bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The binding of fork head proteins to DNA is partly determined by cooperation of bases
Authors: Mach Václav 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Our previous study revealed that DNA recognition by the insect Fork head transcription factors depends on specific combinations of neighboring bases, a phenomenon called the base cooperation effect. This study presents a simple algorithm designed for in silico investigation of the base cooperation effect. The algorithm measures and evaluates observed and expected frequencies of various base combinations within a set of aligned binding sites. Consequently, statistically significant differences between the observed and expected frequencies are interpreted as evidence of either positive or negative base cooperation effect. Our current results suggest that the base cooperation affects DNA binding of the vertebrate members of the Fork head family, similarly to their insect homologies.
The statistical algorithm used in this study is available on line (http://blast.entu.cas.cz/bias/index.htm).
Mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobe sporulating microorganisms in raw cow’s milk
Authors: Foltys Vladimír , Kirchnerová Katarína 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
We studied the occurrence of mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobic sporulating microorganisms (MPAS) in raw cow’s milk and their relations to microflora in milk. We took 294 samples of raw cow’s milk from 14 farms during one year. Briefly the method for MPAS assessment is to inactivate the milk sample by heating it to 80-82°C for 30 minutes. Mesophilic aerobic sporulates are incubated at 30°C for 3 days-, and psychrotrophic aerobic sporulates at 7°C for 10 days. Results of studied microbiological parameters characterize the sampled milk as complying with requirements of the EU regulation 92/46 and standard STN 57 0529. MPAS count was within the span 2.5–340 CFU/ml. The average value ofMPAS was 59.4 CFU/ml, with variation coefficient 93.1%. Counts up to 50 CFU/ml were in 55.4% samples, the value was not higher than 100 in 85%, and in 3.1% of the samples the MPAS count was higher than 200. MPAS do not show correlation with any of the studied microbiological parameters; marked influences of season were not observed either. On the basis of obtained results, it is possible to support the proposal of an initial limit of maximum 200 CFU/ml for the introduction of a MPAS parameter. MPAS count found in the same dishes at incubation for mesophilic and subsequently strictly psychrophilic microorganisms was 56.9 CFU/ml on average. This represents 95.8% of total CFU sums of individual dishes at two temperatures. The correlation coefficient of these two types of results, r = 0.99,gives evidence of close dependence expressed by the linear regression equation. Use of two incubation temperatures, one after another with an identical set of dishes, enables us to exclude overestimation of results due to sporulates able to grow at both incubation temperatures.
Genetic structure of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, in the Central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Rossi Anna , Perrone Eleonora , Sola Luciana 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, represents an important economic resource for Mediterranean aquaculture. In spite of its wide geographic distribution and economic importance, only recently studies have been carried out on the genetic composition of natural populations, which have revealed a picture of a heterogeneous degree of genetic differentiation among S. aurata populations. In this study an allozyme analysis of samples from six different collecting sites along the Italian and Croatian coasts was carried out, covering an area in the Central Mediterranean sea that has yet to be investigated through gene-enzyme systems. Data on 26 gene loci, 10 of which are polymorphic, indicate a slight but significant genetic structure (FST = 0.0167) of the species. A hierarchical analysis of population subdivision made it possible to identify three different assemblages found in the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinian Channel, though an isolation by distance model can be rejected. The results are discussed in the light of previous literature and taking conservation into consideration.
Visceral regeneration in the crinoid Antedon mediterranea: basic mechanisms, tissues and cells involved in gut regrowth
Authors: Mozzi Daniela , Dolmatov Igor , Bonasoro Francesco , Carnevali Maria 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Crinoids are able to regenerate completely many body parts, namely arms, pinnules, cirri, and also viscera, including the whole gut, lost after self-induced or traumatic mutilations. In contrast to the regenerative processes related to external appendages, those related to internal organs have been poorly investigated. In order to provide a comprehensive view of these processes, and of their main events, timing and mechanisms, the present work is exploring visceral regeneration in the feather star Antedon meditteranea. The histological and cellular aspects of visceral regeneration were monitored at predetermined times (from 24 hours to 3 weeks post evisceration) using microscopy and immunocytochemistry. The overall regeneration process can be divided into three main phases, leading in 3 weeks to the reconstruction of a complete functional gut. After a brief wound healing phase, new tissues and organs develop as a result of extensive cell migration and transdifferentiation. The cells involved in these processes are mainly coelothelial cells, which after trans-differentiating into progenitor cells form clusters of enterocytic precursors. The advanced phase is then characterized by the growth and differentiation of the gut rudiment. In general, our results confirm the striking potential for repair (wound healing) and regeneration displayed by crinoids at the organ, tissue and cellular levels.
