bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of three-dimensional transition in the wake of a rotationally oscillating cylinder
Authors: LO JACONO DAVID , LEONTINI JUSTIN S. , THOMPSON MARK C. , SHERIDAN JOHN
Published: December 2009

A study of the flow past an oscillatory rotating cylinder has been conducted, where the frequency of oscillation has been matched to the natural frequency of the vortex street generated in the wake of a stationary cylinder, at Reynolds number 300. The focus is on the wake transition to three-dimensional flow and, in particular, the changes induced in this transition by the addition of the oscillatory rotation. Using Floquet stability analysis, it is found that the fine-scale three-dimensional mode that typically dominates the wake at a Reynolds number beyond that at the second transition to three-dimensional flow (referred to as mode B) is suppressed for amplitudes of rotation beyond a critical amplitude, in agreement with past studies. However, the rotation does not suppress the development of three-dimensionality completely, as other modes are discovered that would lead to three-dimensional flow. In particular, the longer-wavelength mode that leads the three-dimensional transition in the wake of a stationary cylinder (referred to as mode A) is left essentially unaffected at low amplitudes of rotation. At higher amplitudes of oscillation, mode A is also suppressed as the two-dimensional near wake changes in character from a single- to a double-row wake; however, another mode is predicted to render the flow three-dimensional, dubbed mode D (for double row). This mode has the same spatio-temporal symmetries as mode A.
Biographical Fragment
Authors: Bruce J.
Published: December 2009

IT is not because WILLIAM PRYNNE stands in our literature as one of our most voluminous authors, nor because he is conspicuous in our history as a sufferer for conscience' sake, that I desire to interest the great body of English readers in his biography. His works, and the circumstances of his personal history, considered simply by themselves, deserve the attention ofthe scholar and the historian, but taken in connection with the general incidents of the times in which he lived they acquire a much higher importance and have a far more extensive application. Viewed in that relation, they enlarge our knowledge of the momentous transactions which occurred in England between 1625 and 1660; they give us views of men and events, nearer and more distinct than can be derived from the wide survey of the general historian; and they enable us—which is more valuable than anything else—to drink deep into the general spirit of that eventful period. It is of the greatest importance that the history of that birth-time of our modern freedom and our consequent greatness should be thoroughly understood I hope that the life of William Prynne, which 1 have endeavoured to write upon the principle I have indicated, will conduce in some slight degree to their being so.
Longitudinal Trends in Obesity in the United States From Adolescence to the Third Decade of Life
Authors: Gordon‐Larsen Penny , The Natalie S. , Adair Linda S.
Published: December 2009

No longitudinal analyses using national data have evaluated the increase in obesity from adolescence into early adulthood. We examined obesity incidence, persistence, and reversal in a nationally representative cohort of US teens followed into their early 30s, using measured height and weight data, in individuals enrolled in wave II (1996; 12–21 years), wave III (2001; 17–26 years), and wave IV (2008 early release data; 24–32 years) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 8,675). Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥95th percentile of the 2000 Centers for Disease Control/National Center for Health Statistics growth charts or ≥30 kg/m2 for individuals <20 years and ≥30 kg/m2 in individuals ≥20 years. In 1996, 13.3% of adolescents were obese. By 2008, obesity prevalence increased to 36.1%, and was highest among non‐Hispanic black females (54.8%). Ninety percent of the obese adolescents remained obese in 2008. While annual obesity incidence did not decline in the total sample across the two study intervals (2.3% per year 1996–2001 vs. 2.2% per year 2001–2008), rates among white females declined (2.7 to 1.9% per year) and were highest among non‐Hispanic black and Hispanic females (3.8 and 2.7% per year, 1996–2001 vs. 3.0 and 2.6% per year, 2002–2008, respectively). Obesity prevalence doubled from adolescence to the early 20s, and doubled again from the early to late 20s or early 30s, with strong tracking from adolescence into adulthood. This trend is likely to continue owing to high rates of pediatric obesity. Effective preventive and treatment efforts are critically needed.
Diagnosis and Management of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infection in Adults and Children: Guidelines by the Surgical Infection Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Authors: Solomkin Joseph S. , Mazuski John E. , Bradley John S. , Rodvold Keith A , Goldstein Ellie J.C. , Baron Ellen J. , O'Neill Patrick J. , Chow Anthony W. , Dellinger E. Patchen , Eachempati Soumitra R. , Gorbach Sherwood , Hilfiker Mary , May Addison K. , Nathens Avery B. , Sawyer Robert G. , Bartlett John G.
Published: December 2009

Evidence-based guidelines for managing patients with intra-abdominal infection were prepared by an Expert Panel of the Surgical Infection Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These updated guidelines replace those previously published in 2002 and 2003. The guidelines are intended for treating patients who either have these infections or may be at risk for them. New information, based on publications from the period 2003–2008, is incorporated into this guideline document. The panel has also added recommendations for managing intra-abdominal infection in children, particularly where such management differs from that of adults; for appendicitis in patients of all ages; and for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.
Predicting metabolic engineering knockout strategies for chemical production: accounting for competing pathways
Authors: Tepper Naama , Shlomi Tomer
Published: December 2009

Motivation: Computational modeling in metabolic engineering involves the prediction of genetic manipulations that would lead to optimized microbial strains, maximizing the production rate of chemicals of interest. Various computational methods are based on constraint-based modeling, which enables to anticipate the effect of genetic manipulations on cellular metabolism considering a genome-scale metabolic network. However, current methods do not account for the presence of competing pathways in a metabolic network that may diverge metabolic flux away from producing a required chemical, resulting in lower (or even zero) chemical production rates in reality—making these methods somewhat over optimistic.

