bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yeast α‐tubulin suppressor Ats1/Kti13 relates to the Elongator complex and interacts with Elongator partner protein Kti11
Authors: Zabel René , Bär Christian , Mehlgarten Constance , Schaffrath Raffael 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe alpha‐tubulin suppressor 1 (ATS1) gene and the killer toxin‐insensitive 13 (KTI13) locus from Saccharomyces cerevisiae are allelic. The Ats1/Kti13 gene product interacts with the cell polarity factor Nap1 and promotes growth inhibition of S. cerevisiae by zymocin, a tRNAse toxin complex from Kluyveromyces lactis. Kti13 removal causes zymocin resistance, a trait that is typical of defects in the Elongator complex. Here, we show that Kti13 co‐purifies with the Elongator partner protein Kti11 and that the Kti11 interaction, not the Nap1 partnership, requires the C‐terminus of Kti13. Moreover, Kti13 functionally relates to roles of the Elongator complex in tRNA wobble uridine modification, tRNA suppression of nonsense (SUP4) and missense (SOE1) mutations and tRNA restriction by zymocin. Also, inactivation of Kti13 or Elongator rescues the thermosensitive growth defect of secretory mutants (sec2‐59ts, sec12‐4ts), suggesting that Kti13 and Elongator affect secretion processes that depend on the GTP exchange factors Sec2 and Sec12 respectively. Distinct from tandem deletions in KTI13 and Elongator genes, a kti13Δkti11Δ double deletion induces synthetic sickness or lethality. In sum, our data suggest that Kti13 and Kti11 support Elongator functions and that they both share Elongator‐independent role(s) that are important for cell viability.
Growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis biofilms containing free mycolic acids and harbouring drug‐tolerant bacteria
Authors: Ojha Anil K. , Baughn Anthony D. , Sambandan Dhinakaran , Hsu Tsungda , Trivelli Xavier , Guerardel Yann , Alahari Anuradha , Kremer Laurent , Jacobs William R. , Hatfull Graham F. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySuccessful treatment of human tuberculosis requires 6–9 months' therapy with multiple antibiotics. Incomplete clearance of tubercle bacilli frequently results in disease relapse, presumably as a result of reactivation of persistent drug‐tolerant Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells, although the nature and location of these persisters are not known. In other pathogens, antibiotic tolerance is often associated with the formation of biofilms – organized communities of surface‐attached cells – but physiologically and genetically defined M. tuberculosis biofilms have not been described. Here, we show that M. tuberculosis forms biofilms with specific environmental and genetic requirements distinct from those for planktonic growth, which contain an extracellular matrix rich in free mycolic acids, and harbour an important drug‐tolerant population that persist despite exposure to high levels of antibiotics.
Mast cells are activated by Leishmania mexicana LPG and regulate the disease outcome depending on the genetic background of the host
Authors: VILLASEÑOR‐CARDOSO M. I. , SALAIZA N. , DELGADO J. , GUTIÉRREZ‐KOBEH L. , PÉREZ‐TORRES A. , BECKER I. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY The regulatory effect of mast cells on the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis is unclear. We report a comparative analysis of TLR2 membrane expression, TNF‐α, IL‐10 and MIP‐1α production, and granule release of bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs) from susceptible BALB/c and resistant C57BL/6 mice, stimulated in vitro with Leishmania mexicana lipophosphoglycan (LPG). We studied the kinetics of mast cell degranulation and parasite numbers in lesions of both mouse strains infected with L. mexicana. We found that BMMCs of C57BL/6 mice expressed more TLR2 and produced higher levels of both cytokines and MIP‐1α, whereas BALB/c BMMCs significantly augmented their granule release. Lesions of BALB/c mice showed higher levels of degranulated mast cells at 3 h of infection, whereas after 3 days of infection, the number of degranulated mast cells in C57BL/6 was higher than in BALB/c lesions. Throughout infection, BALB/c mice harboured more parasites. The regulatory effect of mast cells seems to depend on the genetic background of the host: mast cells of BALB/c mice facilitate disease progression due to an augmented inflammatory response early in the infection, whereas mast cells of C57BL/6 mice produce cytokines that regulate inflammation and maintain an elevated number of immune cells in the lesions, promoting disease control.
