bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing a GIS Cellular Automata Model of Land Use Change: Bayesian Networks, Influence Diagrams and Causality
Authors: Kocabas Verda , Dragicevic Suzana
Published: October 2007

Cellular Automata (CA) models at present do not adequately take into account the relationship and interactions between variables. However, land use change is influenced by multiple variables and their relationships. The objective of this study is to develop a novel CA model within a geographic information system (GIS) that consists of Bayesian Network (BN) and Influence Diagram (ID) sub‐models. Further, the proposed model is intended to simplify the definition of parameter values, transition rules and model structure. Multiple GIS layers provide inputs and the CA defines the transition rules by running the two sub‐models. In the BN sub‐model, land use drivers are encoded with conditional probabilities extracted from historical data to represent inter‐dependencies between the drivers. Using the ID sub‐model, the decision of changing from one land use state to another is made based on utility theory. The model was applied to simulate future land use changes in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), Canada from 2001 to 2031. The results indicate that the model is able to detect spatio‐temporal drivers and generate various scenarios of land use change making it a useful tool for exploring complex planning scenarios.
Very late antigen‐1 in psoriasis: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Baum S , Barzilai A , Huszar M , Greenberger S , Trau H , Bank I
Published: October 2007

Background  Currently, psoriasis is thought to be an inflammatory response to an antigenic stimulation, in which angiogenesis plays a fundamental role. Very late antigen‐1 (VLA‐1) is a β1 integrin collagen receptor that is up‐regulated in many angiogenic processes. Data on its role in psoriasis are sparse.

Objective  In a prospective study, we evaluated the staining of VLA‐1 in lesional skin from patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Material and methods  Frozen sections from skin biopsies of patients with chronic plaque‐type psoriasis (n = 18) and chronic atopic dermatitis (n = 7) were stained with a monoclonal antibody to VLA‐1. The number of blood vessels stained with VLA‐1 and the staining intensity were evaluated. These were correlated with the histologic features.

Results  The absolute number of blood vessels was found to be similar in the atopic and psoriatic samples. However, the number of vessels stained with anti‐VLA‐1, as well as the staining intensity, was shown to be significantly higher in the psoriasis group (P < 0.05). Differences between psoriatic lesions showing typical histological features of psoriasis and those showing features that overlap with dermatitis were found as well.

Conclusions  Expression of VLA‐1 was found significantly higher in lesional dermal blood vessels of psoriatic patients compared with atopic patients. These findings suggest a possible role for VLA‐1 in the pathological angiogenesis of psoriasis. It may be an additional tool for establishing the diagnosis of psoriasis and provide a basis for new strategies in the treatment of psoriasis.
Infant temperament, parenting, and externalizing behavior in first grade: a test of the differential susceptibility hypothesis
Authors: Bradley Robert H. , Corwyn Robert F.
Published: October 2007

Background:  This study examines the differential susceptibility hypothesis as it pertains to relations between infant temperament, parenting, and behavior problems in first grade.

Method:  Data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care were used in a series of hierarchical regression analyses focused on interactions between three aspects of parenting (harshness, sensitivity, productive activity) and temperament as they affect teacher‐reported externalizing behavior in first grade. Step #1 included family income‐to‐needs, maternal education, gender, life events, and amount of child care as control variables, plus infant temperament and the three parenting variables. Step #2 included a single interaction term, the interaction between one of the key parenting variables and child temperament.

Results:  Results showed stronger relations between maternal sensitivity and behavior problems for children with difficult temperaments. Likewise, relations between opportunities for productivity and behavior problems were stronger for children with difficult temperaments. Trends were in the same direction for harsh parenting but did not quite reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  Having access to experiences that promote coping and build self‐regulatory capacities seems particularly valuable for children with difficult temperaments.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PLASTERS AND MORTARS AS A TOOL IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDIES: THE CASE OF LARDIRAGO CASTLE IN PAVIA, NORTHERN ITALY*
Authors: CARÒ F. , RICCARDI M. P. , MAZZILLI SAVINI M. T.
Published: October 2007

Plasters and mortars from Lardirago Castle (Pavia, northern Italy) have been characterized by means of petrographical and chemical analyses in order to achieve technical and historical evidence of material production. The study focused on the oldest nucleus of the structure, where hidden plastered masonry has been discovered recently. Textural and compositional data of the binder and the aggregate fractions were collected by means of optical microscopy and electron microscopy coupled with microanalysis. These data permit the identification of building materials with similar technical and compositional characteristics, which can be related to different building phases.
DISCOVERY, PRODUCTION AND USE OF TIN‐BASED OPACIFIERS IN GLASSES, ENAMELS AND GLAZES FROM THE LATE IRON AGE ONWARDS: A REASSESSMENT*
Authors: TITE M. , PRADELL T. , SHORTLAND A.
Published: October 2007