Results: In this article, we describe a novel constraint-based method called RobustKnock that predicts gene deletion strategies that lead to the over-production of chemicals of interest, by accounting for the presence of competing pathways in the network. We describe results of applying RobustKnock to Escherichia coli's metabolic network towards the production of various chemicals, demonstrating its ability to provide more robust predictions than those obtained via current state-of-the-art methods.

Availability: An implementation of RobustKnock is available via http://www.cs.technion.ac.il/∼tomersh/tools/

Contact:  naamat@cs.technion.ac.il; tomersh@cs.technion.ac.il
Kingdoms Protozoa and Chromista and the eozoan root of the eukaryotic tree
Authors: Cavalier-Smith Thomas
Published: December 2009

I discuss eukaryotic deep phylogeny and reclassify the basal eukaryotic kingdom Protozoa and derived kingdom Chromista in the light of multigene trees. I transfer the formerly protozoan Heliozoa and infrakingdoms Alveolata and Rhizaria into Chromista, which is sister to kingdom Plantae and arguably originated by synergistic double internal enslavement of green algal and red algal cells. I establish new subkingdoms (Harosa; Hacrobia) for the expanded Chromista. The protozoan phylum Euglenozoa differs immensely from other eukaryotes in its nuclear genome organization (trans-spliced multicistronic transcripts), mitochondrial DNA organization, cytochrome
c
-type biogenesis, cell structure and arguably primitive mitochondrial protein-import and nuclear DNA prereplication machineries. The bacteria-like absence of mitochondrial outer-membrane channel Tom40 and DNA replication origin-recognition complexes from trypanosomatid Euglenozoa roots the eukaryotic tree between Euglenozoa and all other eukaryotes (neokaryotes), or within Euglenozoa. Given their unique properties, I segregate Euglenozoa from infrakingdom Excavata (now comprising only phyla Percolozoa, Loukozoa, Metamonada), grouping infrakingdoms Euglenozoa and Excavata as the ancestral protozoan subkingdom Eozoa. I place phylum Apusozoa within the derived protozoan subkingdom Sarcomastigota. Clarifying early eukaryote evolution requires intensive study of properties distinguishing Euglenozoa from neokaryotes and Eozoa from neozoa (eukaryotes except Eozoa; ancestrally defined by haem lyase).
Is quality more important than quantity? Insect behavioural responses to changes in a volatile blend after stemborer oviposition on an African grass
Authors: Bruce Toby J. A. , Midega Charles A. O. , Birkett Michael A. , Pickett John A. , Khan Zeyaur R.
Published: December 2009

Plants subjected to insect attack usually increase volatile emission which attracts natural enemies and repels further herbivore colonization. Less is known about the capacity of herbivores to suppress volatiles and the multitrophic consequences thereof. In our study, the African forage grass,
Brachiaria brizantha
, was exposed to ovipositing spotted stemborer,
Chilo partellus
, moths. A marked reduction in emission of the main volatile, (
Z
)-3-hexenyl acetate (
Z
3HA), occurred following oviposition but the ratio of certain other minor component volatiles to
Z
3HA was increased. While further herbivore colonization was reduced on plants after oviposition, the new volatile profile caused increased attraction of an adapted parasitoid,
Cotesia sesamiae
. Our results show that insect responses are dependent on the quality of volatile emission rather than merely the quantity in this multitrophic interaction.
Variational multi-fluid dynamics and causal heat conductivity
Authors: Andersson N. , Comer G. L.
Published: December 2009

We discuss heat conductivity from the point of view of a variational multi-fluid model, treating entropy as a dynamical entity. We demonstrate that a two-fluid model with a massive fluid component and a massless entropy can reproduce a number of key results from extended irreversible thermodynamics. In particular, we show that the entropy entrainment is intimately linked to the thermal-relaxation time that is required to make heat propagation in solids causal. We also discuss non-local terms that arise naturally in a dissipative multi-fluid model, and relate these terms to those of phonon hydrodynamics. Finally, we formulate a complete heat-conducting two-component model and discuss briefly the new dissipative terms that arise.
AGRONOMICS1: A New Resource for Arabidopsis Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Rehrauer Hubert , Aquino Catharine , Gruissem Wilhelm , Henz Stefan R. , Hilson Pierre , Laubinger Sascha , Naouar Naira , Patrignani Andrea , Rombauts Stephane , Shu Huan , Van de Peer Yves , Vuylsteke Marnik , Weigel Detlef , Zeller Georg , Hennig Lars
Published: December 2009

