bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of functional Anopheles merusα‐amylase in the baculovirus/Spodoptera frugiperda system
Authors: Effio P. C. , Folgueras‐Flatschart A. V. , Montor W. R. , Pernasetti F. M. , Pueyo M. T. , Sogayar M. C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe Anopheles merus (Diptera, Nematocera, Culicoidea) α‐amylase gene (AmerAmy, GenBank Accession Number U01210) was amplified with its own or with the Zabrotes subfasciatusα‐amylase signal peptide (ZsAmerAmy, GenBank Accession Number AY270183) by PCR, using designed primers. The AmerAmy gene was sequenced from its promotor to the TGA codon. As a positive control, the Z. subfasciatusα‐amylase gene with its own signal peptide (ZsAmy, GenBank Accession Number AF255722) was also amplified by PCR. These three sequences were inserted into the baculovirus genome using the Bac‐to‐Bac™ system. Recombinant baculovirus preparations were used to infect Sf9 Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells. The A. merusα‐amylase was successfully expressed as an active enzyme detected mainly in cell culture supernatants.
Functional dissection of the hexamerin receptor and its ligand arylphorin in the blowfly Calliphora vicina
Authors: Hansen I. A. , Gutsmann V. , Meyer S. R. , Scheller K. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe process of receptor‐mediated uptake of hexamerin storage proteins from insect haemolymph by fat body cells is a unique feature of the class Insecta. We identified the binding domains of the hexamerin receptor and the hexamerin ligand arylphorin in the blowfly, by means of the yeast‐two‐hybrid‐system. The receptor‐binding domain of arylphorin was located within domain 3 of the arylphorin monomer. The ligand‐binding domain of the hexamerin receptor was mapped to the extreme N‐terminus of the receptor. The binding domains identified exhibit no similarity to any functional protein domains known to date. Additionally, we identified two previously unknown protein‐interactors of the hexamerin receptor. The results of this study provide further insights regarding the mechanism of the receptor‐mediated endocytosis of storage proteins in insects.
piggyBac‐mediated germline transformation in the beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Lorenzen M. D. , Berghammer A. J. , Brown S. J. , Denell R. E. , Klingler M. , Beeman R. W. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe lepidopteran transposable element piggyBac can mediate germline insertions in at least four insect orders. It therefore shows promise as a broad‐spectrum transformation vector, but applications such as enhancer trapping and transposon‐tag mutagenesis are still lacking. We created, cloned, sequenced and genetically mapped a set of piggyBac insertions in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Transpositions were precise, and specifically targeted the canonical TTAA recognition sequence. We detected several novel reporter‐expression domains, indicating that piggyBac could be used to identify enhancer regions. We also demonstrated that a primary insertion of a non‐autonomous element can be efficiently remobilized to non‐homologous chromosomes by injection of an immobile helper element into embryos harbouring the primary insertion. These developments suggest potential for more sophisticated methods of piggyBac‐mediated genome manipulation.
Haemocytes from Pseudoplusia includens express multiple α and β integrin subunits
Authors: Lavine M. D. , Strand M. R. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractCellular immune responses such as encapsulation involve the adhesion of one or more classes of haemocytes. How insect haemocytes recognize encapsulation targets as foreign or the identity of the molecules regulating haemocyte adhesion is unknown. One of the most important classes of adhesion receptors in mammalian immune cells is the integrins, which form functional heterodimers through different combinations of α and β subunits. Prior studies with the moth Pseudoplusia includens indicated that encapsulation depends on two classes of haemocytes called granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Here we report the cloning and identification of three α integrin subunits (αPi1–3) and one β subunit (βPi1) from P. includens. Northern blot analysis indicated that all four subunits are expressed in granulocytes and that three of the four subunits are expressed in plasmatocytes. Quantification of transcription patterns using real‐time PCR revealed that expression of αPi2 and βPi1 increased in granulocytes and plasmatocytes when binding to a foreign surface or forming a capsule. αPi2 transcription in plasmatocytes was further increased by granulocyte conditioned medium, plasmatocyte spreading peptide, and the integrin recognition peptide RGD. Collectively, these results suggest that one or more integrins play an important role in regulating haemocyte adhesion during encapsulation.
