bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Mutant Prevention Concentrations of Pradofloxacin and Other Veterinary Fluoroquinolones Indicate Differing Potentials in Preventing Selection of Resistance
Authors: Wetzstein H.-G.
Published: September 2005

Pradofloxacin (PRA) is an 8-cyano-fluoroquinolone (FQ) being developed to treat bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Its mutant prevention concentrations (MPC) were determined for
Escherichia coli
ATCC 8739 at 0.225 μg/ml, and for
Staphylococcus aureus
ATCC 6538 at 0.55 μg/ml. At drug concentrations equal to or above the MPC, growth (implying selective clonal expansion) of first-step FQ-resistant variants, naturally present in large bacterial populations, was inhibited. MPC
90
derived from 10 clinical isolates each of
E. coli
and
Staphylococcus intermedius
, the latter species being of greater clinical relevance than
S. aureus
in companion-animal medicine, amounted to 0.2 to 0.225 and 0.30 to 0.35 μg/ml, respectively. MPCs of other veterinary FQs were assessed to determine relative in vitro potencies. The MPCs of marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, sarafloxacin, orbifloxacin, and difloxacin were 1.2-, 1.4-, 2.3-, 2.4-, 5-, and 7-fold higher than the MPC of PRA for
E. coli
ATCC 8739, and 6-, 6-, 19-, 15-, 15-, and 31-fold higher than the MPC of PRA for
S. aureus
ATCC 6538, respectively. MPC curves revealed a pronounced heterogeneity in susceptibility within populations of ≥4 × 10
9
CFU employed, extending to 10-fold above the MICs. The duration of incubation and, for
S. aureus
, inoculum density profoundly affected the MPCs. With appropriate dosing, PRA may combine high therapeutic efficacy with a high potential for restricting the selection for FQ resistance under field conditions in the species analyzed.
Pharmacodynamics of Moxifloxacin against Anaerobes Studied in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Noel Alan R. , Bowker Karen E. , MacGowan Alasdair P.
Published: September 2005

The antibacterial effects of moxifloxacin against
Bacteroides fragilis
,
Clostridium perfringens
, and gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) were studied in an in vitro pharmacokinetic model. Initially, a dose-ranging study with area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratios of 6.7 to 890 was used to investigate the effect of anaerobic conditions on the AUC/MIC antibacterial effect (ABE) relationship with
Escherichia coli
. The AUC/MIC ratios for 50% and 90% effects, using a log CFU drop at 24 h as the antibacterial effect measure, were 34 and 59, respectively, aerobic and 54 and 96, respectively, anaerobic. These values are not significantly different. Dose ranging at AUC/MIC ratios of 9 to 216 against the anaerobes indicated a differing AUC/MIC ABE pattern, and the AUC/MICs for 50% and 90% effects were lower: for
B. fragilis
, they were 10.5 and 25.7, respectively; for
C. perfringens
, they were 8.6 and 16.2; and for GPAC, they were 7.3 and 17.4. The maximum-effect log drops were as follows: for
B. fragilis
, −3.2 ± 0.2 logs; for
C. perfringens
, −3.7 ± 0.1 logs; and for GPAC, −2.5 ± 0.1 logs. Although the anaerobes were not eradicated, there was no emergence of resistance. Comparison of the ABE of moxifloxacin to that of ertapenem against
B. fragilis
indicated that moxifloxacin was superior at 24 h and 48 h. In contrast, ertapenem was superior to moxifloxacin against GPAC at 24 h and 48 h and against
C. perfringens
at 48 h. Both drugs performed equivalently against
C. perfringens
at 24 h. Monte Carlo simulations using human serum AUC data and an AUC/MIC anaerobe target of 7.5 suggests a >90% target achievement at MICs of <2 mg/liter. This divides the
B. fragilis
wild-type MIC distribution. The pharmacodynamic properties of moxifloxacin against anaerobes are different than those against aerobic species. The clinical implications of these differences need further exploration.
Inhibition of Coreceptor-Independent Cell-to-Cell Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission by a CD4-Immunoglobulin G2 Fusion Protein
Authors: Bosch Berta , Blanco Julià , Pauls Eduardo , Clotet-Codina Imma , Armand-Ugón Mercedes , Grigorov Boyan , Muriaux Delphine , Clotet Bonaventura , Darlix Jean-Luc , Esté José A.
Published: September 2005

We have previously shown (J. Blanco et al., J. Biol. Chem. 279:51305-51314, 2004) that the contact between HIV producing cells and primary CD4+T cells may induce the uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles by target cells in the absence of HIV envelope-mediated membrane fusion or productive HIV replication. HIV uptake by CD4+T cells was dependent on cellular contacts mediated by the binding of gp120 to CD4 but was independent of the expression of the appropriate HIV coreceptor, CCR5 or CXCR4. Here, we have characterized the effect of agents blocking gp120 binding to CD4 on cell-to-cell HIV transmission. A recombinant CD4-based protein (CD4-immunoglobulin G2 [IgG2]), that is currently being evaluated in clinical trials, completely inhibited the uptake of HIV particles by CD4+T cells from persistently infected cells expressing R5, X4, or X4/T-20-resistant HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins. Consequently, both the release of viral particles from endocytic vesicles and the infection of reporter U87-CD4 cells were also prevented. The polyanionic anti-HIV agent dextran sulfate failed to prevent the intracellular uptake of virions by CD4+T cells. Indeed, it increased HIV uptake in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting functional differences between the specific gp120-targeting CD4-IgG2 agent and nonspecific HIV binding inhibitors. Thus, the inhibition of the specific interaction between gp120 and CD4 protein could be an effective strategy to inhibit HIV binding to CD4+T cells, and the mechanism by which CD4+T cells lacking the appropriate coreceptor may be converted in HIV carriers.
Effect of Amphotericin B on Capsule and Cell Size inCryptococcus neoformansduring Murine Infection
Authors: Zaragoza Oscar , Mihu Coralia , Casadevall Arturo , Nosanchuk Joshua D.
Published: September 2005