Tin‐based opacifiers (lead stannate yellow and tin oxide white) were first used in glass production for a short period in Europe from the second to the first centuries bc, and then again throughout the Roman and Byzantine Empires from the fourth century ad onwards. Tin oxide was also used in the production of Islamic opaque glazes from the ninth century ad, and subsequently in enamels applied to Islamic and Venetian glasses from the 12th century ad onwards. A selection of published analytical data for the tin‐opacified glasses, enamels and glazes is summarized, and the methods used in their production are reassessed. The phase transformations occurring when mixtures of lead oxide, tin oxide and silica are fired are investigated with high temperature X‐ray diffraction (XRD) using a synchrotron radiation source, and these results are used to explain the observed differences in the glass, enamel and glaze compositions. Possible reasons for the use of tin‐based opacifiers in the second to first centuries bc, and for the switch from antimony‐ to tin‐based opacifiers in the fourth century ad are suggested, and the possible contexts in which tin‐based opacifiers might have been discovered are considered. The introduction of tin‐opacified glazes by Islamic potters in the ninth century ad is discussed in terms of technological transfer or independent invention.
An Improved Method for the Analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: GLASSMEYER SUSAN T. , WARE MICHAEL W. , SCHAEFER FRANK W. , SHOEMAKER JODY A. , KRYAK DAVID D.
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS). Sample preparation proved to be a crucial step in the acquisition of acceptable mass spectra. Oocysts of C. parvum and the matrix were mixed and held for at least 45 min to produce reproducible, representative mass spectra. Sporozoites were also excysted from oocysts, purified, and analyzed using MALDI–TOF MS. The mass spectra of the intact oocysts contained many of the same peaks found in the mass spectra of the sporozoites, suggesting that during analysis, the internal constituents, not just the oocyst wall, are ablated by the laser.
Researching periodontitis: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Merchant Anwar T. , Pitiphat Waranuch
Published: October 2007

Aim and Methods: The evidence‐based approach, voted in January 2007 as one of the 15 most important medical advances in the last 166 years, has increasingly shaped medical practice and education. In this paper, we apply the evidence‐based approach to evaluate the aetiology of periodontitis; for comparison, we provide a brief description of the evidence‐based method applied to the study of cardiovascular disease aetiology. We then discuss the challenges and opportunities to enhance the evidence base for periodontitis aetiology.

Results and Conclusion: While evidence for medical treatments has mostly come from clinical trials, evidence for primary prevention in medicine has largely emerged from cohort studies evaluating disease risk factors. The high cost of conducting large cohort studies makes it challenging to fund these investigations, particularly for primary dental outcomes such as periodontitis. Studies of periodontitis outcomes integrated into larger ongoing cohorts provide one way to overcome this problem. Other potential barriers to the conduct of these studies include outcome definition, prevention of bias, data analysis, and the focus on teeth at risk (rather than people at risk) of the outcome. We analyse these questions and provide possible solutions. As many of these issues are generic to dentistry, possible solutions can improve the quality of future studies and the evidence base for primary prevention in dentistry.
Influence of platform switching on crestal bone changes at non‐submerged titanium implants: a histomorphometrical study in dogs
Authors: Becker Jürgen , Ferrari Daniel , Herten Monika , Kirsch Axel , Schaer Alex , Schwarz Frank
Published: October 2007

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate histomorphometrically the influence of platform switching on crestal bone changes at non‐submerged wide‐body titanium implants in a dog model.

Material and Methods: One‐stage insertion of sand‐blasted and acid‐etched screw‐type implants with either matching (CAM) or smaller‐diameter healing abutments (CPS) were randomly assigned to the lower jaws of nine beagle dogs. The animals were killed after 7, 14, and 28 days of non‐submerged healing. Dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis. Measurements were made between the implant shoulder (IS) and: – the apical extension of the long junctional epithelium (aJE), – the most coronal level of bone in contact with the implant (CLB), and – the level of the alveolar bone crest (BC).

Results: At 7, 14, and 28 days, the mean IS–aJE values were significantly the lowest at CPS implants. However, after 28 days of healing, both groups revealed significantly increased mean IS–BC values at the buccal aspect of the alveolar bone. The difference in IS–CLB and IS–BC between groups was not significant.

Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that both CAM and CPS implants revealed crestal bone‐level changes after 28 days of healing.
Cosmetics and herbal remedies with Compositae plant extracts – are they tolerated by Compositae‐allergic patients?
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Chistensen Lars P. , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: October 2007

Background: Compositae‐sensitive patients are routinely warned against topical use of Compositae‐containing cosmetics and herbal remedies. However, the risk of elicitation of dermatitis in presensitized persons is unknown.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess the significance of direct plant allergen contact via Compositae‐derived cosmetics and herbal remedies in Compositae‐allergic patients with special reference to arnica (Arnica montana) and German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita).

Methods: 8 of 12 chamomile‐sensitive patients tested positive to chamomile‐containing preparations, including tea, creams, ointments, and oil. 5 of 6 arnica‐sensitive persons tested positive to arnica‐based products.

Results: When the group was patch tested with cosmetic and/or herbal product ingredients, plant allergens elicited positive reactions most frequently, but fragrances, emulsifiers, and preservatives tested positive as well. Plant allergens were mainly derived from Compositae, but avocado oil, and Hamamelis virginiana tincture were unexpectedly detected as sensitizers too. Chemical analyses indicated that the Compositae allergens were both sesquiterpene lactones and other naturally occurring compounds.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Compositae‐allergic persons should be warned against topical use of Compositae‐containing products, not only because of the plant allergens, but also because of allergenic cream constituents that may cause reactions in the group of patients who have multiple contact allergies beside the Compositae allergy.
Prevalence of glucose intolerance in school age children. Population based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mazur A , Grzywa M , Małecka‐Tendera E , Telega G
Published: October 2007

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of glucose intolerance among school children in south‐eastern Poland.

