bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Trial Investigating Training in Motivational Interviewing for Behavioral Health Providers
Authors: Moyers Theresa B. , Manuel Jennifer K. , Wilson Paul G. , Hendrickson Stacey M. L. , Talcott Wayne , Durand Peter 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEvidence indicates that workshop training, personalized feedback, and individual consultation can increase competence in motivational interviewing (MI) among highly motivated and skilled substance abuse counselors. Little is known, however, about the translational value of these training strategies for counselors with fewer counseling skills and less stated motivation to learn MI. This study presents evidence from a randomized, controlled trial of 129 behavioral health providers assigned to receive workshop training and enrichments to learn MI. A diverse group of Air Force behavioral health providers working in substance abuse treatment programs were trained in MI and subsequently observed in clinical sessions at 4, 8 and 12 months after training. Results indicate that training was effective in increasing the skill level of these clinicians; however, these gains had decreased by the 4-month follow-up point. Training enrichments in the form of personalized feedback and consultation phone calls did not have an expected, additive effect on clinician skill level. The results of this study lend support to the hypothesis that a greater investment of resources and incentives may be necessary to achieve gains in MI skills for counselors with relatively lower baseline skills than those commonly participating in research studies.
Enzyme improvement in the absence of structural knowledge: a novel statistical approach
Authors: Barak Yoram , Nov Yuval , Ackerley David F , Matin A 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Most existing methods for improving protein activity are laborious and costly, as they either require knowledge of protein structure or involve expression and screening of a vast number of protein mutants. We describe here a successful first application of a novel approach, which requires no structural knowledge and is shown to significantly reduce the number of mutants that need to be screened. In the first phase of this study, around 7000 mutants were screened through standard directed evolution, yielding a 230-fold improvement in activity relative to the wild type. Using sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, an additional single mutant was then produced, with 500-fold improved activity. In the second phase, a novel statistical method for protein improvement was used; building on data from the first phase, only 11 targeted additional mutants were produced through site-directed mutagenesis, and the best among them achieved a &gt;1500-fold improvement in activity over the wild type. Thus, the statistical model underlying the experiment was validated, and its predictions were shown to reduce laboratory labor and resources.
ARWEN: a program to detect tRNA genes in metazoan mitochondrial nucleotide sequences
Authors: Laslett Dean , Canbäck Björn 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Motivation: Mitochondrial genomes encode their own transfer RNAs (tRNAs). These are often degenerate in sequence and structure compared to tRNAs in their bacterial ancestors. This is one of the reasons why current tRNA gene predictor programs perform poorly identifying mitochondrial tRNA genes. As a consequence there is a need for a new program with the specific aim of predicting these tRNAs.
Results: In this study, we present the software ARWEN that identifies tRNA genes in metazoan mitochondrial nucleotide sequences. ARWEN detects close to 100% of previously annotated genes.
Availability: An online version, software for download and test results are available at www.acgt.se/online.html
Contact: bcanback@acgt.se
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structural and Functional Analysis of SGT1 Reveals That Its Interaction with HSP90 Is Required for the Accumulation of Rx, an R Protein Involved in Plant Immunity
Authors: Botër Marta , Amigues Béatrice , Peart Jack , Breuer Christian , Kadota Yasuhiro , Casais Catarina , Moore Geoffrey , Kleanthous Colin , Ochsenbein Francoise , Shirasu Ken , Guerois Raphaël 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
SGT1 (for suppressor of G2 allele of skp1) and RAR1 (for required for Mla12 resistance) are highly conserved eukaryotic proteins that interact with the molecular chaperone HSP90 (for heat shock protein90). In plants, SGT1, RAR1, and HSP90 are essential for disease resistance triggered by a number of resistance (R) proteins. Here, we present structural and functional characterization of plant SGT1 proteins. Random mutagenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana SGT1b revealed that its CS (for CHORD-SGT1) and SGS (for SGT1 specific) domains are essential for disease resistance. NMR-based interaction surface mapping and mutational analyses of the CS domain showed that the CHORD II domain of RAR1 and the N-terminal domain of HSP90 interact with opposite sides of the CS domain. Functional analysis of the CS mutations indicated that the interaction between SGT1 and HSP90 is required for the accumulation of Rx, a potato (Solanum tuberosum) R protein. Biochemical reconstitution experiments suggest that RAR1 may function to enhance the SGT1–HSP90 interaction by promoting ternary complex formation.
