bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Gene Kl
ZWF1
Affects both Fermentative and Respiratory Metabolism in
Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Saliola Michele , Scappucci Gina , De Maria Ilaria , Lodi Tiziana , Mancini Patrizia , Falcone Claudio 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

In
Kluyveromyces lactis
, the pentose phosphate pathway is an alternative route for the dissimilation of glucose. The first enzyme of the pathway is the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), encoded by Kl
ZWF1
. We isolated this gene and examined its role. Like
ZWF1
of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, Kl
ZWF1
was constitutively expressed, and its deletion led to increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide on glucose, but unlike the case for
S. cerevisiae
, the Kl
zwf1Δ
strain had a reduced biomass yield on fermentative carbon sources as well as on lactate and glycerol. In addition, the reduced yield on glucose was associated with low ethanol production and decreased oxygen consumption, indicating that this gene is required for both fermentation and respiration. On ethanol, however, the mutant showed an increased biomass yield. Moreover, on this substrate, wild-type cells showed an additional band of activity that might correspond to a dimeric form of G6PDH. The partial dimerization of the G6PDH tetramer on ethanol suggested the production of an NADPH excess that was negative for biomass yield.
Toxoplasma gondii
Targets a Protein Phosphatase 2C to the Nuclei of Infected Host Cells
Authors: Gilbert Luke A. , Ravindran Sandeep , Turetzky Jay M. , Boothroyd John C. , Bradley Peter J. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Intracellular pathogens have evolved a wide array of mechanisms to invade and co-opt their host cells for intracellular survival. Apicomplexan parasites such as
Toxoplasma gondii
employ the action of unique secretory organelles named rhoptries for internalization of the parasite and formation of a specialized niche within the host cell. We demonstrate that
Toxoplasma gondii
also uses secretion from the rhoptries during invasion to deliver a parasite-derived protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C-hn) into the host cell and direct it to the host nucleus. Delivery to the host nucleus does not require completion of invasion, as evidenced by the fact that parasites blocked in the initial stages of invasion with cytochalasin D are able to target PP2C-hn to the host nucleus. We have disrupted the gene encoding PP2C-hn and shown that PP2C-hn-knockout parasites exhibit a mild growth defect that can be rescued by complementation with the wild-type gene. The delivery of parasite effector proteins via the rhoptries provides a novel mechanism for
Toxoplasma
to directly access the command center of its host cell during infection by the parasite.
Echinococcus granulosus
Antigen B Impairs Human Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Polarizes Immature Dendritic Cell Maturation towards a Th2 Cell Response
Authors: Riganò Rachele , Buttari Brigitta , Profumo Elisabetta , Ortona Elena , Delunardo Federica , Margutti Paola , Mattei Vincenzo , Teggi Antonella , Sorice Maurizio , Siracusano Alessandra 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Despite inducing a strong host cellular and humoral immune response, the helminth
Echinococcus granulosus
is a highly successful parasite that develops, progresses, and ultimately causes chronic disease. Although surgery remains the preferred therapeutic option, pharmacological research now envisages antihelminthic strategies. To understand the mechanisms that
E. granulosus
uses to escape host immunosurveillance and promote chronic infection, we investigated how two hydatid cyst components, purified antigen B (AgB) and sheep hydatid fluid (SHF), act on host dendritic cell (DC) differentiation from monocyte precursors and how they influence maturation of DC that have already differentiated. We evaluated the immunomodulatory potential of these antigens by performing immunochemical and cytofluorimetric analyses of monocyte-derived DCs from healthy human donors. During monocyte differentiation, AgB and SHF downmodulated CD1a expression and upregulated CD86 expression. Compared with immature DCs differentiated in medium alone (iDCs), AgB- and SHF-differentiated cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide included a significantly lower percentage of CD83
+
cells (
P
< 10
−4
) and had weaker costimulatory molecule expression. When stimulated with AgB and SHF, iDCs matured and primed lymphocytes towards the Th2 response typical of
E. granulosus
infection. SHF and particularly AgB reduced the production of interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70) and tumor necrosis factor alpha in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated iDCs. Anti-IL-10 antibodies increased the levels of IL-12p70 secretion in AgB- and SHF-matured DCs. AgB and SHF induced interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase phosphorylation and activated nuclear factor-κB, suggesting that Toll-like receptors could participate in
E. granulosus
-stimulated DC maturation. These results suggest that
E. granulosus
escapes host immunosurveillance in two ways: by interfering with monocyte differentiation and by modulating DC maturation.