Antifungal drugs can affect the cellular morphology ofCryptococcus neoformansin culture, which alters its interactions with phagocytes. We examined the effects of amphotericin B onC. neoformansduring murine infection. The antifungal reduced capsule size and serum polysaccharide, which suggests an additional mechanism for amphotericin B's efficacy in cryptococcosis.
AbeM, an H
+
-Coupled
Acinetobacter baumannii
Multidrug Efflux Pump Belonging to the MATE Family of Transporters
Authors: Su Xian-Zhong , Chen Jing , Mizushima Tohru , Kuroda Teruo , Tsuchiya Tomofusa
Published: September 2005

We cloned a gene,
abeM
, for a multidrug efflux pump from
Acinetobacter baumannii
using
Escherichia coli
as the host. Sequence analysis revealed that AbeM is a member of the MATE family of pumps. AbeM was found to be an H
+
-coupled multidrug efflux pump and a unique member of the MATE family.
Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus faecium
Strains Isolated from Community Wastewater from a Semiclosed Agri-Food System in Texas
Authors: Poole T. L. , Hume M. E. , Campbell L. D. , Scott H. M. , Alali W. Q. , Harvey R. B.
Published: September 2005

Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
strains (VRE) were isolated from human wastewater but not swine fecal waste from a semiclosed agri-food system in Texas. Forty-nine VRE isolates possessed
vanA
, and one possessed
vanB
. Twenty-one pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types were identified and segregated into three groups. There was evidence of clonal dissemination among geographically separated sites.
Inhibition of Interferon-Stimulated JAK-STAT Signaling by a Tick-Borne Flavivirus and Identification of NS5 as an Interferon Antagonist
Authors: Best Sonja M. , Morris Keely L. , Shannon Jeffrey G. , Robertson Shelly J. , Mitzel Dana N. , Park Gregory S. , Boer Elena , Wolfinbarger James B. , Bloom Marshall E.
Published: September 2005

The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex of viruses, genusFlavivirus, can cause severe encephalitis, meningitis, and/or hemorrhagic fevers. Effective interferon (IFN) responses are critical to recovery from infection with flaviviruses, and the mosquito-borne flaviviruses can inhibit this response. However, little is known about interactions between IFN signaling and TBE viruses. Langat virus (LGTV), a member of the TBE complex of viruses, was found to be highly sensitive to the antiviral effects of IFN. However, LGTV infection inhibited IFN-induced expression of a reporter gene driven by either IFN-α/β- or IFN-γ-responsive promoters. This indicated that LGTV can inhibit the IFN-mediated JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway of signal transduction. The mechanism of inhibition was due to blocks in the phosphorylation of both Janus kinases, Jak1 and Tyk2, during IFN-α signaling and at least a failure of Jak1 phosphorylation following IFN-γ stimulation. To determine the viral protein(s) responsible, we individually expressed all nonstructural (NS) proteins and examined their ability to inhibit signal transduction. Expression of NS5 alone inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN, thus identifying NS5 as a potential IFN antagonist. Examination of interactions between NS5 and cellular proteins revealed that NS5 associated with IFN-α/β and -γ receptor complexes. Importantly, inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling and NS5-IFN receptor interactions were demonstrated in LGTV-infected human monocyte-derived dendritic cells, important target cells for early virus replication. Because NS5 may interfere with both innate and acquired immune responses to virus infection, this protein may have a significant role in viral pathogenesis.
Structure of the Fab Fragment of F105, a Broadly Reactive Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody That Recognizes the CD4 Binding Site of HIV Type 1 gp120
Authors: Wilkinson Royce A. , Piscitelli Chayne , Teintze Martin , Cavacini Lisa A. , Posner Marshall R. , Lawrence C. Martin
Published: September 2005

We have determined the crystal structure of the Fab fragment from F105, a broadly reactive human antibody with limited potency that recognizes the CD4 binding site of gp120. The structure reveals an extended CDR H3 loop with a phenylalanine residue at the apex and shows a striking pattern of serine and tyrosine residues. Modeling the interaction between gp120 and F105 suggests that the phenylalanine may recognize the binding pocket of gp120 used by Phe43of CD4 and that numerous tyrosine and serine residues form hydrogen bonds with the main chain atoms of gp120. A comparison of the F105 structure to that of immunoglobulin G1 b12, a much more potent and broadly neutralizing antibody with an overlapping epitope, suggests similarities that contribute to the broad recognition of human immunodeficiency virus by both antibodies. While the putative epitope for F105 shows significant overlap with that predicted for b12, it appears to differ from the b12 epitope in extending across the interface between the inner and outer domains of gp120. In contrast, the CDR loops of b12 appear to interact predominantly with the outer domain of gp120. The difference between the predicted epitopes for b12 and F105 suggests that the unique potency of b12 may arise from its ability to avoid the interface between the inner and outer domains of gp120.
An Orally Bioavailable Antipoxvirus Compound (ST-246) Inhibits Extracellular Virus Formation and Protects Mice from Lethal Orthopoxvirus Challenge
Authors: Yang Guang , Pevear Daniel C. , Davies Marc H. , Collett Marc S. , Bailey Tom , Rippen Susan , Barone Linda , Burns Chris , Rhodes Gerry , Tohan Sanjeev , Huggins John W. , Baker Robert O. , Buller R. L. Mark , Touchette Erin , Waller Kem , Schriewer Jill , Neyts Johan , DeClercq Erik , Jones Kevin , Hruby Dennis , Jordan Robert
Published: September 2005