Unravelling the conundrum of river response to rising sea‐level from laboratory to field. Part I: Laboratory experiments
Authors: PARKER GARY , MUTO TETSUJI , AKAMATSU YOSHIHISA , DIETRICH WILLIAM E. , LAUER J. WESLEY 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe most recent deglaciation resulted in a global sea‐level rise of some 120 m over approximately 12 000 years. In this Part I of two parts, a moving boundary numerical model is developed to predict the response of rivers to this rise. The model was motivated by experiments at small scale, which have identified two modes describing the transgression of a river mouth: autoretreat without abandonment of the river delta (no sediment starvation at the topset–foreset break) and sediment‐starved autoretreat with abandonment of the delta. In the latter case, transgression is far more rapid and its effects are felt much further upstream of the river mouth. The moving boundary numerical model is checked against experiments. The generally favourable results of the check motivate adaptation of the model to describe the response of the much larger Fly‐Strickland River system, Papua New Guinea to Holocene sea‐level rise; this is done in the companion paper, Part II.
Parental investment, sexual selection and sex ratios
Authors: KOKKO HANNA , JENNIONS MICHAEL D. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractConventional sex roles imply caring females and competitive males. The evolution of sex role divergence is widely attributed to anisogamy initiating a self‐reinforcing process. The initial asymmetry in pre‐mating parental investment (eggs vs. sperm) is assumed to promote even greater divergence in post‐mating parental investment (parental care). But do we really understand the process? Trivers [Sexual Selection and the Descent of Man 1871–1971(1972), Aldine Press, Chicago] introduced two arguments with a female and male perspective on whether to care for offspring that try to link pre‐mating and post‐mating investment. Here we review their merits and subsequent theoretical developments. The first argument is that females are more committed than males to providing care because they stand to lose a greater initial investment. This, however, commits the ‘Concorde Fallacy’ as optimal decisions should depend on future pay‐offs not past costs. Although the argument can be rephrased in terms of residual reproductive value when past investment affects future pay‐offs, it remains weak. The factors likely to change future pay‐offs seem to work against females providing more care than males. The second argument takes the reasonable premise that anisogamy produces a male‐biased operational sex ratio (OSR) leading to males competing for mates. Male care is then predicted to be less likely to evolve as it consumes resources that could otherwise be used to increase competitiveness. However, given each offspring has precisely two genetic parents (the Fisher condition), a biased OSR generates frequency‐dependent selection, analogous to Fisherian sex ratio selection, that favours increased parental investment by whichever sex faces more intense competition. Sex role divergence is therefore still an evolutionary conundrum. Here we review some possible solutions. Factors that promote conventional sex roles are sexual selection on males (but non‐random variance in male mating success must be high to override the Fisher condition), loss of paternity because of female multiple mating or group spawning and patterns of mortality that generate female‐biased adult sex ratios (ASR). We present an integrative model that shows how these factors interact to generate sex roles. We emphasize the need to distinguish between the ASR and the operational sex ratio (OSR). If mortality is higher when caring than competing this diminishes the likelihood of sex role divergence because this strongly limits the mating success of the earlier deserting sex. We illustrate this in a model where a change in relative mortality rates while caring and competing generates a shift from a mammalian type breeding system (female‐only care, male‐biased OSR and female‐biased ASR) to an avian type system (biparental care and a male‐biased OSR and ASR).