Fall armyworm FR sequences map to sex chromosomes and their distribution in the wild indicate limitations in interstrain mating
Authors: Nagoshi R. N. , Meagher R. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, consists of two host strains (rice and corn) that differ in developmental, physiological and behavioural characteristics. However, because the strains are morphologically indistinguishable the investigation of strain‐specific behaviour, particularly in the wild, is very difficult. This has spurred the isolation of diagnostic molecular markers. FR sequences are tandem‐repeat genetic elements found in large clusters only in the rice strain. To facilitate their use as a strain marker we genetically mapped FR clusters and found they localized to the sex chromosomes. This represents one of the first examples of chromosome mapping in fall armyworm. The FR sequence and a strain‐specific mitochondrial marker were then used to examine the distribution of different marker combinations in field specimens. These studies identified significant barriers to interstrain mating in the wild, specifically that corn strain females rarely, if ever, mate with rice strain males. The data also suggest that only a genetically distinct subset of the overwintering rice strain population in Florida annually migrate to Georgia. These studies demonstrate that the availability of genetically characterized molecular markers for strain identity makes possible studies on fall armyworm biology in the wild previously considered unfeasible.
Developmental expression and gene/enzyme identifications in the alpha esterase gene cluster of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Campbell P. M. , De Q. Robin G. C. , Court L. N. , Dorrian S. J. , Russell R. J. , Oakeshott J. G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractHere we show how the 10 genes of the alpha esterase cluster of Drosophila melanogaster have diverged substantially in their expression profiles. Together with previously described sequence divergence this suggests substantial functional diversification. By peptide mass fingerprinting and in vitro gene expression we have also shown that two of the genes encode the isozymes EST9 (formerly ESTC) and EST23. EST9 is the major ‘alpha staining’ esterase in zymograms of gut tissues in feeding stages while orthologues of EST23 confer resistance to organophosphorus insecticides in other higher Diptera. The results for EST9 and EST23 concur with previous suggestions that the products of the alpha esterase cluster function in digestion and detoxification of xenobiotic esters. However, many of the other genes in the cluster show developmental or tissue‐specific expression that seems inconsistent with such roles. Furthermore, there is generally poor correspondence between the mRNA expression patterns of the remaining eight genes and isozymes previously characterized by standard techniques of electrophoresis and staining, suggesting that the alpha cluster might only account for a small minority of the esterase isozyme profile.
Analysis of the wild‐type and mutant genes encoding the enzyme kynurenine monooxygenase of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Han Q. , Calvo E. , Marinotti O. , Fang J. , Rizzi M. , James A. A. , Li J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractKynurenine 3‐monooxygenase (KMO) catalyses the hydroxylation of kynurenine to 3‐hydroxykynurenine. KMO has a key role in tryptophan catabolism and synthesis of ommochrome pigments in mosquitoes. The gene encoding this enzyme in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is called kynurenine hydroxylase (kh) and a mutant allele that produces white eyes has been designated khw. A number of cDNA clones representative of wild‐type and mutant genes were isolated. Sequence analyses of the wild‐type and mutant cDNAs revealed a deletion of 162 nucleotides in the mutant gene near the 3′‐end of the deduced coding region. RT‐PCR analyses confirm the transcription of a truncated mRNA in the mutant strain. The in‐frame deletion results in a loss of 54 amino acids, which disrupts a major α‐helix and which probably accounts for the loss of activity of the enzyme. Recombinant Ae. aegypti KMO showed high substrate specificity for kynurenine with optimum activity at 40 °C and pH = 7.5. Kinetic parameters and inhibition of KMO activity by Cl– and pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate were determined.