ST-246 is a low-molecular-weight compound (molecular weight = 376), that is potent (concentration that inhibited virus replication by 50% = 0.010 μM), selective (concentration of compound that inhibited cell viability by 50% = >40 μM), and active against multiple orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia, monkeypox, camelpox, cowpox, ectromelia (mousepox), and variola viruses. Cowpox virus variants selected in cell culture for resistance to ST-246 were found to have a single amino acid change in the V061 gene. Reengineering this change back into the wild-type cowpox virus genome conferred resistance to ST-246, suggesting that V061 is the target of ST-246 antiviral activity. The cowpox virus V061 gene is homologous to vaccinia virus F13L, which encodes a major envelope protein (p37) required for production of extracellular virus. In cell culture, ST-246 inhibited plaque formation and virus-induced cytopathic effects. In single-cycle growth assays, ST-246 reduced extracellular virus formation by 10 fold relative to untreated controls, while having little effect on the production of intracellular virus. In vivo oral administration of ST-246 protected BALB/c mice from lethal infection, following intranasal inoculation with 10× 50% lethal dose (LD
50
) of vaccinia virus strain IHD-J. ST-246-treated mice that survived infection acquired protective immunity and were resistant to subsequent challenge with a lethal dose (10× LD
50
) of vaccinia virus. Orally administered ST-246 also protected A/NCr mice from lethal infection, following intranasal inoculation with 40,000× LD
50
of ectromelia virus. Infectious virus titers at day 8 postinfection in liver, spleen, and lung from ST-246-treated animals were below the limits of detection (<10 PFU/ml). In contrast, mean virus titers in liver, spleen, and lung tissues from placebo-treated mice were 6.2 × 10
7
, 5.2 × 10
7
, and 1.8 × 10
5
PFU/ml, respectively. Finally, oral administration of ST-246 inhibited vaccinia virus-induced tail lesions in Naval Medical Research Institute mice inoculated via the tail vein. Taken together, these results validate F13L as an antiviral target and demonstrate that an inhibitor of extracellular virus formation can protect mice from orthopoxvirus-induced disease.
Mucosal and Systemic Antibody Responses in Humans Infected with Simian Foamy Virus
Authors: Cummins James E. , Boneva Roumiana S. , Switzer William M. , Christensen Logan L. , Sandstrom Paul , Heneine Walid , Chapman Louisa E. , Dezzutti Charlene S.
Published: September 2005

Simian foamy virus (SFV) infection and the subsequent immune response are not well characterized. Blood plasma, saliva, and urine were obtained from four humans and nine chimpanzees persistently infected with chimpanzee-type SFV for an unknown length of time. SFV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, but not IgA antibodies, against the Gag and Bet proteins were detected, by Western blotting, in all sample types from infected humans and chimpanzees. Overall, chimpanzee samples had higher anti-SFV IgG titers than humans. These results provide a first comparative evaluation of SFV-specific host mucosal humoral immunity in infected humans and chimpanzees that is characterized by a predominant IgG response and a virtually absent IgA response.
Conjugation of Lentivirus to Paramagnetic Particles via Nonviral Proteins Allows Efficient Concentration and Infection of Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Chan Lucas , Nesbeth Darren , MacKey Taylor , Galea-Lauri Joanna , Gäken Joop , Martin Francisco , Collins Mary , Mufti Ghulam , Farzaneh Farzin , Darling David
Published: September 2005

Nonviral producer cell proteins incorporated into retroviral vector surfaces profoundly influence infectivity and in vivo half-life. We report the purification and concentration of lentiviral vectors using these surface proteins as an efficient gene transduction strategy. Biotinylation of these proteins and streptavidin paramagnetic particle concentration enhances titer 400- to 2,500-fold (to 109CFU/ml for vesicular stomatitis virus G protein and 5 × 108for amphotropic murine leukemia virus envelope). This method also uses newly introduced membrane proteins (B7.1 and ΔLNGFR) directed to lentiviral surfaces, allowing up to 17,000-fold concentrations. Particle conjugation of lentivirus allows facile manipulation in vitro, resulting in the transduction of 48 to 94% of human acute myeloid leukemia blasts.
Maximum oxygen uptake and objectively measured physical activity in Danish children 6–7 years of age: the Copenhagen school child intervention study
Authors: Eiberg S , Hasselstrom H , Grønfeldt V , Froberg K , Svensson J , Andersen L B
Published: September 2005

Objectives:To provide normative data on maximum oxygen uptake (V˙o2max) and physical activity in children 6–7 years of age and analyse the association between these variables.

Methods:V˙o2maxwas measured in 366 boys (mean (SD) 6.8 (0.4) years of age) and 332 girls (6.7 (0.4) years of age) from preschool classes in two suburban communities in Copenhagen, during a progressive treadmill exercise. Habitual physical activity was measured with accelerometers.