Transcriptome profiling has become a routine tool in biology. For Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the Affymetrix ATH1 expression array is most commonly used, but it lacks about one-third of all annotated genes present in the reference strain. An alternative are tiling arrays, but previous designs have not allowed the simultaneous analysis of both strands on a single array. We introduce AGRONOMICS1, a new Affymetrix Arabidopsis microarray that contains the complete paths of both genome strands, with on average one 25mer probe per 35-bp genome sequence window. In addition, the new AGRONOMICS1 array contains all perfect match probes from the original ATH1 array, allowing for seamless integration of the very large existing ATH1 knowledge base. The AGRONOMICS1 array can be used for diverse functional genomics applications such as reliable expression profiling of more than 30,000 genes, detection of alternative splicing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to microarrays (ChIP-chip). Here, we describe the design of the array and compare its performance with that of the ATH1 array. We find results from both microarrays to be of similar quality, but AGRONOMICS1 arrays yield robust expression information for many more genes, as expected. Analysis of the ATH1 probes on AGRONOMICS1 arrays produces results that closely mirror those of ATH1 arrays. Finally, the AGRONOMICS1 array is shown to be useful for ChIP-chip experiments. We show that heterochromatic H3K9me2 is strongly confined to the gene body of target genes in euchromatic chromosome regions, suggesting that spreading of heterochromatin is limited outside of pericentromeric regions.
Autoimmunity to specific citrullinated proteins gives the first clues to the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wegner Natalia , Lundberg Karin , Kinloch Andrew , Fisher Benjamin , Malmström Vivianne , Feldmann Marc , Venables Patrick J.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is now clearly a true autoimmune disease with accumulating evidence of pathogenic disease‐specific autoimmunity to citrullinated proteins. Citrullination, also termed deimination, is a modification of arginine side chains catalyzed by peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes. This post‐translational modification has the potential to alter the structure, antigenicity, and function of proteins. In RA, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides are now well established for clinical diagnosis, though we argue that the identification of specific citrullinated antigens, as whole proteins, is necessary for exploring pathogenic mechanisms. Four citrullinated antigens, fibrinogen, vimentin, collagen type II, and α‐enolase, are now well established, with others awaiting further characterization. All four proteins are expressed in the joint, and there is evidence that antibodies to citrullinated fibrinogen and collagen type II mediate inflammation by the formation of immune complexes, both in humans and animal models. Antibodies to citrullinated proteins are associated with HLA ‘shared epitope’ alleles, and autoimmunity to at least one antigenic sequence, the CEP‐1 peptide from citrullinated α‐enolase (KIHAcitEIFDScitGNPTVE), shows a specific association with HLA‐DRB1*0401, *0404, 620W PTPN22, and smoking. Periodontitis, in which Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogenic bacterium, has been linked to RA in epidemiological studies and also shares similar gene/environment associations. This is also the only bacterium identified that expresses endogenous citrullinated proteins and its own bacterial PAD enzyme, though the precise molecular mechanisms of bacterial citrullination have yet to be explored. Thus, both smoking and Porphyromonas gingivalis are attractive etiological agents for further investigation into the gene/environment/autoimmunity triad of RA.
Gene discovery in rheumatoid arthritis highlights the CD40/NF‐ĸB signaling pathway in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  During the past several years, substantial progress has been made in the identification of genetic variants that predispose to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders. Progress in this area has been facilitated by the availability of new technology that allows for a much more comprehensive screen of the genome than was possible before, in conjunction with large samples of RA patients with well‐characterized disease. Recent RA genetic studies have identified genes with important functions related to intracellular signaling mechanisms, transcription factors, cytokines, membrane receptors, costimulatory molecules, and enzymes. In particular, recent discoveries highlight the importance of the CD40/NF‐κB signaling pathway in RA, based on genetic association with several genes relevant to this pathway, including CD40, TRAF1, TNFAIP3, and REL. Progress in the identification of genes that contribute to RA is proceeding at a very rapid pace. These genetic discoveries shed light on underlying disease mechanisms in RA and provide targets for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for future use in this chronic inflammatory disorder.
IRF4 and its regulators: evolving insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis?
Authors: Biswas Partha S. , Bhagat Govind , Pernis Alessandra B.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Accumulating evidence from murine and human studies supports a key role for interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and IL‐21 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. The pathways and molecular mechanisms that underlie the production of IL‐17 and IL‐21 are being rapidly elucidated. This review focuses on interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), a member of the IRF family of transcription factors, which has emerged as a crucial controller of both IL‐17 and IL‐21 production. We first outline the complex role of IRF4 in the function of CD4+ T cells and then discuss recent studies from our laboratory that have revealed a surprising role for components of Rho GTPase‐mediated pathways in controlling the activity of IRF4. A better understanding of these novel pathways will hopefully provide new insights into mechanisms responsible for the development of inflammatory arthritis and potentially guide the design of novel therapeutic approaches.
From HLA‐B27 to spondyloarthritis: a journey through the ER
Authors: Colbert Robert A. , DeLay Monica L. , Klenk Erin I. , Layh‐Schmitt Gerlinde
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Almost four decades of research into the role of human leukocyte antigen‐B27 (HLA‐B27) in susceptibility to spondyloarthritis has yet to yield a convincing answer. New results from an HLA‐B27 transgenic rat model now demonstrate quite convincingly that CD8+ T cells are not required for the inflammatory phenotype. Discoveries that the HLA‐B27 heavy chain has a tendency to misfold during the assembly of class I complexes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and to form aberrant disulfide‐linked dimers after transport to the cell surface have forced the generation of new ideas about its role in disease pathogenesis. In transgenic rats, HLA‐B27 misfolding generates ER stress and leads to activation of the unfolded protein response, which dramatically enhances the production of interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) in response to pattern recognition receptor agonists. These findings have led to the discovery of striking T‐helper 17 cell activation and expansion in this animal model, consistent with results emerging from humans with spondyloarthritis and the discovery of IL23R as an additional susceptibility gene for ankylosing spondylitis. Together, these results suggest a novel link between HLA‐B27 and the T‐helper 17 axis through the consequences of protein misfolding and open new avenues of investigation as well as identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention in this group of diseases.
The introduction of coastal infrastructure as a driver of change in marine environments
Authors: Bulleri Fabio , Chapman Maura G.
Published: December 2009