Retracted: Evaluation of the effect of pentoxifylline on white blood cell count in serum and peritoneal fluid in female rats with endometriosis
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Afsaneh , Heidari Mahnaz , Soltanghoraee Haleh , Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood , Ghaffari Novin Marefat , Akhondi Mahammad Mahdi A. , Zeraati Hojjat , Mohammadzadeh Farzaneh 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim:  Endometriosis is defined as the growth of endometrium outside of the uterus in ectopic places. Immune system disturbances have an important role in endometriosis which may lead to infertility. It seems that inflammatory cytokines, specially tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), which are produced by activated macrophages, play an important role in the pathology of endometriosis. Based on this theory, anti‐TNF‐α drugs are suggested as new drugs for endometriosis. This experimental study has been performed on female rats to determine the effect of pentoxifylline on the white blood cell count in serum and peritoneal fluid.Methods:  During the proestrous phase, one horn of the bicorn uterus of rats was removed surgically, and the endometrium implanted to different places as follows: subcutaneous, peritoneum and near the ovaries. After 2 months' observation, female rats were divided randomly into two groups. The treated group (n = 10) were given pentoxifylline (5 mg/kg twice a day), and the control group (n = 10) were given normal saline (the same dose), which was injected subcutaneously. Then via second laparotomy and in the same phase of the cycles, the size of implants and the white blood cell levels in the serum and peritoneum were measured.Results:  In the treated group, the total implant mass (mm2) decreased significantly in the right subcutaneous (8.05 mm2vs 13.5 mm2; P = 0.01), left subcutaneous (7.64 mm2vs 14.00 mm2; P = 0.01), right ovary (6.64 mm2vs 15.22 mm2; P = 0.001) and left ovary (7.18 mm2vs 14.56 mm2; P = 0.005). The total white blood cell count (5254.5455 ± 178.73 vs 15 833.33 ± 259.27; P = 0.02) and neutrophils (297.34 ± 57.34 vs 2736.00 ± 346.75; P = < 0.001) in the serum were decreased and the total count of lymphocytes (4967.92 ± 696.194 vs 13 048.33 ± 178.73; P = 0.003) in serum was increased. There were not any significant changes in the total white blood cell count in the peritoneum in both groups. The number of estrous cycles in both groups was similar.Conclusion:  Based on our study, pentoxifylline could decrease the size of endometrial implants, especially in the ovaries and subcutaneous areas, and total white blood cell count in serum. Pentoxifylline could increase the lymphocyte count and decrease the neutrophil count in serum, and because these changes it might alter the immune system. Pentoxifylline did not have any adverse effect on rats' cycles and a good aspect of treatment with pentoxifylline was achieved.
Discovery and characterization of a new bacterial candidate division by an anaerobic sludge digester metagenomic approach
Authors: Guermazi Sonda , Daegelen Patrick , Dauga Catherine , Rivière Delphine , Bouchez Théodore , Godon Jean Jacques , Gyapay Gábor , Sghir Abdelghani , Pelletier Eric , Weissenbach Jean , Le Paslier Denis 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe have constructed a large fosmid library from a mesophilic anaerobic digester and explored its 16S rDNA diversity using a high‐density filter DNA–DNA hybridization procedure. We identified a group of 16S rDNA sequences forming a new bacterial lineage named WWE3 (Waste Water of Evry 3). Only one sequence from the public databases shares a sequence identity above 80% with the WWE3 group which hence cannot be affiliated to any known or candidate prokaryotic division. Despite representing a non‐negligible fraction (5% of the 16S rDNA sequences) of the bacterial population of this digester, the WWE3 bacteria could not have been retrieved using the conventional 16S rDNA amplification procedure due to their unusual 16S rDNA gene sequence. WWE3 bacteria were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in various environments (anaerobic digesters, swine lagoon slurries and freshwater biofilms) using newly designed specific PCR primer sets. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of sludge samples showed that WWE3 microorganisms are oval‐shaped and located deep inside sludge flocs. Detailed phylogenetic analysis showed that WWE3 bacteria form a distinct monophyletic group deeply branching apart from all known bacterial divisions. A new bacterial candidate division status is proposed for this group.
A Bayesian Statistical Model for End Member Analysis of Sediment Geochemistry, Incorporating Spatial Dependences
Authors: Palmer Mark J. , Douglas Grant B. 