Results:Boys had higher V˙o2maxboth in absolute values (1.19 (0.18)v1.06 (0.16) litres/min (+11%), p<0.001) and relative to body weight (48.5 (6.0)v44.8 (5.6) ml/kg/min (+8%); p<0.001) than girls. The difference in V˙o2maxbetween boys and girls decreased to +2% when expressed relative to lean body mass (LBM). Absolute V˙o2maxwas related to LBM, body mass, and stature (all p<0.001). Boys were more physically active than girls (mean counts +9.4%, p<0.001), and even when boys and girls with the same V˙o2maxwere compared, boys were more active. The difference in physical activity between the sexes was higher when sustained activity of higher intensity was compared.

Conclusions:V˙o2maxis higher in boys than girls (+11%), even when related to body mass (+8%) and LBM (+2%). Most of the difference in V˙o2maxrelative to body mass was explained by the larger percentage body fat in girls. When boys and girls with the same V˙o2maxwere compared, boys engaged in more minutes of exercise of at least moderate intensity.
Establishment of a protocol to test fatigue of the trunk muscles
Authors: Corin G , Strutton P H , McGregor A H
Published: September 2005

Background:Muscle fatigue has high relevance in human performance yet little research has evaluated how it should be assessed.

Objective:To perform a pilot study to identify suitable methods of generating and assessing fatigue of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles.

Methods:Sixteen university rugby players (mean (SEM) age 21.9 (0.2) years) were recruited and subjected to four protocols (A, B, C, D), separated by a week to allow recovery, with peak torque being recorded during each test: A, isokinetic measurements before and after fatigue, with a 10 repetition isokinetic fatigue period; B, isokinetic measurements before and after fatigue with a 45 second isometric fatigue period; C, isometric measurements before and after fatigue with a 10 repetition isokinetic fatigue period; D, isometric measurements before and after fatigue with a 45 second isometric fatigue period. All were conducted during flexion and extension of the trunk on the Cybex Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer trunk flexion-extension unit.

Results:All subjects completed all four protocols. Fatigue induction appeared more effective in flexion than extension. Significant differences in mean peak torque before and after fatigue were seen in protocols A, B, and D in flexion and only in protocol D for extension. In flexion, protocol D produced the greatest fatigue, peak torque being 16.2% less after than before fatigue, suggesting greatest sensitivity.

Conclusions:Protocol D, which incorporates isometric testing and fatigue protocols, appears to be able to produce fatigue most effectively, and therefore may provide the most valid assessment of fatigue in the trunk flexor and extensor muscles.
Effect of anticipation during unknown or unexpected exercise duration on rating of perceived exertion, affect, and physiological function
Authors: Baden D A , McLean T L , Tucker R , Noakes T D , St Clair Gibson A
Published: September 2005

Objectives:To determine the effect of unknown exercise duration and an unexpected increase in exercise duration on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), affect, and running economy during treadmill running.

Methods:Sixteen well trained male and female runners completed three bouts of treadmill running at 75% of their peak treadmill running speed. In the first trial, they were told to run for 20 minutes and were stopped at 20 minutes (20 MIN). In another trial, they were told to run for 10 minutes, but at 10 minutes were told to run for a further 10 minutes (10 MIN). In the final trial, they were not told for how long they would be running but were stopped after 20 minutes (unknown, UN). During each of the running bouts, RPE, oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min), heart rate (beats/min), stride frequency (min−1), affect scores (arbitrary units), and attentional focus (percentage associative thought scores) were recorded.

Results:RPE increased significantly between 10 and 11 minutes in the 10 MIN compared with the 20 MIN and UN trials (p<0.05). The affect score decreased significantly between 10 and 11 minutes in the 10 MIN compared with the 20 MIN trial (p<0.05). Running economy, as measured by oxygen consumption, was significantly lower in the UN compared with the 20 MIN trial from 10 to 19 minutes (p<0.05).

Conclusions:The change in RPE between 10 and 11 minutes in the 10 MIN trial suggests that RPE is not purely a measure of physical exertion, as treadmill speed was maintained at a constant pace both before and after the unexpected increase in exercise duration. The associated changes in affect score at similar times in the 10 MIN trial supports the hypothesis that RPE has an affective component.
Correlations between physiological variables and performance in high level cross country off road cyclists
Authors: Impellizzeri F M , Marcora S M , Rampinini E , Mognoni P , Sassi A
Published: September 2005

Objectives:To examine the relations between maximal and submaximal indices of aerobic fitness and off road cycling performance in a homogeneous group of high level mountain bikers.

Methods:12 internationally competitive mountain bikers completed the study. Maximum oxygen uptake (V˙o2max), peak power output (PPO), power output (PO), and oxygen uptake (V˙o2) at first (VT) and second (RCT) ventilatory thresholds were measured in the laboratory, and correlated with race time during a cross country circuit race.

Results:The only physiological indices of aerobic fitness correlated with off road cycling performance were PO and V˙o2at RCT when normalised to body mass (r = −0.63 andr = −0.66, respectively; p<0.05). VT, V˙o2max, and PPO were not correlated to performance in this homogeneous group of high level mountain bikers.

Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that submaximal indices of aerobic fitness such as PO and V˙o2at RCT are more important determinants of off road cycling performance than maximal indices such as PPO and V˙o2max. This study confirms the importance of body mass for mountain biking performance. As aerobic fitness explained only 40% of the variance, other physiological and technical factors should be investigated, as they may be important determinants of cross country performance among elite mountain bikers.
Rye grass is associated with fewer non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries than bermuda grass
Authors: Orchard J W , Chivers I , Aldous D , Bennell K , Seward H
Published: September 2005

Objective:To assess the contribution of ground variables including grass type to the rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the Australian Football League (AFL), specifically which factors are primarily responsible for previously observed warm season and early season biases for ACL injuries.