1. Coastal landscapes are being transformed as a consequence of the increasing demand for urban infrastructure to sustain commercial, residential and tourist activities. A variety of man‐made structures, such as breakwaters, jetties and seawalls have thus become ubiquitous features of intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. This transformation will accelerate in response to the exponential growth of human populations and to global changes, such as sea‐level rise and increased frequency of extreme meteorological events (e.g. storms). Here, we provide a critical overview of the major ecological effects of increasing infrastructure to marine habitats, we identify future research directions for advancing our understanding of marine urban ecosystems and we highlight how alternative management options might mitigate their impacts.

2. Urban infrastructure supports different epibiota and associated assemblages and does not function as surrogate of natural rocky habitats. Its introduction in the intertidal zone or in near‐shore waters can cause fragmentation and loss of natural habitats. Furthermore, the provision of novel habitat (hard substrata) along sedimentary shores can alter local and regional biodiversity by modifying natural patterns of dispersal of species, or by facilitating the establishment and spread of exotic species.

3. Attempts to use ecological criteria to solve problems of urban infrastructure are promising. Incorporating natural elements of habitat (e.g. wetland vegetation; seagrass) into shoreline stabilization can reduce ecological impacts, without impinging on its efficacy in halting erosion. Likewise, improving the ecological value of artificial structures by adding features of habitat that are generally missing from such structures (e.g. rock‐pools) can contribute to mitigation of the detrimental effects of urbanization on biodiversity. Management of anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. maintenance works; harvesting) to artificial habitat is, however, necessary if such attempts are to be successful.

4. Synthesis and applications. Increasing our understanding of the ecological functioning of marine habitats created by urban infrastructure and incorporating ecological criteria into coastal engineering are crucial for preserving biodiversity in the face of the growth of human populations in coastal areas and of forecasted global changes. Achieving this goal will need strong collaboration between engineers, managers and ecologists.
Pests, pesticide use and alternative options in European maize production: current status and future prospects
Authors: Meissle M. , Mouron P. , Musa T. , Bigler F. , Pons X. , Vasileiadis V. P. , Otto S. , Antichi D. , Kiss J. , Pálinkás Z. , Dorner Z. , Van Der Weide R. , Groten J. , Czembor E. , Adamczyk J. , Thibord J.‐B. , Melander B. , Nielsen G. Cordsen , Poulsen R. T. , Zimmermann O. , Verschwele A. , Oldenburg E.
Published: December 2009

Political efforts are made in the European Union (EU) to reduce pesticide use and to increase the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM). Within the EU project ENDURE, research priorities on pesticide reduction are defined. Using maize, one of the most important crops in Europe, as a case study, we identified the most serious weeds, arthropod pests, and fungal diseases as well as classes and amounts of pesticides applied. Data for 11 European maize growing regions were collected from databases, publications and expert estimates. Silage maize dominates in northern Europe and grain production in central and southern Europe. Crop rotations range from continuous growing of maize over several years to well‐planned rotation systems. Weeds, arthropod pests and fungal diseases cause economic losses in most regions, even though differences exist between northern countries and central and southern Europe. Several weed and arthropod species cause increasing problems, illustrating that the goal of reducing chemical pesticide applications is challenging. Pesticides could potentially be reduced by the choice of varieties including genetically modified hybrids, cultural control including crop rotation, biological control, optimized application techniques for chemicals, and the development of more specific treatments. However, restrictions in the availability of alternative pest control measures, farm organization, and the training and knowledge of farmers need to be overcome before the adoption of environmentally friendly pest control strategies can reduce chemical pesticides in an economically competitive way. The complex of several problems that need to be tackled simultaneously and the link between different control measures demonstrates the need for IPM approaches, where pest control is seen in the context of the cropping system and on a regional scale. Multicriteria assessments and decision support systems combined with pest monitoring programs may help to develop region‐specific and sustainable strategies that are harmonized within a EU framework.
From National Service to Global Player: Transforming the Organizational Logic of a Public Broadcaster
Authors: Spicer André , Sewell Graham
Published: December 2009

