bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in the salivary peptide, maxadilan, from species in the Lutzomyia longipalpis complex
Authors: Field L. M. , James A. A. , Lanzaro G. C. , Lopes A. H. C. S. , Ribeiro J. M. C. , Shoemaker C. B. , Warburg A. , Soares M. , Titus R. G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMaxadilan is an approximately 7kDa peptide that occurs in the saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. This peptide is a potent vasodilator and may also have immunomodulatory effects related to the pathogenesis of leishmanial infections. Variation in the primary DNA and inferred amino acid sequence of maxadilan is reported. Differences were found within and among natural field populations as well as among sibling species. Extensive amino acid sequence differentiation, up to 23%, was observed among maxadilan from different populations. This is a remarkable degree of polymorphism considering the small size of this peptide. The vasodilatory activity of maxadilan was equivalent among recombinant maxadilan variants. All maxadilan variants induce interleukin‐6. Predicted secondary structure and hydrophobicity plots suggest that these characteristics are conserved among variant peptides. However, profiles based on the antigenic index do differ among peptides.
Identification and characterization of a putative sevenless homologue in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Field L. M. , James A. A. , Kobayashi A. , Brey P. T. , Katsube K. , della Torre A. , Roth C. W. , Natori S. , Ollo R. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTyrosine kinase sequences were identified and characterized in Anopheles gambiae, the major vector of malaria in subsaharan Africa. One of these sequences has the characteristics expected for a homologue of the Drosophila sevenless gene, which is necessary for R7 photoreceptor cell fate determination in the developing compound eye. The putative Anopheles seven‐less gene homologue is located in a telomeric region of the X chromosome and is expressed in the head of late larval and pupal stage mosquitoes. Identification of the Anopheles homologue of the sevenless gene is a first step towards the development of a dominant phenotypic marker that could be used for detecting transformed Anopheles mosquitoes in a wide variety of genetic backgrounds and, as such, could be used in the development of transgenic mosquitoes for the control of parasite transmission. Preliminary evidence for sevenless sequences were also found in DNA from blackfly, Mediterranean fruit fly and the honeybee.
Analysis of genetic variability in Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles gambiae using microsatellite loci
Authors: Field L. M. , James A. A. , Kamau L. , Mukabana W. R. , Hawley W. A. , Lehmann T. , Irungu L. W. , Orago A. A. S. , Collins F. H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWe analysed genetic variability in Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles gambiae populations using micro‐satellite loci to determine whether the Rift Valley restricts the flow of genes. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations were significant, and were most likely to be due to the high frequency of null alleles observed. An. arabiensis populations occurring between 40 and 700 km apart across the Eastern arm of the Rift Valley were not differentiated (pair‐wise Fst range: 0.0033–0.0265, P > 0.05). Neither were An. gambiae populations from Asembo Bay and Ghana (Fst: 0.0063, P > 0.05) despite a geographical separation of about 5000 km. In contrast, significant differentiation was observed between An. gambiae populations from Asembo Bay and Kilifi (about 700 km apart; FST= 0.1249, P < 0.01), suggesting the presence of a barrier to gene flow.
Cloning and sequence of a cDNA for a highly basic protease from the digestive juice of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Field L. M. , James A. A. , Kotani E. , Niwa T. , Tokizane M. , Suga K. , Sugimura Y. , Oda K. , Mori H. , Furusawa T. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA serine protease of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, with an isoelectric point of pH 10–11 and a pH optimum for succinyl‐Leu‐Leu‐Val‐Tyr‐MCA degrading activity of about 10, was found in a 0.33 m NaCI‐eluted fraction obtained from cation‐exchange chromatography of digestive juice. The activity of the enzyme was strongly inhibited by chymostatin and PMSF, indicating that the protease is a chymotrypsin‐like serine protease. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the protease was determined, and a full‐length cDNA clone (0.92 kbp) which was isolated from a midgut cDNA library was sequenced. The cDNA encodes a pre‐proenzyme of 284 amino acids with a pro‐segment of 50 amino acids and mature protein of 234 amino acids. From its primary structure, the predicted molecular mass of the mature protein is 24.5 kDa. A sequence comparison of the Bombyx highly basic protease with other serine proteases revealed that this enzyme is a mammalian‐type serine protease with a catalytic triad consisting of His45, Asp92 and Ser186. A large number of Arg residues are encoded by the cDNA which may be responsible for its stability and/or function in the alkaline condition, by remaining charged at high pH.
