Results
Three of the 28 SNPs showed a trend to be associated with T2D in our first case-control set (P < 0.10). These SNPs, located in the KLF2, KLF4 and KLF5 gene were then analysed in our second replication set, but analysis of this set and the combined analysis of the three variants in all 2,219 individuals did not show an association with T2D in this French population. As the KLF2, -15 and -16 variants were representative for the genetic variability in these genes, we conclude they do not contribute to genetic susceptibility for T2D.

Conclusion
It is unlikely that variants in different members of the KLF gene family play a major role in T2D in the French population.
Role of cattle treated with deltamethrine in areas with a high population of Anopheles arabiensis in Moshi, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mahande Aneth M , Mosha Franklin W , Mahande Johnson M , Kweka Eliningaya J 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Malaria control measures were initiated from in October 2005 to August 2006 in the Lower Moshi irrigation schemes, Tanzania. This manuscript reports on the entomological evaluation of the impact of pyrethroid-treated cattle in reducing the population of the Anopheles arabiensis for selected houses in the Lower Moshi irrigation scheme.

Methods
Cattle were sprayed with the pyrethroid (deltamethrin) acaricide. Grazing and non-grazing cattles were compared and assessed for difference in knockdown resistance (kdr) time using cone or contact bioassay and residual effect (mortality). In experimental huts, mortality was compared between the huts with treated and untreated cattle.

Results
Results from contact bioassays of cattle treated with deltamethrin showed a knockdown effect of 50% within 21 days for grazing cattle and 29 days for non-grazing cattle. Residual effect at 50% was achieved within 17 days for grazing cattle compared to 24 days for inshed cattle. In discussing the results, reference has been made to the exophilic and zoophilic tendencies of An. arabiensis, which are conducive for zooprophylaxis.
Experimental studies in Verandah huts at Mabogini compared An. arabiensis and Culex spp collected from huts with different baits, i e. human, untreated cow and treated cow. Results indicate higher mortality rates in mosquitoes collected from the hut containing the treated cow (mean = 2) compared to huts with untreated cow (mean = 0.3) and human (mean = 0.8). A significantly higher number of Culex spp. was recorded in huts with treated cows compared to the rest.

Conclusion
This study has demonstrated the role of cattle treated with pyrethroid in the control of malaria and reduction of vector density. It showed that, in areas with a predominant An. arabiensis population, cattle should be placed close to dwelling houses in order to maximize the effects of zooprophylaxis. Protective effects of cattle can further be enhanced by regular treatment with pyrethroids at least every three weeks. This paper demonstrates that cattle can be considered as Insecticide-Treated Material (ITM) as long as acaricide treatment is conducted regularly.
Semi-allogeneic vaccine for T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Yu Jin , Kindy Mark S , Gattoni-Celli Sebastiano 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackgroundExperimental results from studies with inbred mice and their syngeneic tumors indicated that the inoculation of semi-allogeneic cell hybrids (derived from the fusion between syngeneic tumor cells and an allogeneic cell line) protects the animal host from a subsequent lethal challenge with unmodified syngeneic tumor cells.MethodsSemi-allogeneic somatic cell hybrids were generated by the fusion of EL-4 T lymphoma cells (H-2b) and BALB/c-derived renal adenocarcinoma RAG cells (H-2d). Cell hybrids were injected intra-peritoneally (i.p.) in C57BL/6 mice (H-2b) before challenging the mice with a tumorigenic dose of EL-4 cells.ResultsSemi-allogeneic tumor cell hybrids could not form a tumor in the animal host because they expressed allogeneic determinants (H-2d) and were rejected as a transplant. However, they conferred protection against a tumorigenic challenge of EL-4 cells compared to control mice that were mock-vaccinated with i.p.-injected phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and in which EL-4 lymphomas grew rapidly to a large size in the peritoneal cavity. Screening of spleen-derived RNA by means of focused microarray technology revealed up-regulation of genes involved in the Th-1-type immune response and in the activation of dendritic antigen-presenting cells (APC).ConclusionThe results of our studies are entirely consistent with the concept that CD80- and CD86-expressing APC play a central role in mediating the immune protection induced by semi-allogeneic vaccines by activating a Th-1 response and instructing T cells responsible for killing autologous tumor cells.
Catabolic cytokine expression in degenerate and herniated human intervertebral discs: IL-1β and TNFα expression profile
Authors: Le Maitre Christine Lyn , Hoyland Judith Alison , Freemont Anthony J 
Published: August 2007