Involvement of the JNK‐like protein of the Aedes albopictus mosquito cell line, C6/36, in phagocytosis, endocytosis and infection of West Nile virus
Authors: Mizutani T. , Kobayashi M. , Eshita Y. , Shirato K. , Kimura T. , Ako Y. , Miyoshi H. , Takasaki T. , Kurane I. , Kariwa H. , Umemura T. , Takashima I. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWe recently cloned a c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) sequence from the C6/36 cell line, derived from the mosquito Aedes albopictus. We showed that SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK proteins, inhibits phagocytosis by C6/36 cells, suggesting that the JNK‐like protein regulates phagocytosis. Here, we show that C6/36 cells constitutively express low levels of mRNA encoding the antibacterial peptides, cecropin and defensin, but that these mRNAs were up‐regulated upon stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thus, the C6/36 cells have properties similar to those of mammalian macrophages. To characterize further the functional properties of C6/36 cells, we have assayed the role of the JNK‐like protein in phagocytosis, endocytosis, and viral infection. C6/36 cells phagocytosed bacteria and artificial beads, and this was only slightly up‐regulated following LPS stimulation, suggesting that newly stimulated JNK‐like protein was not necessary for phagocytosis. SP600125 inhibited the acidification of intracellular compartments, including those involved in the endocytic pathway. Pretreatment of C6/36 cells with SP600125 or bafilomycin A1, but not cytochalasin D, inhibited the entry of West Nile virus (WNV), suggesting that WNV is internalized mainly by endocytosis, and that the JNK signalling pathway is important for endocytic entry. These findings indicate that the JNK‐like protein regulates basic physiological functions, including phagocytosis and endocytosis and infection of WNV.
A teratocyte gene from a parasitic wasp that is associated with inhibition of insect growth and development inhibits host protein synthesis
Authors: Dahlman D. L. , Rana R. L. , Schepers E. J. , Schepers T. , DiLuna F. A. , Webb B. A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAfter parasitization, some wasps induce hosts prematurely to initiate metamorphic development that is then suspended in a postwandering, prepupal state. Following egression of the parasite larva, the host remains in this developmentally arrested state until death. Teratocytes, cells released at egg hatch from extra‐embryonic serosal membranes of some wasp parasites, inhibit growth and development when injected into host larvae independent of other parasite factors (e.g. venom, polydnavirus). Synthesis of some developmentally regulated, abundantly expressedHeliothis virescenshost proteins is inhibited in hosts parasitized byMicroplitis croceipesand by teratocyte injection. A cDNA encoding a 13.9 kDa protein (TSP14) that inhibited protein synthesis, growth and development was isolated from a protein fraction secreted by teratocytes. TSP14 appears to be responsible, in part, for the teratocyte‐mediated inhibition of host growth and development. Interestingly, this cDNA encoded a cysteine‐rich amino acid motif similar to that described fromCampoletis sonorensispolydnavirus, a mutualistic virus that enables wasp parasitization of lepidopteran larvae. Moreover, TSP14 inhibited protein synthesis in a dose‐dependent manner in rabbit reticulocyte lysate and wheat germ extract translation systems. We hypothesize that some wasp parasites inhibit translation as a general means to regulate and redirect lepidopteran host physiology to support endoparasite development.