cDNA cloning and transcript distribution of two novel members of the neuroparsin family in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Claeys I. , Simonet G. , Van Loy T. , De Loof A. , Vanden Broeck J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis study describes the identification and distribution of two novel neuroparsin precursor transcripts (Scg‐NPP3/Scg‐NPP4) in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Unlike Scg‐NPP1 and Scg‐NPP2, both transcripts were not only detected in the brain, but also in various other tissues, such as fat body, ventral nerve cord, testis and male accessory glands. Northern analysis showed that the levels of these transcripts are regulated during larval development, as well as during moulting and reproductive cycles. A significant increase in both mRNAs was observed during the period that just precedes the initial sexual activity of adult females and males. In silico analysis of sequence databases revealed the existence of several other neuroparsin‐like peptides in a variety of arthropod species, including crustaceans and chelicerates. Neuroparsins also display similarities with vertebrate IGFBP.
A mammalian‐like lipase gene is expressed in the female reproductive accessory glands of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera, Psychodidae)
Authors: Rosetto M. , Belardinelli M. , Fausto A. M. , Marchini D. , Bongiorno G. , Maroli M. , Mazzini M. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA lipase‐like protein (PhpaLIP) was identified as the major protein component in the secretion of the female reproductive accessory glands of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. The full‐length cDNA encoding this protein was isolated and its nucleotide sequence determined. The deduced translational product of the gene contains a GFSFG motif, consistent with a GXSXG consensus, which is shared by most bacterial and eukaryotic hydrolases. Transcriptional analysis of the PhpaLIP gene showed that its expression is female‐specific, and is also detectable in districts other than accessory glands, suggesting that it might play different functions. Taken together with the observation of sequence similarity shared by PhpaLIP and mammalian lipases, the demonstration of the presence of lipase activity in the accessory gland secretion suggests a possible biological role of PhpaLIP gene product.
Molecular characterization of prothoracicotropic hormone and diapause hormone in Heliothis virescens during diapause, and a new role for diapause hormone
Authors: Xu W.‐H. , Denlinger D. L. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractcDNAs encoding prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) and diapause hormone (DH) were isolated from the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Hvi). Hvi‐PTTH cDNA reveals key structural features known from other PTTHs, yet there is a > 30% amino acid difference between the PTTH sequences found in this noctuid when compared with the PTTHs known from Bombycoidea. Hvi‐DH‐PBAN cDNA encodes a precursor protein including a DH‐like peptide, pheromone biosynthesis‐activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and three additional neuropeptides with an FXPRL sequence at the C terminus. PTTH and DH‐PBAN transcripts are most highly expressed in the brain and subesophageal ganglion (SG), respectively. Expression of both the PTTH and the DH‐PBAN transcripts is high in larvae and remains high in nondiapausing pupae, but in larvae programmed for pupal diapause, expression declines sharply at the onset of larval wandering behaviour and remains low during pupal diapause. This pattern implies that both of these genes are shut down during diapause. These results are not consistent with a role for DH in promoting the entry into diapause as noted in Bombyx mori. Instead, the higher expression of DH in nondiapausing pupae suggests a possible role for DH in promoting continuous development. The injection of DH into diapausing pupae did indeed successfully terminate diapause, thus suggesting a possible new role for this neuropeptide.