AbstractLow back pain is a common and debilitating disorder. Current evidence implicates intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and herniation as major causes, although the pathogenesis is poorly understood. While several cytokines have been implicated in the process of IVD degeneration and herniation, investigations have predominately focused on Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). However, to date no studies have investigated the expression of these cytokines simultaneously in IVD degeneration or herniation, or determined which may be the predominant cytokine associated with these disease states. Using quantitative real time PCR and immunohistochemistry we investigated gene and protein expression for IL-1β, TNFα and their receptors in non-degenerate, degenerate and herniated human IVDs. IL-1β gene expression was observed in a greater proportion of IVDs than TNFα (79% versus 59%). Degenerate and herniated IVDs displayed higher levels of both cytokines than non-degenerate IVDs, although in degenerate IVDs higher levels of IL-1β gene expression (1,300 copies/100 ng cDNA) were observed compared to those of TNFα (250 copies of TNFα/100 ng cDNA). Degenerate IVDs showed ten-fold higher IL-1 receptor gene expression compared to non-degenerate IVDs. In addition, 80% of degenerate IVD cells displayed IL-1 receptor immunopositivity compared to only 30% of cells in non-degenerate IVDs. However, no increase in TNF receptor I gene or protein expression was observed in degenerate or herniated IVDs compared to non-degenerate IVDs. We have demonstrated that although both cytokines are produced by human IVD cells, IL-1β is expressed at higher levels and in more IVDs, particularly in more degenerate IVDs (grades 4 to 12). Importantly, this study has highlighted an increase in gene and protein production for the IL-1 receptor type I but not the TNF receptor type I in degenerate IVDs. The data thus suggest that although both cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, IL-1 may have a more significant role than TNFα, and thus may be a better target for therapeutic intervention.
Effects of stretch on work and efficiency of frog (Rana pipiens)muscle
Authors: Trinh Michelle , Syme Douglas A. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYApplying a small stretch to active muscle immediately before shortening results in an increase in force and work done during subsequent shortening. The basis of the increase is not fully understood, having important implications for work and efficiency, and how they are influenced through stretch. We used the anterior tibialis muscle of leopard frogs (Rana pipiens complex) to measure the oxygen consumed and work done during shortening contractions that were immediately preceded by either a brief stretch (5% muscle length over 25 ms) or an isometric contraction (25 ms duration). Work done by the muscle while shortening following stretch was about 28% greater than work done following an isometric contraction(P&lt;0.001). However the net work done during the entire contraction(i.e. accounting for the work required to stretch the muscle) was reduced by 13% if stretch preceded the shortening phase (P=0.003). The energy(oxygen) used during a stretch–shorten cycle was the same as for an isometric-shorten contraction (P=0.34). Likewise, the efficiency of net work (net work/energy used) was only marginally different between shortening contractions preceded by stretch or an isometric phase(P=0.07). Thus, under conditions that were intended to mimic what might occur during animal movement, a stretch that immediately preceded shortening enhanced work during shortening but did not impart a net mechanical or energetic benefit to the contraction. These observations could indicate that stretch simply extends compliant elements that recoil subsequently with some loss of mechanical energy in the process and/or that stretch results in an increase in the number of, and hence work done by, cross bridges during muscle shortening accompanied by a proportionate increase in energy consumed.
Temperature influences the coordinated expression of myogenic regulatory factors during embryonic myogenesis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.)
Authors: Macqueen Daniel J. , Robb David , Johnston Ian A. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYPotential molecular mechanisms regulating developmental plasticity to temperature were investigated in Atlantic salmon embryos (Salmo salarL.). Six orthologues of the four myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs:individually: smyf5, smyoD1a/1b/1c, smyoG and sMRF4), the master transcription factors regulating vertebrate myogenesis, were characterised at the mRNA/genomic level. In situ hybridisation was performed with specific cRNA probes to determine the expression patterns of each gene during embryonic myogenesis. To place the MRF data in the context of known muscle fibre differentiation events, the expression of slow myosin light chain-1 and Pax7 were also investigated. Adaxial myoblasts expressed smyoD1a prior to and during somitogenesis followed by smyoD1c (20-somite stage, ss),and sMRF4 (25–30 ss), before spreading laterally across the myotome, followed closely by the adaxial cells. Smyf5 was detected prior to somitogenesis, but not in the adaxial cells in contrast to other teleosts studied. The expression domains of smyf5, smyoD1band smyoG were not confined to the s-smlc1 expression field,indicating a role in fast muscle myogenesis. From the end of segmentation,each MRF was expressed to a greater or lesser extent in zones of new muscle fibre production, the precursor cells for which probably originated from the Pax7 expressing cell layer external to the single layer of s-smlc1+ fibres. SmyoD1a and smyoGshowed similar expression patterns with respect to somite stage at three different temperatures investigated (2°C, 5°C and 8°C) in spite of different rates of somite formation (one somite added each 5 h, 8 h and 15 h at 8°C, 5°C and 2°C, respectively). In contrast, the expression of smyf5, sMRF4 and s-smlc1 was retarded with respect to somite stage at 2°C compared to 8°C, potentially resulting in heterochronies in downstream pathways influencing later muscle phenotype.
Information Fusion Embrittlement Models for U.S. Power Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels
Authors: Wang J. A. , Rao N. S. V. , Konduri S. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
A new approach of utilizing information fusion technique is developed to predict the radiation embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel steels. The Charpy transition temperature shift data contained in the Power Reactor Embrittlement Database is used in this study. Six parameters—Cu, Ni, P, neutron fluence, irradiation time, and irradiation temperature—are used in the embrittlement prediction models. The results indicate that this new embrittlement predictor achieved reductions of about 49.5 % and 52 % in the uncertainties for plate and weld data, respectively, for pressurized water reactor and boiling water reactor data, compared with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1.99, Rev. 2. The implications of dose-rate effect and irradiation temperature effects for the development of radiation embrittlement models are also discussed.