Published: May 2008

Summary
An important problem in the management of water supplies is identifying the sources of sediment. The paper develops a Bayesian approach, utilizing an end member model, to estimate the proportion of various sources of sediments in samples taken from a dam. This approach not only allows for the incorporation of prior knowledge about the geochemical compositions of the sources (or end members) but also allows for correlation between spatially contiguous samples and the prediction of the sediment's composition at unsampled locations. Sediments that were sampled from the North Pine Dam in south-east Queensland, Australia, are analysed to illustrate the approach.
Statistical Methods to Evaluate Health Effects Associated with Major Sources of Air Pollution: A Case-Study of Breathing Patterns During Exposure to Concentrated Boston Air particles
Authors: Nikolov Margaret C. , Coull Brent A. , Catalano Paul J. , Diaz Edgar , Godleski John J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe conduct a case-study evaluating the source-specific effects of particulate matter on respiratory function. Using a structural equation approach, we assess the effect of different receptor models on the estimated source-specific effects for univariate respiratory response. Furthermore, we extend the structural equation model by placing a factor analysis model on the response to represent the measured respiratory responses in terms of underlying respiratory patterns. We estimate the particulate matter source-specific effects on respiratory rate, accentuated normal breathing and airway irritation and find a strong increase in airway irritation that is associated with exposure to motor vehicle particulate matter.
Conference Calls and Stock Price Volatility in the Post‐Reg FD Era
Authors: Dell'Acqua Alberto , Perrini Francesco , Caselli Stefano 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPast research has documented that the utilisation of conference calls is greater in the high tech sector than in other industries. Do high tech firms benefit from that? This study attempts to answer this question by examining the impact of ‘post‐Reg FD’ conference calls on the price volatility of high tech firms listed in the US market. We find evidence that more open conference calls results in lower idiosyncratic volatility.
Oral prednisone taper following intravenous steroids fails to improve disability or recovery from relapses in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Perumal J. S. , Caon C. , Hreha S. , Zabad R. , Tselis A. , Lisak R. , Khan O. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  A short course of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) followed by oral prednisone taper (OPT) is often used for the treatment of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined the effect of IVMP plus OPT compared with IVMP only on neurologic disability 1 year after treatment of a relapse in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis..Methods:  Two hundred eighty‐five consecutive relapses were analyzed in a retrospective fashion. One hundred fifty‐two patients with a total of 171 relapses received IVMP plus an OPT at the time of relapse whilst 112 patients who experienced 114 relapses received IVMP without OPT.Results:  There was no difference between the two groups in the baseline characteristics as well as the mean or categorical EDSS at baseline, at the time of relapse confirmation, and at months 3, 6 and 12 after relapse confirmation.Conclusion:  Our observations suggest that OPT following treatment with IVMP for an MS relapse does not lead to improved neurologic outcome after 12 months compared with treatment with IVMP only. Moreover, our findings raise concerns regarding the common practice of using OPT following IVMP. Further studies are indicated to validate our findings and minimize exposure to systemic corticosteroids, well known for systemic toxicity.
The Health Risk Behaviours and Social Connectedness of Adolescents in Immigrant Families: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Brandon Peter 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTUsing data from Australia, health behavior outcomes and the social connectedness of adolescents in immigrant families are contrasted with the outcomes of adolescents in non‐immigrant families. Findings suggest that first and second generation adolescents are less likely to drink alcohol and lack social support than third generation adolescents, but more likely not to be physically active and not to have membership to a social club or group than third generation adolescents. Second generation adolescents are more likely to smoke than third generation adolescents. Findings suggest that immigrant adolescents appear protected from negative risks, yet at the same time, do not benefit from Australia's cultural traditions for physical activity and social participation. Across generations, however, social participation and physical activity increase. Lastly, as length of time in Australia increases, the protective effect of the immigrant family against some negative risks wanes. Overall, the assimilation process leads adolescents in immigrant families to adopt Australia's prevailing social customs of health and social behaviors.