abstract

We present organizational logics as a meso‐level construct that lies between institutional theory's field‐level logics and the sense‐making activities of individual agents in organizations. We argue that an institutional logic can be operationalized empirically using the concept of a discourse – that is, a coherent symbolic system articulating what constitutes legitimate, reasonable, and effective conduct in, around, and by organizations. An organization may, moreover, be simultaneously exposed to several institutional logics that make up its broader ideational environment. Taking these three observations together enables us to consider an organizational logic as a spatially and temporally localized configuration of diverse discourses. We go on to show how organizational logics were transformed in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation between 1953 and 1999 by examining the changing discourses that appeared in the Corporation's annual reports. We argue that these discourses were modified through three main forms of discursive agency: (1) undertaking acts of ironic accommodation between competing discourses; (2) building chains of equivalence between the potentially contradictory discourses; and (3) reconciling new and old discourses through pragmatic acts of ‘bricolage’. We found that, using these forms of discursive agency, a powerful coalition of actors was able to transform the dominant organizational logic of the ABC from one where the Corporation's initial mission was to serve national interests through public service to one that was ultimately focused on participating in a globalized media market. Finally, we note that discursive resources could be used as the basis for resistance by less powerful agents, although further research is necessary to determine exactly how more powerful and less powerful agents interact around the establishment of an organizational logic.
Food Riots: Poverty, Power and Protest1
Authors: BUSH RAY
Published: December 2009

This paper explores the phenomenon of food riots. It argues that the riots may have been triggered by spikes in food prices in 2007–8, but there were many other factors that underpinned them. Demonstrators challenged injustice, inequality and political repression. Food riots were part of an important groundswell of mobilization that brought together a wide range of political coalitions for change and the promotion of human dignity.
Managing Diversity in U.S. Federal Agencies: Effects of Diversity and Diversity Management on Employee Perceptions of Organizational Performance
Authors: Choi Sungjoo , Rainey Hal G.
Published: December 2009

Diversity in the workplace is a central issue for contemporary organizational management. Concomitantly, managing increased diversity deserves greater concern in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The authors address the effects of diversity and diversity management on employee perceptions of organizational performance in U.S. federal agencies by developing measures of three variables: diversity, diversity management, and perceived organizational performance. Drawing from the Central Personnel Data File and the 2004 Federal Human Capital Survey, their findings suggest that racial diversity relates negatively to organizational performance. When moderated by diversity management policies and practices and team processes, however, racial diversity correlates positively with organizational performance. Gender and age diversity and their interactions with contextual variables produce mixed results, suggesting that gender and age diversity reflect more complicated relationships. This article provides evidence for several benefits derived from effectively managing diversity.
Salmonella Serovars and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Beef Cattle, Slaughterhouse Personnel and Slaughterhouse Environment in Ethiopia
Authors: Sibhat B. , Molla Zewde B. , Zerihun A. , Muckle A. , Cole L. , Boerlin P. , Wilkie E. , Perets A. , Mistry K. , Gebreyes W. A.
Published: December 2009

The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella serovars in slaughter beef cattle, slaughterhouse environment and personnel engaged in flaying and evisceration during slaughtering process. A total of 800 samples (each sample type, n = 100) consisting of swabs from hides, slaughterhouse personnel hands at flaying and evisceration, rumen and caecal contents, mesenteric lymph nodes, carcasses and holding pens were collected. Of the total 100 beef cattle examined, 14% were Salmonella positive in caecal content and/or mesenteric lymph nodes. Of the various samples analysed, Salmonella was detected in 31% of hides, 19% of rumen contents, 8% of mesenteric lymph nodes, 6% of caecal contents, 2% of carcass swabs, 9% of palm swabs taken from the hands of personnel in the slaughterhouse during flaying (7%) and evisceration (2%), and in 12% of holding pen swabs. The Salmonella isolates (n = 87) belonged to eight different serovars of which S. Anatum (n = 54) and S. Newport (19) were the major serovars and both serovars were detected in all sample sources except in carcass swabs. Eighteen of the 87 (20.7%) Salmonella serovars consisting of Newport (n = 14), Anatum (n = 3) and Eastbourne (n = 1) were resistant to one or more antimicrobials. Among the antimicrobial resistant Salmonella serovars, S. Newport was multidrug resistant (15.6%) and exhibited resistance to streptomycin, sulphisoxazole and tetracycline.
Zoonotic Infections of Buffalopox in India
Authors: Bhanuprakash V. , Venkatesan G. , Balamurugan V. , Hosamani M. , Yogisharadhya R. , Gandhale P. , Reddy K. V. , Damle A. S. , Kher H. N. , Chandel B. S. , Chauhan H. C. , Singh R. K.
Published: December 2009

Four outbreaks of buffalopox in domestic buffaloes, with considerable mortality with high case fatality rates in young buffalo calves and high morbidity with significant productivity loss in terms of reduction in milk yield in adult animals along with severe zoonotic infection in milk attendants were recorded at various places in India, during 2006–2008. In buffaloes, the pox lesions were confined to udder and teats of the majority of the affected animals, and in few animals the lesions were appeared on the hindquarters, indicating generalized infection. The overall disease morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate were 6.8%, 0.7% and 11.4% respectively. Milkers developed pox‐like lesions on the hands, forearms and forehead accompanied by fever, axillary lymphadenopathy and general malaise. The causative agent of the outbreaks, buffalopox virus (BPXV), was confirmed upon virus isolation in cell culture, electron microscopy, A‐type inclusion (ATI) and ankyrin repeat protein (C18L) gene‐specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Further, sequence analysis of the BPXV isolates from human and buffalo showed more identity of ATI and C18L genes sequences with that of other orthopoxviruses at nucleotide and amino acid levels and confirmed a close relationship of BPXV with Vaccinia virus (VACV) or VACV‐like viruses. Considering the zoonotic impact and productivity losses of buffalopox infection, the control measures are imperative in curtailing economic and public health impact of the disease.
Real-Time PCR with Serum Samples Is Indispensable for Early Diagnosis of Acute Q Fever
Authors: Schneeberger Peter M. , Hermans Mirjam H. A. , van Hannen Erik J. , Schellekens Jeroen J. A. , Leenders Alexander C. A. P. , Wever Peter C.
Published: December 2009