Arabidopsis MALE STERILITY1 Encodes a PHD-Type Transcription Factor and Regulates Pollen and Tapetum Development
Authors: Ito Takuya , Nagata Noriko , Yoshiba Yoshu , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Ma Hong , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The Arabidopsis thaliana MALE STERILITY1 (MS1) gene encodes a nuclear protein with Leu zipper–like and PHD-finger motifs and is important for postmeiotic pollen development. Here, we examined MS1 function using both cell biological and molecular biological approaches. We introduced a fusion construct of MS1 and a transcriptional repression domain (MS1-SRDX) into wild-type Arabidopsis, and the transgenic plants showed a semisterile phenotype similar to that of ms1. Since the repression domain can convert various kinds of transcriptional activators to dominant repressors, this suggested that MS1 functioned as a transcriptional activator. The Leu zipper–like region and the PHD motif were required for the MS1 function. Phenotypic analysis of the ms1 mutant and the MS1-SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis indicated that MS1 was involved in formation of pollen exine and pollen cytosolic components as well as tapetum development. Next, we searched for MS1 downstream genes by analyzing publicly available microarray data and identified 95 genes affected by MS1. Using a transgenic ms1 plant showing dexamethasone-inducible recovery of fertility, we further examined whether these genes were immediately downstream of MS1. From these results, we discuss a role of MS1 in pollen and tapetum development and the conservation of MS1 function in flowering plants.
MALE STERILITY1 Is Required for Tapetal Development and Pollen Wall Biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Caiyun , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Conner Katie , Wilson Zoe A. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
The Arabidopsis thaliana MALE STERILITY1 (MS1) gene is critical for viable pollen formation and has homology to the PHD-finger class of transcription factors; however, its role in pollen development has not been fully defined. We show that MS1 transcription appears to be autoregulated by the wild-type MS1 transcript or protein. Using a functional green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to analyze the temporal and spatial expression of MS1, we demonstrate that the MS1:GFP protein is nuclear localized within the tapetum and is expressed in a developmentally regulated manner between late tetraspore and microspore release, then rapidly breaks down, probably by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Absence of MS1 expression results in changes in tapetal secretion and exine structure. Microarray analysis has shown that 260 (228 downregulated and 32 upreglated) genes have altered expression in young ms1 buds. These genes are primarily associated with pollen wall and coat formation; however, a number of transcription factors and Cys proteases have also been identified as the putative primary regulatory targets of MS1. Ectopic expression of MS1 alters transcriptional regulation of vegetative gene expression, resulting in stunted plants with increased levels of branching, partially fertile flowers and an apparent increase in wall material on mature pollen. MS1 therefore plays a critical role in the induction of pollen wall and pollen coat materials in the tapetum and, ultimately, the production of viable pollen.