Military Brides and Refugees: Vietnamese American Wives and Shifting Links to the Military, 1980 – 2000
Authors: Hidalgo Danielle Antoinette , Bankston Carl L. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTSince the immigration legislation of 1965, marriage to American citizens and resident aliens has been one of the primary paths for migration to the United States. Despite the rapid growth of the Asian American population over the course of the late twentieth century, Asian Americans had still reached only 3 per cent of all Americans by 2000, meaning that Asian marriage migration to the United States has been largely through marriage to non‐Asians. In this study, we look at exogamy among Vietnamese Americans using U. S. Census data (1980, 1990, and 2000) from 5 per cent PUMS sets made available through the IPUMS project. We ask: (1) What are the predictors of exogamy among Vietnamese Americans? (2) How do the rates of exogamy of Vietnamese American women compare to those of Vietnamese American men? (3) How have the predictors of exogamy and the apparent characteristics of the exogamously married changed over the decades of refugee movement from Vietnam to North America? We review data from the years 1980, 1990, and 2000. In the assimilationist view of immigration associated with the classic work of Milton M. Gordon, exogamy is the final stage of immigrant incorporation into a host country. Migration through marriage, which has become a major source of immigration to the United States since the Immigration Act of 1965, reverses this assimilationist pattern, placing marriage before immigration and incorporation, or at the earliest stages of immigration and incorporation. Our findings are relevant to understanding the specific Vietnamese experience in the United States. They highlight the continuing but declining importance of the Vietnam War in creating close connections between Vietnamese and other people in the United States, even after the war had ended. The findings also suggest how these connections changed as a result of Vietnamese mass migration to America.
Women’s experience of physical activity following breast cancer treatment
Authors: Larsson Ingalill L. , Jönsson Carita , Olsson Ann C. , Gard Gunvor , Johansson Karin 
Published: May 2008

Physical activity is of great benefit to women treated for breast cancer and can even be vital. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe how women treated for breast cancer experience physical activity after surgery. Twelve women, strategically selected according to hospital, age and length of time since surgery, took part in a semi‐structured interview. A qualitative method with a phenomenographic approach was used.The result indicates that the incentive to remain or return to a normal physical condition is an important motive for physical activity after breast cancer surgery. The experience of physical activity was, from the women’s perspective, expressed in (i) compliance to instructions and need for support, (ii) struggle to get back to normal and fear of negative side‐effects, (iii) a wish to stay normal and not allow limitations and (iv) getting control of the situation with new strategies. In conclusion, instructions and motivation are important in starting up and/or continuing physical activity after breast cancer treatment. While in considering the vital benefits of physical activity for breast cancer patients healthcare professionals, and in particular physiotherapists, must be aware of the need for information and the patients’ motive for exercise and physical activity to be able to guide and encourage them individually.The professionals must also understand the need for empowerment for these women to take control over their lives and to allow the limitations that eventually occur.
In search of the microbe/mineral interface: quantitative analysis of bacteria on metal surfaces using vertical scanning interferometry
Authors: WATERS M. S. , STURM C. A. , EL‐NAGGAR M. Y. , LUTTGE A. , UDWADIA F. E. , CVITKOVITCH D. G. , GOODMAN S. D. , NEALSON K. H. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTTo understand the development of biofilms on metal surfaces, analysis of initial bacterial attachment to surfaces is crucial. Here we present the results of a study, using Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 as a model organism, in which vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) was used to investigate the initial stages of cell attachment to glass, steel and aluminium surfaces. It was found that while VSI gave unambiguous results with opaque surfaces, when reflective surfaces were used, an artifact sometimes appeared, with the bacteria appearing as rod‐shaped pits rather than as cells on the surface. When the bacteria were altered to increase opacity, this artifact disappeared, and upon further investigation, it was found that the observational artifact was the result of a conflict between light reflected from the bacteria and the light reflected from the bacteria–metal interface. These results suggest that not only can bacteria be measured on surfaces using VSI, but with some modifications to the analytical software, there may be a unique window for studying the bacterial/substrate interface that can be used for quantitative observations. Imaging and characterization of the bacteria–substrate interface in vivo (previously invisible) will provide new insights into the interactions that occur at this important juncture.