The world's largest Q fever outbreak is ongoing in The Netherlands with around 3,000 confirmed cases since the first half of 2007. Increased awareness has resulted in early referral of patients for diagnostics. An important drawback to serological diagnosis of acute Q fever is the lag phase in antibody response. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of a real-time PCR for detection of
Coxiella burnetii
DNA using serum samples from patients with acute Q fever. PCR, targeting IS
1111
, was retrospectively performed on acute-phase and follow-up convalescent-phase serum samples from 65 patients with acute Q fever as diagnosed by immunofluorescence assay. The results obtained by PCR were related to disease stage as defined by subsequent appearance of phase II IgM, phase II IgG, phase I IgM, and phase I IgG (IgM-II, IgG-II, IgM-I, and IgG-I, respectively) antibodies and time since onset of disease. In addition, we analyzed seronegative acute-phase serum samples from patients with inconclusive Q fever serology, because no convalescent-phase serum samples were available. PCR was scored positive in 49/50 (98%) seronegative sera, 9/10 (90%) sera with isolated IgM-II antibodies, 3/13 (23%) sera with IgM-II/IgG-II antibodies, 2/41 (5%) sera with IgM-II/IgG-II/IgM-I antibodies, 0/15 (0%) sera with IgM-II/IgG-II/IgM-I/IgG-I antibodies, and 0/1 (0%) serum sample with IgM-II/IgG-II/IgG-I antibodies. The latest time point after onset of disease in which
C. burnetii
DNA could be detected was at day 17. In patients with inconclusive Q fever serology, PCR was positive in 5/50 (10%) cases. We conclude that real-time PCR with serum samples is indispensable for early diagnosis of acute Q fever.
C. burnetii
DNA becomes undetectable in serum as the serological response develops.
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis due to
Actinomyces neuii
Successfully Treated with Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Grundmann Sebastian , Huebner Johannes , Stuplich Judith , Koch Andrea , Wu Kezhong , Geibel-Zehender Anette , Bode Christoph , Brunner Michael
Published: December 2009

Endocarditis due to
Actinomyces neuii
is a rare disease, with only 14 reported cases. Recently,
A. neuii
was added to the list of species implicated in endocarditis of native valves. We now report the first case of prosthetic valve endocarditis and the first successful control of endocarditis caused by this organism without surgical intervention.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Supertypes and HIV-1 Control in African Americans
Authors: Lazaryan Aleksandr , Song Wei , Lobashevsky Elena , Tang Jianming , Shrestha Sadeep , Zhang Kui , Gardner Lytt I. , McNicholl Janet M. , Wilson Craig M. , Klein Robert S. , Rompalo Anne , Mayer Kenneth , Sobel Jack , Kaslow Richard A.
Published: December 2009

The role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I supertypes in controlling human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in African Americans has not been established. We examined the effects of theHLA-AandHLA-Balleles and supertypes on the outcomes of HIV-1 clade B infection among 338 African American women and adolescents. HLA-B58 and -B62 supertypes (B58s and B62s) were associated with favorable HIV-1 disease control (proportional odds ratio [POR] of 0.33 and 95% confidence interval [95% CI] of 0.21 to 0.52 for the former and POR of 0.26 and 95% CI of 0.09 to 0.73 for the latter); B7s and B44s were associated with unfavorable disease control (POR of 2.39 and 95% CI of 1.54 to 3.73 for the former and POR of 1.63 and 95% CI of 1.08 to 2.47 for the latter). In general, individual alleles within specific B supertypes exerted relatively homogeneous effects. A notable exception was B27s, whose protective influence (POR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.94) was masked by the opposing effect of its member allele B*1510. The associations of most B supertypes (e.g., B58s and B7s) were largely explained either by well-known effects of constituent B alleles or by effects of previously unimplicated B alleles aggregated into a particular supertype (e.g., B44s and B62s). A higher frequency ofHLA-Bgenotypic supertypes correlated with a higher mean viral load (VL) and lower mean CD4 count (Pearson'sr= 0.63 and 0.62, respectively;P= 0.03). Among the genotypic supertypes, B58s and its member allele B*57 contributed disproportionately to the explainable VL variation. The study demonstrated the dominant role ofHLA-Bsupertypes in HIV-1 clade B-infected African Americans and further dissected the contributions of individual class I alleles and their population frequencies to the supertype effects.
Multi-Low-Dose Mucosal Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239 Challenge of Cynomolgus Macaques Immunized with “Hyperattenuated” SIV Constructs
Authors: Willer David O. , Guan Yongjun , Luscher Mark A. , Li Bing , Pilon Rick , Fournier Jocelyn , Parenteau Monique , Wainberg Mark A. , Sandstrom Paul , MacDonald Kelly S.
Published: December 2009