Methods: Schools were randomly selected in the area and the entire school population was studied. We examined 1083 children (510 boys and 573 girls) in the mean age 14.49 years (age range: 7.9–19 years). Their weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Patients were classified as overweight or obese based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. We tested fasting glucose level in randomly selected children with normal weight (N = 83) in all overweight and obese subjects (N = 229). In children with fasting blood glucose level higher than 5.5 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed.

Results: About 17.8% of children were overweight and 4.6% obese. Fasting hyperglycemia was found in 16.7% obese children. The calculated prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia for entire population was 6.7/1000. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found only in obese children. The prevalence of glucose intolerance in obese children was 7.1%, in contrast the calculated prevalence of glucose intolerance for the entire population was 3.0/1000 (95% confidence interval: 0–8.4/1000).

Conclusion: Despite relatively high number of obese children, the prevalence of IGT among schoolchildren of south‐eastern Poland remains low.
RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE AND ANATOMY OF THE EQUINE SACROILIAC REGION
Authors: GORGAS DANIELA , KIRCHER PATRICK , DOHERR MARCUS G. , UELTSCHI GOTTLIEB , LANG JOHANN
Published: October 2007

Radiography is part of evaluating horses with poor performance and pelvic limb lameness; however, the radiographic appearance of the sacroiliac region is poorly described. The goal of the present study was to describe the use of a simple technique to obtain radiographs of the sacroiliac region in the anesthetized horse and to describe the radiographic appearance of this region. Seventy‐nine horses underwent radiography of the pelvis under general anesthesia in dorsal recumbency. During a 5s exposure time the horse was actively ventilated to blur the abdominal viscera, which allowed assessment of individual bone structures in 77 horses. A large variation in the shape of the sacral wings, their articulation with the transverse processes of L6, and the relation of the sacrum to the ilium were observed. Females had significantly narrower width of the sacral wings. Broad sacral wings and bony proliferations at the caudal aspect were commonly observed features and their size was highly correlated with gender. In males, caudal osteophytes were significantly larger than in females. Five horses had transitional or hemitransitional vertebrae. Radiography with the ventilation‐induced blurring technique is a simple approach that results in diagnostic quality radiographs and delineation of the highly variable bone structures of the sacroiliac region.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF SKULL OSTEOMYELITIS IN FOUR YOUNG DOGS
Authors: SEILER GABRIELA , ROSSI FEDERICA , VIGNOLI MASSIMO , CIANCIOLO RACHEL , SCANLON TIFFANY , GIGER URS
Published: October 2007

Computed tomography (CT) features of four immature to young adult dogs with osteomyelitis of the skull are described. Trauma or bite wounds were the cause of infection andStaphylococcus aureuswas the most common pathogen. CT features were a combination of soft tissue thickening, bone lysis, and bone proliferation. Bone lysis was extensive in some dogs with a moth‐eaten appearance and involved the calvarium, base of the skull, the frontal sinuses, and the temporomandibular joint. In other dogs it was more focal with thinning of the bone rather than complete lysis. Bone proliferation also varied in appearance from irregular palisading or spiculated to expansion and septation of the frontal bone. Sequestrum formation was seen in one dog. Widespread infection in one dog involved the tympanic bullae and the temporomandibular joint. Lysis of the calvarium resulted in bacterial meningitis in two dogs. One dog was euthanized and three were treated with surgical curettage of the affected bone and antibiotic therapy which resulted in resolution of the clinical signs in one dog whereas two dogs had recurrent disease. CT was very helpful for characterizing extent and localization of the infection. Despite the aggressive CT features, osteomyelitis should be considered especially in young animals with a history of trauma or bite wounds. The pathophysiology of skull bone infections is discussed.
Efficacy and safety of neutral pH superoxidised solution in severe diabetic foot infections
Authors: Martínez‐De Jesús Fermín R , Ramos‐De la Medina Antonio , Remes‐Troche José María , Armstrong David G , Wu Stephanie C , Lázaro Martínez Jose Luis , Beneit‐Montesinos Juan V
Published: October 2007

The use of antiseptics in wound care is often controversial and there is definitely a need for a non toxic, highly disinfective agent. This study assessed the efficacy of a neutral pH superoxidised aqueous solution (NpHSS) for infection control, odour reduction and surrounding skin and tissue damage on infected diabetic foot ulcerations. From November 2003 to March 2004, 45 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomised into a single‐blind clinical trial comparing NpHSS (intervention group; n = 21) versus conventional disinfectant (control group; n = 16). All patients received comprehensive care including surgical debridement as appropriate, moist wound care, intensive glucose control and broad spectrum antibiotics. Treatment groups were matched in terms of sex, age (61·9 ± 11·9 versus 67·8 ± 11·6), years of diabetes duration (16·4 ± 8·1 versus 17 ± 10·2), obesity, HgAlc (7·1 ± 2 versus 6·7 ± 1·8), initial fasting glycaemia (163 ± 59 versus 152 ± 65·8 mg/dl), ulcer duration/week (13·7 ± 24 versus 15·1 ± 16·3), B/A Index (0·9 ± 0·5 versus 1·14 ± 0·7), depth and extent of infection/periwound cellulitis (groups B and C of the Tampico Hospital Classification) as well as aetiology (P = 0·647). Odour reduction was achieved in all NpHSS patients (100% versus 25%; P < 0·01) and surrounding cellulitis diminished (P < 0·001) in 17 patients (80·9% versus 43·7%). Nineteen patients in the NpHSS group showed advancement to granulating tissue stage (90·4% versus 62·5%; P = 0·05) with significantly less tissue toxicity (94% versus 31·2%; P < 0·01). A non toxic, NpHSS, as part of a comprehensive care regimen, may be more efficacious in infection control, odour and erythema reduction than conventional disinfectants in treatment of diabetic foot infections.
Bremelanotide: An Overview of Preclinical CNS Effects on Female Sexual Function
Authors: Pfaus James , Giuliano François , Gelez Hélène
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Bremelanotide is an analogue of the naturally occurring peptide α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It stimulates erection in men and male rats, and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Aim