Methods:Grass types used at the major AFL venues from 1992 to 2004 were established by consultation with ground managers, and ground hardness and other weather variables were measured prospectively.

Results:There were 115 ACL injuries occurring in matches during the survey time period, 88 with a non-contact mechanism. In multivariate analysis, use of bermuda (couch) grass as opposed to rye grass, higher grade of match, and earlier stage of the season were independent risk factors for non-contact ACL injury. Ground hardness readings did not show a significant association with ACL injury risk, whereas weather variables of high evaporation and low prior rainfall showed univariate association with injury risk but could not be entered into a logistic regression equation.

Discussion:Rye grass appears to offer protection against ACL injury compared with bermuda (couch) grass fields. The likely mechanism is reduced “trapping” of football boots by less thatch. Grass species as a single consideration cannot fully explain the ACL early season bias, but is probably responsible for the warm season bias seen in the AFL. Weather variables previously identified as predictors are probably markers for predominance of bermuda over rye grass in mixed fields.
Epidemiology of injuries in English professional rugby union: part 2 training Injuries
Authors: Brooks J H M , Fuller C W , Kemp S P T , Reddin D B
Published: September 2005

Objectives:To undertake a detailed epidemiological study of training injuries sustained by professional rugby union players in order to define their incidence, nature, severity, and causes.

Methods:A two season prospective design was used to study training injuries associated with 502 rugby union players at 11 English Premiership clubs. Team clinicians reported all training injuries on a weekly basis and provided details of the location, diagnosis, severity, and mechanism of each injury. Training exposures for individual players were recorded on a weekly basis. Loss of time from training and match play was used as the definition of an injury.

Results:The overall incidence of injury was 2.0 per 1000 player-hours, and each injury resulted on average in 24 days lost time. Recurrences, which accounted for 19% of injuries, were more severe (35 days) than new injuries (21 days). Twenty two per cent of all training occurred during the preseason but 34% of all injuries were sustained in this period. Hamstring, calf, hip flexor/quadriceps, and adductor muscle injuries were the most common for backs, whereas hamstring, lateral ankle ligament, and lumbar disc/nerve root injuries predominated for forwards. Lumbar disc/nerve root, shoulder dislocation/instability, and hamstring muscle injuries for forwards and hamstring muscle and anterior cruciate ligament injuries for backs caused the greatest number of days absence. Running was the predominant cause of injury for both forwards and backs, although the overall incidence and severity of injuries sustained during skills training were significantly greater than those sustained during conditioning training.

Conclusions:On average, a club will have 5% of their players unavailable for selection as a consequence of training injuries.
Hyponatraemic encephalopathy despite a modest rate of fluid intake during a 109 km cycle race
Authors: Dugas J P , Noakes T D
Published: September 2005

Objective:To report a case of exertional hyponatraemic encephalopathy that occurred despite a modest rate of fluid intake during a 109 km cycling race.

Methods:Men and women cyclists were weighed before and after the race. All subjects were interviewed and their water bottles measured to quantify fluid ingestion. A blood sample was drawn after the race for the measurement of serum Na+concentration.

Results:From the full set of data (n  =  196), one athlete was found to have hyponatraemic encephalopathy (serum [Na+] 129 mmol/l). She was studied subsequently in the laboratory for measurement of sweat [Na+] and sweat rate.

Conclusions:Despite a modest rate of fluid intake (735 ml/h) and minimal predicted sweat Na+losses, this female athlete developed hyponatraemic encephalopathy. The rate of fluid intake is well below the rate currently prescribed as optimum. Drinking to thirst and not to a set hourly rate would appear to be the more appropriate behaviour.
H19 expression in hepatic metastases from a range of human carcinomas
Authors: Fellig Y , Ariel I , Ohana P , Schachter P , Sinelnikov I , Birman T , Ayesh S , Schneider T , de Groot N , Czerniak A , Hochberg A
Published: September 2005

Aims:To investigate the expression of the imprinted oncofetal H19 gene in hepatic metastases derived from a range of human carcinomas and assess its prognostic value with the view of developing a DNA based treatment for such metastases.

Methods:Non-radioactive in situ hybridisation for H19 RNA was performed on paraffin wax embedded sections of liver biopsies or partial hepatectomy specimens, taken from 80 patients with hepatic metastases derived from carcinomas from several medical centres in Israel. The degree of expression was graded qualitatively according to the number of cells expressing H19 and the intensity of staining. The medical files were searched for demographic data and survival times before and after diagnosis of hepatic metastases.

Results:H19 expression was found in the hepatic metastases of 64 of 80 patients. High expression (higher staining grades) of H19 in the metastases was found in 43 of 80 patients. However, H19 expression status in the hepatic metastases did not correlate with either the length of time to development of metastasis or overall survival.

Conclusions:H19 is highly expressed in more than half of hepatic metastases derived from a range of carcinomas. Thus, these metastases may be suitable candidates for H19 DNA based treatment. Further studies are needed to determine whether H19 expression has prognostic value in metastatic liver disease using larger numbers of specific subtypes of primary carcinomas.
Augmented expression of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine and EBI1 ligand chemokine in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Kawashima D , Oshitani N , Jinno Y , Watanabe K , Nakamura S , Higuchi K , Arakawa T
Published: September 2005

Background:A dominant T helper type 1 (Th1) immune response is thought to be involved in Crohn’s disease (CD). SLC/CCL21 and ELC/CCL19, chemokines that regulate T cell homing and promote recirculating T and dendritic cell (DC) interactions, help control antigen specific T cell responses.