Both Epsilon-Toxin and Beta-Toxin Are Important for the Lethal Properties of
Clostridium perfringens
Type B Isolates in the Mouse Intravenous Injection Model
Authors: Fernandez-Miyakawa Mariano E. , Fisher Derek J. , Poon Rachael , Sayeed Sameera , Adams Vicki , Rood Julian I. , McClane Bruce A. , Uzal Francisco A. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Clostridium perfringens
is capable of producing up to 15 toxins, including alpha-toxin (CPA), beta-toxin (CPB), epsilon-toxin (ETX), enterotoxin, beta2-toxin (CPB2), and perfringolysin O. Type B isolates, which must produce CPA, CPB, and ETX, are associated with animal illnesses characterized by sudden death or acute neurological signs, with or without intestinal damage. Type B pathogenesis in ruminants is poorly understood, with some animals showing lesions and clinical signs similar to those caused by either type C or type D infections. It is unknown whether host or environmental conditions are dominant for determining the outcome of type B disease or if disease outcomes are determined by variable characteristics of type B isolates. To help clarify this issue, 19 type B isolates were evaluated for toxin production during late-log-phase growth via quantitative Western blotting and by biological activity assays. Most type B isolates produced CPB levels similar to those produced by type C isolates in vitro and have the potential to produce genotype C-like disease. The lethality of type B isolate supernatants administered intravenously to mice was evaluated with or without prior trypsin treatment, and monoclonal antibody neutralization studies also were performed. Correlation analyses comparing toxin levels in type B supernatants versus lethality and neutralization studies both found that the main contributor to lethality without pretreatment with trypsin was CPB, whereas neutralization studies indicated that CPB and ETX were both important after trypsin pretreatment. At least part of the CPB produced by type B isolates remained active after trypsin treatment. However, the overall lethalities of most supernatants were lower after trypsin pretreatment. Also, there was a significant association between ETX, CPB2, and CPA production in vitro among type B isolates. However, our results suggest that both CPB and ETX are likely the most important contributors to the pathogenesis of
C. perfringens
type B infections in domestic animals.
Effect of different intensities of active recovery on sprint swimming performance
Authors: Toubekis Argyris G. , Smilios Ilias , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Mavridis Georgios , Tokmakidis Savvas P. 
Published: January 2007

Active recovery reduces blood lactate concentration faster than passive recovery and, when the proper intensity is applied, a positive effect on performance is expected. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different intensities of active recovery on performance during repeated sprint swimming. Nine male well-trained swimmers performed 8 repetitions of 25 m sprints (8 × 25 m) interspersed with 45 s intervals, followed by a 50 m sprint test 6 min later. During the 45 s and 6 min interval periods, swimmers either rested passively (PAS) or swam at an intensity corresponding to 50% (ACT50) and 60% (ACT60) of their individual 100 m velocity. Blood lactate was higher during PAS compared with ACT50 and ACT60 trials (p < 0.05), whereas plasma ammonia and glycerol concentration were not different between trials (p > 0.05). Mean performance time for the 8 × 25 m sprints was better in the PAS compared with the ACT50 and ACT60 trials (PAS: 13.10 ± 0.07 vs. ACT50: 13.43 ± 0.10 and ACT60: 13.47 ± 0.10s, p < 0.05). The first 25 m sprint was not different across trials (p > 0.05), but performance decreased after sprint 2 during active recovery trials (ACT50 and ACT60) compared with the passive recovery (PAS) trial (p < 0.05). Performance time for the 50 m sprint performed 6 min after the 8 × 25 m sprints was no different between trials (p > 0.05). These results indicate that active recovery at intensities corresponding to 50% and 60% of the 100 m velocity during repeated swimming sprints decreases performance. Active recovery reduces blood lactate concentration, but does not affect performance on a 50 m sprint when 6 min recovery is provided. Passive recovery is advised during short-interval repeated sprint training in well-trained swimmers.