To review the effects of bremelanotide, an analogue of the naturally occurring peptide α-MSH, on the preclinical indices of sexual desire in female rats, and where in the brain these actions may occur.

Main Outcome Measures

Appetitive sexual behaviors, such as solicitations, hops and darts, and pacing, were assessed along with consummatory behaviors such as lordosis. The involvement of brain regions was assessed following direct administration to the region, by the stimulation of molecular markers of neural activation, and using microdialysis to examine extracellular fluid for different neurotransmitters.

Methods

Using a model that allows ovariectomized, hormone-primed female rats to control the timing of sexual encounters with males, we tested the ability of bremelanotide to increase appetitive (proceptive) and/or consummatory sexual behaviors.

Results

Bremelanotide dramatically and selectively increased measures of solicitation in female rats, without altering pacing or lordosis, following both peripheral (subcutaneous) administration or infusions directly into the lateral ventricles or medial preoptic area (mPOA), but not the ventromedial hypothalamus. The mPOA is critical for the display of appetitive sexual behaviors in females and males of a variety of species. Peripheral administration of bremelanotide activates the mPOA and other hypothalamic and limbic regions of the brain involved in sexual behavior, and may work by activating dopamine terminals in the mPOA.

Conclusions

To the extent that solicitations indicate the desire of female rats to engage in sexual activity, bremelanotide appears to possess the behavioral, pharmacological, and neuroanatomical specificity required of a drug in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorders.
Implementing Level 1 NCEA geography: Perceived challenges, obstacles and support systems
Authors: Fastier Murray
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the recently introduced national qualification for New Zealand senior secondary school students. Based on a mix of internal and external assessment against achievement standards, it represents a marked change from the previous norm‐reference based qualifications. Introduced in 2002, commencing with Level 1, NCEA involved a considerable paradigm shift in assessment practice for teachers. This paper focuses on teachers’ perceptions regarding the process of implementing the Level 1 geography NCEA achievement standards. It highlights the initial challenges faced, factors considered to assist and hinder the implementation change process and the lessons learnt.
Verticase: a Fibrinolytic Enzyme Produced by Verticillium sp. Tj33, an Endophyte of Trachelospermum jasminoides
Authors: Li Ying , Shuang Jing‐Lei , Yuan Wei‐Wei , Huang Wu‐Yang , Tan Ren‐Xiang
Published: October 2007

Plant endophytes are among the most important resources of biologically active metabolites. Twenty‐three endophyte strains residing in Trachelospermum jasminoides were cultivated in vitro with the cultures assayed for the fibrinolytic substance production. As a result, the culture of Verticillium sp. Tj33 was shown to be the most active. A fibrinolytic enzyme designated as verticase was subsequently purified from the supernatant of Verticillium sp. culture broth by a combination of DEAE‐52, Sephadex G‐75 and hydrophobic column chromatographies. Verticase, with its molecular mass of 31 kDa and pI of 8.5, was demonstrated to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing electrophoresis. Verticase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes fibrin directly without activation of plaminogen. It was stable in a broad pH range from 4 through to 11 with the optimal reaction pH value and temperature shown to be around 9–10 and 50–60 °C, respectively. The fibrinolytic activity of verticase was severely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfony fluoride, indicating that verticase was a serine protease.
Relationships among the Stem, Aboveground and Total Biomass across Chinese Forests
Authors: Cheng Dong‐Liang , Wang Gen‐Xuan , Li Tao , Tang Qing‐Long , Gong Chun‐Mei
Published: October 2007

Forest biomass plays a key role in the global carbon cycle. In the present study, a general allometric model was derived to predict the relationships among the stem biomass MS, aboveground biomass MA and total biomass MT, based on previously developed scaling relationships for leaf, stem and root standing biomass. The model predicted complex scaling exponents for MT and/or MA with respect to MS. Because annual biomass accumulation in the stem, root and branch far exceeded the annual increase in standing leaf biomass, we can predict that MT∝MA∝MS
as a simple result of the model. Although slight variations existed in different phyletic affiliations (i.e. conifers versus angiosperms), empirical results using Model Type II (reduced major axis) regression supported the model's predictions. The predictive formulas among stem, aboveground and total biomass were obtained using Model Type I (ordinary least squares) regression to estimate forest biomass. Given the low mean percentage prediction errors for aboveground (and total biomass) based on the stem biomass, the results provided a reasonable method to estimate the biomass of forests at the individual level, which was insensitive to the variation in local environmental conditions (e.g. precipitation, temperature, etc.).
Novel Neolignan from Penthorum chinense
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Yao‐Ming , Zhang Guo‐Lin
Published: October 2007