A genetic linkage map for Tribolium confusum based on random amplified polymorphic DNAs and recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Yezerski A. , Stevens L. , Ametrano J. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Tribolium beetles provide an excellent and easily manipulated model system for the study of genetics. However, despite significant increases in the availability of molecular markers for the study of genetics in recent years, a significant genetic linkage map for these beetles remains undeveloped. We present the first molecular genetic linkage map for Tribolium confusum using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. The linkage map contains 137 loci mapped on to eight linkage groups totaling 968.5 cM.
The effects on the quality of Cavendish bananas, which have been treated with ethylene, of exposure to 1‐methylcyclopropene
Authors: Bagnato N. , Barrett R. , Sedgley M. , Klieber Andreas 
Published: September 2003

SummaryAfter 48 h of ethylene treatment (300 μL L−1), to induce ripening of mature, green bananas (Musa sp., AAA type, Cavendish subgroup, cv. Williams), fruit were exposed to 0 (control), 3, 300 nL L−1, or 30 μL L−1 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) for 24, 48 or 72 h at 20 °C. Bananas treated with 300 nL L−1 1‐MCP had a 6‐day shelf‐life compared with 3 days for non‐treated fruit, and 4 days for fruit treated with 3 nL L−1 1‐MCP. Increased shelf‐life (half‐ripe to over‐ripe) occurred without affecting the green life (unripe to half‐ripe) of bananas, peel appearance, pulp texture, soluble solid concentrations or aroma profiles. Fruit treated with 30 μL L−1 were externally and internally commercially unacceptable, as fruit developed crown rot prior to ripening. Application of 1‐MCP at suitable concentrations could extend banana shelf‐life, by enhancing marketing and consumer expectations without compromising banana quality.
Effect of location and soaking treatments on the cooking quality of some chickpea breeding lines
Authors: Coşkuner Yalçın , Karababa Erşan 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThe effects on some physical criteria and on cooking quality of soaking chickpeas (of different genotypic origins) in sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate were investigated. The material was grown at five locations in Çukurova, Turkey. The seed size, hundred seed weight, seed density, hydration capacity, swelling capacity and cooking time values differed significantly among locations. Cooking time differed significantly among locations and treatments, but not with cultivars. Soaking with NaCl and NaHCO3was effective for decreasing the cooking time.
Aspartame: studies on UV spectral characteristics
Authors: Dattatreya B. S. , Usha D. V. , Susheelamma N. S. , Bhat K. K. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryModel experiments were done by using aspartame (APM) solutions containing organic acids, such as malic, tartaric and citric acids, before and after heating at 80 °C for 1 h. Ultra violet spectral data was gathered and indicated an increase in λmax as well as the general absorbance with increasing concentration of APM. Spectra were recorded for both APM and its degradation products in water and 0.01% HCl and also before and after heating. The quantitation of APM by this spectral method was found to be comparable with that obtained by an HPLC method. Spectra were recorded for concentrations of 0.25–5 mm APM solutions between 200 and 400 nm. Linear, semi‐log and polynomial equations were found to give good fits to the observed data with major and minor peaks in both normal and derivative spectral modes. Beverages containing lemon juice showed higher λmax and absorbance values than normal with APM present. The results indicated that UV spectrophotometry could be used to monitor changes in APM concentration during processing and/or storage, and could indicate the presence or absence of APM polymorphism in solution.
Use of Australian cardoon extract in the manufacture of ovine milk cheese – a comparison with commercial rennet preparations
Authors: Chen Shaojiang , Agboola Samson , Zhao Jian 
Published: September 2003

SummaryAqueous extract of Australian cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) flowers was used to produce Pecorino cheese from ovine milk and the chemical, biochemical and sensory properties of the cheese were compared with cheeses made using two commercial (calf and microbial) rennet preparations. The cheeses contained 49.8–54.6% moisture, 28.2–31.2% fat, 2.1–2.3% NaCl and 2.6–3.1% total nitrogen. Very few differences in chemical composition were observed between cheeses manufactured with the three different coagulants. Biochemically, however, cheese manufactured with cardoon extract contained significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of water‐soluble nitrogen but lower levels of phosphotungstic acid soluble nitrogen, while the levels of trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen were similar among the three types of cheese. Compared with cheeses made with commercial rennet preparations, cheese made with cardoon extract was perceived to be softer, creamier and less bitter, and was rated significantly (P < 0.05) higher in overall liking by both trained and consumer panels.