Non-exhaustive test for aerobic capacity determination in swimming rats
Authors: Manchado Fúlvia de Barros , Gobatto Claudio Alexandre , Voltarelli Fabricio Azevedo , Rostom de Mello Maria Alice 
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study was to describe a double-bout exercise test for non-exhaustive aerobic capacity determination in swimming rats. Adult rats were submitted to 4 swimming tests at different intensities (4%, 6%, 7%, and 8% of body mass), with intervals of 48 h between them. Two exercise bouts of equal intensity lasting 5 min were performed, separated by 2 min with blood collection for lactate analysis. For each intensity, delta lactate was determined by subtracting lactate concentration at the end of the first effort from the lactate at the end of the second effort. Individual linear interpolation of delta lactate concentration enabled determination of a “null” delta, equivalent to the critical load (CL). Maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) was also determined. The estimated CL was of 4.8% body mass and the MLSS was observed at 100% of CL, with blood lactate of 5.20 mmol/L. At 90%, blood lactate stabilized, with a progressive increase to 110% CL. These results offer a potential determination of aerobic capacity in swimming rats.
Interval training at 95% and 100% of the velocity at VO2 max: effects on aerobic physiological indexes and running performance
Authors: Denadai Benedito S , Ortiz Marcelo J , Greco Camila C , de Mello Marco T 
Published: January 2007

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two different high-intensity interval training (HIT) programs on selected aerobic physiological indices and 1500 and 5000 m running performance in well-trained runners. The following tests were completed (n = 17): (i) incremental treadmill test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), running velocity associated with VO2 max (vVO2 max), and the velocity corresponding to 3.5 mmol/L of blood lactate concentration (vOBLA); (ii) submaximal constant-intensity test to determine running economy (RE); and (iii) 1500 and 5000 m time trials on a 400 m track. Runners were then randomized into 95% vVO2 max or 100% vVO2 max groups, and undertook a 4 week training program consisting of 2 HIT sessions (performed at 95% or 100% vVO2 max, respectively) and 4 submaximal run sessions per week. Runners were retested on all parameters at the completion of the training program. The VO2 max values were not different after training for both groups. There was a significant increase in post-training vVO2 max, RE, and 1500 m running performance in the 100% vVO2 max group. The vOBLA and 5000 m running performance were significantly higher after the training period for both groups. We conclude that vOBLA and 5000 m running performance can be significantly improved in well-trained runners using a 4 week training program consisting of 2 HIT sessions (performed at 95% or 100% vVO2 max) and 4 submaximal run sessions per week. However, the improvement in vVO2 max, RE, and 1500 m running performance seems to be dependent on the HIT program at 100% vVO2 max.
Bachelard's Subversive Hermeneutics: A Reading of "Lightning "in Shelley's Prometheus Unbound
Authors: Rizo-Patron Eileen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this piece is to probe the nature of Bachelard's subversive hermeneutics by focusing on his predilection for those often unsettling poetic intuitions which emerge with the force of a summons in the experience of reading. My wager is that the hermeneutics of literary texts proposed by Gaston Bachelard in The Poetics of Space (1957) has its antecedents in his polemical theory of "discontinuous time" and the accompanying "pedagogy of discontinuity" set forth in his early work L'Intuition de l'instant: essai sur la Siloé de Gaston Roupnel (1932). The task of this hermeneutics, epitomized by Bachelard's own reading of Siloé, is to detect the ruptures, burning questions, or surprising insights that spark and (re)orient the movement of our life projects, with a view to unfolding the ethical implications of the "call of an instant" upon our sense of intimate duration and history. In the second half of this essay I proceed to set this hermeneutics into motion through a reading of Shelley's Prometheus Unbound that focuses on "lightning" as an image of Bachelardian "instants" in this drama—critical moments charged with contradictions that ultimately seem to steer the poet's course in directions, or towards ethical possibilities, other than his controlling artistic will could have charted out in advance.