Hyperattenuated simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239-derived constructs Δ5-CMV and Δ6-CCI are an effort to render SIV incapable of, in practical terms, both reversion and recombination while maintaining the immune features of SIV as a retrovirus. Primary inoculation of cynomolgus macaques with 10
8
50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID
50
) of Δ5-CMV or Δ6-CCI induced low-level humoral and cellular responses detectable in the absence of measureable
in vivo
replication. The first of three DNA boosts resulted in elevated gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) responses to Gag, Pol, and Env in the Δ5-CMV vaccine group compared to the Δ6-CCI vaccine group (
P
= 0.001). Weekly intrarectal challenge with a low dose of SIVmac239 followed by a dose escalation was conducted until all animals became infected. The mean peak viral load of the Δ5-CMV-vaccinated animals (3.7 × 10
5
copies/ml) was ∼1 log unit lower than that of the control animals. More dramatically, the viral load set point of these animals was decreased by 3 log units compared to that of the controls (<50 versus 1.64 × 10
4
copies/ml;
P
< 0.0001). Seventy-five percent (6/8) of vaccine recipients controlled virus below 1,000 copies/ml for at least 6 months, with a subset controlling virus and maintaining substantial CD4 T-cell counts for close to 2 years of follow-up. The correlates of protection from SIV disease progression may lie in the rapidity and protective value of immune responses that occur early in primary SIV infection. Prior immunization with hyperattenuated SIVmac239, even if sterilizing immunity is not achieved, may allow a more advantageous host response.
Exploring the nature of Pacific climate variability using a “toy” nonlinear stochastic model
Authors: Fleming Sean W.
Published: December 2009

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is the leading mode of North-Pacific temperature variability. This climatic oscillation is nominally dominated by regime shifts having wide-ranging impacts. An ongoing point of discussion around the PDO regards whether such regimes genuinely represent multiple, stable, discrete states in a nonlinear dynamical system, or instead simply extended runs of above- or below-normal values in a continuous stochastic memory process. A simple nonlinear Markov time series model, involving a (hybrid) stochastically driven tipping-point process, is considered as a vehicle to explore the fundamental nature of the PDO. This toy model is found to be sufficiently plausible for our purposes, insofar as it reproduces some key observational PDO dynamics: in particular, de facto regime shifts and a 1/f power spectrum. The primary conclusion is that the line between the two competing general views may be blurred, and the red-noise and bi-stability hypotheses might be better considered as end members in a continuum of possible system conceptualizations for the PDO.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF HETEROLAYERED BaTiO3/(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 THICK FILMS
Authors: NAM SUNG-PILL , NOH HYUN-JI , LEE SUNG-GAP , BAE SEON-GI , LEE YOUNG-HIE
Published: December 2009

The heterolayered BT/BNT thick films were fabricated by screen printing techniques on alumina substrates electrodes with Pt . Their structure and ferroelectric properties were investigated with the heterolayered tetragonal/rhombohedral structure composed of the BT and the BNT thick films. The structural and electrical properties of the heterolayered BT/BNT thick films were studied. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, loss and remanent polarization of the heterolayered BT/BNT thick films were superior to those of single composition BNT, and those values for the heterolayered BT/BNT thick films were 1455, 0.025 and 12.63 µC/cm2.
Ca2+ influx via TRPC channels induces NF-κB-dependent A20 expression to prevent thrombin-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells
Authors: Thippegowda Prabhakar B. , Singh Vandana , Sundivakkam Premanand C. , Xue Jiaping , Malik Asrar B. , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy
Published: December 2009

NF-κB signaling is known to induce the expression of antiapoptotic and proinflammatory genes in endothelial cells (ECs). We have shown recently that Ca2+ influx through canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels activates NF-κB in ECs. Here we show that Ca2+ influx signal prevents thrombin-induced apoptosis by inducing NF-κB-dependent A20 expression in ECs. Knockdown of TRPC1 expressed in human umbilical vein ECs with small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed thrombin-induced Ca2+ influx and NF-κB activation in ECs. Interestingly, we observed that thrombin induced >25% of cell death (apoptosis) in TRPC1-knockdown ECs whereas thrombin had no effect on control or control siRNA-transfected ECs. To understand the basis of EC survival, we performed gene microarray analysis using ECs. Thrombin stimulation increased only a set of NF-κB-regulated genes 3- to 14-fold over basal levels in ECs. Expression of the antiapoptotic gene A20 was the highest among these upregulated genes. Like TRPC1 knockdown, thrombin induced apoptosis in A20-knockdown ECs. To address the importance of Ca2+ influx signal, we measured thrombin-induced A20 expression in control and TRPC1-knockdown ECs. Thrombin-induced p65/RelA binding to A20 promoter-specific NF-κB sequence and A20 protein expression were suppressed in TRPC1-knockdown ECs compared with control ECs. Furthermore, in TRPC1-knockdown ECs, thrombin induced the expression of proapoptotic proteins caspase-3 and BAX. Importantly, thrombin-induced apoptosis in TRPC1-knockdown ECs was prevented by adenovirus-mediated expression of A20. These results suggest that Ca2+ influx via TRPC channels plays a critical role in the mechanism of cell survival signaling through A20 expression in ECs.
Characterization of connective tissue growth factor expression in primary cultures of human tubular epithelial cells: modulation by hypoxia
Authors: Kroening Sven , Neubauer Emily , Wullich Bernd , Aten Jan , Goppelt-Struebe Margarete
Published: December 2009