Aims:To investigate the Th1 response and SLC and ELC in CD pathogenesis.

Methods:Surgically resected intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) from controls and patients with CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) were investigated. CD3, CD83, HECA452, VEGFR3, SLC, ELC, and CCR7 expression was studied immunohistochemically. CCR7 mRNA was quantified using real time RT-PCR.

Results:ELC was almost undetectable in intestinal samples. SLC was found sporadically in lymphoid follicles, lymphoid aggregate venules, and lymphatic vessels. In MLNs, SLC was highly expressed in high endothelial venules (HEVs), lymphatic vessels, and stromal DCs, predominantly in T cell areas. ELC was highly expressed in mature DCs. There were significantly more SLC positive HEVs and ELC positive mature DCs, important components of T cell areas, in CD. SLC, ELC, and CCR7 mRNA was significantly higher in CD MLNs compared with UC. CD MLNs had increased expression of SLC and ELC, mainly in HEVs, mature DCs, and lymphatic vessels, inducing T cell hyperplasia. CCR7 mRNA was increased in T cell areas.

Conclusion:The dominant Th1 immune response is facilitated by interaction of SLC positive HEVs/lymphatic vessels, ELC positive mature DCs, and CCR7 positive T cells in hyperplastic T cell areas. In CD, memory T cells and mature DCs may home to MLN.
Colonic angiomyolipoma with a monotypic expression and a predominant epithelioid component
Authors: Abdulkader M , Abercrombie J , McCulloch T A , Kaye P V
Published: September 2005

Angiomyolipomas are rare lesions, often arising in the kidney, and are part of a group of tumours with a diverse appearance and evidence of dual melanocytic and smooth muscle differentiation known as PEComas (tumours of perivascular epithelioid cell origin). This report describes an unusual case of a colonic PEComa in a 40 year old woman. Unlike most of the previous colonic angiomyolipomas/PEComas reported in the literature, this case formed a large, mainly extrinsic mass and was monotypic, and composed entirely of the myomatous component with no adipose tissue or typical vasculature.
Proliferating fibroblasts at the invading tumour edge of colorectal adenocarcinomas are associated with endogenous markers of hypoxia, acidity, and oxidative stress
Authors: Sivridis E , Giatromanolaki A , Koukourakis M I
Published: September 2005

Background:Stroma frequently forms at sites of active tumour invasion, and may be important for tumour growth and progression. The term “stromatogenesis” is used to describe this unique process that involves host peritumorous fibroblasts and is very different to reactive fibrosis.

Aims/Methods:To investigate the activation status of host fibroblasts at the invading tumour edge, assessed as MIB1 proliferation index and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) expression. Results were related to vascular density and certain properties of invading cancer cells—MIB1 proliferation activity, TP expression, expression of endogenous markers of hypoxia (hypoxia inducible factor-1α; HIF1α) and acidity (lactate dehydrogenase-5; LDH5). Standard immunohistochemical techniques were applied to 150 colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Results:Normal fibroblasts at the tumour edge had a median MIB1 index of 2%—significantly higher than normal submucosal fibroblasts (0.3%) and significantly lower than cancer cells (40%). Normal peritumorous fibroblasts with a proliferation rate above the median strongly expressed TP and were supported by an increased vascular network. Cancer cells close to these fibroblasts had a high MIB1 proliferative index, high HIF1α and LDH5 reactivity, and a clear trend to extramural extension. All associations were significant.

Conclusions:These results suggest that activated fibroblastic status at the invading tumour front sets the stage for stromatogenesis and new blood vessel formation, facilitating deep transmural invasion in colorectal adenocarcinomas. This complicity of peritumorous fibroblasts in the overall aggressiveness/invasive and metastatic ability of colorectal tumours, occurring within the framework of cancer–stromal cell interactions, is probably favoured by the altered microenvironmental conditions of hypoxia and acidity.
Canalicular immunostaining of aminopeptidase N (CD13) as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Röcken C , Licht J , Roessner A , Carl-McGrath S
Published: September 2005

Background:Aminopeptidase N (CD13) is expressed in normal and neoplastic liver tissue, where it exhibits a characteristic canalicular pattern (CD13can), similar to that seen for CD10 and when antibodies crossreact with biliary glycoprotein I (p-CEA).

Aim:To compare the putative diagnostic use of CD13canin differentiating between hepatocellular (HCC) and non-hepatocellular carcinomas metastatic to the liver (non-HCC).

Methods:A retrospective study comparing 53 HCC specimens with 32 non-HCC specimens. Immunostaining was performed with HepPar1 and antibodies directed against CD10, CD13, p-CEA, and α fetoprotein (AFP).

Results:In the HCC group, a canalicular staining pattern was found for CD13, p-CEA, and CD10 in 51, 43, and 33 specimens, respectively. HepPar1 was positive in 29 and AFP in 17 HCC specimens. In the non-HCC group, canalicular immunostaining for CD10 and p-CEA was confined to non-neoplastic liver tissue. One poorly differentiated cholangiocarcinoma showed apical expression of CD13, resembling to some extent CD13can. Sensitivity and specificity were 96.2% and 97.0%, respectively, for CD13can, 81.1% and 100% for p-CEAcan, 62.3% and 100%, for CD10can, 54.7% and 99.9% for HepPar1, and 32.1% and 100% for AFP.