A new neolignan (7′E)‐2′,4,8‐trihydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐2,4′‐epoxy‐8,5′‐neolign‐7′‐en‐7‐one (1) was isolated from the whole plants of Penthorum chinense Pursh, along with lupeol (2), betulinic acid (3), glyceryl monopalmitate (4), β‐sitosterol (5), palmitic acid (6), ursolic acid (7), 2β,3β,23‐trihydroxy‐urs‐12‐ene‐28‐oic acid (8), glyceryl monolaurate (9), scopoletin (10), (–)syringaresinol (11), 9,9′‐O‐diferuloyl‐(–)‐secoisolariciresionl (12), pinocembrin (13), apigenin (14), kaempferol (15), luteolin (16), β‐daucosterol (17), quercetin (18), 1‐O‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)‐(2S, 2′R, 3R,4E,8E)‐2‐(2′‐hydroxyhexadecanoylamino)‐4,8‐octdecadiene‐1,3‐diol (19), gallic acid (20), pinocembrin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (21), and quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (22). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence.
Surveillance of Dairy Production Holdings Supplying Raw Milk to the Farmhouse Cheese Sector for Escherichia coli O157, O26 and O111
Authors: Murphy M. , Buckley J. F. , Whyte P. , O’Mahony M. , Anderson W. , Wall P. G. , Fanning S.
Published: October 2007

Clinically healthy domestic animals can harbour Escherichia coli O157 and other verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) strains in their faeces. Milk filters can be used to microbiologically monitor direct milk secretion and environmental contamination for these pathogens. The aim of this study was to establish baseline data on the prevalence and characteristics of VTEC organisms in lactating animals (bovine, ovine and caprine) supplying milk to the farmhouse cheese sector, with particular emphasis on serogroups O157, O111 and O26. Fifty‐six bovine, 13 caprine and 5 ovine herds/flocks, the majority of which supplying milk for farmhouse cheese production, were surveyed from May 2004 to July 2005. Milk filters were analysed by immunomagnetic separation followed by PCR, on a serogroup‐specific basis for E. coli O157, O26 and O111. Positive isolates were examined using a multiplex PCR protocol, for their potential to produce verocytotoxins (vt1/vt2), the haemolysin‐encoding gene (hlyA) and the gene encoding attaching and effacement (eae). Five verocytotoxigenic and 22 non‐virulent E. coli O157 isolates were detected. Seventeen E. coli O26 isolates were also detected, four of which were verocytotoxigenic, seven isolates contained the eae gene only and six isolates were devoid of any of the virulence factors. The VTEC O157 and O26 isolates contained the hlyA and eae genes along with the verocytotoxin genes. No E. coli O111 isolates were detected. Some of the herds were positive on more than one occasion and multiple E. coli serogroups were isolated from the same milk filter sample. Although all food products tested were VTEC negative, routine surveillance for such pathogens in raw milk/raw milk products is of public health importance. Herd‐level surveillance along with subsequent risk management action may be a cost‐effective component of risk reduction strategies for food production, drinking water supplies and the protection of public health.
Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects of Invasive
Streptococcus pyogenes
Infections in Denmark during 2003 and 2004
Authors: Luca-Harari Bogdan , Ekelund Kim , van der Linden Mark , Staum-Kaltoft Margit , Hammerum Anette M. , Jasir Aftab
Published: October 2007

Active surveillance of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections was conducted in Denmark during 2003 and 2004 as a part of the Strep-EURO initiative. The main objective was to improve understanding of the epidemiology of invasive GAS disease in Denmark. During the 2 years, 278 cases were reported, corresponding to a mean annual incidence of 2.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The vast majority of isolates, 253 (91%), were from blood, with the remaining 25 (9%) being from cerebrospinal fluid, joints, or other normally sterile sites. The mean case fatality rate (CFR) was 20%, with the rate being higher in patients more than 70 years of age (36.5%). For streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and necrotizing fasciitis the CFRs were 53% and 25%, respectively. Out of 16 T types recorded, three predominated: T28 (23%), T1 (22%), and the cluster T3/13/B3264 (14%). Among 29 different
emm
types,
emm
28 and
emm
1 accounted for 51% of strains, followed by
emm
3 (11%),
emm
89 (7%), and
emm
12 (5.5%). Low resistance rates were detected for macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS
B
) antibiotics (3%) and tetracycline (8%); two isolates exhibited coresistance to tetracycline and macrolides. Of nine pyrogenic exotoxin (superantigen) genes examined,
speA
and
speC
were identified in 58% and 40% of the strains, respectively; either of the genes was present in all strains causing STSS. Most strains harbored
speG
(99%).
ssa
was present in 14% of the isolates only. In Denmark, as in comparable countries, GAS invasive disease shows a sustained, high endemicity, with involvement of both established and emerging streptococcal
emm
and T types.
Yaba Monkey Tumor Virus Encodes a Functional Inhibitor of Interleukin-18
Authors: Nazarian Steven H. , Rahman Masmudur M. , Werden Steven J. , Villeneuve Danielle , Meng Xiangzhi , Brunetti Craig , Valeriano Chalice , Wong Christina , Singh Rajkumari , Barrett John W. , Xiang Yan , McFadden Grant
Published: October 2007