Strength of health‐related claims and their perceived advantage
Authors: Urala Nina , Arvola Anne , Lähteenmäki Liisa 
Published: September 2003

SummaryConsumers (n = 958) were asked to evaluate whether product‐related health claims in foods were either advantageous or disadvantageous, in their opinion. Claims were made for six functional components and two control products, namely low salt content and a high‐pressure technique and the strength of claims varied between four intensity levels. In general, all claims were perceived as neutral or as advantageous. Increasing the strength of the claim did not automatically increase the perceived benefit. Gender, trust in different information sources and the frequency of use of so‐called functional foods affected the perceived benefit. Women perceived the claims to be more beneficial than men did. Trustful respondents perceived the claims as more advantageous than did sceptical respondents, and the users of functional foods perceived health claims to be more advantageous than did non‐users. In addition, personal motivation affected the perception of the claims. With less familiar functional components, the strength of the claim increased the perceived benefit, whereas with familiar components, claims mentioning the reduced risk or prevention of a disease did not increase the perceived advantage.
State diagrams to help describe wheat bread processing
Authors: Cuq Bernard , Abecassis Joel , Guilbert Stéphane 
Published: September 2003

SummaryPhysical changes in wheat bread processing can be described by the use of state diagrams and phase transition. State diagrams were constructed from real experimental results that described the glass transition and melting curves for starch and proteins as a function of water content. Wheat gluten protein is the main component responsible for bread dough structural formation, while starch is mainly involved in final textural properties and stability. During processing, hydration of wheat flour induces the glass transition of wheat gluten proteins. The input of mechanical energy during the mixing allows the development of continuous viscoelastic dough due to interactions between rubbery proteins. During baking, irreversible modifications of starch and proteins at high temperatures (>200 °C) and superficial dehydration are responsible for bread crust formation. In the central part of the mixture, starch gelatinization and protein coagulation induce breadcrumb formation. After cooling, the low water content of the crust (3–7%) is sufficient for the transition of bread components from the rubbery to the glassy state. Consequently, structural hardening occurs and is responsible for crust crispness. The higher final water content of the crumb (35–40%) is responsible for rubbery behaviour, which gives structural mobility, smooth breadcrumb behaviour and explains the sensitiveness to starch retrogradation during storage.
Genetic services for people with intellectual disability and their families
Authors: Raymond F. L. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis paper reviews the advances in molecular genetics over the recent years and discusses the impact it may have on those with intellectual disability and their families. The aim is not to present a comprehensive scientific treatise but rather to use illustrations from genetics to highlight our current thinking and draw attention to areas of uncertainty and misinformation. As our knowledge and understanding of the genetic basis of disease increases over the years, there may be significant benefits to some families, but the potential for discrimination against individuals on genetic grounds will also increase.
The Human Genome Project: considerations for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Holland A. , Clare I. C. H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe paper discusses the impact which recent advances in gene technology may have for people with intellectual disabilities. It highlights a conflict between the apparent benefits of advances in genetics for the population in general and the negative effects on persons with intellectual disabilities in particular. This conflict is illustrated in the paper through the use of examples, including the implications of a person's lack of capacity to consent to investigations and treatment; the issue of individual responsibility for antisocial behaviour when this is considered to have a genetic component; and the issue of life and death decisions about treatment in the face of a progressive, genetically determined, disorder. The authors adopt a human rights perspective to discuss these examples because it provides a richness to articulate and justify moral concerns in this area which is lacking in much of the current debate as this is dominated by the primacy of autonomy.