Nurses perceptions of older patients integrity in long‐term institutions
Authors: Teeri Sari , Välimäki Maritta , Katajisto Jouko , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  This article reports on a study into nurses’ perceptions of how the integrity of older patients is maintained in long‐term care institutions in Finland.Background:  Patient integrity is an important aspect of ethical decision‐making in nursing care and respect for integrity is central to good care. Problems may occur in the maintenance of older patients’ integrity because of reduced communication skills and decision‐making authority. Data collection was by means of a purpose‐designed structured questionnaire in a sample of 222 nurses from four purposively selected long‐term institutions in 2004. The response rate was 74%. The questionnaire consisted of a background data sheet and integrity items in three categories: psychological, physical and social integrity.Results:  The nurses gave the highest ratings for the maintenance of physical integrity, particularly for respectful and gentle touching. Nonetheless, according to nurses patients were often tied to their bed or chair. The second highest ratings were give to the maintenance of social integrity. Most nurses felt that the patients had good contact with the outside world, mainly family members. On the other hand loneliness was a more common problem for older people in institutions. The maintenance of psychological integrity received the lowest rating. Satisfaction with the job and with the quality of service provided correlated positively with the nurses’ views on the maintenance of patient integrity.Conclusion:  Nurses take the view that patient integrity is maintained reasonably well in long‐term institutions. There are, however, some problematic areas that require special attention, particularly in the maintenance of psychological integrity. Future research needs to look at how patients and their relatives view the situation and to explore different training delivery options that can help raise the ethical quality of nursing care.
Spatial autocorrelation in plant communities: vegetation texture versus species composition
Authors: Lawrence Lodge Rachael H. E. , Anderson Barbara J. , de Groot Adrian , Bill Amber , McQueen Amelia A. M. , Steel John B. , Mistral Maia , Mason Norman W. H. , Bastow Wilson J. 
Published: November 2007

Vegetation texture, describing plant communities by the range of characters present in them, can describe functional variation more effectively than using the identities of the species. We ask whether spatial trends, as seen in spatial autocorrelation (SAc), are stronger in vegetation texture. We also ask in what environment SAc is stronger, whether local or over longer distances, and with what measure of distance.Roadside vegetation was sampled across an orographic region of the South Island, New Zealand, from a high‐rainfall zone up to just above treeline (the “Wet” side) and then down into a rain‐shadow area (the “Dry” side). Species composition was recorded in quadrats placed in 30 clusters. Five functional plant characters were measured on all species encountered: characters that have been reported in the literature to correlate with light‐capture, heat budget and nutrient strategy. SAc was calculated using a saturation‐response type of relation in species composition, and also in texture using the five functional characters.There was significant species‐composition SAc in almost all comparisons, but the maximum percentage of variation explained was 25%. The fit was almost always higher using local, short‐distance, comparisons than using comparisons over a whole side (Wet or Dry). On average dissimilarity had reached 90% of its asymptote after ca 250 m. It is concluded that the SAc was mainly due to local factors. SAc relations almost always predicted the presence/absence of species more accurately than their abundance. Distances along the road generally gave a very slightly better fit to species composition than surface distances, suggesting that there might be dispersal limitation. On the Wet side, elevation in overall comparisons gave a still better fit, implying environmental control too. The strength of SAc in texture was strongest on the Dry side, and using overall comparisons, abundance weighting and surface distances, but in other cases texture SAc was weaker than SAc in species composition.It is concluded that the saturation‐response formula used here has theoretical advantages over previous approaches. The SAc in this vegetation seems to be caused by a combination of dispersal limitation, broad environmental trends and especially local environmental effects such as disturbance. SAc in texture may have been weaker overall on the Wet side than on the Dry because the main environmental difference across the former is in frost, and characters correlated with frost resistance have not yet been included in texture analyses.