Conclusions:These results show that CD13canis more sensitive in differentiating between HCC and non-HCC than CD10can, p-CEAcan, HepPar1, and AFP.
The ontogeny of diving behaviour in New Zealand fur seal pups (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Authors: Baylis A M.M , Page B , Peters K , McIntosh R , Mckenzie J , Goldsworthy S
Published: September 2005

This study investigated the development of diving in 21 New Zealand fur seal pups, Arctocephalus forsteri (Lesson, 1828), prior to weaning at Cape Gantheaume, Kangaroo Island. Diving behaviour was examined using time–depth recorders, which were deployed during two time periods, 5 months prior to weaning (n = 6) and 2 months prior to weaning (n = 15). Scats were also examined to assess whether fur seal pups foraged prior to weaning. The maximum dive depth attained was 44 m, while the maximum dive duration was 3.3 min. Immediately prior to weaning, fur seal pups spent a greater proportion of their time diving at night, and concomitantly several measures of diving performance also increased. In general, pups dived successively deeper (6–44 m between June and September), and the average number of dives per day, dive frequency, and vertical distance travelled increased. Prey remains were present in approximately 30% of scats and indicated that some pups were foraging as early as June (5–6 months of age, approximately 4–5 months prior to weaning). Of the scats that contained prey remains, fish (South American pilchard, Sardinops sagax (Jenyns, 1842); Australian anchovy, Engraulis australis (White, 1790); and redbait, Emmelichthys nitidus Richardson, 1845) accounted for 43% of the prey items found, crustaceans accounted for 36%, and cephalopods (Gould's squid, Nototodarus gouldi (McCoy, 1888)) accounted for 20%.
Distribution and phylogeny of glacier ice worms (Mesenchytraeus solifugus and Mesenchytraeus solifugus rainierensis)
Authors: Hartzell Paula L , Nghiem Jefferson V , Richio Kristina J , Shain Daniel H
Published: September 2005

Glacier ice worms, Mesenchytraeus solifugus (Emery, 1898) and Mesenchytraeus solifugus rainierensis Welch, 1916 (Enchytraeidae), are the only known oligochaetes adapted to life in ice. We have collected ice worm specimens from over 100 populations throughout the Pacific northwestern region of North America. Their current range extends ~2500 km along the Pacific coastline between south-central Alaska and central Oregon, with most populations occurring on relatively low-elevation, temperate glaciers. Phylogenetic analyses utilizing partial nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) loci revealed the presence of two geographically distinct clades (northern and southern). The northern clade comprises all Alaskan populations, while the southern clade contains British Columbia, Washington State, and Oregon State populations. No evidence of gene flow was detected between these two lineages or between noncontiguous glaciers throughout their geographic range. Our results suggest that the mechanism of ice worm dispersal is primarily active, though at least one episode of passive dispersal is noted at the southern extent of their range.
FAST SIMILARITY SEARCH FOR PROTEIN 3D STRUCTURES USING TOPOLOGICAL PATTERN MATCHING BASED ON SPATIAL RELATIONS
Authors: PARK SUNG-HEE , RYU KEUN HO , GILBERT DAVID
Published: September 2005

Similarity search for protein 3D structures become complex and computationally expensive due to the fact that the size of protein structure databases continues to grow tremendously. Recently, fast structural similarity search systems have been required to put them into practical use in protein structure classification whilst existing comparison systems do not provide comparison results on time.

Our approach uses multi-step processing that composes of a preprocessing step to represent geometry of protein structures with spatial objects, a filter step to generate a small candidate set using approximate topological string matching, and a refinement step to compute a structural alignment. This paper describes the preprocessing and filtering for fast similarity search using the discovery of topological patterns of secondary structure elements based on spatial relations. Our system is fully implemented by using Oracle 8i spatial. We have previously shown1 that our approach has the advantage of speed of performance compared with other approach such as DALI. This work shows that the discovery of topological relations of secondary structure elements in protein structures by using spatial relations of spatial databases is practical for fast structural similarity search for proteins.
QUALIFIED PREDICTIONS FOR MICROARRAY AND PROTEOMICS PATTERN DIAGNOSTICS WITH CONFIDENCE MACHINES
Authors: BELLOTTI TONY , LUO ZHIYUAN , GAMMERMAN ALEX , VAN DELFT FREDERICK W. , SAHA VASKAR
Published: September 2005

We focus on the problem of prediction with confidence and describe a recently developed learning algorithm called transductive confidence machine for making qualified region predictions. Its main advantage, in comparison with other classifiers, is that it is well-calibrated, with number of prediction errors strictly controlled by a given predefined confidence level. We apply the transductive confidence machine to the problems of acute leukaemia and ovarian cancer prediction using microarray and proteomics pattern diagnostics, respectively. We demonstrate that the algorithm performs well, yielding well-calibrated and informative predictions whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
QUANTUM FIELD THEORIES
Authors: MESREF L.
Published: September 2005

The scope of this review is to give a pedagogical introduction to some new calculations and methods developed by the author in the context of quantum groups and their applications. The review is self-contained and serves as a "first aid kit" before one ventures into the beautiful but bewildering landscape of Woronowicz's theory. First, we present an up-to-date account of the methods and definitions used in quantum gauge theories. Then, we highlight our new results. The present paper is by no means an exhaustive overview of this swiftly developing subject.
A NEW APPROACH FOR AUDIO CLASSIFICATION AND SEGMENTATION USING GABOR WAVELETS AND FISHER LINEAR DISCRIMINATOR
Authors: LIN RUEI-SHIANG , CHEN LING-HWEI
Published: September 2005

Rapid increase in the amount of audio data demands an efficient method to automatically segment or classify audio stream based on its content. In this paper, based on the Gabor wavelet features, an audio classification and segmentation method is proposed. This method will first divide an audio stream into clips, each of which contains one-second audio information. Then, each clip is classified as one of two classes or five classes. Two classes contain speech and music; pure speech, pure music, song, speech with music background, and speech with environmental noise background are for five classes. Finally, a merge technique is provided to do segmentation.