Reported symptoms and clinical findings in relation to serum cobalamin, folate, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine among elderly Swedes: a population‐based study
Authors: Björkegren K. , Svärdsudd K. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Björkegren K, Svärdsudd K, (Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden). Reported symptoms and clinical findings in relation to serum cobalamin, folate, methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine among elderly Swedes: a population‐based study. J Intern Med 2003; 254: 343–352.Objectives. The early stages of tissue B12 or folate deficiency often cause diagnostic problems. In this report, the levels of serum cobalamin, folate, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (tHcy), and their relationships with clinical findings and reported symptoms in a representative random population sample are presented.Design. Cohort study.Setting. A general central Swedish population 70 years or older.Subjects and methods.  A 20% random sample of persons 70 years or older in a defined geographical area were invited to a survey. A total of 235 (85%) persons responded, of whom 161 had no interfering diseases or medication. Blood specimens for serum cobalamin, folate, MMA and tHcy analyses were drawn.Main outcome measures. Presence of anaemic, gastrointestinal, neurological and psychiatric symptoms, obtained by questionnaire, and vibration sense measurement and findings at a physical and Mini Mental State Examination.Results. Among a large number of symptoms and clinical findings that traditionally have been linked to vitamin B12 or folate tissue deficiency, only changes in the tongue mucosa and mouth angle stomatitis turned out to be significantly associated with abnormal serum tHcy and serum folate levels. There were no relationships to serum cobalamin and serum MMA.Conclusions. Changes in the oral mucosa were the only signs and symptoms found in this study, indicating that these may be the very early markers of metabolic defects. The traditional symptoms of vitamin deficiency may appear later in the course.
Antibodies to myelin basic protein, myelin oligodendrocytes peptides, α‐β‐crystallin, lymphocyte activation and cytokine production in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vojdani A. , Vojdani E. , Cooper E. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract Vojdani A, Vojdani E, Cooper E (Laboratory of Comparative Neuroimmunology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles; Immunosciences Lab., Inc., Beverly Hills; and University of California Berkeley, Berkeley; CA, USA). Antibodies to myelin basic protein, myelin oligodendrocytes peptides, α‐β‐crystallin, lymphocyte activation and cytokine production in patients with multiple sclerosis. J Intern Med 2003; 254: 363–374.Objective. To measure neurone‐specific humoral and cellular immune parameters in MRI‐positive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Background. It has been postulated from animal models for MS and in situ evidence in MS patients that antibodies, activated T cells and proinflam‐ matory cytokines are involved in the destruction of myelin sheaths and loss of oligodendrocytes in active areas.Subjects and methods. Blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy control subjects and 20 patients with abnormal MRI and clinical diagnosis of MS. Sera were tested for levels of IgG, IgM and IgA against myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptides, and a small heat‐shock protein, α‐β‐crystallin. Lympho‐ cytes were isolated and cultured in the presence or absence of MBP, MOG peptides and α‐β‐crystallin, measured for stimulated T cells, cytokine production and compared with controls.Results. Patients with MS showed the highest levels of IgG, IgM or IgA antibodies against one or all three tested antigens. Moreover, in the presence of MBP, MOG peptides or α‐β‐crystallin, a significant percent‐ age of lymphocytes from MS patients underwent blast transformation, which resulted in high levels of interferon γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and tumour necrosis factor beta (TNF‐β) production. Sensitivity of these assays was 60–80% and specificity, 65–70%.Conclusions. Detection of antibodies against MBP, MOG peptides, α‐β‐crystallin, lymphocyte stimula‐ tion and production of proinflammatory cytokines in response to these antigens could be used as surrogate markers for the confirmation of MS diagnosis. A combination of antibodies, lymphocyte activation or cytokine production with abnormal MRI may significantly increase the sensitivity and specificity of MS diagnosis.