Neutralizing Activity of Vaccine-Induced Antibodies to TwoBacillus anthracisToxin Components, Lethal Factor and Edema Factor
Authors: Taft Sarah C. , Weiss Alison A. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAnthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA; BioThrax), the current FDA-licensed human anthrax vaccine, contains various amounts of the three anthrax toxin components, protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). While antibody to PA is sufficient to mediate protection against anthrax in animal models, it is not known if antibodies to LF or EF contribute to protection in humans. Toxin-neutralizing activity was evaluated in sera from AVA-vaccinated volunteers, all of whom had antibody responses to LF and EF, as well as PA. The contribution of antibodies to LF and EF was assessed using mouse macrophage J774A.1 cells by examining neutralization of LF-induced lysis using alamarBlue reduction and neutralization of EF-induced cyclic AMP increases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody responses to LF and EF were low compared to those to PA, and the amount of LF or EF in the assay could exceed the amount of antibodies to LF or EF. Higher titers were seen for most individuals when the LF or EF concentration was limiting compared to when LF or EF was in excess, initially suggesting that antibody to LF or EF augmented protection. However, depletion of LF and EF antibodies in sera did not result in a significant decrease in toxin neutralization. Overall, this study suggests that AVA-induced LF and EF antibodies do not significantly contribute to anthrax toxin neutralization in humans and that antibodies to PA are sufficient to neutralize toxin activity.
Utilization of Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity To Measure Low Levels of Antibodies: Application to Nonstructural Protein 1 in a Model of Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Konishi Eiji , Kitai Yoko , Kondo Takashi 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and related assays are representative of methods currently used for antibody tests. However, they occasionally produce nonspecific reactions, thus making it difficult to reliably measure low levels of specific antibodies. To find a test method that minimizes nonspecific reactions, we introduced the principle of antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) into an antibody assay. The procedure has three steps: (i) the mixing of test samples with a suspension of cells expressing the antigen of interest on their surfaces, (ii) the addition of rabbit complement, and (iii) the measurement of lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) activities by adding a chromogenic substrate to the reaction mixture. When the specific antibodies exist in the sample, complement activation triggered by antibody binding on the surface of the antigen-expressing cells may lyse the cells, releasing LDH into the medium. Mouse and rabbit sera hyperimmune to nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) lysed NS1-expressing cells in a dose-dependent manner. Evaluations using sera from horses naturally infected with JEV showed that the CDC assay had quantitative correlation and qualitative agreement with previously established NS1 antibody-detecting immunostaining and ELISA methods. The assay method also detected NS1 antibodies in sera of mice 2 days after experimental infection with JEV; specific, but not natural, immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected. Since almost all sera examined in this study showed no nonspecific reactions, the CDC assay was shown to be a reliable method for measuring low levels of specific antibodies.
Development of Real-Time Multiplex Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification for Detection of
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae
, and
Legionella
spp. in Respiratory Specimens
Authors: Loens K. , Beck T. , Ursi D. , Overdijk M. , Sillekens P. , Goossens H. , Ieven M. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Real-time multiplex isothermal nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) was developed to detect
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae
, and
Legionella
spp. in respiratory specimens using the NucliSens Basic Kit (bioMérieux, Boxtel, The Netherlands). Oligonucleotide primers were derived from the
M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae
, and
Legionella pneumophila
16S rRNA. For real-time detection, molecular beacons were used. Specificity was established on a panel of bacterial strains. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was determined by testing dilutions of wild-type in vitro-generated RNA in water and dilutions of reference strains in lysis buffer or added to pools of respiratory specimens. Subsequently, a limited number of
M. pneumoniae
-,
C. pneumoniae
-, and
L. pneumophila
-positive and -negative clinical specimens were analyzed. Specific detection of the 16S rRNA of the three organisms was achieved. The analytical sensitivity of the multiplex NASBA on spiked respiratory specimens was slightly diminished compared to the results obtained with the single-target (mono) real-time assays. We conclude that the proposed real-time multiplex NASBA assay, although less sensitive than the real-time mono NASBA assay, is a promising tool for the detection of
M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae
, and
Legionella
spp. in respiratory specimens, regarding handling, speed, and number of samples that can be analyzed in a single run.
Chlamydia trachomatis
Serovars among Strains Isolated from Members of Rural Indigenous Communities and Urban Populations in Australia
Authors: Bandea Claudiu I. , Debattista Joseph , Joseph Kahaliah , Igietseme Joseph , Timms Peter , Black Carolyn M. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

We genotyped
Chlamydia trachomatis
strains from 45 women or men living in either a rural indigenous community or in urban heterosexual communities. We found six different
C. trachomatis
serovars: E (
n
= 22; 48.9%), F (
n
= 10; 22.2%), J/Ja (
n
= 5; 11.1%), D/Da (
n
= 4; 8.9%), G (
n
= 3; 6.7%), and K (
n
= 1; 2.2%). The distribution of
C. trachomatis
serovars among members of the indigenous rural and the urban Australian communities appears similar to that in other Western countries.
Novel Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein E Gene Mutations Associated with Genotypes A and D
Authors: Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Bleymehl Karoline , Schäd Susanne G. , Gross Gerd , Ulrich Rainer G. , Doerr Hans Wilhelm 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Here, we describe the association of certain varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genotypes with unique glycoprotein E (gE) gene mutations. Within 45 analyzed VZV wild-type strains of genotypes A and D, five novel gE mutations were discovered. A statistically significant (
P
< 0.0001) association of certain gE mutations with VZV genotype D was found.
Rapid Preclinical Detection of Sheeppox Virus by a Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Balinsky C. A. , Delhon G. , Smoliga G. , Prarat M. , French R. A. , Geary S. J. , Rock D. L. , Rodriguez L. L. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Sheeppox virus
(SPPV) is a member of the
Capripoxvirus
(CaPV) genus of the
Poxviridae
family. Members of this genus, which also include goatpox and lumpy skin disease viruses, cause economically significant disease in sheep, goats, and cattle. A rapid diagnostic assay for CaPV would be useful for disease surveillance as well as for detection of CaPV in clinical samples and for outbreak management. Here we describe a fluorogenic probe hydrolysis (TaqMan) PCR assay designed for rapid detection of CaPV and tested on sheep experimentally infected with a virulent strain of SPPV. This assay can detect SPPV in buffy coats, nasal swabs, oral swabs, scabs, and skin lesions as well as in lung and lymph nodes collected at necropsy. This single-tube diagnostic assay can be performed in 2 h or less and can detect viral DNA in preclinical, clinical, and postmortem samples.
Optochin Resistance among
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Strains Colonizing Healthy Children in Portugal
Authors: Nunes Sónia , Sá-Leão Raquel , de Lencastre Hermínia 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT
Two percent of 1,973 pneumococcus strains isolated from carriers since 2001 in Portugal were found to be optochin resistant. These strains belonged to eight serotypes (and some were nontypeable), and they had diverse genetic backgrounds. Novel optochin-resistant lineages were detected over time, suggesting that there was a continuous, although sporadic, emergence of optochin resistance.
Hsp40 Facilitates Nuclear Import of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 Vpx-Mediated Preintegration Complex
Authors: Cheng Xiaogang , Belshan Michael , Ratner Lee 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) Vpx is required for nuclear translocation of the viral preintegration complex (PIC) in quiescent cells. In order to decipher the mechanism of action of Vpx, a cDNA library was screened with the yeast two-hybrid assay, resulting in the identification of heat shock protein 40, Hsp40/DnaJB6, as a Vpx-interactive protein. Interaction with Vpx was confirmed by glutathione
S
-transferase (GST) pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Overexpression of Hsp40/DnaJB6 enhanced Vpx nuclear import, whereas overexpression of a nuclear localization mutant of Hsp40/DnaJB6 (H31Q) or down-regulation of Hsp40/DnaJB6 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the nuclear import of Vpx. Hsp40/DnaJB6 competed with the Pr55
Gag
precursor protein for the binding of Vpx and incorporation into virus-like particles. Overexpression of Hsp40/DnaJB6 promoted viral PIC nuclear import, whereas siRNA down-regulation of Hsp40/DnaJB6 inhibited PIC nuclear import. These results demonstrate a role for Hsp40/DnaJB6 in the regulation of HIV-2 PIC nuclear transport.