Rheological properties of mixed muscle/nonmuscle protein emulsions treated with transglutaminase at two ionic strengths
Authors: Ramírez‐Suárez Juan C. , Xiong Youling L. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThis study was conducted to determine the effect of transglutaminase on emulsifying properties and rheology of emulsion gels of mixed myofibrillar (MPI) and whey (WPI) or soy (SPI) protein isolates in aqueous solutions with (μ ∼ 0.6) or without (μ ∼ 0) 0.6 m NaCl at pH 6.5. Mixed MPI/WPI or MPI/SPI had a greater (P < 0.05) emulsifying activity but a reduced emulsion storage stability when compared with MPI alone at both ionic strength conditions. The enzyme treatment had a minor effect on protein emulsifying activity, but tended to decrease emulsion stability because of promoting flocculation. Mixed protein emulsions in salt‐free solution formed a gel upon heating to about 50 °C; however, the gel elasticity was less than that of the MPI control emulsion. The addition of 0.6 m NaCl lowered the onset gelling temperature, altered the rheological pattern of the gel, but minimally affected the final gel strength; while the transglutaminase treatment resulted in a higher gel elasticity for all emulsion samples. The results suggest that transglutaminase influenced the rheological properties of mixed muscle/nonmuscle protein emulsion gels mainly through affecting the interaction or cross‐linking of oil droplets and not the physical characteristics of the fat globule membrane per se.
Variation in the form of iron in beef and lamb meat and losses of iron during cooking and storage
Authors: Purchas R. W. , Simcock D. C. , Knight T. W. , Wilkinson B. H. P. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryIron levels were lower in semitendinosus muscle of beef and lamb than in longissimus or triceps brachii muscles, and were lower for muscles of male than female lambs, but were similar for muscles from bulls, heifers and mature cows. Soluble proportions of haem iron were higher for beef than lamb (66% vs. 56% of total iron, P < 0.0001), and percentages, as insoluble haem iron or insoluble and soluble non‐haem iron, were lower in beef. For beef semitendinosus muscle, increases in cooking time and temperature led to losses of soluble iron and haem iron, with increases in insoluble and non‐haem forms of iron, and also in the level of iron in the cooking juice. Losses of iron in drip from a free meat sample or a sample on a pad were over 90% soluble haem iron and were greater following freezing and thawing due mainly to higher volumes of drip.
Electrosynthesis of κ‐carrageenan–ovalbumin complexes
Authors: Lii Cheng‐yi , Chen Hua‐han , Lu Shin , Tomasik Piotr 
Published: September 2003

SummaryElectrosynthesis ofκ‐carrageenan–ovalbumin complexes, in alkaline solution and containing both components in ratios varying from 1 : 5 to 5 : 1, is described. Complexes had compositions varying from 1 : 10 to 1 : 1.8. Components were covalently bound, as deduced from the insolubility of the complexes in 7 murea, the infrared spectra, and thermogravimetric studies. The thermal stability of these complexes was higher than that ofκ‐carrageenan and lower than that of ovalbumin.
Acceptability of snacks produced by the extrusion of amaranth and blends of chickpea and bovine lung
Authors: Chávez‐Jáuregui Rosa N. , Cardoso‐Santiago Raquel A. , Silva Maria E. M. Pinto e , Arêas José A. G. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryTwo snacks, one containing chickpea and either 0, 5 or 10% bovine lung and another with pure amaranth were developed to replace traditional snacks made of maize. These new snacks had improved nutritional quality and their acceptability was assessed by sensory analysis. The tests showed that these products were highly acceptable and comparable with commercial brands. A pizza snack flavoured with amaranth had an acceptability rating that was not significantly different from the commercial maize counterpart. The same applied to bacon flavoured chickpea/lung snacks. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to produce a highly acceptable snack with high nutritional quality that could be useful in nutritional programmes to combat malnutrition. Replacement of commercial snacks based on maize by those developed in this study would benefit young consumers of these types of products.
Nutritional evaluation, with emphasis on protein quality, of maize‐based complementary foods enriched with soya bean and cowpea tempe
Authors: Osundahunsi O. F. , Aworh O. C. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryTempe was prepared from dehulled, cooked soya beans and cowpea by using Rhizopus oligosporus fermentation. Four complementary foods, containing 50–80% maize flour or ‘ogi’ flour, were prepared from blends of maize flour, ‘ogi’ flour and tempe flour with or without the addition of melon seed flour. The complementary foods were much higher in protein (18.6–19.7%) and fat (8.2–9.4%) than ‘ogi’ and, except for lower ash contents, were comparable in proximate composition with typical commercial complementary foods produced by food multinationals in Nigeria. There were no significant differences in food efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, net protein retention, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, total serum protein and weights of liver, pancreas, kidney and adrenal gland of rats fed the maize‐based complementary foods enriched with soya bean and cowpea tempe relative to those fed a casein diet.
The Human Genome Project – threat or promise?
Authors: Carmichael B. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis paper reflects on some of the arguments against screening from the perspective of a relative of individuals with Fragile X syndrome. It proposes to think about intellectual disability (ID) as including a wide range of limitations beyond that of only the mental handicap. It argues that these limitations impose conditions upon both people with disabilities and their parents, as well as upon their siblings, that in various ways amount to suffering. The claim that people with disabilities are enriching the lives of their relatives is rejected. Furthermore, it is argued that those who ascribe a high moral status to people with disabilities tend to neglect that society does not make much of an effort to offer the necessary support to materialize this status. The claim that screening negatively affects the moral status of persons with ID is rebutted on grounds of the freedom of choice.
Prenatal genetic screening for intellectual disability
Authors: Edwards S. D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBackground This paper argues that the main ground for the moral justification of screening and termination of foetuses on grounds of intellectual disability stems from a conception of what it is to lead a good human life.Method Having established this claim, three well‐known philosophical theories of a good human life are briefly presented.Conclusion In the light of consideration of these theories, it is proposed that life with intellectual disability is not necessarily incompatible with the conditions necessary for leading a good human life.
Identity, difference and the ethical politics of prenatal testing
Authors: Stainton T. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis paper explores the role of identity in relation to the ethics of prenatal testing for conditions that cause intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it considers the question of identity and the moral status of the fetus. It argues that both the arguments in favour and opposed to prenatal testing mistakenly presuppose that there is no moral status attached to the fetus. That status is grounded in an identity‐constituting characteristic, such as ‘intellectual disability’, which is brought about by the purpose of genetic testing, and the meaning of which is culturally constructed. This paper examines the implications this has for the debate around both prenatal testing and termination in general and considers the nature of the ethical politics which follows from this position with regard to prenatal testing related to intellectual disability.
Tragedy and catastrophe: contentious discourses of ethics and disability
Authors: Clapton J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractUndertaking theoretical‐conceptual research, this paper identifies and explores two dominant discourses that seemingly underpin ethical considerations about people with intellectual disability in this current biotechnological era. The discourses, identified astragedyandcatastrophe, are constructed from conjunctions of particular theoretical understandings of disability and particular frameworks of ethics. For example, both tragedy and catastrophe are founded upon notions of disability as personal tragedy; and ethics, especially bioethics, primarily practised as medical ethics. What differs between the discourses is the apparent intent of each, and subsequently the arena in which they are activated. This paper asserts that the identification and deconstruction of these discourses, and their implicit ethical agendas, cannot be ignored and indeed should be challenged, when considering the impact of technological and scientific advances, such as the Human Genome Project. However, there has been little attention given in contemporary ethical discussions as to whether these discourses are contestable, or the power base of their constructions questionable. In fact, the insertion of ‘counterstories’ from relational experiences with people with disability may offer both alternative understandings and a more appropriate ethical platform from which to engage in critical discussions. The challenges are, then, whether these counterstories can be heard in such a climate; and what currency will bioethics, as a discipline, give them against the very powerful and partnering disciplines controlling the biotechnological revolution?
On certainty, reflexivity and the ethics of genetic research into intellectual disability
Authors: Goodey C. F. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractHistory seems to show us that any definition of intellectual disability (ID) including our current one has no timeless, certain validity, and that definitions are made only in ethical contexts. It is difficult to find a terra firma on which to discuss this sceptical claim alongside the claim to certain knowledge assumed in genetics and much of bioethics. Perhaps a transhistorical basis can be found instead in the motives of people constructing ID, and in the substratum of unconditionality in human relationships.