Tubular epithelial cells secrete connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2), which contributes to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular regulation of CTGF in human primary tubular epithelial cells (hPTECs) is not well defined. Therefore, CTGF expression was characterized in hPTECs isolated from healthy parts of tumor nephrectomies, with special emphasis on the regulation by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and hypoxia, essential factors in the development of fibrosis. CTGF synthesis was strongly dependent on cell density. High CTGF levels were detected in sparse cells, whereas CTGF expression was reduced in confluent cells. Concomitantly, stimulation of CTGF by TGF-β or the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin was prevented in dense cells. Exposure of hPTECs to low oxygen tension (1% O2) or the hypoxia mimetic dimethyl-oxalylglycine for 24 h reduced CTGF gene expression in most of the 17 preparations analyzed. Preincubation of the cells under hypoxic conditions significantly reduced TGF-β-mediated upregulation of CTGF. In line with these data, CTGF mRNA was only induced in interstitial cells, but not in tubular cells in kidneys of mice exposed to hypoxia. Longer exposure to hypoxia or TGF-β (up to 72 h) did not induce hPTECs to adopt a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin, downregulation of E-cadherin, or increased sensitivity of the cells in terms of CTGF expression. Sensitivity was restored by inhibition of DNA methylation. Taken together, our data provide evidence that exposure to hypoxia decreased CTGF gene expression. Furthermore, hypoxia per se was not sufficient to induce a mesenchymal phenotype in primary tubular epithelial cells.
A Simple and Accurate Method for Estimating the Brain Volume of Birds: Possible Application in Paleoneurology
Authors: Kawabe Soichiro , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Miki Hitoshi , Okamoto Takashi , Matsuda Seiji
Published: December 2009

Brain volume provides useful information for a discussion of the behavior and cognition of animals. Obtaining accurate brain volume from extinct species is difficult, however, because fossils are often partly or largely broken. The purpose of this study was to estimate the brain volumes of birds using scant osteological information. Brain volumes were calculated from magnetic resonance or computed tomography images of bird heads from 27 species representing 12 orders. Correlations between brain volume and maximum brain width, length, and height were assessed using multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis. Brain volume and maximum brain width show a strong linear correlation. Thus, in the extant Neornithes (modern birds), it is possible to estimate brain volume accurately from the maximum brain width using a standard line. We also used this method to calculate the brain volumes of fossil species to assess whether it can be used for extinct species. The brain volume values estimated by this method fit satisfactorily with the reported values in extinct Neornithes, suggesting that the method is applicable not only for extant, but also for extinct Neornithes and might be a powerful tool to obtain information not previously available from fossil specimens.
Resultate von 35 ambulanten Gametentransfers: Aufwertung einer erfolgreichen Methode durch Regionalanästhesie
Authors: Schneider J. , Wietlisbach M.
Published: December 2009

Mit 35 ambulanten Gametentransfers wurden bei 29 Patientinnen 14 Schwangerschaften (40%) erzielt. Neun Schwangerschaften (26%) fÜhrten zur Geburt lebensfÁhiger Kinder. Auf Wunsch wurden 10 Transfers bei 9 Patientinnen unter RegionalanÄsthesie durchgefÜhrt. Ohne Allgemeinnarkose kann die Patientin den Transfer bewusst miterleben; zudem verbessert sich das postoperative BefÍnden. Unsere Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, dass ein Gametentransfer ohne Erfolgseinbusse unter RegionalanÄsthesie durchfÜhrbar ist.
Einsatzmöglichkeiten der forensischen DNA-Technologie in der gynäkologischen Praxis
Authors: Hochmeister Manfred
Published: December 2009

Der DNA-Technologie kommt heute in der medizinischen Kriminalistik bei der Identifizierung und Zuordnung biologischer Spuren und in der Abstammungsbegutachtung eine herausragende Stellung zu. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht Über die methodischen Grundlagen der forensischen DNA-Analyse, die einerseits Analysen von Restriktionsfragment-LÄngenpolymorphismen (RFLP) und anderer-seits Analysen auf Basis der Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (PCR) umfasst. RFLP-Analysen werden aufgrund ihrer hohen DiskriminationsfÄhigkeit immer dann vorgenommen, wenn genÜgend DNA vorhanden ist, wÄhrend die PCR-Technik bei sehr kleinen DNA-Mengen oder degradiertem Material zum Einsatz kommt. In der gynÄkologisch-geburtshilflichen Praxis ergeben sich dabei eine Reihe von AnwendungsmÖg-lichkeiten, wobei vor allem die Untersuchung von Sexualdelikten und – fÜr die geburtshilfliche Seite – die AbklÄrung von Vaterschaftsfragen im Vordergrund stehen. Anhand von Fallbeispielen werden die MÖglichkeiten, die dem Praktiker durch Zusammenarbeit mit einem forensischen Speziallabor zur VerfÜgung stehen, aufgezeigt.