The molecular diversity of different isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. as assessed using intermicrosatellites (ISSRs)
Authors: Estrada M. , Camacho Manuel , Benito César 
Published: December 2006

AbstractInter-microsatellite PCR (ISSR-PCR) markers were used to identify and to examine the genetic diversity of eleven Beauveria bassiana isolates with different geographic origins. The variability and the phylogenetic relationships between the eleven strains were analyzed using 172 ISSR-PCR markers. A high level of polymorphism (near 80%) was found using these molecular markers. Seven different isolates showed exclusive bands, and ISSR primer 873 was able to distinguish between all the strains. The dendrogram obtained with these markers is robust and in agreement with the geographical origins of the strains. All the isolates from the Caribbean region were grouped together in a cluster, while the other isolates grouped in the other cluster. The similarity exhibited between the two clusters was less than 50%. This value of homology shows the high genetic variability detected between the isolates from the Caribbean region and the other isolates. ISSR-PCR markers provide a quick, reliable and highly informative system for DNA fingerprinting, and allowed the identification of the different B. bassiana isolates studied.
Pseudopycnadena tendu sp. nov. (Digenea, Opecoelidae) in the yellow-spotted triggerfish Pseudobalistes fuscus (Perciformes, Balistidae) and additional opecoelids parasitizing fishes from the waters off New Caledonia
Authors: Bray Rodney , Justine Jean-Lou 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPseudopycnadena tendu sp. nov. is described from the balistid Pseudobalistes fuscus from the waters off New Caledonia. It differs from the only other member of the genus P. fischthali Saad-Fares et Maillard, 1986, in its broad cirrus-sac, with the wide field of large gland-cells, its less nearly circular body shape, its dorsal excretory pore, its shorter post-testicular region, its relatively larger ventral sucker and its smaller eggs. The genus is re-defined to take these distinctions into account. Other opecoelid species reported from New Caledonia are Allopodocotyle epinepheli (Yamaguti, 1942) from Epinephelus cyanopodus, E. fasciatus and E. merra, Cainocreadium epinepheli (Yamaguti, 1934) from E. coeruleopunctatus, E. fasciatus and Variola louti, Hamacreadium mutabile (Linton, 1910) from Lutjanus fulviflamma and L. kasmira, Helicometra epinepheli Yamaguti, 1934 from E. fasciatus and E. merra, Orthodena tropica Durio et Manter, 1968 from Lethrinus lentjan, Pacificreadium serrani (Nagaty et Abdel-Aal, 1962) from Plectropomus leopardus and Pseudoplagioporus interruptus Durio et Manter, 1968 from Lethrinus rubrioperculatus.
Geoarchaeology and late glacial landscapes in the western lake superior region, Central North America
Authors: Hill Christopher L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe transition from full glacial to interglacial conditions along the southern margin of the Laurentide ice sheet resulted in dramatic changes in landscapes and biotic habitats. Strata and landforms resulting from the Wisconsin Episode of glaciation in the area directly west of Lake Superior indicate a context for late Pleistocene biota (including human populations) connected to ice margins, proglacial lakes, and postglacial drainage systems. Late Glacial landscape features that have the potential for revealing the presence of Paleoindian artifacts include abandoned shorelines of proglacial lakes in the Superior and Agassiz basins and interior drainages on deglaciated terrains. The linkage between Late Pleistocene human populations and Rancholabrean fauna has yet to be demonstrated in the western Lake Superior region, although isolated remains of mammoth ( Mammuthus) have been documented, as well as fluted points assigned to Clovis, Folsom, and Holcombe‐like artifact forms. Agate Basin and Hell Gap (Plano‐type) artifacts also imply the presence of human groups in Late Glacial landscapes associated with the Agassiz and Superior basins.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe endothelial dysfunction in the aorta of a mouse model of Fabry disease; partial prevention by N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin treatment
Authors: Heare T. , Alp N. J. , Priestman D. A. , Kulkarni A. B. , Qasba P. , Butters T. D. , Dwek R. A. , Clarke K. , Channon K. M. , Platt F. M. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryObjective: Fabry disease results from α‐gala‐ ctosidase A deficiency and is characterized by the lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Globotriaosylceramide storage predominantly affects endothelial cells, altering vascular wall morphology and vasomotor function. Our objective was to investigate aortic globotriaosylceramide levels, morphology and function in a mouse model of Fabry disease, and the effect of substrate reduction therapy, using the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin. Methods and results: Mice used were C57BL/6J and α‐galactosidase A knockout (Fabry). We show progressive accumulation of aortic globotriaosylceramide throughout the lifespan of untreated Fabry mice (55‐fold elevation at 2 months increasing to 187‐fold by 19 months), localized to endothelial and vascular smooth‐muscle cells; there was no effect on vascular wall morphology in young Fabry mice. In old mice, storage resulted in intimal thickening. Endothelial function declined with age in Fabry mouse aorta. Aortae from N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin‐treated Fabry mice at 19 months of age had reduced endothelial globotriaosylceramide storage, fewer morphological abnormalities and less severe vasomotor dysfunction compared with untreated littermates. Conclusion: We provide evidence of a novel vascular phenotype in the Fabry mouse that has relevance to vascular disease in Fabry patients. N‐Butyldeoxynojirimycin treatment partially prevented the phenotype in the Fabry mouse by reducing endothelial globotriaosylceramide storage.