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine whose extracellular bioactivity is regulated by a cellular IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP). Many poxviruses have acquired variants of this IL-18BP gene, some of which have been shown to act as viral virulence factors.
Yaba monkey tumor virus
(YMTV) encodes a related family member, 14L, which is similar to the orthopoxvirus IL-18BPs. YMTV 14L was expressed from a baculovirus system and tested for its ability to bind and inhibit IL-18. We found that YMTV 14L bound both human IL-18 (hIL-18) and murine IL-18 with high affinity, at 4.1 nM and 6.5 nM, respectively. YMTV 14L was able to fully sequester hIL-18 but could only partially inhibit the biological activity of hIL-18 as measured by gamma interferon secretion from KG-1 cells. Additionally, 17 hIL-18 point mutants were tested by surface plasmon resonance for their ability to bind to YMTV 14L. Two clusters of hIL-18 surface residues were found to be important for the hIL-18-YMTV 14L interaction, in contrast to results for the
Variola virus
IL-18BP, which has been shown to primarily interact with a single cluster of three amino acids. The altered binding specificity of YMTV 14L most likely represents an adaptation resulting in increased fitness of the virus and affirms the plasticity of poxviral inhibitor domains that target cytokines like IL-18.
Intracellular Restriction of a Productive Noncytopathic Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Slobodskaya Olga , Laarman Alexander , Spaan Willy J. M.
Published: October 2007

Virus infection in vitro can either result in a cytopathic effect (CPE) or proceed without visible changes in infected cells (noncytopathic infection). We are interested in understanding the mechanisms controlling the impact of coronavirus infection on host cells. To this end, we compared a productive, noncytopathic infection of murine hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59 in the fibroblastlike cell line NIH 3T3 with cytopathic MHV infections. Infected NIH 3T3 cells could be cultured for up to 4 weeks without apparent CPE and yet produce virus at 10
7
to 10
8
PFU/ml. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that NIH 3T3 cells expressed as much MHV receptor CEACAM1 as other cell lines which die from MHV infection. In contrast, using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and metabolic labeling of RNA, we found that the rate of viral RNA amplification in NIH 3T3 cells was lower than the rate in cells in which MHV induces a CPE. The rate of cellular RNA synthesis in contact-inhibited confluent NIH 3T3 cells was also lower than in cells permissive to cytopathic MHV infection. However, the induction of cellular RNA synthesis in growing NIH 3T3 cells did not result in an increase of either viral RNA amplification or CPE. Our results suggest that a specific, receptor CEACAM1-independent mechanism restricting coronaviral RNA synthesis and CPE is present in NIH 3T3 and, possibly, other cells with preserved contact inhibition.
Immunization with a Lentivector That Targets Tumor Antigen Expression to Dendritic Cells Induces Potent CD8
+
and CD4
+
T-Cell Responses
Authors: Lopes Luciene , Dewannieux Marie , Gileadi Uzi , Bailey Ranbir , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Whittaker Christopher , Collin Matthew P. , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Tomihari Mizuki , Ariizumi Kiyoshi , Collins Mary K.
Published: October 2007

Lentivectors stimulate potent immune responses to antigen transgenes and are being developed as novel genetic vaccines. To improve safety while retaining efficacy, we constructed a lentivector in which transgene expression was restricted to antigen-presenting cells using the mouse dectin-2 gene promoter. This lentivector expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene in mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cell cultures and in human skin-derived Langerhans and dermal dendritic cells. In mice GFP expression was detected in splenic dectin-2
+
cells after intravenous injection and in CD11c
+
dendritic cells in the draining lymph node after subcutaneous injection. A dectin-2 lentivector encoding the human melanoma antigen NY-ESO-1 primed an NY-ESO-1-specific CD8
+
T-cell response in HLA-A2 transgenic mice and stimulated a CD4
+
T-cell response to a newly identified NY-ESO-1 epitope presented by H2 I-A
b
. As immunization with the optimal dose of the dectin-2 lentivector was similar to that stimulated by a lentivector containing a strong constitutive viral promoter, targeting antigen expression to dendritic cells can provide a safe and effective vaccine.
Tumorigenic Adenovirus Type 12 E1A Inhibits Phosphorylation of NF-κB by PKAc, Causing Loss of DNA Binding and Transactivation
Authors: Guan Hancheng , Jiao Junfang , Ricciardi Robert P.
Published: October 2007

Human adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) E1A protein (E1A-12) is the key determinant of viral tumorigenesis. E1A-12 mediates major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) shutoff by inhibiting the DNA binding of the transcriptional activator NF-κB (p50/p65) to the class I enhancer. This enables Ad12 tumorigenic cells to avoid class I recognition and lysis by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In this study, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of p50 and p65 by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) is essential for NF-κB DNA binding and transactivation activity. Treatment with H89 and knockdown of PKAc in cells led to the inhibition of phosphorylation at p50 Ser
337
and p65 Ser
276
and loss of DNA binding by NF-κB. Importantly, NF-κB phosphorylation by PKAc was repressed by tumorigenic E1A-12, but not by nontumorigenic Ad5 E1A (E1A-5). The stable introduction of E1A-12 into Ad5 nontumorigenic cells resulted in a decrease in the phosphorylation of NF-κB, loss of NF-κB DNA binding, and the failure of NF-κB to activate a target promoter, as well as diminution of MHC-I transcription and cell surface expression. Significantly, the amount and enzymatic activity of PKAc were not altered in Ad12 tumorigenic cells relative to its amount and activity in nontumorigenic Ad5 cells. These results demonstrate that E1A-12 specifically prevents NF-κB from being phosphorylated by PKAc.
Within-stand seedling dispersal for isolated pinnsstrobus within hardwood stands
Authors: Rudis V. A. , Ek A. R. , Balsiger J. W.
Published: October 2007