The "Logic of Metaphor" at Work: Hart Crane's Marian Metaphor in the Bridge
Authors: Wargacki John 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis essay explores Hart Crane's transformation of the figure of the Mother of God from its traditional Catholic dimension to an empowering spiritual presence redefined and re-examined according to Crane's ambitious aesthetic designs. While many key figures in The Bridge—from Columbus to Whitman to Williams and Cummings—have garnered ample critical attention, the Marian aspect so central to the poem has been all but neglected. Yet the evidence indicates that, as an iconic force, Mary is as important to the poem as the New World figure of Pocahontas in that she supplies an essential mythic presence for a project that aspires to nothing less than lending "a myth to God."I argue that Crane, via his "Logic of Metaphor," has shrewdly transformed the Mary figure at key moments throughout the text, from the proem to "Virginia," making her role, along with that of Pocahontas, an integral feature of this rich and vibrant contribution to American poetry.
Joint Development: An Alternative Legal Approach to Oil and Gas Exploitation in the Nigeria-Cameroon Maritime Boundary Dispute?
Authors: Okafor Chidinma Bernadine 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe delimitation of a maritime boundary is not necessarily a panacea for disputes over offshore resources. Neither petroleum reserves, which are fugacious in character, nor fish or marine mammals respect national boundaries. Even successful delimitation may still require a degree of close cooperation if opposite or adjacent states are to exploit such transboundary resources rationally. Such cooperation can be achieved by the concept of joint development. This paper reviews the literature on the joint development of offshore petroleum resources and the controversy surrounding the concept. The paper further examines its applicability as an alternative approach to the Nigeria-Cameroon maritime boundary dispute.
Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf and "Disputed Areas": State Practice concerning Article 76(10) of the LOS Convention
Authors: Johnson Constance , Oude Elferink Alex 
Published: January 2007

AbstractArticle 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS Convention) requires a coastal State to submit information on the limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). The Commission shall make recommendations to the coastal State on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf. In a case where the coastal State establishes the outer limits on the basis of these recommendations, they are final and binding. However, Article 76(10) provides that the "The provisions of this article are without prejudice to the question of delimitation of the continental shelf between States with opposite or adjacent coasts". The relationship between Article 76 and the delimitation of the continental shelf between neighboring States and other "unresolved land or maritime disputes" has been addressed by the CLCS in its Rules of Procedure. The present article analyzes the significance of Article 76(10) for submissions to the CLCS, looking at the Rules of Procedure of the Commission and the submissions that have been made to the Commission to date.
Chemical Recycling of Mixed Polyurethane Foam Stream Recovered from Shredder Residue into Polyurethane Polyols
Authors: Sendijarevic Vahid 
Published: January 2007

Recently, Troy Polymers, Inc. developed a chemical process for recycling of polyurethane foam scrap from shredder residue into polyols for polyurethanes (Sendijarevic, V. (2004). Process for Chemical Recycling of Polyurethane-containing Scrap, U.S. Patent No. 6,750,260 (assigned to Troy Polymers, Inc. and Polyventure, Inc.), June 15). This process is ideally suited for recycling polyurethane (PU) foam scrap from shredder residue (SR), which is a mixture of different types of PU foams based on different types of polyether and polyester polyols and different types of isocyanates, TDI and MDI. The PU foams separated from SR are contaminated with other types of cellular (foam) and fluff non-urethane materials. In stage one of this process, the PU foam is subjected to glycolysis, followed by filtration of the liquid glycolyzed product. In stage two, the glycolyzed products are used as initiators in reaction with propylene oxide to prepare novel PU polyols. A number of successful laboratory glycolyses have been carried out utilizing two different types of PU foams recovered from SR: (1) the best case scenario – handpicked PU foams from SR with > 80% conversion into liquid initiator and (2) the worst case scenario – mixed PU materials separated by an automated separation process from ELV shredder residue with 50% conversion into a liquid initiator. Both TDI-and PMDI-based flexible foams are prepared from the novel recycled polyols prepared by propoxylation of the glycolyzed products (initiators) obtained from the mixed PU materials. Preliminary economic analysis indicates that the commercial production of the polyols from the foam scrap can be cost effective.
Often Overlooked Factors in PIR Surfactant Development
Authors: Eilbracht Christian , Schiller Carsten , Hohl Peter 
Published: January 2007

Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams have been part of an evolving technology since their inception. The PIR foam producers have seen polyols change from polyethers to blends of polyethers, polyesters and compatiblizers to pure polyesters. The MDIs have changed viscosities. Indexes have varied. However, the most dramatic alterations have been to the blowing agent selection; from CFCs to CFC/HCFC blends, to HCFCs, to cyclopentane, to cyclo-/ isopentane, to iso-/n-pentane, to n-pentane. Each of these changes has placed different demands upon the surfactant mostly due to changes of compatibility and solubility of components. There have also been modifications to equipment and processes to adapt to the physical properties of the current set of ingredients. Blowing agents can be blended into polyol systems, or they can be introduced as a third chemical stream. This detail can place special requirements on formulations and chemicals, including surfactants. The unique techniques in the production of flexible metal-faced continuously laminated board-stock at high speeds must also consider various types of flow in order to insure proper cell formation and therefore the impact on foam properties. Surfactants impact especially on the flowability of the liquid reaction mixture as well as the volume flow of the expanding polymer. This article discusses various important factors in surfactant development for polyisocyanurate foams and clearly demonstrates, based on high-pressure machine evaluations, how optimized surfactants can improve foam processing and final foam properties.
Life satisfaction in individuals with a spinal cord injury and pain
Authors: Budh Cecilia Norrbrink , Österåker Anna-Lena 
Published: January 2007

Objective: To assess and describe life satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) with regard to pain. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study of self-reported life satisfaction in individuals with SCI, with and without pain. Setting: Spinal outpatient clinic. Subjects: Two hundred and thirty patients with SCI were mailed a questionnaire. Interventions: Mailed survey. Main measures: Ratings of pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, mood, and life satisfaction (LiSat-9). Results: In total 191 (83%) of the questionnaires were returned and analysed. Patients with pain experienced lower life satisfaction compared with individuals who were pain free. Continuous pain interfered to a greater extent than did intermittent pain. In logistic regression analysis the univariate relationship between pain and low life satisfaction was removed. Predictive for lower scores of life satisfaction were higher ratings of mood disorders. Conclusion: Life satisfaction is negatively affected in patients with SCI and pain compared to patients with SCI but without pain. Higher levels of anxiety and depression seem to be predictive for this decreased life satisfaction.
Quality of paediatric rehabilitation from the parent perspective: validation of the short Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC-20) in the Netherlands
Authors: Siebes Renate C , Maassen Gerard H , Wijnroks Lex , Ketelaar Marjolijn , van Schie Petra Em , Gorter Jan Willem , Vermeer Adri 
Published: January 2007

Objective: In the present study we aim to assess the reliability and validity of the 20-item version of the Dutch Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC). Design: The reliability, concurrent validity, predictive validity and construct validity of the Dutch MPOC-20 were determined. A subset of MPOC-20 data was extracted from a large Dutch MPOC (56-item version) database. Subjects: Participants were 405 mothers and 22 fathers of children aged 1-18 years recruited through nine paediatric rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. Main measures: The participants filled out the MPOC-20 items, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), and two additional questions about satisfaction with services and the amount of stress they experienced. Results: The internal consistency analyses (alphas 0.75-0.87) and the test-retest analyses (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) 0.78-0.91) showed that the Dutch MPOC-20 is a reliable tool. The concurrent validity of the Dutch MPOC-20 was confirmed by positive correlations between MPOC-20 scale scores and the CSQ (r 0.39-0.69), and between MPOC-20 scale scores and an overall satisfaction variable (r 0.37-0.66). The predictive validity of the Dutch MPOC-20 was supported by moderately negative correlations between MPOC-20 scores and a stress variable (r -0.27 to -0.44). The construct validity of the Dutch MPOC-20 was confirmed by significant scale intercorrelations (r 0.41-0.84) and a factor analysis. Conclusions: The 20-item version of the MPOC (Dutch MPOC-20) is a reliable and valid measure of the family-centredness of paediatric rehabilitation.