Angiopoietin‐1 for myocardial angiogenesis: A comparison between delivery strategies
Authors: Ye Lei , Haider Husnain Kh , Jiang Shujia , Tan Ru San , Toh Wee Chi , Ge RuoWen , Sim Eugene K.W. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe compare the effectiveness of direct adenoviral angiopoietin‐1 (Ad‐Ang‐1) injection with transplantation of skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) over‐expressing angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) for angiogenic response and improvement of heart function in an experimental porcine model of myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsAd‐Ang‐1 was used for intramyocardial injection or transduction of SkMs. Three weeks after coronary artery ligation in 32 female pigs, animals were grouped to receive multiple intramyocardial injections of DMEM without cells (group‐1; n=7), or containing 3∑108 Lac‐z labelled SkMs transduced with Ad‐Null vector carrying no gene (group‐2; n=7), or 1∑1010 PFU Ad‐Ang‐1 (group‐3; n=9), or 3∑108 Lac‐z labelled SkMs transduced with Ad‐Ang‐1 (group‐4; n=9). The animals were immunosuppressed for 6‐weeks. After euthanasia, their heart tissue was processed for histological studies.ResultsExtensive survival of Lac‐z positive SkMs was observed in and around the infarct 6 and 12‐weeks after transplantation. Fluorescent immunostaining for vWF‐VIII at 6‐weeks revealed increased blood vessel density (∑100) in group‐4 (p<0.05) as compared with other groups. Regional blood flow (ml/g/min) in the peri‐infarct area was improved in group‐4 (2.7; p<0.05) as compared with group‐1 (1.2±0.1), group‐2 (1.1±0.4) and group‐3 (1.7±0.1) at 6‐weeks. Similarly, ejection fraction was significantly higher in group‐4 (49.2±5.9%, p=0.03) as compared with group‐1 (36.8±3%) at 6 weeks.ConclusionSkMs mediated Ang‐1 delivery is associated with improved angiogenic response, regional myocardial perfusion and heart function as compared with direct Ad‐Ang‐1 administration.
Using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN 2.1) as a diagnostic interview providing dimensional measures: Cross-national findings on the psychometric properties of psychopathology scales
Authors: Schützwohl Matthias , Kallert Thomas , Jurjanz Luisa 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) is a set of clinical assessment instruments developed under the auspices of WHO. In contrast to other structured diagnostic interviews, SCAN also provides possibilities for dimensional assessment of psychopathology. This paper reports cross-national findings on the psychometric properties of psychopathology scales derived from SCAN 2.1.MethodsWithin a randomized controlled trial, SCAN 2.1 was used in Dresden (Germany), Michalovce (Slovak Republic), Prague (Czech Republic), and Wrocław (Poland). Forty-seven items from Part I of SCAN 2.1, identified as qualifying for constructing dimensional measures, were, on the one hand, grouped according to their allocation to five specific SCAN 2.1 sections. On the other hand, principal component analyses were used to group the items according to their statistical relationship. To estimate the reliability of the scales, Cronbach's α was computed. To assess factor similarity across sites, Tucker's congruence coefficients were calculated. To appraise concurrent validity, mean scale scores were compared across different diagnostic groups.ResultsReliability was qualified as moderate to substantial for all generated scales. Factor-solutions differed across sites. Differences in mean scores supported the assumption that the scales might possess, in addition to face validity, concurrent validity.ConclusionsThis is the first cross-national study on the psychometric properties of psychopathology scales derived from SCAN 2.1, and findings are very encouraging concerning its use as a dimensional measure. However, further studies are needed to substantiate implementation of the scales established.
Clusters of eclampsia in a Nigerian teaching hospital
Authors: Ekele B.A. , Bello S.O. , Adamu A.N. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjective: To describe the pattern of eclampsia between 1995 and 2004 at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria. Study design: A retrospective cohort of all deliveries and eclamptics seen from 1st January 1995 to 31st December 2004. Clusters of eclampsia were identified using purely temporal scan statistics. Results: Of 15,318 deliveries during the period, 657(4.29%) had eclampsia. The yearly incidence of eclampsia at the beginning of the study period (1995) was 0.39% but this had increased to 7.0% in 2004 at a background exponential rate best described by quadratic curve fitting prediction model and a forecast curve that predicts an incidence of eclampsia of at least 32.4% of total deliveries by 2009. Temporal clusters occurred in 1996, 2001 and 2003–2004. Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia is unusually high and is increasing. It has shown 3 clusters in the last 10 years.