White pine (Pinusstrobus L.) seedling distributions were sampled around isolated seed trees located on 12 study areas within hardwood stands. Seedling densities were found to differ significantly in different directions from the apparent seed source. Pooled densities from all study areas were lowest and highest in the southwest and northeast quadrants, respectively. With some exceptions, the Weibull probability density function was helpful in describing the general shape of the seedling distributions. Correlations between estimated Weibull parameters and stand characteristics surrounding each seed source suggest that the shape of seedling density distributions is not strongly related to stand characteristics. Implications for modeling seed dispersal are also discussed.
Effect of shoot girdling and season on rooting of slash pine cuttings
Authors: Hare Robert C.
Published: October 2007

In six experiments over a 3-year period with 96 12- to 14-year-old Pinuselliottii var. elliollii Engelm. ortets, cuttings from shoots girdled and treated with a special rooting powder (containing 1% each indolebutyric acid, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone, and n-dimethylaminosuccinamic acid, plus 10% each powdered sucrose and captan) rooted faster, had larger root systems, and survived better both before and after rooting than nongirdled cuttings given the same powder. About 33% of cuttings taken 2 months after a June or July girdle rooted, but only 1% of the nongirdled ones did. Rooting success increased from January girdling to a June–July peak, then decreased to a low in late October.
Effect of irradiance on growth and photosynthesis of Populus × euramericana clones
Authors: Fasehun F. E.
Published: October 2007

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of irradiance level on growth and photosynthesis of three Populus × euramericana clones selected to exhibit differences in growth rate when grown under full sunlight. Individual plants were started from apical cuttings and grown in the greenhouse for 13 weeks under three levels of shading (37%, 75%, and 100% full light). Rates of leaf and whole plant photosynthesis and dark respiration were measured with an infrared gas analyzer.Clone 5323 grew relatively well under all irradiance levels, and the older leaves of this clone had the highest photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area under the higher growth irradiances. Clone 5326, which had the least growth, also had the lowest per-plant photosynthesis rate under all irradiance levels. Clone 5321 had per-plant photosynthetic rates comparable with those of clone 5323 but a higher dark respiration rate when grown at the high irradiance levels.
A pattern of forest types on ribbed moraines in eastern Newfoundland
Authors: Delaney B. B. , Cahill M. J.
Published: October 2007

A distinctive pattern of forest types has been observed on ribbed moraines of the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland. This previously unreported pattern is interesting in that the best forests occur on the exposed tops and the theoretically less favourable north slopes. On each moraine, the south slopes characteristically had an uncommercial forest of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) (Mill.)) and black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) BSP.), the top and upper north slopes had a forest of white birch (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.) and balsam fir, and the lower north slope had a pure balsam fir forest. Site descriptions are provided for each forest type and the vegetation succession following fire is proposed.
Branch development on leaders of Piceasitchensis
Authors: Baxter Shelagh M. , Cannell Melvin G. R.
Published: October 2007

The top whorl of branches on each year's leader on mature P. sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. had more needles and longer needle internodes than branches lower down on the leader. All branches developed as buds for similar periods of time from April to October, but top branch buds developed larger apical meristems which generated needle primordia more rapidly than lower branch buds. In mid-August, top branch buds produced at least 13 primordia per day compared with only 5 per day in basal buds. In the next year, when these preformed buds extended, top branches produced about one and a half times as many cells per needle internode as basal branches, as judged by observing the pith. In both years, cell division was the important growth process affected by 'dominance' mechanisms between branch buds.
STUDIES OF THE ADSORPTION OF CYANOGEN (C2N2) ON Cu(001) USING HELIUM ATOM SCATTERING
Authors: SHUTTLEWORTH I. G.
Published: October 2007

The adsorption of cyanogen ( C 2 N 2) on Cu (001) has been investigated using helium atom scattering. Adsorption at 263 K produces a two domain structure with periodicity c(10 × 6) and symmetry c2 mm. The principle axes of the two domains in the c(10 × 6) pattern lie at right angles to one another. Adsorption at lower temperatures (163 K) produces a disordered structure with no observable diffraction features other than the specular. Annealing the disordered phase to 263 K does not produce an ordered structure. Cooling the ordered structure from 263 K to 163 K produces an enhancement of the diffraction features consistent with the Debye–Waller effect but no disruption of the c(10 × 6) periodicity. Annealing the ordered structure shows that the structure remains stable at temperatures up to 373 K. Analysis of the in-plane diffraction features suggests a reconstruction of the Cu (001) substrate consistent with the 2D Frenkel–Kontorova model for overlayer strain relief.
EFFECT OF LASER PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON THE COATING'S MICROSTRUCTURE AND QUALITY
Authors: TIAN Y. S. , WANG D. Y. , CHEN C. Z.
Published: October 2007

