bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft Sequencing and Comparative Genomics of Xylella fastidiosa Strains Reveal Novel Biological Insights
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anamitra , Stilwagen Stephanie , Reznik Gary , Feil Helene , Feil William S. , Anderson Iain , Bernal Axel , D'Souza Mark , Ivanova Natalia , Kapatral Vinayak , Larsen Niels , Los Tamara , Lykidis Athanasios , Selkov Eugene , Walunas Theresa L. , Purcell Alexander , Edwards Rob A. , Hawkins Trevor , Haselkorn Robert , Overbeek Ross , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Predki Paul F. 
Published: November 2002

Draft sequencing is a rapid and efficient method for determining the near-complete sequence of microbial genomes. Here we report a comparative analysis of one complete and two draft genome sequences of the phytopathogenic bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, which causes serious disease in plants, including citrus, almond, and oleander. We present highlights of an in silico analysis based on a comparison of reconstructions of core biological subsystems. Cellular pathway reconstructions have been used to identify a small number of genes, which are likely to reside within the draft genomes but are not captured in the draft assembly. These represented only a small fraction of all genes and were predominantly large and small ribosomal subunit protein components. By using this approach, some of the inherent limitations of draft sequence can be significantly reduced. Despite the incomplete nature of the draft genomes, it is possible to identify several phage-related genes, which appear to be absent from the draft genomes and not the result of insufficient sequence sampling. This region may therefore identify potential host-specific functions. Based on this first functional reconstruction of a phytopathogenic microbe, we spotlight an unusual respiration machinery as a potential target for biological control. We also predicted and developed a new defined growth medium forXylella.[The sequence data from this study have been submitted to GenBank under accession nos. NC_002723 (X. fastidiosa Almond [Dixon]) and NC_002722 (X. fastidiosaOleander [Ann-1]).
Identification of the Single Base Change Causing the Callipyge Muscle Hypertrophy Phenotype, the Only Known Example of Polar Overdominance in Mammals
Authors: Freking Brad A. , Murphy Susan K. , Wylie Andrew A. , Rhodes Simon J. , Keele John W. , Leymaster Kreg A. , Jirtle Randy L. , Smith Timothy P.L. 
Published: November 2002

A small genetic region near the telomere of ovine chromosome 18 was previously shown to carry the mutation causing the callipyge muscle hypertrophy phenotype in sheep. Expression of this phenotype is the only known case in mammals of paternal polar overdominance gene action. A region surrounding two positional candidate genes was sequenced in animals of known genotype. Mutation detection focused on an inbred ram of callipyge phenotype postulated to have inherited chromosome segments identical-by-descent with exception of the mutated position. In support of this hypothesis, this inbred ram was homozygous over 210 Kb of sequence, except for a single heterozygous base position. This single polymorphism was genotyped in multiple families segregating the callipyge locus (CLPG), providing 100% concordance with animals of known CLPG genotype, and was unique to descendants of the founder animal. The mutation lies in a region of high homology among mouse, sheep, cattle, and humans, but not in any previously identified expressed transcript. A substantial open reading frame exists in the sheep sequence surrounding the mutation, although this frame is not conserved among species. Initial functional analysis indicates sequence encompassing the mutation is part of a novel transcript expressed in sheep fetal muscle we have namedCLPG1.[The sequence data described in this paper have been submitted to GenBank under the following accession numbers:G74891-G75331 for all STS generated; AF401294 for the amplicon identifying the specific callipyge mutation; AF533009 for the partial expressed transcript.]
The ID effect on youth access to cigarettes
Authors: Levinson A H , Hendershott S , Byers T E 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To estimate the effect on cigarette sales rates when minors present identification (ID).Design:Controlled experiment in which minors attempting to purchase cigarettes either carried a valid photo ID (documenting they were minors) or carried no ID, and were instructed to show the ID or admit having no ID if the clerk requested proof of age.Setting:Census of retail stores in six urban and suburban Colorado counties.Subjects:Retail cigarette clerks, uninformed of the study.Main outcome measures:Relative risk (RR) of cigarette sale to a minor when ID was requested and presented versus requested but not presented.Results:When clerks requested ID, sales were more than six times as frequent if minors presented ID than if they did not (12.2%v2.0%, RR 6.2, p < 0.0001). The relative risk remained substantially unchanged under adjustment for demographic and circumstantial covariates.Conclusions:Presentation of photo ID in compliance checks increases illegal cigarette sales to minors. The impact may vary among states or locales and depends strongly on how often clerks request proof of age. Clerk training and responsible cigarette sales practices should include age calculations from photo ID. Programmes relying on investigative purchase attempts to estimate actual rates of cigarette sales to minors should ascertain and replicate local ID presenting behaviours that minors typically use during genuine attempts to buy cigarettes.
Socially cued smoking in bars, nightclubs, and gaming venues: a case for introducing smoke-free policies
Authors: Trotter L , Wakefield M , Borland R 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To assess smokers’ perceived effects of smoking bans in bars, nightclubs, and gaming venues on their smoking behaviour.Design:Cross sectional structured interview telephone survey of a random sample of smokers.Setting:Population survey in Victoria, Australia.Participants:The sample comprised 597 smokers and analyses were conducted on 409 smokers who reported patronising bars, nightclubs or gaming venues at least monthly.Outcome measures:Two outcomes studied were socially cued smoking and readiness to quit as a result of restrictions on smoking in social venues. Respondents were identified as socially cued smokers if they reported attending bars, nightclubs or gaming venues at least monthly and said that they smoke more in these venues. The potential influence of bans in social venues on readiness to quit was measured by asking respondents if they would be more or less likely to quit smoking if smoking were banned in hotels, licensed bars, gaming venues, and nightclubs.Results:Of all adult smokers, 69% attended bars, nightclubs or gaming venues at least monthly. Of these smokers, 70% reported smoking more in these settings (socially cued smokers) and 25% indicated they would be likely to quit if smoking were banned in social venues. Compared to smokers not likely to quit if there were bans, smokers likely to quit were more likely to be socially cued (odds ratio (OR) 2.64), to be contemplating or preparing to quit (OR 2.22), to approve of bans in social venues (OR 2.44), and to be aged under 30 years (OR 1.73). Compared with smokers not socially cued, socially cued smokers were more likely to be under the age of 30 years (OR 6.15), more likely to believe that there is a safe level of cigarette consumption (OR 2.25), and more likely to have previously made a quit attempt (OR 2.60).Conclusions:These findings suggest that bans on smoking in bars, nightclubs, and gaming venues could reduce cigarette consumption and increase quitting among smokers who frequently patronise these settings. These beneficial effects are likely to be strongest among younger smokers.
Tobacco industry success in preventing regulation of secondhand smoke in Latin America: the “Latin Project”
Authors: Barnoya J , Glantz S 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To examine the tobacco industry’s strategy to avoid regulations on secondhand smoke exposure in Latin America.Methods:Systematic search of tobacco industry documents available through the internet. All available materials, including confidential reports regarding research, lobbying, and internal memoranda exchanged between the tobacco industry representatives, tobacco industry lawyers, and key players in Latin America.Results:In Latin America, Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, working through the law firm Covington & Burling, developed a network of well placed physicians and scientists through their “Latin Project” to generate scientific arguments minimising secondhand smoke as a health hazard, produce low estimates of exposure, and to lobby against smoke-free workplaces and public places. The tobacco industry’s role was not disclosed.Conclusions:The strategies used by the industry have been successful in hindering development of public health programmes on secondhand smoke. Latin American health professionals need to be aware of this industry involvement and must take steps to counter it to halt the tobacco epidemic in Latin America.
Assessment of nicotine dependence symptoms in adolescents: a comparison of five indicators
Authors: O’Loughlin J , DiFranza J , Tarasuk J , Meshefedjian G , McMillan-Davey E , Paradis G , Tyndale R F , Clarke P , Hanley J 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To examine the psychometric properties, test-retest reliability, and convergent construct validity of five indicators of nicotine dependence (ND) symptoms in adolescents.Design:Analysis of baseline data from a prospective study on the natural history of ND in 1264 adolescents aged 12–13 years.Setting:Ten Montreal high schools.Subjects:233 grade 7 students who had smoked cigarettes one or more times in the three months preceding the baseline data collection.Main outcome measures:Five indicators of ND symptoms including two that are multi-dimensional (a proxy measure of ICD-10 criteria for tobacco dependence; the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC)) and three new indicators of “symptom clusters” that emerged from principal component analysis (ND/cravings, withdrawal symptoms, self medication).Results:All five indicators demonstrated acceptable internal and test-retest reliability. The correlation between the HONC and ND/cravings was 0.910. All other correlations between indicators ranged between 0.716–0.824. There was considerable overlap in the independent correlates identified for each indicator.Conclusions:All five indicators performed well psychometrically. Until the meaning, relative importance, and usefulness of each scale is clarified in longitudinal work, decisions regarding which scale(s) are most informative will depend more on the content of the scales, the need for a multi- or unidimensional indicator, and whether or not the scale is theory based.
Biosynthetic FGF-2 is targeted to non-lipid raft microdomains following translocation to the extracellular surface of CHO cells
Authors: Engling André , Backhaus Rafael , Stegmayer Carolin , Zehe Christoph , Seelenmeyer Claudia , Kehlenbach Angelika , Schwappach Blanche , Wegehingel Sabine , Nickel Walter 
Published: November 2002

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is a secretory protein that lacks a signal peptide. Consistently, FGF-2 has been shown to be secreted by an ER-Golgi-independent mechanism; however, the machinery mediating this process remains to be established at the molecular level. Here we introduce a novel experimental system based on flow cytometry that allows the quantitative assessment of non-classical FGF-2 secretion in living cells. Stable cell lines have been created by retroviral transduction that express various kinds of FGF-2-GFP fusion proteins in a doxicyclin-dependent manner. Following induction of protein expression, biosynthetic FGF-2-GFP is shown to translocate to the outer surface of the plasma membrane as determined by both fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and confocal microscopy. Both N-and C-terminal GFP tagging of FGF-2 is compatible with FGF-2 export, which is shown to occur in a controlled fashion rather than through unspecific release. The experimental system described has strong implications for the identification of both FGF-2 secretion inhibitors and molecular components involved in FGF-2 secretion.In the second part of this study we made use of the FGF-2 export system described to analyze the fate of biosynthetic FGF-2-GFP following export to the extracellular space. We find that secreted FGF-2 fusion proteins accumulate in large heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG)-containing protein clusters on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane. These microdomains are shown to be distinct from caveolae-like lipid rafts known to play a role in FGF-2-mediated signal transduction. Since CHO cells lack FGF high-affinity receptors (FGFRs), it can be concluded that FGFRs mediate the targeting of FGF-2 to lipid rafts. Consistently, FGF-2-GFP-secreting CHO cells do not exhibit increased proliferation activity. Externalization and deposition of biosynthetic FGF-2 in HSPG-containing protein clusters are independent processes, as a soluble secreted intermediate was demonstrated. The balance between intracellular FGF-2 and HSPG-bound secreted FGF-2 is shown not to be controlled by the availability of cell surface HSPGs, indicating that the FGF-2 secretion machinery itself is rate-limiting.
A climatology of mesoscale convective systems over Europe using satellite infrared imagery. II: Characteristics of European mesoscale convective systems
Authors: Morel C. , Senesi S. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractAn automated method for mesoscale convective system (MCS) identification and tracking (described in part I) is applied in order to derive a sound European MCS database using Meteosat infrared channel (IR10.8) images centred over Europe, the western Mediterranean and north Africa. The database covers five warm seasons, from April to September, for the years 1993 to 1997 and includes more than 6000 MCSs reaching at least an area of 10 000 km2.First results of the derived climatology of European MCSs are presented. They mainly address the MCS geographical location, general MCS characteristics (maximum extent, eccentricity, duration) and the diurnal cycle of the MCS.MCSs are shown to be mainly continental, but some MCS triggering is observed during the second half of August and September over the western Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, MCS triggering is strongly correlated with orography and local maxima of MCS triggering are observed near all mountain ranges. Regions near the Alps which favour MCS triggering are described in detail. The monthly distributions of occurrence of warm‐season European MCSs are also presented.Distributions of maximum extent, eccentricity, direction of propagation, life duration and triggering and dissipation times are also derived. On average, a theoretical ‘typical European MCS’ moves to the east‐north‐east, triggers near 3 p.m. Local Solar Time (LST), lasts around 5.5 hours and dissipates near 9 p.m. LST. It typically has an eccentricity at the time of maximum extent of 0.53.The diurnal cycle is also studied and proved to be in phase with the diurnal radiative heating, except for around 20% of the MCSs.A detailed analysis of the maximum‐extent distribution shows that it can be fitted by a log‐normal distribution which leads to an average value of the MCS maximum extent of around 9000 km2. This approximation is statistically meaningful and it is independent of the choice to study only MCSs reaching at least 10 000 km2.Finally, a section of this article is devoted to indirect verifications of the discrimination method (see part I) for the whole geographical domain. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society
Ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal–infant interactions in a rat model of fetal alcohol syndrome
Authors: Marino Melissa D. , Cronise Kim , Lugo Joaquin N. , Kelly Sandra J. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractWhen isolated from their dams and littermates, rat pups emit ultrasonic vocalizations to elicit attention and retrieval from their dams. This study examined the effects of perinatal alcohol exposure on ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal–infant interactions. Alcohol was administered throughout gestation to the dams and during the early postnatal period to the pups. Control groups consisted of a nontreated control and an intubated, pair‐fed control. Ultrasonic vocalizations were measured on postnatal day (PD) 5 under varying conditions of isolation. Maternal behaviors were examined on PD2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Maternal behaviors were not significantly affected by prior alcohol administration to either the dams or the pups. However, ethanol‐exposed rat pups vocalized more on PD5 than controls regardless of condition. The heightened vocalization response of the ethanol‐exposed pups might be an underlying factor in the persistent effects of perinatal ethanol exposure on social behavior. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 41: 341–351, 2002. Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/dev.10077
Evidence That Plant-Like Genes in Chlamydia Species Reflect an Ancestral Relationship between Chlamydiaceae, Cyanobacteria, and the Chloroplast
Authors: Brinkman Fiona S.L. , Blanchard Jeffrey L. , Cherkasov Artem , Av-Gay Yossef , Brunham Robert C. , Fernandez Rachel C. , Finlay B. Brett , Otto Sarah P. , Ouellette B.F. Francis , Keeling Patrick J. , Rose Ann M. , Hancock Robert E.W. , Jones Steven J.M. 
Published: November 2002

An unusually high proportion of proteins encoded inChlamydia genomes are most similar to plant proteins, leading to proposals that a Chlamydia ancestor obtained genes from a plant or plant-like host organism by horizontal gene transfer. However, during an analysis of bacterial–eukaryotic protein similarities, we found that the vast majority of plant-like sequences in Chlamydia are most similar to plant proteins that are targeted to the chloroplast, an organelle derived from a cyanobacterium. We present further evidence suggesting that plant-like genes in Chlamydia, and other Chlamydiaceae, are likely a reflection of an unappreciated evolutionary relationship between the Chlamydiaceae and the cyanobacteria-chloroplast lineage. Further analyses of bacterial and eukaryotic genomes indicates the importance of evaluating organellar ancestry of eukaryotic proteins when identifying bacteria-eukaryote homologs or horizontal gene transfer and supports the proposal that Chlamydiaceae, which are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens of animals, are not likely exchanging DNA with their hosts.[Supplementary Material is available online at http://www.genome.org and athttp://www.pathogenomics.bc.ca/BAE-watch.html.]
ASHRAE Standard 62: tobacco industry’s influence over national ventilation standards
Authors: Bialous S Aguinaga , Glantz S A 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To describe the role of the tobacco industry in the development of ventilation standards for indoor air quality by influencing the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).Methods:Review of tobacco industry documents available on the internet between January 2001 and March 2002. Search terms included “ASHRAE”, “ventilation”, “minutes”, “memo”, and the names of key players and organisations as identified in the initial searches. Analysis of ASHRAE and other relevant documents publicly available and the personal files of a Standard 62 committee member; interviews of a selected number of ASHRAE players; observation of an ASHRAE meeting.Results:The tobacco industry has been involved in the development of ventilation standards for over 20 years. It has successfully influenced the standard and continues to attempt to change the standard from a smoke-free framework into an “accommodation” framework. The industry acts directly and through consultants and allies. The major health groups have been largely absent and the health interests have been poorly represented in standard development. While concentrated in the USA, ASHRAE standards are adopted worldwide.Conclusion:The tobacco industry determined that allowing smoking in ventilation standards for indoor air quality was a high priority and dedicated significant human and financial resources to ensure that its interests were represented. The health groups, until recently, have largely ignored the policy implications for tobacco control of standard development. This situation is changing, but unless health groups maintain high visibility within ASHRAE, the tobacco industry may succeed in creating a standard that ignores the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Dissemination of the AHCPR clinical practice guideline in community health centres
Authors: DePue J D , Goldstein M G , Schilling A , Reiss P , Papandonatos G , Sciamanna C , Kazura A 
Published: November 2002

Objective:To evaluate dissemination of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)Smoking cessation clinical practice guidelinein community health centres.Design:Pre- and post-trial.Setting:Fourteen community health centres in Rhode Island.Subjects:Provider performance was assessed with 1798 and 1591 patient contacts, in pre-post cross sectional consecutive samples, respectively, and 891 contacts at one year follow up.Interventions:Three, one hour on-site provider training sessions, on review of effective tobacco interventions, use of office systems, and tobacco counselling skill building.Outcome measures:Chart documentation of four A’s (Ask, Advise, Assist, and Arrange follow up) at most recent primary care visit.Results:While average performance rates increased for Ask and Advise (from 30% to 44%, and 19% to 26%, pre-post, respectively), significant increases were found only for some visit types, with further differences by patient sex. There were significant increases for Ask for all except obstetric/gynaecological (ob/gyn) visit types. Patients at yearly physicals and first visits were more likely to be asked at all time points, while males were more likely to be asked at acute visits than were females. There were no significant increases for Advise, Assist, and Arrange across time, although female patients showed a differential increase in Advise post-training. Advise was significantly more likely in yearly physicals and first visits, and less likely in ob/gyn visits, at all time points.Conclusions:This guideline dissemination effort resulted in quite different provider counselling rates across patient sexes, and visit types. Guideline implementation may require more sustained efforts, with multiple strategies, which are reinforced at higher policy levels, to more fully integrate tobacco interventions into routine primary care practice with all patients who smoke.
Functional involvement of VAMP/synaptobrevin-2 in cAMP-stimulated aquaporin 2 translocation in renal collecting duct cells
Authors: Gouraud Sabine , Laera Antonia , Calamita Giuseppe , Carmosino Monica , Procino Giuseppe , Rossetto Ornella , Mannucci Roberta , Rosenthal Walter , Svelto Maria , Valenti Giovanna 
Published: November 2002

The involvement of soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor-attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins in the cAMP-induced exocytosis of aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-containing vesicles was investigated in AQP2-transfected renal CD8 cells. RT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed the presence of the SNARE homologs VAMP/synaptobrevin-2, syntaxin-1, syntaxin-4 and SNAP-23 in CD8 cells. Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) was efficient in cleaving synaptobrevin-like protein both in vitro and in intact CD8 cells incubated with the toxin. TeNT treatment in intact CD8 cells completely abolished cAMP-stimulated AQP2 targeting to the plasma membrane, as assessed by quantification of cell-surface immunoreactivity to an anti-AQP2 antibody raised against a peptide reproducing the extracellular AQP2 C-loop.
These results represent the first evidence for the functional involvement of VAMP-2 in cAMP-induced AQP2 exocytosis in renal cells.