A Window into Biocatalysis and Biotransformations
Authors: Coward‐Kelly Guillermo , Chen Rachel Ruizhen 
Published: December 2006

AbstractEight papers were presented in this yearapos;s symposium “Advances in Biocatalysis” at the 232nd ACS National Meeting, accentuating the most recent development in biocatalysis. Researchers from both industry and academia are addressing several fundamental problems in biocatalysis, including the limited number of commercially available enzymes that can be provided in bulk quantities, the limited enzyme stability and activity in nonaqueous environments, and the permeability issue and cell localization problems in whole‐cell systems. A trend that can be discerned from these eight talks is the infusion of new tools and technologies in addressing various challenges facing biocatalysis. Nanotechnology, bioinformatics, cellular membrane engineering and metabolic engineering (for engineering whole‐cell catalysts), and protein engineering (to improve enzymes and create novel enzymes) are becoming more routinely used in research laboratories and are providing satisfactory solutions to the problems in biocatalysis. Significant progress in various aspects of biocatalysis from discovery to industrial applications was highlighted in this symposium.
The discovery of transcriptional modules by a two-stage matrix decomposition approach
Authors: Li Huai , Sun Yu , Zhan Ming 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMotivation: We address the problem of identifying gene transcriptional modules from gene expression data by proposing a new approach. Genes mostly interact with each other to form transcriptional modules for context-specific cellular activities or functions. Unraveling such transcriptional modules is important for understanding biological network, deciphering regulatory mechanisms and identifying biomarkers.Method: The proposed algorithm is based on two-stage matrix decomposition. We first model microarray data as non-linear mixtures and adopt the non-linear independent component analysis to reduce the non-linear distortion and separate the data into independent latent components. We then apply the probabilistic sparse matrix decomposition approach to model the ‘hidden’ expression profiles of genes across the independent latent components as linear weighted combinations of a small number of transcriptional regulator profiles. Finally, we propose a general scheme for identifying gene modules from the outcomes of the matrix decomposition.Results: The proposed algorithm partitions genes into non-mutually exclusive transcriptional modules, independent from expression profile similarity measurement. The modules contain genes with not only similar but different expression patterns, and show the highest enrichment of biological functions in comparison with those by other methods. The usefulness of the algorithm was validated by a yeast microarray data analysis.Availability: The software is available upon request to the authors.Contact: zhanmi@mail.nih.gov
Learning influences host choice in tsetse
Authors: Bouyer Jérémy , Pruvot Mathieu , Bengaly Zacharia , Guerin Patrick M , Lancelot Renaud 
Published: December 2006

A learning capacity for feeding is described in many insect species including vectors of diseases, but has never been reported in tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae), the cyclic vectors of human (sleeping sickness) and animal trypanosomoses in Africa. Repeated feeding on the same host species by a disease vector is likely to increase the within-species disease-transmission risk, but to decrease it between species.
An experiment with cattle and reptiles in a stable provides evidence that the species of host selected for the second blood meal in tsetse flies depends on the host encountered for the first blood meal when the between-meal interval is 2 days. This preference disappears when the between-meal interval is extended to 3 days. The energetic advantages of this acquired preference and its importance in trypanosomoses epidemiology are discussed.
Xylella fastidiosa Infection and Ethylene Exposure Result in Xylem and Water Movement Disruption in Grapevine Shoots
Authors: Pérez-Donoso Alonso G. , Greve L. Carl , Walton Jeffrey H. , Shackel Ken A. , Labavitch John M. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
It is conventionally thought that multiplication of the xylem-limited bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) within xylem vessels is the sole factor responsible for the blockage of water movement in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) affected by Pierce's disease. However, results from our studies have provided substantial support for the idea that vessel obstructions, and likely other aspects of the Pierce's disease syndrome, result from the grapevine's active responses to the presence of Xf, rather than to the direct action of the bacterium. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe the distribution of water within the xylem has allowed us to follow nondestructively the development of vascular system obstructions subsequent to inoculation of grapevines with Xf. Because we have hypothesized a role for ethylene produced in vines following infection, the impact of vine ethylene exposure on obstruction development was also followed using MRI. In both infected and ethylene-exposed plants, MRI shows that an important proportion of the xylem vessels become progressively air embolized after the treatments. The loss of xylem water-transporting function, assessed by MRI, has been also correlated with a decrease in stem-specific hydraulic conductivity (K S) and the presence of tyloses in the lumens of obstructed water conduits. We have observed that the ethylene production of leaves from infected grapevines is greater than that from healthy vines and, therefore, propose that ethylene may be involved in a series of cellular events that coordinates the vine's response to the pathogen.