In order to make the proposed method robust for a variety of audio sources, we use Fisher Linear Discriminator to obtain features with the highest discriminative ability. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve over 98% accuracy rate for speech and music discrimination, and more than 95% for a five-way discrimination. By checking the class types of adjacent clips, we can also identify more than 95% audio scene breaks in audio sequence.
CONTENT-BASED AUDIO RETRIEVAL BASED ON GABOR WAVELET FILTERING
Authors: LIN RUEI-SHIANG , CHEN LING-HWEI
Published: September 2005

Rapid increase in the amount of audio data and especially music collections demand an efficient method to automatically retrieve audio objects based on its content. In this paper, based on the Gabor wavelet features, we will propose a method for content-based retrieval of perceptually similar music pieces in audio documents. It allows the user to select a reference passage within an audio file and retrieve perceptually similar passages such as repeating phrases within a music piece, similar music clips in a database or one song sung by different persons or in different languages.

The proposed method will first divide an audio stream into clips, each of which contains one-second audio information. Then, the frame-based features of each clip are extracted based on the Gabor wavelet filters. Finally, a similarity measuring technique is provided to perform pattern matching on the resulting sequences of feature vectors. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve over 96% accuracy rate for audio retrieval.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES OF THE TOMOGRAPHIC CLASSIFIER FUSION METHODOLOGY
Authors: WINDRIDGE DAVID , KITTLER JOSEF
Published: September 2005

We seek to quantify both the classification performance and estimation error robustness of the authors' tomographic classifier fusion methodology by contrasting it in field tests and model scenarios with the sum and product classifier fusion methodologies.

In particular, we seek to confirm that the tomographic methodology represents a generally optimal strategy across the entire range of problem dimensionalities, and at a sufficient margin to justify the general advocation of its use. Final results indicate, in particular, a near 25% improvement on the next nearest performing combination scheme at the extremity of the tested dimensional range.
SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE NETWORKS FOR MULTI-CLASS CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SHIH FRANK Y. , ZHANG KAI
Published: September 2005

The support vector machine (SVM) has recently attracted growing interest in pattern classification due to its competitive performance. It was originally designed for two-class classification, and many researchers have been working on extensions to multiclass. In this paper, we present a new framework that adapts the SVM with neural networks and analyze the source of misclassification in guiding our preprocessing for optimization in multiclass classification. We perform experiments on the ORL database and the results show that our framework can achieve high recognition rates.
DECISION BOUNDARY PRESERVING PROTOTYPE SELECTION FOR NEAREST NEIGHBOR CLASSIFICATION
Authors: BARANDELA RICARDO , FERRI FRANCESC J. , SÁNCHEZ J. SALVADOR
Published: September 2005

The excessive computational resources required by the Nearest Neighbor rule are a major concern for a number of specialists and practitioners in the Pattern Recognition community. Many proposals for decreasing this computational burden, through reduction of the training sample size, have been published. This paper introduces an algorithm to reduce the training sample size while preserving the original decision boundaries as much as possible. Consequently, the algorithm tends to obtain classification accuracy close to that of the whole training sample. Several experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method when compared to other reduction algorithms based on similar ideas.
TERNARY FIXED POLARITY LINEAR KRONECKER TRANSFORMS AND THEIR COMPARISON WITH TERNARY REED–MULLER TRANSFORM
Authors: FU CHENG , FALKOWSKI BOGDAN J.
Published: September 2005

Two new fixed polarity linear Kronecker transforms executed over GF(3) are introduced in this article. Both transforms are based on recursive equations using Kronecker products what allows to obtain simple corresponding fast transforms and very regular butterfly diagrams. The computational costs to calculate the new pair of transforms and their experimental comparison with ternary Reed–Muller transform have also been discussed for the purpose of using their error correcting properties that are useful in circuit testing and verification.
A FAST SCHEDULING ALGORITHM FOR LOW POWER DESIGN
Authors: KUMAR ASHOK , BAYOUMI MAGDY
Published: September 2005

In this paper, a fast low power scheduling algorithm is presented for high-level synthesis with multiple voltages. The resources are assumed to operate at different voltages and their power consumption and delay for each voltage level is known in advance. The proposed methodology achieves maximal power reduction of functional units by identifying the maximal available parallelism of power hungry operators in an initial schedule. The proposed methodology is developed in the framework of a modified stochastic evolution mechanism in order to tame the computational complexity. The proposed scheduling technique is extremely fast and it runs in quadratic complexity in the number of the nodes in the data flow graph of the design. This is the fastest reported time of scheduling algorithms for resource-and-latency constrained scheduling with resources operating at multiple voltages. The algorithm produces results within accuracy of 3%–5% of the linear programming method.