The effect of laser processing parameters on the microstructure and quality of the coatings fabricated on titanium alloy has been investigated. Results show that the increase of the output power and the decrease of the scanning speed result in the thickness increase and the microstructure coarseness of the coatings. Overlapped fraction of the laser tracks significantly affects the coating's quality. With a lower overlapped fraction, pores and cracks easily occur in the overlapped area due to the inferior metallurgical quality.
AN STM OBSERVATION OF ADSORPTION OF CuPc ON THE Si(100) SURFACE WITH Bi-LINE STRUCTURES
Authors: NAKAMURA S. , KASHIRAJIMA S. , JOHDAI Y. , YOSHIIWA Y. , NAITOH M. , NISHIGAKI S. , SHIMIZU Y. , IKARI T. , SHOJI F.
Published: October 2007

We report the reaction dynamics of the Bi -line structure (BLS) with copper-phthalocyanine ( CuPc )molecules as well as hydrogen and Ag atoms on Si (100) surfaces observed by scanning tunneling microscopy. Co-adsorption of hydrogen and Ag on the Si (100) surface with BLSs brought about agglomeration of Ag atoms on the Si terrace. When CuPc molecules were deposited on the Si (100) surface with BLSs at room temperature, domains with c(4 × 4) periodicity appeared in the terraces near the BLS. When the surface was annealed at 200°C–400°C, the area of the c(4 × 4) domain was increased. The CuPc molecules, adsorbed on BLS, were possibly dissociated by catalytic reaction of Bi atoms.
ANNEALING TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON THE FIELD EMISSION PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBE FILMS
Authors: CHEN T. , SUN Z. , WANG L. L. , CHEN Y. W. , GUO P. S. , QUE W. X.
Published: October 2007

As the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) films are applied to the field emission cathodes in the vacuum devices, heat treatment in the range of 400°C–500°C is often conducted during the device sealing process, especially for glass-based devices. The annealing temperature effect on the field emission of the CNT films prepared by chemical vapor deposition is investigated. The CNT film annealed at 400°C in air contains less amorphous carbon phase, and shows better field emission properties comparing to the as-grown CNT film. Annealing at 450°C causes serious oxidative damage along the tube walls, resulting in the poor field emission performance. The CNTs annealed at 500°C are all burned out. The experiment shows that the sealing temperature at 400°C or below can be conducted in air, while the sealing temperature above 400°C should be done in N 2 or Ar ambient.
NANOCOMPOSITE nc-TiC/a-C:H FILMS FABRICATED BY DUAL PLASMA TECHNIQUE
Authors: WANG YAOHUI , ZHANG XU , XU YUANZHI , WU XIANYING , ZHANG HUIXING , ZHANG XIAOJI
Published: October 2007

Nanocomposite nc-TiC / a-C : H films have been deposited via filtered cathodic vacuum arc technique, employing Ti target and C 2 H 2 gas as material precursors. The composition and nanostructure of film, correlated to mechanical and tribological properties of film, are varied by changing C 2 H 2 flow rate and filter coil current. Glancing angle X-ray diffraction has been used to show that salient TiC (111) peak exists in film with grain size of order of 8–10 nm, as a function of filter coil current. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations demonstrate that the nc-TiC / a-C : H films mainly contain nanocrystalline graphite and sp2-bonded carbon, both as a function of C 2 H 2 flow rate. Mechanical tests confirm that the nc-TiC / a-C : H films possess superior hardness of 33.9 GPa and elastic modulus of 237.6 GPa.
ON GEODESICS IN SUBRIEMANNIAN GEOMETRY II
Authors: GAVEAU BERNARD , GREINER PETER
Published: October 2007

We study a subRiemannian geometry induced by 2 specific vector fields in ℝ3, and obtain the canonical curve whose tangents provide the missing direction.
Hyperglycemia suppresses hepatic scavenger receptor class B type I expression
Authors: Murao Koji , Yu Xiao , Imachi Hitomi , Cao Wen M. , Chen Ke , Matsumoto Kensuke , Nishiuchi Takamasa , Wong Norman C. W. , Ishida Toshihiko
Published: October 2007

Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. Hepatic scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) binds HDL particles that mediate reverse cholesterol transport and thus lowers the risk of atherosclerosis. Here we examined glucose regulation of SR-BI gene expression in both HepG2 cells and whole animals. Results showed that hepatic SR-BI mRNA, protein, and uptake of cholesterol from HDL were halved following 48 h of exposure to 22.4 vs. 5.6 mM glucose. As in the case of the cell culture model, hepatic expression of SR-BI was lower in diabetic rats than in euglycemic rats. Transcriptional activity of the human SR-BI promoter paralleled endogenous expression of the gene, and this activity was dependent upon the dose of glucose. Next, we used inhibitors of select signal transduction pathways to demonstrate that glucose suppression of SR-BI was sensitive to the p38 MAPK inhibitor. Expression of a constitutively active p38 MAPK inhibited SR-BI promoter activity in the presence or absence of glucose. A dominant-negative p38 MAPK abolished the inhibitory effect of glucose on promoter activity. Deletional analysis located a 50-bp fragment of the promoter that mediated the effects of glucose. Within this DNA fragment there were several specificity protein-1 (Sp1) binding sites, and cellular knockdown of Sp1 abrogated its suppression by glucose. Together, these results indicate that the glucose suppression of SR-B1 expression is partially mediated by the activation of the p38 MAPK-Sp1 pathway and raise the possibility that the inhibition of hepatic SR-BI expression under high-glucose conditions provides a mechanism for accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetics.